Epson Pro Cinema 1080 UB

[Tok]

I just made a major upgrade.

Epson Pro Cinema 1080 UB
1920 x 1080
1.3 HDMI x 2
Dynamic contrast 50k:1
Native contrast improved by about a factor of 4 which would put it around 4.5k:1.
Theater modes (TheaterBlack1 and 2, HD, xvColor)
High Lumen mode Dynamic, 1600 lumens
2:1 throw range
Lenshift, v and h
ISF calibration mode if you choose to have it calibrated.
Spare bulb and ceiling mount included
$3999 MSRP, but I paid much less.

[welwynnick]

I want to upgrade my Optoma HD80 for better blacks, and was trying to chose between the JVC HD1, Sony VW60, and this. Please tell us what it's like, and how it compares with others you've seen. I have a sneaky feeling that this could be the new 1080p value benchmark.

regards, Nick

[Tok]

The Pro 1080UB has the best blacks and low level detail I have ever seen from an LCD.

Granted I am coming from a Sharp Matterhorn DLP, the DT300. I never thought I would seen an LCD picture like this.

Epson's new UB technology is not an incremental improvement over last year model. It is revolutionary for LCD. I have seen last years Home 1080 at the local Ultimate and they are not even close.

Currently I am using an older Optoma GrayWolfI 92" screen so it also lower black level, but the blacks on this unit are better than the blacks I saw on my older DLP and detail is still there.

I am thinking of upgrading my screen though to a 96" Carada Brilliant White.

Plus another huge plus, it has fairly accurate colors and the Pro model features an ISF mode if you want it professionally calibrated. I grew tired of my DLPs green yellows and other color deficiencies. Rainbows were never a huge issue for me but I could see them occassionally so I don't miss those either.

For the price I got on my Pro UB which included a spare lamp, ceiling mount and an additional year warranty, I am a very happy owner.

I also considered going with the VW60, but I was a little scared off by price. I also looked into the Panasonic AE2000, but there were a lot issue reported at AVS and I was interested in seeing the Pro UB before making my final decision. Considered waiting for the new Benq 1080p DLPs, but it seemed like they were taking for ever so I caved and decided to try the Pro UB after I was quoted an excellent price.

[welwynnick]

Thanks Craig,

There aren't many reviews on this yet, so it's good to get some positive feedback. Projectorreviews should have their review up later today.

Nick

[HDJK]

Originally Posted by welwynnick

Thanks Craig,

There aren't many reviews on this yet, so it's good to get some positive feedback. Projectorreviews should have their review up later today.

Nick

It's part of their best of shootout: 2007

[numlok]

It's part of their best of shootout: 2007

Actually, that review is for the older 1080 (not "UB"). The specs have improved since then. Most notably: 50,000:1 vs. 12,000:1 contrast ratio / 1600 vs. 1200 Lumens / 12bit video processing.

We just got ours in this week, and are thoroughly impressed and happy with the purchase.

I've posted some snapshots here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/numlok/sets/72157603722915656/

[HDJK]

Another review:

link

[Big Daddy]

I own the Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB. This is my fourth projector after one Sharp and two Sony projectors. The quality of the picture is unbelievable. The price after $200 rebate is $2,799. It is impossible to find a better projector for under $5,000. Highly recommended.

[ryoohki]

Yeah... i don't own this but i made my choice of buying this model this year, by the end of the year surely...

it also go 2:2 Pulldown... so it mean that it's 48hz refresh.. witch is great for 24fps movies!

[welwynnick]

Originally Posted by HDJK

It's part of their best of shootout: 2007

That shoot-out was for last year's models, that only included the Epson TW1000, not the new TW2000.

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

I own the Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB. This is my fourth projector after one Sharp and two Sony projectors. The quality of the picture is unbelievable. The price after $200 rebate is $2,799. It is impossible to find a better projector for under $5,000. Highly recommended.

Can you tell us which Sony & Sharp models you already owned?

I'm starting to wonder if the 1080UB is actually as good as or better than ALL of the mainstream 1080 models, apart from the JVC HD2.

Nick

[Midnightsailor]

Sounds pretty nice.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by welwynnick

That shoot-out was for last year's models, that only included the Epson TW1000, not the new TW2000. Can you tell us which Sony & Sharp models you already owned?

I'm starting to wonder if the 1080UB is actually as good as or better than ALL of the mainstream 1080 models, apart from the JVC HD2.

Nick

I have owned projectors since 1995. The models are listed below:

1. Sharpvision XV-S55, cost around $5,000-$6,000
2. Sony VPL-VW10HT
3. Sony VPL-HS20
4. Epson Home Cinema 1080UB

You can say that I am an experienced projector user. All the old models are in working condition and sitting in my garage. I also have an unopened spare bulb for the Sony HS20. I should sell these projectors on Ebay.

If you plan to spend below $3,000, I don't believe you can do better than Epson 1080UB. The price after $200 rebate is around $2,800. The 1080Ub has much better contrast and black levels than most other 1080 projectors.

Epson is currently selling last year's model (Home Cinema 1080) for around $2,200-$2,300. It is a very good projector. Check their web site. Sony has also announnced a new projector for around $3,000 (VPL-VW40) to better compete with Epson. I have heard it is as good as their $5,000 VPL-VW60 model.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665307855

[Big Daddy]

Another positive review of Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB projector.

http://www.projectorreviews.com/epso...80UB/index.php

[Kierre]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

I have owned projectors since 1995. The models are listed below:

3. Sony VPL-HS20

I also have an unopened spare bulb for the Sony HS20. I should sell these projectors on Ebay.

Hey Big Daddy,

I also have the VPL-HS20 and I love it. It's holding me over until I can get a 1080p projector, but I'm in no rush. I'm interested in your extra bulb for a special Blu price if you want to get rid of it. I'll PM you later.

[HDJK]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

...Sony has also announnced a new projector for around $3,000 (VPL-VW40) to better compete with Epson. I have heard it is as good as their $5,000 VPL-VW60 model.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665307855

That looks pretty interesting, especially at that price. Will be interesting to see some reviews on this.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by HDJK

That looks pretty interesting, especially at that price. Will be interesting to see some reviews on this.

I have heard that it is identical to VPL-VW50 (Pearl), but at a lower price. My assumption is that Sony does not want to lower the price of VPL-VW50 and is just giving it a new model number.