Epson LS12000
The Epson LS12000 is a pixel-shift 4K projector that sacrifices a bit of raw contrast performance—primarily black levels—relative to JVC and Sony but makes up for it with features. Most notably, it features a sophisticated lens with powered focus, zoom, and shift capabilities, as well as lens memory slots for different configurations. Long story short, this is a projector that you can program to work with a variable aspect ratio screen.
The LS12000 features advanced pixel shift technology to deliver 4K resolution (3840x2160) from three 1080p LCD chips. It offers up to 2,700 ANSI lumens of brightness from a solid-state laser light source, HDR10+ support, and less than 20 ms input lag for gaming. However, it lacks 3D capabilities and dynamic tone-mapping for HDR10.
Epson’s new blue laser diode array creates an efficient white light source with low heat and consequently minimal fan noise. This light converts to the three primary colors for the projector’s LCD panels, ensuring equal brightness and eliminating rainbow effect. The laser’s lifespan reaches up to 20,000 hours.
The LS12000 uses the Epson VRX Cinema Lens, a 15-element structure for zero light leakage and uniform focus. Its 2.1x zoom and broad throw ratio range allow versatile placement, complemented by powered focus, zoom, and lens shift for easy setup. The projector dynamically adjusts contrast using a Dynamic Contrast laser dimming function but lacks an automatic iris.
For HDR content, it features a 16-point HDR Dynamic Range slider and Scene Adaptive Gamma, using the ZX processor for frame-by-frame enhancements. However, the absence of dynamic tone mapping may limit its performance.
The LS12000 has two HDMI 2.1 inputs, supports 4K at 120 Hz, and offers calibration options, though it may slightly crush bright whites with HDR.
Advanced Pixel Shift 4K Technology: Delivers 4K resolution (3840x2160) using three 1080p LCD chips, providing high-quality image resolution.
nSolid-state Laser Light Source: Features up to 2,700 ANSI lumens of brightness and a new blue laser diode array, offering efficient white light with low heat and minimal fan noise.
Epson VRX Cinema Lens: Utilizes a 15-element lens structure for zero light leakage and uniform focus, with powered focus, zoom, and lens shift for easy setup.
Dynamic Contrast and HDR Support: Includes a Dynamic Contrast laser dimming function and a 16-point HDR Dynamic Range slider, although it lacks dynamic tone mapping for HDR10.
Connectivity and Gaming Support: Offers two HDMI 2.1 inputs, supports 4K at 120 Hz, and provides less than 20 ms input lag for gaming, but lacks 3D capabilities.
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