Epson PowerLite L570U 3LCD Laser Business Projector Review

Epson Powerlite L570U is a 5200-lumen WUXGA 3LCD business laser projector

The Epson PowerLite L570U, which retails for $3149.00 is part of Epson's 2023 lineup of projectors specifically designed for large venues. With its 3LCD technology and 5,200 lumens of brightness, this high-performance laser projector delivers exceptional image quality and due to its 20,000-hour laser light source, it is almost maintenance-free.

The PowerLite L570U is very similar to the brighter 7000-lumen PowerLite L730U ($3799,00 MSRP), which we reviewed several months ago. While the L570U is not as bright, but it is equipped with Epson's 4K Enhancement technology. Its WUXGA resolution combined with 4K enhancement provides a visibly smoother and sharper display.

The PowerLite L570U is incredibly versatile, featuring horizontal/vertical lens shift, 1.6x optical zoom, and built-in edge blending and geometric correction tools, making it easy to install and set up. It is an ideal projector for medium to large-sized rooms such as conference rooms, lecture halls, and classrooms. With its ability to project images up to 500" diagonal, it's perfect for large-scale presentations and video conferencing. The projector is also great for home theater applications, with its WUXGA resolution and 4K and HDR compatibility.

Epson PowerLite L570U
Price	$3139.00
Technology	3LCD
Displayed Resolution	1920x1200
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)	5200 ANSI Lumens
Light Source	Laser
Contrast	2,500,000:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens Ratio	1.6:1
Lens Shift	±30 degrees(V) / ±30 degrees (H)
Lamp Life	20,000 Hrs
Sound System	10 watt mono
Weight	18.7 lb
Warranty	Three (3) Years

OVERVIEW

Weighing in at 18.7 lbs, the PowerLite L570U is a medium-sized projector that is easy to transport and set up by one person. Its projected screen of up to 500" makes it an excellent solution for classrooms, conference rooms, churches, or art installations. It is one of three different L-series models available in the 2023 lineup that is equipped with 4K Enhancement, including the L770U and L775U. The Epson PowerLite L570U is listed at $3,149.00 at the time of this review, offering a lower price point with 5,200 lumens of brightness compared to the other models in the L-series, which have a higher price point with up to 7,000 lumens of brightness.

Model Comparison
Model	EB-L570U	EB-L770U	EB-L775U
Price	$3149	$4549	$4549
Brightness	5200 Lumens	7000 Lumens	7000 Lumens
Imager Type	3LCD	3LCD	3LCD
Resolution	1920 x 1200	1920 x 1200	1920 x 1200
Contrast	2,500,00:1 Dynamic	2,500,000:1 Dynamic	2,500,000:1 Dynamic
Claimed Brightness	2,500,00:1 Dynamic	2,500,000:1 Dynamic	2,500,000:1 Dynamic
Lens	1.6X Zoom	1.6X Zoom	1.6X Zoom
Dimensions	17.32" x 12.59" x 5.35"	17.32" x 12.59" x 5.35"	17.32" x 12.59" x 5.35"
Weight	18.7 lb	18.7 lb	18.7 lb

The L570 includes 4K Enhancement, a version of pixel shifting available on several Epson business projectors. While pixel shifting can’t match the resolution of a true 4K projector, it does increase sharpness and detail compared to a standard 2K projector. The Epson L570U can accept up to a 4K@60P signal. When fed 4K content, the projector uses pixel shifting to fine-tune the image to more closely resemble 4K. Pixel shifting fires each pixel twice by diagonally shifting the location by 1/2 pixel.

4K Enhancement makes it easier to resolve small details and text in 4K content

As you can see from the images above, small type and fine details that can’t be discerned on a basic 2K – WUXGA (or 1080p) projector can often be resolved with pixel shifting. It is enough to make a real readability difference on CAD, engineering and scientific drawings renderings, and anything else demanding maximum detail.

Combined with good image processing, the L570U does a good job emulating the original 4K content. It is only when you make a side-by-side comparison between a true 4K projector versus a 2K pixel-shifting projector that the resolution difference is noticeable.

Along with the high resolution and large screen size, you can use the built-in support for 16:6 and 21:9 aspect ratios. When these different aspect ratios are used, you can improve video conferencing experience. The 21:9 aspect ratio, often called ultrawide or widescreen, offers several benefits when video conferencing. The wider aspect ratio provides a broader field of view, allowing you to see more content on the screen. This can create a more immersive experience during video conferences, making you feel more connected to the participants.

Support for Ultrawide aspect ratios enhance collaboration and improves content sharing when video conferencing.

