Epson is introducing at the CEDIA Expo custom electronics show in Dallas this week an expanded line of Full HD 1080p Ultra-Bright Pro Cinema Projectors designed for a exceptional image quality in rooms with high ambient light.
The new models include: the Pro Cinema G6970WU ($6,999 suggested retail, pictured at top), Pro Cinema G6570WU ($5,499), Pro Cinema 4855WU ($3,099), and wireless Pro Cinema 1985 ($2,499).
The projectors are positioned at home users in need of a very large screen TV for entertaining in rooms with a lot of lighting and/or large windows. Epson points out that the pricing of its projectors is a bargain compared to what flat-panel TVs would command in screen sizes exceeding 85 inches.
All models are based on high-brightness bulbs, and include a spare replacement. Brightness output for each model ranges from 4,000 to 6,000 lumens of both color and white brightness, the company said.
More on the Epson high-brightness Pro Cinema projector line after the jump:
The new Epson models have been designed for maximum color and brightness performance in well-lit rooms, where projected images typically washout with models that produce lower power light output. Viewers get a large-screen experience in rooms with large windows and overhead lighting, at the sacrifice of some black level and contrast performance.
Epson has also identified a waiting market, estimated to represent more than $100 million opportunity for custom installers, for high-brightness and high picture quality projectors for sports bars, corporate board rooms and houses of worship, where ambient light is impossible to control.
Epson makes lines of laser-light engine-based projectors with liquid crystal on quartz (reflective 3LCD) micro-displays and other bulb and 3LCD approaches that produce stronger black levels and contrast performance in home theaters with controlled ambient lighting conditions, where flexibility isn’t an issue.
Epson said the latest projectors provide custom installers, sports and AV enthusiasts with versatile solutions, good image quality and wireless connectivity “in large, open ambient light environments that compete directly with traditional flat panels.”
The Pro Cinema G6970WU, G6570WU and 4855WU are targeted at custom installation distribution and are equipped with a suite of advanced features enabling flexible setup, including vertical and horizontal lens shift, centered lens design and Arc Correction.
The models also include, Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing technology which produces state-of-the-art image quality without introducing artifacts. The Faroudja circuitry in the G6970WU, the G6570WU and the 4855WU add frame interpolation.
The projectors will project content from two HD connections, side by side, with a Split Screen function, and include a ceiling mount and extra lamp.
The Pro Cinema G6970WU and G6570WU support a total of six interchangeable lenses each – standard, rear, two middle and one long-throw, which Epson said allows selecting the best suited lens for a viewing space.
The G6970 outputs up to 6,000 lumens of brightness while the G6570WU outputs up to 5,200 lumens. The 4800WU outputs 4,000 lumens.
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A quick-release lever provides fast, easy lens exchange. Epson includes HDBaseT connectivity, to assist with running long cables lines in large-room installations.
The technology integrates full HD video, audio, network and control commands into a single CAT 5/6 cable that may be extended up to 328 feet. The solution is said to significantly reduce costs by eliminating additional cables, signal repeaters and labor.
For advanced home control and automation, the Pro Cinema G6970WU and G6570WU models include seamless control protocol support compatible with Crestron, AMX, Extron XTP and Control4 Simple Device Discovery Protocol. The Pro Cinema G6970WU adds HD-SDI (Serial Digital Interface) connectivity to extend the signal 300 feet with support for high frame rates and color depth.
The Pro Cinema 1985 wireless projector supports the latest in connectivity enabling the unit to act as a home entertainment hub. Users can stream media from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop using Miracast and Intel WiDi. The projector features built-in sound and two HDMI ports to connect cable and satellite boxes, gaming consoles and other devices. It also supports MHL-enabled devices, including media adapters like: Chromecast, Roku 4 and Amazon Fire TV Stick.
The Pro Cinema 1985 model outputs 4,800 lumens of brightness, and omits the frame interpolation in the Faroudja image processing system.
By Greg Tarr
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