Epson has unveiled a trio of groundbreakingly bright new home cinema projectors that have the potential to revolutionize the way projectors handle high dynamic range video and integrate into multi-purpose living spaces.
Even the dimmest of Epson’s three new triple-chip Q-series LCD models can pump out a truly intense 3,300 lumens with its laser illumination system, while the new mid-range Q model can pump out an incredible 6,000 lumens and the flagship model can pump out an astonishing 10,000 lumens.
As you might expect with these explosive brightness levels, Epson is targeting the Q-Series trio at modern luxury homes (and their architects, interior designers and custom integrators) rather than traditional home theater setups. This is reflected in the pricing: The QB1000 costs $7,999, the 6,000-lumen QL3000 costs $14,999 and the flagship 10,000-lumen QL7000 costs a whopping $29,999.
Epson’s new premium Q series of 3LCD laser projectors includes models that are bright enough to … (+)
While the Epson Q-Series’ entry-level price may be high, its brightness levels are truly way above what we typically see in even the most premium home theater projectors. And what’s more, its groundbreaking brightness is far from its only claim to premium home theater fame.
First off, all three new Q-series models reportedly deliver 4K resolution thanks to Epson’s proprietary three-chip 3LCD with thermal control and double micro-lens array technology, and can handle high dynamic range images in HDR10, HLG and – unusually for the projector world – HDR10+ formats – the latter of which adds additional image information to the data stream on a scene-by-scene basis to help compatible devices deliver better HDR images.
The new Q-series models’ enormous brightness means they look impressive even on huge screens of up to 300 inches diagonal, while Epson’s latest QZX image processor is said to be able to translate the enormous brightness into a wide but accurate color range while delivering “black” contrast performance. All of this contributes to Epson “seeing the content as the director intended it to be seen.”
The laser light source is rated for 20,000 hours of uninterrupted home cinema enjoyment, while gamers will be pleased to hear that all three Q-Series models support 4K HDR gaming at frame rates of up to 120Hz thanks to dual 40Gbps HDMI 2.1 ports. The QB1000’s HDMIs can also pass audio to compatible soundbars or AVRs thanks to their support for ARC/eARC audio return channel technology – although oddly it seems that ARC/eARC support isn’t available on the QL3000 and QL7000.
Epson’s QL models can be equipped with any Epson short or wide angle lens.
Aside from their different brightness capabilities (which match both ISO White and IDMS Color Brightness measurement methods), the main difference between the QB1000 and its new QL siblings is that it’s the only one actually made with a lens attached. The QL models are compatible with Epson’s family of high-precision lenses, from short to long throw, so home theater enthusiasts can ensure they get the optimal lens option for their particular installation.
The QB1000’s integrated lens is a 15-element VRX lens, assisted by three-axis motorized lens shift with memory preset support. The two higher-end QL models also offer three-axis motorized lens shift, regardless of which lens you equip them with.
All three of Epson’s new Q-series projectors are ISF certified (meaning they can be fully calibrated by ISF technicians) and can integrate with smart home control systems from Control4, Crestron, PJ Link and others. All three Q-series models are also available in black or white to suit your decor/taste.
The Q Series will be publicly demonstrated for the first time at the upcoming CEDIA Expo in Denver (September 5-7), before going on sale (with Epson’s 3-year limited warranty) at authorized Epson home entertainment dealers on October 24.
“Our new line of ultra-high-quality, high-lumen Q-Series laser projectors underscores Epson’s commitment to developing outstanding entertainment solutions,” said Melvin Diaz, senior product manager at Epson America, Inc. “The Q-Series breaks new standards in performance, efficiency and size, delivering impressive big-screen entertainment inside and outside traditional movie theaters, creating limitless integration possibilities for home entertainment system design.”
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