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3LCD Projectors

The 3LCD projectors category includes the latest technology used in home theater projectors, and business projectors. See below for a list of 3LCD projector reviews and compare 3LCD projectors with DLP, three chip DLP, LCoS, and LCD systems.

3LCD is actually a copyrighted name associated with the 3LCD Group, a trade group that is comprised of manufacturers manufacturing projectors using LCD technology, and LCD panel manufacturers like Epson and Sony. Let’s say that all 3LCD projectors are LCD projectors, but not all LCD projectors are 3LCD. More below, regarding that.

3LCD projectors display a resplendent color depth and natural images as a result of this 3 chip technology.

3LCD projectors – According to industry experts, 3LCD projectors are the dominent species of projectors. They make up well more than half of all projectors manufactured. 3LCD dominates just about all categories of projectors except the extreme high end (3 chip DLP) and the incredibly small Pico projectors.

3LCD Projectors include a solid-state optical design with no moving parts (unlike DLP). The panels (or chips as they are also called) have been all transmissive LCD panels. That is, light passes through the panels.

Most recently, Epson has started manufacturing an “R” series, but until I read more about their design, they sound more like LCoS than LCD, so they may or may not fit into the traditional 3LCD definition.

Here is a helpful resource to compare 3LCD technologies with LCD, DLP, 3 Chip DLP, and LCoS projection systems.

3LCD Projector Reviews

Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 3LCD Laser Projector Review

November 25, 2022

The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is a 4,000-lumen 4K PRO-UHD ultra short throw home theater projector.

Epson PowerLite L730U 7000 Lumen 3LCD Laser Projector Review

October 18, 2022

  A 7000 lumens compact professional fixed lens projector with an excellent WUXGA picture.   The Epson PowerLite L730U is a 3-chip 3LCD laser projector selling for $4,181 MSRP.  The PowerLite L730U uses three native 1,920 x 1,200 polysilicon TFT a ...

Epson Home Cinema LS11000 Laser Projector Review

September 3, 2022

The Epson Home Cinema LS11000, which retails for $3999, is a 4K HDR compatible laser home theater projector.

Epson PRO EB-PU1008W 3LCD Large Venue Laser Projector Review

July 18, 2022

The Pro EB=PU100W is one of seven new P series projectors in Epson's 2022 line The Epson EB-PU1008W is a WUXGA 8,500-lumen 4K-enhanced laser projector that accepts the full range of 4K content. This projector is designed for large venues, but its compa ...

Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 Laser Projector Review 

March 24, 2022

Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 The Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 which retails for $4999 is a 4K HDR-compatible laser home theater. The Pro Cinema LS12000 uses native 1080P 3LCD panels but the projector is equipped with the latest version of Epson’s 4K UHD Pro te ...

Sony VPL-FHZ85 Commercial Interchangeable Lens 3LCD Projector Review

March 1, 2022

The Smallest and lightest projector in its class The Sony VPL-FHZ85 is a 7,300 ANSI lumens/8,000 center lumens, 3LCD laser, interchangeable-lens projector that sells for $6,999 MSRP. Sony has been a leading manufacturer of professional/education projec ...

Panasonic PT-MZ880 3LCD SOLID SHINE Laser Projector Review

October 5, 2021

The Panasonic PT-MZ880 is feature packed   The Panasonic PT-MZ880 3LCD SOLID SHINE Laser Projector is an 8,000-lumens projector with a laser light engine that can natively display WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution. This is an installation class projector ...

Epson PowerLite 725W Ultra-Short Throw Education Projector Review

August 1, 2021

The Epson PowerLite 725W is an Ultra-Short throw projector that offers 4,000 ANSI lumens of brightness which should be more than enough for most classrooms, meeting rooms, boardrooms, etc. - even with the lights on.

Epson Brightlink 1485Fi Business/Education Projector Review

April 28, 2021

When Epson announced the Brightlink 1485Fi series collaborative projector last year, like most of us, they never expected the outbreak of the worldwide pandemic we still find ourselves living with. To quote Epson, the Brightlink 1485Fi was designed to ...

EPSON EF12 SMART LASER PROJECTOR REVIEW

January 31, 2021

The Epson EF12, part of their EpiqVision series of Smart projectors, offers all the benefits of a Smart TV with the benefits of a projector.

Epson EpiqVision LS500 Laser TV Review

December 11, 2020

The Epson LS500 is a laser powered, 4000 lumen, 3LCD projector with an ultra short throw design, and it is bundled with either a 100” or 120” screen.

Maxell MP-JU4001 3LCD Laser WUXGA Business Projector Review

October 22, 2020

Maxell's business 3LCD Laser projector with 4,000 ANSI Lumen designed for classroom and conference room environments.

