I Swear this is NOT a TV.... - Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500
TLDRIn this video, the host explores an innovative ultra-short-throw laser projection TV from Epson, which includes an ambient light-rejecting screen for enhanced brightness. Despite the high price tag of $4,500, the setup offers a 100-inch display with impressive image quality, making it a compelling alternative to traditional TVs, especially for those seeking large screen sizes. The video provides a detailed look at the unboxing, setup, and performance of this unique home entertainment system.
Takeaways
- 🎮 The 100-inch gaming experience discussed is not from a TV, but an ultra-short-throw projector.
- 🚫 Despite appearances, the device is distinguished from a TV by its packaging and included accessories, such as white gloves.
- 🔄 The projector is coupled with a bespoke ambient light-rejecting screen, designed to achieve high brightness levels and minimize obstruction of the image.
- 🌐 The projector integrates Android TV, offering a range of smart functionalities and applications.
- 🎬 The setup includes a specific geometry requirement, utilizing a jig for precise alignment of the projector and screen.
- 🔧 The projector's design features front inputs and speakers that point towards the viewer, unlike traditional projector setups.
- 💡 The projector's brightness is notable, with 4,000 lumens, and it includes an ambient light-rejecting screen for better image quality.
- 📏 Setup involves tensioning the screen with springs and requires careful alignment for optimal viewing experience.
- 🎥 The projector's performance is compared favorably to traditional TVs, especially in terms of size and picture quality.
- 💸 The cost of the projector and screen kit is acknowledged as a significant investment, priced at $4,500.
- 🎮 In conclusion, the projector offers a large, high-quality display alternative to traditional TVs, but with specific setup considerations and a high price tag.
Q & A
What type of device is being discussed in the script?
-An ultra-short-throw projector with a bespoke ambient light-rejecting screen is being discussed, which is designed to provide a TV-like experience.
What are some of the features that this projector shares with a TV?
-The projector has features such as 4K resolution at 60 hertz, HDR support, thin bezels, and a design that allows it to sit close to the wall, similar to a TV.
How does the ultra-short-throw projector manage to avoid casting a shadow when someone stands in front of it?
-The ultra-short-throw design of the projector allows it to be placed very close to the screen, reducing the chances of casting a shadow when someone stands in front of it.
What is special about the screen used with this projector?
-The screen is an ambient light-rejecting screen that is specifically tailored for the projector, helping it achieve nearly TV levels of brightness without being affected by ambient light.
What is the main advantage of the projector and screen being sold as a kit?
-The projector and screen being sold as a kit ensures that they are designed and engineered to work perfectly together, providing an optimized viewing experience.
What is the role of the Android TV dongle included with the projector?
-The Android TV dongle provides smart functionality to the projector, allowing access to streaming services, apps, and other features typically found on smart TVs.
How does the projector handle the placement of speakers?
-Unlike traditional projectors that have speakers behind them, this projector has speakers that point towards the viewer since it is an ultra-short-throw model that sits in front of the screen.
What challenges did the presenters face when setting up the ambient light-rejecting screen?
-The presenters faced challenges in aligning the screen perfectly, getting the right tension, and dealing with ripples in the corners. It required precise adjustments and following the instructions carefully.
How does the projector perform in a lit room?
-Even in a lit room, the projector provides a good viewing experience, although the black levels and HDR experience may not be as deep or contrasty as they would be in a completely dark room or on a top-tier OLED TV.
What are the presenters' final thoughts on the projector and its cost?
-The presenters are impressed with the technology and the viewing experience, but they question whether the $4,500 price tag is worth it compared to other TV options, especially when considering factors like setup complexity and the quality of the built-in speakers.
What additional features does the projector have for gaming?
-The projector has a Game color mode and a decent latency, making it suitable for gaming. However, it does not support 120 hertz refresh rate, even when downscaled to 1920x1080 resolution.
