3LCD Archives - Projector Reviews

The Epson QB1000 is a 4K HDR-compatible laser home theater that retails for $7999. The QB1000 has a rated brightness of 3300 Lumens and can deliver over 5,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. It is part of Epson’s new Q series of premium residential projectors. Like the award-winning Pro Cinema LS12000, the QB1000 targets Home Theater enthusiasts who desire ultra-deep black levels. The "B" in the unit model number indicates that the projector's main benefit is black level. The QB1000 features Epson’s UltraBlack™ technology, which enhances native contrast to deliver deep, rich blacks that add depth and realism to the picture.

While the LS12000 offers great image quality for its price, many projection enthusiasts desired even higher performance. The QB1000 is a big upgrade from the LS12000, and it offers several notable improvements, including increased brightness, a new HDR contrast curve, and dynamic tone mapping. These enhancements result in superior picture quality compared to the QL12000. Retailing at approximately $7,999, the QB1000 is more expensive than the LS12000 ($4999 MSRP), but its improved performance easily justified the price difference.

The QB1000 uses native 1080P 3LCD panels but it has the latest version of Epson’s 4K pixel shifting technology. While older Epson 4K Pro UHD Pro equipped projectors utilized two-way pixel shifting to increase onscreen resolution beyond 1080p, this new version combines more advanced four-way pixel-shifting technology to produce 4K resolution (3840x2160 pixels) on screen.

The Epson QB1000 is also compatible with HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG content. Due to its new Epson ZX video processor, the QB1000 is equipped with dynamic HDR tone mapping. The projector can dynamically adjust the contrast curve and modulate laser light output scene by scene to optimize HDR content.

To fully utilize the projector's capabilities, it is equipped with two 48 Gbps HDMI 2.1 (HDCP 2.3) ports, which allow it to accept 4K HDR signals at up to 120 fps.

The QB1000 is designed to deliver the performance and features demanded by the most discerning video enthusiasts. Epson emphasizes color accuracy, with projectors pre-calibrated from the factory. The QB1000's out-of-the-box color performance is impressive, with color errors typically below a delta of 2, approaching reference-level accuracy.

The Epson QB1000 is a great option for those who want to enjoy HDR movies and high-frame-rate gaming in a family room or dedicated home theater.

Epson QB1000

Suggested Retail Price: $7999

Ratings Based On Comparable Models

Brightness

Color Reproduction

Contrast

Sound Quality

N/A

Pros

+ 4K Onscreen Resolution

+ Excellent Brightness

+ Dynamic HDR Tonemapping

+ Accurate Color Reproduction

+ Motorized Lens with Optical Zoom

+ Excellent Build Quality and Design

Cons

- Native Contrast Good But Not Great

- No Dolby Vision

- 3D not supported

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OVERVIEW

The Epson QB1000 is designed for high-end home theater installations and demanding mixed-use media rooms

The Epson QB1000 is a 4K HDR-compatible 3LCD Laser home theater projector, which has an MSRP of. $7,999. It is aimed at high-end home theater installations and demanding mixed-use media rooms. Its combination of higher brightness, more effective pixel shifting, and upgraded video processing makes it a worthy upgrade from the highly rated Epson Pro Cinema LS12000.

The QB1000 also employs Epson’s proven 3-chip 3LCD projection system, which means it uses separate red, green, and blue LCD panels to display 100% of the color information in every frame. This 3LCD architecture guarantees no “rainbow” effect or color wheel artifacts (issues that single-chip DLP projectors can exhibit) and contributes to the QB1000’s rich, saturated color performance.

The 3LCD panels used in Epson Home Theater projector are native 1080P. Older Epson 4K Pro UHD projectors utilized two-way pixel shift, which increased onscreen resolution beyond Full HD, but they could not reproduce 3840 x 2160 pixels. The QB1000 uses Epson’s latest four-way pixel-shifting technology to display all 8.29 million pixels found in 4K UHD material on the screen. To differentiate these new Q series models from the older Epson pixel shifting projectors, Epson utilizes a new 4K logo.

The projector’s blue laser phosphor light source uses multi-array laser diodes to produce 3,300 lumens with equal color and white brightness. The laser diode light source provides up to 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation.

While brightness is important, deep blacks and high contrast separate a premium home theater projector from a standard unit. The QB1000 uses Epson’s finest ultra-high contrast 3LCD panels to deliver a native contrast ratio that few competitors’ home theater projectors can match.

