Epson Introduces Its New 4K Enhanced Projector (Home Cinema 4000)
(Epson)(June 27, 2017) Projector price wars appear to be in full swing, especially when it comes to models capable of accepting 4K video signals. Yesterday, Epson fired its own shots by announcing the launch of a new 4K-friendly LCD projector. The Home Cinema 4000 is priced at a modest $2,200, which is a full $800 less than the company’s 2016 budget model (5040UB) revealed this time last year.
Unlike 4K televisions, many sub-$10,000 4K UHD projectors walk a fine line of true real world performance and marketing spin. This is particularly true when considering the actual number of pixels a projector can natively produce. For nearly six years, JVC has relied heavily on its e-shift technology that was originally used to enhance the presentation of native 1080p media. As 4K became mainstream, JVC leveraged that technology to essentially project half of the pixels contained in a true 4K feed.
Last year, Epson followed JVC’s lead by revealing a line of projectors using its own version of 4K Enhancement Technology (4Ke), which uses 1080p image panels and rapid pixel shifting to approach 4K playback. This move allowed Epson to enter the 4K market at very competitive price points. This year’s Home Cinema 4000 also relies on 4Ke, which means its projected image isn’t true 4K. Nevertheless, at normal seating distances it’s nearly impossible to discern a difference between 4K and 4K enhanced images.
Arenas that do make a difference are Wide Color Gamut (WCG) and High Dynamic Range (HDR), two factors that are tied closely with 4K technology. The Home Cinema 4000 supports HDR in the form of HDR10, and is also capable of providing 100-percent coverage of the wider DCI-P3 color space (something that many 4K televisions on the market can’t claim). Notably, the projector uses 3LCD technology (which is comprised of 3 image panels) to create an image, as opposed to single chip DLP technology that direct price point competition commonly uses. While DLP is cost effective, it’s notorious for creating a “rainbow effect” that some viewers can see during fast action scenes.
Epson says the Home Cinema 4000 is capable of producing 2,200 lumens of light output, and blacks are improved by the company’s UltraBlack Contrast technology. The projector is specified to achieve a robust 140,000:1 contrast ratio. Users can also take advantage of ten programmable lens presets that save settings for powered focus, zoom, and lens shift.
The Home Cinema 4000 is available for purchase now through select stores, internet retailers, and Epson’s online store.
Specifications
- Projection System: Epson 3LCD, 3-chip technology
- Projection Method: Front / Rear / Ceiling mount
- Driving Method: Poly-silicon TFT Active Matrix, 0.74"-wide panel
- Pixel Number:2 ,073,600 dots (1920 x 1080) x 3
- Color Brightness - Color Light Output: 2200 lumens1
- White Brightness - White Light Output: 2200 lumens1
- Aspect Ratio: Native 16:9 widescreen (4:3 resize) Compatible with 4:3 with Normal, Full or Zoom Modes
- Native Resolution: Native 1080p (1920 x 1080) with 4K Enhancement2
- Resize: 16:10, 4:3
- Lamp Type: 250 W UHE
- Lamp Life: Up to 5,000 hours (ECO Mode); up to 4,000 hours (Medium Mode); up to 3,500 hours (High Mode)7
- Throw Ratio Range: 1.35 – 2.84
- Size - projected distance: 50" – 300"
- Keystone Correction: Vertical: ±30 degrees (Manual)
- Contrast Ratio: Up to 140,000:1
- Color Processing: Full 10-bit (partial 12-bit)
- Color Reproduction: Full-color (up to 1.07 billion colors)
- Projected Output: HD, 2D, 3D, 1080p, 4Ke
- Cinema Filter: Automatically adjusts to color mode:
(On: Cinema, Digital Cinema
Off: Natural, Black & White Cinema, Bright Cinema, Dynamic, 3D Dynamic, 3D Cinema) - Auto Iris: Automatically adjusts to video source:
Off/On: High-speed or Normal, 2D and 3D mode - Super Resolution: 2D and 3D
- Terminal Inputs:
- HDMI® x 1 (HDCP 2.2)
- HDMI x 1 (HDCP 1.4)
- USB Type A x 2 (1 x for optical HDMI cable 300 mA power supply only)
- Mini USB x 1 (service only)
- LAN x 1 (RJ-45)
- Computer/D-sub 15 pin x 1
- RS-232c x 1
- Terminal Outputs: Trigger out 12 V DC, 200 mA maximum
- Computer Compatibility: PC, Mac
Last edited:
