Epson offers up a diverse selection of projectors for use in business, education,
and residential environments. To further solidify its market share and meet increased
demand for high-performance projectors for use beyond traditional dark room settings,
Epson has announced the Q-Series 4K 3LCD Projectors. The new models start at $7,999 for
a 3300-Lumen model and top out at $29,999 for a 10,000 Lumen light cannon.
Epson’s Q-Series projectors are optimized for those who want the big-screen immersive
performance of a projector, but want the option of watching movies and TV shows in a
brightly lit environment. Also, with a projection system’s ability to virtually disappear
when not in use, these projectors satisfy the needs of interior designers who don’t want a
huge TV to dominate a multi-purpose living space. Epson’s Q-Series projectors also offer
a pleasing aesthetic design so if the projector is visible it will complement a room’s
decor instead of detracting from it.
“Our new lineup of ultra-premium, high-lumen Q-Series laser projectors showcases Epson’s
commitment to producing superior entertainment solutions” says Melvin Diaz, Senior Product
Manager, Epson America. “Breaking performance, efficiency, and size benchmarks, the Q-Series
offers immersive big-screen entertainment within and beyond traditional dark room theater spaces,
creating limitless integration possibilities for home entertainment design.”
Epson Q-Series QB1000 Projector Front and Back ViewsEpson Q-Series QB1000, pictured in white.
At launch, the Q-Series includes three models:
QB1000 – $7,999 (includes lens)
QL3000 – $15,000 (body only)
QL7000 – $29,999 (body only)
Epson Q Series Core Features
All projectors in the Q Series feature Epson’s 3LCD technology.
This means the projector incorporates three independent LCD imaging chips,
one for each primary color (red, green and blue). This eliminates the need
for a color filter or color wheel that can reduce brightness or lead to color artifacts.
All Q Series projectors include a laser light source. A blue laser with yellow
phosphor is used to create a pure white light source to feed the three LCD panels.
In comparison to a traditional projector lamp which may need to be replaced
after 2,500-3,000 hours of use, Epson’s laser light source can last up to 20,000 hours
or more before a significant loss of brightness. This has become a trend in
high performance projection systems.
All Q-Series projectors also offer high brightness. Building on 3LCD technology and
the Laser Light source, Epson has bumped the white and color light output capability
of its Q-Series projectors, ranging from 3,300 Lumens up to 10,000 Lumens (ISO and IDMS standards)
depending on the model. This means the Q-Series is at home in dark ambient lighting but also
in brightly lit room environments.
The three Q Series projectors offer full 4K resolution with HDR. Similar to most 4K DLP
projectors, the Q Series uses dual phase pixel shifting to create four pixels on screen
for each pixel in the 1080p LCD chip. Epson calls this “dual phase pixel shift” but it’s
also called quad pixel shift. This is the same technology used in the company’s highly
rated LS11000 and LS12000 home theater projectors. HDR format support includes HDR10, HLG and HDR10+.
Epson’s Q Series projectors feature the company’s proprietary 32-bit QZX picture processor.
This optimizes brightness, color accuracy and black level/contrast to more accurately display
video content. All three Q Series projectors include two 40 Gbps HDMI 2.1 ports with support
for up to 120Hz at 4:2:2 in 8-, 10- and 12-bit color modes.
All three Epson Q Series projectors include a 3-Axis Motorized Lens Shift and powered zoom
with Memory Presets (depending on the lens selected). This allows for the most flexible
installation options and projector placement without having to resort to detail-robbing
digital keystone controls. It also allows these projectors to be used in a
Constant Image Height (CIH) home theater.
All three Q Series projectors offer ISF certification for professional calibration and are
compatible with popular smart home control systems including Control4 and Crestron. All Q
Series projectors are offered in a choice of black or white finish options.
Additional Technologies in QL3000 and QL7000 models:
In the two higher end Q Series models, Epson includes MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology.
MLA uses microscopic quartz crystal lenses to focus and concentrate the light output of
each LCD pixel. This is one of the reasons the projectors are capable of such high brightness,
without excessive power usage. MLA technology is also used to enhance brightness in select OLED TVs.
While the QB1000 comes with a built-in lens, the QL3000 and QL7000 just come with the
projector body, allowing the customer to select the best lens for the job in their specific
installation. There are a variety of lens options for short throw or long throw implementations
and even a motorized “periscope” lens that allows the projector body to be hidden in the ceiling
with just the lens descending into view when the projector is in use.
Q-Series-Periscope-Lens-Ceiling-MountAn optional periscope style lens can be mounted on the
QL3000 or QL7000 so that the projector can be hidden in the ceiling and the lens can descend from
behind a panel when the projector is in use.
The QL3000 and QL7000 also feature an optional champagne gold top plate to enhance the look of the
projector when mounted in a visible location. Unlike many high lumens projectors, both the
QL3000 and QL7000 feature whisper quiet operation that won’t interfere with your movie or
TV viewing. The QL3000 features a maximum sound output level of 28 dB while the QL7000 maxes
out at 33 dB (26 dB in Eco mode).
Initial Impression
Epson is a projector company that doesn’t sit still. With an extensive
product line, they offer projectors for virtually every use case.
Anchored firmly in the LCD-based projector camp, Epson has also called
out many DLP projector makers for being less than truthful concerning
lumens ratings. In many cases, Epson’s complaints have forced several
competitors to lower their published brightness stats to more accurately
reflect their real-world performance.
That being said, Epson is taking their new Q-Series to a higher level in terms
of light output, and other features that place them in a category that is suitable
for both professional and residential applications in both dark and daylight room
settings. However, along with that higher brightness, there are higher price tags.
Also, take note that, unlike the growing trend in home entertainment and portable
projectors, the Q-Series does not incorporate a built-in speaker system. The closest
thing to audio functioning is the presence of HDMI-ARC/eARC connectivity on the QB1000
which can loop incoming audio from its HDMI inputs out to a compatible external audio
system. The assumption is that customers spending $8,000 or more on a projection system
will also be investing in a dedicated audio system. And considering these projectors
are exclusively sold by CI (custom install) channels, that’s a pretty safe assumption.
Epson QL3000 / QL7000 4K UHD Laser Projector Front White
The exterior of the Epson QL3000 and QL7000 are identical.
Pricing & Availability
The Epson QB1000, QL3000, and QL7000 will be demonstrated publicly for the first time
at the 2024 CEDIA Expo in booth #3107 from Sept. 5 – 7, 2024 at the Colorado
Convention Center in Denver, CO.
The QB1000 (SRP $7,999) will be available in September and the QL3000 ($14,999)
and QL7000 (SRP $29,999) will be available in October 2024 through
authorized Epson Home Entertainment retailers.
All projectors come with service and support including Epson’s 3-year limited warranty
with full unit replacement and free lifetime technical phone support.
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