Epson’s Home Cinema series has consistently delivered a high-quality cinematic experience to homes worldwide. They provide exceptional value for money, and choosing between models can be challenging. Today, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison between the Epson LS11000 and the 5050UB, two standout models in the Epson Home Cinema lineup.
This comparison is based on hands-on testing of every feature of both devices, emphasizing the unique characteristics each model brings to your home theater. We aim to help you decide whether to invest in the technologically advanced Epson LS11000 (>>> Check on Amazon) or settle for the budget-friendly yet robust Epson 5050UB.
Epson LS11000 vs. 5050UB Specs Side by Side:
| Epson LS11000 | Epson 5050UB | |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
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| Resolution | 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 4K w/pixel shifting |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 2,500 ANSI | 2,600 ANSI |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,200,000:1 | 1,000,000:1 |
| Input Lag | 20-39ms | 22.5-28ms |
| Throw Distance | 10.3' - 29.5' | 10.3' - 29.4' |
| Screen size | 50" - 300" | 50" - 300" |
| Speakers | No | No |
| Today's Best Price |
Individual Reviews:
Epson LS11000: A Closer Look
The Epson LS11000 uses a superior version of Epson’s pixel shifting technology. It comes with a digitally controlled Precision Shift Glass Plate and ZX Picture Processor that work in harmony with the 3-chip LCD engine to generate a true 4K image with a full 8.3 million on-screen pixels. The 15-element VRX Cinema Lens further enhances clarity and ensures uniform focus across the picture.
Moreover, the LS11000’s 3LCD display, combined with the powerful multi-array laser light source and the 10-bit HDR color processing, produces remarkably vibrant and realistic colors without the brightness inconsistency or rainbowing that can be caused by single-chip projectors. Related comparison: Epson LS11000 vs LS12000
Gaming with the Epson LS11000
The LS11000 is responsive, too, playing 4K content at 120 frames per second and a reasonable input lag for casual gamers. This makes the LS11000 a suitable choice for gamers seeking a high-quality visual experience.
Installation Flexibility of the Epson LS11000
The LS11000 is relatively easy to set up and use. While it does have a fairly long throw distance, the motorized lens has a robust lens shift option (+/-96% horizontal and +/-47% vertical) with a 2.1x powered zoom, giving it good flexibility within that space
Pros
- Sharp 4K image with excellent detail and contrast
- Real-time Adaptive Correction
- Wide color gamut with no rainbowing
- Bright enough for most viewing areas
- Flexible installation thanks to motorized lens
- Responsive enough for casual gaming
Cons
- Long throw distance
- Requires other equipment to use (no speakers or streaming)
Epson 5050UB: The Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
The 5050UB is a great option for gamers who want to play on a big screen. Its measured input lag is under the 30ms threshold you need for reflex-based games and online play. A 60Hz frame refresh rate, combined with sophisticated frame interpolation technology, keeps the on-screen action smooth, too, with no frustrating blur or frame tears that can disrupt your playing.
Image Quality of the Epson 5050UB
The 5050UB supports HLG and HDR10 technology for accurate and realistic color and contrast. Like the LS11000, it uses 3LCD processing to eliminate the risk of rainbowing. The 12-bit color chip produces the full DCI-P3 color gamut, the current professional cinema standard, with Low Delta E to ensure the accuracy of the hues. Related comparison: Epson LS12000 vs 5050UB
Epson 5050UB Installation and Operation
As far as installation and operation, the Epson 5050UB has similar strengths and weaknesses to the LS11000. Its powered lens has a 2.1x zoom, powered focus, and a 2D lens shift (+/-47.1% horizontal and +/-96.3% vertical)
Pros
- High-contrast image with resolution sharper than full HD
- Full cinematic color with no rainbowing
- Low lag is great for gaming
- Flexible to install
- Ideal brightness for most indoor spaces
- Automatic iris brightness adjustment
Cons
- Lower image resolution
- No adaptive color or contrast technology
The Overview of the Most Important Features & Specs:
Image Quality: Native Contrast and Beyond
Epson 5050UB provides an enjoyable viewing experience with its pixel-shifted resolution, which delivers double the on-screen pixels of full HD. Its automatic iris adjustment and UltraBlack technology maximize the contrast, while the 3-chip color system produces the full DCI-P3 spectrum. It ensures accuracy with HDR10 and Low Delta E technology.