The QB1000 combines high-contrast 3LCD panels with Epson UltraBlack™ technology, which is a special polarizing filter in the optical path designed to suppress stray light. Due to these features, the QB1000 delivers excellent native contrast. The QB1000 also includes dynamic laser light dimming, and when applied, the projector’s dynamic contrast ratio can exceed 5,000,000:1, producing inky blacks, excellent shadow detail, and vibrant highlights.

Epson’s new QZX 32-bit video processor is one of the QB1000’s most notable features. It is the company’s most powerful video processing technology to date. The processor handles real-time image enhancements: upscaling and “super-resolution” detail processing for HD sources, frame interpolation for smoother motion, and adaptive gamma adjustments.

The result is that 4K content is displayed faithfully and lower-resolution content is cleanly upscaled – all with accurate colors and minimal artifacts. The QB1000 supports several HDR formats, including HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. The projector’s QZX processor also enables dynamic HDR tone mapping to optimize HDR image quality scene-by-scene.

The QB1000 includes 48 Gbps HDMI 2.1 (HDCP 2.3) inputs to support 4K@120P HDR content from the latest gaming consoles. To meet the needs of home theater enthusiasts who often choose 2:35:1 screens, the QB1000 includes additional aspect ratio mode adjustments for compatibility with 3^rd party anamorphic lenses.

Epson Q-Series Model Comparison
Model	QB1000	QL3000	QL7000
Price (MSRP)	$7999.95	$14,999.95 (minus lens)	$29,999.95 (minus lens)
Displayed Resolution	4K (3840 x2160)	4K (3840 X 2160)	4K (3840 X2160)
Light Source	Laser	Laser	Laser
Brightness	3300 lumens	6000 lumens	10,000 lumens
Dynamic Contrast	5,000,000:1	5,000,000:1	5,000,000:1
Lens Assembly	Motorized Zoom	Interchangeable	Interchangeable
Zoom (Len Shift)	2.1:1 (±96/3% V,±47.1%,H)	Interchangeable	Interchangeable

In Epson’s lineup, the QB1000 is positioned above the older Pro Cinema LS12000. The LS12000 (released in 2022 at around $4,999) has a rated brightness of 2,700 lumens, while the QB1000 can deliver 3,300 lumens. This extra brightness makes a notable difference when viewing HDR and SDR on larger screens. Thanks to 3300 lumens of brightness, the QB1000 can comfortably light up screens 120–150 inches diagonal and still overcome moderate ambient light, great for mixed-use rooms or media spaces that aren’t completely dark.

Unlike Epson’s other Premium Residential projector series, the QB1000 forgoes interchangeable lenses. The Epson QL3000 and QL7000 output much more brightness but lack the UltraBlack contrast feature that makes the QB1000 a better choice for dedicated movie rooms with screens smaller than 165 inches.

In short, the QB1000 fills the niche for a premium home theater projector in Epson’s range. While the Pro Cinema LS12000 is a great value, the higher brightness, the updated QZX processor, Dynamic HDR tone mapping, and 4-way pixel shifting make the QB1000 a better choice for those looking for more performance.

HARDWARE

CHASSIS

Epson's QB1000 projector features a sleek design that reflects its high-end home theater ambitions. The look is clean and monolithic, with a slightly rounded rectangular cabinet in a matte black or white finish. In terms of build and size, it shares a chassis design similar to the LS12000.

The Epson QB1000 is larger and heavier than many DLP-based Home theater projectors. The QB1000 measures 20.5 × 17.6 × 7.6 inches (W × D × H) and weighs about 28.2 pounds. While it is larger than many DLP 4K projectors, it is about the same size as most higher-end 3-chip home theater projectors, like the JVC NZ700 or Sony BRAVIA Projector 7.

The QB1000 includes a motorized lens cover that closes over the lens when the projector is powered off. This cover protects the large glass lens from dust or damage when not in use and automatically slides open when the projector turns on. In addition to the lens, the front panel houses an IR sensor (for the remote control) and a subtle Epson logo.

Vent grilles also surround the centrally mounted lens for the cooling system. The QB1000 includes a motorized lens cover that closes over the lens when the projector is powered off. This cover protects the large glass lens from dust or damage when not in use and automatically slides open when the projector turns on. The front vents direct hot air out of the projector’s chassis, while intake vents on the sides and rear draw in cool air to keep the laser light engine and LCD panels at optimal temperature.

