Ultra short throw projectors, also called laser TVs, are the latest advancement in projection technology. Instead of sitting on the other side of the room like a regular projector, they are placed directly below the screen. This allows you to get a bright vibrant image even in well lit rooms. This helps make USTs a great option as a major television upgrade.
BenQ may have been a bit later than other projector manufacturers to the laser TV game, but they came out strong with the BenQ V7050i ultra short throw projector. This fantastic UST finished 1st in the single laser models at the 2022 laser TV showdown. With a number of unique features and outstanding performance this living room projector is fantastic. You can read more about it in our BenQ V7050i review.
The goal of Epson was to make an ultra short throw projector bright enough for just about any room. With the Epson LS500 they accomplished that but it lacked the performance of most other USTs. So, Epson reworked their flagship laser TV and put out the highly upgraded Epson LS800. Find out more in our Epson LS800 projector review. The LS800 wasn't available in time to be entered into the showdown, we're confident it would have done very strongly if not given the BenQ V7050i a run for its money.
So which is better the Epson LS800 or the BenQ V7050i?
Read our comparison of these two fantastic ultra short throw projectors to find out.
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Epson LS800 |
BenQ V7050i |
Our Thoughts: |
Brightness |
4000 |
2500 |
The Epson LS800 is clearly a brighter projector. |
Throw Ratio |
0.17:1 |
0.23:1 |
The Epson LS800 sits closer than every other ultra short throw |
Chipset |
3LCD |
.47" DMD ECP |
LS800 uses the 3LCD chipset which provides a brighter output and avoids the rainbow effect. The V7050i uses an advanced DLP chip that provides a sharper image. |
Light Source |
Single Blue Laser |
Single Blue Laser |
Both projectors use a single blue laser light source. |
Color |
77% DCI-P3 |
98% DCI-P3 |
The BenQ V7050i offers a superior color gamut and it shows in the vibrancy of the colors on the screen. |
Contrast Ratio |
2966:1 |
1087:1 |
The contrast ratio on the Epson LS800 is almost 3X better than the BenQ V7050i. |
Image Size |
80 to 150 inches |
90 to 120 inches |
The Epson LS800 is tied for being able to produce the largest image size of any 4K ultra short throw projector. |
ALR Projector Screen |
Available Bundled With 100", 120" Screen, or on its own |
Projector screen sold separately |
One of the best values of the Epson LS800 is that it can come with a bundled ambient light rejection projector screen. Where you need to buy it separately with the V7050i UST |
Input Lag |
16.7 ms |
83 ms |
The Epson UST is significantly better when it comes to input lag. The Epson is arguably the best UST gaming projector. |
Audio |
(x2)20W Yamaha Speakers |
(x2)5W Chamber Speakers |
The LS800 has a much better built-in sound system than the V7050i. |
Price |
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The BenQ UST comes in at a somewhat lower price point. Though that makes sense given that the LS800 is a brand new projector. |
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Epson LS800
The Pros
- Brightest UST projector on the market
- Incredible contrast
- Sits closer to the screen than any other laser TV
- Best UST projector for video gaming
- Able to make an image size up to 150 inches
- Can be purchased bundled with 100 or 120 inch ALR screen
- No rainbow effect
- Very good built-in speakers
- Available in either black or white casing
- Has 3 HDMI ports
The Cons
- Color gamut capability is less than other similarly priced projectors
- No Grayscale, Gamma or Color Management (CMS) Adjustments as there are on other Epson projectors
- Less sharp of an image
- Large chassis, with legs set far apart meaning you need a wider TV stand
- No 3D support
- Is only ARC compatible and doesn't have eARC
BenQ V7050i
The Pros
- Colors are super bright and extra vibrant
- Great contrast shows up in the content
- Motorized lens cover
- Supports 3D
- Uses the more advanced .47" DMD ECP chipset
- Very easy to set up
The Cons
- Only has 2 HDMI ports
- Uses an external media player that sticks out from the back and takes up one of the two HDMI ports
- Not great for gaming
- Speakers aren't as good as other laser TVs
- Doesn't have Netflix app
So Which Is Better, The Epson LS800 Or The BenQ V7050i?
Without a doubt these are the two best single laser ultra short throw projectors available on the market. You'll be absolutely thrilled with either one you choose. But ultimately a decision had to be made. So between the BenQ V7050i and Epson LS800 the winner is………
Epson LS800
Why You Should Buy The Epson LS800
There are three main advantages that make the Epson LS800 better than the BenQ V7050i: the brightness, the contrast and the built-in speakers. Because of its high lumen output the Epson LS800 is the #1 bright room projector. This Epson laser TV also has some of the best contrast you'll find on a UST. On top of that, the high quality Yamaha speakers also separate it from the rest of the single laser pack. You also want to pick the LS800 if you want the best gaming UST or if you are susceptible to the rainbow effect. Another advantage of the Epson EpiqVision LS800 is that it can be bundled with a 100 inch or 120 inch ambient light rejecting screen for an extra value.
Why You Should Buy The BenQ V7050i
While we do feel that the Epson LS800 has the edge in this head to head comparison, the BenQ ultra short throw definitely has several major advantages over the Epson. When it comes to the color brightness and vibrancy the BenQ V7050i is the king of the single laser USTs. The V7050i is one of the most vividly colorful projectors we've seen yet. If you're a fan of 3D content then the BenQ V7050i is the one to buy. The unique motorized lens cover is incredibly useful if you've got kids or pets.
Which projector do you think is better? Which do you want to see head to head next to each other? Let us know in the comments below!
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If you have any questions on these projectors or anything else projection related don’t hesitate to hit us up at ProjectorScreen.com. Thanks for reading and keep on projecting!
Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | EPSON |
Product Status: | Leaves Warehouse within 5-10 Business Days |
Lumens: | 4000 |
Projector Type: | Ultra Short Throw |
Light Source: | Laser |
Contrast Ratio: | 2,500,000:1 |
Chipset: | LCD |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 0.16:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 3840x2160 |
Lens Shift: | No |
Input Lag: | 4K/60Hz: 21.0ms | 1080p/60Hz: 22.1ms | 1080p/120Hz: 12.3ms |
3D Support: | No |
Warranty: | 2 Years |
Standard Lens Focus: | Manual |
Wi-Fi: | Yes |
ARC/eARC: | ARC |
Operating System: | Android TV |
Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | EPSON |
Product Status: | In Stock |
Lumens: | 4000 |
Projector Type: | Ultra Short Throw |
Light Source: | Laser |
Contrast Ratio: | 2,500,000:1 |
Chipset: | LCD |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 0.16:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 3840x2160 |
Lens Shift: | No |
Input Lag: | 4K/60Hz: 21.0ms | 1080p/60Hz: 22.1ms | 1080p/120Hz: 12.3ms |
3D Support: | No |
Warranty: | 2 Years |
Standard Lens Focus: | Manual |
Wi-Fi: | Yes |
ARC/eARC: | ARC |
Operating System: | Android TV |