Epson QS100 3LCD Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector Review

The Epson QS100 is a 4K PRO-UHD ultra short-throw projector introduced in April 2025. With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $4,999, the QS100 is positioned as a higher-end ultra-short throw projector within Epson’s lineup. Ultra short throw (UST) projectors continue to gain popularity among home entertainment enthusiasts because they offer a cinematic experience without the need for ceiling mounts or long throw distances.

At the core of the Epson QS100 is Epson’s proprietary 3LCD technology combined with 4K PRO-UHD pixel-shifting. The projector combines three native 1080p LCD panels with two-way pixel-shifting mechanism to increase the onscreen resolution beyond Full HD. While the image is not as sharp and detailed as one produced by a native 4K projector, the difference is hard to see when viewing most content from a normal viewing distance.

A key strength of 3LCD is its equal color and white brightness output, which helps maintain vibrant image quality without relying on a color wheel or exposing viewers to “rainbow” artifacts often seen in single-chip DLP systems. The QS100 outputs up to 4,500 lumens of both color and white brightness, making it one of the brightest UST projectors currently available. The high brightness is due to the redesigned 5-in-1 laser light source module.

Epson rates the projector’s dynamic contrast ratio at 5,000,000:1. While Epson does not list the unit’s native contrast, 3LCD-equipped projectors usually deliver better black levels than competitive DLP models.  The QS100's refined laser dimming, combined with video processing capabilities, should deliver deeper onscreen black levels and improved detail in shadowy scenes.

Due to its ultra-short-throw lens, the QS100 sits very close to the screen. For example, the QS100 chassis needs to be 6.4 inches away from a 120-inch screen. The QS100 is compatible with screens up to 160 inches. The lens features a small amount of optical zoom, with a throw range of 0.16:1 to 0.22:1. This adjustability ensures sharp edge-to-edge focus, regardless of screen size.

The older Epson LS800 features an integrated 2.1-channel, 20-watt speaker system, designed to provide a virtual surround experience. The LS800’s built-in audio enables it to function as a complete standalone entertainment solution. The new Epson QS100, by contrast, omits onboard speakers entirely. This is a deliberate design choice rather than an oversight. The projector is intended to be used as part of a professionally integrated home entertainment system, where a dedicated surround sound system handles audio responsibilities.

This divergence in audio design highlights the difference in target users. The LS800 is ideal for users seeking an all-in-one solution, where setup simplicity and convenience are top priorities. Its onboard audio may not replace a true surround system, but it performs well enough to satisfy most day-to-day viewing needs. On the other hand, the QS100 is engineered for users who already have, or plan to build, a more sophisticated audio environment.

In essence, the QS100’s audio philosophy is that less is more. By forgoing built-in speakers, Epson gives the end user complete control over sound system design, which aligns more closely with the expectations of high-end home theater enthusiasts. This makes the QS100 a stronger match for users who prioritize cinematic audio experiences and intend to route all media through a centralized AV setup.

The QS100 has one of shallowest throw distances in the industry so it sits very close to the screen. For example, the QS100 chassis needs to be 6.4 inches away from a 120-inch screen. The QS100 is compatible with screens up to 160 inches. The lens features a small amount of optical zoom, with a throw range of 0.16:1 to 0.22:1. This adjustability ensures sharp edge-to-edge focus, regardless of screen size.

Unlike the LS800, which runs Android TV 11, the QS100 is not a smart projector; therefore, the menu contains an extensive array of settings needed to adjust the unit. The QS100’s on-screen menu system will be familiar to anyone who has used recent Epson projectors. It’s a straightforward text-based menu (with logical categories: Image, Signal, Settings, Memory, etc.). 

This approach reflects its intended role in professionally installed setups where content playback is handled by external devices such as an Apple TV, Roku, or high-end Blu-ray player. The benefit of this stripped-down approach is that the QS100 boots faster, avoids software-based performance bottlenecks, and unlocks the full suite of calibration features that were previously restricted in Android TV-based models, such as the LS800.

