Epson - Pro Cinema LS12000 4K PRO-UHD Laser Projector

LS12000 fits the bill. That’s what I have, no regrets! Just make sure you get an appropriate sized screen.

I think you can get an ls12000 for closer to 4k if you message dealers. I think some discount off MSRP is common. I just bought one from a private seller off AVS forum for $2,800 and couldn't be happier. It's much closer to a TV than my other projector in image quality but it's still not going to match a TV for e.g., solid HDR. I would much prefer this projector and 120-in screen to even a 77-in OLED unless I'm sitting extremely close.  Also, if you are willing to invest a little bit more and make some trade-offs, you could get an AVR screen which makes poor light control less of an issue (but there are some compromises).

You will be very underwhelmed with the lifestyle options when coming from a solid home theater designed model. DLP may match the contrast of your old 8350, but the most comparable model to the 8350 today would be the Epson 4010. Better is their 5050UB, or LS11000/LS12000 series of projectors. Those are the direct upgrades to the 8350. The lack of zoom and lens shift means you are basically using keystone correction and digital zoom to make the image fit your screen. This loses resolution as well as light output when in use. Always. And should be avoided. It is still a personal decision, but I wouldn't expect you to feel like it is an upgrade in the least. But, you may be happy to live with it so you can put the projector where you want it.

NZ500 first, Sony second, Epson LS12000 third. Then the BenQ models which will struggle with black levels. I'd likely get a Valerion over the JVC models at that price point. No question, I would always go for a JVC in a good theater.

Try to find out just how many total hours the projector has run or how many bulbs it’s had. Each bulb has up to 4000hrs max possible use. That total times no of bulbs will give you an idea of its total projector usage. Is the seller an enthusiast or just selling old stock. Try to judge who is selling and do the seen trustworthy. All this I would do. It’s your money and your judgement call. I don’t know what you can afford or budget of course. Obviously a remote opinion without seeing and using the PJ is guesswork I have an Epson LS12000 and IF the one you’re looking at is good and genuine you might get a bargain. Don’t forget it’s upwards of 15 years old now with all that implies If you do go for try to think (like placing any bet) it may fail on you. Regardless Good luck!

I own an LS12000 but to be honest for the price of the upgrade now I’d go for another JVC (previously had one) I got the LS12k for an absolute steal but otherwise it’s JVC for my money. I have the Epson dialled in to my liking and it has some great feature but…

No it’s not but having one I defy you to see any real world difference at MSP. (I’ve owned JVC 4k too) as it’s 4x shift there are very few obvious signs. I:e https://preview.redd.it/bll565978bpe1.jpeg?width=3752&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fa161f869d729b96eb29fa54b16176b5210da98f This is an iphone still from my screen. Slight blur as it’s just a paused image. Zoom in and see the detail - especially the yellow fabric

LS12000 120”

You’re correct about accuracy. (I own an LS12000 for context). Sadly, those looking at ewaste projectors are rarely interested in the details of £3 -&4000 up projector specs. So I think in context of that “The Hook up” is “valuable” to such folk. Education has to start somewhere.

I say JVC (as an ls12000 owner!) you will get better black levels - if that’s important to you. I think from owning both the colours are slightly better on Epson. If you’re a gamer then the Epson does 120hz and the latency is below 20ms - no low latency on the JVC. But only you can judge which in the end. I got a very good deal on the Epson (£2k off) so it was a no brainier. Had that not been on, I’d have got JVC in a heartbeat. [NZ500 review](https://www.projectorcentral.com/JVC-NZ500-Projector-Review.htm) [LS12000 review](https://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-Pro-Cinema-LS12000-Laser-Projector-Review.htm)

Well, that’s essentially what I have currently due to renting and space constraints. (I previously had a far bigger space) I’m happy with my LS12000 and small screen. Not ideal, but it works for me. An appropriate seating distance can still be immersive. Again not ideal but if (when) we move a bigger screen is easy.

Oh stop it with the guilt! You’ve made a great choice. I love my Epson LS12000, but compared to my old JVC I miss the later for black levels. ( The Epson is better in other respects as no system is perfect) Just enjoy or the guilt will never leave! Alternatively give it to me, I’ll give it a good home.

I bought a second hand but new (0hrs) LS12000 for just under £3000. Have a good search or look at Epson’s own refurbished units. Alternatively, look at JVC if you happy to go elsewhere. Usually plenty of marketplace units about (like AVSforum.) If you’re full light controlled I don’t think the lumens will be a problem at all. Better contrast on JVC will compensate.

LS 12000 - I have one. In fact I also have Wharfedales (4.4 with a 5 for centre) like it look you have. Great combination.

Epson LS12000 does 4k 120hz. Check the Epson site for Epson refurbished units for a more budget friendly price. Also AVSforum (USA) marketplace or Avforum (UK) Classifieds.

I have no issues there. As for shifting its 4x so if you can REALLY tell the difference I concede. I’m assuming you have seen comparisons in the flesh to comment? You did hit the nail on price, but I paid £2900 for my Epson so a steal really. Mine tests under 20ms. I have owned JVC but the point is that the OP might not have the budget for high end 4k.

