I’m excited to compare two top 4K ultra-short throw projectors: the LG CineBeam HU715Q and the Epson EpiqVision LS500. These projectors aim to make your living room a better place for movies and TV shows. They offer stunning 4K resolution, bright images, and smart features to boost your home entertainment.
Both projectors use laser light sources for lasting brightness and color. But they have different features, making your choice important. We’ll look at design, picture quality, and smart features to help you pick the best one for your home theater.
Key Takeaways
- The LG CineBeam HU715Q and Epson EpiqVision LS500 are both 4K ultra-short throw laser projectors with advanced features for home theater fans.
- Epson LS800 has a brighter output of 4000 lumens, while LG HU715Q shines at 2500 lumens. LG HU715Q also has a wider color gamut of 86% DCI-P3.
- Epson LS800 uses a 3LCD chipset for brighter images and better contrast, while LG HU715Q has a DLP chip for sharper images.
- Epson LS800 has a closer throw ratio of 0.17:1, allowing for a larger image size of up to 150 inches. LG HU715Q’s maximum is 120 inches.
- LG HU715Q is priced lower at $2,999, while Epson LS800 costs $3,499, making Epson a bit more premium.
Overview of Ultra-Short Throw Technology
Ultra-short throw (UST) projectors have changed how we watch movies at home. They don’t need a lot of space like old projectors do. Instead, they sit just a few inches from the screen, making them perfect for small rooms.
This new tech lets you have a big-screen movie feel without taking up too much room. You don’t need to worry about setting up a big screen or complicated systems.
What Makes UST Projectors Different
UST projectors stand out because of how they’re designed. They’re not far from the screen like old projectors. Instead, they use special optics to make a big, clear image from just a few inches away.
This design saves space and makes setup easy. You don’t need to hang them from the ceiling or deal with long cables.
Benefits of Laser Light Sources
Many UST projectors, like the LG CineBeam HU715Q and Epson EpiqVision LS500, use lasers. Laser projectors last longer, turn on instantly, and stay bright. They also show colors more accurately and clearly than old projectors.
Understanding 4K Resolution in Projectors
UST projectors with 4K resolution show movies in amazing detail. 4K means 3840 x 2160 pixels, four times more than 1080p. This means your movies look sharper and more real.
These projectors get this high resolution through special tech or chips. It’s a big step up from old projectors.
In short, UST projectors with lasers and 4K resolution have changed home entertainment. They offer a compact, high-quality way to enjoy movies in any room.
“The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 UST laser projector has been awarded an Editor’s Choice for exceptional brightness and good out-of-box image quality.”
Design and Build Quality Comparison
Both the LG CineBeam HU715Q and Epson EpiqVision LS500 have top-notch designs and materials. The LG HU715Q has a sleek white look. The Epson LS500 comes in black or white, matching your home’s style.
The LG model is smaller and sleeker, perfect for tight spaces. On the other hand, the Epson LS500 is bigger. It needs a wider stand to fit comfortably.
| Specification | LG CineBeam HU715Q | Epson EpiqVision LS500 |
|---|---|---|
| Chassis Material | High-quality Plastic | Premium Aluminum Alloy |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 16.9″ x 14.5″ x 5.7″ | 21.6″ x 13.9″ x 5.4″ |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs | 19.8 lbs |
Both projectors feel high-end and are worth their prices. The LG HU715Q is great for small areas. The Epson LS500 is better for a full home theater setup.
Choosing between these projector designs depends on your needs and space. Think about what you want and where you’ll use it.
Picture Quality and Performance
Both the LG CineBeam HU715Q and Epson EpiqVision LS500 4K ultra-short-throw projectors show great quality. But, they differ in brightness, contrast ratio, color accuracy, and HDR performance.
Brightness and Contrast Ratio
The Epson EpiqVision LS500 shines brighter with up to 4,000 lumens. This is more than the LG CineBeam HU715Q’s 2,500 lumens. So, the Epson is better for rooms with lots of light.