While we do not measure audible noise according to Epson’s product specifications, the QB1000 is quieter than many premium Home Theater projectors. With the projector’s Light Output set to its default of 85%, I could barely hear the QB1000 from my sitting position 8 feet away. However, fan noise increases noticeably when switching from ECO (22dB) to high (32dB).

The top of the unit features status indicator LEDs. All the connectors are located on a rear panel, which can be covered with a snap-on panel to conceal wires, which is useful for tidy ceiling installation. The projector includes two 48 Gbps HDMI 2.1 inputs (HDCP 2.3) which means the QB1000 can accept uncompressed 4K signals up to 120 Hz, making the QB1000 a great option for 4K high frame rate gaming. HDMI 2.1 also enables ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). When connected to a compatible game console, the projector can automatically switch to a low-lag preset for gaming.

One of the HDMI inputs supports eARC/ARC, which allows sending full-resolution audio (including Dolby Atmos and DTS: X formats) back down the HDMI cable to your AV receiver, so you get high-quality sound without running a separate audio cable. There is a USB Type-A (5V, 2.0A) for firmware updates, and it can also power streaming sticks or other USB-powered devices. For example, you could connect a Roku/Chromecast and power it directly from the projector’s USB port.

This is a second USB Type-A (for optical HDMI, 300 mA) port that can supply power to an active optical HDMI cable. Many long-run fiber optic HDMI cables require a small USB power feed, so this port is in many installations. It can also potentially power low-draw devices like an IR repeater.

For integration into home automation systems, QB1000 includes an RJ-45 LAN port for control via IP and an RS-232C (DB-9) standard serial port for control systems (Crestron, Control4, etc.). You can also use Epson’s web control interface over LAN to adjust settings from a browser. Other connections include a Mini-USB (Type-B) service port and a 12V trigger output (3.5mm mini jack) which can send a 12-volt signal (200 mA) to trigger a motorized screen when the projector is powered on.

Epson QB1000 includes a full-size remote (about 8 inches long) that is backlit for visibility in a dark theater. Despite having many buttons, the remote’s large size prevents it from feeling cramped. The remote is well organized with the direct input and power on/off buttons at the top, followed by a cluster for menu navigation (directional pad, Enter, Menu, Esc).

There are direct access buttons for several picture adjustments, such as color mode selection, HDR adjustment, image enhancement level, and frame interpolation. The large number of shortcut keys means less digging through on-screen menus, which enthusiasts will appreciate when making on-the-fly adjustments or calibrating.

There is also a basic control keypad on the back-right side of the projector: it includes a power button, menu, escape, lens adjustment trigger, and directional arrows with an enter key. These let you navigate menus or adjust the motorized lens if you don’t have the remote handy.

Pressing the “Lens” button on the unit (or remote) cycles the projector through focus, zoom, and shift adjustment modes, allowing one to fine-tune the image alignment using the arrow keys. While most users will rely on the remote to make adjustments, it’s nice that Epson provides physical buttons as a backup for initial setup or if the remote is misplaced.

The QB1000 is equipped with Epson’s “VRX Cinema Lens,” a 15-element all-glass lens assembly designed to deliver excellent image clarity and sharp edge-to-edge focus. The lens is motorized with a 2.1 zoom ratio, so the projector can create a 100-inch image from roughly about 10 feet away at the closest or up to about 21 feet away at the farthest. Whether you need to place the projector on a short rear shelf or at the back of a long room, the QB1000 can likely accommodate.

Throw Distance for a 16:9 Screen
100 inches	118" (3000 mm)	248" (6300 mm)
135 inches	160" (4060 mm)	335" (8521 mm)
150 inches	178" (4520 mm)	373" (9470 mm)
180 Inches	213" (5430mm)	448" (11380mm)
200 inches	238" (6040 mm)	498" (12640 mm)

Throw Distance for a 2.35:1 Screen
100 inches	125" (3166 mm)	262" (6654 mm)
135 inches	169" (4289 mm)	354" (8998 mm)
150 inches	188" (4770 mm)	394" (10003 mm)
180 Inches	226" (5733 mm)	473" (12012 mm)
200 inches	251" (6375 mm)	526" (13351 mm)

The lens also includes an impressive horizontal/vertical lens shift. With up to ±96.3% vertical and ±47.1% horizontal shift range, you can install the QB100 significantly off-center from the screen and perfectly align the image. All lens adjustments, including focus, zoom, and shift, are motorized and can be controlled via the remote or the control panel on the back of the unit.

