Customer Reviews

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 8500 UB LCD Projector (V11H337020)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is my first projector. I tend to be extremely picky about my image and sound quality. I was nervous and somewhat skeptacle going from my 62" DLP TV to a projector. I researched different projectors for weeks. Every time I looked up a review for one projector it would mention a different one for comparison. I would then have to research that one. I ended up creating a spreadsheet listing prices, pro's, con's and more finer details. I ended up settling for the 8500UB since many sites rave about it.

I wish I could have given 4.5 stars on this review. I wouldn't call it a perfect 5 nor would I call it a 4. I am overall very pleased with the projector and it is well worth $2500. Shop around and you'll save a lot. I ordered mine at projectorbundles.com. You get cables, screen, mount and projector at a great price. If they don't have the screen size on the website just email them.
I have about 30 hours on it. I still fiddle with the color calibration settings. [...] has a decent starting point for calibration.
Since it is LCD you have much wider flexability where it can be mounted. The problem with the offsets is image distortion especially side to side. Plan to mount it in the center with VERY little side offsets. See note 2 below. Side offset makes the image twist appear out of level. Over the width of a large screen being off-level slightly is very noticeable.

The two very minor things I would mark it down for:
1. Small dark text on a light background can get slightly washed out. It is still legible, just not crisp.
2. I use the projector as my main TV. Not everything is broadcast in HD widescreen. I have it ceiling mounted with a standard 8' ceiling with 110" 16:9 grey screen. Full screen 4:3 images have a very slight trapezoid effect. Since the projector is closer to the top of the screen light has to travel further to get to the bottom. It is slightly wider at the bottom. Again, I am very picky!!! A friend viewing would probably not notice.

Screen Tip: Make sure the screen has a velvet frame because the black velvet absorbs light. Since the trapezoid effect is noticeable with full screen images if you overshoot widescreen images just a hair they will appear square and you don't notice trapezoid effects at all.

Washout: If you have a lot of ambient light in the room you will definitely have washout. I highly recommend blackout curtains for sunlight.

Noise: The projector is very quiet. I have it mounted on my ceiling about two feet behind my couch. Occasionally, I can hear the Iris shift but I have to be listening for it. Quiet scenes in a movie are no problem.

Color is fantastic. Nice deep dark blacks and shadow effects. HD signals and Blu-Ray discs are awesome. With a little planning setup is a breeze.

-------------------

Update: I'm happy to give this projector a 5/5 star rating. One of the comments left mentions to make sure the the projector is mounted squarely on the ceiling. Then simply use the lens shift. It does not skew the image at all. As long as the screen is level you are good to go. I have used the projector for about a year with nearly 2000 hours with no problems.

The projector really earns it's UB moniker with it's outstanding ultrablack performance. The 8500UB has extremely low light leak in the blacks while still being able to capture the most subtle details in stark scenes scenes.

I have watched two movies thus far on this projector. First was the colorful Disney flick "UP", next was a dark horror movie called Shiver. I projected them against a plain semi-gloss white wall at midnight, where there was a slight cast of window frames , due to surrounding businesses lights (I live in a factory conversion). The image casted was 15' (diagonal, or 180"). The bottom of the image was about 4' from the floor.

Reflections on viewing UP (HD 1080p on Blu-ray):
- Very bright and consistent from corner to corner.
- The details were were crisp and not over or under-saturated.
- Nice solid colors (viewed from about 10 ' away, which is closer than I would like but I was limited to how far back I could sit due to the trajectory of the projected image.
-With frame interpolation set to low, animation was very smooth, but not overdone. There were no noticeable impact on sound sync with it enabled. With it off, animation reverted to the standard film rate at 24 FPS. I prefered having it on.
-No noticeable artifacts that I saw during film.

Reflections on viewing Shiver (XBOX360 1GB download, Standard Definition):
-Overall movie was very dark, and the dark scenes were impacted by ambient light from outside.
-Due to source, the image was not sharp and crisp, but watchable.


