If you're looking to create a high-end home theater experience without dedicating an entire room to a traditional projector setup, you've probably encountered Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors. Today, we'll compare two leading models: the Formovie Theater Premium ($2,799) and the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 ($2,799).
Before diving into the specifics, 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. This technology has revolutionized home theater setups, especially for those who want a big-screen experience without ceiling mounting or complex installations.
What's particularly exciting about these two models is how they represent different approaches to the same goal. The Formovie Theater Premium uses cutting-edge triple laser technology, while the Epson employs a refined version of their proven 3LCD system.
The Epson LS650 hit the market in late 2023, while the Formovie Theater Premium arrived earlier that year. Both represent significant advances over previous generations, particularly in brightness and smart features.
The most notable improvements we've seen in this generation include:
The Formovie Theater Premium really shines here with its triple laser system. It covers 107% of the BT.2020 color space (that's the technical standard for really wide color ranges in modern video). In practical terms, this means colors look more vivid and natural, especially in movies and games.
The Epson takes a different approach with its 3LCD technology, which splits light into three colors using special panels. While it doesn't match the Formovie's color range, it offers excellent consistency and eliminates the "rainbow effect" that can bother some viewers with other technologies.
Here's where things get interesting. The Epson LS650 boasts 3,600 ANSI lumens compared to the Formovie's 2,200 ISO lumens. While these numbers aren't directly comparable due to different measurement standards, in real-world use, the Epson is noticeably brighter. This makes it better suited for rooms with ambient light or daytime viewing.
Having tested both projectors in various settings, here's what really matters:
In a dedicated home theater, the Formovie Theater Premium takes the lead. Its superior contrast and color accuracy create a more cinema-like experience. The inclusion of Dolby Vision support (a premium HDR format) makes a noticeable difference in movies and high-end streaming content.
Both projectors handle gaming well, but the Formovie's lower input lag (around 40ms) makes it the better choice for gamers. The Epson's higher brightness might appeal to casual gamers who play in brighter rooms.
The Formovie's implementation of Google TV feels more complete and user-friendly. Having tested numerous projectors, I've found this to be one of the better smart TV experiences in a projector.
Both projectors offer HDMI 2.0 ports, but the Epson's limited two ports might require an HDMI switch for users with multiple devices.
At identical MSRPs of $2,799, these projectors target different users:
The Formovie Theater Premium offers better value for:
The Epson LS650 makes more sense for:
Both projectors are relatively straightforward to set up, but there are some key differences:
Consider these key factors when choosing:
Both projectors excel in their intended use cases. The Formovie Theater Premium represents the pinnacle of home theater image quality in the UST category, while the Epson LS650 offers exceptional brightness and reliability for more casual viewing environments.
For my personal setup (a dedicated home theater room with controlled lighting), I'd choose the Formovie. However, for my living room with large windows, the Epson's brightness would make it the better choice.
Remember, the "best" projector is the one that matches your specific needs and viewing environment. Consider your room's lighting, primary use case, and whether you prioritize absolute image quality or brightness before making your final decision.
| Formovie Theater Premium | Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for ambient light performance and daytime viewing | |
| 2,200 ISO lumens (suitable for moderate lighting) | 3,600 ANSI lumens (excellent for bright rooms) |
| Resolution Technology - Impacts image sharpness and detail | |
| True 4K (8.3M pixels, superior detail) | 4K PRO-UHD (pixel-shifted, good but not true 4K) |
| HDR Support - Affects contrast and color range in modern content | |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ (comprehensive support) | HDR10, HLG (basic HDR support) |
| Color Technology - Determines color accuracy and vibrancy | |
| Triple Laser with 107% BT.2020 (exceptional color range) | 3LCD (good color, no rainbow effects) |
| Gaming Performance - Important for responsive gameplay | |
| 43ms at 4K/60Hz (decent for casual gaming) | 60ms+ (not ideal for gaming) |
| Smart Features - Affects ease of streaming content | |
| Google TV with Netflix certified (excellent integration) | Android TV (basic implementation, some apps missing) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall needed | |
| 0.21:1 (very close placement, 18% closer than previous gen) | 0.16-0.40:1 (more flexible placement) |
| Sound System - Built-in audio quality | |
| 15W x 2 Bowers & Wilkins (premium audio) | 2 x 25W Yamaha (good but less refined) |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $2,799 (premium features justify cost) | $2,799 (often discounted to $2,499) |
The Formovie Theater Premium is superior for dedicated home theaters due to its true 4K resolution, Dolby Vision support, and superior color accuracy. When lighting can be controlled, its image quality advantages become very apparent.
The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 with its 3,600 ANSI lumens performs significantly better in bright rooms compared to the Formovie's 2,200 ISO lumens.
While both advertise 4K, the Formovie Theater Premium offers true 4K resolution, while the Epson LS650 uses pixel-shifting technology to achieve 4K PRO-UHD, which isn't quite as sharp.
The Formovie Theater Premium is better for gaming with its lower input lag of 43ms at 4K/60Hz, compared to the Epson's higher latency.
Both projectors list at $2,799, but the Epson LS650 is frequently discounted to $2,499, making it the more budget-friendly option.
The Formovie Theater Premium offers superior smart features with its fully certified Google TV implementation, including Netflix support, while the Epson's Android TV system is more basic.
Both projectors work best with ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens, but it's especially important for the Formovie Theater Premium in rooms with ambient light.
The Formovie Theater Premium features premium Bowers & Wilkins speakers, providing better audio quality than the Epson's Yamaha system, though both benefit from external speakers in a home theater setup.
The Formovie Theater Premium has a 0.21:1 throw ratio while the Epson LS650 offers 0.16-0.40:1, both allowing for very close wall placement.
The Formovie Theater Premium offers superior HDR support with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+, while the Epson only supports basic HDR10 and HLG.
Both projectors use laser light sources rated for approximately 20,000 hours, though the Formovie Theater Premium claims up to 30,000 hours in certain modes.
The Epson LS650 is generally easier to set up with more forgiving placement, while the Formovie Theater Premium requires more precise positioning but offers better geometric correction options.
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 - projectorscreen.com - avsforum.com - rtings.com - nothingprojector.com - formovie.com - bmcav.com.au - projectorcentral.com - digitalcinema.com.au - projectorreviews.com - techpowerup.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
