Epson LS11000 NPA front right

Joining the recent release of the Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 is the Epson Home Cinema LS11000. The two projectors share much of the same technology, and the LS11000 is currently the most advanced model of the Home Cinema line.

The Epson Home Cinema LS11000 uses a blue laser array light source and fixed yellow phosphor element that converts the laser output to white light. That white light is then distributed through optics to three 0.74-inch LCD chips—one for each primary color of red, green, and blue. This process eliminates the worry of speckle that occurs on some laser projectors, while the lack of a color wheel paired with the three individual LCD devices removes the possibility of the rainbow effect. The light source is capable of 2,500 ANSI lumens with equal white and color brightness, and has a life in any mode of up to 20,000 hours.

Epson LS11000 NPA front

Using Epson's upgraded 4K PRO-UHD quad-phase, dual-axis pixel shift technology and new Precision Shift Glass Plate, the native 1080p imagers in the LS11000 display 8.29 million individual pixels on screen for a true full 4K image. The multi-element cinema lens is designed for zero light leakage and keeps the image sharp and focused. It has a 2.1x motorized zoom and a throw ratio of 1.35-2.84:1. Also powered is the vertical lens shift up to ±96.3%, horizontal lens shift up to ±47.1%, and a lens cover that slides open on power up.

The LS11000 is rated with a contrast ratio of 1,200,000:1, it supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. Along with a 16-step HDR slider that adjusts the overall HDR image brightness, its new 36-bit Epson ZX Picture Processor (also found in the LS12000) powers a real-time scene adaptive gamma function—which works in both SDR and HDR modes—that fine tunes how the projector handles gamma on a frame-by-frame basis.

Epson LS11000 NPA connections

Both HDMI inputs are 2.1 with HCDP 2.3 (one with eARC) and support 4:4:4 chroma subsampling 4K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz for gaming (although if the LS11000 is similar to the LS12000, the HDMI bandwidth is limited to 40Gbps and not the full 48Gbps that HDMI 2.1 is capable of). There are also two USB (one that can provide power to an optical HDMI cable and one for power/firmware), Ethernet, RS-232C, a trigger out, and a mini USB for service.

The Epson Home Cinema LS11000 has a white case, measures 7.6 x 20.5 x 17.6 inches (HWD) and weighs 28 pounds. It should be available in late March with an MSRP of $3,999.

For more detailed specifications and connections, check out our Epson Home Cinema LS11000 projector page.

To buy this projector, use Where to Buy online, or get a price quote by email direct from Projector Central authorized dealers using our E-Z Quote tool.

The Epson Home Cinema LS11000 is also sold outside of the United States of America as the Epson EH-LS11000W. Some specifications may be slightly different. Check with Epson for complete specifications.

 
Comments (38) Post a Comment
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Mar 20, 2021 6:00 PM PST
Jeff, I actually didn't remember till you jogged me that Epson touted reflective LCD for the LS10000. I don't know the exact answer to your question, but I assume reflective LCD is really another way to say LCoS, which is basically an LCD chip with a reflective back panel. You get higher pixel density/fill factor (which Epson does promote on the spec sheet, available in our database archive at https://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-LS10000.htm); this is because the electric leads required to feed the pixels are hidden behand the backplane. Depending on the liquid crystal design, you can also get deeper blacks. But I'd gather that there are cost considerations here and perhaps Epson felt they were getting sufficient blacks with the combination of transmissive LCD and their UltraBlack (UB) technology, which is not mentioned as a feature of the LS10000 in the specs or name.
Mike Posted Mar 15, 2022 10:26 AM PST
Read on a European website that Epson has inexplicably decided to drop 3D support on this projector model. Not sure if this is true for the US model. Would be very disappointing if true.
Lawrence Posted Mar 15, 2022 12:42 PM PST
It's a shame that the new Epson laser projectors do not have 3D capability nor do they support Dolby Vision.
steve Posted Mar 15, 2022 2:19 PM PST
no 3D? ouch. have too many 3D blurays.. Won't work for me.
Toby Posted Mar 15, 2022 5:44 PM PST
Same here. No 3D makes this a no no. Too bad, I was hoping to upgrade my Epson 5040.
Lawrence Posted Mar 16, 2022 7:27 AM PST
Does anyone at Projector Central know if Epson will be introducing new laser projectors that WILL have 3D capability?

