Epson EH-LS650B ultra short throw projector — A space-saving marvel with stunning image quality
Epson EH-LS650B/W 4K PRO-UHD Ultra-short-throw projector. Pictures: Epson.
Having had the opportunity to thoroughly test the new Epson EH-LS650B projector over the past few weeks, it's evident that this ultra-short-throw (UST) projector offers a unique blend of features and stunning image quality. As someone with experience reviewing various Epson projectors and even visiting their manufacturing facility in China, I have to say that this is the best I’ve tested.
One of the primary advantages of the LS650B is its space-saving design. The size and weight of the product, however, are not insignificant, as it boasts a substantial 7.4kg and occupies a notable physical footprint, measuring 467mm in width, 400mm in depth, and 153mm in height. Unlike traditional projectors with longer throw distances, the UST LS650B can be placed close to your screen or wall. This means you can enjoy a large projected image in a small room or confined space, making it ideal for environments where space is limited.
I like that there is very little danger of someone walking in front of the projector and creating distracting shadows because the projector is close to the screen. This makes it an excellent choice for classrooms, meeting rooms, and home theatres.
The projector's integrated Yamaha 20W speakers are attractively enclosed in a punched metal cover and can function as a stand-alone smart speaker. Unlike traditional long-throw projectors, the Yamaha speakers are around the back, which means the sound is coming from where the picture is. This makes a big difference and adds to the entertainment and user experience because you don’t need to purchase a soundbar separately. The sound quality is excellent with decent bass, the dialogue is front and centre with good clarity, and the highs don’t sound tinny. However, a surround sound system would significantly enhance your enjoyment if you want the full theatre experience.
Around the front of the unit are two HDMI 2.0 ports, including one with ARC/eARC. There are also two USB-A, a USB-A (DC out 2.0A) and a SPDIF optical port. On the right side is a flap which conceals the manual focus control.
The LS650B uses a laser as its light source, and compared to traditional lamp-based projectors, it requires less maintenance. The laser light source has a longer lifespan, resulting in lower operating costs. You won't need to replace bulbs as frequently, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run. Of course, on the flip side, the initial cost of the LS650B is also more expensive than a similarly specified projector.
It features 3,600 lumens of peak brightness and 1,800 lumens in economy mode, making it great for use in bright rooms. Conveniently, the remote has a separate plus and minus button for changing the screen brightness. I didn't need to set the brightness to 100% because I could adjust the ambient light in the room where I tested the projector. Nevertheless, the unit's fans become louder as you increase the brightness. I found a happy medium between outstanding brightness and low noise levels was found at about 80%.
The LS650B uses 3LCD technology to project vivid images up to 120 inches. All my testing was done on a 100-inch drop-down projector screen, and while it worked great with any of the long-throw projectors I’ve tested, the short-throw image projects upwards and shows all of the minor wrinkles in the screen as waves. Epson suggests using the ALR ELPSC36 (€1,175.57) 120-inch screen designed for ultra-short throw laser projectors, but you can also use your wall with special projector paint. The latter wasn’t an option in my room, so it’s worth considering your placement options before purchasing an ultra-short throw projector like the LS650B.
The LS650B uses 4K Enhancement Technology that shifts each pixel diagonally to double Full HD resolution. While this isn’t a true 4K resolution, it produces gorgeous images with support for HDR10 and HLG. Comparing the image from the LS650B to a 1080P projector on a 100-inch screen, I could see a noticeable improvement in clarity and detail.
Overall, image quality is exceptional regarding clarity, colour balance and vibrancy. Both SDR and HDR look stunning, although I sometimes felt like contrast was lacking a little, especially in the blacks.
Watching the latest TV shows and movies on this projector is an immersive experience like nothing I have seen before. I have to caveat this by saying my projector screen let the image quality down, and I would expect it to be even better with a proper show-throw screen designed for laser projectors.
I used the projector for watching movies, regular TV shows, sporting events, and casual video gaming. There’s a frame interpolation option which ranges from off to high. It’s an excellent option; however, it’s terrible when watching regular content and creates the dreaded soap opera effect — I always turn this off on TVs unless I’m watching sports.
Epson claims an input lag of 20ms, perfect for casual, racing, adventure and even platform games.
The LS650 comes with Android TV 11 built-in, which is excellent. I installed all the latest versions of Amazon Prime Video, Disney +, Paramount+, RTE Player, TG4, Virgin Player, Apple TV+, and Express VPN. The one significant omission was Netflix, which doesn’t appear in the Google Play Store. I have no idea why this isn’t available, but it does seem strange. Yes, you can connect an Apple TV, Firestick TV or Google Chrome TV, but that seems overkill to get Netflix.
While the LS650B has several advantages, it's important to know its disadvantages. It is designed for projecting large images from a short distance. While this is ideal for small rooms, it can become a limitation when you need a massive projection screen. The placement of the LS650B is somewhat restrictive. It must be positioned at a specific distance and height from the screen or wall to achieve the best results. This can limit the flexibility in choosing where to install it, especially if the room layout is not conducive to this requirement.
The Epson EH-LS650B projector impresses with its space-saving design, integrated sound, laser light source, and remarkable image quality. However, potential buyers should carefully consider their room layout and streaming service preferences. Overall, this projector offers a compelling package for those looking to elevate their entertainment or presentation experiences in confined spaces.
Epson EH-LS650 - €2,600 - Richer Sounds
