Epson PowerLite 685W – Ultra Short-Throw WXGA Projector

Product Overview

The Epson PowerLite 685W is an ultra short-throw WXGA 3LCD presentation display built for BYOD classrooms and collaborative meeting rooms. It projects a 100-inch widescreen image from as little as 11 inches away, virtually eliminating shadow interference and presenter glare. With 3,500 lumens of color and white brightness, native 1280 x 800 WXGA resolution, and three HDMI inputs, this ultra short-throw classroom projector handles bright rooms and multiple source devices. Wireless display and Moderator software let teachers share and control up to four device screens at once.

Product Description

The PowerLite 685W is engineered for interactive, device-driven learning spaces. Its ultra short-throw lens places a large 100-inch image on the wall or whiteboard from roughly a foot away, so presenters can stand at the board without casting shadows or being blinded by the lamp. The 3LCD, 3-chip light engine delivers 3,500 lumens of equal color and white brightness, keeping content legible in rooms with the lights on, and the native WXGA 1280 x 800 panel suits widescreen 16:10 lesson material.

Connectivity is built for a BYOD environment: three HDMI inputs (one MHL-enabled), two computer/VGA inputs, composite video, RS-232c, RJ-45 network, microphone input, and a built-in 16 W speaker. Optional wireless and Moderator software let an instructor display and switch among Chromebook, iOS, Android, Mac, and PC screens, sharing up to four devices simultaneously. The lamp is rated up to 10,000 hours in ECO Mode for low-maintenance daily use. For a standard-throw classroom alternative, compare the PowerLite 982W, or for a 1080p ultra short-throw laser model see the PowerLite 800F. Browse the full Epson projector lineup at Creation Networks.

Key Features

• Ultra short-throw lens — projects a 100-inch image from as little as 11 inches away with virtually no shadow interference.
• 3,500 lumens color and white brightness — 3LCD, 3-chip technology delivers equal color and white light output for well-lit classrooms.
• Native WXGA resolution — 1280 x 800 in 16:10 for sharp widescreen text and lesson content.
• Three HDMI inputs — connect multiple high-definition sources, with one MHL-enabled port for mobile devices.
• Moderator software — wirelessly share and control up to four device screens at once, including Chromebooks.
• Built-in 16 W speaker and mic input — fills a classroom with sound and supports a presenter microphone.
• Long lamp life — rated up to 10,000 hours in ECO Mode for reduced maintenance.
• Network management — RJ-45 connectivity for remote control and announcements across rooms.

Typical Applications

• BYOD classroom and interactive learning spaces
• Training room and corporate learning environments
• Huddle room and small collaborative meeting space
• House of worship teaching areas
• Multi-purpose room presentations where shallow mounting depth is needed

Technical Specifications

Specifications sourced from Epson's official specification sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How close to the wall does the 685W mount?
It is an ultra short-throw display, producing a 100-inch image from as little as 11 inches away, which removes the shadows and glare of conventional projectors.

What can I connect to it?
It offers three HDMI inputs (one MHL-enabled), two VGA/computer inputs, composite video, RS-232c, RJ-45 network, and a microphone input, plus optional wireless LAN.

Can multiple students share the screen?
Yes. With Moderator software an instructor can wirelessly display and control up to four device screens at once, including Chromebooks, iOS, Android, Mac, and PC.

How long does the lamp last?
The 250 W UHE lamp is rated up to 10,000 hours in ECO Mode and 5,000 hours in Normal Mode; replacement lamps are available.

Is it suitable for daily commercial and classroom use?
Yes. It is purpose-built for classrooms and BYOD meeting rooms, with network management, a 16 W speaker, and RS-232c for AV control integration.

Does it integrate with an AV control system?
RS-232c and RJ-45 connectivity allow integration with standard control platforms for source switching, power, and remote monitoring.