Epson PowerLite U50 Business and Education Projector Review

July 27, 2020

The Epson PowerLite U50 is a 3LCD, WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution projector with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for business use.

Panasonic PT-MZ16KL Laser Projector Review

May 15, 2020

The Panasonic PT-MZ16KL is an installation class 3LCD laser projector with WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) resolution and rated brightness of 16,000 lumens.

NEC NP-MC372X CLASSROOM PROJECTOR REVIEW

March 31, 2020

The NEC NP-MC372X is an education class 3LCD projector that offers XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution and is rated to deliver 3,700 lumens rated light output.

CHRISTIE LWU530-APS Laser Projector Review

March 16, 2020

The Christie LWU530-APS is a 5,000 ANSI lumen business class laser projector with WUXGA resolution that can accept a full range of content up to 4K.

Epson Home Cinema 3200 Home Theater Projector Review

November 27, 2019

The Epson Home Cinema 3200 is a 4K HDR compatible home theater 3LCD projector with a rated brightness of 2,900 Lumens.

Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB 4K Capable Home Theater Projector Review

November 15, 2019

Epson’s flagship home theater projector, the Pro Cinema 6050UB is a 4K Capable projector that uses special high contrast 3LCD panels.

Sony VPL-FHZ75 Business/Education Installation Projector: Our First-Look Review of Key Features and Capabilities

October 15, 2019

The Sony VPL-FHZ75 is a highly capable business/education projector with a lot to recommend.

Panasonic PT-VMZ50 Laser Projector Review

September 24, 2019

The Panasonic PT-VMZ50 is a business class 3LCD laser projector with WUXGA (1920 x 1200), resolution and rated brightness of 5,000 lumens.

BenQ HT5550 vs. Epson Home Cinema 5050UB Comparison Review

September 9, 2019

Comparing Benq’s HT5550 with Epson’s Home Cinema 5050UB is a project I have long been looking forward to. For the first time in years, we have a reasonably priced DLP projector in the $2,000+ range that is a worthy challenger to the latest of Epson’s U ...

Vankyo Leisure 3 Mini Projector: Our First-Look Review of Key Features and Capabilities

August 12, 2019

The Vankyo Leisure 3 is a portable projector which measures a mere 7.8 x 5.8 x 2.7 inches and weighs in at only 2.4 pounds.

NEC NP-P525UL Review: An Affordable 3LCD Laser Projector

June 3, 2019

The NEC P525UL is a laser light engine installation class 3LCD projector having WUXGA, 1920 x 1200, resolution and a bright 5,000 lumens rated light output.

Epson PowerLite 5520W Business/Education Projector Review

March 7, 2019

The Epson PowerLite 5520W is a 5,500 lumen, WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution projector for business and education applications. It has 3LCD technology, which means this Epson projects as many color lumens as it does white ones.

Epson PowerLite L400U Installation Laser Projector Review

December 12, 2018

The Epson PowerLite L400U is a WUXGA 3LCD laser projector intended for larger meeting spaces and higher education.

Epson Home Cinema 4010/Pro Cinema 4050 4K Capable Home Theater Projector Review

December 6, 2018

The new Epson 4K Home Cinema 4010 and Pro Cinema 4050 projectors represent another step in the evolution of 4K capable, pixel shifting projectors.

Sony VPL-FHZ61 Commercial Laser Projector Review

September 28, 2018

The Sony VPL-FHZ61 is a WUXGA (1920x1200) 3LCD laser projector with 5,100 lumens.

InFocus IN2128HDx Business and Classroom Projector Review

April 6, 2018

The InFocus IN2128hdx is a Full HD native resolution, compact portable projector that is built for easy connectivity whether on the go or mounted permanently.

Epson PowerLite 990U Projector Review

March 28, 2018

The Epson 990U projector is a powerful, feature packed classroom projector with impeccable color and brightness.

Epson PowerLite 675W Ultra Short Throw Classroom Projector Review

March 23, 2018

The Epson PowerLite 675W is an ultra short throw, WXGA (1280 x 800) business and education projector claiming 3,200 lumens.

Epson BrightLink 710Ui Interactive Laser Projector Review

February 1, 2018

The Epson BrightLink 710Ui is a WUXGA (1920 x 1200) laser projector with interactive capabilities.

Epson Home Cinema 2100 and 2150 Home Entertainment Projector Review

November 16, 2017

The Epson Home Cinema 2100 and Home Cinema 2150 are two new projectors that replace their venerable HC2040 and HC2045.

