New Full HD video projectors from Epson

After announcing HD ready and multifunction projectors last week, Epson has now released details of its new Full HD projectors.  Three new models are on their way: the EH-TW5000, the EH-TW3800 and the EH-TW3000.  They all look a lot different: the curves that the featured in the earlier models have made way for a more sober, more professional look.  Here's what we know about the new projectors …

EH-TW5000

After announcing HD ready and multifunction projectors last week, Epson has now released details of its new Full HD projectors.  Three new models are on their way: the EH-TW5000, the EH-TW3800 and the EH-TW3000.  They all look a lot different: the curves that the featured in the earlier models have made way for a more sober, more professional look.  Here's what we know about the new projectors …

The technical specification is:

• 1080p Full HD
• E-TORL lamp
• New C²Fine D7 projection system
• 1600 lumens   
• Contrast 75 000:1, although this score is to be taken with a pinch of salt as it presumably refers to measurements for dynamic conrast mode
• 2.1 x optical zoom
• Operating noise 22 dB
• 3 year guarantee, including the lamp
• Below 3000 euros

EH-TW3800

White, and brighter than the EH-TW5000 at 2000 lumens instead of 1600, this model also displays poorer contrast.  It doesn't manage to show the same level of black, presumably because its filters are not as effective at cutting out light from the LCD.

• 1080p Full HD
• E-TORL lamp
• C²Fine projection system
• 2000 lumens
• Contrast 20 000:1 (although, again, this is presumably only achieved in dynamic contrast mode)
• 2.1 x optical zoom
• Operating noise 22 Db
• 3 year guarantee, including the lamp
• Around 2149 euros

EH-TW3000

This last model completes the range.  At first sight, it's a carbon copy of the EH-TW3800, but if you look closely, there are a few differences.   The first is the price, with this last projector costing only 1799 euros, a not insignificant difference.  Also noteworthy is the fact that this projector is not ISF certified and is missing an HQV video processor.  What practical difference will this make?  We'll see when we get all three models in our lab to test them out, although they are not expected to be available before November so a little patience will be required …