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.

Epson LS650 white left facing slider

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.

Epson LS650 black rightfacing

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.

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.

 
Comments (10) Post a Comment
Walter Verit Posted Sep 2, 2023 12:31 AM PST
Yawn. More "UST" hype. I don't have a bunch of room under my screen for a UST projector. I have a proper setup for a normal projector.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Sep 3, 2023 6:45 AM PST
Point well taken. I think most enthusiasts serious about image quality would agree a typical long throw setup is the preferred solution for a dark room home theater experience. The “hype “ about USTs comes from both the ease of setup (ie no long distance cabling through walls and ceilings) and the general effectiveness for ambient light environments, particularly if mated with an ALR UST screen. We can safely assume the potential audience who could enjoy a UST projection setup in a mixed use family room vs those who can or would install a traditional projector is vastly larger, and spreading the joy and engagement of the big screen experience is a good thing in my book. I have both types of setup in my home in my basement studio/theater space, and find myself putting in more hours watching news and sports on the UST screen with some lights on than watching movies and streaming on the long throw rig. Each nicely fits a different situation.
Mckenz Posted Sep 3, 2023 12:29 PM PST
Agreed, too much fake excitement that is becoming tiresome. This one doesn’t even have true 4K, I would instead spend slightly more cash on a slightly smaller mini LED or OLED tv for a significantly superior viewing experience.
Jose Posted Sep 3, 2023 12:38 PM PST
I wouldn't want to contradict Rob, but to watch the news and sports with ambient light, the best thing is a TV set of the size that interests you; blacks and contrast do not suffer;, even the cheapest one will look better. Having a specific screen for a UST projector and also another for a traditional projector in the same room does not seem like the best solution to me. Greetings.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Sep 3, 2023 12:40 PM PST
Thanks Jose. I think the debate here is primarily in how much you believe size matters in the engagement factor with content, and what it costs to get a 100 inch flat panel if you believe, as I do, that size matters in a big way (no pun intended). Until now, when we are starting to see the first 98 inch panel TVs for around $5,000, you couldn't get near 100 inches on a panel for the price of a basic projector and screen. So perhaps this is shifting somewhat now. But even then, the logistics of supporting or mounting a heavy 100-inch TV can be challenging compared with a UST and screen. So there are a variety of considerations at play.
Ike Posted Sep 3, 2023 5:17 PM PST
My trusty, old 1080p Epson projector is finally starting to fail. Love it but it's time to finally leap to 4k. Highly interested in the LS11000, but it's 1.5 years old. And seems like the only news coming out of Espon is this or business models. Am I missing something? Any other 3 chip projectors I should be considering (I'm sensitive to rainbow effects)?
Douglas. Posted Sep 4, 2023 10:13 PM PST
I don't like UST projectors. Even the smallest imperfections in your screen will result in a distorted image, because of the angle of incidence of the light. A conventional long throw projector avoids this problem. Give me long throw over short throw any day.
EeeTee Posted Sep 5, 2023 9:18 AM PST
I agree with other posts in preferring conventional long throw projectors. (I suspect smaller/cheaper optics is a driver for short throw units)

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?
Scott Posted Sep 6, 2023 8:45 AM PST
Exciting, hoping to see eARC passed on to the new version for the LS800. Maybe tomorrow will get an update.
Momo Posted Sep 10, 2023 3:11 PM PST
I love UST and will probably never go back. You don't like it? There's plenty of options for you...

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