I Swear this is NOT a TV.... - Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500
TLDRIn this video, the host explores an innovative ultra-short-throw laser projection TV from Epson, complete with an ambient light-rejecting screen for enhanced brightness. Despite initial skepticism, the setup impresses with its large 100-inch display, crisp image quality, and surprising brightness in a lit room. However, the host raises concerns about the high price tag of $4,500, the complexity of setup, and the limitations in black levels and HDR experience compared to premium TVs.
Takeaways
- 🎮 The 100-inch gaming experience discussed is not a TV but an ultra-short-throw projector with a bespoke ambient light-rejecting screen.
- 🚫 The projector's setup doesn't cast a shadow when standing in front of it, unlike traditional projectors.
- 💡 The projector is combined with a special screen designed to achieve nearly TV levels of brightness, minimizing image obstruction.
- 🛠️ The projector and screen come as a kit, engineered to work together seamlessly for an optimal viewing experience.
- 📱 It features Android TV, offering a smart platform with access to apps like YouTube and Netflix.
- 🔧 The setup process is intricate, requiring precise alignment and tensioning of the screen for the best picture quality.
- 🎥 The projector includes a laser, 3D capabilities, and a variety of ports, including dual HDMI, USB, and audio out.
- 🎨 The aesthetics of the projector are unique, with a retro design, front inputs, and an unusual color scheme.
- 💰 Despite its impressive features, the projector is expensive, priced at $4,500.
- 🎮 While not perfect, the projector offers a large screen size and good picture quality, making it a compelling alternative to traditional TVs for certain users.
Q & A
What is the main topic of the video transcript?
-The main topic of the video transcript is a review of an ultra-short-throw projector, specifically an Epson laser projection TV with an ambient light-rejecting screen, and how it compares to traditional TVs in terms of picture quality, setup, and overall experience.
What are some of the features that the projector is compared to a TV?
-The projector is compared to a TV in terms of features such as 4K resolution at 60 hertz, HDR support, thin bezels, and brightness levels. It also includes smart features like Android TV and has various connectivity options including dual HDMI ports, USB, and audio out.
What is unique about the projector's design?
-The unique aspect of the projector's design is that it is an ultra-short-throw projector, meaning it can be placed very close to the screen it projects on. It also has a bespoke ambient light-rejecting screen that helps it achieve nearly TV levels of brightness without being affected by ambient light.
How does the ambient light-rejecting screen work?
-The ambient light-rejecting screen is designed to minimize the impact of external light on the projected image. It uses a gray color that allows it to reject light while still being able to display bright whites, resulting in better contrast and picture quality in lit rooms.
What challenges did the reviewers face during the setup of the projector and screen?
-The reviewers faced challenges in aligning the screen properly, ensuring the right tension was applied to avoid ripples, and making sure the geometry was exact. They also had to follow specific instructions for setup, which required some trial and error.
What are the advantages of the projector's short-throw design?
-The short-throw design allows the projector to be placed very close to the screen, which means it can be used in smaller rooms and doesn't require a large space for setup. It also eliminates the issue of casting a shadow when someone walks in front of the projector, as the projector is not directly in the viewing path.
How does the projector perform in non-ideal lighting conditions?
-Even under non-ideal lighting conditions, the projector performs well, offering a picture quality that is comparable to a few generations ago TV. However, the black levels and HDR experience are not as deep or vibrant as a top-of-the-line OLED TV in a light-controlled environment.
What are the reviewers' opinions on the projector's speakers?
-The reviewers found the projector's built-in speakers to be of poor quality, describing them as 'bad' and suggesting that they detract from the overall audio experience.
What is the price of the Epson laser projection TV discussed in the video?
-The Epson laser projection TV discussed in the video costs $4,500.
What is the final verdict on the projector from the reviewers?
-The reviewers found the projector to be impressive technology with good picture quality and practical setup, but they were unsure if they would recommend spending $4,500 on it over other projector setups or even an OLED TV.
What other product is sponsored in the video?
-The video is sponsored by Shells.com, which offers secure personal cloud computers that can be accessed from various devices.
