Big Picture Big Sound

For many consumers, the name Epson is associated with printers and other computer peripherals. But it turns out that Epson actually manufactures the chips used in many high-end high definition LCD projectors. Epson's "3LCD" panels comprise more than 95% of the 3-chip LCD market. Epson's 3LCD chips are used in Sanyo, Mitsubishi and Panasonic projectors (among others). And in recent years, Epson has been diversifying from the computer and professional projector market, entering the home theater market with their own front projectors.

Now Epson is introducing a second generation Full HD 1080p 3LCD chip set, the D7 chip with C2Fine™ technology. And one of the first projectors to feature this new improved technology is Epson's own new home theater projector, the PowerLite® Pro Cinema 1080 UB. The projector is expected to begin shipping in November of this year. At CEDIA Expo in Denver last week, Epson reps were hesitant to quote a final price, saying only "under $4,000" including a spare lamp and ceiling mount.

The "UB" in the projector name stands for "Ultra Black" by the way, and that designation proved itself accurate at a live demo at the CEDIA show. Combined with a Panamorph anamorphic lens, 2.35:1 screen and external Silicon Optix processor, the 1080 UB produced dynamic, colorful moving images with excellent black reproduction for an LCD projector.

The D7 chip features a new inorganic substrate that is said to offer vastly improved contrast as well as longer life. Featuring 12-bit video processing, a new polarizing light filter, and dynamic iris, the Pro Cinema 1080 UB is said to be capable of dynamic contrast ratios up to 50,000:1. When asked about the chip's native contrast ratio, Epson reps said it had not yet been measured, but early indications suggest that it is upwards of 4,500:1. Final specifications should be available closer to the unit's shipping date.


Brightness is rated at 1,600 ANSI lumens, which is more than enough light for the typically dim home theater setting, and which can even compete with the occasional stray beam of ambient light in less-controlled environments. The projector is ISF-certified, ensuring it meets the home theater industry's highest standards for video fidelity and calibration.

Other key features of the Powerlite Pro Cinema 1080 UB include:

• Two HDMI 1.3 inputs featuring x.v.Color support (extended color gamut)
  
• Wide Lens shift (96-degree vertical, and 47-degree horizontal) for flexible installation options well off the horizontal and vertical axis without image distortion
  
• Epson's OptiCinema™ lens system featuring 14 lenses, including two aspherical lenses, to maintain superior picture integrity across the entire image from corner to corner with zoom ratio of 1:2.1
  
• Six axis color adjustment, including new brightness control
  
• Quieter operation; runs as low as 24 db
  
• Epson E-TORL™ Lamp engineered to project light more efficiently to maximize brightness, uniformity across the entire screen and lamp life
  
• Stylish pearlescent black finish
  
• Spare lamp and ceiling mount included
  
• Three-year limited warranty

Also on display was Epson's new Ensemble 1080 Home Cinema System which we first reported on back in July. The Ensemble 1080 system ($6999) was jointly developed with Atlantic Technology and features everything one would need for a complete home theater system - DVD player, surround sound receiver, intelligent pre-programmed universal remote, projector, motorized screen, integrated speakers, and even a complete discrete surface-mount wire management system. A 720p version (Ensemble 720) is available for $4999.


As at the demo in July, the Ensemble 1080 was a crowd pleaser at CEDIA Expo as well. For the custom install market, the Ensemble 1080 actually represents an affordable step-down option to prospective customers who can't afford a fully custom system, but who still want a taste of that Big Picture Big Sound experience.