Epson LightScene EV-100 Laser Projector Review - Performance

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Phil Jones

Epson LightScene EV-100 Laser Projector Review – Performance: Brightness, Contrast, Audible Noise

Brightness

Color Mode	Lumens
Dynamic	2003
Normal	1697

At full wide angle I measured the EV-100 in its brightest picture mode, Dynamic, with the Light Source Mode Brightness Level set to Normal.

Epson LightScene EV-100 Brightness: 2091 Lumens

At wide zoom, Dynamic mode.

The EV-100 measured 2091 lumens which was slightly higher than Epson’s brightness claim. For the two available modes, I also measured them at mid-zoom since it is common for a projector to be zoomed in a bit when installed.

❮ ❯

A single Epson LightScene EV-100 projector normally wouldn't be use to project onto a massive screen. At a measured 2000 lumens, the EV-100 is more than bright enough to project a vivid colorful image onto a small screen or retail display even under some ambient light. If a massive bright image is required, multiple LightScene EV-100 could be edge blended .

Contrast

The Epson LightScene EV-100 has a contrast claim of 2,500,000:1. Since we don’t have any way to measure this claim, we don’t concern ourselves with it. Overall, the black level performance is very good. While transmissive LCD panels, such as those in the Epson LightScene series projector can’t match the native contrast of a DLP projector, the EV-100 does have the equivalent to a dynamic iris. The laser light engine can brighten and dim to perform the same benefits on dark scenes as an iris. On black frames that contain no content, the laser engine shuts down completely producing a true black frame which lamp projectors just can’t do regardless of whether they are DLP, 3LCD or LCoS.

❮ ❯

Dark shadow detail could have been a touch better however in most applications where this projector would be used (stores, restaurants, museums, etc.) ambient light wouldn’t allow you to fully appreciate any additional black level and shadow detail anyway. Above are several images with black backgrounds along plenty of bright colors and the black level was always very good.

Audible Noise

Epson doesn’t list noise levels for the EV-100 on their website or in any of their documentation. However, even when the projector is operating at full power, I did not think it was that loud. Its noise output is comparable with most 2000 lumens commercial projectors. At full power in a retail environment with people talking and music playing, the noise produced wouldn’t be an issue. Whether it is in a hotel lobby, restaurant or museum you could utilize the EV-100 in full power with no fear of overly loud projector fan noise.
If for some reason the noise is noticeable or distracting, switching to Quiet mode on the EV-100 will instantly solve that problem. In Quiet mode, the brightness is reduced by 70% but in a low ambient light environment like a darkened museum, the EV-100 should still be able to produce enough light to get the job done.

Epson LightScene EV-100 Laser Projector Review – Performance: Brightness, Contrast, Audible Noise

Brightness

Color Mode	Lumens
Dynamic	2003
Normal	1697

At full wide angle I measured the EV-100 in its brightest picture mode, Dynamic, with the Light Source Mode Brightness Level set to Normal.

Epson LightScene EV-100 Brightness: 2091 Lumens

At wide zoom, Dynamic mode.

The EV-100 measured 2091 lumens which was slightly higher than Epson’s brightness claim. For the two available modes, I also measured them at mid-zoom since it is common for a projector to be zoomed in a bit when installed.

❮ ❯

A single Epson LightScene EV-100 projector normally wouldn't be use to project onto a massive screen. At a measured 2000 lumens, the EV-100 is more than bright enough to project a vivid colorful image onto a small screen or retail display even under some ambient light. If a massive bright image is required, multiple LightScene EV-100 could be edge blended .

Contrast

The Epson LightScene EV-100 has a contrast claim of 2,500,000:1. Since we don’t have any way to measure this claim, we don’t concern ourselves with it. Overall, the black level performance is very good. While transmissive LCD panels, such as those in the Epson LightScene series projector can’t match the native contrast of a DLP projector, the EV-100 does have the equivalent to a dynamic iris. The laser light engine can brighten and dim to perform the same benefits on dark scenes as an iris. On black frames that contain no content, the laser engine shuts down completely producing a true black frame which lamp projectors just can’t do regardless of whether they are DLP, 3LCD or LCoS.

❮ ❯

Dark shadow detail could have been a touch better however in most applications where this projector would be used (stores, restaurants, museums, etc.) ambient light wouldn’t allow you to fully appreciate any additional black level and shadow detail anyway. Above are several images with black backgrounds along plenty of bright colors and the black level was always very good.

Audible Noise

Epson doesn’t list noise levels for the EV-100 on their website or in any of their documentation. However, even when the projector is operating at full power, I did not think it was that loud. Its noise output is comparable with most 2000 lumens commercial projectors. At full power in a retail environment with people talking and music playing, the noise produced wouldn’t be an issue. Whether it is in a hotel lobby, restaurant or museum you could utilize the EV-100 in full power with no fear of overly loud projector fan noise.
If for some reason the noise is noticeable or distracting, switching to Quiet mode on the EV-100 will instantly solve that problem. In Quiet mode, the brightness is reduced by 70% but in a low ambient light environment like a darkened museum, the EV-100 should still be able to produce enough light to get the job done.