New Epson 1080p Home Theater Projectors Start at $1,599
By Rachel Cericola
Epson knocked out announcements for four different projectors this week, coinciding with CEDIA Expo 2009 in Atlanta. The four 1080p units feature 3LCD technology with models for both the direct consumer and custom installation market. The new models include the PowerLite Home Cinema 8100 and 8500 UB and the Pro Cinema 9100 and 9500 UB.
The best value has to be the
PowerLite Home Cinema 8100. Priced at just $1,599, the full HD projector includes a dynamic contrast ratio of up to 36,000:1, 1,800 ANSI lumens of light output, and Epson's own Dynamic Iris system. Perfect for movies, video games, sports, and more, buyers can snag a $100 rebate when the 8100 launches in late October bringing the price down even further.
The other consumer unit is the
Home Cinema 8500. Along with the latest D7 chipset, this model features Epson's C2Fine and UltraBlack technology for crystal clear images and deep black levels. Other specs and features include a brightness rating of 1,600 ANSI lumens, a dynamic contrast ratio of up to 200,000:1, Epson's new Super-resolution technology, and a built-in Silicon Optix HQV Reon-VX scaling and de-interlacing video processor. Right now, pricing has not been finalized, although Epson says when the 8500 launches in November, it will come in under the $3,000 mark.
The Home Cinema 8100 has a contrast ratio of up to 36,000:1 and 1,800 lumens for $1,599.
On the custom installation side, the
Pro Cinema 9100 includes Epson's Color Isolation system and ISF Day and Night modes for switching between picture modes and lamp output. Promising a simple setup, the unit also features a contrast ratio of up to 36,000:1, brightness of 1,800 ANSI lumens, and Epson's Dynamic Iris system. Reasonably priced at $2,599, the Pro Cinema 9100 will start selling in October.
Last, but not least, the piece de resistance in the new line is the
Pro Cinema 9500. Designed to be the ultimate 1080p package, the unit boasts a 200,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, Epson's C2Fine and UltraBlack technology, the latest D7 chip set, 1,600 ANSI lumens, a built-in Silicon Optix HQV Reon-VX video processor and PW390 scaler. Epson also threw in FineFrame and Super-resolution technologies, as well as anamorphic lens mode for fixed height screen installations, ISF calibration settings, color isolation and pre-set color space selection. The 9500 will come in November for under $4,000.
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The Pro Cinema 9500 UB is the top of the line, with a contrast ratio of up to 200,000:1 and Epson's 12-bit 3LCD driver technology.
