The next projector in Epson’s PowerLite series was unveiled this week. The 3LCD, 720p PowerLite Home Cinema 710 HD  is a 2,800 lumen model geared towards first-time home theater projector buyers and gamers.

Epson is emphasizing easy setup and installation with features such as 1.2x optical zoom, automatic vertical keystone correction, and their Easy-Slide horizontal keystone adjustment slide control bar. The projector also has Instant On/Instant Off capabilities and built-in speakers.

With a wide range of connectivity available (Component, S-Video, HDMI, USB Type A & B and USB 2.0) the unit is ready for use with DVD players, TV receivers, PC’s, Apple devices, smartphones and gaming consoles. It even comes standard with a special color mode dedicated to gaming.

The PowerLite Home Cinema 710 HD will ship before the month is out with a $649 price tag.

A recent end-user survey conducted by projector market research firm Pacific Media Associates showed an increased interest in front projector use in the home.  In 2009, 11% of the survey respondents expected to buy a projector vs. another type of large screen display. The 2011 survey showed that figure has increased to 18%.