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Epson has launched its new high-brightness laser projector lineup, the Q-Series 4K 3LCD Laser Projectors. Designed to meet the growing demand for high-brightness projection, the Q-Series offers higher-brightness options for home theatre and home entertainment enthusiasts.
The Q-Series includes three models: the QB1000, QL3000, and QL7000, offering brightness levels ranging from 3,300 to 10,000 lumens. These projectors are equipped with Epson’s 4K Enhancement Display Technology with 4x pixel shift, same as its current LS12000 model. The QB1000 includes Epson’s Ultra Black technology, while the other two models – while still offering great black levels, do not offer the technology.
However, from my own testing of these new-generation high-brightness 1.04″ LCD units, they are still expected to reach around 2500:1 native contrast, while the QB1000 should reach around 4500:1 native contrast at the minimum – same as the LS12000. We do hope some improvement from Epson in this department, though, even if this only shows up with laser dimming.
The introduction of the QZX Picture Processor across the line-up is welcome and will make the higher-end laser units much more suitable for home cinema applications, compared to Epson’s current high-lumens line-up.
Prices start at $7,999 for the QB1000, with the QL3000 and QL7000 priced at $14,999 and $29,999 respectively.
Targeting custom integrators and home design professionals, the Q-Series is compatible with major smart home systems like Control4® and Crestron®, and features a 20,000-hour laser light source for virtually maintenance-free operation. Gamers will also benefit from the support for 4K HDR gaming at up to 120Hz, with low input lag for responsive gameplay.
Epson’s new projectors are debuting at the CEDIA Expo in Denver, Colorado, from September 5-7, 2024, with availability starting in September for the QB1000 and in October for the QL3000 and QL7000.
Epson Q-Series 4K Laser Projectors – Specs Summary
- Brightness (White & Color):
- QB1000: 3,300 lumens (ISO/IDMS-rated)
- QL3000: Up to 6,000 lumens (ISO/IDMS-rated)
- QL7000: Up to 10,000 lumens (ISO/IDMS-rated)
- Picture Quality:
- 4K Display Technology (8.29 million pixels)
- HDR10+ and HLG support for enhanced color and contrast
- Proprietary 32-bit QZX Picture Processor for optimized brightness and black contrast
- UltraBlack™ technology (QB1000 only)
- Lens:
- QB1000: 15-element Epson VRX Cinema Lens with motorized 3-axis lens shift
- QL3000/QL7000: Compatible with Epson Precision Short/Long-Throw Lenses
- Gaming Performance:
- 4K HDR gaming at up to 120Hz
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and input lag under 20ms
- Light Source:
- 20,000-hour laser light source (maintenance-free)
- Connectivity:
- Dual 40 Gbps HDMI® 2.1 ports (support up to 120Hz at 4:2:2 in 8-, 10-, and 12-bit color)
- Smart Home Integration:
- Compatible with Control4®, Crestron®, PJ Link, and other systems
- Warranty:
- 3-year limited warranty with full unit replacement and free lifetime technical phone support.
Epson QB1000 4K HDR 3,300 Lumen 3LCD Laser Projector – Detailed Specifications
The QB1000 is basically an upgraded LS12000 with Dynamic Tone Mapping, higher brightness (3300 lumens) and dynamic contrast. We don’t know yet if the native contrast will be better as well, but this is expected. However, laser dimming has been upgraded looking at the specifications.