Also does anyone know if Epson will be adding Dolby Vision capability to their future projectors (or current ones via a firmware update)?

I have a 5050UB and I would like to purchase an Epson laser projector - but it MUST be able to play 3D Blu-rays.

And as so many 4K discs are being produced with Dolby Vision that this, in my opinion, as well as HDR10+, should be incorporated into their projectors too. (It would truly be nice if my 5050UB could be updated to Dolby Vision and HDR10+.)

AND such a new laser projector(s) MUST be offered at a somewhat reasonable price.

Thanks for any information.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Mar 16, 2022 7:30 AM PST
Lawrence, we are not aware of any other new long-throw laser models coming out and my understanding is that Epson's 4K home theater line-up is now pretty well fixed with the HC4010, HC5050UB (both of which stay in the line), the LS11000, and the LS12000. We will be querying Epson to get a better understanding of why 3D was left off the new LS models, and whether the architecture would ever permit 3D to be added with a firmware update.
Fatso Posted Mar 16, 2022 8:29 AM PST
No 3d no purchase
Tom Posted Mar 16, 2022 9:59 AM PST
So it's $1000 more for the LS12000. You basically get: -black chassis -3 year warranty -200 more lumens (almost 10% brighter) -contrast up from 1.2 million to 2.5 million

I wish I could see them side by side to see if the combo of the lumens and contrast makes a difference.

I hope ProjectorCentral weighs in on this. If the lumen/contrast boost is worth it.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Mar 16, 2022 10:08 AM PST
Actually, the main thing you are paying for here is the same thing you're paying for when you step up to the 5050UB from the 4010, and that is Epson's UltraBlack technology that drives down black level -- hence the contrast difference. If you are watching in a dark theater where you can see the benefit and you care about getting the top performance, it's worth it.
Greg Posted Mar 16, 2022 10:54 AM PST
HC4010 been around almost 4 years. Shame they don't have an updated version in the works.
Tom Posted Mar 16, 2022 2:26 PM PST
Thanks Rob. That makes sense. Where is the cut-off though for what is perceivable to the naked eye? For instance, with resolution on a photo, the eye can't discern detail past a certain amount of pixels.

I assume there is a cut-off for contrast as well when our eyes can't "see" the difference anymore?

I mean 2x better contrast sounds better, but if 1.2 million to 1 is already at the limit of the human eye?

That's why I defer to you experts in this field. :) If I'm going to have a new projector cutting edge like this one for 5 years, that's only an extra $200/year justification to move to the LS12000, but only if it's noticeable. :)
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Mar 16, 2022 3:48 PM PST
It's noticeable with the UB, you can't really "trust" a contrast ratio spec but you can definitely use them to compare one projector with another in the same line, and that 2x spec is meaningful here. But it's a degree of subtlety you'll only see with a properly tuned projector in a dark theater; any amount of ambient light will likely raise the black level to where it wouldn't be as noticeable if at all.
Jonathon Posted Mar 16, 2022 4:34 PM PST
I see a few comments from posters about DolbyVision. If that’s what your after, you can retro-add it to any projector, or TV via most HDFury products such as the Vertex2. I’ve done that with my own Epson5040 projector from my AppleTV and now enjoy 12 bit Low-latency Dolby Vision (LLDV).
Naveen Posted Mar 16, 2022 6:08 PM PST
Curious to check out this review. The specs seems comparable to the LG HU810P which I had decided to buy before Epson’s announcement. Looking forward to what you think about the cost/value proposition of the two projectors.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Mar 16, 2022 6:10 PM PST
We do hope to get a sample and review it. We're fond of the 810, which costs $1,000 less than the LS11000. But you do get the benefits in the LS11000 of a three-chip design, a larger and more sophisticated motorized lens, and highly adjustable HDR (vs the un-adjustable but typically effective dynamic tone-mapping on the 810).
Jonathon Posted Mar 16, 2022 6:12 PM PST
Rob, regarding the UltraBlack technology, is this related at all to the native contrast of the projectors? Is one better than the other and are those figures published or measured?
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Mar 16, 2022 6:20 PM PST
Jonathan, if we define native contrast as the contrast ratio measured before application of any dynamic iris or dynamic modulation of the brightness based on signal input, then yes, the UltraBlack projectors have a distinctly lower black level and wider contrast ratio. This is because the UB projectors have a mechanism in the light path (perhaps a polarizing filter or filters) that prevent some degree of stray light bounce that would otherwise occur in the light engine, so it lowers the native black level. JVC applies a similar approach in their better projectors to achieve a lower black floor/higher contrast to help differentiate the higher performance models.

