Home theater enthusiasts are increasingly turning to ultra short throw (UST) projectors as an alternative to massive TVs. These specialized projectors sit just inches from your wall, eliminating the traditional ceiling-mount setup and creating a cleaner look. Let's compare two leading options: the premium Samsung Premiere 9 ($5,999) and the value-focused Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 ($3,448).
Both projectors use laser light sources, but their approaches differ significantly. The Samsung employs a triple laser system (using separate red, green, and blue lasers) paired with DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology - think millions of microscopic mirrors flipping thousands of times per second to create images. The Epson uses a more traditional 3LCD system with a single blue laser paired with a yellow phosphor wheel, splitting light through three LCD panels for continuous color display.
This fundamental difference affects everything from color reproduction to motion handling. The Samsung Premiere 9's triple laser system can produce more vibrant colors and deeper blacks, while the Epson LS800's 3LCD system eliminates the "rainbow effect" (color artifacts) that some viewers notice with DLP projectors.
Raw brightness numbers tell only part of the story. The Epson boasts 4,000 lumens versus Samsung's 3,450, but the Samsung's triple laser system uses that light more efficiently for color reproduction. In real-world use:
The Samsung Premiere 9 sets itself apart with color reproduction. Its triple laser system can produce more saturated colors without sacrificing accuracy. The Epson delivers good color too, but can't match the Samsung's vibrancy, especially with HDR content.
Both projectors offer impressive contrast ratios:
However, the Samsung's superior black levels make its contrast more impactful in dark room viewing.
Released in late 2023, the Samsung brings modern smart TV features through its Tizen OS platform:
The Epson, while slightly older, offers Android TV integration with:
Both projectors handle gaming well, but with different strengths:
Samsung Premiere 9:
Epson LS800:
The Samsung Premiere 9 significantly outperforms here with:
The Epson LS800 offers basic 2.1 audio that's serviceable but not spectacular. Most users will want to add external speakers or a soundbar.
UST projectors require careful placement for optimal image quality. Both models include geometric correction features, but Samsung's system is more refined:
The Epson offers basic keystone correction and focus adjustments but requires more manual setup.
The $2,500 price difference requires careful consideration:
Samsung Premiere 9 advantages worth the premium:
Epson LS800 value benefits:
For dedicated home theater use:
Samsung excels with:
Epson advantages:
Choose the Samsung Premiere 9 if:
Choose the Epson LS800 if:
Both projectors represent excellent options in the UST category, with the Samsung offering premium performance at a premium price, while the Epson delivers strong value for more budget-conscious buyers. Your specific viewing environment and priorities should guide the final decision.
The UST projector market continues evolving rapidly. The Samsung's triple laser system represents the current peak of consumer projection technology, while Epson's refined 3LCD approach offers proven reliability. Future improvements will likely focus on brightness efficiency, smart features, and gaming performance, but both current models deliver impressive capabilities that will satisfy most users for years to come.
| Samsung Premiere 9 ($5,999) | Epson LS800 ($3,448) |
|---|---|
| Projection Technology - Impacts color accuracy and image quality | |
| Triple laser with DLP (better colors, possible rainbow effect) | 3LCD with laser phosphor (no rainbow effect, less vivid colors) |
| Brightness - Critical for ambient light performance | |
| 3,450 lumens (excellent for most rooms) | 4,000 lumens (superior bright room performance) |
| Color Gamut - Determines color richness and HDR impact | |
| 154% DCI-P3 (exceptional color range) | ~91% DCI-P3 (good but more limited) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines installation flexibility | |
| 0.189:1 (4.5" from wall for 100" image) | 0.29:1 (requires more distance) |
| Contrast Ratio - Affects image depth and black levels | |
| 2,000,000:1 with better black levels | 2,500,000:1 with higher brightness |
| Built-in Audio - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 40W 2.2.2 channel Dolby Atmos | 20W 2.1 channel basic system |
| Gaming Features - Key for gaming performance | |
| Gaming Hub, VRR, ~20ms input lag | 16.7ms input lag, 1080p/120Hz support |
| Smart Features - Affects content access and control | |
| Tizen OS, multiple voice assistants, AirPlay 2 | Android TV, Google Assistant, Chromecast |
| HDR Support - Important for modern content | |
| HDR10+, HDR10, HLG (superior processing) | HDR10, HLG (standard processing) |
| Light Source Life - Long-term durability | |
| 20,000 hours (triple laser) | 20,000 hours (single laser with phosphor) |
The Epson LS800 ($3,448) performs better in bright rooms with its 4,000 lumens compared to the Samsung Premiere 9's ($5,999) 3,450 lumens. If you have lots of ambient light, the Epson is the better choice.
The Samsung Premiere 9 costs $5,999 while the Epson LS800 is $3,448, making the Samsung about $2,550 more expensive. The price premium gets you better color accuracy and superior audio.
The Samsung Premiere 9 offers superior picture quality with its triple laser system and 154% DCI-P3 color coverage, compared to the Epson LS800's more basic laser phosphor system. However, the Epson still provides excellent image quality for most users.
The Samsung Premiere 9 includes a capable 40W 2.2.2 Dolby Atmos system that many users find sufficient. The Epson LS800 has basic 2.1 audio that most users will want to supplement with external speakers.
Both perform well for gaming. The Epson LS800 offers slightly lower input lag at 16.7ms, while the Samsung Premiere 9 includes Gaming Hub and variable refresh rate support. Both handle 4K/60Hz gaming effectively.
The Samsung Premiere 9 can project a 100-inch image from 4.5 inches away, while the Epson LS800 needs slightly more distance. Both are true ultra-short throw projectors suitable for tight spaces.
Yes, both include smart platforms. The Samsung Premiere 9 uses Tizen OS with multiple streaming apps and voice assistants, while the Epson LS800 uses Android TV with Google Assistant and Chromecast.
Both the Samsung Premiere 9 and Epson LS800 are rated for 20,000 hours of laser life, which equals about 10 years of typical use.
Yes, both projectors can effectively replace a TV. The Epson LS800 is better for bright rooms, while the Samsung Premiere 9 offers superior dark-room performance. Both provide large screen sizes up to 120-130 inches.
While both projectors can project onto a white wall, an ALR (ambient light rejecting) screen is recommended for best performance, especially with the Samsung Premiere 9 to maximize its superior color capabilities.
The Samsung Premiere 9 offers superior HDR performance with HDR10+ support and better color coverage, while the Epson LS800 provides standard HDR10 support with good but less impressive results.
If you prioritize image quality and built-in audio, the Samsung Premiere 9 justifies its premium price. For most users, the Epson LS800 offers better value with excellent performance at a lower price point.
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: avsforum.com - valueelectronics.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - youtube.com - news.samsung.com - samsung.com - soundandvision.com - samsung.com - sound-advice.online - trustedreviews.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
