Most home theater projectors have a hidden, extra expense since you’ll need to buy a screen to get the most out of them. With the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500, a high-resolution ALR screen comes included, so you can get a big-screen experience right out of the box.
The convenience of the LS500 is just the start of its impressive features. Its user-friendly set-up and phenomenal picture quality make it a great choice for any high-end home theater. Let’s take a closer look at its specs and performance. Once you do, you might just find it’s the ideal projector for your home. (>>> Check current price on Amazon)
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 Review of Main Specs:
| Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 | |
|---|---|
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| Resolution | 4K Ultra HD |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 4,000 |
| Contrast Ratio | 2,500,000:1 |
| Throw Distance | 0.7' - 1.9' |
| Input lag | 16.7ms |
| Screen size | 70" - 130" |
| Speakers | 10.0 Watts × 2 |
| Price | BHPhotoVideo.com |
Set-up and Installation
You’ll get a full 100-inch picture from the Epson LS500 with only 15 inches between the projector and screen thanks to its ultra-short throw laser light source. For most, that means you can just set it on a table or entertainment center—no complicated installation required.
The image alignment options are somewhat limited on the Epson LS500, but that’s partially because you don’t need many. It has horizontal and vertical keystone correction to prevent warping if you can’t place the projector directly head-on. The manual focus helps with fine-tuning the image, and is really all you need to do so, considering how easy it is to adjust the projector’s physical placement.
Picture Quality
Laser projectors are known for their vibrant colors and high contrast, and the Epson EpiqVision Ultra stays true to this trend. It uses a 3LCD chip design with full 10-bit HDR support. This gives you the full gamut of colors in the Rec. 709 color space and also prevents problems like the rainbow effect that can be caused by projectors using color wheels.
A high dynamic contrast ratio helps keep the image sharp, with rich blacks that match the colors in their depth and detail. The bright lamp helps here, too. With a rating of 4,000 lumens, it’s just as vibrant in a well-lit room as it is in a dedicated home theater space.
Pros
- 4K resolution with advanced HDR processing
- 3-LCD chip technology for wide color gamut with no rainbow effect
- 100” high-resolution ALR screen included
- Lots of flexibility thanks to ultra-short throw distance
- Bright enough for lights-on viewing
- User-friendly Android operating system
- Built-in Google Assistant voice control
- Low input lag is ideal for gaming
Cons
- Price is on the high side
- Voice control capabilities are limited
Included Screen
The screen that comes included with the Epson LS500 matches and enhances the projector’s quality. It’s both high-resolution and ambient light rejecting (ALR), helping to keep the contrast high and colors bright in any room.
Along with that, it’s designed to be viewed from a wide angle, so you can use it with large groups without worrying over who gets the best seat. It also comes with the wall brackets you’ll need to mount it, so it’s as easy to set up as the projector itself.
Ease of Use
The Android operating system that comes installed on the Epson EpiqVision Ultra is intuitively laid-out and easy to navigate. Since it has wireless support, you can stream content straight to the projector from a number of popular apps.
You’ll get two ways to control the Epson LS500, too. The included remote is both durable and simple, and the easiest way to navigate through all the projector’s features. You can also use voice commands through Google Assistant to search for content on the Android system.
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 Review: The Bottom Line
The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 is definitely a high-end projector, both in its performance and in its price. It’s worth the investment if you want the best possible picture quality, especially since its low input lag makes it as suitable for gaming as it is for watching movies. (>>> Check current price on ProjectorScreen) It’s also easy to set up and use, with an ultra-short throw ratio and built-in voice control. If you’re looking for a smart, cinema-quality projector, the Epson LS500 should be at the top of your list.
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING:
- The list of top ultra-short-throw projectors: http://projectortop.com/best-ultra-short-throw-projector/
- Epson Epiqvision Ultra LS300 vs. LS500 comparison
- Epson LS500 vs. Optoma P1 Comparison
- http://projectortop.com/lg-hu85la-vs-epson-ls500/