Epson Pro Cinema 6010 Home Theater Projector Mini Review
The Epson Pro Cinema 6010 is the big brother to the Epson Home Cinema 5010 reviewed late last year. These two home theater projectors are similar in almost all ways with the Pro version having a few extra features, a different method of distribution, and it comes with some extra accessories.
While I have received a Pro Cinema 6010 projector from Epson to work with, and I've been watching it, it was decided the two projectors are too simiar to go through the entire review process again. The differences, with two exceptions, are slight. This mini review of the Pro Cinema 6010, therefore, will focus primarily on the differences, with the goal of helping you decide if this Pro Cinema 6010 makes more sense for you, than the 5010. Click for the full Home Cinema 5010 review. Please note, as this goes live, most of the images in this review have been taken using the 5010, not this 6010. Any Pro Cinema 6010 images to be added, will be so noted.
2/14/2012 - Art Feierman
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Epson Pro Cinema 6010 Projector Overview
To begin, we'll start by positioning the Pro Cinema 6010 projector for you, compared to both the Home Cinema 5010 and Home Cinema 5010e. As pointed out in the 5010 review, that projector has a MAP (and street) price of $2699. The 5010e is $300 more at $2999. Although both are 3D capapble, neither comes with 3D glasses.
On the other hand, the Pro Cinema 6010 - which has an MSRP of $3999, does come with two pair of Epson 3D glasses. It also comes with a spare lamp, and a ceiling mount, and a cable cover!
That's not all the extra goodies, though. The Pro Cinema 6010 comes with a 3 year parts and labor warranty compared to the Home series 2 year warranty. Epson provides their fast replacement program for all three years on the Pro Cinema 6010, compared with only 2 years replacement with the 5010 and 5010e. More on the warranty, in the Special Features section.
The 6010 starts out with a few extra goodies. First of all, it is THX certified. This is a real plus. It pretty much guarantees excellent color right out of the box. The Home Cinema 5010, right out of the box with its natural setting, was very good but quite honestly, the Pro Cinema 6010 in THX mode is just plain better!
Pro Cinema 6010 Projector Brightness
Like the Home Cinema 5010, the Pro Cinema 6010 is 2D and 3D capable. They both claim 2400 lumens. When we reviewed the 5010, we did full measurements. We found that it measured, right out of the box, at just about 2000 lumens. There is no reason why a Pro Cinema 6010 projector would measure any different, beyond the usual variation from one lamp to another.
Better still, we were able to detune the brightest mode down to about 1700 lumens, significantly improving the color. True, it's still not quite as good as in the projector’s best mode, but that means the Epson Pro Cinema 6010 as well, should be able to produce about 1700 lumens with some pretty impressive color. This is really important for those of you planning to enjoy a whole bunch of 3D on this projector, as well as 2D.
The 6010 Projector is more than just 3D, or more than just a really good 2D projector. It also is one of the most flexible projectors you can find with a 2.1 to 1 zoom lens and tons of lens shift. You should be able to place this in virtually any room especially considering it’s also one of the brightest guys out there.
Unlike the 5010, the Epson Pro Cinema 6010 comes ready to go for 3D, by providing two pair of glasses. In addition, as has been the case for the Pro Cinema projectors, the 6010 projector also comes with a spare lamp and a ceiling mount, (and new for this year - a cable cover for the back to keep things nice and neat). Again, the Pro Cinema projectors are sold only by Epson-trained/authorized installing dealers. You won’t find the Pro Cinema 6010 available online. If you do - look out - as it shouldn’t there, so the dealer probably isn't authorized...
Epson Home Cinema 6010 Projector Highlights
- 2D and 3D capable with best in class brightness for 3D
- THX modes in both 2D and 3D for great "out of the box" performance
- Full color management system for excellent color and skin tones
- Ultra High contrast projector with superb black level performance in 2D
- 480hz D9 LCD panels - the latest and greatest, and fastest
- Rated 2400 lumens, brightest rated home theater projector under $5,000
- Suitable for theater or family room
- Excellent placement flexibility
- Excellent life lamp
- Zoom lens with wide range, lens shift, for placement flexibilty
- 2 HDMI 1.4a inputs (Blu-ray 3D compatible)
- Split screen, two choices of sizes, both can be hi-res
- Great 3 year warranty with replacement program
- Very good price/performance
Above, Leeloo (the Perfect Being), from The Fifth Element
Basic Specs for Epson Pro Cinema 6010
Pro Cinema 6010 MSRP: $3999
Native Resolution: 1080p (1920x1080)
Brightness: Manufacturer claim: 2400 lumens, 2051 measured max (5010), 630 lumens, post calibration in "best" mode (5010)
Contrast: 200,000:1
Zoom Lens ratio: 2.1:1 manual zoom and focus
Lens shift: Horizontal and Vertical (manual)
Lamp life: 4000 hours at full power, 5000 hours in eco mode - Estimated replacement cost: $299
Weight: 18 lbs. (8.2 Kg)
Warranty: 3 Year Parts and Labor, 3 year fast (2nd day) replacement program
View full specifications here: Epson Pro Cinema 6010
NEXT: Check out the Pro Cinema 6010 Special Features and Summary