Epson used CEDIA to update its line of 1080p projectors, but it did not update the 4K e-shifted, laser-phosphor-based model, the LS10000. The 1080p models use conventional transmissive LCD panels while the LS10000 uses a reflective LCD panel set.
We saw two demos in the Epson booth. One was the Pro Cinema 1985 model that offers 4800 lumens shining on a 0.8 gain gray screen from VueTek. Epson said that 70% of the top 10 shows are football, so being able to watch this content on a projector with the lights one is a key industry need. In the demo, they showed content with and without the lights on and there was not much change in the image, although the black level must go up. This unit offers 1920×1200 resolution, contrast of 35,000:1 and wireless connectivity.
The second demo featured the LS10000. Epson says these projectors are hand built in Nagano, Japan and has had only some minor updates from last year’s model. It uses 24 blue lasers to illuminate a phosphor wheel that emits white light. Brightness is rated at 1500 lumens with a 10-bit processing pipeline with claimed coverage of the Adobe and DCI-P3 color spaces. MSRP remains at $7995.
Epson has a zero dead pixels policy on their projectors and the LS10000 can switch on in 2 seconds and off in 1 second. Distribution is limited to the CEDIA channel and each unit ships with a Chief mount and 3D glasses. It is an e-shifted projector so the panel native resolution is 1920×1080, but Epson calls this a “4K enhancement” and does not seem to place much value on this feature in its marketing. The images in the dark theater looked very good, but it was unclear if the 4K enhancement mode was on or not.
Overall, Epson’s expanded line of Full HD 1080p Ultra-Bright Pro Cinema Projectors includes the Epson Pro Cinema G6970WU, Pro Cinema G6570WU, Pro Cinema 4855WU, and wireless Pro Cinema 1985. Featuring up to 6,000 lumens of color brightness and 6,000 lumens of white brightness, Epson’s latest projectors are designed with custom installers in mind. For example, the Pro Cinema G6970WU, G6570WU and 4855WU are equipped with a suite of advanced features for easy installation and flexible setup, including vertical and horizontal lens shift, centered lens design and Arc Correction. In addition, Faroudja DCDi Cinema technology produces state-of-the-art image quality without introducing artifacts. These versatile performers can even project content from two HD connections, side by side, with the Split Screen function. For added value and customization, the three models each includes a ceiling mount and extra lamp.
The Pro Cinema G6970WU and G6570WU offer a total of six lenses each – standard, rear, two middle and one long-throw – enabling installers to choose the lens best suited for the space. HDBaseT connectivity, ideal for large home installations, integrates full HD video, audio, network and control commands into a single CAT 5/6 cable that may be extended up to 328 feet (100m) – significantly reducing installation costs by eliminating additional cables, signal repeaters and labor.
The Pro Cinema G6970WU and G6570WU offer a range of control protocol support and are compatible with Crestron, AMX, Extron XTP and Control4 Simple Device Discovery Protocol. For extra flexibility, the Pro Cinema G6970WU adds HD-SDI (Serial Digital Interface) connectivity to extend the signal 300 feet (100m) supporting high frame rates and color depth. – CC
