Home Cinema 1080: Black Level and Shadow Detail - 2

Epson Ensemble HD Home Cinema 1080 projector

(Note, all four images below are the same. Clicking on each brings up the higher resolution, and overexposed versions that allows you to compare shadow detail abilities in the dark areas. Look to the roof tiles, and the trees on the left.)

These next two images are found in almost all recent reviews. Click for large, and seriously overexposed versions of the thumbnails. You can look to the dark areas of the shed on the right, plants along the bottom, and the wood structure on the left, to compare shadow detail.

Lastly, here's a shot from the black and white beginning of Casino Royale. The image is intentionally overexposed, so you can make out the details in the furniture, especially on the back wall. This same image can be found in most reviews done in the last year.

Shadow Detail Performance Slideshow

Shadow Detail Performance

the Ensemble HD

Shadow Detail Performance

InFocus IN82

Shadow Detail Performance

A shot from the black and white beginning of Casino Royale In the Ensemble HD

Epson Home Cinema 1080 Projector: Sharpness

The Epson looked fantastic while watching hours of the Olympics, although I could go into the other theater and see that the InFocus IN83 (currently in use there), is sharper. I also know from experience, that my own projector, the JVC DLA-RS1, which just a year ago, was considered by most reviewers to be the best overall home theater projector under $10,000, isn't quite as sharp as the Epson. So there!

Bottom line: There are sharper projectors, but the Epson looks great. Again, the "hard core" enthusiast seeking perfection in all areas, might have a bit of a problem with the sharpness, but millions of potential buyers will not!

I've got a car analogy for you. I own an Infiniti G35. When I bought it there was a second "sportier" version that was slightly faster. When it comes to cars (I also own a Mazda Miata, so, you can believe that I really do enjoy driving), my G35 with its 0-60 mph, in under 6 seconds, is just fine by me.

When it comes to the Epson's sharpness, it's like my G35's acceleration - sure you can do better. The question is, is it important, especially since this projector, like my Infiniti, is a strong performer to begin with!

Bottom Line Sharpness

Good for the 1080p class of projectors but definitely not the sharpest. The fact that live 1080i broadcasts appear a little sharper than Blu-ray 1080p movies, just makes the point that with movies from film, there is enough loss of sharpness due to film grain and resolution, that movies can't push the Epson enough for it to be considered an issue. HDTV looks stunning. Yes there is sharper, but unless you get to play with projectors like I do, you'll almost certainly never miss that last few percent of sharpness.