Epson has taken the occasion of the opening of the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin to announce a new addition to its line of Laser TV streaming UST projectors, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650.
As with all of Epson's projectors, the LS650 is a 3-chip LCD projector with the benefits of equal white and color brightness and immunity to rainbow artifacts found with some single-chip projectors. It is built on a similar chassis to the existing LS300, and will share the LS300's 3,600 ISO lumen brightness specification. But it steps up to the same 4K PRO-UHD technology used in the flagship LS800 UST. As previously reported, this technique uses pixel-shifting to double the onscreen resolution of the native 1080p chips, and with Epson's advanced video processing, is difficult to distinguish from a full 4K UHD display at normal viewing distance. HDR10 and HLG are supported.
Other features are essentially carried over from the LS300, including a 61- to 120-inch image size from a 0.26:1 ultra short throw lens that will produce a 100-inch image with the projector's backside set 10.5 inches from the screen wall. However, set-up can be greatly simplified in the LS650 thanks to Epson's Assistant App, first introduced in the LS800, that allows the user to take a photo of a projected target pattern with a smartphone and simply "snap" the image borders into place.
Similar to the LS300, the LS650 will feature a 2.1-channel Yamaha designed sound system, though its performance is said to be enhanced in this model thanks to a new metal grille across the front with improved transmission. In the event users wish to add outboard audio, one of the projector's two HDMI 2.0 ports will support eARC for connection of an Atmos or other soundbar, and there's an optical audio output. Other connections include a trio of USB-A ports, one designated for powering a device up to 2.0 amps. The projector accepts signals up to 4K/60 Hz, and gamers will enjoy Epson's typically low input lag, rated below 20 milliseconds.
As with Epson's other streaming projectors, the LS650 will feature an Android TV OS and web-streaming platform with integrated Google Assistant, with available apps for Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+ and others. However, as with most Android TV projectors, there's no authorized Netflix app.
Like the LS300, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 will be sold with either a black or white finish. Availability and pricing were not released, and will be announced sometime this fall.
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Check it Out
For more detailed specifications and connections, check out our Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650-W projector page.
The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650-W is also sold outside of the United States of America as the Epson EH-LS650. Some specifications may be slightly different. Check with Epson for complete specifications.
Rob - any rumors of Epson updating lamp based projectors or will all future models be led/laser based? And will they discontinue long throw pjs like the LS12000?