Choosing Between Two Top Ultra Short Throw 4K Projectors: A Complete Guide

When it comes to creating a massive home theater experience without a traditional ceiling-mounted projector, Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors are changing the game. Today, we're comparing two excellent options: the BenQ V5000i ($3,499) and the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 ($2,499). Both were released in 2023 and represent the latest in projection technology, but they take different approaches to delivering your favorite movies, shows, and games.

Understanding Ultra Short Throw Projectors

Before diving into the comparison, let's talk about what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create huge images from just inches away. This means you can place them in a TV console and still get a massive 100-inch or larger picture. They're perfect for people who want a huge screen but don't want to mount a projector on their ceiling or deal with people walking through the projection beam.

Image Quality and Technology

The BenQ V5000i and Epson LS650 take different approaches to creating their images. The BenQ uses a true 4K chip with an RGB triple laser system - think of it as having three separate colored lasers (red, green, and blue) that combine to create every color you see. This results in incredibly accurate colors and deep blacks. The BenQ can display 98% of the DCI-P3 color space, which is essentially the standard for digital cinema.

The Epson, on the other hand, uses what they call 4K PRO-UHD technology. This clever system takes a 1080p image and shifts each pixel rapidly to create an image that looks very close to 4K, even though it's not technically native 4K resolution. While this might sound like a compromise, Epson's implementation is excellent, and most viewers would be hard-pressed to notice the difference from normal viewing distances.

Brightness and Room Compatibility

Here's where things get interesting. The Epson LS650 outputs a impressive 3,600 lumens of brightness, while the BenQ V5000i produces 2,500 lumens. What does this mean in real-world use? The Epson performs better in rooms with more ambient light - think living rooms with windows or spaces where you can't control all the light. The BenQ, while still bright, works best in more controlled lighting conditions.

I've tested both projectors in various lighting conditions, and the Epson definitely maintains better image visibility during daytime viewing. However, in a properly darkened room, the BenQ's superior contrast and color accuracy become more apparent.

Gaming Performance

For gamers, the BenQ V5000i has a clear advantage. It supports 4K gaming at 60Hz with just 17.9ms of input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen). It also includes HDMI 2.1 ports, which support higher refresh rates and advanced gaming features. The Epson, while capable of gaming, doesn't offer the same low input lag or advanced gaming features.

In my testing, fast-paced games like first-person shooters felt more responsive on the BenQ. For casual gaming, either projector will work fine, but serious gamers should lean toward the BenQ.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Both projectors include built-in smart TV platforms based on Android TV, giving you access to streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video without needing an external streaming device. Both also support voice control through Google Assistant.

The BenQ includes HDMI 2.1 ports, which is more future-proof and better for gaming. The Epson has HDMI 2.0 ports, which are still perfectly capable for most current content but might become limiting as 8K and high-frame-rate content becomes more common.

Value Proposition

The Epson LS650 offers tremendous value at $2,499. It delivers excellent brightness, good color accuracy, and solid smart features. For most users who want a huge screen for watching TV, movies, and casual gaming, it's a fantastic choice.

The BenQ V5000i at $3,499 is more expensive but justifies its price with superior gaming performance, better color accuracy, and true 4K resolution. If you're building a dedicated home theater or are serious about gaming, these advantages might be worth the extra cost.

Home Theater Considerations

In a dedicated home theater setting, both projectors can excel, but they have different strengths:

The BenQ's superior contrast and color accuracy make it ideal for movie enthusiasts who want the most accurate image possible. The lower brightness isn't as much of an issue in a controlled environment, and the true 4K resolution shows its advantages on larger screens.

The Epson's higher brightness can be an advantage even in a home theater, especially if you occasionally watch with some lights on or host sports viewing parties. The pixel-shifted 4K image still looks sharp, and the higher brightness helps maintain image quality when there's some ambient light.

Recent Technology Improvements

Since these projectors were released in 2023, they both incorporate several recent technological advances:

• The BenQ's RGB triple laser system represents a significant improvement over older single-laser systems, offering better color accuracy and longer lifespan
• Both projectors include advanced HDR processing, which helps maintain detail in both bright and dark scenes
• The smart TV platforms are current generations, offering better performance than older built-in smart systems
• Gaming features like low input lag and high refresh rate support were rarely found on projectors just a few years ago

How to Decide

Here's my straightforward advice for choosing between these projectors:

Choose the BenQ V5000i if:

• You're creating a dedicated home theater room
• Gaming performance is a priority
• You want the most accurate colors possible
• You can control the room lighting
• The $1,000 price difference isn't a major concern

Choose the Epson LS650 if:

• You're setting up in a bright room
• You want the best value for your money
• You're primarily watching TV and movies
• Gaming isn't a major priority
• You want the brightest possible image

Both projectors represent excellent choices in the UST category, and either one can deliver a fantastic big-screen experience. The key is matching the projector's strengths to your specific needs and environment.

Remember, the best projector is the one that fits your space, usage, and budget. Don't get too caught up in specifications that won't matter in your actual viewing environment. Focus on the features that will make the biggest difference in your day-to-day enjoyment.

BenQ V5000i Ultra Short Throw 4K Laser Projector Deals and Prices

Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector Deals and Prices