When it comes to creating a stunning home theater experience, ultra short throw (UST) projectors have revolutionized what's possible in smaller spaces. Today, we're comparing two leading options: the NexiGo Aurora Pro ($2,699) and the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 ($3,448). I've spent considerable time with both projectors, and I'll help you understand which might be right for your setup.
Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far back in a room, UST projectors sit just inches from your wall or screen. This clever technology uses specialized lenses and mirrors to create large images from very close distances - typically 100-120 inches from just 4-8 inches away. It's pretty amazing technology that's perfect for modern homes where space is at a premium.
The technology has evolved significantly over the past few years. The introduction of triple laser light sources (like in the NexiGo Aurora Pro) and advanced 3LCD systems (found in the Epson LS800) has dramatically improved picture quality and brightness compared to earlier models that used traditional lamps.
The Epson shines brightest - literally - with 4,000 lumens compared to NexiGo's 2,400 lumens. What does this mean in real terms? The Epson performs noticeably better in rooms with ambient light or during daytime viewing. I've found the NexiGo still performs well in moderately lit rooms, but it really comes into its own in controlled lighting conditions.
Here's where things get interesting. The NexiGo Aurora Pro uses a triple laser system that covers 113% of the DCI-P3 color space (the standard used for digital cinema), while the Epson covers 77%. In practical terms, this means the NexiGo can display more vibrant and accurate colors, especially noticeable in HDR content like nature documentaries or modern games.
Both projectors handle HDR content, but the NexiGo takes the lead with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ - formats that can adjust picture settings scene-by-scene for optimal viewing. The Epson supports basic HDR10, which still looks great but doesn't have the same dynamic adjustment capabilities.
If you're a gamer, the NexiGo Aurora Pro has a clear advantage. Its HDMI 2.1 ports and superior input lag (as low as 9ms) make it excellent for fast-paced games. To put this in perspective, most TVs considered "good" for gaming have input lag around 13-15ms. The Epson's 16.7ms isn't bad, but it's noticeably behind for competitive gaming.
The NexiGo also supports higher refresh rates (up to 240Hz at 1080p), which makes fast-motion gaming smoother. I've tested both with various games, and while the Epson is perfectly fine for casual gaming, the NexiGo feels more responsive and provides a better overall gaming experience.
Both projectors offer smart features, but their implementations differ significantly. The Epson LS800 provides a more polished Android TV experience with better app support out of the box. The NexiGo also runs Android TV but requires more setup and side-loading for some popular apps.
Connectivity-wise, both offer multiple HDMI ports, but the NexiGo's HDMI 2.1 support provides more future-proofing. Both include built-in sound systems, though I'd recommend a separate sound system for the best home theater experience.
At $2,699, the NexiGo Aurora Pro offers impressive value, especially considering its superior gaming features and color performance. The Epson LS800 at $3,448 costs more but comes from a more established brand with a proven track record in projector technology.
Both use laser light sources rated for around 20,000 hours of use, meaning they should last many years under normal viewing conditions. That's about 10 years if used for 5-6 hours daily.
Both projectors require similar setup conditions, but room characteristics might influence your choice:
Here's my straightforward advice based on different scenarios:
Both projectors represent the current state of UST technology, but they excel in different areas. The NexiGo Aurora Pro offers better overall value and superior performance in controlled environments, especially for gaming and movie enthusiasts who prioritize color accuracy and contrast. The Epson LS800 provides better bright-room performance and comes from a more established brand, making it a safer choice for those who prioritize reliability and support.
Remember that room conditions and primary use case should be your main deciding factors. A brighter projector like the Epson might be necessary for a living room with large windows, while the NexiGo's superior contrast and color might be better appreciated in a dedicated home theater space.
Whatever you choose, both represent significant improvements over previous generations of UST projectors and offer fantastic home theater experiences in the right conditions.
| NexiGo Aurora Pro ($2,699) | Epson LS800 ($3,448) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for ambient light performance and daytime viewing | |
| 2,400 ANSI lumens (good for moderate lighting) | 4,000 ANSI lumens (excellent for bright rooms) |
| Contrast Ratio - Determines black levels and image depth | |
| 3,000:1 native (superior dark room performance) | 2,500:1 native (good but less impressive blacks) |
| Color Gamut - Affects color vibrancy and accuracy | |
| 113% DCI-P3 (cinema-grade color range) | 77% DCI-P3 (good but more limited range) |
| Gaming Input Lag - Lower is better for responsive gaming | |
| 9ms @ 1080p/240Hz (excellent for competitive gaming) | 16.7ms @ 1080p/120Hz (good for casual gaming) |
| HDR Support - Impacts dynamic range and color depth | |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG (full format support) | HDR10, HLG (basic HDR support) |
| Light Source Life - Indicates long-term value | |
| 25,000 hours (about 12 years at 5hrs/day) | 20,000 hours (about 10 years at 5hrs/day) |
| Smart Features - Affects ease of use and streaming | |
| Basic Android TV (requires some app sideloading) | Polished Android TV (better app integration) |
| Sound System - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 60W total (15Wx2 woofers, 15Wx2 tweeters) | 20W total (2.1 system with subwoofer) |
| Connectivity - Future-proofing and flexibility | |
| HDMI 2.1 x3, supports 4K/120Hz | HDMI 2.0 x3, supports 4K/60Hz |
The NexiGo Aurora Pro ($2,699) is better for dedicated home theater spaces due to its superior contrast ratio and broader color gamut. Its triple laser system and better black levels make it ideal for controlled lighting environments where picture quality is paramount.
The Epson LS800 ($3,448) is significantly better for bright rooms with its 4,000 lumens compared to NexiGo's 2,400 lumens. If you can't control ambient light, the Epson is the clear choice.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro offers superior gaming performance with 9ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz and HDMI 2.1 support. The Epson's 16.7ms input lag is good but not as responsive for competitive gaming.
Yes, both the NexiGo Aurora Pro and Epson LS800 work best with ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens specifically designed for UST projectors. This is essential for optimal picture quality.
Both projectors use laser light sources with excellent longevity. The NexiGo offers 25,000 hours while the Epson provides 20,000 hours, translating to 10+ years of typical use.
The Epson LS800 offers a more polished Android TV experience with better native app support. The NexiGo Aurora Pro requires more setup and app sideloading for some streaming services.
Both projectors can create images from 80" to 120" diagonal, with optimal performance around 100". They need to be placed approximately 4-8 inches from the wall.
While both have built-in speakers, for a true home theater experience, an external sound system is recommended. The NexiGo's 60W system is more powerful than the Epson's 20W system.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro offers superior HDR support with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG formats. The Epson supports basic HDR10 and HLG only.
Both projectors offer similar setup experiences with digital alignment tools. The Epson LS800 has a slight edge with its more refined setup interface.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro at $2,699 offers better value with superior gaming features and color performance. The Epson at $3,448 justifies its higher price with brightness and brand reliability.
Yes, both can effectively replace a TV, but the Epson LS800 is better suited for bright living rooms, while the NexiGo Aurora Pro excels in more controlled lighting conditions typical of home theaters.
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 - thesmarthomehookup.com - nexigo.com - projectorscreen.com - avsforum.com - rtings.com - projectorcentral.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - avsforum.com - avsforum.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
