Please note that this is a meta-review prepared by the Simple Home Cinema team. Our meta-reviews analyse and cross-check data across multiple sources including professional reviews, user reviews and user forums to arrive at our analysis and review scores, and are useful to get an overall – and hopefully balanced – picture for a specific product. We will specifically state if we had the product tested by one of our team. Please do let us know, should you find any errors.
The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 represents an exciting innovation in ultra-short-throw (UST) projector technology, designed to offer premium performance for home theater enthusiasts, avid gamers, and sports fans. Boasting advanced 4K PRO-UHD enhancement, exceptional 4,000 lumens brightness, and an integrated Yamaha-designed sound system, Epson markets the LS800 as a contender to replace high-end flat-panel TVs and traditional projectors alike. But does it deliver on its promises in a rapidly expanding UST projector market?
This in-depth review evaluates its strengths, weaknesses, and performance against competitors to determine its real-world value and what kind of user will benefit most from this projector.
If you are into high-end home theater, check out our Display and Audio Calibration Guides to maximize your experience.
Key Features of the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800
- Projection Size: Up to 150 inches from just inches away.
- Resolution: 4K PRO-UHD with Epson’s advanced pixel-shifting technology.
- Brightness: 4,000 lumens for white and color brightness (ISO Rated).
- HDR Support: 10-bit HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma).
- Sound System: Yamaha-designed 20-watt 2.1 virtual surround sound with built-in subwoofer.
- Gaming-Optimized: Dedicated low-latency HDMI port with 16.7ms input lag at 1080p/120 Hz.
- Smart Platform: Integrated Android TV 11 with built-in Chromecast and Google Assistant.
- Light Source Lifespan: Up to 20,000 hours for virtually maintenance-free operation.
- Flexible Placement: Ultra short-throw lens shows a 100″ screen with the back of the projector just 4.1 inches from the wall.
At $3,499 MSRP, this projector positions itself as an all-around solution for home entertainment. Let’s explore how it compares in performance and features.
Standout Pros of the Epson LS800
1. Unmatched Brightness for Ambient Light
Where most projectors struggle in brightly lit rooms, the LS800 excels thanks to its 4,000 lumens of brightness, one of the highest ratings in its class. This allows you to watch sports, shows, or movies—even during the day—without blackout curtains. As its specifications emphasize, Epson’s True 3-Chip 3LCD technology ensures equal white and color brightness, delivering vibrant, consistently accurate images without the “rainbow effects” commonly seen in DLP technology.
In direct comparison, competitors like the Hisense PX1 Pro (2,200 lumens) cannot compete with the LS800’s ability to maintain vivid visuals in non-dark settings, making it an excellent choice for multipurpose living rooms.
Pro Tip: Combine the LS800 with an Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) screen for markedly enhanced image quality, especially in rooms with direct sunlight. Epson’s SilverFlex Ultra ALR screen absorbs ambient light effectively, further boosting contrast and clarity.
2. Industry-Leading Ultra-Short-Throw Design
The LS800’s ultra-short-throw lens offers one of the closest placement ratios available. A 100-inch screen requires only 4.1 inches of wall clearance, and you can achieve a massive 150-inch image with minimal rearrangement. This makes the LS800 ideal for users who want a cinematic setup without the hassles of ceiling mounts or extensive cabling.
The multi-element, precision glass lens ensures uniform image sharpness across the screen, which outshines some budget UST projectors plagued by lower corner clarity.
3. Tailored for Gaming
Gamers will appreciate the LS800’s dedicated gaming HDMI input supporting 1080p at 120 Hz with input lag as low as 16.7ms. This low latency ensures smooth, responsive gameplay, even in fast-paced action titles. While it doesn’t offer 4K at 120 Hz, the combination of low lag and sharp visuals makes it one of the best projectors for console and PC gamers in its class.
In comparison, the Hisense L9G has roughly double the input lag, making the LS800 a far better choice for competitive gaming scenarios.
4. Built-in Yamaha Sound System
Unlike most UST projectors that rely on weak or tinny built-in speakers, Epson integrated a Yamaha-designed 2.1 audio system with dual tweeters and a 10W subwoofer. The result? Robust, full-bodied sound that’s adequate for small to medium rooms without requiring an external soundbar. Audio modes tailored for music, sports, and movies further enhance the versatility.
