The Epson VS330 is the slightly bigger brother to the VS230, with specs that are nearly identical to its previous iteration, the VS320. It does, however, have a few noticeable improvements, including a slightly lower MSRP. 

 

Dimensions

The VS330 is a 3LCD projector. It measures 11.6 inches wide by 9.0 inches in diameter by 3.1 inches high when the feet are taken into consideration. This is on the larger end of Epson projectors, but it's average for the budget-priced models, and it is the same as the VS230.


Lowering the feet drops the height down to 3 inches. Considering the price tag, you shouldn't really expect to get anything too slim.

The VS330 weighs in at 5.1 pounds, which is standard for a projector at this price and, again, the same as the cheaper and former models mentioned here.

If size and weight are a true concern, take a look at pico projectors. These devices are about the size of an iPod, but you will sacrifice a few things to get there. Click here to read more about pico projectors and whether they will fit your needs.

Display Specs

The native aspect ratio is 4:3, which means it's not ideal for widescreen viewing. For more about aspect ratios, click here.

The native resolution is 1024 x 768 (XGA), which is where it differs from its sibling. The resolution for the VS330 can also be resized to 640 x 480 (VGA), 1024 x 768 (XGA), 1152 x 864 (SXGA), 1280 x 800 (WXGA), 1280 x 960 (SXGA2), 1280 x 1024 (SXGA3), 1440 x 900 (WXGA+), and 1400 x 1050 (SXGA+).

The contrast ratio is listed at 10,000:1, which is where it differs from the VS320 (that model had a 3,000:1 contrast ratio).

The throw ratio of the VS330 is is 1.48 to 1.77, which is also slightly different. For more about throw ratios, click here.

Light output is listed at 2,700 lumens for both color and white light, which is 100 fewer lumens than the VS230. Color and white light are measured using the IDMS 15.4 and ISO 21118 standards, respectively, according to Epson. For budget-priced full-sized business projects, this is a solid lumen count. Lumens aren't everything when it comes to a display, but you appear to really be getting your money's worth in this aspect.

The VS330 uses a 200-watt UHE E-TORL lamp (Epson's own lamp technology). The company says this lamp lasts up to 6,000 hours in ECO Mode and 5,000 hours in Normal Mode. Like the VS230, the lamp life has been extended by 1,000 more expected hours than the former models.

When purchasing a projector, the lamp lifetime is an important concern because replacing the lamp can be pricey (this is no ordinary light bulb). Replacement lamps can run the gamut depending on the type you need, but expect to spend between $100 and $200 for one.

Lamp life can also vary based on the type of viewing modes used and in what type of setting it is used. As Epson notes in its product literature, the lamp brightness will decrease over time. At the time of this writing (July 2014), a replacement lamp cost about $162 on Staples.com.

Audio Specs

The VS330 comes with one 2-watt speaker, which is a slight improvement over the former version. You're not going to get a serious sound system at this price in a projector, but it does at least come with something. If you require more serious audio, look at Epson's MegaPlex models (but expect to spend more). On the bright side, smaller speakers help keep the weight down for a projector.

This projector is geared toward business users and/or classroom environments. If you're going to be in a large lecture hall, you may also need to consider an external audio source.

The fan noise is 29 dB in ECO Mode and 37 dB in Normal Mode, according to Epson -- pretty typical for the company's projectors. Fan noise is usually more of a concern for home theater projectors because you don't want it interfering with your movie-watching experience.

Wireless Capabilities

No wireless capabilities are listed for the VS330.

Inputs

There are several inputs: computer/component video: Mini D-sub HD 15 pin; S-video, composite video: RCA; audio in: HDMI; Type A USB connector; and Type B USB connector.

If you're not sure of the differences between Type A and Type B USB ports, here's a quick lesson: Type A looks like a rectangle and is the kind that you'll use with a memory stick. Type B looks like a square and is used for connecting other computer peripherals, such as a mouse.

Because the VS330 does have the Type A connector, you will not be required to use a computer for presentations. You can store your files on a memory stick or hard drive, connect it to the projector, and carry on. This is a big plus for classroom users and road warriors who don't want to lug a laptop from room to room.

Power

The power consumption is listed at 283 watts in Normal Mode and 207 in ECO Mode. The Eco Mode has improved its power consumption a bit.

Security

The projector comes with Kensington's lock provision (a commonly found hole meant for use with Kensington's popular locking systems), which is found in most Epson projectors. It also has a password protection function.

Lens

The lens has an optical zoom with a manual focus, whereas the former model had a digital zoom. Click here to read an article from About.com's Camcorder site that explains the differences between optical and digital zooms.

The optical zoom ratio is listed at 1.0 - 1.2.

Warranty

A one-year limited warranty is included for the projector, which is average fare for most Epson models (although some do carry two-year warranties). The lamp is under a 90-day warranty (this is also typical). Epson also says that the projector is covered under its Road Service Program, which promises to overnight ship a replacement projector -- for free -- if something is wrong with yours. Fine print aside, this sounds like a good promise for road warriors. There is the option to purchase additional extended-service plans.

What You Get

Purchasing the VS330 projector includes a remote control with batteries, component-to-VGA adapter cable, power cable, and the software and user manual CDs. There's no mention of a carrying case, which is often found with other Epson projectors.

The remote features the following functions: Source search selection, power, volume, e-zoom, A/V mute, freeze, menu, page up and down, help, auto, mouse functions. The distance in which it can be used is listed at 19 feet.

There is no mention of any Color modes for the VS330.

It has automatic vertical keystone correction, while horizontal keystone correction is done manually. Automatic keystone correction is a feature found on some higher-end Epson projectors.

Takeaway

With a $419 price tag, the VS330 is slightly cheaper than the its predecessor, but still more than the VS230. While it has a slightly lower lumen count than the VS230, it does have a higher native resolution.