Epson PowerLite Pro Z8000 WUNL Projector - Review Summary

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Art Feierman

A summary of the Epson PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL projector's pros, cons.

Epson PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL Projector: Bottom Line

The Epson Powerlite Pro Z8000WUNL should be among the top choices for a hi resolution projector for large scale venues. It offers a terrific combination of high brightness, sharpness, color reproduction and a depth of image that few projectors can match. It also features ease of setup and an assortment of connection options that should fit the needs of any customer. The Pro Z8000 is a ultra high resolution projector with 1920x1200 resolution. Competing projectors also come in 1920x1080 and 2048x1200 resolutions.

It is the combination of the resolution, the dual lamp capability and the, in general commercial quality build and feature set, that justifies the price. In fact, price was a key consideration, along with impressive color quality, high contrast, and handling of videos and photos, that earns the Pro Z8000 our Hot Product Award.

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The large size and weight of the Z8000, does not lend itself to easily transporting the projector. Like the previously reviewed Sharp XG-P560W, it would be best in a permanent installation where its solid construction and easily accessible lamps and filter do not require unmounting. Compared to the Sharp XG-P560W, which is similarly priced, the Z8000 offers higher resolution, slightly higher brightness, more flexibility in installation due to its greater zoom range, superior video playback and better handling of non-native resolutions.

The large size and price of the Z8000 may make some people question why they couldn’t achieve similar results with a much smaller and cheaper projector (like the previously reviewed Epson G5350). The difference is that the Z8000 is a commercial grade projector, which is designed to have superior sharpness, color, and video and image performance. While other lower-priced LCD commercial projectors have good color and image quality, none have the high contrast ratio and depth of image that makes Z8000 the choice for those needing superior picture quality for videos, photos, spreadsheets, etc.

The price of the Z8000 is actually rather reasonable when you start looking at high brightness WUXGA (basically 2K) projectors. Consider - Christie's HD6K, a 6500 lumen hi-res projector stickers at $59,995. Digital Projection's and projectiondesigns 3 chip dual lamp projectors will also cost a whole lot more.

About the only similar resolution projector (2048x1200, 1980x1200 or 1920x1080) I can think of, that costs about the same is Sanyo's PDG-DHT100L, single chip commercial DLP projector, which costs a thousand dollars, or so, additional, and is rated 500 lumens brighter. Sony's VPL-FH300L, their 6000 lumen hi-res, dual lamp projector stickers at $35,000. So, as you can see, the Epson Pro Z8000 is starting to look like a real bargain.

Also, being a dual lamp projector, it would still be usable while waiting for a replacement lamp if one lamp failed. The Z8000 would also be a good choice to use in multiple projector applications (like casino sports books) to show sports events, as well as in high end digital signage applications that demand the highest image quality. Other applications would be large nightclubs, auditoriums, lecture halls, museums, or for permanent, quality visual displays (such as digital signage) in a wide variety of venues. The wide range of optional lenses also allow for great flexibility in the type of installation, be it front or rear projection.
Bottom line, if you need the best possible picture quality for your application, the Epson Powerlite Pro Z8000WUNL has it and is packaged in a commercial-grade projector that should require minimal maintenance.

Epson PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL Projector: Pros, Cons

Epson PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL Projector: Pros

High brightness, close to 5000 lumens
Multiple (6) lens choices allows for installation over a wide range of distances from screen
Excellent color saturation and overall image with any resolution
Excellent video performance with higher than usual contrast ratio, and good blacks
Excellent support via Road Service program
Fairly quick power up and can be unplugged immediately after powered down
On board interactive help
If mounted, both lamp and filter can be changed without unmounting the projector
Reasonable size and weight for a 6000 lumen dual lamp projector
HDMI input for high definition sources
Ability to be used with multiple Z8000s, each one controlled independently from a single remote
Networking abilities including email notification for maintenance and mechanical problems

Epson PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL Projector: Cons

Has dust filter that must be maintained
No ability to display via the network connection
Large size and heavy weight (in general)
Lamps cannot be individually turned on or off, although if one fails the other will continue to run