When you're looking to create a high-end home theater experience, LG CineBeam HU915QB and Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 represent two of the most compelling ultra-short throw (UST) projector options available today. Released in 2022, both projectors showcase just how far home theater technology has advanced, but they take notably different approaches to delivering your next Netflix binge or gaming session.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about 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 means you can place them in a TV-like cabinet, making them perfect for rooms where a ceiling mount isn't practical or desired.
The technology has come a long way since the first UST projectors appeared around 2015. Today's models offer brightness levels that work well even with some ambient light, and image quality that rivals high-end TVs. Plus, modern laser light sources mean no more lamp replacements - these projectors should last 20,000 hours or more.
The $6,499 LG HU915QB and $3,499 Epson LS800 represent different value propositions. That $3,000 difference is significant, so let's explore what you get for the extra investment.
The LG CineBeam takes the lead in pure image quality, thanks to its three-channel laser system. This means it has separate lasers for red, green, and blue light, resulting in richer colors that cover 100% of the DCI-P3 color space (the standard used for digital cinema). For movie buffs, this means colors appear exactly as directors intended.
The Epson uses a single blue laser with a phosphor wheel to create other colors. While this approach is more cost-effective, it still produces impressive results - just not quite at the LG's level. However, many viewers might not notice the difference unless doing a side-by-side comparison.
Here's where things get interesting. The Epson LS800 delivers a massive 4,000 lumens of brightness, compared to the LG's 3,000 lumens. In practical terms, this means the Epson performs better in rooms with ambient light - think afternoon sports viewing or gaming sessions where you don't want to sit in complete darkness.
Both projectors offer 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), but achieve it differently. The LG HU915QB uses a DLP chip with pixel shifting, while the Epson LS800 employs 3LCD technology with its own pixel-shifting technique. Both look sharp, but the LG's approach can sometimes create a "rainbow effect" that sensitive viewers might notice. The Epson's 3LCD system eliminates this issue entirely.
If you're a gamer, the Epson has a slight edge with its 16.7ms input lag in gaming mode. The LG isn't far behind, but competitive gamers will appreciate every millisecond. Both support 4K/60Hz gaming, though neither offers HDMI 2.1 features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).
Both projectors include smart TV platforms - webOS on the LG and Android TV on the Epson. In my experience, both work well, though Android TV offers more app flexibility. However, many users will likely connect an external streaming device anyway.
The Epson includes an impressive Yamaha-designed sound system with actual bass response - something rare in projectors. While the LG's 40W speaker system is powerful, it doesn't quite match the Epson's audio quality. However, in a proper home theater setup, you'll want to use an external sound system regardless.
Both projectors are relatively easy to set up, though they do require careful placement to align with your screen. The Epson has a slightly shorter throw ratio (0.17:1 vs. 0.19:1), meaning it can sit a bit closer to the wall for the same size image.
In a dedicated home theater room, the LG HU915QB really shines. Its superior contrast and color accuracy become more apparent in controlled lighting. However, if your theater doubles as a living room or you enjoy watching with some lights on, the Epson LS800 might be the better choice thanks to its higher brightness.
Choose the LG CineBeam HU915QB if:
Choose the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 if:
Both projectors represent the current state of the art in UST technology, but the category continues to evolve. We're likely to see improvements in brightness, contrast, and gaming features in future models. However, both of these 2022 releases remain excellent choices that should serve well for many years.
Remember, while the LG offers the ultimate in image quality, the Epson's significantly lower price point and higher brightness make it a compelling choice for many users. Consider your specific viewing environment and needs when making your decision.
| LG CineBeam HU915QB | Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 |
|---|---|
| Price - Determines overall value proposition | |
| $6,499 (premium pricing) | $3,499 (better value for most users) |
| Brightness - Critical for rooms with ambient light | |
| 3,000 ANSI lumens (good for most conditions) | 4,000 ANSI lumens (excellent for bright rooms) |
| Contrast Ratio - Impacts image depth and black levels | |
| 2,000,000:1 (superior dark room performance) | 2,500,000:1 (very good but less noticeable in practice) |
| Color Technology - Affects color accuracy and vibrancy | |
| 3-channel laser (100% DCI-P3, exceptional accuracy) | Single blue laser with 3LCD (good but lesser coverage) |
| Gaming Response - Important for competitive gaming | |
| 22ms input lag (acceptable) | 16.7ms input lag (better for gaming) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines installation flexibility | |
| 0.19:1 (needs 4.7" distance per 100" screen) | 0.17:1 (needs 4.3" distance per 100" screen) |
| Built-in Audio - Relevant if not using external speakers | |
| 40W stereo (good) | 2.1 Yamaha system (superior with actual bass) |
| HDR Support - Impacts dynamic range in content | |
| HDR10, HLG, HGiG (comprehensive) | HDR10, HLG (standard support) |
| Potential Issues - Known limitations | |
| Possible rainbow effect (DLP technology) | Lower color accuracy than LG (3LCD limitation) |
| Light Source Lifespan - Long-term durability | |
| 20,000 hours (about 10 years typical use) | 20,000 hours (about 10 years typical use) |
The LG CineBeam HU915QB is superior for dedicated home theaters due to its better color accuracy and contrast ratio. However, if your theater has ambient light, the Epson LS800 might be preferable due to its higher brightness.
The LG CineBeam HU915QB costs $6,499, while the Epson LS800 is priced at $3,499, making it $3,000 less expensive.
The Epson LS800 with 4,000 lumens performs better in bright rooms compared to the LG HU915QB's 3,000 lumens.
Both projectors work best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen designed for ultra-short throw projectors, but this is especially important for daytime viewing.
The Epson LS800 has lower input lag (16.7ms) compared to the LG HU915QB (22ms), making it slightly better for gaming.
Both are ultra-short throw projectors requiring minimal distance. The Epson LS800 needs about 4.3 inches per 100 inches of screen, while the LG HU915QB needs about 4.7 inches.
The Epson LS800 features a superior Yamaha 2.1 sound system, while the LG HU915QB has good but basic 40W stereo speakers. However, for home theater use, external speakers are recommended.
Both projectors are rated for 20,000 hours of use, equivalent to about 10 years of typical viewing.
Yes, both the LG HU915QB and Epson LS800 can effectively replace a TV, offering larger screen sizes and smart TV features. The Epson is particularly good for bright room viewing.
No, both are designed to sit on a credenza or low cabinet near the wall, making installation much simpler than traditional projectors.
The LG HU915QB offers superior HDR performance with HDR10, HLG, and HGiG support, while the Epson LS800 provides standard HDR10 and HLG support.
The price premium for the LG HU915QB is worth it for dedicated home theater enthusiasts who prioritize image quality. For most users, the Epson LS800 offers better value with its brightness and feature set.
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: projectorreviews.com - bestbuy.com - techradar.com - hometheaterforum.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorcentral.com - vividstorm.eu - lg.com - billsmith.com - queencityonline.com - projectorscreen.com - 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
