Catalogs Hide
- 1 First Impressions
- 2 Introduce
- 3 Display
- 4 Features
- 5 User Feedback
First Impressions
The Epson LS650 is a 3-chip, 3LCD 4K HDR laser ultra short throw projector specified to provide 3,600 lumens, measured in accordance with the ISO 21118 standard that is essentially equivalent to ANSI. The LS650's imaging chips are native 1080p, and the projector utilizes two-phase pixel shifting for what amounts to doubled 1080p resolution, or about 4 million pixels. That's only about one-half the pixels on screen as a full-4K/UHD projector puts up, but as with the LS800, the combination of pixel-shifting and detail processing makes it difficult to tell the difference from normal viewing distances. The upside is that, unlike the single-chip DLP projectors it competes with, the LS650 does not exhibit rainbows thanks to its 3-chip 3LCD design, and it ultimately delivers a sharp and vibrant image with equal white and color brightness. It's laser+phosphor light engine, capable of up to 20,000 hours of life when using normal power consumption, also did not exhibit any obvious laser speckle during my testing.Epson's rating of 3,600 lumens, just 400 lumens shy of the LS800, makes it considerably bright among its competition. It came in a tad short in our measurements at 3,485 lumens, a slight miss that can likely be attributed to variance in the measurement process given Epson's history of making its numbers. Additionally, the LS650 measured gamut coverage of 90.4% for Rec.709 and 72.4% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space. The gamut coverage of the LS650 is honestly its weakest point and is somewhat disappointing considering many projectors in this price range are now capable of full or nearly full coverage of the P3 color space used for most 4K HDR content, and certainly the Rec.709 space used for standard dynamic range HDTV. So, the LS650 coming in short here is disappointing when one considers the MSRP of the unit itself, and it seems clear Epson focused on delivering more brightness in a narrower range of colors.
Introduce
| Parameter | Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 |
|---|---|
Picture |  |
Reference Price | $1799.99 |
Recommended Uses | Home Cinema |
Built-In Media | Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650, power cable, projector remote control, batteries, quick setup guide |
Highlight | • Picture Size: Up to 120 in. • Audio Solution: Single-Cable • Resolution: 4K Experience |
Display
| Parameter | Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 |
|---|---|
Screen Size | 60 Inches - 120 Inches |
Throw Distance | 0.5 Feet - 0.88 Feet |
Contrast Ratio | Over 2,500,000:1 |
Maximum Resolution | 3840 x 2160 Pixels |
Native Resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
Brightness | 3600 Lumen |
Display Type | Laser |
Picture Enhancement | 4K Resolution Enhancement Technology |
Viewing Experience | The LS650 projector offers a variety of four picture modes—Dynamic, Vivid, Cinema, and Natural—each catering to different viewing preferences. While Dynamic mode provides a bright image, it introduces a green bias in darker scenes, and Vivid mode leans towards a blue tint. Cinema and Natural modes maintain a warmer tone, which many users may find more appealing. Despite the absence of advanced color calibration tools, standard adjustments for brightness, contrast, saturation, tint, and sharpness are available, along with a wide-ranging color temperature slider. This allows users to fine-tune the image for optimal viewing, with a notable sweet spot around a temperature setting of 8 in Natural mode. The gamma settings are straightforward, and users can achieve a reasonable gamma value with simple adjustments. The Dynamic Contrast feature enhances scene brightness, making it effective for varying content. Overall, the LS650 produces a pleasing image out of the box, and with minor tweaks, it can deliver a satisfactory viewing experience that balances brightness and color accuracy well. |
Features
| Parameter | Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 |
|---|---|
Video Encoding | MP4 |
LightSource Life | 20000 Hours |
Controller Type | Voice Control |
Control Method | App, Remote, Voice |
Lamp Wattage | 210 Watts |
Wattage | 278 watts |
Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI |
Hardware Connectivity | USB, HDMI |
Compatible Devices | Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet |
Other Features | Built-In Speaker, Ultra Short Throw |
L x W x H | 15.7"L x 18.4"W x 6.2"H |
System Experience | The LS650 presents a solid, if somewhat conventional, connectivity setup with two HDMI 2.0 ports, one of which supports eARC for high-quality audio streaming. While it lacks a full eARC connection and modern HDMI 2.1 support, it still caters well to casual users with adequate input lag for gaming and a variety of wireless options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The inclusion of various USB ports enhances its versatility, although the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack may be a drawback for some. Overall, the LS650 is a reliable choice for those who prioritize standard connectivity and basic gaming capabilities without the latest high-end features. |
User Feedback
Pros:• Incredible picture quality, sharp and high resolution
• Large 120-inch screen without the bulk of a traditional TV
• Impressive sound quality
• Multiple input options for added flexibility
• Good build quality and portability for a projector of its size
• Can be adjusted for various projection types and settings
Cons:
• Limited remote control design
• No built-in Netflix app
• Potential overheating issues, leading to buffering during use
• Requires specific placement and setup, which may be inconvenient
• Price point may be high for some consumers
Overall Impression:
This projector offers exceptional picture and sound quality, making it an impressive alternative to traditional large-screen TVs. However, potential issues with overheating, lack of popular streaming apps, and a cumbersome setup may deter some users. For those willing to invest, it can provide a remarkable home theater experience, but it’s essential to weigh these drawbacks against its performance.