With a wider screen, you can have multiple applications or windows open side by side, such as video conferencing software, chat windows, presentation slides, and documents. This setup enhances multitasking and can boost productivity by allowing you to access and view multiple resources simultaneously without constantly switching between tabs or applications.

The wider aspect ratio facilitates collaboration during video conferences. You can have a larger portion of the screen dedicated to video feeds of participants, which enables better non-verbal communication, facial expressions, and body language cues. Additionally, you can keep shared documents or presentations visible alongside the video feeds, making it easier to refer to them and collaborate effectively.

When sharing your screen or presenting content, the 21:9 aspect ratio offers a wider canvas. This means you can display more content horizontally without scrolling or zooming out excessively. It can be particularly useful when presenting wide spreadsheets, diagrams, or visual materials, ensuring the content is easily readable and accessible to all participants.

Powering Through Portable Power Banks - Projector Reviews - Image

Use Epson iProjection to wirelessly project content from a Chromebook, iOS or Android mobile device

To take full advantage of the Epson PowerLite L570U, be sure to check out the host of business tools that are designed to work seamlessly with this projector. Use Epson’s iProjection software to wirelessly display content from your phone, laptop, or tablet. Collaborate with up to 40 different users, 4 of which can cast content to the projector at the same time. To use these features, you don’t need any additional equipment. The projector, along with the iProjection software is all you need to get set up.

Using the Epson Projector Professional Tool (EPPT) will enable you to manage multiple projectors over a network. EPPT automatically detects projectors in the same network and provides access to powerful features like focus, shift, zoom, geometric correction, and edge blending.

The Epson Projector Content Manager software lets users create playlists of images and movies and save them on an external storage device. The software supports playlist control functions such as intervals, transitions, loop playback, brightness, color, and shape effect filters. Playlists can be easily scheduled to begin and finish at specific times, and the software supports simultaneous play on multiple projectors.

If you’re an iOS user, you can use the Epson Creative Projection App to easily create content for the PowerLite L570U. This is more targeted for retail displays and art installations, where you’ll have custom visuals shown that can bring a space to life.

The optional PixAlign™ ELPEC01 camera simplifies setup of multi-projector based system

The Powerlite L570U is also compatible with the optional PixAlign™ ELPEC01 camera that attaches directly to the projector. When combined with Epson's powerful projection tools they simplify and speed up the projector color calibration and geometric correction adjustment processes, making sophisticated projection applications easy to achieve. The camera is ideal for installations with multiple projectors and facilitates accurate color matching across networked projectors. Additionally, the PixAlign camera comes equipped with a tiling assist tool, which is perfect for creating large or super wide displays via automated edge blending.

HIGHLIGHTS

5,200 Lumens of both color and white brightness
3LCD panels deliver good native contrast
WUXGA resolution with 4K enhancement
20,000-hour laser light source
Project images at sizes of up to 500" diagonal
Wide lens shift, 1.6x optical zoom
Built-in edge blending and geometric correction tools
HDBaseT, 2x HDMI inputs, HDMI output, RJ-45, RS-232, and control management tools
Auto power-on, split screen, screen sharing with Epson iProjection and optional wireless networking with the ELPAP11 adapter
Customizable brightness modes

HARDWARE

CHASSIS

The Epson PowerLite L570U is a lightweight, medium-sized projector that weighs 18.7 lb. It features the same form factor as other projectors in Epson's L-series, with the same button layout and ports. The bottom of the projector houses three adjustable feet and various mounting screws for flexibility.

At the front of the projector, you'll find a large projector lens, an intake fan, and LED indicators. On the top of the unit, there are lens shift knobs for adjusting the screen. All of the ports are located at the rear of the projector, along with the power and menu navigation buttons. The sides of the projector have additional fans to ensure proper ventilation for the unit.

PowerLite L570U Inputs and Connections

The VPL-PHZ61 offers various inputs and connections designed for business and education applications. This second-generation series of projectors will natively accept 4K 60P signals, making life simpler when using the VPL-PHZ61/51 in multi-screen set-ups with flat panel sub-screens. Split the same 4K signal to drive all your display devices without converting the signal from 30p.

The VPL-PHZ61 makes it easy for network admins to set up multiple projectors using Sony Data Cloning, which allows settings for one projector to be copied to other projectors using a USB memory drive, greatly simplifying installation and set-up of multiple projectors.

Included in the box is a backplate for the projector, which will remove access to all of the ports and menu controls. This backplate is perfect for situations where your projector might be in an easy-to-access spot, and people might be tempted to tamper with your setup. Avoid this by easily attaching this convenient piece.