Overall thoughts on my test drive:
While putting up my blackout cloths would certainly yield a brighter image, I really didn't want to bother with the job of putting up and taking down blackout cloth on two 10 foot high windows. Even with the ambient light from outside, the image was plenty bright and not affected at all (at least for UP). It's hard to describe in text how much ambient light there was in the room, but if I were to describe it from 1 to 10 with 1 being near darkness (use of blackout cloth) and 10 being fully bright it would be a 3. I have very big windows, and ALL of my walls are white, so there was quite a bit of reflection during bright scenes. The point is there was no problems projecting 15' image in very low light settings. On the other hand, for movies staged in dark settings, as with any projector, the darker the better. There's simply no getting around it. On the point of fan noise, up close it's very quiet. From a few feet away, it wasn't noticeable. BTW, this is a right-out-of-the-box test drive. I only made basics setup adjustments, no tweaking colors, temperature, etc.


Other observations:
- The projector has image shift knobs that have plenty of range. I was able to move the image 4 or 5 feet (didn't measure) in each direction from center. The aspect ratio was preserved at all times. There are no keystone settings.
-Two knobs for the bottom front feet. I didn't need to adjust them.
-Two HDMI ports. One used for my Blu-ray player.
-One set of Component Video Inputs, used for my XBOX 360.
-The remote is excellent. Smooth flat white, large, backlit, well-designed remote. It's great that the key features have dedicated buttons.
-Optics are very large!
-Projector feels twice as heavy as my InFocus projector (X1).
-When turning on the lamp takes about half a minute to a minute to come to full brightness. However, the system shuts down very quickly. Fan did not run after shutting down.
-Air blown out of fan is typically hot.
-On/Off rocker switch on the back, and digital switch on the top.


Overall impression:
EXCELLENT! There are cheaper 1080p projectors, but they don't have the same level of quality and featureset. If this projector is within your budget, you will not be disappointed. You will really appreciate the:
- Extremely high contrast ratio (200,000:1)
- Ultra-black darks (not just marketing)
- Truly usable frame interpolation (Not overdone. Adjustable too!)
- Excellent throw distance (180" cast from about 17')
- Superb out-of-box performance

For complete specs, here is a link to Epson's website:
[...]

We received our 8500 projector yesterday and it is fantastic. The best I have ever owned/demo'd. Right out of the box, the colors are beautiful, the blacks are intensly black, and its brightness is excellent and more than enough for both the 137" and 106" screens we tried it out on.

I have owned several projectors for quite a few years now (the infocus X1 and most recently the Optoma H79). Each impressed me in its time, but there is really no comparing either of these two to the Epson. I can't see how anyone could be disappointed in this purchase. It feels like it should be thousands of dollars more for the performance.

Last night, we watched Avatar, and to us, it was better looking than when we saw it in the theater (probably owing to the 3D presentation dimming the colors and blurring the action somewhat).

I'll rate this thing a solid 10. Could not be more happy with it.

Epson now seems to have fixed the firmware bug that plagued this machine when I first purchased it, so the only real problem with the device has been fixed (a red-fringing that would occasionally show up at random in the picture). This machine is BIG, but its also very quiet which is in part a function of the size of the case. Build quality is on the flimsy side (the lens horizontal and vertical offset for instance) but these issues won't affect you once it's set up and in place during your normal viewing.

Loaded with features and indeed with very good black level, the machine is killer bang-for-the-buck, and Epson's hot-swap exchange policy cannot be valued highly enough. The main inherent shortcoming of the projector for me was "screen door effect". Don't be fooled by folks who say you can't see it on these 1080p LCD machines... you can. The difference is that rather than a clearly defined "grid" of squares, the SDE looks more like a haze or slight graininess to bright areas of the picture. It's not terribly distracting if you're used to Plasma and other displays that may already impart a signature of grain/screen door, but if you're used to silky-smooth LCOS or SXRD images, you won't be able to tolerate it here. I didn't see the Panny 4000, but folks who were bothered by the SDE of the Epson said that the Panny solved their problem. Of course, the featureset of the two projectors is quite different, and if black level is your primary goal, the Epson may be your better choice.