In contrast ratio, the Epson LS500 has a 2,500,000:1 ratio. The LG HU715Q has a 2,000,000:1 ratio.
Color Accuracy and Coverage
The LG CineBeam HU715Q has great color accuracy, covering 86% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. The Epson EpiqVision LS500 covers 100% of the Rec.709 color space. This makes it perfect for those who need precise colors.
HDR Performance
Both support HDR10 and HLG HDR formats. But, the LG CineBeam HU715Q has better HDR with its frame-by-frame tone-mapping. This boosts the dynamic range and details in HDR content.
| Specification | LG CineBeam HU715Q | Epson EpiqVision LS500 |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness | 2,500 lumens | 4,000 lumens |
| Contrast Ratio | 2,000,000:1 | 2,500,000:1 |
| Color Gamut | 86% DCI-P3 | 100% Rec.709 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HLG, Frame-by-Frame Tone Mapping | HDR10, HLG |
Both the LG CineBeam HU715Q and Epson EpiqVision LS500 offer top-notch image quality and performance. Each has its own strengths. Your choice will depend on your preferences and your home theater’s needs.
Smart Features and Connectivity Options
The LG CineBeam HU715Q and Epson EpiqVision LS500 are top-notch smart projectors. The LG HU715Q uses the webOS platform for easy access to streaming apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The Epson LS500 has Android TV, making it easy to use.
Both projectors have strong wireless connections. They support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming from devices or adding wireless audio. The LG HU715Q also supports AirPlay 2 and Chromecast for easy screen mirroring.
They both have lots of HDMI ports, with three each. The LG projector has an HDMI 2.1 port for better gaming and video.
| Feature | LG CineBeam HU715Q | Epson EpiqVision LS500 |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Platform | webOS | Android TV |
| Streaming Apps | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime | wide range of apps |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| HDMI Ports | 3 (including 1 HDMI 2.1) | 3 |
Both the LG CineBeam HU715Q and Epson EpiqVision LS500 are packed with smart features and connectivity. They promise a top-notch home theater experience.
LG CineBeam HU715Q vs Epson EpiqVision LS500: Direct Comparison
The LG CineBeam HU715Q and Epson EpiqVision LS500 are top picks for 4K ultra-short throw projectors. We’ll compare their key specs and price-to-performance ratio to guide your choice.
Key Specifications Face-off
The LG CineBeam HU715Q has a 4K resolution and 2,500 ANSI lumens of brightness. The Epson EpiqVision LS500 shines with 4,000 ANSI lumens. The LG uses a 0.47″ DLP chip, while Epson has 3LCD technology.
Color accuracy is key. The LG CineBeam shows a wider color gamut of 86% DCI-P3. The Epson covers 100% Rec.709.
Price-to-Performance Ratio
The LG CineBeam HU715Q costs $2,999. The Epson EpiqVision LS500 is $4,999, including a 100-inch ALR screen. The Epson is brighter and comes with a screen. But the LG has better smart features and color accuracy.
Choosing depends on your needs and preferences. To learn more about using your home theater projector without Wi-Fi, check out this guide.
“When it comes to projector decisions, it’s important to consider both the technical specifications and the overall value proposition to find the best fit for your home theater setup.”
Gaming Performance and Input Lag
The LG CineBeam HU715Q and Epson EpiqVision LS500 are top choices for gamers. The LG HU715Q can handle 4K/60Hz gaming with HDMI 2.1 and ALLM. Its input lag is about 50ms, good for casual gaming.
The Epson LS500 also supports 4K/60Hz and has an input lag of around 20ms in fast mode. This makes it slightly better for quick responses than the LG model.
Both projectors don’t support 120Hz refresh rates, which are now common in gaming consoles and PCs. But the LG HU715Q has a HGIG mode for better HDR gaming. This mode enhances the gaming experience.
In summary, both projectors are great for casual gaming. The Epson LS500 has a slight edge in input lag and responsiveness. But for serious gamers, lower input lag and higher refresh rates are key. These models, though, provide a good gaming experience for most users.