The L570U has a variety of connections including two HDMI inputs that support 4K@60 fps. The available ports include:

LAN
HDBaseT
HDMI out
HDMI 1
HDMI 2
3.5mm audio out
USB DC OUT (2.0A)
USB - A
RS-232c
Service port
Power

LENS

The Epson PowerLite L570U boasts a manual 1.6x optical zoom lens with a focal length of 20.0 mm – 31.8 mm, providing outstanding versatility. Additionally, the projector features a manual lens shift that can be adjusted both vertically (±50%) and horizontally (±20%). Having a large amount of zoom and lens shift capability makes installation a breeze, especially when you are trying to replace an older unit that was previously fix mounted. Below is a chart of minimum and maximum throw distances for several 16.10 screen sizes.

Throw Distance By Screen Size
100 inches	9.58 ft (2.92 m)	15.55 ft (4.74m)
120 inches	11.5 ft (3.51 m)	18.7 ft (5.69 m)
150 inches	14.4 ft (4.4 m)	23.4 ft (7.13 m)
200 inches	19.3 ft (5.88 m)	31.2 ft (9.52 m)
300 inches	29 ft (8. 84 m)	46.9 ft (14,29 m)
500 inches	47.1 ft (14.37 m)	75.6 ft (23.04 m)

The Epson L570U zoom range combined with horizontal/vertical enhances installation flexibility. While we listed some throw distances, for those who need additional information, Epson has created a free online Projector Throw Distance Simulator that includes placement info for a wide variety of screen sizes and aspect ratios.

It's important to note that the lens ring protrudes from the rest of the projector, so you should be careful when moving the unit around. Fortunately, the projector comes with a useful lens cap that can be securely attached to the lens to protect it from damage during transport.

The remote control of the Epson PowerLite L570U is a typical Epson remote that fits comfortably in your hand. The buttons are easy to press, and the remote's uniformity with other Epson remotes will please users. Although the lack of a backlight might be an issue in completely dark settings, it should not be a problem in most other situations.

The L570U remote provides several useful shortcuts, including a Source Search option and dedicated Input buttons, Aspect Ratio, Menu, and Escape buttons. Standard controls like Page Up/Down and Volume Up/Down are also included. With this remote, you can access almost all of the L570U's core features.

The dedicated freeze button can be particularly useful, as it allows you to freeze content on the screen instantly. While this happens your media continues to run in the background and can be continued with another tap of the freeze button. This is useful in presentations when you need to prepare another slide or pull up a video. You can queue up the content in the background while the current slide is frozen in place. It’s a nice small touch that allows you to add a level of professionalism to your presentation.

Although the remote is smaller than some others, the button spacing makes it easy to use. Additionally, there are quick-access buttons for Color Mode, Aspect Ratio, and a Custom User button that allows you to choose from Light Source Mode, Info, Test Pattern, Resolution, On-screen Display, Image Enhancement, or Content Playback. Overall, the L570U remote control is intuitive and convenient, allowing you to quickly access all of the projector's features.

MENUS

This projector boasts a redesigned menu section that differs slightly from some of the 2022 projector models. However, it still offers all of the same great features that you're familiar with. You can access the menu using either the remote or the physical menu button located on the back of the projector.

The main menu is organized into sections for image, signal, settings, extended, network, info, and reset. Navigating the menu is straightforward and grants you quick access to all of your settings. Additionally, pressing the home button will take you to a different menu that displays all of your input options and provides shortcuts to useful functions, making it even more convenient to use.

The 4K enhancement feature can be turned on or off in the image enhancement section. You’ll also find super resolution and detail enhancement settings that will let you fine-tune the level of detail in your image. Then you can save your settings as a preset that can be easily accessed for future situations.

PERFORMANCE

COLOR REPRODUCTION

Epson is not only a leading manufacturer of professional projectors, they also produce some outstanding home theater models as well. Although the PowerLite L570U is primarily intended for business use in well-lit areas, Epson has not overlooked the inclusion of impressive colors and a wide HDR range. As a result, if you opt to use this projector for home theater purposes, you can expect an excellent movie experience.

To help you achieve the best results, there are several preset color options available, which can be accessed using the dedicated Color Mode button on the remote. You can choose from PRESENTATION, NATURAL, CINEMA, BT.709, DICOM SIM, MULTI-PROJECTION, and DYNAMIC picture modes.

The HDR feature is also quite extensive. You can view the HDR compatibility of the incoming source in the signal menu, and then adjust the HDR settings of the projector according to your preferences. This allows you to customize the dynamic range to match your environment and obtain the best possible image quality.

