Epson releases a new 4K Ultra short throw projector, The Epson EpiqVision LS800B and LS800W
With the success of the super bright Epson LS500 laser TV from 2019, Epson is has announced the release a new 2022 ultra short throw projector, the Epson LS800.
And oh boy, are we excited about this new laser TV. You can read our in-depth Epson LS800 review here.
Announced at the CEDIA Expo this week the LS800 will be available in time for Black Friday/Cyber Monday.
Stylish Design
The LS800 is built to blend into your space. It features a smooth symmetrical body and a minimalist design giving it a simple low profile elegance as the centerpiece of your room.
We're thrilled to see that Epson is doing away with the raised periscope lens of the LS500 for a much more subtle look, in line with the other UST projectors.
The LS800 will be available as the Epson LS800B in black and Epson LS800W in white.
Unlike the Epson LS500, it doesn't seem like the LS800 will have the option of a bundled UST projector screen.
Short Throw Distance and Massive Screen Size Capability
The Epson LS800 is set to have the shortest throw distance of any ultra short throw projector with a ridiculously small .16:1 throw ratio. And it seems to have a projection lens zoom ratio of 0.28 - 0.54 : 1. This would mean that the Epson LS800 can sit closer to the screen than any other laser TV. If it does have a variable lens zoom, this would also mean the ability to make a tremendous image size without needing to physically move the projector away from the screen.
This is HUGE!
And speaking of huge things, most ultra short throw projectors max out at having the ability to produce a 120 inch screen. The Epson EH-LS800 can project an image up to 150"! With 4000 lumens of light, this high lumen projector would have enough brightness to fully maintain the vivid visuals you'd get with a smaller screen size.
Like its predecessor, the LS800 uses a manual focus lever to focus the image on the screen.
4000 Lumen Laser Light Source
Just like the Epson LS500, the brand new Epson EH-LS800 will offer an astounding 4000 lumens of brightness. The LS800 is lit by a powerful single blue laser, rated to last up to 20,000 hours and with no need to replace bulbs. This super bright laser light source will help Epson keep its crown as the brightest 4K ultra short throw projector.
This very bright laser TV will be able to produce a bright vibrant image even in a well lit room. This UST is built to be a living room projector and true television replacement.
The Epson LS800B and LS800W will be able to adjust their brightness output to one of three levels, depending on the brightness of the room. By optimizing the brightness of the picture it can also save energy.
The brightness of this new Epson Laser TV is in large part thanks to the 3LCD chip technology that better maintains brightness compared to the DLP chip projectors.
Advanced 3LCD Chipset
Speaking of chipset, just like the other Epson projectors, the Epson LS800 will feature an advanced 3-chip 3LCD solution. This technology dedicates an entire chip to process each primary color continuously, unlike single-chip DLPs that show each color sequentially. This results in having up to 3x brighter colors than comparable DLP projectors.
The 3LCD chipset also provides a lower lag time and 0 possibility of the rainbow effect.
A Superb Video Gaming Projector
Epson is known for producing the best video game projectors. Much like the LS500, the Epson LS800 will be the top ultra short throw projector for gaming. With a reported 20ms input lag time, dedicated game mode and high contrast, if you're a gamer looking to play on a big screen, the Epson EpiqVision LS800 is the projector to buy.
Incredible Visuals
This new ultra short throw projector will offer an incredibly sharp 4K resolution image. This 4K PRO-UHD will deliver lifelike content, fantastic shadow detail and support HDR10.
Contrast Ratio
The Epson LS800 will deliver a phenomenal 2,500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. As always take this number with a grain of salt. Our calibrator had measured the LS500 at a 1974:1 on/off ratio, which is very good. We expect the LS800 to have a contrast ratio even better than that.
Color Gamut
The Epson LS500 covered 90% of the rec.709 and 91% of the DCI-P3 color space. The Epson LS800 is expected to cover at least 100% of the BT.2020 color space. This means it's capable of producing up to 1.07 billion colors.
It also will feature 10 bit color video processing.
Built in sound
Keeping with the recent trend of laser TVs of putting emphasis on the built-in soundbar, The Epson LS800 will feature a powerful 20 Watt, 2.1-channel Yamaha speaker system. Yamaha’ s unique FR-Port™ technology, DSP technology and AudioEngine™ will provide immersive sound and a dynamic audio experience, even if you don't use external surround sound speakers.
Connectivity & Operating System For A Truly Smart TV Experience
This smart TV replacement is built on the Android TV™ platform. This allows you access to streaming services like Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube and more. You can also easily cast your photos, videos and music thanks to the built in Chromecast. You can also control your projector with Google Voice.
With regards to connectivity, we're thrilled to see the LS800 EpiqVision UST will feature three HDMI ports, with one being an HDMI ARC. Not having an HDMI port with eARC is a bit of a negative. We also would have loved to see this new Epson projector utilize a HDMI 2.1 port for 120hz/4K gaming. It also features 3 USB 2.0-A, a service port, an optical out port, Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth connectivity and a headphone jack. Noticeably absent is an ethernet port for a wired internet connection.
The ports are on the side of the projector and hidden behind a removable panel. It would seem that you can replace the panel to hide the cables despite them being on the side of projector.
How Much Will The Epson LS800 Cost?
The Epson EpiqVision EH-LS800 is listed in the UK at £3,299 and will be available in the USA for only $3,499 as the Epson LS800. This is an incredible value for such an amazing ultra short throw projector, especially given the brightness and incredibly short throw distance.
You'll also have the ability to bundle this new Epson UST with an ambient light rejecting projector screen.
Epson LS800 Projector Specs
| Model | Epson LS800 |
| Price | $3,499 |
| Brightness | 4,000 Lumens |
| Resolution | 4K PRO UHD |
| Contrast | 2,500,000: 1 |
| Light Source | Laser |
| Lamp Life | 20,000 hours |
| Projection Size | 80 inches – 150 inches |
| Throw Ratio | 0.16 – 0.40:1 |
| System | Android TV |
| Keystone Correction | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| 3D | No |
| Dimension | 69.5 x 34.1 x 15.6 cm |
| Weight | 12.3 kg |
| Input Lag | 20ms |
| Ports | USB 2.0-A (3x)
USB 2.0 Type B (Service Only)
Jack Plug out
HDMI ARC
HDMI (HDCP 2.3) (3x) |
| Sound | 20W stereo speaker |