Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 4K PRO-UHD Laser Projection TV Reviewed
The Epson LS500 Laser Projection TV proves it’s one of the absolute best UST projector options currently on the market.
I’ve been excited to test out the Epson LS500 ultra-short throw (UST) Projection TV since I first laid eyes on it back at CEDIA 2019. Then, the unit was still technically a prototype. But even still, it did what most other projectors on the bright show floor could not — look extremely bright, color-rich, and have a good sense of dynamic range and contrast to the image. This is the type of performance any projector claiming to be a TV replacement needs to have, especially in a world where OLED is quickly becoming ubiquitous.
After speaking with the Epson at its booth, they told me that part of the magic I was witnessing was due to the SilverFlex Ultra ambient-light rejecting (ALR) screen – designed specifically for this projector. It significantly enhances image quality in any environment with ambient light. Epson’s SilverFlex Ultra screen is an optional accessory, available in either a 100 or 120-inch version that you can bundle with your purchase. I highly suggest you do so if you’re looking to get the best performance from this projector.
Epson sent over the 100-inch version of the screen for this review, making the total in-home cost $4,999. If you opt for the 120-inch version, the MSRP jumps to $5,999.
Specs and Setup
At its heart, the LS500 is a 3LCD-based projector featuring the company’s 1080p-native LCD panels. 4K support is possible thanks to the inclusion of Epson’s proprietary 4K PRO-UHD optical pixel-shifting system that boosts on-screen resolution to near-4K.
Overall, Epson’s pixel-shifting system does an excellent job at providing a high-resolution image on-screen that genuinely approaches the subjective image resolution most other native 4K projectors provide. It takes a well-trained eye to spot the difference. Like previous Epson models I’ve tested, I still think pixel-shifting is a great stop-gap technology until Epson can find ways to bring native 4K resolution down to a more affordable price point.
The LS500 uses a 20,000-hour rated blue laser-pumped phosphor wheel for illumination, which Epson claims can output up to 4,000 lumens of light. It can achieve a 2,000,000:1 on/off contrast ratio with a laser-dimming dynamic contrast system. The maximum color saturation performance is only specified to reach out to REC709, which isn’t quite up to the standards some other UST DLP options near this price point achieve. But this level of color reproduction is still enough to provide you with a high-quality, color-rich image.
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Posted: 13th October 2021