In this realm of $2000-$2500 1080p projectors, it's astonishing how far we've come. Don't sweat your decision too hard, because you'll probably be buying a new LED and/or 3D projector in just a few years for the same price, and retiring whatever machine you buy today to the kid's room for gaming.

I have been a home theater buff for a long time but never delved into projectors. I spent two months researching projectors because it is very daunting with all the models, tech, screens, placement options, etc. However Epson just kept coming up on top, again and again. It seemed to give me everything I wanted and with features that only models twice its price or more offered. I got the unit with a blu-ray calibration disk which I reccomend. It helped a great deal because the light and the screen you use affects the minute calibrations you need for a perfect image.

So let me just save you time and give you what you really want to know about this awesome projector.

1. What about ambient light coming in the room?

NO WORRIES, this thing makes the sun jealous. At 1800 lumens, Im able to see a bright, vibrant image in the middle of the day but blacks do suffer a bit in the picture. Basicly, if your worried about game day or want to watching something without turning it into a cave, you have NO worries.

2. What about screen types and what should I choose?

This projector works great with any screen, as a first time projector user I wen with a pull down from elite screens for $200. People constantly tell me they have never seen image quality of this level.

3. What about Standard Def?

Oh man, this guy just rocks the SD. It is a 120hz projector, with super resolution and frame interpolation. I will sometimes pause an SD movie Im showing to guests and then turn off these features, their faces are so classic! The beautifal SD image turns into pixelated junk because usually its some 80s movie that didnt survive the blu-ray process (Hint, Hint, Predator.) Epson makes bad looking movies, look great and even adds a 3D like effect to the standard def movies.

4. What about sound coming from the projector?

I can only hear it when a movie isnt playing, even when a movie hits a low sound section I cant hear it. I also never here the iris as it adjust dynamicly if you have that feature turned on.

5. What about long use, like the kids using it all day or a very long gaming session?

First, Epson warranty is amazing with 2 years and no questions asked replacements if you have any issues. They ship the unit to you first with overnight. Second, I have had the projector for 6 months and have had multiple 12+ hour runs on this guy and it doesnt even break a sweat. Just give it the ventilation space per the manual and you will be havin a great time.
Overall, I have to say this is the most game changing piece of equipment you can buy for you AV system. You just do things differently. TV shows are just different, movies, games. Its just a whole other level but hey, dont take my word for it. Check out these killer pics on 135"........in the middle of the day :)

[...] - Fox Logo

[...] - Avatar

This projector is really something else; if you haven't seen a mid-range projector in a few years, you're in for quote a shock. I'm using mine in a dedicated/light controlled media room on a 100" 1.1 gain screen. The image is really beyond what I expected, it's pretty incredible. A few things that I'll highlight (good and bad).

First off, the projector is white. Most media rooms are dark colors, so this thing sticks out like a sore thumb. A black/dark color would be much better. Also, this thing is BIG. If you haven't seen one in person, be prepared for how large these projectors are. It's not bigger than I expected, but it's a big device (and reasonably heavy), just be ready for it when you place your order. Finally, this thing (and all projectors) makes some serious heat. It's usually mounted on the ceiling, so not that big a deal, but you certainly wouldn't want this thing right behind you; it's pretty hot.

In my light controlled room, the image is almost too bright in normal mode; in "Eco" mode it's perfect. I've got about 17' of throw and a 100" screen; and I've never taken it out of eco mode; it's more than bright enough.

Overall, I'm very happy with it; I'll have to update this review in a few months (and give a more long term view), but, as it sits right now; it's a great device; truly breathtaking picture.. For the price, certainly a 5 star item.

