When it comes to high-end home theater projectors, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 ($3,499) and VAVA Chroma ($3,499) represent two different approaches to achieving cinema-quality images in your living room. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, ultra short throw (UST) projectors can create massive images from just inches away. This is a game-changer for home theater setups, as you won't have to worry about people walking through the beam or mounting a projector on your ceiling.
Both of these projectors were released in late 2022, and they showcase how far the technology has come. Just a few years ago, UST projectors were dim, expensive, and often had poor contrast. Today's models deliver bright, vivid images that can rival high-end TVs, but with screen sizes that would cost tens of thousands of dollars in OLED or LCD formats.
The Epson LS800 uses 3LCD technology, which splits light through three separate LCD panels (red, green, and blue) before recombining them. This eliminates the "rainbow effect" that some people see with single-chip projectors and typically provides better motion handling. With 4,000 lumens of brightness, it's one of the brightest UST projectors available.
The VAVA Chroma takes a different approach, using three separate laser light sources. This triple laser system can produce more vibrant colors and deeper blacks, covering an impressive 106% of the Rec.2020 color space (which is the gold standard for digital cinema). However, it's notably dimmer at 2,500 lumens.
In practical terms, here's what these differences mean:
Both projectors offer built-in smart platforms, but there are important differences:
Both offer multiple HDMI ports, but the Epson includes one HDMI 2.1 port specifically optimized for gaming. This might matter if you're planning to connect a PS5 or Xbox Series X.
Don't overlook the audio capabilities when choosing between these projectors. While many home theater enthusiasts will use separate speakers, both projectors include surprisingly capable built-in audio systems:
The VAVA's more powerful speakers fill larger rooms more effectively, but the Epson's audio quality is remarkably clear and well-balanced for its size.
Both projectors are relatively easy to set up, but there are some key differences:
Pro tip: Invest in a good UST-specific screen. While both projectors can project onto a white wall, you'll see dramatically better contrast and color accuracy with a proper ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen.
At $3,499, both projectors represent significant investments. Here's how they justify their price tags:
Choose the Epson LS800 if:
Choose the VAVA Chroma if:
Both projectors represent excellent values in the UST market, but they serve different needs. The Epson LS800's versatility and brightness make it the better choice for most users, especially in multipurpose rooms. However, the VAVA Chroma's superior color accuracy and contrast make it the better choice for dedicated home theater enthusiasts who can control their room lighting.
Remember that whichever projector you choose, proper room setup and screen selection will make a bigger difference to your viewing experience than the differences between these two excellent projectors. Both represent significant improvements over previous generations of UST projectors, particularly in terms of brightness, color accuracy, and smart features.
| Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 | VAVA Chroma |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Most critical spec for daytime viewing | |
| 4,000 ANSI lumens (excellent for bright rooms) | 2,500 ANSI lumens (requires more light control) |
| Projection Technology - Affects color accuracy and reliability | |
| 3LCD (no rainbow effect, better motion) | Triple Laser (better colors, deeper blacks) |
| Color Gamut - Determines how vivid and accurate colors appear | |
| 100% Rec.709 (good for standard content) | 106% Rec.2020 (exceptional for HDR content) |
| Input Lag - Critical for gaming performance | |
| 16.7ms (excellent for gaming) | 40ms (adequate for casual gaming only) |
| Built-in Audio - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 20W Yamaha system (clear but modest power) | 60W Harman Kardon (room-filling sound) |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of use and streaming | |
| Android TV (polished, reliable experience) | Custom Android OS (less refined but functional) |
| Price - Value proposition | |
| $3,499 (better for bright rooms/mixed use) | $3,499 (better for dedicated theater rooms) |
| Throw Distance - Affects placement flexibility | |
| 0.3:1 (15.7" for 100" screen) | 0.233:1 (7.2" for 100" screen) |
| Special Features - Additional capabilities | |
| HDR10, superior gaming mode | 3D capable, motorized focus |
| Lamp Life - Long-term ownership cost | |
| 20,000 hours (about 10 years typical use) | 25,000 hours (about 12 years typical use) |
The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is significantly brighter at 4,000 lumens compared to the VAVA Chroma's 2,500 lumens, making it much better for rooms with ambient light or daytime viewing.
The VAVA Chroma offers superior contrast and color accuracy in dark rooms, thanks to its triple laser technology. However, the Epson LS800 still performs well and offers better brightness for mixed lighting conditions.
The Epson LS800 is the better gaming choice with its 16.7ms input lag and dedicated gaming HDMI port. The VAVA Chroma has higher input lag, making it less ideal for competitive gaming.
Yes, both the Epson LS800 and VAVA Chroma work best with ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens specifically designed for ultra short throw projectors. Regular projection screens won't perform as well.
The VAVA Chroma features more powerful 60W Harman Kardon speakers compared to the Epson LS800's 20W Yamaha system, though both are good enough for casual viewing.
Both projectors can be placed very close to the wall, with the VAVA Chroma needing just 7.2 inches for a 100-inch image, while the Epson LS800 requires about 15.7 inches.
In a dedicated home theater setting, the VAVA Chroma has an edge with better contrast and colors. However, the Epson LS800 is more versatile for mixed-use environments.
Yes, both the Epson LS800 and VAVA Chroma support 4K resolution, though they use different technologies to achieve it.
The Epson LS800 has a more refined Android TV experience, while the VAVA Chroma uses a custom Android system that's less polished but still functional.
Both projectors offer excellent longevity, with the VAVA Chroma rated for 25,000 hours and the Epson LS800 rated for 20,000 hours of use.
Yes, both the Epson LS800 and VAVA Chroma can effectively replace a TV, though the Epson performs better in bright rooms while the VAVA excels in controlled lighting.
At $3,499, both projectors offer good value for different users. The Epson LS800 is better for versatile use in varying light conditions, while the VAVA Chroma is ideal for dedicated home theater enthusiasts who prioritize image quality in dark rooms.
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: 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 - androidcentral.com - avsforum.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorreviews.com - vava.com - projectorscreenstore.com - youtube.com - projector.com.my - ust-projector.com