“The LG CineBeam HU715Q and Epson EpiqVision LS500 are both capable gaming projectors, but the Epson LS500 has a clear edge in terms of input lag and responsiveness.”
Audio Solutions and Built-in Speakers
The LG CineBeam HU715Q and the Epson EpiqVision LS500 both have great built-in speakers. The LG HU715Q has a 20W+20W stereo setup, making sound rich and immersive. The Epson LS500 has a 10W speaker system, good for casual watching but not as good as the LG’s.
Both projectors can connect to an external sound system. The LG HU715Q also supports eARC for Dolby Atmos surround sound. The Epson LS500 uses standard HDMI ARC for audio connections.
Sound Quality Analysis
Both projectors support external audio connections. The LG HU715Q has eARC for Dolby Atmos surround sound. The Epson LS500 uses standard HDMI ARC for audio.
External Audio Options
- Both the LG HU715Q and Epson LS500 provide Bluetooth audio output. This lets you connect external speakers or soundbars wirelessly.
- For the best home theater sound, consider a dedicated external sound system. The built-in speakers might not fully capture the cinematic experience.
“The audio quality of the LG HU715Q’s built-in speakers is truly impressive, providing a level of depth and clarity that elevates the overall viewing experience.”
Installation and Setup Process
Setting up your LG CineBeam HU715Q or Epson EpiqVision LS500 projector is key for top image quality. Both need careful placement and alignment for the best results.
The LG HU715Q has a throw ratio of 0.22:1, making it great for big images from a short distance. The Epson LS500 has a throw ratio of 0.27:1. The Epson has powered focus, zoom, and lens shift for easy image adjustments.
Both projectors have auto-calibration tools for easy setup and accurate colors. The LG HU715Q also has digital keystone correction for tricky setups. For the best results, consider professional installation for a perfect setup and image quality.
FAQ
What are the key differences between the LG CineBeam HU715Q and Epson EpiqVision LS500 projectors?
The LG HU715Q has 2,500 lumens brightness and 86% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also has webOS smart TV capabilities. On the other hand, the Epson LS500 has 4,000 lumens brightness and HDR10/HLG support. It comes with ALR screens.
What are the benefits of ultra-short throw (UST) projectors?
UST projectors are close to the screen, 4-15 inches away. They use laser light sources for a long lifespan. This means they turn on instantly and stay bright.
They also offer 4K resolution, which is four times more detailed than 1080p.
How do the design and build quality compare between the two projectors?
The LG HU715Q has a compact, white design. The Epson LS500 is larger with legs far apart, needing a wider stand. Both are made of high-quality materials and feel premium.
Which projector offers better image quality in terms of brightness, contrast, and color accuracy?
The Epson LS500 is brighter at 4,000 lumens. But the LG HU715Q has a wider 86% DCI-P3 color gamut. Both support HDR10 and HLG.
How do the smart features and connectivity options compare between the two projectors?
The LG HU715Q has webOS smart platform with streaming apps. The Epson LS500 uses Android TV. Both have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The LG also supports AirPlay 2 and Chromecast.
How do the LG HU715Q and Epson LS500 perform for gaming?
The LG HU715Q supports 4K/60Hz gaming and HDMI 2.1. It has an input lag of about 50ms. The Epson LS500 also supports 4K/60Hz and has a lower input lag of around 20ms in fast mode. Neither supports 120Hz refresh rates.
What are the audio capabilities of these two projectors?
The LG HU715Q has 20W+20W stereo speakers with great sound. The Epson LS500 has a 10W speaker system. Both can connect to external audio via HDMI ARC and Bluetooth.
How do the installation and setup processes differ between the LG HU715Q and Epson LS500?
The LG HU715Q has a throw ratio of 0.22:1. The Epson LS500 is at 0.27:1. Epson includes powered focus, zoom, and lens shift. LG offers digital keystone correction.
Both have auto-calibration tools for easy setup. Epson comes with ALR screens, while the screen for LG is sold separately.
