Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 Review – A Premium Ultra Short Throw Projector

Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 Review

When it comes to home entertainment, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 stands as a formidable contender in the realm of ultra-short-throw (UST) projectors. Designed to deliver a cinematic experience without the need for a traditional large-screen television, this projector promises stunning 4K resolution, vibrant colors, and an immersive viewing experience. But with a market full of options, how does the LS800 truly measure up? 

In this detailed review, we will delve into every aspect of the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800, from its design and ease of setup to its picture quality, sound performance, and overall value. Whether you’re a movie buff seeking the ultimate home theater experience or a gamer looking for responsive and high-quality visuals, our comprehensive analysis will equip you with the insights needed to make an informed decision. By the end of this review, you’ll know whether the LS800 is the right fit for your home entertainment setup or if your search should continue elsewhere. Stay tuned as we explore what makes this projector a noteworthy option—or not—in today’s competitive market.

Build and Design of Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800

When it comes to the build quality and design of the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800, it’s clear that Epson has put a lot of thought into making this projector not just a performer but also a stylish addition to any room. The LS800 sports a sleek and modern design that effortlessly blends into your living space, whether it’s a dedicated home theater or a multi-purpose room.

One of the first things you’ll notice is its low-profile, ultra-short throw design. This allows it to sit just inches away from the wall while still projecting a massive image, which is a game-changer if you’re tight on space or just want to avoid the clutter of ceiling mounts or long cables. The chassis is solid and well-built, with a sturdy feel that gives you confidence in its durability. The materials used feel premium, and the overall finish is smooth and refined, adding a touch of sophistication to your setup.

Epson has also made sure that the LS800 is as functional as it is attractive. The clean, minimalist front is home to a built-in soundbar that not only looks good but also provides surprisingly good audio quality for those times when you don’t want to turn on your full sound system. Plus, the discreet vents ensure that the projector stays cool without being an eyesore.

In short, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is designed with both aesthetics and practicality in mind, making it a great choice for anyone who values both form and function in their home theater gear.

Features of Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800

4K PRO-UHD Resolution

The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 brings your content to life with its 4K PRO-UHD resolution. This means you get to enjoy incredibly sharp and detailed images that make everything from blockbuster movies to sports games look stunningly real. Whether you’re watching in a dark room or during the day, the clarity and richness of the visuals will immerse you in the action, making every viewing experience feel like you’re at the cinema.

Ultra-Short Throw Design

Thanks to its ultra-short throw design, the LS800 can project a massive image up to 150 inches while sitting just inches away from the wall. This feature is perfect for those who want a big-screen experience without the hassle of mounting the projector across the room or dealing with messy cables. It’s an excellent space-saver and makes setup a breeze, allowing you to place the projector almost anywhere in your room.

Bright and Vivid Picture

With an impressive 4,000 lumens of brightness, the LS800 ensures that your picture remains bright and vibrant even in well-lit environments. This is a huge benefit for users who don’t want to draw the curtains every time they watch TV or play a game. You can enjoy a bright, crisp image whether it’s day or night, making this projector versatile for any time of the day.

Built-in Android TV

The LS800 comes with built-in Android TV, giving you access to thousands of apps, streaming services, and games right out of the box. This feature means you can easily stream your favorite shows and movies from Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more, without needing an extra streaming device. Plus, with Google Assistant integrated, you can control everything with just your voice, making your entertainment setup even more user-friendly.

High-Quality Soundbar

The projector features a built-in soundbar by Yamaha, delivering rich, immersive audio that complements the stunning visuals. This soundbar means you don’t necessarily need to invest in a separate audio system to get great sound quality. Whether you’re watching a movie, playing video games, or listening to music, the LS800’s soundbar provides clear and powerful audio that fills the room.

Gaming-Friendly Performance

For gamers, the LS800 is a treat with its low input lag and smooth performance. This feature is crucial for fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. With the LS800, you’ll experience responsive gameplay, making it easier to stay ahead of the competition. It’s a fantastic option for both casual and serious gamers looking for a big-screen gaming experience.

Easy Installation and Setup

Setting up the LS800 is straightforward, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. The projector includes features like keystone correction and focus adjustments that make it easy to get the perfect picture, even if the projector isn’t perfectly aligned with the screen. This ease of installation means you can have everything up and running quickly, so you can start enjoying your favorite content without any hassle.

Future-Proof Connectivity

The LS800 is equipped with multiple HDMI ports, including one that supports eARC, allowing for high-quality audio and easy integration with your home theater system. This future-proof connectivity ensures that you can hook up all your devices, from gaming consoles to Blu-ray players, without running into compatibility issues. It’s designed to keep up with all your entertainment needs, now and in the future.

Elegant Design

Last but not least, the sleek and modern design of the LS800 makes it a stylish addition to any room. Its low-profile and clean lines ensure that it doesn’t dominate the space, blending in seamlessly with your décor. It’s not just a powerful projector; it’s also a statement piece that enhances the look of your home theater setup.