To make it easy to determine the proper screen size and the throw distance, Epson offers a free online Projector Throw Distance Simulator.

The QB1000 also supports up to 10 lens position memories: You can save custom zoom/focus/shift settings (for instance, one for 16:9 content and another for ultra-wide 2.35:1 movies) and recall them at the press of a button. The first two lens position settings can be quickly accessed using two dedicated buttons located at the bottom of the remote control.

The QB1000 is not a smart projector, so the menu just contains an extensive array of settings needed to adjust the unit. The QB1000’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.).

The menus are responsive, and you can adjust on the fly while still seeing the image in the background. As expected from a projector of this class, Epson provides 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)

You get the 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 Epson QB1000 includes a web-based menu system which can be access from a web browser

The QB1000 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 QB1000's IP address into a web browser to access a simple or advanced menu.

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. This

PERFORMANCE

COLOR REPRODUCTION

Like most Epson projectors I have reviewed, the QB1000’s out-of-the-box performance is excellent. It includes four preset SDR picture modes, and the NATURAL mode was the most accurate.

In NATURAL mode, most of the projector's image enhancements are turned off; switching it to CINEMA switches on several settings, including Dynamic Contrast, Scene Adaptive Gamma, Frame Interpolation, and Image Enhancement, which is changed from Preset 1 to Preset 2.

While the CINEMA mode’s color temperature is similar to the NATURAL mode, adding the enhancements boosts contrast and sharpness. The VIVID mode’s color temperature is cool with more saturated color and boosted contrast. This mode would be good for watching content under warm ambient lighting.

The DYNAMIC mode was the brightest but also the least accurate. However, there may be times, like watching a sporting event during the day, when the extra brightness provided by the DYNAMIC mode is worth the sacrifice in color accuracy.

While QB1000 only has four preset picture modes, it also has ten user-configurable settings memories. These memories can store picture settings after calibration, such as day and night modes for both SDR and HDR.

When viewing SDR, I chose the NATURAL mode and set the Dynamic Contrast setting to Normal. Below are images of various videos and movies in 4K and HD resolution. Like all our photos, they remain unadjusted for color, so they do not look as good as what the projector produced. All the HD and 4K SDR images were taken with the QB1000 in its NATURAL mode.

I took the time to measure the projector’s picture modes and make some picture quality adjustments. Since your room and screen material significantly impact the overall picture, we don’t recommend using someone else's calibration adjustments. If your room is brighter or darker or your walls are a different color, copying someone else's results can cause more harm than good.

If you would like to make some quick adjustments to improve the picture quality of your projector in your room, check out our video called Optimize The Image of a Projector or TV Using Free Murideo Test Patterns. However, below are the before-and-after calibration results in my room. To test, measure, and calibrate the QB1000, I used my Klein K10-A colorimeter, Murideo Six-G test pattern generator, and Portrait Displays Calman color calibration software.

Pre-Calibration Color Tracking and Grayscale

I measured and adjusted the NATURAL Mode. Before pre-calibration, the color temperature was 6508K, which aligns with my target of 6500K. The gamma was around 2.0, which is higher than my normal target, so blacks looked closer to grey in my room. Before calibration, the saturation sweep measurement average Delta error was just 2.24, and the Grayscale error was 3.2, which is excellent.

Most viewers would be happy with its color reproduction, but the QB1000 includes an extensive array of picture adjustments, which can be utilized to optimize the projector’s image for your specific environment.

Before calibration, on my hundred-inch screen, the NATURAL mode's peak brightness produced around 278 nits, which is more than bright enough to deliver a vibrant HDR content, even under low to moderate ambient light.

Picture Mode: NATURAL
Gamma: 2.04
Color Temperature: 6508K
Average Grayscale dE: 3.2
Average Color Tracking dE: 2.2

Post-Calibration Color Tracking and Grayscale

To achieve my Gamma target of 2.2, I reduced the Gamma setting to -1. I left the Color Temp setting at its default of 6500K, which is fine since the color temperature was already close to my target of 6500K.

To produce even better grayscale (RGB Balance), I reduced the Red Gain and Blue Gain settings slightly. This resulted in a color temperature that was even closer to my target of 6500K.

The color tracking was excellent out of the box, but I did use the CMS adjustments to make some small adjustments to Red, Green, Blue, and Magenta.