The Presentation mode delivers the brightest results for SDR content, making it ideal for rooms with ample light and content such as text, images, graphs, etc. If you're watching movies or HDR content, the Natural mode offers the best color reproduction, while the Dynamic mode provides more brightness. All viewing modes produce a consistent experience in terms of framerate, and there are no sports modes or motion smoothing.

The PowerLite L570 also has a DICOM simulation color mode which is designed to present medical images – such as X-rays, CAT-scans, MRI’s PETs, etc., with enough contrast, detail, and quality along with minimal noise for use in medical schools, at medical conferences and for education purposes, etc.

DICOM Simulation is not high enough quality nor intended to be used as a substitute for doctors reading original medical films. However, it is ideal to be used in classrooms or teaching settings for training doctors, nurses, and technicians.

BRIGHTNESS

The Epson PowerLite L570U has a rated brightness of 5200 ANSI lumens. To get a good estimate of the projector brightness, I set the projector to its brightest mode which happened to be NATURAL, and then took three to four readings about 15-20% from the center of the screen.

The PoweLite L570 measured 5105 ANSI lumens which is very close to Epson's brightness claim.

The brightness is one of the strongest aspects of this projector, and definitely a main selling point. With no visible hotspots, the brightness appears to be very consistent across the screen, with no noticeable dropoff at the edges. Epson claims 5,200 lumens for this projector and with the ability to project images as large as 500”, every bit of brightness is beneficial.

Sony VPL-PHZ61 Brightness
Image	Brightness Measured (ANSI Lumens)
Natural	5105
Cinema	4877
Dynamic	4380
Presentation	4865
BT.709	4580

BLACK LEVEL AND SHADOW DETAIL

The photos above show various dark scenes, giving you an idea of the L570U black-level performance.

For projectors designed for the business world, the primary focus is typically brightness and color accuracy in favor of black levels. When the 3LCD panels utilized in Epson business and consumer projectors are combined with dynamic laser dimming the result is good shadow detail and black levels.

Due to the projector's high brightness and good native/dynamic contrast, HDR movies looked better on the L570U than most business projectors. So when you’re enjoying HDR movies in a dark room, you’ll be able to get some really nice visuals for some of the darker scenes in your movie.

Much of your black levels are determined by the type of screen that you have and the particular environment that your projector is set up in. With the brightness, contrast, and color temperature settings you should be able to get some pretty good results that won’t strain your eyes in the viewing process.

VIDEO IMAGE QUALITY

To test the overall picture quality of the PowerLite L570U, I used a number of different media sources. I hooked up a Blu-ray player, a Chromecast, and a PC with a Plex server. The content was played from local files, and Blu-rays, and streamed from platforms like Netflix and YouTube. With the 4K enhancement, details from every media source looked very impressive.

You should feel comfortable using lightweight players like the Chromecast with this projector since equipment like my Blu-ray player or PC didn’t really have much to add to the overall image quality. At its heart, this is still a business projector and is designed to work as phones, tablets, and laptops as its primary media source.

For the best visual experience, use a media source that is HDR compatible like the Chromecast 4K or Apple TV. Then turn the HDR feature on in your projector settings. This is the best way to get the most out of your projector.

While most HDR content look good, occasionally, a loss of detail can be observed in the highlights. For instance, a waterfall in a nature scene might appear blown out, or a snow scene might look too bright.

TEXT AND PRESENTATION QUALITY

Connecting a laptop to the projector via HDMI or wireless cast may result in a small screen size that doesn't take full advantage of the projector screen. However, you can use the built-in zoom feature to maximize your computer display, ensuring that all the text in your documents is clearly visible from a distance.

If your laptop properly has been properly configured to display WUXGA (1920 x1200) or 4K (3840 x 2180), the text appears sharp and easy to read, with even small fonts as small as 8 points having sharp edges and minimal blurring. The presentation viewing mode offers the best visuals for slideshows, documents, graphs, and spreadsheets. As we mentioned earlier, the projector's 4K Enhancement feature does a good job of extracting more detail from 4K content than a normal WUXGA projector.

AUDIO QUALITY

The PowerLite L570U is equipped with a built-in mono speaker that boasts a 10W rating. While this might not be sufficient for larger venues or home theaters, it's certainly more than adequate for small to medium-sized conference rooms and classrooms. The speaker delivers clear and intelligible audio with good volume and minimal distortion, making it ideal for presentations, lectures, and video conferences.

In terms of fan noise, the projector produces a low hum that is not distracting or overpowering, allowing you to focus on the content being displayed. According to the manufacturer's claim, the audible noise is 31 dB in Normal mode and a maximum of 23 dB in Eco mode. This is relatively quiet, making it perfect for use in quiet environments or settings where audio clarity is essential.

