The home theater world has seen some exciting developments in recent years, particularly in the ultra short throw (UST) projector category. Today we'll compare two leading options: the BenQ V5000i ($3,499) and Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 ($3,448). Both were released in 2023, representing the latest in projection technology.
Before diving into the specifics, let's understand what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create large images from just inches away. This makes them perfect for rooms where space is at a premium or where you don't want to mount a projector on the ceiling.
The technology has improved dramatically since the first UST projectors appeared. Today's models offer true 4K resolution, high brightness, and smart features that rival high-end TVs.
The BenQ V5000i uses an RGB triple laser system, which means it has separate red, green, and blue lasers. This is like having three perfectly tuned instruments playing together instead of one trying to do everything. The result? Colors that are incredibly accurate and vibrant, covering 98% of the DCI-P3 color space (that's the standard used in digital cinema).
The Epson LS800 takes a different approach with its 3LCD technology. Instead of using a color wheel like many projectors, it splits the light into three beams, each passing through its own LCD panel. This eliminates the "rainbow effect" (where some viewers see brief color flashes) and ensures consistent color brightness.
Here's where things get interesting. The Epson boasts 4,000 lumens compared to BenQ's 2,500 lumens. In practical terms, this means:
I've tested both in various lighting conditions, and the Epson's brightness advantage is noticeable when there's ambient light. However, in a dark room, the BenQ's superior contrast and color accuracy become more apparent.
For gamers, these projectors offer different advantages. The BenQ V5000i includes HDMI 2.1 support and can handle 4K gaming at 120Hz - features that serious gamers will appreciate. It also has an Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) that automatically switches to game mode when it detects a gaming console.
The Epson maintains respectable gaming performance with a 16.7ms input lag, but lacks some of the advanced gaming features of the BenQ. For casual gamers, this won't matter much, but competitive players might notice the difference.
Both projectors include smart features, but implement them differently:
Both offer voice control through Google Assistant and support major streaming services. The interfaces are intuitive, though I've found the BenQ's implementation slightly more polished.
The installation process is crucial for UST projectors, as their positioning needs to be precise. The Epson has the shortest throw ratio in the industry at 0.16:1, meaning it can sit extremely close to the wall. The BenQ's 0.25:1 ratio still allows for close placement but needs slightly more distance.
Both projectors include geometric correction features to help align the image perfectly, but I've found the BenQ's 8-point corner adjustment particularly helpful for fine-tuning.
When considering value, think about your primary use case:
The BenQ V5000i justifies its price if you:
The Epson LS800 makes more sense if you:
Since their release, both manufacturers have provided firmware updates to enhance performance. The BenQ received updates improving HDR handling and gaming features, while the Epson got refinements to its smart TV interface and picture processing.
Your choice should ultimately depend on your viewing environment and priorities:
For a dedicated home theater room:
For a multipurpose living space:
Both projectors represent significant improvements over previous generations, with better color accuracy, higher brightness, and more advanced features. The BenQ excels in dedicated viewing environments, while the Epson proves more versatile in varied lighting conditions.
Remember that either projector will need a proper screen for optimal performance. An ambient light rejecting (ALR) screen is recommended, particularly if you can't control all the light in your room.
Whether you choose the BenQ V5000i or Epson LS800, you'll get a capable projector that can create an impressive big-screen experience. The key is matching the projector's strengths to your specific needs and environment.
| BenQ V5000i ($3,499) | Epson LS800 ($3,448) |
|---|---|
| Light Source Technology - Affects color accuracy and maintenance requirements | |
| RGB Triple Laser (superior color, no replacement needed) | 3LCD with Laser (no rainbow effect, consistent brightness) |
| Brightness - Most critical spec for daytime viewing | |
| 2,500 ANSI lumens (requires some light control) | 4,000 lumens (excellent for bright rooms) |
| Color Gamut - Determines how accurately colors are displayed | |
| 98% DCI-P3, 95% BT.2020 (cinema-grade color) | 100% sRGB (good for general content) |
| Gaming Features - Important for serious gamers | |
| HDMI 2.1, 4K/120Hz, 17.9ms lag (excellent gaming) | HDMI 2.0, 4K/60Hz, 16.7ms lag (good for casual gaming) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall it needs to be | |
| 0.25:1 (needs 5.2" distance for 100") | 0.16:1 (needs 4" distance for 100") |
| HDR Support - Affects contrast and color in HDR content | |
| HDR10+ and HDR10 (best-in-class HDR) | HDR10 only (good HDR performance) |
| Smart Features - Convenience for streaming | |
| Android TV 11 (latest version, more apps) | Custom Android TV (basic streaming needs) |
| Sound System - Built-in audio quality | |
| 40W Trevolo (good temporary solution) | 2.1 Yamaha system (better built-in audio) |
| Contrast Ratio - Important for dark scene detail | |
| 3,000,000:1 with dynamic enhancement | 2,500,000:1 (still excellent) |
The BenQ V5000i ($3,499) is superior for dedicated home theaters due to its better color accuracy and contrast ratio. Its 2,500 ANSI lumens are plenty for controlled lighting conditions, and the RGB triple laser technology provides cinema-quality color reproduction.
The Epson LS800 ($3,448) is significantly better for bright rooms with its 4,000 lumens output. This makes it ideal for living rooms or spaces with windows and ambient light.
The BenQ V5000i offers superior gaming features with HDMI 2.1, 4K/120Hz support, and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). While both have good input lag, the BenQ provides more future-proof gaming capabilities.
Yes, both projectors work best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen specifically designed for UST projectors. This is essential for optimal picture quality and contrast, especially in rooms with ambient light.
Both offer Android TV, but the BenQ V5000i has the newer Android TV 11 platform with more app support and features. The Epson's custom Android TV interface is more basic but still covers essential streaming needs.
The Epson LS800 has a shorter throw ratio (0.16:1) and can be placed closer to the wall than the BenQ (0.25:1). For a 100-inch image, the Epson needs about 4 inches while the BenQ needs about 5.2 inches.
The BenQ V5000i offers superior movie-watching experience with better HDR support (including HDR10+), higher contrast, and more accurate colors. It's especially noticeable with 4K content in a dark room.
Both projectors use laser light sources rated for approximately 20,000 hours of use. This translates to about 10 years of normal use without needing lamp replacement.
While both have built-in speakers (Epson with Yamaha 2.1 system, BenQ with 40W Trevolo), for a proper home theater experience, we recommend external speakers or a soundbar for both projectors.
The Epson LS800 is slightly easier to set up due to its shorter throw ratio and simpler alignment process. However, both projectors include geometric correction features for fine-tuning the image.
Yes, both the BenQ V5000i and Epson LS800 can effectively replace a TV, offering large screen sizes and smart features. The Epson works better in bright rooms for TV viewing, while the BenQ excels in controlled lighting.
The Epson offers better value for general use and bright rooms, while the BenQ justifies its similar price with superior color accuracy and gaming features. Choose based on your primary use case - casual viewing (Epson) or dedicated home theater/gaming (BenQ).
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: projectorscreen.com - projectorscreen.com - avsforum.com - techradar.com - projectorreviews.com - projectorcentral.com - digitaltrends.com - digitaltrends.com - ooberpad.com - techradar.com - danamic.org - projectorscreen.com - projectorcentral.com - epson.com - dreamediaav.com - dell.com - rtings.com - avsforum.com - audiogeneral.com - news.epson.com - projectorcentral.com