With these impressive features, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 offers a complete package that delivers a premium viewing experience, all while being easy to use and stylishly designed. Whether you’re into movies, gaming, or simply want a versatile entertainment system, the LS800 is built to meet all your needs.

Comprehensive Connectivity for All Your Devices

The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is designed with modern entertainment in mind, offering a wide range of connectivity options that make it easy to hook up all your favorite devices. Whether you’re a movie buff, a gamer, or someone who loves streaming the latest shows, the LS800 has you covered.

Multiple HDMI Ports

The LS800 comes equipped with three HDMI ports, including one that supports eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). This is fantastic news for anyone who wants to connect their projector to a soundbar or AV receiver. With eARC, you can enjoy high-quality, lossless audio formats like Dolby Atmos, providing an immersive sound experience that complements the stunning visuals. Plus, with multiple HDMI ports, you can easily connect a variety of devices at once, from your gaming console to your Blu-ray player, without constantly swapping cables.

USB and Bluetooth Connectivity

Need to play media directly from a USB drive? The LS800 has a USB port that allows you to do just that. This is a handy feature for quickly sharing family photos or playing videos without needing to connect another device. Additionally, the LS800 supports Bluetooth, which means you can wirelessly connect it to external speakers or headphones. This flexibility lets you enjoy your content with the audio setup that works best for you, whether you’re watching a movie late at night or hosting a lively game night with friends.

Built-in Wi-Fi

With built-in Wi-Fi, the LS800 makes it a breeze to connect to your home network. This allows you to stream content directly from popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ through the Android TV platform without needing any extra cables or devices. Plus, you can easily mirror content from your smartphone or tablet, making it simple to share videos, photos, or even apps with everyone in the room.

Ethernet Port

For those who prefer a wired connection, the LS800 includes an Ethernet port. This is especially useful if you want to ensure a stable and fast internet connection for streaming high-definition content without any buffering. It’s a great option if your Wi-Fi signal isn’t strong enough in the room where the projector is set up.

Audio Out Options

In addition to its built-in soundbar, the LS800 offers several audio output options, including a 3.5mm headphone jack and an optical audio out. This means you can connect the projector to a variety of audio devices, from traditional wired headphones to advanced home theater systems, depending on your preference. The optical audio out is particularly useful for connecting to high-end sound systems, ensuring you get the best possible audio quality.

User-Friendly Integration

One of the best things about the LS800’s connectivity options is how user-friendly they are. Whether you’re tech-savvy or a beginner, the intuitive interface and clear labeling make it easy to connect all your devices quickly and without any confusion. Plus, the variety of ports and wireless options ensure that the LS800 can adapt to your unique setup, whether you’re using it for movies, gaming, or streaming.

In short, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800’s robust and versatile connectivity options make it a breeze to integrate into any home entertainment system. With all these options at your fingertips, you can enjoy a seamless and personalized viewing experience, no matter what you’re watching or how you’re watching it.

Picture Quality of Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800

When it comes to picture quality, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them. This projector is designed to deliver a truly immersive viewing experience, making it feel like you’ve brought the movie theater right into your living room.

Vibrant 4K PRO-UHD Resolution

One of the standout features of the LS800 is its 4K PRO-UHD resolution. This advanced technology ensures that the images are incredibly sharp, detailed, and lifelike. Whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster, catching up on your favorite TV series, or playing video games, the 4K resolution brings out every fine detail, making everything look more vibrant and realistic. The LS800 uses Epson’s 3LCD technology, which means you’ll enjoy stunning color accuracy without the annoying “rainbow effect” that some other projectors suffer from. This is particularly great for fans of nature documentaries or animated films, where color depth and accuracy are crucial.

Exceptional Brightness

The LS800 boasts an impressive 4,000 lumens of brightness, which is a real game-changer, especially if you plan to use the projector in a room that isn’t completely dark. This high brightness level ensures that your picture remains clear, crisp, and vibrant, even in well-lit environments. Whether you’re watching during the day or at night, you won’t have to worry about the image looking washed out or dim. This makes the LS800 incredibly versatile and perfect for any time of day.

Dynamic Contrast Ratio

The dynamic contrast ratio of the LS800 is another aspect that enhances its picture quality. With deep blacks and bright whites, this projector delivers a wide range of contrast, adding depth and dimension to your images. Whether it’s the dark shadows in a suspenseful thriller or the bright highlights in an outdoor scene, the LS800 captures every nuance, creating a more engaging and immersive viewing experience.

Smooth Motion Handling

The LS800’s performance doesn’t stop at just image quality—it also excels in motion handling. Thanks to its advanced processing capabilities, this projector can smoothly handle fast-moving scenes without any noticeable blurring or judder. This is particularly beneficial for watching sports or action-packed movies, where smooth motion is key to enjoying the content. You’ll appreciate how fluid everything looks, making it easier to stay engaged with the on-screen action.