In the case of the new Epson's, my understanding is that only the Pro Cinema LS12000 has the UB technology. It's interesting that Epson did not apply the easily recognized UB nomenclature to the model name as they do with the 5050UB and 6050UB for example, but the spec sheet clearly identifies the presence of UB and this would obviously explain the much lower rated contrast, which is the dynamic contrast spec, by the way. They don't publish a native contrast figure.
Tony Posted Mar 16, 2022 8:27 PM PST
Wait so the 5050 might actually have better black level performance in a dark theater than the 11000 because the prior has Ultra Black which the latter is missing? If that’s the case, then I’m not interested.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Mar 16, 2022 8:30 PM PST
Not quite, Tony. If you check the dynamic contrast ratio spec on the lamp-based models, which I have inserted below alongside that of the new models, you'll see that even with their auto iris active they are rated with equal or lower contrast than the new laser models using their laser-and-pixel driven Dynamic Contrast feature.

LS11000: 1.2 million:1

LS12000: 2.5 million:1

ProCinema 6050UB: 1.2 million:1

Home Cinema 5050UB: 1.0 million:1

So the old ProCinema 6050UB, which had the slightly higher rated contrast vs the HC5050UB, actually just equals the contrast of the non-UB LS11000. The LS12000, with its laser modulation combined with UB technology, more than doubles the contrast ratio over the LS11000 or 6050UB.
Brandon Posted Mar 17, 2022 9:55 AM PST
Agree with the others about the 3d. This or the LS12000 would have been the first projector I considered purchasing that cost over a couple grand (got the refurb 5040 ub at that great sale price)- if only they had 3d. Will likely wander back over to BenQ's x3000i or next led-based HT pj, or another DLP. Their 3d-specific qualities are usually better (artifacts and motion), but I'd be loosing the overall picture qualities of blacks and contrast.
FJB Posted Mar 17, 2022 12:10 PM PST
True 4K? 8.3MM pixels on screen? Why then, does this unit not carry 4K UHD certification and the 4K UHD logo? Hint - Epson's 4K-PRO-UHD marketing spin is just that; spin. DLP 4K UHD projectors destroy these, when it comes to resolution and pixel quality.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Mar 17, 2022 12:23 PM PST
"Why then, does this unit not carry 4K UHD certification and the 4K UHD logo? Hint - Epson's 4K-PRO-UHD marketing spin is just that; spin."

First, let's start with the fact that no single-chip 4K DLPs have official UHD certification either. This is a designation issued by the Ultra HD Alliance, and I gather that like similar programs (such as THX certification) it's likely associated with a licensing and/or evaluation cost that's not considered terribly important when calculating product development budgets and final price points among projector manufacturers. Or, maybe the UHD Alliance just doesn't offer a projector certification program -- they don't list any projectors under "UHD-Certified Products on their website. https://www.experienceuhd.com/

"DLP 4K UHD projectors destroy these, when it comes to resolution and pixel quality."

Second -- and my apologies for the harsh language -- but I just have to call this out as one more example of uninformed bullshit. FJB, if you've done a legitimate test of these brand spanking new projectors against a half dozen or even one single-chip 4K DLP projector (virtually all of which will have a far inferior lens and video processing by the way), maybe we can have a conversation here. But given that the paint on these projectors has barely dried long enough for you to encounter a sample anywhere, I'm guessing you haven't.

