Some projectors don’t need an attention-grabbing introduction because they are the attention grabber. The Epson Home Cinema 2350 fits that bill perfectly. 

Design and Build Quality: Subtle and Efficient

At first glance, the Epson 2350 doesn’t scream “look at me,” but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s got a clean, minimalistic design that will blend into most living rooms or dedicated home theater spaces without any fuss. Weighing in at about 9 pounds, it’s portable enough to move around if needed but solid enough to feel like a premium product. The ventilation is well-designed, keeping it cool during extended use without cranking up the fan noise—a huge plus for those quiet movie moments.

Picture Quality: 4K Pro-UHD That Impresses

Let’s talk about what matters most—the visuals. The Epson Home Cinema 2350 is equipped with 4K Pro-UHD technology, which is technically not true 4K but still delivers an impressive 3840 x 2160 resolution using pixel-shifting. And here’s the thing—it looks great. Whether you're watching movies or playing games, the image is sharp, detailed, and vibrant. The pixel-shifting tech works so well that unless you're sitting inches from the screen, you'd be hard-pressed to notice the difference from native 4K.

This projector shines with 2,800 lumens of brightness, which holds up even in rooms with some ambient light. Is it perfect for a brightly lit room? No, but in a dim to moderately lit environment, you’ll be more than happy with the punchy colors and clarity. The 35,000:1 contrast ratio is solid, though not groundbreaking, meaning you get respectable blacks and shadow detail, but it’s not going to rival high-end OLED displays or projectors with deeper contrast capabilities. Still, for a projector in this price range, it holds its own.

Gaming Performance: Low Input Lag for Competitive Play

Now, for the gamers. The Home Cinema 2350 is packed with features that make it more than just a movie projector. With a low input lag of 20ms at 4K/60Hz, this projector is more than capable of handling fast-paced games, whether you're in the middle of a first-person shooter or exploring an open-world RPG. It’s not the absolute lowest input lag out there, but unless you’re into hardcore competitive gaming, it’s fast enough that you won’t notice any delays in responsiveness.

The projector also supports HDR10 and HLG, enhancing both gaming and video content with richer colors and improved contrast. While HDR performance is good, it’s not as eye-popping as you might see on higher-end HDR displays, particularly in extremely bright or dark scenes.

Smart Features and Connectivity: Android TV Onboard

Here’s where the Home Cinema 2350 ups the convenience factor—it comes with Android TV built-in, which means you can stream directly from all your favorite apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video without needing an external streaming device. The interface is smooth, responsive, and user-friendly, and with Google Assistant, you can use voice commands to search for content or control the projector’s basic functions.

Connectivity is solid, with HDMI 2.0, USB, and Bluetooth options, so you can hook up everything from gaming consoles to soundbars with ease. The wireless performance is also stable, making it a hassle-free setup if you're into streaming your media directly.

Audio Performance: Serviceable, But You’ll Want More

Epson equipped the Home Cinema 2350 with a built-in speaker, and while it’s serviceable for casual viewing, you’re going to want an external sound system for anything more immersive. The audio is clear, but it lacks the bass and fullness you’d expect for a home theater experience. Thankfully, with Bluetooth audio output, connecting a soundbar or surround sound system is a breeze, and that’s where you’ll get the full cinematic effect.

Remote Control: It’s a Keeper

Unlike some of the frustrating remotes we’ve seen with other projectors, the Epson 2350’s remote is actually well-designed. It’s simple, has a nice weight to it, and the buttons are well-spaced, meaning you’re not fumbling around or pressing multiple buttons at once. It’s not backlit, which can be a slight inconvenience in a dark room, but overall, it’s intuitive and responsive.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Sharp 4K Pro-UHD picture with impressive color accuracy and detail.

• Low input lag for gaming at 4K/60Hz.

• Built-in Android TV for a smooth, integrated streaming experience.

• Solid brightness that handles ambient light well.

• Easy-to-use remote that won’t frustrate you.

Cons:

• Contrast ratio is decent but won’t blow you away in dark scenes.

• Built-in speakers are fine, but you’ll want to connect an external sound system for the full experience.

• HDR performance could be stronger, especially for those looking for top-tier visual pop.

Final Verdict: A Versatile Performer for Movies and Games

The Epson Home Cinema 2350 4K Pro-UHD is a solid projector that delivers impressive visuals, solid gaming performance, and a ton of convenience thanks to Android TV. While it’s not native 4K, the pixel-shifting tech does such a good job that you’ll barely notice. Whether you're watching the latest blockbuster or diving into a gaming session, the 2350 has the versatility to handle it all.