Since the QS100 is targeted at custom integrators and video enthusiasts, it includes extensive picture controls and calibration options. Notable image controls include Image Enhancement presets (which apply sharpening/detail processing), frame interpolation settings for motion smoothing (with multiple levels, or Off for purists)

There is a full Color Management System (CMS) to adjust the hue, saturation, and brightness of the primary and secondary colors (RGBCMY). There are detailed white balance controls, including two-point and (in the projector’s professional menu) a 13-point grayscale/gamma adjustment to dial in color temperature across the range. The projector offers several Gamma presets and the option to customize the gamma curve.

The QS100 also includes a web-based menu system that allows users to access and control projector settings remotely from a laptop or mobile device connected to the same network. This eliminates the need for a remote control or a direct line of sight to the projector. Once the projector is connected to the network, you must input the QS100's IP address into a laptop or mobile device web browser to access the simple and advanced menus.

For professional installers and integrators, a web-based system streamlines the setup process by enabling adjustments like lens alignment, focus, and keystone correction from a distance, which is particularly helpful when the projector is mounted on a ceiling or in another hard-to-reach location.

The web interface includes all the advanced configuration options, including detailed calibration tools. Additionally, the projector can be integrated into a broader networked system, allowing for centralized monitoring, remote diagnostics, and even automated alerts in case of errors or maintenance needs.

Compared to the LS800, which was built for standalone operation with features like Chromecast, voice control, and wireless connectivity, the QS100 is unapologetically a projector built for integration. It prioritizes fast, stable wired connections, reliable device control, and image performance over convenience features. For home theater enthusiasts and professional installers, the increased brightness, extensive picture adjustments, and seamless compatibility with popular control systems are key reasons to consider the QS100 over a more consumer-oriented model.

The projector’s grayscale and color reproduction are good enough out of the box to satisfy the average Laser TV customer. However, many home entertainment Enthusiasts desire the best picture quality possible, so it is great that the QS100 includes a full suite of picture adjustments.

The black’s produced by the QS100 were closer to dark gray. The black levels and native contrast are superior to those of most DLP projectors. The QS100 contrast is comparable to that of other Epson home entertainment projectors, such as the Home Cinema 3800. Epson does not list the QB1000 native contrast on its specification sheet. In my space, using a sequential test, I measured a ratio of 1637:1, which is good but not exceptional. 

Due to its high brightness, good native contrast, and excellent video processing, the QS100 delivered excellent HDR image quality. The QS100’s rated brightness is much higher than that of most comparable ultra-short throw projectors, which is beneficial when viewing HDR on screens over 120”. Higher brightness also reduces the amount of tone mapping that needs to be applied to HDR content.

Since the QS100 is equipped with Epson’s new QZX processor, it includes Dynamic Tone Mapping. This feature does a good job of balancing screen brightness with highlight detail. While this feature preserves more highlight detail when viewing content mastered above 1000 nits, the overall image appears a little dimmer when this feature is engaged. With 4500 lumens of brightness available, the slight reduction in overall brightness is not a big deal. When viewing HDR content, I selected the NATURAL mode, engaged the Dynamic Tone Mapping feature, and set the Dynamic Contrast setting to Normal.

If the HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping feature is not engaged, you can use the HDR button at the bottom of the remote control to quickly change the HDR tone mapping curve applied to the signal.  Increasing the setting’s number makes highlight details more visible but reduces screen brightness.

The QS100 can reproduce about 87% of DCI-P3 color gamut, so it can’t produce the massive color range of a tri-laser DLP projector. When viewing HDR on a projector, I have found that higher brightness is usually more beneficial than wider color gamut. Since the QS100 is a 3LCD projector, it can reproduce an equal amount of color lumens as white lumens, resulting in higher color volume, which means colors still appear bright and saturated.