Outlines
🎮 Unveiling the 100-Inch Gaming Experience
The paragraph introduces a 100-inch gaming experience that resembles a TV in appearance and capabilities, running at 4K 60 hertz with HDR support and thin bezels. It is revealed to be an ultra-short-throw projector with an ambient light-rejecting screen, allowing for nearly TV-level brightness without casting a shadow. The video's sponsor, Ridge Wallet, is mentioned with a promotional link. The script discusses the unboxing experience, highlighting the inclusion of white gloves and the unique combination of the projector and screen as a kit, designed and engineered to work together for an optimal experience. Skepticism about the projector's ability to match a TV's performance in a lit room is expressed, but the importance of the ambient light-rejecting screen is emphasized.
🛠️ Setting Up the Ultra-Short-Throw Projector
This paragraph delves into the setup process of the projector, which includes aligning the screen with the help of a guide image provided by Epson. The script humorously touches on the assumption that those buying the product will have a friend to assist with the setup. The screen's unique properties, such as its dark color to improve black levels, are discussed, as well as the challenges of aligning the screen perfectly. The paragraph also covers the discovery of tools that could have aided in the setup and the eventual success in achieving a crisp, impressive image quality. The projector's performance under non-ideal lighting conditions is also evaluated, with the setup's complexity being compared to traditional TV setups and other projectors.
🎬 Evaluating the Projector's Performance
The final paragraph focuses on the projector's performance in various lighting conditions and its comparison to traditional TVs. The script acknowledges that while the projector does not match the deep black levels and HDR capabilities of high-end OLED TVs, it offers a legitimate alternative for those seeking a large screen size. The setup process is revisited, with an emphasis on the importance of following instructions. The projector's image quality, viewing angles, and latency are praised, but its speakers are criticized. The paragraph concludes with a reflection on the value of the technology, with some hesitation about its $4,500 price point and whether it can fully replace a TV experience.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡ultra-short-throw projector
💡ambient light-rejecting screen
💡4K 60 hertz
💡HDR
💡Android TV
💡Ridge Wallet
💡laser projection TV
💡geometry
💡tensioning springs
💡black levels
💡HDR 10
Highlights
The 100-inch gaming experience is not a TV but an ultra-short-throw projector with a bespoke ambient light-rejecting screen, achieving nearly TV levels of brightness.
The projector has a 4K 60 hertz resolution, HDR support, and ultra-thin bezels, creating an immersive gaming experience similar to a TV.
The magic behind the projector lies in its unique design, which allows for a nearly shadow-free experience even when standing in front of it.
Ridge Wallet is mentioned as a sponsor, offering a 10% discount and free worldwide shipping.
The projector comes with two sets of white gloves, indicating its high-end and delicate nature.
Epson's laser projection TV combines the features of a projector and a TV, designed and engineered specifically to work together for an enhanced experience.
The projector includes Android TV, providing a wealth of smart functionality and access to popular streaming services.
Setting up the projector requires precise geometry, with a cardboard jig provided for alignment.
The projector's design features front inputs and a retro aesthetic, appealing to tech enthusiasts and modern design sensibilities.
The projector's speakers are uniquely placed to face the viewer, optimizing sound direction and quality.
The ambient light-rejecting screen is gray, which initially appears odd, but demonstrates impressive black levels and color accuracy when projected upon.
The screen setup involves inserting numerous springs, requiring precision and attention to detail for optimal picture quality.
Even under non-ideal lighting conditions, the projector delivers a picture quality comparable to older generation TVs.
The projector's HDR performance is noted for its brightness and clarity, though it may not match the deep blacks and contrast of high-end OLED TVs.
The setup process, while more involved than a traditional TV, is relatively straightforward and 'plug-and-play' compared to other projectors.
The projector's price point is discussed, with its $4,500 cost being a significant consideration for potential buyers.
The projector's latency and pixel response time are found to be satisfactory for gaming, despite not reaching the high refresh rates of some gaming monitors.
The overall verdict is that while the projector offers impressive technology and a large screen size, its cost and certain limitations must be weighed against the benefits.