If the Epson EH-QB1000 video projector is still a mainstream model, that is to say usable by Mr. Everyman as long as he has the adequate means, the Epson EH-QL3000 is more specifically dedicated to lovers of large images with a dedicated Home Cinema room, or a company.
Epson EH-QL3000, main developments compared to the Epson EH-QB1000££££
The Epson EH-QL3000 differs from the EH-QL1000 essentially in terms of the design, much more angular, the removable optics to be chosen according to the placement of the video projector in the projection room and the size of the C2 Fine LCD matrix, 1.04" (compared to 0.74" on the EH-QL1000). Also different are the light output, 6,000 lumens (double that of the QL1000) and a native contrast ratio of 3,000:1 (the dynamic contrast ratio remains at 5,000,000:1). If the latter is lower than that of the EH-QL1000 announced at 5,000:1, it remains consistent with the brightness. Indeed, the brighter an LCD video projector is, the more difficult it is to display abysmal blacks. Finally, the [abc]HDR10+[/abc] compatibility disappears, the same for the [abc]ISF[/abc] certification.
For the rest, we find a simple blue laser light source associated with a phosphor treatment to create the red and green components to obtain an [abc]RGB[/abc] source. As a reminder, the main advantages of a laser light source concern its lifespan (20,000 h) and an extremely short on/off time. Also always present, manual vertical keystone correction ±45°/horizontal ±30°, x1.61 zoom, motorized vertical/horizontal Lens Shift ±64%/±16% (variable depending on the lens) and automatic focusing are part of it.
The projection ratio, 1.52-2.47:1 allows an image size oscillating between 60" (152 cm) and 1,000" (2,540 cm), depending on the lens. Finally, the formats [abc]HDR10[/abc] and [abc]HDR HLG[/abc], in addition to a wide coverage of 91% of the DCI-P3 gamut are on the program. But the most interesting part is the presence of the new exclusive 32-bit QZX processor, the latter allowing the integration of a DTM (Dynamic Tone Mapping) process for a significantly improved image quality compared to basic Tone Mapping processing.
To be precise, the Epson EH-QL3000 will remain extremely discreet, the announced operating noise oscillates between 28 dB in Normal mode, 26 dB in Eco mode.
Epson EH-QL000, Pixel Shift process££££
The Epson EH-QL3000 is of course capable of displaying an [abc]Ultra HD[/abc] [abc]4K[/abc] image, still based on the wobbling principle called Pixel Shift, used on the vast majority of UHD video projectors and consisting of the extremely rapid display of four Full HD images offset diagonally and from bottom to top to create 8,294,400 pixels, the total of a native 4K Ultra HD image. This technology improves contours, eliminates aliasing and increases contrast in highly textured image areas. Ultimately, the precision and sharpness are far superior to those of a Full HD image. Especially with the use of a glass lens composed of fifteen elements arranged in various groups to minimize chromatic aberrations and artifacts.
Another clear evolution linked to the QZX chip, the Frame Interpolation function (adjustable on three levels) which distills a truly superb motion compensation. Namely, in the absence of speakers, the audio capabilities of the Epson EH-QL3000 are zero and 3D compatibility is not an option.
Epson EH-QL3000, connectivity££££
The connectivity of the Epson EH-QL3000 (see photo above) includes two [abc]HDMI[/abc] 2.1 40 Gbps inputs certified [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.3 compatible with 4K/120, two [abc]USB[/abc] Host 2.0 ports, a USB-B port, an [abc]RS-232[/abc]C socket, an [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port and a 3.5 mm mini-jack audio output.
Available immediately in white or black. Recommended price: €14,999 (without lens).
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Epson EH-QL3000:
• Type tri-[abc]LCD[/abc]
• Resolution [abc]Ultra HD[/abc] by Wobulation
• Native resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 pixels
• LCD matrix: C2 Fine 1.04''
• Contrast: 5,000,000:1 dynamic, 3,000:1 native
• Light source: single blue laser + phosphor treatment
• Brightness: 6,000 lumens
• Frame Interpolation motion compensation functions
• Wobulation Pixel Shift functions
• Compatibility [abc]HDR10[/abc]
• Compatibility [abc]HDR HLG[/abc]
• [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.3 compatibility
• Connectivity: 2 [abc]HDMI[/abc] 2.1 40 Gbps inputs certified [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.3, 2 [abc]USB[/abc] Host 2.0 ports, 1 USB-B port, 1 [abc]RS-232[/abc]C socket, 1 [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port and 1 3.5 mm mini-jack audio output
• Zoom: x1.61
• Noise level: 26 dB in Eco mode and 28 dB in Normal mode
• Lamp life: 20,000 h in Normal/Economy mode
• Lens Shift: manual vertical ± 64%, manual horizontal ± 16%
• Vertical keystone correction : vertical ± 45°/horizontal ± 30°
• Other: DTM (Dynamic Tone Mapping)
• Weight: 21.1 kg
• Consumption: 437 W (346 W in Eco mode)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 568 x 192 x 568 mm