Outlines
🎮 Unveiling the 100-Inch Gaming Experience
The video begins with the host standing in front of a 100-inch display that resembles a TV, but it's not. It runs at 4K 60 hertz, supports HDR, and features ultra-thin bezels. The host is intrigued by the fact that there's no shadow despite standing in front of it. The secret lies in an ultra-short-throw projector and a specialized ambient light-rejecting screen that together achieve near-TV levels of brightness. The host introduces the product as a laser projection TV by Epson, a kit that includes both the projector and the screen, designed and engineered to work in tandem for an optimal viewing experience. The host expresses skepticism about the projector's ability to match a TV's performance in a lit room but acknowledges the novelty of the ambient light-rejecting screen. Additional features discussed include built-in Android TV, geometry alignment using a cardboard jig, and various ports including dual HDMI, USB, and audio out. The host also comments on the aesthetics and cooling system of the projector.
🔧 Setting Up the Laser Projection TV
The host and his assistant, Jake, embark on the process of setting up the laser projection TV. They discuss the included guide image for wall bracket placement and the provided tensioning springs for the screen. The host humorously notes the assumption that buyers of such a product would have a friend to help with the setup. The process involves attaching L brackets and springs to the screen frame, which proves to be a finicky task. The host and Jake struggle with alignment, tensioning, and the placement of the screen relative to the wall. Despite the challenges, they manage to achieve a satisfactory setup, with the screen transforming from a grayish color to a deep black when viewed from a distance. The host also mentions the inclusion of two remotes, one with more smart functionality, and the projector's ability to play HDR 10 content.
🌟 Evaluating the 100-Inch Display's Performance
The host and Jake assess the performance of the 100-inch display under various lighting conditions. They note that while the display is not as bright as a TV, it offers a convincing alternative to projectors and can compete with older TV models. The host expresses his surprise at the display's clarity and brightness, even under non-ideal conditions. However, he acknowledges that the black levels and HDR experience do not match those of a top-tier OLED TV. The host and Jake also discuss the practicality of the setup, comparing it favorably to other projectors and noting its suitability for large screen enthusiasts. Despite the high price tag of $4,500, the host appreciates the technology and considers it a compelling option for those seeking a large display, although he is unsure if he would recommend it at that cost.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡ultra-short-throw projector
💡ambient light-rejecting screen
💡HDR
💡4K resolution
💡Ridge Wallet
💡Android TV
💡geometry
💡lumen
💡RFID-blocking
💡jig
💡OLED
Highlights
The 100-inch gaming experience is not a TV but an ultra-short-throw projector with an ambient light-rejecting screen, achieving nearly TV levels of brightness.
The projector's thin bezels and close proximity to the wall make it visually similar to a TV.
The magic behind the projector lies in its unique ultra-short-throw technology and specialized screen.
Ridge Wallet's sponsorship is mentioned, offering a 10% discount and worldwide shipping.
The projector comes with two sets of white gloves, indicating its high-end and delicate nature.
Epson's product is a combination of a laser projection TV and a bespoke screen, designed and engineered to work together.
The projector includes Android TV, enhancing its functionality and user experience.
Proper geometry and alignment are crucial when setting up the projector and screen, which is facilitated by a provided jig.
The projector's unique design places speakers in front of the user, optimizing sound direction and experience.
The projector offers various ports, including dual HDMI, USB, and audio out, catering to modern connectivity needs.
Epson provides a guide image for easy wall bracket installation, demonstrating thoughtful product design.
The screen's gray color contributes to better black levels, contrary to traditional white screens.
The screen's ambient light-rejecting technology allows for impressive image quality even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
The setup process, while more involved than a traditional TV, is relatively straightforward and manageable.
The projector's performance is comparable to older generation TVs, particularly in terms of brightness and image quality.
In a dark room, the projector's image quality rivals that of high-end TVs, despite some compromises.
The projector is a practical and viable option for those seeking large screen sizes at a more affordable price point than OLED TVs.
The video concludes with a recommendation to follow the product's instructions for the best setup and experience.
