Epson 8700UB LCD Projector First Look

[admin]

We've reviewed most of Epson's latest projectors and the 8700UB grabbed our attention for several reasons. First off, it can be had for a mere $2199 - bringing most of the features of its Professional big sister to a more affordable consumer level. In fact, aside from a very small amount of features, extra lamp, and an admittedly mediocre mount, the 8700UB is the spitting image of the 9700UB that represents the top of the Epson LCD line. The 8700UB features 3LCD technology with Epson's C2Fine D7 chipset and UltraBlack technology. The projector aims to please by providing some of the deepest blacks yet seen in LCD front projection systems. The delivered contrast is stated at up to 200,000:1. It also delivers sharp, detailed images with Epson’s latest Super-resolution technology, real color reproduction and frame interpolation. And with new pre-set color space selection and a new anamorphic lens mode for 2.35:1 viewing without an external processor, the Home Cinema 8700 UB really offers a cinematic experience in the home.


Discuss "Epson 8700UB LCD Projector First Look" here. Read the article.

[Alain Singapore]

it means that you no longer have to buy a separate lens system in order to enjoy full-pixel implementation of 2.35:1 content on your projector.

You still need to get an external lens if you use the internal scaller otherwise your picture will only get sterteched vertically, removing the black bar in the process, but it will never fill the full width of a 2.35 ratio screen on its own.

If you do not want to buy a lens then your only choice is to use zoom. This does not require any scaler, internal or otherwise, just a zoom lens with a range greater than 1.33X.

[BMXTRIX]

Since it comes with a free spare lamp, this really makes this projector a deal buster for those looking for a top shelf product for not a lot of coin. The new JVC HD250 is in a price range which is scary close to the new Epson and the Panasonic AE4000, so this is going to make things interesting this year as they are put head-to-head.

More interesting since Panasonic may pass by this year on introducing a new projector model in the 1080p class.

Sanyo hasn't learned from prior years, and still has a somewhat dim and limited feature set for their home theater projector... They've been a bit out of the running for a while now.

Epson or Panasonic or JVC... A hard decision that really is hard to go wrong with.

[audiofox]

Since it comes with a free spare lamp, this really makes this projector a deal buster for those looking for a top shelf product for not a lot of coin. The new JVC HD250 is in a price range which is scary close to the new Epson and the Panasonic AE4000, so this is going to make things interesting this year as they are put head-to-head.

More interesting since Panasonic may pass by this year on introducing a new projector model in the 1080p class.

Sanyo hasn't learned from prior years, and still has a somewhat dim and limited feature set for their home theater projector... They've been a bit out of the running for a while now.

Epson or Panasonic or JVC... A hard decision that really is hard to go wrong with.

Well said-I went through this exact trade not more than a couple of weeks ago and selected the JVC DLA-HD250 to replace my Panny PT-AE900U-it cost a bit more than the other two, but it had (allegedly) better real world brightness performance and equivalent black level performance without the need of a dynamic iris. So far, my decision has been a sound one-the performance is spectacular and has met or exceeded all my expectations. Having said that, the other two contenders are VERY worthy of one's consideration, and the performance comparison makes for a very difficult decision-let the mid-range projector wars begin.

[Copper]

In Audioholics 'First Look', by Clint DeBoer, of the Epson 8700UB ($2,199) you talk about it having..."a new anamorphic lens mode enables 2.35:1 anamorphic viewing without an external processor."

Yet on Epson's web site the product specifications (4pg pdf) state that the anamorphic lens is an option:

(page 1 of 4) "Use the projector’s anamorphic (stretch) mode to display 2.40:1 cinemascope content* in its original format."
(page 4 of 4 on bottom) in fine print on Epson's Product Specs it states:
*Requires optional anamorphic lens.



Thanks!
Copper

[BMXTRIX]

In Audioholics 'First Look', by Clint DeBoer, of the Epson 8700UB ($2,199) you talk about it having..."a new anamorphic lens mode enables 2.35:1 anamorphic viewing without an external processor."

Yet on Epson's web site the product specifications (4pg pdf) state that the anamorphic lens is an option:

(page 1 of 4) "Use the projector’s anamorphic (stretch) mode to display 2.40:1 cinemascope content* in its original format."
(page 4 of 4 on bottom) in fine print on Epson's Product Specs it states:
*Requires optional anamorphic lens.



Thanks!
Copper

Copper - WITHOUT AN EXTERNAL PROCESSOR!

It does not say without an anamorphic lens.

If you want to use an anamorphic lens for a 2.35:1 constant image height setup for maximum quality, you will need to perform a vertical stretch to the image before sending it through the lens.

On the older 8500UB, this feature was not built into the projector.

On the new 8700UB, this vertical stretch IS built into the projector.

It does not alleviate the requirement for an anamorphic lens, which will typically cost more than the projector itself if you want best results.

[kiwiaudionut]

Well said-I went through this exact trade not more than a couple of weeks ago and selected the JVC DLA-HD250 to replace my Panny PT-AE900U-it cost a bit more than the other two, but it had (allegedly) better real world brightness performance and equivalent black level performance without the need of a dynamic iris. So far, my decision has been a sound one-the performance is spectacular and has met or exceeded all my expectations. Having said that, the other two contenders are VERY worthy of one's consideration, and the performance comparison makes for a very difficult decision-let the mid-range projector wars begin.

Let the midrange wars begin exactly. If anyone sees these three tested in a shootout, i would love to hear about it

[kiwiaudionut]

My only complaint about this otherwise wonderful PJ is the noisy function of the auto iris. To quote a recent reviewer, it sounds like a "gurgling coffee pot". (I just love that line!)
Hopefully Epson will do something about it, or i'm going to have to crank up the sound - admittedly not a problem

[jostenmeat]

My only complaint about this otherwise wonderful PJ is the noisy function of the auto iris. To quote a recent reviewer, it sounds like a "gurgling coffee pot". (I just love that line!)
Hopefully Epson will do something about it, or i'm going to have to crank up the sound - admittedly not a problem

Is the DI defeatable as on many PJs, and if so, how much do you suffer in PQ when it's defeated? I'm sure it will suffer at least some, but the less light controlled your room is, maybe the easier the compromise will be to swallow. After all, the sound you will hear no matter what the light control.

[kiwiaudionut]

If "DI" is the auto iris, then yes it can be turned off, but it is responsible for the amazing inky blacks this PJ produces. It is so good, the black bars are barely discernable. I'd prefer to live with the noise than turn it off !