Please note that I have no vested interest in protecting Epson here, and if this was a fail we'd say so. As it turns out, the 4K sharpness on the LS12000 is excellent following a firmware update issued almost immediately following release of the projector, specifically to address some initial concerns about perceived image softness. I'm not surprised it needed a tweak given that this is a brand new system with a high-speed, four-phase shift plate that's just now getting out into the field. You can read our review of the LS12000 when we post it shortly to see what we have to say. But then, you may be the type who won't believe what you read and will accuse us of being in Epson's pocket and blah blah blah blah. I hear this all the time.

For a closing note, let me be clear here. You and all our readers are entitled to share their informed opinions that either agree or disagree with whatever opinions we express in our reviews or editorials, or which other readers express in article comments. You're even allowed to express your uninformed doubts and concerns about this or that, and let me or the group respond with either agreement or a counter argument. That's called discourse. But please don't use our platform just to spout off and make any product, manufacturer, or fellow reader look bad with no clear proof or justification. That's just trolling, and it's not welcome here.
krectus Posted Mar 18, 2022 6:30 AM PST
I know we're all supposed to complain about the lack of 3D because of how popular 3D movies and shows are right now, but I'll skip that in my comment. But will say that hopefully with all these people throwing this in the trash because of the lack of 3D it will make it more easily available for the rest of us!!

Projector looks amazing, everything I'm looking for going to wait for the review before I buy. Interesting to see them limit it to 40gb as well here. Seems like a weird thing to do, is that for any good reason? Is it cheaper? Do they really need to save a few bucks on a $4000 product?

Really wish they could have got the size down though, this trend of home projectors getting more massive seems to not be stopping.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Mar 18, 2022 6:35 AM PST
Krectus, I'm not entirely sure why that limitation was made, but I'd guess it has to do with the capabilities of the projector's internal processing and or that of the optical plate being used to handle the pixel-shifting. What is key here, though, is that the projector surpasses the 32 Gbps threshold required to accept 4K/120 signals, and that it actually (as far as we know) displays that properly on screen. Some other projectors to date with HDMI 2.1, specifically the LGs and the new high end Hisense USTs, are DLP projectors whose DMD chips aren't equipped to actually display 4K/120 on screen. With the LGs they just limited the input to 24 Gbps and left it at that, and with the Hisense they actually label the HDMI 2.1 port as 4K/120 capable but never tell you that the projector downscales 4K/120 to 4K/60 for display. These Epsons and the late generation JVC laser projectors (among traditional home theater projectors) are the only ones that can actually do 4K/120 for real. In the case of the JVCs, having full 48 gbps bandwidth also makes those projectors 8K-compliant, and the projectors make use of 8K signals with pixel-shifting above and beyond their native 4K resolution.

As for size, I hear you. but the large chassis and the weight come along with the large lens, which is really part of what you're paying for in these premium models.
Lawrence Posted Mar 18, 2022 7:08 AM PST
Dear Mr. Sabin:

Jonathan wrote here that it is possible to add Dolby Vision capability to an Epson projector. I have a 5050UB. Is it in fact possible to add DV capability to that projector and, if so, can you (or Jonathan or someone else) write the EXACT step-by-step instructions as to how to do it?