After adjusting the QB1000, the improvement in color reproduction was minor but noticeable. Brightness after the calibration was 273 nits.

Picture Mode: NATURAL
Gamma: 2.19
Color Temperature: 6497K
Average Grayscale dE: 0.7
Average Color Tracking dE: 0.9

The projector’s grayscale and color reproduction were excellent out of the box. While some enthusiasts will calibrate the QB1000, the majority of users will rely on the projector’s default picture settings, so it is great that Epson took the time to adjust the QB1000 at the factory.

HDR Color Tracking and Grayscale

The out-of-the-box HDR color reproduction was also very good. Like SDR, the most accurate picture mode was NATURAL. Picture adjustments like Contrast, brightness, CMS, and RGB adjustments are applied to the HDR and SDR versions of that picture mode.

The ten memory settings can be used to store different SDR and HDR settings. Once NATURAL mode was calibrated for SDR, the mode’s grayscale was spot on when viewing HDR, so I did not feel the need to make any further color adjustments.

BRIGHTNESS

The QB1000 has a rated brightness of 3300 lumens. To estimate the projector's maximum brightness, I switched the unit to its brightest mode, DYNAMIC. I set the laser light output to 100% (Normal) and zoomed the lens out fully (wide angle) to ensure the most light got through. I took 3-4 readings about 15-20% out from the center of the lens.

Epson QB1000 Brightness (wide zoom Dynamic mode): 3398 Lumens

Many manufacturers exaggerate the brightness of their projectors while Epson's brightness rating are often very conservative. The Dynamic mode measured 3398 lumens, which is actually higher than the unit’s rated brightness. I also measured the brightness of each SDR preset picture modes. All the QB1000’s picture modes measured within a few hundred lumens of each other.

Picture Modes: Brightness and Color Temperature
Picture Mode	Brightness Measured (Lumens)	Average Color Temperature
Dynamic	3398	7294K
Vivid	2727	8874K
Cinema	2549	7276K
Natural	2525	6508K

While some DLP home entertainment projectors can produce equal or more brightness, but their light output is often reduced by 50% once they are calibrated. The QB1000 can still deliver most of its rated brightness even after it has been adjusted, In addition, single-chip DLP projectors have relatively low color light output (compared to their white light output), so colors do not look as vibrant as those on a 3LCD projector like the QB1000.

While 3300 lumens is more brightness than is needed to watch SDR content on a 120” screen in darken room, it is useful when watching TV Shows and sporting events under ambient lighting or on a larger screen. Higher brightness also makes HDR look much better since it reduces the amount of tone mapping that needs to be applied to produce an image that looks closer to what the content creator wants you to see.

When high brightness is combined with effective Dynamic HDR Tone mapping, colors look rich and lifelike. Due to its effective dynamic HDR tone mapping, the QB1000 produced a brighter, more vibrant HDR image than many home entertainment projectors with higher rated or measured brightness.

BLACK LEVEL AND SHADOW DETAIL

The QB1000’s black levels and native contrast are better than most DLP home theater projectors. The QB1000 also delivers higher native and dynamic contrast than Epson’s award-winning Pro Cinema LS12000. Epson does not list the QB1000 native contrast on its specification sheet. In my space, using a sequential test, I measured 5291:1, which is good but not great.

I reviewed several LCOS-equipped projectors that offer better black levels and native higher contrast, but the differences are only beneficial in a darkened theater or room with lots of light control. The ability to produce more contrast offers a massive benefit in a dark environment. However, in a room with higher ambient light, since our eyes are less sensitive to blacks, the contrast benefit is greatly reduced.

The QB1000 does include effective dynamic laser dimming, so the QB1000 has a Dynamic Contrast rating of 5,000,000:1. When using the same sequential measurement process, the unit’s dynamic contrast was nearly infinite. I watched several challenging, dark scenes in movies like Batman, 1917, and Blade Runner 2049. The QB1000 did a good job of displaying shadow detail in dark scenes in both HDR and SDR content.

So, while the QB1000 could not match the deep black levels delivered by a LCOS-based projector like the Sony BRAVIA Projector 7 or JVC NZ500, most customers would be more than happy with QB1000’s black levels, especially when they are combined with noticeably more brightness.

STANDARD DYNAMIC RANGE

Due to its QZX picture processor, the QB1000 did an excellent job upscaling HD content. Whether I was watching 720P sports from ESPN or 1080p Blu-ray content, the QB1000 produced a good-looking image. While the QB1000 uses native 1080p panels, it can deliver 4K resolution onscreen. Its 4-way pixel shifting technology is noticeably better than that of previous versions.