Overall, while the built-in speaker may not be the most powerful, it is still capable of delivering clear audio that is sufficient for small to medium-sized rooms. Additionally, the low fan noise ensures that the projector doesn't disrupt or distract from your presentation or movie experience.

SUMMARY

The PowerLite L570U is a highly capable laser projector that offers outstanding image quality, excellent connectivity, and versatile installation options. With its 3-chip 3LCD technology and 5,200 lumens of brightness, the projector produces vivid and lifelike images with exceptional color accuracy and brightness uniformity. The projector's 4K Enhancement1 feature provides a visibly smoother and sharper display, even at close viewing distances. The PowerLite L570U's large, ultra-wide display supports both standard and ultra-wide aspect ratios, making it ideal for immersive video conferencing and other applications.

In comparison to other laser projectors in the $3,000 price range, the Epson PowerLite L570U definitely pulls its own weight. An alternative business projector option is the LG ProBeam BU53PST, which has many similar features to the L570U.

The Epson PowerLite L570U and the LG BU53PST are two projectors with different technologies but similar features. The Epson PowerLite L570U uses poly-silicon TFT active matrix technology while the LG BU53PST opts for DLP laser technology. The price of the LG BU53PST is higher than the Epson at $4,299. Despite the lowers cost, the Epson PowerLite L570U is able to produce a slightly brighter image at 5,200. The LG BU53PST isn’t far behind, with a brightness of 5000 lumens, and a contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1.

Both projectors are equipped with 4K enhancement technologies, and can produce a 60fps video. So as far as image quality goes, you have a similar experience across both models. Being laser projectors, they also share the same lamp life of 20,000 hours.

If the noise level is something that is a selling point for you, the LG BU53PST does a slightly better job with a noise level of 26 / 27 / 29 dB(A) compared to the EB-L570U's noise level of 31 dB in normal power consumption mode. Both projectors have a built-in audio system with 10W of power. Both projectors have DVI or HDMI compatibility, power zoom focus, and lens shift. The LG BU53PST also includes wireless networking and LAN networking, while the EB-L570U only includes LAN networking.

When it comes to size and weight, the LG BU53PST is slightly larger and heavier than the EB-L570U, with dimensions of 14.6 " wide x 6.1′′ high x 11.4′′ deep and a weight of 21.4 lbs / 9.7 kg. The Epson PowerLite L570U has a more portable design with a weight of 19.2 lbs / 8.7 kg and dimensions of 19.5 x 6.3 x 15.7 inches. Both projectors have a 3-year parts and labor warranty.

Overall, the Epson PowerLite L570U and the LG BU53PST have similar features and capabilities, but with some differences. With the Epson coming in at about $1,000 cheaper than the LG, it might be the better option of the two.

PROS

5,200 lumens of brightness
4K Enhancement feature delivers a sharp detailed image
Good color reproduction
Large, ultra-wide 21.9 and 16:6 support enhances video conferencing
1.6x Zoom and hortizontal/vertical lens shift simplifies installation
Easy to install and set up with built-in tools and software
Laser light source with a long life of up to 20,000 hours
Auto power-on and split-screen features for simplified operation and content sharing
Customizable brightness modes for consistent performance over time

CONS

No backlit remote
Somewhat difficult built-in wireless connection system

SONY VPL-PHZ61 - SPECIFICATIONS

Full Specifications
Projector Model	PowerLite EB-L570U
Price (MSRP)	$3149
Imager Type	3LCD
Displayed Resolution	1920 x 1200 pixels
Native Resolution	1920 x 1200 pixels
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)	5200 ANSI lumens
Light Source Type	Laser Phosphor
Light Source Life	20,000 hours
Contrast Ratio	2,500,000:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens Ratio	1.6x
Power Zoom/Focus	No
Lens Shift	Vertical: ±30 degrees; Horizontal: ±30 degrees
Interchangeable Lens	No
Ultra-Short Throw	No
Native Aspect Ratio	16:10
HDTV/4K	Yes
DVI or HDMI	HDMI
3D	No
Blu-Ray 3D	No
Speakers	10 watt Mono
Noise Level (-db)	31 dB (Normal); 23 dB (ECO)
Low Lag Gaming	No
Smart Functionality	Wireless casting
Business	Yes
Classroom	Yes
Portable	No
Special Features	Split screen, image freeze, aspect ratios, iProjection
Networking	Wired (LAN RJ-45)
Dimensions (HxWxD)	17.32" x 12.59" x 5.35"
Weight	18.7 lb
Warranty	3 years (Epson Road Service program)