Epson projectors 1080 -> 6500

[Trezl]

OK, I've recently become confused on Espson's line of projectors and just wanted to make sure I understand and if there's any insight to be had.


First, I see 2 different Epson 1080 models - the 1080 and the 1080UB.

Now the 1080UB is just an enhanced version of the 1080 right? Better brightness, contrast, etc?

It looks like the 1080 series is being discontinued for the new 6000 series. Do I have that right? Is the 6500UB just a new version of the 1080UB with improved specs?

Has anyone done any reviews of the 6500UB? I was originally planning on upgrading my Sony VPL 720p projector to an Epson 1080UB later this year, since I've seen a lot of people praise that particular projector in this price range.

In the end, I just want to make sure I'm making a good purchase decision with a $3000 budget to go with the Epson 6500UB. Is there a better projector you all would recommend in that budget range?

Thanks for any help out there.

 

[lsiberian]

The UB is a significant step up from the 1080. The contrast ratio is much higher on the UB. The Lumens output is 33% greater, The LCD panels are inorganic so they won't suffer the degradation effects of organic panels with long viewing times. The UB also supports true 1080 24 support very important

It would be an excellent choice other options to look at are
a Sanyo PLV-Z3000 or a Panasonic PT-AE2000U LCD Projector.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/parts_compare.cfm?pid_1=4041&pid_2=4523&pid_3=3886 gives you a good comparison. That site also has shootouts and good reviews.

 

[mperfct]

Your are correct, the 6500UB is the new 1080UB. And here is a review for you

http://www.projectorreviews.com/epson/home-cinema-6500ub/index.php

 

[lsiberian]

http://www.projectorcentral.com/parts_compare.cfm?pid_1=4041&pid_2=4523&pid_3=3886&pid_4=4498

added the 6500UB but it doesn't support 1080p/24 signals so I think it would be a bad choice.

It isn't really a rebranded version of 1080UB. I suggest sticking to the 1080UB choice if you go Epson

 

[Trezl]

Thanks much for the replies guys! Great information.

 

[BMXTRIX]

According to Projector Reviews, the 6500UB supports 1080p/24 with 4:4 pulldown at 96hz. The 6100UB supports 1080p/24 but uses 3:2 pulldown at 60hz.

The 1080 and 1080UB are discontinued for the newer 6100 and 6500 respectively. The reviews at Projector Reviews indicate that the upgrades from last year are minimal, but noticable.

 

[Trezl]

I was reading the same in the review BMXTRIX, and was just going to come and ask.

The review also says some of that 4:4 to 96 can be jerky and add to much depth to the picture. I'll look into it a little more before making my purchase.

 

[jostenmeat]

The review also says some of that 4:4 to 96 can be jerky and add to much depth to the picture. I'll look into it a little more before making my purchase.

That's confusing. There isn't any pulldown.

If you open yourself up the possibilities of openbox, demo, used, you can go up the chain. I guess if you're lucky, just something to mull over for a bit. OTOH, BMX usually advises against used, and he knows what he's talking about. I got my open box JVC RS1 for 3k, only 3 hours, full warranty. rmk just picked up an rs2, demo from his dealer, for less than invoice IIRC. Just slightly more than what I paid, and that's highway robbery if you ask me.

 

[Trezl]

Good point jostenmeat. I'm probably a little too timid on that end, though.

I'm contemplating having pros sell it, install it and calibrate it just because it's the one thing I'm not comfortable messing with.

The used/openbox/demo/etc route is something I may consider when it's time for a new receiver, but I just don't know if i want to do it for the projector.

 

[mperfct]

Good point jostenmeat. I'm probably a little too timid on that end, though.

I'm contemplating having pros sell it, install it and calibrate it just because it's the one thing I'm not comfortable messing with.

The used/openbox/demo/etc route is something I may consider when it's time for a new receiver, but I just don't know if i want to do it for the projector.

never know if a high-end customer returns a PJ after they re-evaluate their fiscal situation and you can swoop in and get it for a song. Said hi-end dealer would be happy you were there to snatch it up and maybe you could get a good price on install/calibration.

It's a great time to have a little disposable income to throw around.

 

[jostenmeat]

Good point jostenmeat. I'm probably a little too timid on that end, though.

hear ya

I'm contemplating having pros sell it, install it and calibrate it just because it's the one thing I'm not comfortable messing with.

hear ya. just understand that you'll want to calibrate roughly every 200 hours. Maybe not pay for a pro ISF each time, but even a 20 dollar cal disc does quite a bit of good.

never know if a high-end customer returns a PJ after they re-evaluate their fiscal situation and you can swoop in and get it for a song. Said hi-end dealer would be happy you were there to snatch it up and maybe you could get a good price on install/calibration.

It's a great time to have a little disposable income to throw around.

and then there are those who DO have a lot money, and upgrade their PJ for the next best thing every two years. hang out in pj forums, and you'll see!

 

[lsiberian]

According to Projector Reviews, the 6500UB supports 1080p/24 with 4:4 pulldown at 96hz. The 6100UB supports 1080p/24 but uses 3:2 pulldown at 60hz.

