Ultra-short throw (UST) projectors have revolutionized home theater setups in recent years. Unlike traditional projectors that need significant distance to create a large image, these technological marvels can sit just inches from your wall while producing massive, high-quality pictures. Let's dive into two compelling options in this space: the Formovie C3 ($1,899) and the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 ($2,499).
Before we compare these specific models, it's helpful to understand what makes UST projectors special. They use advanced lens systems to project images at extremely steep angles, essentially "throwing" the picture up the wall from very close range. This design solves many traditional projector challenges, like people walking through the light beam or finding ceiling mounting locations.
The Formovie C3 and Epson LS650 take different approaches to achieving 4K resolution. The Formovie uses true 4K DLP technology (Digital Light Processing), which means it actually produces all 8.3 million pixels that make up a 4K image. The Epson, however, uses a pixel-shifting technique called 4K PRO-UHD, which rapidly moves 1080p pixels to create a 4K-like image. While this might sound like a clear win for the Formovie, it's not quite that simple.
In real-world viewing, both systems produce sharp, detailed images that most viewers would find difficult to distinguish between. Where they really differ is in brightness and contrast handling. The Epson boasts an impressive 3,600 lumens of brightness, while the Formovie offers about 2,250 lumens. This difference matters significantly in rooms with ambient light - think living rooms with windows or spaces where you don't want to watch in complete darkness.
Your viewing environment should heavily influence your choice between these projectors. The Formovie C3 performs best in controlled lighting conditions, making it ideal for dedicated home theater spaces. Its higher contrast ratio (3000:1) means it can produce deeper blacks and more dynamic images when ambient light is controlled.
The Epson LS650, released in late 2023, was designed with versatility in mind. Its higher brightness means it can maintain vibrant images even with some lights on or during daytime viewing. This makes it more suitable for multi-purpose rooms where complete darkness isn't always possible.
Here's where we see some interesting differences. The Formovie C3 comes with FengOS, a Chinese operating system that, frankly, isn't ideal for US users. You'll likely want to connect an external streaming device like an Apple TV or Roku. The Epson includes Android TV, which should be more familiar to US users, though some reviewers have noted reliability issues.
Both projectors offer HDMI 2.0 ports and various USB connections, but the Epson's eARC support gives it an edge for advanced audio setups. This allows you to send high-quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos to compatible sound systems.
The Epson stands out with its Yamaha-designed audio system, which provides surprisingly good sound for a projector. While the Formovie's 30W system is decent, it doesn't quite match the quality of the Epson's implementation. However, in a proper home theater setup, you'll likely be using external speakers anyway, making this difference less crucial.
At $1,899, the Formovie C3 represents excellent value for those seeking true 4K performance in a controlled environment. Its superior contrast ratio and motion handling (thanks to MEMC - Motion Estimation Motion Compensation) make it particularly good for movies and sports.
The Epson LS650 at $2,499 asks for a bigger investment but offers more versatility. Its higher brightness, better built-in audio, and more reliable US market support might justify the premium for many users.
Since these projectors' releases, we've seen improvements in laser light sources that provide better color accuracy and longer lifespans (20,000+ hours) compared to traditional lamp-based projectors. The inclusion of features like automatic geometric correction and focus has also made setup much easier than in previous generations.
Choose the Formovie C3 if:
Go with the Epson LS650 if:
Both projectors represent significant advances in UST technology, offering impressive performance that was unthinkable just a few years ago. The Formovie C3 edges ahead in pure image quality and value, while the Epson LS650 wins on versatility and ease of use.
For my home theater setup, I'd lean toward the Formovie C3 because I have a dedicated, dark space and prefer to use external streaming devices anyway. However, for my living room, the Epson's superior brightness handling would make it the better choice.
Remember, the best projector is the one that fits your specific needs and environment. Consider your room's lighting conditions, your viewing habits, and your budget when making your final decision.
