Epson Pro Cinema 1080UB Projector Review

by Clint DeBoer — last modified November 11, 2008

Epson Pro Cinema 1080UB Projector

Summary

Product Name: PowerLite Pro Cinema 1080UB
Manufacturer: Epson America
Performance Rating:
Value Rating:
Review Date: May 08, 2008 23:22
MSRP: $ 4999

Specifications

Brightness: 1600 ANSI lumens (Dynamic mode)
Contrast: Up to 50,000:1 (full on/off); 4,000:1 (native)
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 native HD resolution
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen native 16:9 aspect ratio (4:3 resized)
LCD Panel: 3 x 0.74" Epson C2Fine VAN (Vertical Alignment Nematic) 3LCD ("D7")
Optical System: Dichroic mirror separation and prism combine method
Iris: Auto Iris optical system with AbsoluteBlack
Video Inputs: 2 x HDMI-HDCP (1.3), component, composite, S-video, and PC/RGB (HD15)

Control: RS-232C, IR remote
Projection Lens: F/2.0 – 3.17, manual focus & zoom
Lens Shift: Vertical and horizontal (96% vertical, 47% horizontal)
Keystone Correction: +/- 15 degrees (vertical)

Lamp: 170 W UHE (Ultra-High Efficiency) E-TORL (Epson Twin Optimized Reflection) lamp
Power Supply: 100-120 volts, 2.7A
Power Consumption: 245W (high); 200W (low); 4W (standby)
Operating Temperature: 32 – 104 degrees F (0 – 40 degrees C); 20-80% humidity (no condensation)
Fan: 24dB operation (in low mode)
Remote Control: Backlit w/batteries included
Standard Accessories: Power cord, Wireless remote control unit, batteries for remote control

Warranty: 3 years parts & labor + 90 days lamp; 3 Years Epson Road Service Program; Epson PrivateLine Toll-Free Technical Phone Support

Dimensions: 15.6” x 4.8” x 12.2” in (396 x 124 x 310 mm)
Weight: 12.0 lbs (5.4 kg)

Pros

ISF-certified product with custom memories
Excellent real contrast ratio
Excellent performance "out of the box"
xvYCC color support
Dual HDMI 1.3 inputs
Quiet fan
Extra lamp!

Cons

No automatic focus (manual only)
Auto-iris only has on/off
Poor LCD panel convergence in some samples

Introduction

When we got our first glimpse of Epson's Pro Cinema 1080UB at the 9th Annual Audioholics State of the CE Union Event in Clearwater Beach, Florida, we knew we were in for a treat. We had already reviewed the excellent Pro Cinema 1080, and the UB - short for Ultra Black - only took a good projector and made it even better. This review is more of a comparison and evaluation of the new features than a full descriptive overview of everything about the 1080UB. If you want the full blow-by-blow, take a look at our review of the Pro Cinema 1080 and you'll find everything you need to help you evaluate the full complement of this projector's features.

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Clint DeBoer posts on May 23, 2008 11:10

Biggiesized;414238
What's D7 technology?

Check this out:

http://www.audioholics.com/education/display-formats-technology/epsons-d7-panel-c2-fine [audioholics.com]

acacia987 posts on May 22, 2008 09:06

i just started my projector hunt, and from what i seen so far this projector cant be touched by others in the <3k$ range

Marcelle posts on May 22, 2008 07:38

AcuDefTechGuy;413529
I have not heard any negative about the Epson 1080UB.

Are you sure it's the same exact model?

Yes. It definitely is. I've also seen only good reviews for this until I read the What HIFI one. I must be honest. I absolutely love the Infocus IN82. They're priced similarly here is South Africa. Which would you go for if it was your money? (Yes I know you can't compare them directly DLP vs LCD, but still. If you had to choose.)

The_Snowman posts on May 21, 2008 01:14

AcuDefTechGuy;413529
I have not heard any negative about the Epson 1080UB.

Are you sure it's the same exact model?

The Epson Pro Cinema 1080UB is marketed as the TW2000 outside of the USA, only 1 model is available, that is, no Home Cinema 1080UB...... I can't post links yet try projectorsreviews-dot-com

Biggiesized posts on May 20, 2008 07:34

What's D7 technology?

Is it like DarkChip in DLP?