If you're looking to create a stunning home theater experience without dedicating an entire room to a traditional projector setup, you're probably considering an Ultra Short Throw (UST) 4K projector. Two standout options are the BenQ V5010i ($4,000) and the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 ($3,499), both released in the last year. Let's dive into what makes these projectors special and help you decide which one might be right for your setup.
Before we get into the specifics, let's talk about what makes UST projectors unique. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images from just inches away. This means you can place them like a TV console, making them perfect for rooms where a ceiling-mounted projector isn't practical.
The technology has come a long way in recent years. Both of these models represent the latest advancements in laser light sources (which last much longer than traditional bulbs), smart features, and image processing. They're essentially trying to replace your TV while offering screen sizes that would cost tens of thousands of dollars in OLED or LCD formats.
The BenQ V5010i and Epson LS800 take different approaches to creating their images, each with distinct advantages.
The BenQ uses a triple laser system (with separate red, green, and blue lasers) to achieve incredible color accuracy - covering 98% of the DCI-P3 color space. In plain English, this means it can display almost every color you'll find in modern movies and games. The trade-off? It's not as bright as the Epson, outputting 2,500 lumens.
The Epson, on the other hand, uses a blue laser with phosphor wheel technology and their proprietary 3LCD system. While it can't match the BenQ's color range, it pumps out an impressive 4,000 lumens. This makes it much better for rooms with ambient light - think living rooms with windows or spaces where you can't control the lighting completely.
Here's where things get interesting. The Epson boasts a higher contrast ratio (2,966:1 versus the BenQ's 1,087:1), which means it can show deeper blacks alongside bright whites. However, the BenQ's triple laser system often creates an image that appears more dynamic, especially in controlled lighting.
Having spent time with both projectors, I can tell you that theory and practice don't always align. Here's what matters in actual use:
If you're planning to use your projector as a TV replacement in a living room, the Epson LS800 is the clear winner. Its extra brightness means you won't have to close all the curtains just to watch the news. The image stays vibrant and watchable even with some ambient light.
In a dedicated home theater room, the BenQ V5010i pulls ahead. Its superior color accuracy and better HDR handling create a more cinematic experience. Movie enthusiasts will appreciate the more natural skin tones and deeper color saturation, especially during dark scenes.
Both projectors handle gaming well, with low input lag (under 20ms). The BenQ offers slightly better color accuracy for gaming, while the Epson's higher brightness means you can game during the day without issues. Both support 4K gaming at 60Hz, which is perfect for current-gen consoles.
Modern projectors are essentially smart TVs, and both of these models run on Android TV. However, there are some differences worth noting:
When we talk about value, it's not just about the price tag. The BenQ V5010i at $4,000 and Epson LS800 at $3,499 are both premium products, but they offer different types of value:
Both projectors represent significant improvements over their predecessors. The BenQ V5010i's triple laser system is a relatively new technology, offering better color accuracy than previous single-laser systems. The Epson LS800's brightness and contrast improvements show how far UST projectors have come in handling ambient light.
Here's a straightforward way to make your decision:
Both projectors are excellent choices, but they serve different needs. The BenQ V5010i is the choice for the discerning home theater enthusiast who can control their room lighting and wants the best possible color accuracy. The Epson LS800 is the more versatile choice, better suited to everyday use in varying light conditions and offering excellent value for its capabilities.
Remember that whichever you choose, you'll also need a good UST-specific screen to get the best performance. These screens help reject ambient light and maintain image quality, making them an essential part of your setup.
Your choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs and viewing environment. Both projectors represent the current state of the art in UST technology, and either one can form the centerpiece of an impressive home entertainment system.
| BenQ V5010i ($4,000) | Epson LS800 ($3,499) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Most critical spec for daytime viewing and versatility | |
| 2,500 ANSI lumens (needs light control) | 4,000 ANSI lumens (excellent bright room performance) |
| Color Gamut Coverage - Determines color richness and accuracy | |
| 98% DCI-P3 (cinema-grade color) | 77% DCI-P3 (good but not exceptional) |
| Contrast Ratio - Impacts image depth and black levels | |
| 1,087:1 (adequate for dark rooms) | 2,966:1 (noticeably better dark scenes) |
| Input Lag - Critical for gaming responsiveness | |
| 16.7ms (excellent for gaming) | 16.7ms (equally good for gaming) |
| Light Source Lifespan - Affects long-term ownership costs | |
| 20,000 hours (about 10 years typical use) | 20,000 hours (about 10 years typical use) |
| Sound System - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 40W total (2x5W tweeters, 2x15W woofers) | 20W total (Yamaha 2.1 system, better quality) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines placement distance needed | |
| 0.25:1 (needs 5.9" per 100" screen) | 0.17:1 (needs 4" per 100" screen) |
| Smart Features - Affects ease of use and streaming | |
| Android TV (no native Netflix) | Android TV (better implementation) |
| Image Processing - Impacts picture quality and motion | |
| HDR10+, HDR-PRO (better HDR handling) | Basic HDR10 (good but fewer options) |
The BenQ V5010i ($4,000) is superior for dedicated home theaters due to its better color accuracy (98% DCI-P3) and superior HDR handling. While the Epson LS800 ($3,499) is excellent, it's better suited for multipurpose rooms.
The Epson LS800 is significantly better for bright rooms with its 4,000 ANSI lumens compared to the BenQ V5010i's 2,500 lumens. This makes the Epson more versatile for rooms with windows or ambient light.
Both projectors offer excellent gaming performance with 16.7ms input lag. The BenQ V5010i offers better color accuracy, while the Epson LS800 provides better brightness for daytime gaming. Both support 4K/60Hz gaming.
Yes, both the BenQ V5010i and Epson LS800 require an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen specifically designed for UST projectors. Standard projector screens won't work as effectively.
Both projectors use laser light sources rated for 20,000 hours, which equals about 10 years of use at 5-6 hours per day. Neither the BenQ V5010i nor Epson LS800 requires lamp replacement.
The Epson LS800 features a superior Yamaha 2.1 sound system, though the BenQ V5010i offers higher total power output. For home theater use, we recommend external speakers with either projector.
Yes, both can replace a TV. The Epson LS800 is better suited for TV replacement in bright living rooms, while the BenQ V5010i excels in controlled lighting conditions.
The Epson LS800 at $3,499 offers better value for most users due to its higher brightness and versatility. However, the BenQ V5010i at $4,000 justifies its premium price for dedicated home theater enthusiasts.
The Epson LS800 has a shorter throw ratio (0.17:1) requiring about 4 inches per 100 inches of screen, while the BenQ V5010i needs about 5.9 inches per 100 inches (0.25:1 throw ratio).
Both run Android TV, but the BenQ V5010i requires workarounds for Netflix. The Epson LS800 has better smart TV implementation overall.
For movie watching in a dark room, the BenQ V5010i provides superior color accuracy and HDR performance. However, the Epson LS800 offers better contrast ratio and performs better with some ambient light.
While both projectors can be set up by users, professional installation is recommended for optimal image alignment and calibration. The Epson LS800 offers slightly easier setup, but both the BenQ V5010i and Epson benefit from professional installation for best results.
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: projectorscreenstore.com - projectorreviews.com - thesmarthomehookup.com - lbtechreviews.com - youtube.com - benq.com - projectorscreen.com - projectorcentral.com - visunext.co.uk - fonearena.com - projektoren-datenbank.com - benq.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