The 1080 and 1080UB are discontinued for the newer 6100 and 6500 respectively. The reviews at Projector Reviews indicate that the upgrades from last year are minimal, but noticable.

I guess I have bad sources. I didn't see it listed as one, but It may be a brand new model.

I was kinda surprised. I guess a little common sense would have helped.

 

[lsiberian]

Good point jostenmeat. I'm probably a little too timid on that end, though.

I'm contemplating having pros sell it, install it and calibrate it just because it's the one thing I'm not comfortable messing with.

The used/openbox/demo/etc route is something I may consider when it's time for a new receiver, but I just don't know if i want to do it for the projector.

Come on Trezl. You can do it. Don't sell yourself short. Heck some PJs can be shelf mounted even. Though a ceiling mount is preferred IMO. If you follow instructions good practices and ask for help when you need it. I think it would be an easy DIY install.

Calibration can be done with a DVE disk though it's kind of a pain IMO. You will definitely not want to forget a good quality fixed frame screen. The frame will usually outlive the PJ so get a good one.

 

[mperfct]

Come on Trezl. You can do it. Don't sell yourself short. Heck some PJs can be shelf mounted even. Though a ceiling mount is preferred IMO. If you follow instructions good practices and ask for help when you need it. I think it would be an easy DIY install.

Calibration can be done with a DVE disk though it's kind of a pain IMO. You will definitely not want to forget a good quality fixed frame screen. The frame will usually outlive the PJ so get a good one.

The only caveat I would say about calibrating with a DVE disc or any other cal disc is that it will not calibrate your gray scale, which is the most important thing to calibrate in regards to color space. If you are really against paying someone with the proper equipment calibrating your display (it's not cheap), then do use a DVE or other disc by all means. You'll at least get in the ball park.

 

[lsiberian]

The only caveat I would say about calibrating with a DVE disc or any other cal disc is that it will not calibrate your gray scale, which is the most important thing to calibrate in regards to color space. If you are really against paying someone with the proper equipment calibrating your display (it's not cheap), then do use a DVE or other disc by all means. You'll at least get in the ball park.

Well when you pay what I did for a PJ it's unreasonable, but a 3000 dollars it would be silly to not get it calibrated. Although they have grayscale stuff on the disc if I remember correctly.(not great, but ok)

I think most folks would be blown away by the PJ quality to begin with. So they could probably wait a bit it until that buyer's shock wears off. Then get an ISF if budget is a concern.

 

[Trezl]

Well a couple notes. I have a home theater already fully built. I have a fixed screen and a 720p Sony LCD ceiling mounted. The issue would be swapping out the sony for the epson when I'm done saving up the money.

I just figured, if I'm going to make the investment, I figure a little piece of mind by having it installed by a local company I trust goes a long way if they won't kill my budget to do it.

Now if they want to charge me an arm for the service, you just might see me come back here begging for someone to talk me through it!

Thanks again for all the help. Really appreciate the help and the warm welcome I've gotten when I've posted at audioholics. This is a great community, even if I spend most of my time lurking.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I was reading the same in the review BMXTRIX, and was just going to come and ask.

The review also says some of that 4:4 to 96 can be jerky and add to much depth to the picture. I'll look into it a little more before making my purchase.

The motion adaptive frame interpolation feature of this projector is not well implemented and is typically recommended to be left off as it makes the image look artificial and sometimes adds some pretty serious pixelization and noise to the image.

On the other hand, normal 1080p/24 sources are supposed to be displayed at 96hz using 4:4 pulldown.

If someone has specific information that says that the 6500 does NOT repeat each frame of a 24hz source 4 times at 96hz please let me know where that info comes from.

I got my info from the Projector Reviews article, which could be wrong, but from what I've read elsewhere, does not appear to be.

From http://www.projectorreviews.com/epson/home-cinema-6500ub/index.php

I will discuss the findings relating to the creative and 96fps (4:4) of the Epson

 

[lsiberian]

Well a couple notes. I have a home theater already fully built. I have a fixed screen and a 720p Sony LCD ceiling mounted. The issue would be swapping out the sony for the epson when I'm done saving up the money.

I just figured, if I'm going to make the investment, I figure a little piece of mind by having it installed by a local company I trust goes a long way if they won't kill my budget to do it.

Now if they want to charge me an arm for the service, you just might see me come back here begging for someone to talk me through it!

Thanks again for all the help. Really appreciate the help and the warm welcome I've gotten when I've posted at audioholics. This is a great community, even if I spend most of my time lurking.

PJ can be a pain to setup. So if you have the funds by all means.

 

[Trezl]

Well, I ordered my 6500UB today. Epson's running a $500 rebate this month, so figured I'd pull the trigger.

Got 12 months no interest to boot.

I'll let you know how it all goes when it shows up in the next week or two.

 

[lsiberian]

Well, I ordered my 6500UB today. Epson's running a $500 rebate this month, so figured I'd pull the trigger.

Got 12 months no interest to boot.

I'll let you know how it all goes when it shows up in the next week or two.

That's a good deal. Just don't miss any payments. They usually will charge you interest for the entire period if you miss one payment.