Display Technology & Resolution
- Projection System: Epson 3LCD
- Chip Design: 3-Chip Poly-Silicon TFT Active Matrix
- Panel Size: 0.74″ wide, 12-bit processing
- Output Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160) via pixel-shifting technology (dual-axis: 1920 x 1080)
- Maximum Input Resolution: 4096 x 2160
- Refresh Rate: Supports up to 120Hz
- Supported Resolutions:
- 4K (2160p), 2K Full HD (1080p/i), HD (720p), 576p/i, 480p/i
- Resize Aspect Ratios: 1.9:1, 21:9, 4:3, 3:2, 5:4
Brightness & Contrast
- Color Light Output: 3,300 lumens (IDMS Rated)
- White Light Output: 3,300 lumens (ISO Rated)
- Contrast Ratio: Up to and over 5,000,000:1 with Dynamic Contrast
- White Balance: 13-point temperature adjustment
- Color Reproduction: Supports up to 1.07 billion colors
Projection Lens & Image Size
- Lens Type: Epson VRX Lens with a 15-element precision glass structure
- Lens Adjustments: Powered focus, zoom, and lens shift
- Zoom Ratio: 1 – 2.1x
- Throw Ratio Range: 1.35 – 2.84
- Lens Shift: Vertical (-96.3% to +96.3%), Horizontal (-47.1% to +47.1%)
- Keystone Correction: ± 30 degrees vertical and horizontal
- Image Size: 50″ to 300″ projection (at distances from 58″ to 62’4″)
HDR & Image Processing
- HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- HDR Adjustment: 16 steps with real-time Automatic Dynamic Tone Mapping
- Color Modes: Dynamic, Vivid, Cinema, Natural
- Processor: Epson QZX Picture Processor (Full 12-bit)
- Frame Interpolation: Input up to 4K at 60Hz, Output up to 4K at 120Hz
Laser Light Source
- Type: True Laser Diode Array
- Lifespan: Up to 20,000 hours (Normal, Medium, and Eco modes)
- Light Source Maintenance: No required maintenance up to 20,000 hours
Connectivity
- HDMI Ports:
- 2x HDMI® 2.1 (HDCP 2.3)
- 1x supports eARC/ARC
- USB:
- 1x USB Type-A (for optical HDMI cable, 300mA power)
- 1x USB Type-A (5V, 2.0A for power/firmware)
- 1x Mini USB (service only)
- LAN RJ45: For control only
- RS-232C (DB-9): Control
- 12V Trigger: 12V DC, 200 mA maximum
- Audio Support (eARC/ARC): LPCM, Dolby Digital AC-3, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-HD, DTS:X, AAC
Smart Home Integration
- Control Systems: PJLink®, Control4®, Crestron® support for smart home automation
Power & Noise
- Power Consumption:
- Normal Mode: 341 W
- Medium Mode: 301 W
- Eco Mode: 206 W
- Fan Noise: 22 – 32 dB
- Power Supply: 100 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Dimensions & Weight
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 20.5″ x 17.6″ x 7.6″ (excluding cable cover)
- Weight: 28.2 lb (49.8 lb with packaging)
Included in the Box
- QB1000 projector
- Cable cover
- Power cord
- Remote control with 2 AA batteries
- Quick Setup Guide
Warranty & Support
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty with full unit replacement and lifetime technical support
- Service Programs: Extra Care Home Service, PrivateLine toll-free support (U.S. and Canada)
Environmental Features
- Eco-Friendly: RoHS compliant, Epson is a SmartWay® Transport Partner, and end-of-life recycling options available.
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Hey there Roland,
Thanks for the update. This is discouraging news as JVCs recent announcement has put their newly announced pjs RZ500/700 at or beneath the Epson projectors, while maintaining 40k/80k:1 contrast and their excellent DTM system at the expense of extra brightness. Epson has historically undercut JVC/Sonys more expensive products, it’s a shame this trend has ended the way it has as JVC started increasing prices significantly with their NX then NZ projectors and instead of bringing them to heel Epson has “joined the party”. This is a party I, and others, won’t be attending as the price of increasing sized OLEDs is falling.
Yes, I agree Cody. This is slightly disappointing. When I saw the price for the upgraded LS12000 with basically a 600 lumen upgrade, I felt a bit annoyed too.
Unless what we are seeing is at least a 6000:1 on-off contrast or an incredibly aggressive and good laser dimming mode, that price is not justified in any shape or form. Somewhat ridiculous.
I think Epson might have made a miscalculation here while the other two companies are trying to drop prices. So good luck to them.
I can see rapid price decreases for Epson after the holiday season if they don’t sell well. Let’s hope this pushes the LS12000 price down!
Apparently Epson is not planning on bringing them to Aus/NZ at this stage.
Interesting, Ian.
That can only mean they don’t expect a lot of sales… or, just like with the LS12000, there would be a 3-6 month delay before units were allocated.
I got the impression they weren’t expecting sales to justify bringing them in. Was told Aus will bring in one unit to evaluate.
Interesting. They are generally very stingy with review units here so we’ll see if I’m allowed access even. It doesn’t sound like they care too much at this point.
They really need a cheaper laser unit. The LS12000 class unit needs to be around $4-5K now as JVC is dropping prices…