I own one too, and while it is pixel shifted 4k, the picture is absolutely bright and beautiful and worth every penny I spent on it.

A refurb is $4200, so not too far off the mark and it's well worth it.

If you can afford an extra couple hundred bucks you could pick up an Epson LS12000 refurb.

I have an LS12000 and am happy with it but the JVCs are supposed to be better particularly contrast and tone mapping for HDR. The cheaper JVCs laser weren’t available when I bought mine and the price difference was a bit too high at the time. The only thing is I wouldn’t go bulb if that is your option for the JVC in your price range.

Also lenses shift is very useful if you don’t have full control of where you can place your projector.

I went with a LS12000 and am happy. You can usually pick one up for around AUD$7500 without much trouble. You may / probably will be able to get it a bit cheaper if you try.

To be fair, the Epson is known for this green shift. Sure, it can be corrected with calibration and by lowering the brightness, but at the max luminance, it is always present. Still, from a purchaser's perspective, needing to make those adjustments is a downside when you're looking at it from the average user's perspective. Also, the whole reason he made a second video was to satisfy LS12000 owners who were disappointed by the first comparison. This isn't a case of valerion owners convincing him to sabotage the LS12000, he used the settings he was told to be LS12000 owners both times. I’m not saying the Valerion is better than the LS12000 or the other way around. The point was to show how both perform out of the box without calibration, which is how most people will actually use them. The Hook Up could have explained that a little more clearly, but that doesn’t make the comparison invalid.

I have the same issue in an undedicated room with a little light and chose the Elitescreen 3D variant thinking the ALR screen will have a meaningful effect. It definitely looks good head on, but starts to lose brightness 10ft or so off-center, and is watchable up to 70deg. However, since my projector is a JVC NP5, it doesn't get bright enough to overcome a majority of the light that falls on my screen, so the ALR isn't really a feature that's needed IMO. If I could do it all over, I would just get the cinegrey and not deal with any speckling or hot-spotting. And yes, there is a major difference between the LS11000 and Ls12000, as long at you watch at night, your black levels will be vastly darker on the latter. I had the LS11000 for awhile and returned it because the blacks were a muddy Grey, and I prefer contrast over brightness.

You really need to get the brands on the audio system components, there are plenty of terrible speakers people will try to sell you. Back to your question though. Ways to take $10K out of the system: \* Go with a LS12000 for $5k - amazing projector \* Go with a Silver Ticket screen for \~$1k - great screen, doubt you'd notice a difference from the one they're trying to sell you \* Get rid of the "Powerquest 2" and go with a regular surge protector \* Drop the protection plan

The new laser JVC is also $5-grand-something. It's either the Sony or the JVC. I have an Epson, I like my Epson a lot, but LCoS tech vs 3LCD? LCoS wins. On black level alone both the LCoS units will dominate. Contrast, too, dynamic contrast can only do so much, it's native contrast that's the clincher.

You'll get more light out of it, but the Sony is still no doubt a pretty capable unit. 60000:1 contrast and SXRD (LCoS) tech should translate to a fantastic picture with great black level. The 1000 lumen capacity somewhat lets it down but in a darkened room perhaps not so much. Based on the numbers the fan is also silent. Epson are known for having vacuum cleaner like fans. My own UST Epson is unbearable on 100%, but thankfully quite pleasant at 70% power. Even then it's a lot louder than the 22 db your Sony claims. There's frankly a real possibility you'll be disappointed. And returning the item may be legally fine but it would be a hassle to say the least. Going from a liquid crystal on silicon projector to triple transmissive LCD is going backwards insofar as projector technology is concerned. So, maybe you want to consider looking into a newer unit with that technology instead, with more light output and 4K. JVC's D-ILA is one option, and Sony SXRD obviously. They're a bit pricier but the entry level JVC isn't truly brutal. The LS12000 is a fine projector, but light levels aside I don't think you'd necessarily be entirely pleased by the drawbacks you might experience. At a mere (in this context) 110 inch screen, you might also be a candidate for an ultra short throw, and an ALR screen. For instance the new Nexigo Aurora Pro MK II and a new Fresnel or lamellar ambient light rejecting screen. The ALR screen for UST projectors is insanely good at rejecting ambient light, and the projectors are getting good. The PX3-Pro being another (top notch) option. You could even go with the Aurora Pro without a MK and pay $2000 usd for the projector, the 110 inch screen should be easily under a thousand. If there's space on the wall, a 120 too. A 132 ALR from Nothing Projector is just a little north of a grand (132 being the largest screen out there that is seamless). Going beyond 132 in size would be doubtful with an USD.

Intersting review. I'm sure it's a great projector, but the pricing is wack for a unit that's a minimal upgrade on the LS12000. If I weren't so into UST's now I'd rather buy a Valerion Max tbh. And I would, based on that unit alone, dispute that there's nothing comparable in the price range, on paper all the stats of the Visionmaster Max dropkicks the QB1000 into a well, "300" and "this is Sparta!" style. Half the price, four times the contrast (according to them - but the Visionmaster Pro 2 almost lived up to their claims).