I read reviews on projectors for two years before I purchased the 8500. I was all set to buy the previous years model and decided to wait. I sold Audio/Video for 5 years and have been planning my theater room for ever. The projector was a very important piece to me and I was very nervous. You can't seem to find anywhere that carries more than 2 or 3 projectors in a demo enviroment, and even when you do they are all in different rooms on different size screens playing different material. I basically bought this projector sight unseen based on the reviews from many of the websites. I have to say its actually better than the reviews say. I'm projecting on a 110" Dalite white screen. (gain 1.0)in a room with full light control. The projector has tons of light output and the clarity is amazing. You actually really start to notice which shows are fillmed very tightly focused (The Apprentice/Surviror) and shows that are filled a little softer (Burn Notice).
I also had the opportunity to try out the custoemr service. I had a small problem and as stated in reviews I called Epson told them the problem, they walked me through a couple of solutions they agreed something was wrong and shipped me a new one 2 day air. Did I mention I spoke to a live person each time I had to call with less than a 2 minue wait.
Regaring the trapazoid effect the other review mentioned. I had the same problem I realized on a ceiling mounted sytem you actually need the projector parallel to the ceiling, instead of aiming the projector at the middle of the screen. Use a level and make it level with the floor and ceiling and then use the lens adjustments to move the image around. It removes almost the entire effect. Final Comment. Buy this project you will not be disappointed.

I did quite a bit of research on this projector and a model from Panasonic. I ended up going with this one and I am thrilled with it. Avatar Blu-ray on my 100" screen is more stunning than it was in the theater--I saw details that I couldn't see in the theater. The colors are amazing! The THX mode and the black-level 2 modes have been perfect for me without any color-correction from me. The Settings menu is intuitive and easy to use. I haven't taken my projector out of eco-mode yet, and I don't see any need to. The picture is bright, crisp, color-accurate. The only less-than-perfect thing I have noticed is a very very minor amount of screen-door effect on white portions of the image only. I have to be looking for it to notice it and it doesn't distract me during a movie at all. Most all LCD projectors have the screen-door effect, so I don't really consider it a problem or a flaw--especially since it is undetectable most of the time.

The Epson 8500 is the third projector I have owned over the past six years. The two prior were Panasonic units, the most recent being the PTAE2000u. This Epson projector is often compared with that one, and its successor the PTAE3000 (which has already been replaced by the PTAE4000 ,etc). I would still be using the Panasonic had it not failed (within two weeks following warranty expiration) in a way which no repair facility could manage to fix, despite replacing every pc board other than the main board,and even the iris assembly. With the cost of repairing the Panasonic approaching the price for a new Epson 8500, I opted for the Epson.

What turned me toward the Epson was the fact Epson itself makes their own lamps and many components in the projector. The lamps have an advertised life span greater than the Panasonic, and cost less. But, my first Epson lamp just failed two days ago at 460 hours of use. Examination of that lamp shows it did not break, it appears to have melted and basically bent over like limp...celery. I have switched to the "high altitude" setting to gain use of the higher fan speed, hoping it was heat that caused the early burn out.

To me, talking about the image projected by any given projector can be very subjective. But, the Epson has a very definite screen door effect, whereas the Panasonic had no visible screen effect whatsoever. The Epson projects an outstanding image, and has a number of adjustable presets, easy to use menu system and is quiet. On the other hand, it is not nearly as flexible as the Panasonic, the offsets and keystone of the Panasonic provide much greater flexibility in positioning the projector in a room. Adjusting offset on the Epson is tricky, whereas the Panasonic was quick and easy. Also, the Panasonic has a remote controlled focus adjustment, allowing you to stand next to the screeen and get a truly perfect focus. The Epson is focused from the unit only.

The Epson has a much better remote control, in my view, allowing easy access to the functions most often used, and a button to light the remote (and the light actually allows you to see the remote functions in the dark). The Panasonic remote was complex, and often frustrating to find exactly what it was I was looking for. The so called lighting was essentialy useless. I kept a flashlight with the remote to be able to see it.

Overall, I have to say for picture quality (isn't that what it is all about?) I favor the Panasonic, but again, one person's ideal image quality can be another's nightmare. For flexibility, I favor the Panasonic. For functionality,and ease of use, I favor the Epson. So, it all boils down to what matters most to you. You certainly cannot go wrong with either unit.

This review was modified on 12/26/10 to correct the actual bulb hours on failure.

