Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 3LCD Laser Projector Review - Summary

HIGHLIGHTS

The Epson EpiqVision LS800 is the second of a new series of ultra-short-throw laser projectors that combine a brand-new design with improved Epson projection technology. This projector offers consumers a new home theater experience that rivals may of the best ultra-short-throw projectors currently available.

The LS800 represents a new era of modern and sleek ultra-short-throw projectors that fit easily within a range of room styles, all while providing the latest in features and technology.

I'm thrilled to see Epson introducing even more 3LCD ultra-short-throw projectors in an industry where DLP imagers power most ultra-short-throw projectors.

After a few weeks with this projector, I am seriously impressed by its picture and sound. I'm going to have a hard time sending it back to Epson.

The LS800 uses Epson 4K-Enhancement technology to deliver amazing lifelike images exceeding Full HD resolution by shifting each pixel diagonally by 0.5 pixels. This shift doubles the resolution from 1,920 x 1,080 to 4K 3,840 x 2,160. The pixel shifting is so fast it is difficult to differentiate between a native 4K projector and the 4K PRO-UHD technology found on the LS800.

The LS800 uses Epson's 3-Chip 3LCD technology for excellent color performance without the distracting rainbow effect or other color issues sometimes found on DLP projectors. One of Epson's significant advantages over DLP-based USTs is that 3LCD projectors produce an equal amount of white and color lumens. Hence, the displayed image looks more natural without the oversaturated color typically found on DLP projectors. If you like an oversaturated look, this projector can give you what you want, but if you try to get a picture this balanced on a DLP, you simply can't do it without a reduction in brightness which is, on most UST DLPs, much lower.

Real-time 10-bit analog-to-digital video processing delivers smooth tonal transitions while helping to eliminate banding, blocking, and other compression artifacts.

Full 10-bit HDR color processing on the LS800 accepts 100% of the HDR source. When combined with the projector's 4,000 lumens of brightness, HDR content is more accurately reproduced than most other projectors in this price and class. The LS800 is one of only a few projectors where I see a difference between HDR and SDR. I prefer how it displays HDR content.

Combining all this with a new ultra-short-throw lens design and one of the better ALR screens I've used, Epson has created one of the best-performing ultra-short-throw projectors I've ever reviewed.

Equipped with all the connections you need, the LS800 supports the latest streaming, gaming, and cable boxes, letting users take maximum advantage of their favorite devices performance quality. The LS800 provides three HDMI ports that are fully compatible with virtually all color formats, depths, and spaces while simultaneously supporting 4K HDR content at a full 60 Hz which is ideal for gaming content. Additionally, one HDMI port is dedicated to gaming and supports 1080p/120 Hz signals.

The EpiqVision LS800 can project 4K video up to 150 inches diagonally. Like all Epson 3-Chip 3LCD projectors, the LS800 is virtually maintenance-free, providing 20,000 hours of laser-light-source life at full lamp output. 

Regarding contrast, the LS800 displays a remarkable range of detail in the image's darkest and brightest parts. This projector's contrast and excellent HDR performance significantly contribute to this projector's overall high-quality picture. The LCD image sensors Epson uses on this projector produce an image that shares many of the visible picture quality advantages found in some more expensive projection imager technologies, such as Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS).

The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 provides the best overall balance of features, performance, and price in the ultra-short-throw projectors category. When this projector is paired with a good ambient light-rejecting screen in a typical living room, the projector does an excellent job. In my opinion, the EpiqVision Ultra LS800 can replace a flat-panel living room television. 

The LS800 is one of the best-looking, out-of-the-box ultra-short-throw projectors currently available for use in a typical living room or a fully light-controlled home theater space.

THE COMPETITION

HISENSE L9G

The Hisense L9G is a 4K ultra-short-throw DLP projector that supports 4K@60Hz video playback and typically sells for $4,999 on average retail price. The L9G’s triple Laser light engine, what Hisense calls TriChroma, is rated to deliver 3,000 lumens for 25,000 plus hours.

The L9G uses Android TV OS, so the projector’s smart features and controls are tightly integrated into an easy-to-use, unified experience. This Laser TV’s menus are easy to navigate and well laid out. The L9G is loaded with all the popular streaming apps like Netflix, HULU, YouTube, Disney+, and more. The L9G even has a built-in digital tuner providing you access to local broadcast channels. The L9G has one of the best-built audio systems and supports an enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC).

The Hisense L9G went up against Samsung and LG electronics and beat them at last year's Value Electronics projector shootout. It should be interesting to see how this model fairs at the 2023 Value Electronics projector shootout.

OPTOMA CINEMA-X  D2+ (SMART)

The Optoma CinemaX D2+ offers 4K displayed resolution via a single chip Texas Instruments DLP imager. This new Optoma projector is designed to deliver sharper, lifelike images and richer colors, allowing viewers to sit closer to the screen and enjoy a more immersive experience.

The new CinemaX D2+ series supports both HDR10 and HLG and can display a 100-inch image while sitting less than 12-inches away from a screen.

The CinemaX D2 series has a rated brightness of 3,000 lumens, with an impressive 1,800,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for high-quality lights-on or lights-off viewing.

The new CinemaX D2 series projectors can reproduce 97% DCI-P3 color gamut and include Optoma’s Color Management System and ISF picture modes, allowing viewers to save calibrated DAY and NIGHT mode settings for the optimum viewing experience.

The Optoma CinemaX D2+ is available for purchase in the United States for an estimated street price of $2,699

FINAL THOUGHTS

Are there other Ultra-Short-Throw (UST) laser projectors that can compete with this new generation of Epson ultra-short-throw projector's out-of-the-box performance and price? None that I've seen so far. 

The EpiqVision Ultra LS800 completely changes the ultra-short-throw competitive landscape. Certainly, more expensive ultra-short-throw projectors are available from Hisense, Samsung, LG, and others that I and others at Projector Reviews have praised.

Still, none of these projectors come close to the LS800's-rated brightness. All those competitors are single-chip DLP projectors that, out-of-the-box, don't offer users equal color and white lumens. Those projectors provide features that the LS800 does not, such as the ability to be professionally calibrated. However, the new Epson Epic Vision Ultra LS800 still delivers a better picture when comparing out-of-the-box picture quality.