For audiophiles, the S/PDIF optical output and ARC-equipped HDMI port allow integration with premium sound systems. However, the lack of eARC support means Dolby Atmos enthusiasts will need to connect devices directly to a sound system.
5. Intuitive Android TV Integration
The LS800 runs on Android TV 11, offering easy access to streaming apps like Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, and more. Google Assistant integration enables voice control, while Chromecast support allows seamless casting from mobile devices.
However, a significant omission is Netflix support, requiring users to use a third-party streaming stick (via HDMI) if they want to access the app natively.
PRICE CHECK
Use the below links to check the most up-to-date product price.
| Retailers |
|---|
| Amazon.com |
| ProjectorScreen.com |
Areas for Improvement in the Epson LS800
1. Lack of Native 4K Resolution
While the LS800 supports 4K PRO-UHD, it achieves this through pixel-shifting technology, which simulates 4K resolution from a native 1080p imaging panel. While the difference is imperceptible at standard viewing distances, cinephiles accustomed to native 4K projectors (like the Sony VPL-XW5000ES) may notice a slight softness in the LS800’s visuals, particularly with richly detailed 4K content like Avatar: The Way of Water.
2. Limited HDR Support
Although the LS800 includes HDR10 and HLG, it lacks Dolby Vision, which provides dynamic tone-mapping that adjusts HDR output scene by scene. Competing projectors such as the Hisense L9G and LG CineBeam HU915QE offer Dolby Vision, providing visibly enhanced highlights and gradients in compatible HDR content.
3. Connectivity Gaps
While the LS800 is well-connected with three HDMI ports, it lacks HDMI 2.1 and eARC, making it less ideal for advanced AV setups. Additionally, it supports only Wi-Fi 5 (rather than the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard), which could lead to less stable streaming performance in high-bitrate HDR content through Android TV.
4. Black Levels in Dark Rooms
Despite a staggering 2,500,000:1 contrast ratio, the LS800’s black levels cannot compete with premium LCOS or triple-laser USTs. In dimly lit or pitch-black environments, shadow-heavy scenes (e.g., The Batman) may appear grayer than truly black. However, this is mitigated in brighter spaces, where its higher brightness compensates for slightly weaker dark contrasts.
Competitor Comparison
| Projector | Price | Brightness | HDR Format | Input Lag | Max Screen Size | Screen Included? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson LS800 | $3,499 | 4,000 lumens | HDR10, HLG | 16.7ms | 150 inches | No |
| Hisense L9G | $5,499 | 3,000 lumens | HDR10, Dolby Vision | ~34ms | 120 inches | Yes (100″ or 120″) |
| Optoma CinemaX D2+ | $2,699 | 3,000 lumens | HDR10, HLG | 16ms (1080p) | 120 inches | No |
| LG CineBeam HU915QE | $5,999 | 3,700 ANSI | HDR10, Dolby Vision | ~35ms | 120 inches | No |
As seen, the LS800’s brightness and gaming performance give it a notable edge in its price range. However, its lack of color-gamut richness or Dolby Vision support may push videophiles toward higher-end competitors.
PRICE CHECK
Use the below links to check the most up-to-date product price.
| Retailers |
|---|
| Amazon.com |
| ProjectorScreen.com |
Who Should Buy the Epson LS800?
The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is ideal for users who prioritize:
- Daytime Performance: Its exceptional brightness and vibrant colors excel even in non-darkened rooms.
- Gaming Enthusiasts: With low input lag, it’s a near-perfect choice for competitive gamers.
- Flexible Home Setup: Its ultra-short-throw lens and built-in Android TV make setup intuitive, especially in multipurpose family rooms.
That said, cinephiles focused on black-level depth, native 4K clarity, or Dolby Vision might prefer ambitious options like the Hisense L9G or LG CineBeam HU915QE, if price is no constraint.
Final Verdict
The Epson LS800 offers an exceptional balance of performance, features, and price for most users in the burgeoning ultra-short-throw projector market. Its 4,000-lumen brightness, gaming-ready latency, and robust smart features make it a versatile, user-friendly choice for mixed-use households seeking a large-screen experience to replace traditional TVs. While it’s not perfect for dedicated dark home theater enthusiasts, its footprint in the daytime viewing and gaming space is incontrovertible.
The LS800 reaffirms Epson’s leadership in 3LCD technology and sets a high bar for UST projectors within its price category. It’s an investment that pays off in visual performance, sound quality, and convenience.
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