Thank you - and thank you for all that you do on Projector Central.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Mar 18, 2022 8:04 AM PST
Jonathan is referring to the video signal processing capabilities of one or more of the excellent HDFury products. Although I'm unfamiliar with their use in this capacity, in essence the processor goes between the source and the display and supplements or replaces the HDR processing in the projector, much the way you can set up some of the Panasonic UHD blu-ray players or any other signal processor to perform superior tone-mapping than the projector's own default circuitry. Perhaps he or others experienced with the HDFury offerings can discuss here, though I would guess you can find information on this among the projector enthusiast threads on AVS forum.
Victor Posted Mar 18, 2022 7:25 PM PST
It’s too bad epson not doing native 4k but instead they are still doing pixel shifting 4k.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Mar 18, 2022 7:30 PM PST
Yes, Victor, but this is not the two-phase pixel-shifting done previously, which only put 1/2 of the pixels in a UHD signal on screen. This is four-phase pixel shifting on a 1080p native chip to equal the full pixel count of 4K UHD. This is exactly what DLP does with the 0.45-inch DMD to get 4K with XPR pixel-shifting. So it's a significant advance for Epson that puts them on par with most 4K projectors out there, but not the true native 4K machines from JVC and Sony.
Justin Posted Mar 20, 2022 4:11 AM PST
I'm curious what people plan to use as audio solutions for the ls11000 and ls12000. One of the big selling points seems to be the 4k at 120fps so I'll assume actually getting 4k at 120fps is important to people. There is no audio output. With my pc I can send a separate audio signal to my audio system. I'm a bit of an audio purest and prefer dedicated audio equipment to hybrid AV equipment so I don't have any hdmi ports at all much less with audio return but even if I did, there are very few AV products out there that have 4k 120fps capable hdmi (arc/earc) ports. I don't think there are sound bars that do it yet (could be wrong) and I know the number of AV receivers that are compatible is very small and there have been problems associated with a number of the ones that are. My problem would be with a streaming stick. No way for me to get the audio from a streaming stick plugged into these to my audio system. I'm guessing I could do some sort of blue tooth work around but that kills audio quality. I don't have a ps5 or Xbox (I can't even keep track of their model numbers). Maybe those have dedicated audio outputs I guess? Anyway. Just curious to hear what others are planning for their setups. I would have loved an audio output. Any upgrades to my audio system are going to be audio first so I doubt there will be hdmi ports.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Mar 20, 2022 4:30 AM PST
Justin, most of the higher end Epson projectors, like all the Sony's and JVCs, are strictly displays and it is assumed you will be feeding audio to an outboard sound system directly to the source. Where we do see eARC or ARC on a projector is when it has a built in streaming platform and is intended to function as both a source and a display. In that case, you need a way to get sound from the internal platform to the sound system, or in the case where you have a built-in soundbar (like with the UST projectors), a way to get sound from an outside source into the projector.
Jeff Paynter Posted Mar 20, 2022 5:58 PM PST
How does this projector compare with the original LS10000 which used reflective LCD technology. I’ve had one of those for several years now and it still produces an outstanding picture. I’m curious as to why Epson would go from reflective to transmissive LCD technology. Thanks.
John Posted Mar 21, 2022 9:09 AM PST
I am in the process of building my first media room. This will be a non-dedicated room and at times a few zones of lights might be on when watching sports and such.

I've been doing hours of research on which projector to get. I originally thought the 5050/6050, but I had a heck of the time finding them. I like the idea of the LS12000, but that is out of my price range. Is the LS11000 worth it or is there another brand/ model that would better fit my needs?

I'd like 4K like image. okay with pixel shifting look decent with some ambient light. Screen will be 120" dark gray screen. Projector will be 12-14 feet away.
Sri Posted Mar 25, 2022 2:34 AM PST
How much.
Mathias Posted Mar 26, 2022 9:24 AM PST
It seems the newer Epson models using dual-axis pixel shift don't come with the wireless HDMI options anymore. Is this due to bandwidth constraints since we now have actual 4K? Would you know if something is in the pipeline from Epson in this regard? I always liked that feature. Thanks!
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Mar 28, 2022 7:57 AM PST
Mathias, Epson has actually just retired the 5050UBe, which is their wireless HDMI version of the 5050, and as far as I know there are no plans for other models. It may in part be a bandwidth issue -- the old system in the 5050UBe only handled 4K up to 30Hz, and I'm not aware of a third-party wireless HDMI solution that does even 4K/60, which is required to get HDR out of some of the services (though that may be available this point). If I had to guess I'd say it was just not a high demand feature.
Sean Posted Mar 28, 2022 9:46 AM PST
Wow. So it would seem that no 3D is confirmed. I was hoping to move to a 4K laser with 3D from my Epson 3700 but now It would seem I'll need to go back to Optoma or try the new Optoma UHZ65LV. I was also considering the NEC NP-P506QL. I also considered mounting the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500-B because I have so many Epson 3D glasses, Any opinions on which option sounds best for them. Seems like most of the people in this chat are in similar boats
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Mar 28, 2022 9:51 AM PST
Sean, I would stay away from commercial projectors generally because irrespective of how they look on paper they are really not designed for low blacks/high contrast imagery...and the LS500 is bright, but not the best on contrast compared with Epson's traditional home theater projectors. The Optoma UHZ50 may be a decent option if you are married to the idea of a 4K laser projector.

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