Epson Pro EX9240 Review
Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Epson Pro EX9240 uses 3LCD projection technology, 1080 pixel resolution, and 16000:1 contrast ratio to produce an average image quality. But, the measured brightness of a whopping 3166 lumens is what truly sets this projector apart from the rest. Its impressive brightness allows the view to utilize it in abundant ambient light. Even though it is rather large to consider a portable projector, 12.2 by 11.2 by 4.1 inches, the EX9240 is quite sleek and comes with a protective carry bag to ensure that it remains safe during your commute to the office. It also offers vertical and horizontal keystone correction and a lens cover.
Performance Comparison
Contrast Ratio
The EX9240 does not offer much to write home about here. The 16000:1 contrast ratio provides a somewhat flat image as the lightest whites are darkest blacks as simply not far enough away from each other. It also lacks the proper mid-tones to properly convey a picture.
During our testing, we found that font as small as six points is still quite easy to read, although it has a slightly hazy quality. The whites are very bright, but the blacks and shadows are not very dark.
The video test reveals no distinctive highlights or transitional grey tones. The stars blur into white specs, and the background is not dark enough to create a decent contrast. Overall, our biggest gripe with the EX9240 is that the darks are simply not deep enough.
Color Accuracy
The EX9240 provides good skin tone accuracy, but its color wheel accuracy is lacking a little.
A lot of projectors distort reds into magentas and blues to greens. We often notice this in skin tone, and we are happy to see that the projected skin tones from the EX9240 look healthy and natural, albeit a little on the warmer side. This model slightly over-saturates the image, which is probably why the skin appears unnaturally warm, but it's far from Oompa Loompa status and outperforms many other models we tested.
The story is a little different when looking at a color wheel. When projected, it becomes obvious that none of the colors are true. Warm colors fall on the orange side, and greens turn slightly yellow. This renders color accuracy, as a whole, nothing to write home about, which is another reason this model may be best used in an office setting rather than a home theatre.
Resolution
The Epson Pro EX9240 offer 1080 pixel, which is the lowest we'd recommend. The HD images we project during our testing reveal a somewhat average resolution performance.
Blurred lines and subpar contrast result in an image not fit for recreational use. Our Siemens Star test reveals additional haze or blur in diagonal lines, and the video test also does this. It's not a big deal regarding graphs or text, but if you're looking to watch 4K video on your Sunday movie nights, this projector does not make the cut.
Ease of Use
The Pro EX9240 doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out, but we have more than a couple of critiques. The input types available on the EX9240 are 2x HDMI, VGA, USB-A, USB-B, RCA Audio, and RCA Video.
This lineup makes this a great option for the office, and at 12.2 by 11.2 by 4.1 inches, 6.8 pounds makes it relatively portable. The rectangular shape and flat profile make it easy to load and unload from the nifty padded carry bag it comes with. It also comes with a lens cap which we appreciate on a device that may be somewhat mobile.
The image adjustments work great. The horizontal and vertical keystone corrections are good, and the EX9240 offers a wide zoom range. Unfortunately, the poor focus adjustment results in a blurry image and does not offer Bluetooth capabilities. This is a little frustrating because many offices utilize wireless speakers. However, most Bluetooth speakers come equipped with an auxiliary port, so all you'll need is an RCA audio to aux cord.
Moving onto the interface and remote. This is where the EX9240 falls the shortest. The projected interface is far from intuitive. It offers many options but is very confusing. The buttons on the remote are also very small and not backlit. While this shouldn't be an issue in a well-lit office, you may find it difficult to utilize when the lights are low or off.
A few other ease-of-use attributes to note are that while the EX9240can cast wirelessly from an iPhone via the iProjection app, but it cannot cast wirelessly from a Mac because the iProjection app is only available on tablets and iPhones. This also means you cannot wirelessly cast other apps outside the iProjection app, but you can cast wirelessly from any Miracast-enabled device.
Even though there is plenty of room for improvement in regard to usability, the EX9240 still holds its own in an office setting.
Brightness
With its top-of-the-line brightness, this model is unphased by ambient light. The EX9240 advertises a whopping 4000 lumens, but when we measured it during our brightness testing, we captured 3166 lumens.
Compared to other options in our test suite, this is still incredible and plays into why it is such a great option for an office. Most people do not want to turn the lights completely off during a presentation or meeting. With such power behind the brightness, this model can easily be projected in a well-lit room without losing visibility.
Fan Noise
Some of these devices can emit quite the racket. While the EX9240 is not the loudest in our test suite, it's also not the quietest either.
The loudness of this device is on the higher end, but the sound it emits is somewhat smooth and lower-pitched at 80 dBa. The lower frequency hum is much easier to endure and far less distracting than a higher-pitch frequency.
Should You Buy the Epson Pro EX9240?
The brightness of the Epson Pro EX9240 makes it a great option for detailed presentations. Its various inputs, protective carry bag, and easy-to-use image adjustments render this projector a great addition to any business setting. While it is not a drop in the bucket price-wise, it is worth the extra bucks if you're looking for a reliable office projector. The EX9240 is a very expensive device but worth it if it meets your needs. This is a great option if you are looking for a somewhat small projector and don't mind dropping the extra loot. However, if you're on the hunt for a movie projector or something less geared towards a business setting, then you may want to explore some of the more recreational options in our test suite.
What Other Projectors Should You Consider?
If you need something more for an at-home theater as opposed to office work, the Epson Home Cinema 2250 is the better choice and worth the additional cost if you can afford it. The BenQ HT2150ST is a good choice for dark theater work as it lacks some of the brightness of the other models. However, it had the best images in the group, and the quality is so good it feels like you are there! This is one of our top choices for watching movies and streaming if you have a dark room or control over ambient light.
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