The QS100, accessible in white or black, is simply sufficient brighter than the LS800 to make a visual distinction at any given picture dimension. Epson charges its laser-phosphor mild supply at 4,500 ISO lumens and as having a 20,000-hour life at full energy. The 2 fashions share basically the identical show expertise, utilizing three 1080p LCD chips (one for every major colour), and doubling the variety of pixels on display by pixel shifting.
As I’ve mentioned in different critiques, this strategy delivers solely half as many pixels as are in a 4K (3,840-by-2,160-pixel) picture. But it surely makes little to no distinction in perceived element in contrast with the pixel shifting most DLP projectors use to ship a full 3,840 by 2,160 pixels. A part of the explanation Epson’s strategy works so effectively has to do with the boundaries of human visible acuity. At regular viewing distances, these limits cover any distinction which may truly exist. Past that, the flexibility to resolve element can also be affected against this, lens high quality, and digital picture processing, amongst different variables, and Epson’s PRO-UHD expertise takes benefit of these elements as effectively.
(Credit score: M. David Stone)
One other vital plus for the three-chip design is that it ensures the picture cannot present rainbow artifacts (purple/inexperienced/blue flashes that single-chip projectors can present). For individuals who do not see these flashes, this would possibly not matter. However for many who see them simply and discover them annoying, being rainbow-free could be a must-have characteristic, notably should you’re laying out this a lot cash for a projector.
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Getting the projector up and operating is easy, however positioning and picture calibration could be a bit tough. The QS100 weighs in at 26.5 kilos and measures 6.2 by 27.4 by 13.4 inches (HWD). Primary setup consists of little greater than positioning it, connecting cables, turning it on, and focusing. As all the time, nevertheless, if you’d like the very best picture high quality, you will must place it fastidiously to fill the display. Epson affords a strong set of adjustment options if it’s a must to use them—together with digital zoom, four-corner changes, particular person level adjustment together with your alternative of three to 33 adjustment factors on every vertical and horizontal line in a grid, and the Epson Setting Assistant telephone app. Nonetheless, all digital changes can introduce artifacts in some photographs, making them finest averted should you presumably can.
(Credit score: M. David Stone)
The QS100 additionally requires guide focusing, which implies you possibly can’t stand again far sufficient to see your complete picture directly, as you possibly can with a powered focus managed by the distant. It does not fairly flip focusing right into a two-person job, but it surely helps to have a second individual farther from the display, who can inform you when the main focus is correct.
As already talked about, the QS100’s menus add all the fitting settings to allow you to absolutely calibrate (or, extra probably, pay somebody to calibrate) the projector in your room and display. It should additionally allow you to retailer as much as 10 totally different units of settings in reminiscence, so you possibly can have separate calibrations for various lighting situations, totally different sources, or each. What it leaves out, in contrast with the LS800, is built-in audio and streaming options, a design choice based mostly on the belief that, as with basic house theater installations, you will wish to add a customized exterior audio system in addition to picture sources. For connecting to these sources, it affords two HDMI ports, one in all which helps eARC and ARC, and a USB-A port for studying information from USB reminiscence. A detachable cowl (proven under) hides the ports and bodily controls.
(Credit score: M. David Stone)
The projector additionally has a LAN port strictly for distant exterior management. It is noteworthy primarily as a result of the QS100 helps Crestron and different frequent management techniques that integrators usually make the most of. You additionally get an embedded net server (EWS) you can go surfing to utilizing a browser. Nonetheless, it is much less helpful than it may very well be: You may simply swap sources or flip off the projector, but it surely does not assist a lot for altering menu settings. Mainly, you get the picture of a touchpad in your PC’s display, and should transfer your mouse over that picture whereas holding the mouse button down to maneuver the spotlight within the QS100’s on-screen menu.
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You can too choose a highlighted merchandise with a mouse click on, however I discovered this even much less handy than the distant. Notice, too, that it’s a must to go to the QS100 person guide on Epson’s web site to seek out the person names you want for logging on.