Low Input Lag for Gaming

Gamers will also find the LS800 to be a fantastic choice, thanks to its low input lag. This feature is crucial for gaming, where every millisecond counts. The LS800 delivers responsive performance, ensuring that your controls are synced perfectly with the on-screen action. Whether you’re playing fast-paced shooters, racing games, or strategy games, the LS800’s low input lag will give you the edge you need to stay competitive.

Impressive Image Size

One of the joys of owning a projector like the LS800 is the ability to enjoy a massive screen size. The LS800 can project images up to 150 inches, making it ideal for creating that big-screen experience at home. Whether you’re hosting a movie night, watching a sports event, or just enjoying a casual gaming session, the large screen size enhances the experience and makes everything feel more cinematic.

In summary, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 offers exceptional picture quality and performance that cater to a wide range of viewing preferences. Whether you’re a movie lover, a sports enthusiast, or a gamer, the LS800 delivers vibrant, detailed, and smooth images that make your content come to life. It’s the perfect projector for anyone looking to elevate their home entertainment experience with stunning visuals and reliable performance.

Pros and Cons of the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800

Like any piece of technology, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 comes with its strengths and a few areas where it might not be the perfect fit for everyone. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of this ultra-short throw projector to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your home entertainment setup.

Pros

Stunning 4K PRO-UHD Picture Quality

   – The LS800 delivers sharp, vibrant, and detailed 4K images, providing a true cinematic experience at home. The 3LCD technology ensures accurate colors and eliminates the “rainbow effect” seen in some other projectors.

High Brightness

   – With 4,000 lumens of brightness, this projector performs exceptionally well in various lighting conditions, including rooms with ambient light. You can enjoy bright, clear images even during the day.

Ultra-Short Throw Design

   – The ultra-short throw design allows the LS800 to project large images from just a few inches away from the wall, making it ideal for smaller spaces or for those who want a clutter-free setup.

Built-in Android TV

   – The integrated Android TV provides access to a wide range of streaming apps, making it easy to watch your favorite content without needing additional devices. It also includes Google Assistant for voice control.

Low Input Lag for Gaming

   – Gamers will appreciate the LS800’s low input lag, which ensures responsive gameplay. This makes it a great option for those who want a large screen for gaming without compromising performance.

Versatile Connectivity Options

   – With multiple HDMI ports, USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity, the LS800 is equipped to handle all your devices, from gaming consoles to streaming sticks and more.

Integrated Soundbar

   – The built-in Yamaha soundbar delivers surprisingly good audio, making it a convenient option for those who don’t want to invest in a separate sound system.

Cons

Price

   – The LS800 is on the pricier side compared to some other projectors in its category. While it offers a lot of features, it might be a significant investment for those on a budget.

Limited Black Levels

   – While the LS800 delivers excellent brightness and vibrant colors, its black levels might not be as deep as those found in higher-end projectors or OLED TVs. This could be a drawback for viewers who prioritize deep, inky blacks in dark scenes.

Built-in Audio Might Not Satisfy Audiophiles

   – Although the integrated soundbar provides decent sound quality, it might not meet the expectations of audiophiles who prefer a more robust audio setup. For the best experience, pairing the projector with a high-quality external sound system is recommended.

Size and Design

   – The LS800, while sleek, is still relatively large and may require careful placement to blend seamlessly into a room’s decor. It’s not as compact as some other ultra-short throw projectors, which could be a consideration for those with limited space.

Requires a Smooth Surface

   – To achieve the best picture quality, the LS800 needs to project onto a smooth, flat surface. Any imperfections on the wall or screen can affect the image, which might require users to invest in a specialized projection screen.

In summary, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is a powerful and versatile projector with many strengths, including excellent picture quality, brightness, and ease of use. However, its price, black levels, and size may be considerations depending on your specific needs and budget. For those looking for a premium home theater experience with the convenience of an ultra-short throw design, the LS800 is a compelling option.

Conclusion

The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is a standout option in the world of ultra-short throw projectors, offering a blend of cutting-edge technology, vibrant picture quality, and user-friendly features. With its 4K PRO-UHD resolution, impressive brightness, and versatile connectivity options, it’s designed to deliver a truly immersive home theater experience. Whether you’re a movie enthusiast, a gamer, or someone who simply enjoys streaming the latest shows, the LS800 caters to a wide range of entertainment needs with ease.

While it comes with a few drawbacks, such as its higher price point and limited black levels, the overall performance and convenience it offers are hard to beat. The built-in Android TV and low input lag make it an excellent choice for both streaming and gaming, while the ultra-short throw design is perfect for those looking to save space without sacrificing screen size. 

In the end, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is a premium projector that justifies its cost with a top-tier viewing experience. If you’re looking to elevate your home entertainment setup with a projector that combines style, performance, and convenience, the LS800 is certainly worth considering.