The Epson LS11000, however, takes the cake in terms of resolution. It boasts an advanced pixel shifting engine that produces a true 4K resolution. The sophisticated lens design results in a sharper overall picture. The real-time adaptive correction feature optimizes color and contrast to your content, ensuring a top-notch viewing experience.
Higher image quality: Epson LS11000
Gaming Performance
Both projectors cater well to gamers. The Epson LS11000 can produce 120 frames per second for full HD or 4K content, leading to smoother on-screen movement. However, its advertised input lag of under 20ms often measures in the 30-40ms range, which could be an issue for competitive players of reflex-based games.
On the other hand, the Epson 5050UB has a lower frame refresh rate but manages to hit the 60 frames per second metric essential for gamers. Additionally, it has a consistently lower input lag, measuring between 20ms and 30ms across image settings, making it a slightly better choice for gaming.
Better gaming performance: Epson 5050UB
Laser Light Source: Brightness and Longevity
Both Epson LS11000 and 5050UB utilize a laser light source, which is a game-changer for home theater enthusiasts. The laser light source provides a brighter image, ensuring stunning picture quality even in rooms with ambient light. Not only that, but the laser light source also lasts significantly longer than traditional lamp-based projectors, reducing maintenance requirements and providing a better overall value in the long run.
The Laser Projector Advantage
The LS11000 and the 5050UB both leverage the power of laser projection, an upgrade from traditional DLP projectors. Laser projectors like these provide several advantages such as longer lifespan, better color accuracy, and instant on-off, making them a favorable choice for your home theater setup.
Installation and Space Requirements
The Epson LS11000 and 5050UB offer similar performance regarding installation and space flexibility. They are both suited for a relatively large space with low to moderate ambient light. Both also come with a 3-axis motorized lens, offering options like lens shift and powered zoom, adapting to various setups.
However, the LS11000 shines with its 10 lens memory preset slots. Users can quickly switch between saved lens settings, a feature invaluable for those using the laser projector in different spaces or environments.
Easier installation: Epson LS11000
Dynamic Contrast Ratio: Bringing Images to Life
Both the LS11000 and 5050UB boast a high dynamic contrast ratio. The LS11000, with its advanced pixel shifting technology, delivers a superior dynamic contrast ratio, resulting in sharper, more detailed images for all kinds of content. The 5050UB, while not as advanced as the LS11000, still provides an impressive contrast ratio, considerably improving image quality compared to traditional DLP projectors.
Value for Money: Epson Home Cinema on a Budget
Given the superior pixel shifting technology, improved lens, and other upgrades, the LS11000’s higher price tag is justified. However, the 5050UB, released in April 2019, offers excellent performance at a lower price point. This makes the 5050UB a superb value for its performance, especially considering you are more likely to find it on sale for less than the list price.
Better value: Epson 5050UB
Epson Home Cinema: Choosing Between LS11000 and 5050UB
As is often the case, choosing the right projector means first deciding what you need in your home entertainment space. The Epson LS11000 produces a better image with sharper resolution, and has other convenience upgrades you won’t find on the Epson 5050UB, making it the better choice for most (>>> Find on ProjecorScreen.com). On the other hand, the Epson 5050UB has slightly better gaming performance, with a lower price tag that can make it an appealing option for budget-conscious buyers.
Final Verdict
In the battle of the Epson Home Cinema LS11000 vs 5050UB, both projectors come out as winners, each excelling in their own domains. The LS11000 is the superior laser projector when it comes to delivering a true 4K resolution and an advanced image processing experience. Its laser light source, combined with a sophisticated lens design, ensures top-tier performance, especially for cinephiles who demand the highest image quality.
On the other hand, the Epson 5050UB is a fantastic choice for those seeking a balance between cost and performance. It’s especially suitable for gamers, thanks to its low input lag and high refresh rate, and it’s an excellent introduction to the world of Epson’s home cinema projectors. However, the lower native contrast and resolution could be a trade-off for some.
When considering the Epson LS11000 vs. 5050UB, your decision will ultimately depend on your specific needs and budget. If high-quality cinema-like viewing is your priority, the LS11000 stands out. If gaming performance and budget are your top considerations, the 5050UB might be your ideal choice. In the end, you can’t go wrong with either of these Epson home cinema projectors.