This review is not a technical one (there are numerous sites that dissect the technical specs and if you want to get into detail many of those digital projector review sites offer excellent info). The review is intended to be a brief overview of my satisfaction with the projector and intended for the average shopper, not the expert. So, here goes!

This is my second projector. I have had it for just over a year now and very happy with its performance (no problem with giving it 4.5 to 5 stars). I use it to primarily watch movies regularly, and in a completely dark setting (mostly at night, occasionally early evening) - movie theater dark. This is important to note so you can recognize the limitations of a projector and or not disappointed later. If you place/mount your projector in room that can be darkened easily (e.g., black out shades, basement) then you should have no challenges with light.

1) Why did I choose Epson: After a lot of research, I found Epson had good quality projectors at reasonable prices (there certainly are a few slightly lower priced models with comparable specs from other manufacturers such as Sony, and a few more expensive ones as well, again with comparable specs). So I bought my first Epson projector nearly six years ago. It was one of their PowerLite projectors. Hence Epson was my first choice when I was looking for a new projector. I gave away my old one as a gift Christmas 2009 and that is still working great.

2) Why the PowerLite HomeCinema 8500 UB: Since I was already happy with the PowerLite series I figured I'd start there. My main reason for buying a new projector were: wanted to get HD (my old one wasn't). Also, if possible, I wanted to get a slight upgrade - my old one wasn't UB (ultra black). Again, after research Epson's 8500 UB met both conditions. Finally, Epson had a good cash-back deal, plus I was able to negotiate additional discount. For the final price I paid I knew it was excellent value for money.

3) What I like:
(a) Overall picture and color quality: is excellent. All colors come out very well, and the blacks are deep. It's as close to getting to a movie theater at home (for the price point, of course) as possible. I watch movies almost always in "Theater 2" mode. I have not made any color adjustments and have used the default settings
(b) Flexibility of placement: This was a very important feature for me. The projector has both horizontal and vertical shift adjustments and I wanted a great deal of this flexibility so I wasn't forced to mount the projector in a specific place. I have just placed the projector on a side table next to the couch and it projects exactly where I want.
(c) Low noise: in the mode I use - Theater 2 (some times Theater if it's early evening) - the projector is quiet enough and I can't hear any noise even though the projector is right next to me! If you do use other modes like Dynamic or Living Room the fan noise is quite audible (and can even be distracting if you are close to the projector or don't have your audio turned high)
(d) Simplicity of controls: The remote, as well as the projector itself, have a few basic controls that you don't have to mess with once you figure out what settings you like. So I barely need to use the controls. For the most part it's just the on/off, color mode, and aspect buttons. Also, this model (compared to older models) has dedicated buttons to select your video source which I like
(e) Ease of setup: It was easy to connect my projector to my laptop, MacBook, and Wii. Also, as a side note, it's great to play Wii sports and games because you can have an image practically as big as your home will allow (up to 200" I think!).

4) What I don't like:
(a) Poor to mediocre color/brightness in lighted settings: this is NOT just for this projector, or Epson, but it's a limitation of projectors in general (at least the ones in this price range that I checked out). You can't really watch with acceptable picture and color quality in lighted settings - living room, ambient light, or working lights on at night eve with the Living Room or Dynamic settings (the image is washed out and the colors are not reproduced faithfully, plus the fan noise). The right setting is movie-theater like darkness. For any other lighting, any television handily beats a projector. In theater darkness, TVs don't even come close (size, and color reproduction)! However, if you are using the projector in a dedicated home theater room this is a non-issue.
(b) White color: Though a minor gripe, I wish Epson offered this model in black as well (or even only black). They do have black projectors, but not this specific model. They black ones have more features and much more expensive so I did not want to upgrade to the black and pay a lot of extra money for the other features that I didn't necessarily want.
(c) Large size: Though it doesn't bother me too much, I wish the projector were smaller (more like the office sized ones) and somewhat more portable. This would make it easier to move it around if/when needed. However, I don't think a lot of people necessarily need this projector for home theater settings. This certainly is a projector size that you may have seen in offices many years ago and is bigger than my previous Epson (guess some electronics do get bigger when you upgrade!).