Audio Video News

Epson introduced four home theater projectors featuring 4K signal input with pixel-shifting 4K enhancement and high dynamic range (HDR) playback at prices ranging from $2,699 to $3,999. One of the models is equipped with a WirelessHD transmitter for cable-free video transmission.

Unveiled at CE Week in New York and slated for delivery in August, the projectors are based on the same 3LCD Reflective technology used in Epson’s Top Pick winning LS10000 but cost significantly less.

The Pro Cinema 6040UB ($3,999, shown top) and Pro Cinema 4040 ($2,699), Epson’s first Pro Cinema projectors with 4K UHD signal input and high dynamic range (HDR) support, are rated to deliver 2,500 and 2,300 lumens of color brightness and 2,500 and 2,300 lumens of white brightness, respectively. Dynamic contrast ratio is rated as 1,000,000:1 for the 6040 and 140,000:1 for the 4040.

Epson’s 4K Enhancement technology shifts each pixel diagonally by 0.5 pixels to effectively double the resolution to 3840 x 2160.

The 6040 is ISF-Certified and provides independent calibration tools with lockable calibration settings and memory modes to prevent mis-adjustment. Additionally, red and green pixels can be turned off for making adjustments without using a special filter.

Both projectors are engineered to display the entire sRGB and DCI color spaces in Digital Cinema Mode and include an enhanced optical engine, an all-glass lens optimized for sharpness and color uniformity across the screen, a motorized 10-position memory for lens positions (zoom, focus, and lens shift for both standard and wide aspect ratios), and a wide lens shift range for installation flexibility (up to ± 96.3 percent vertical and ± 47 percent horizontal).

Additional highlights of the Pro Cinema models include:

• Frame interpolation generates multiple new frames between the originals to reduce motion blur
• Auto iris dynamically adjusts aperture for optimum contrast and brightness
• Picture-in-picture mode for displaying content from two HDMI inputs on one screen
• Home entertainment hub for seamless compatibility with cable/satellite boxes, Blu-ray/DVD players, and gaming consoles as well as smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices such as Chromecast and Roku
• Pro Cinema kit with a ceiling mount, cable cover, and an extra lamp
• Three-year limited warranty (90 days on lamps)

The Home Cinema 5040UB ($2,999, shown bottom) and wireless Home Cinema 5040UBe ($3,299) are rated to deliver 2,500 lumens of color brightness and 2,500 lumens of white brightness with a rated dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 and, like the Pro Cinema models, designed to display a wide color gamut (sRGB and DCI color spaces).

The 5040UBe includes a WirelessHD transmitter for receiving 4K, HDR, and 1080p content wirelessly from compatible devices; the transmitter can connect up to four HDMI devices. Other connections include one HDMI output, one optical port, and one MHL-enabled HDMI port.

Both models are compatible with HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2 standards for displaying 4K UHD content. Like the Pro Cinema models, the 5040UBe and 5040UB use an enhanced optical engine with an all-glass lens and have a motorized 10-position memory for the lens position, a wide lens shift range, frame interpolation, and Auto Iris. These models are covered by a two-year limited warranty (90 days on lamps).

For more information, visit epson.com.