On September 13, Epson announced new 3LCD home theatre projectors with professional level processing technology – the Epson PowerLite Pro Cinema 810 and PowerLite Pro Cinema 810 HQV.

Common features:

• 720p native resolution,
• 1,600 (up to) ANSI lumens of brightness (impressive for home cinema),
• 2.1x zoom Fujinon lens for more flexible installation. 6000:1 contrast ratio delivered in part by an advanced Iris function which automatically adjusts the image to the level of the video signal,
• full IR/RS-232 controls and home automation system-compatible codes for custom installers to create a system where audio and video are managed from a single remote control,
• ISF-certified (Imaging Science Foundation) calibration,
• Epson AccuCinema Color Management calibrated out-of-the-box to D6500 color standards and an ideal gamma curve of 2.2.,
• Vertical and Horizontal Offset Lens – 100% horizontal, 50% vertical,
• Epson Super White for cleaner images with less noise and better picture quality,
• Cinema Filter which cuts the light of unwanted wavelengths, expands color space and provides high-purity color for greater intensity and contrast in dark scenes,
• connections including MDMI, Component Video, RGB Video, S-Video, Composite and RS-232 digital connections.

3LCD Technology

Both models feature Epson’s high definition 3LCD technology which was started in 1995 and adopted by numerous front projector manufacturers (Fujitsu, Hitachi, Panasonic, Sanyo and Sony) for its compactness and image quality.

3LCD is in essence an active-matrix, HTPS (high-temperature polysilicon) LCD projection technology. As can be seen in the diagram, an ultra-high-pressure mercury lamp projects light through three different dichromic mirrors, which divide the light into red, green and blue light (with different wavelengths). Each color passes through its own small (from 0.73 inches) microdisplay LCD panel creating an image in that color. A prism merges the three different color images back into a single full color image for display. The small image from the microdisplays is expanded by the projector lens.

Using microdisplays provides manufacturers with a projection solution for increasing resolution while maintaining compactness. 3LCD technology inherits sharp images, brightness and excellent color reproduction from its active matrix technology. As well, the HTPS technology produces deeper blacks.

Epson PowerLite Pro Cinema 810 HQV

The Epson PowerLite Pro Cinema 810 HQV includes a Silicon Optix TX3 HQV Video Processor for professional-level video performance. The HQV processor performs more than one trillion operations per second and delivers superior video image quality using 10-bit video processing and other features to resolve conflicts between native pixel resolution and different pixel source material. The technology uses pixel-based (rather than frame-based) motion adaptation and detail enhancement to more accurately process de-interlaced images. Even standard broadcast video images are upscaled for improved viewing on a large screen.

Unlike some similar technologies, HQV technology processors have sufficient power to perform the full suite of image-enhancing processing calculations on two, simultaneous, high-definition sources without losing any resolution. This capability allows picture-in-picture or split screens to be displayed in full resolution.

Resources

Projection Screen Selection Guide

Tips for Extending Projector Lamp Life

Guide to Replacement Projector Lamps and Bulbs

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

EMP-TW700 Like Powerlite Pro Cinema 810 1600 Lumens HD Home Theater Projector

Epson PowerLite Pro Cinema 810 Projector Ceiling Mount Kit

Further Reading

For more information on microdisplay technologies for projectors and rear projection TVs read our article Microdisplay Chips for Rear Projection Televisions.