This new version quadruples the visible pixels onscreen, whereas previous Epson pixel-shifting projectors only doubled them. The QB1000 can display 8.3 million pixels onscreen, whereas older Epson 4K Pro UHD models could only reproduce around 4 million.

When viewing test patterns and some ultra-detailed footage, the QB1000 and a native 4K projector are clearly different. However, much content lacks the fine detail required to see the difference between a 4K and pixel-shifted image from a normal viewing distance. When it comes to producing a detailed onscreen image, the lens is just as important as the imager’s resolution. The LS12000 utilizes a high-quality 15-element VRX Cinema Lens, which did an excellent job delivering a sharp, crisp picture from edge to edge.

Motion handling is also superb, with 24 fps movies displayed cleanly. The QB1000 includes a frame Interpolation system that can further smooth out motion in fast-action scenes and sports without introducing glaring artifacts. The QB1000 does not support 3D. However, there isn't much 3D content available except for some older Blu-rays and games, so most users will not miss this feature

HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE

4K HDR content can deliver expanded color space with better highlight and shadow detail, but even the brightest HDR projectors struggle to reproduce HDR faithfully. Projector manufacturers are constantly working on ways to improve HDR production.

High brightness, good native contrast, and excellent video processing are the main reasons for the QB1000’s excellent HDR image quality. The QB1000’s rated brightness is 50% higher than that of the comparable Sony or JVC models, 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.

Due to its new QZX processor, the QB1000 includes Dynamic Tone Mapping. This feature does a good job, balancing screen brightness with highlight detail, but the overall image is brighter when this feature is switched off. The good news is that with 3300 lumens of brightness available, the slight reduction in overall brightness is not a big deal on screens up to 130 inches.

Epson-QB1000-HDR-DTM-On - Projector Reviews Images

The Epson QB1000 is equipped with the new QZX processor with enables Dynamic HDR tonemapping

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.

When the Color Space is set to BT2020 or indicated in the HDR metadata, the QB1000 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 QB1000 is a 3LCD projector, it can reproduce an equal amount of color lumens as white lumens, which results in higher color volume, so colors still look bright and saturated.

SUMMARY

The Epson QB1000, which retails for $7999, combines high brightness, accurate color, good contrast, and cutting-edge processing in a flexible, installer-friendly package. It is purpose-built for enthusiast home cinemas and high-end media rooms, delivering a level of performance that challenges similarly priced offerings from rival brands.

The 4-way pixel-shifting in the QB1000 is noticeably better than the previous Epson 4K Pro UHD mode. The QB1000 delivers 4K onscreen resolution, so it is hard to see a difference in clarity compared to a native 4K projection at a normal viewing distance.

With its Full HD 3LCD panels, 4-way pixel shifting, and 3,300 lumens of light output, the QB1000 produces a bright and sharp 4K onscreen image on a 150” screen even under some ambient light.Thanks to the dynamic laser dimming and UltraBlack contrast enhancements, the QB1000 can deliver deep blacks and excellent shadow detail. Meanwhile, when watching brighter content on a larger screen under ambient light, the projector’s ample lumen output keeps the image punchy and colors vibrant.

The QB1000 also delivers excellent color reproduction right out of the box. The NATURAL and CINEMA modes are quite accurate, but for those who love to tinker or for installers optimizing it, the QB1000 includes all the picture adjustments you could ever need.

The QB1000 HDMI Inputs support 4K/120 Hz, which is great news for gamers. While the QB1000 doesn’t have a dedicated gaming-focused picture mode, the projector includes ALLM auto low latency mode, automatically switching the projector’s Image Processor to Fast to minimize input lag time. When playing 4K games at 120fps, the input lag should be around 21ms.

COMPETITIVE COMPARISON

The Epson QB1000 competes with premium Home Theater projectors that retail below $10,000, including the Sony BRAVIA Projector & (VPL- XW5100ES) and JVC DLA-NZ700/DLA-RS2200. Each of these projectors delivers outstanding picture quality, but they have unique strengths that cater to different user preferences and environments.

Sony BRAVIA Projector 7 (VPL-XW5100ES)

A few months ago Sony introduced the BRAVIA Projector 7 (VPL-VW5100ES). This is a new native 4K SXRD (LCoS) projector is a step up from their award-winning entry-level VPL-XW5000ES ($5,999 SRP). Pricing for this new model has not been announced at the time of this review but I suspect new Sony price will be close to the Epson QB1000.

