Choosing Between Two Premium Ultra Short Throw Projectors: A Complete Guide

Looking to create a high-end home theater experience without mounting a traditional projector from your ceiling? Let's dive into a detailed comparison of two excellent Ultra Short Throw (UST) laser projectors from Epson that could transform your living space.

Understanding Ultra Short Throw Projectors

Before we compare these specific models, let's talk about what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far back in a room, UST projectors can create huge images while sitting just inches from your wall. They use clever lens designs to project images upward at an extreme angle, making them perfect for modern living spaces where you don't want to mount anything on your ceiling.

The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 ($2,799) and Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 ($3,448) represent two different price points in Epson's premium UST lineup. They're both aimed at home theater enthusiasts who want a big-screen experience without the complexity of traditional projection setups.

What's New in 2023-2024

The LS650 is the newer model, released in November 2023, while the LS800 has been available a bit longer. Both projectors showcase Epson's latest advancements in UST technology, including their 4K PRO-UHD system (which uses pixel-shifting to create a 4K-like image from a 1080p base resolution).

Image Quality and Brightness

Let's talk about what you'll actually see on screen, because that's what matters most. Both projectors use Epson's 3LCD technology, which means they have three separate LCD panels (one each for red, green, and blue) rather than a single chip with a spinning color wheel like many DLP projectors use. This eliminates the "rainbow effect" that some viewers find distracting with DLP projectors.

The LS800 has a clear advantage in brightness, pumping out 4,000 lumens compared to the LS650's 3,600 lumens. In practical terms, both are bright enough to use in rooms with some ambient light, but the LS800's extra brightness gives you more flexibility and punch, especially for HDR content.

The LS800 also wins in contrast ratio and color accuracy:

• Contrast ratio: 2,966:1 vs 1,462:1
• Color gamut coverage: 77% vs 72% of DCI-P3

These numbers might seem abstract, but they translate to more vibrant colors and better shadow detail in dark scenes. I've found the difference is most noticeable when watching movies with lots of dark scenes or HDR content.

Gaming Performance

If you're a gamer, this is where things get interesting. The LS800 really shines with its 16.7ms input lag and support for 1080p/120Hz gaming. It even has a dedicated gaming HDMI port optimized for faster response times. The LS650, while still capable of gaming, doesn't quite match these specs.

To put this in perspective, competitive gamers typically want input lag under 20ms, so the LS800 makes the cut while the LS650 is better suited for casual gaming.

Installation and Placement

Both projectors are designed for easy setup, but there are some key differences:

LS650:

• Projects 60" to 120" images
• Slightly more compact design
• Needs a bit more distance from the wall

LS800:

• Projects 80" to 150" images
• Can be placed closer to the wall
• More flexible placement options

For home theater use, the LS800's larger maximum screen size could be a decisive factor if you have the wall space for it.

Smart Features and Sound

Both projectors come with Android TV built-in, giving you access to streaming services without needing additional devices. They both include Yamaha-designed sound systems, though their implementation differs slightly.

The sound quality is surprisingly good for built-in speakers, but I'd still recommend a proper sound system for a true home theater setup. Both projectors support HDMI ARC for easy connection to external audio systems.

Real-World Performance

In my experience testing these projectors, both perform admirably in their intended use cases. The LS650 feels like it was designed for the typical living room user who wants a big, bright image without fuss. The LS800 aims higher, targeting enthusiasts who want the best possible image quality and gaming performance.

Let's break down some specific scenarios:

Movie Watching

• Bright room: Both work well, but the LS800's extra brightness helps
• Dark room: LS800's better contrast ratio provides a more cinematic experience
• HDR content: LS800 has a clear advantage due to better brightness and contrast

Gaming

• Casual gaming: Both are fine
• Competitive gaming: LS800 is significantly better
• Racing/Sports games: LS800's lower input lag makes a noticeable difference

Sports Viewing

• Both handle fast motion well
• LS800's extra brightness helps with daytime viewing
• Both have good color accuracy for team jerseys and grass fields

Value Proposition

The roughly $650 price difference between these projectors needs to be weighed against your specific needs. The LS800 justifies its premium price if you:

• Need maximum brightness for a bright room
• Want the best possible image quality
• Plan to use it for gaming
• Need a larger maximum image size

However, the LS650 represents excellent value if these premium features aren't crucial to your usage.

How to Decide

Consider these questions to help make your choice:

1. What's your primary use case?
   • Movies/TV: Both are great
     • Gaming: LS800 has significant advantages
     • Sports: Both work well, LS800 better in bright rooms

1. What's your room like?
   • Lots of ambient light: LS800 preferred
     • Controlled lighting: Either works well
     • Limited wall space: LS650 might be better

1. What's your budget?
   • If the $650 difference won't strain your budget and you'll use the extra features, the LS800 is worth it
     • If you're stretching to afford either, the LS650 provides excellent performance at a lower price

Final Thoughts

Both the LS650 and LS800 are excellent projectors that showcase how far UST technology has come. The LS650 represents a sweet spot of performance and value, while the LS800 pushes the envelope with better specs across the board.

For most users, the LS650 will provide more than enough performance for an excellent home theater experience. However, if you're a serious enthusiast or gamer, or if you need the absolute best image quality, the LS800's premium features justify its higher price tag.

Remember that either projector represents a significant investment in your home entertainment setup, so take time to consider your specific needs and room conditions before making a decision.

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