Epson Home Cinema LS100 Laser Projector Review

November 9, 2017

The Epson Home Cinema LS100 Laser Projector is 1080p ultra-short throw projector with 4,000 lumens.

NEC NP-PA653UL Business/Education Projector Review

September 27, 2017

The NEC NP-PA653UL is a 6,500 lumen, large venue laser projector using 3LCD technology for advanced business and education applications.

Sony VPL-VW885ES 4K Home Theater Laser Projector Review

September 6, 2017

Full review of the Sony VPL-VW885ES, a true 4K projector that supports High Dynamic Range.

Epson Home Cinema 2150 First Look Review

August 28, 2017

Epson has just announced two evolutionary projectors to replace a couple of their most popular projectors. The Epson Home Cinema 2150 and its younger brother, the Home Cinema 2100.

Epson Home Cinema 2100 First Look Review

August 13, 2017

The Epson Home Cinema 2100 is one of two projectors just announced by Epson that are evolutionary.

Epson Home Cinema 4000 Home Theater Projector Review

July 30, 2017

The Epson HC4000 is an affordable native 1080p pixel shifting projector that's 4K capable.

Sony LaserLite VPL-PHZ10 Laser Projector Review

April 13, 2017

The Sony VPL-PHZ10 is an affordable laser projector for business and education.

NEC NP-ME331W Portable Projector Review

March 24, 2017

The NEC NP-ME331W is one of four similar models in NEC’s ME-series of portable projectors intended for business or education applications.

Epson Home Cinema 3700 Projector Review

February 14, 2017

The Home Cinema 3700 is one of three projectors launched by Epson to replace their 3000 series.

Epson PowerLite 2265U Projector Review

February 8, 2017

Epson describes the PowerLite 2265U as a portable business projector, it is somewhat larger and heavier than many portable models.

About 3LCD Projectors

The 3-Chip 3LCD projector contains an advanced technology that splits the light from the projector lamp, into 3 beams using mirrors. Each beam passes through a different LCD panel, one with a red, one with a green, and one with a blue filter. The three color images are combined using a prism of dichroic glass, creating a full-color image consisting of millions of colors.

These vibrant images pass through a projector lens to display a dazzling picture. Fundamentally, 3LCD projectors targeted for the home theater market, are similar to those for business and education (and government and…), but with different feature sets that make them more suitable for one application than another.

3LCD projectors are known for rich saturated colors. And that brings us to a brief

There use to be no reliable metric for determining true color output, until the 3LCD Group has started promoting CLO as a new standard for the industry. Color Light Output, or CLO, is a scientific measurement developed similar to the specification of White Light Output.

The reason many consider this important is that single chip DLP devices normally have a spinning color wheel with color filters, and a white (clear) filter. This allows a DLP system to produce a brighter level of white, then of any pure color like true red, green, yellow…

In reality, since everyone normally measures white, this gives a bigger advantage to DLP projectors that use larger and larger clear slices. But, there’s a price to pay. A pure white, might appear 50% or conceivably 100% brighter than a pure red. That would change the intended image noticeably. On a bright white background spreadsheet, “bright” pure colors like red, green… would seem muted – even overwhelmed by large bright areas.

Is this a huge thing? We don’t believe so, but a CLO standard would at least provide additional, and somewhat significant info to those choosing projectors. In our reviews, we have often mentioned that “DLP projectors need to be about 1/3 brighter when in ambient light situations, than LCD projectors, due to the colors not being as bright as the whites” (ambient light is like expanding the clear slice in that DLP projector – it does the same thing – washes out colors).

The point that needs to be made is that a 2000 lumen 3LCD projector in, say, a typical conference room with some fluorescent lights on, will hold up as well overall as a DLP projector claiming 2500 lumens. Its whites wouldn’t be as bright, but bright colors would actually be a bit brighter on the 3LCD projector. This is just one type of common trade-off. 3LCD designs don’t use a spinning filter system, so there is also no rainbow effect that affects some people.

3LCD technology was developed by Epson in the 1980s and is used in over half of the projectors manufactured today. Almost every major projector brand has adopted the 3LCD 3-chip technology, for at least part of their projector line-up.

The panels themselves continue to evolve and improve, with frequent major performance improvements. Contrast has improved dramatically, as has panel life.

The pixel structure of the panels themselves are now less noticeable, and essentially no longer of concern at any of the higher resolutions. As noted above, 3LCD designs typically produce an image 25 – 40% brighter than a DLP projector using a similar wattage lamp, making 3LCD projectors more energy efficient.

3LCD projectors are as previously mentioned the “dominant form of life” in business, education, and home projection. That’s not likely to change anytime soon, although each technology has its own advantages.

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