Choosing Between Today's Best Ultra Short Throw 4K Projectors

When you're looking to create a true theater experience at home without dedicating an entire room to a traditional projector setup, ultra short throw (UST) projectors are game-changers. Today, we'll compare two leading options: the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 ($2,799) and the Hisense PX3-PRO ($3,299).

Understanding Ultra Short Throw Projectors

Before diving into the comparison, let's understand what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images from just inches away from your wall. This means no more ceiling mounts or dealing with people walking through the projection beam.

Think of it like this: while a regular projector is like a flashlight shining straight ahead, a UST projector is more like shining that flashlight up at a steep angle. This clever engineering lets you place the projector right below your screen or projection surface.

The Current State of UST Technology

The Epson LS650 was released in late 2023, while the Hisense PX3-PRO arrived slightly earlier that year. Both represent the latest in UST technology, offering features that were pipe dreams just a few years ago:

• True 4K resolution (through different approaches)
• Smart TV platforms built-in
• Laser light sources that last 20,000+ hours
• High brightness levels suitable for daylight viewing

Image Quality Deep Dive

Brightness and Room Lighting

The Epson shines brightest (literally) with 3,600 lumens compared to the Hisense's 3,000 lumens. What does this mean in real terms? The Epson can maintain vibrant images even with some lights on or during daytime viewing. The Hisense isn't dim by any means, but it performs best in more controlled lighting.

Color and Contrast

Here's where things get interesting. The Hisense uses a triple-laser system (called TriChroma) that produces incredibly accurate colors, covering 110% of the BT.2020 color space (that's basically all the colors your eyes can see). The Epson uses a 3LCD system that's also excellent but doesn't quite match the Hisense's color range.

For contrast (the difference between the brightest whites and darkest blacks), the Hisense pulls ahead with a 3,600:1 native contrast ratio. The Epson advertises a higher dynamic contrast, but in real-world viewing, the Hisense typically produces deeper blacks.

Gaming Performance

If you're a gamer, the Hisense PX3-PRO has a clear advantage. It supports HDMI 2.1 features like:

• 4K gaming at 120Hz
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
• Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

The Epson LS650 handles gaming adequately but lacks these advanced features. For casual gaming it's fine, but serious gamers should lean toward the Hisense.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Both projectors offer smart TV platforms, but their implementations differ significantly:

Epson LS650

• Runs Android TV
• Some users report reliability issues
• Limited to two HDMI ports

Hisense PX3-PRO

• Uses Google TV (a more refined version of Android TV)
• More stable performance
• Three HDMI ports (two HDMI 2.1)
• Better app support including Netflix certification

Setting Up Your Home Theater

In my experience setting up UST projectors, proper placement is crucial. Both projectors need to be precisely positioned to avoid image distortion. Here's what you should know:

Screen Considerations

• Both projectors work best with ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens
• Screen sizes:
  • Epson: 60-120 inches
  • Hisense: 90-130 inches
• Plan for about 6-8 inches between the wall and the back of the projector

Audio Options

The Hisense PX3-PRO includes impressive 50-watt Harman Kardon speakers with Dolby Atmos support. The Epson LS650 has built-in speakers too, but they're not quite as powerful. However, for a true home theater experience, you'll want to pair either projector with a good sound system.

Value Proposition

When considering value, we need to look beyond just the price difference:

Epson LS650 ($2,799)

• Better for bright rooms
• Solid performance for movies and TV
• More affordable option

Hisense PX3-PRO ($3,299)

• Superior color accuracy
• Better gaming features
• More future-proof connectivity
• Better built-in audio

How to Decide

Choose the Epson if:

• Your room has lots of ambient light
• You're primarily watching TV and movies
• You want to save $500
• You don't need advanced gaming features

Choose the Hisense if:

• You have a dedicated home theater space
• You're serious about gaming
• Color accuracy is your top priority
• You want the most future-proof option

The Bottom Line

Both projectors represent excellent value compared to similarly-sized OLED TVs. The Epson LS650 is a fantastic choice for bright rooms and general use, while the Hisense PX3-PRO offers superior performance for dedicated home theater spaces and gaming.

Remember that proper room setup and screen selection are just as important as the projector choice. Consider your specific use case, room conditions, and budget when making your decision.

For most users, the Epson's brightness and lower price make it a compelling choice. However, if you're creating a dedicated home theater space or need gaming features, the additional investment in the Hisense PX3-PRO is worth considering.

Whichever you choose, both projectors represent the cutting edge of what's possible in home theater technology, offering an impressive big-screen experience that was previously only possible with much more expensive and complicated setups.

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

Hisense PX3-PRO 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector Deals and Prices