Both the Formovie C3 and Epson LS650 are excellent choices in their respective sweet spots, and either one could be the perfect centerpiece for your home entertainment setup.
Formovie C3 ($1,899) |
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 ($2,499) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Most critical spec for daytime viewing and room versatility | |
| 2,250 ANSI lumens (best for dark rooms) | 3,600 ANSI lumens (excellent for bright rooms) |
| Resolution Technology - Impacts overall image sharpness and detail | |
| True 4K DLP (8.3 million pixels) | 4K PRO-UHD pixel-shifting (enhanced 1080p - difference hardly noticeable) |
| Contrast Ratio - Determines black level depth and image pop | |
| 3,000:1 (superior dark room performance) | 2,500,000:1 dynamic (marketing number, real contrast lower) |
| Built-in Smart Features - Affects need for external devices | |
| FengOS (requires external streaming device for US) | Android TV (built-in but occasionally unreliable) |
| Sound System - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 30W dual speakers (adequate but basic) | Yamaha-designed 2.1 system (noticeably better) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall needed | |
| 0.23:1 (80-200" from 6.3" away) | 0.27:1 (60-120" from 5.5" away) |
| Color Processing - Impacts color accuracy and vibrancy | |
| ALPD laser with HDR10+ (excellent color) | 3LCD (equal color/white brightness, no rainbow effect) |
| Lamp Life - Long-term ownership cost factor | |
| 25,000 hours | 20,000 hours (both excellent) |
| Gaming Features - Important for gamers | |
| MEMC for smooth motion, moderate input lag | Basic gaming support, higher input lag |
| Value Proposition - Overall price/performance ratio | |
| Better value for dedicated theater rooms | Premium price but more versatile for bright spaces |
The Formovie C3 ($1,899) is the better choice for dedicated home theaters due to its superior contrast ratio and true 4K resolution. Its lower brightness isn't a drawback in controlled lighting conditions.
The Epson LS650 ($2,499) is significantly better for bright rooms with its 3,600 lumens compared to the Formovie's 2,250 lumens. This makes it more versatile for daytime viewing.
The Formovie C3 requires an external streaming device for US users due to its Chinese OS. The Epson LS650 has built-in Android TV, though some users report reliability issues.
For pure image quality in optimal conditions, the Formovie C3 edges ahead with true 4K resolution and better contrast. However, the Epson's higher brightness can make images appear more vibrant in typical room lighting.
The Formovie C3 offers better gaming features with MEMC motion handling and lower input lag. The Epson LS650 is adequate for casual gaming but not optimized for it.
At $1,899, the Formovie C3 offers better value for dedicated home theater use. The Epson LS650 at $2,499 justifies its higher price through versatility and brightness.
Both projectors are designed for DIY setup, but the Epson LS650 has a slight edge with better automatic alignment features. The Formovie C3 might require more manual adjustment.
Both are ultra-short throw projectors, requiring only inches from the wall. The Formovie C3 can project 80-200" from 6.3" away, while the Epson needs similar spacing for 60-120" images.
The Epson LS650 features superior Yamaha-designed speakers. While the Formovie C3 has adequate 30W speakers, most home theater enthusiasts will want external speakers regardless.
Both projectors offer excellent longevity - 25,000 hours for the Formovie C3 and 20,000 hours for the Epson LS650. This equals about 10 years of typical use.
Yes, both can replace a TV, but the Epson LS650 is better suited for TV replacement due to its higher brightness. The Formovie C3 works best in controlled lighting.
Epson offers better US-based support and a more established warranty network. The Formovie C3 has more limited US support compared to the Epson LS650.
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: youtube.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorcentral.com - rtings.com - formovie.com - projectorsg.com - projector.com.bd - formovie.in - avsforum.com - projector.my - aytexcel.com - nothingprojector.com - techradar.com - youtube.com - projectorscreen.com - news.epson.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorreviews.com - avsforum.com - projectorcentral.com - news.epson.com - audiogeneral.com