It’s not without its drawbacks—contrast and HDR could be better, and the built-in speakers leave much to be desired—but if you’re looking for a projector that balances price, performance, and features, the Epson 2350 is a strong contender for both casual users and enthusiasts alike.

The ViewSonic PX701HDH comes across as a no-frills, budget-friendly projector that promises to deliver solid 1080p performance without breaking the bank. With a few key features aimed at gamers and home theater enthusiasts alike, it’s positioned as a versatile, entry-level projector. But does it truly deliver? Let’s dive into the details—both the good and the not-so-good.

What We Like About It:

1. Brightness and Image Quality

One of the standout features of the PX701HDH is its 3,500 ANSI lumens of brightness, which makes it usable even in moderately lit rooms. For a projector in this price range, that’s impressive. When placed in a darker environment, the image quality noticeably improves, providing a sharp, clear, and vibrant 1080p display.

The SuperColor technology gives the image a good color balance, with fairly accurate colors straight out of the box. Whether you're watching movies or playing games, the colors look rich, and the overall picture quality is decent for a 1080p projector.

2. Gaming Performance

For casual gamers, this projector has some notable perks. With input lag as low as 16ms, the PX701HDH is a decent option for gaming. While it's not on the same level as premium gaming projectors, the fast response time provides smooth and enjoyable gaming for most non-competitive gamers.

3. Affordability

At its price point, the PX701HDH offers good value for money. It’s not going to compete with high-end 4K projectors, but if you’re looking for a decent 1080p projector for under $600, it’s a solid choice. It’s perfect for those who want a basic home theater setup or casual gaming without spending a fortune.

4. Ease of Setup

Setting up the PX701HDH is a breeze. The projector has 1.1x optical zoom and vertical keystone correction, making it easy to adjust the image size and alignment even in tricky room setups. This flexibility is a welcome feature for users who may not have an ideal projector placement.

What We Dislike About It:

1. Black Levels and Contrast

Here’s where the PX701HDH shows its budget limitations. With a contrast ratio of 12,000:1, the blacks aren’t as deep as some might expect, especially in darker movie scenes. Shadows tend to look more gray than black, and this can take away from the overall viewing experience if you’re particular about contrast.

For home theater enthusiasts who expect excellent black levels, this might be a dealbreaker, especially if you plan to watch a lot of movies with dark scenes. It's not terrible, but you’ll notice the difference compared to higher-end models.

2. Built-in Speakers

The built-in 10W speakers are serviceable but far from impressive. They’ll do in a pinch, but if you’re serious about sound quality, you’ll definitely want to invest in external speakers or a soundbar. The audio lacks depth and bass, so for an immersive home theater experience, external audio is a must.

3. Fan Noise

Another issue some users have noted is the projector's fan noise. It’s not overly loud, but during quiet scenes, you can definitely hear it, especially if you’re sitting close to the projector. If you're in a smaller room, the fan noise may become more noticeable, which can be a bit distracting during quieter moments in movies or games.

4. No 4K or HDR Support

In a world where 4K and HDR are becoming more common, the PX701HDH’s lack of support for these technologies is a downside for those who want the latest in visual quality. Of course, at this price point, it’s not a fair comparison to 4K projectors, but it’s something to keep in mind if you're planning for future-proofing your setup.

Pros:

• Bright 3,500 ANSI lumens for versatile room lighting

• Good color accuracy with SuperColor technology

• Affordable price point for a 1080p projector

• Low input lag (16ms) for decent gaming performance

• Easy setup with 1.1x zoom and keystone correction

Cons:

• Mediocre black levels and contrast (12,000:1)

• Built-in speakers lack power and depth

• Noticeable fan noise during quiet scenes

• No support for 4K or HDR

• Limited to 1080p resolution (may not be future-proof for some)

Final Verdict:

The ViewSonic PX701HDH is a strong contender in the budget projector market. It excels in brightness and color accuracy, making it ideal for casual movie nights or gaming sessions, especially if you're not picky about contrast or deep blacks. It’s perfect for those who want a functional 1080p projector without spending a fortune. However, it falls short in some areas like black levels, audio quality, and fan noise, making it less ideal for serious home theater enthusiasts or those looking for a truly immersive experience.

For the price, it’s a solid choice, but if you’re someone who values picture quality over everything else, you might want to look at pricier models. However, if you’re just dipping your toes into the world of projectors or need something affordable with decent gaming performance, the PX701HDH is definitely worth considering.