Audio Video News

A couple of years ago this just wouldn't have seemed possible. But here it is: Epson has introduced the PowerLite Home Cinema 1080p, which as the name suggests is a 1080p front projector. And the price is $2,999. You read that right. $2,999.

Although Epson isn't known primarily as a home cinema company, you'd never guess that from reading this proejctor's spec sheet. It's not outfitted like some stripped down loss leader. This PowerLite is a 3LCD model, which means no color wheel. It features HDMI 1.3 connectivity, an auto iris system for deeper blacks and better contrast, and it even includes both horizontal and vertical lens shift. And apparently I'm not the only who thinks this is a swell deal; the PowerLite Home Cinema 1080p is currently sold out at the online Epson store.

A step-up model is also available in the PowerLite Pro Cinema 1080p at $4,999. The online entries at Epson's web site don't show anything in the way of technology or specifications distingushing these units from one another, save that the Home Cinema unit is shown in white and the Pro Cinema in black. Looking a little closer, the Pro Cinema is ISF certified for calibration, and includes a spare lamp and ceiling mount.

UAV has already acquired the Pro Cinema unit for review, so look for my first report on it later this week.