- Epson has announced five new Lifestudio projectors
- The budget-priced lineup includes four portables and one ultra short throw
- All models feature Google TV for streaming and Sound by Bose built-in speakers
Epson has been busy lately working on a refresh of its portable projector lineup. That effort has yielded five new Lifestudio models, ranging from a compact 4K ultra short throw to a $679 Full HD projector.
The big news here is Epson’s collaboration with speaker and headphones maker Bose to create the first projectors with Sound by Bose. Along with making the new projectors an all-in-one theater-at-home solution, they will have four ‘tuned with Sound by Bose’ modes – Cinema, Dialogue, Music, and Standard – to adapt the sound output for a range of content.
Each new projector in the Lifestudio lineup features Google TV, a smart TV platform that’s increasingly being added to the best projectors, built in for streaming.
Another first that comes with the Lifestudio lineup is that the Epson Projection Studio app is available for Android and iOS devices. This will let viewers control projector functions, such as adjusting settings and volume, and will let multiple users easily contribute to slideshows for parties and other events.
The setup of each Lifestudio projector is made easy with EpiqSense 2.0 auto-setup, which automatically adjusts focus and image alignment, along with color balance when projecting on surfaces other than a white screen or wall.
Lifestudio Grand Ultra Short Throw projector
The crown jewel of Epson’s Lifestudio lineup is the Lifestudio Grand Ultra Short Throw projector ($2,499.99). This 4K model delivers powerful brightness for the price, with a rated 3,600 lumens of white and color brightness.
The Lifestudio Grand can project a 120-inch picture from a 15.2-inch distance from the wall, and features HDR10 support and 120Hz gaming at 1080p resolution.
Lifestudio Flex Plus portable projector
Epson’s most advanced new portable projector is the Lifestudio Flex Plus ($999.99). This 4K model beams pictures with 1,000 lumens brightness and features ALLM (auto low latency mode) for gaming. It also has a swivel and tilt stand, built-in mood lighting, and a USB-C port to power the projector from a portable charger.
Other models in the Epson portable lineup include the Lifestudio Flex ($849.99), which is a Full HD portable with 700 lumens of brightness and the same swivel base as the Flex Plus. While the Lifestudio Pop Plus ($849.99) and Lifestudio Pop ($799.99) are 4K and Full HD models, respectively, both have 700 lumens of brightness.
Epson Lifestudio projectors are now available on Epson.com and at select retailers. A lineup of accessories, including adjustable floor stands and wireless mics for karaoke, is also available.
Lifestudio is grand
Epson is not a newcomer to the portable projector world – the company released its EpiqVision Flex back in 2023, and followed up with the EpiqVision Mini EF22 in 2024. Both options provided viewers looking for a compact, portable projector in the under-$1,000 range with a reliable Full HD option, and both featured built-in streaming and speakers.
But the company has really stepped things up with its new Lifestudio offerings, adding 4K options, along with built-in Google TV (with Netflix!) across the board for streaming.
A $1,000 projector with 4K resolution isn’t something I’ve seen before aside from the LG CineBeam Q, a laser projector that’s high on style and features, but low on brightness, with a specified 500 ANSI lumens. The new Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus, while priced around the same as the LG, doubles the brightness at 1,000 lumens. With Google TV built in, it will also be an excellent option for streaming.
Gaming performance was an area we found needed work in our Epson EpiqVision Mini EF22 review, and the Lifestudio Flex Plus with its ALLM feature should provide an improvement on that front. The EpiqVision Mini EF22’s built-in speakers were also found to be lacking, and I expect the addition of Sound by Bose to the new Lifestudio lineup will have a transformative effect on audio quality.
As intrigued as I am by the Lifestudio Flex Plus, the Lifestudio Grand Ultra Short Throw projector is the one I’m more excited about. This 4K model is priced well below much of its UST competition, while offering 4K resolution and a stunning 3,600 lumens brightness.
At that price, the Lifestudio Grand will provide a more affordable alternative to the Epson LS800, the best for sports option in our best ultra short throw projectors guide, a great all-around projector that’s otherwise hampered by a dated Android TV platform and Wi-Fi 5 for streaming.
You might also like
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ihtMA2gqVMiPmsVdcsbJ33.jpg
Source link
al.griffin@futurenet.com (Al Griffin)