The new Sony BRAVIA Projector 7 offers native 4K resolution and higher native contrast, but it’s rated at only 2,200 lumens of brightness. The QB1000 is nearly 50% brighter which is reallt benefically when watch HDR on large screens or under ambient lighting. While the Sony BRAVIA Projector 7 includes outstanding HDR dynamic tone mapping, it lacks HDR10+ support. Lasrly the XW5100ES has a manual lens, while the QB1000 gives you fully motorized lens control with lens memories, which is a big convenience for users who what to watch both 16:9 and Letterbox content on 2;35;1 or 2;40:1 screen.

JVC DLA-NZ700 (DLA-RS2200) / JVC DLA-NZ500 (DLA-RS1200)

JVC offers two models around the price range of the QB1000 which are the DLA-NZ700(DLA-RS2100) retails for $9999 and the DLA-NZ500 (DLA-RS1200) sells for $6499. Both JVC models use their D-ILA LCoS imagers, known for their class-leading native contrast and black level. The NZ700 and NZ500 is also a native 4K (4096 x 2160) projector, while the QB1000 relies on pixel shift to display a 4K image.

While both JVC model include JVC high regarded HDR frame-by-frame tone mapping (Frame Adapt HDR), the gap has closed with Epson’s latest QZX processor performing admirably on HDR10 content. The QB1000 higher brightness also made color look more saturated and closer to what you see on a good flat panel TV.

While the JVC DILA projectors can deliver noticeably better blacks, the QB1000 is nearly 50% brighter. The JVC NZ500 delivers excellent image quality for under $6500. However, under ambient light or on larger screens, the Epson's 3,300 lumens give the QB1000 a visible advantage in image brightness and HDR impact which justifies its higher price.

Final Thoughts

When compared to the competitive Sony and JVC models, the QB1000 may not be native 4K, and it may not be able to match their black level, but it surpasses them in brightness for the money while matching them in many other areas of performance. For many viewers, the difference in native contrast and black is hard to notice unless in a completely dark, dedicated theater using challenging dark content. However, higher brightness is immediately appreciated in all viewing scenarios, especially when watching HDR.

The QB1000 delivers an immersive big-screen experience, excellent color reproduction, and very good black levels with 3300 lumens of brightness. The Epson QB1000 4K laser projector is a notable upgrade to the award-winning Pro Cinema LS12000, offering a performance jump in brightness. Its new ZX processor enhances the image quality of SDR and HDR materials. For a home theater enthusiast or custom installer seeking a premium projector under $10K, the Epson QB1000 should be on the short list.

PROS

3330 lumens (color and white)
3LCD with 4-way pixel shifting delivers 4K onscreen resolution
Good color out of the box (extensive calibration controls available)
High quality motorized lens with Position Memories
HDMI 2.1 inputs are compatible with 4K@120p HDR content
Good motion performance and 4K upscaling
Quiet Operation

CONS

Black Level and native contrast could be better for its price point
No 3D support
No support for Dolby Vision

Epson QB1000- SPECIFICATIONS

Full Specifications
Projector Model	QB1000
Price (MSRP)	$7999
Imager Type	3LCD
Displayed Resolution	4096 x 2160 pixels (4-way pixel shifting)
Native Resolution	1920 x 1080 pixels
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)	2000 Lumens
Light Source Type	Blue Laser Phosphor
Contrast Ratio	5,000,000:1 (∞:1 Dynamic)
Lens Throw Ratio	2.1:1
Power Zoom/Focus	Yes
Lens Shift	Vertical +/- 96.3 %, Horizontal +/-47.1 %
Interchangeable Lens	No
Ultra Short Throw	No
Native Aspect Ratio	16:9 (Widescreen)
4K/120 fps	Yes
3D	No
Speakers	No
Noise Level (-db)	22 dB ECO (32 dB Normal)
Low Lag Gaming	Yes
Smart Functionality	No
Business	No
Classroom	No
Portable	No
Special Features	HDR10+, Dynamic HDR Tone mapping
Networking	RJ45 Lan
Dimensions (WxDxH)	20.5 x 17.6 x 7.6 inches (521 x 447 x 193 mm)
Weight	28.2 lbs. (12.8 kg)
Warranty	3-year Limited

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