Robertson AV Guides
Epson 4K PRO-UHD Explained: 3800, LS11000, LS12000, LS650
By Robertson AV ·
Epson’s “4K PRO-UHD” badge appears on most of its home cinema projectors. This article explains what the label means and compares four models using Epson’s own specification sheets: the Home Cinema 3800, Home Cinema LS11000, Pro Cinema LS12000 and EpiqVision Ultra LS650.
What 4K PRO-UHD actually is
These projectors use 1080p-class 3LCD panels and shift the image in tiny steps, very quickly, so more distinct pixel positions reach the screen than the panel holds. The sheets say so plainly:
- Home Cinema 3800: “4K Enhancement (1920 x 1080 x 2)”
- LS11000 and LS12000: “4K PRO-UHD 3840 x 2160 (dual-axis 1920 x 1080)”
- LS650: native panel resolution “1080p (4K enhancement)”, maximum resolution 3840 x 2160
The 3800, LS11000 and LS12000 accept signals up to 4096 x 2160, and the LS650 lists a 3840 x 2160 maximum, so 4K sources connect directly. It is not the same as native 4K, where every pixel exists on the panel. Compare models on brightness, light source, lens flexibility and HDMI features rather than the badge.
Side by side
| Home Cinema 3800 | LS11000 | LS12000 | LS650 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brightness (color / white) | 3,000 / 3,000 lm | 2,500 / 2,500 lm | 2,700 / 2,700 lm | 3,600 / 3,600 lm |
| Light source | 250 W UHE lamp | Laser | Laser | Laser |
| Rated life | Up to 5,000 h (ECO) | Up to 20,000 h | Up to 20,000 h | Up to 20,000 h (Normal) |
| Contrast (Epson spec) | Up to 100,000:1 (auto iris on) | Up to and over 1,200,000:1 | Up to and over 2,500,000:1 (auto iris on) | Over 2,500,000:1 (dynamic) |
| HDR | HDR10 | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HLG, full 10-bit HDR |
| HDMI | 2 x HDMI 2.0 (18 Gbps), HDCP 2.2 | 2 x HDMI 2.1, HDCP 2.3, one eARC/ARC | 2 x HDMI 2.1, HDCP 2.3, one eARC/ARC | 2 x HDMI 2.0 (18 Gbps), HDCP 2.3, one eARC |
| Max refresh | 4K at 60 Hz | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | Not listed |
| Throw ratio | 1.32 – 2.15 | 1.35 – 2.84 | 1.35 – 2.84 | 0.26 – 0.41 (UST) |
| Lens shift | V ±60%, H ±24% (manual) | V ±96.3%, H ±47.1% (powered) | V ±96.3%, H ±47.1% (powered) | Not listed |
| Fan noise | 24 – 35 dB | 22 – 30 dB | 22 – 30 dB | 23 dBA (ECO) – 36 dBA (Normal) |
| Built-in speakers | 2 x 10 W | Not listed | Not listed | Yamaha 2.1, 20 W total |
Home Cinema 3800: bright and easy to place
At 3,000 lumens it is the brightest conventional-throw model here, useful in a room with some ambient light. It uses a lamp: Epson rates the 250 W UHE lamp at up to 5,000 hours in ECO, 4,000 in Medium and 3,500 in High, so plan for a replacement. The 1.62x manual zoom and lens shift of up to 60% vertical and 24% horizontal make shelf or off-center mounting forgiving. It also has 2 x 10 W speakers, 3D support and a 3.5 mm trigger output (200 mAh max) that installers often use for a motorized screen.
LS11000 and LS12000: laser, 120 Hz and a powered lens
On Epson’s sheets the two share 0.74-inch 12-bit panels, 2.1x powered zoom, a 1.35 to 2.84 throw ratio, a 50 to 300 inch image range, powered lens shift, two HDMI 2.1 inputs with 120 Hz support, eARC/ARC on one input, 22 to 30 dB fan noise and a laser rated up to 20,000 hours. What differs on paper:
- Brightness: 2,700 lumens (LS12000) vs 2,500 (LS11000).
- Contrast: up to and over 2,500,000:1 vs 1,200,000:1.
- Lens: Epson names the LS12000’s a “VRX” 15-element glass lens; the listed focal length and F-number match the LS11000.
The powered lens lets an installer set zoom, focus and position from the remote after the unit is mounted. Pick the LS11000 for laser, HDMI 2.1 and 120 Hz in a dim dedicated room, or the LS12000 for the same platform with higher brightness and contrast figures.
EpiqVision Ultra LS650: no ceiling mount
This ultra short throw model sits on a cabinet near the wall and produces a 60 to 120 inch image at 3,600 lumens. It has Android TV, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1 and a Yamaha 2.1 system (two 5 W drivers and a 10 W subwoofer). One HDMI input supports eARC for passing audio to a soundbar or receiver. It suits living spaces where running cable to the ceiling is not practical.
Throw-distance check
Throw distance = throw ratio x image width. A 100-inch 16:9 image is about 87.2 inches wide and a 120-inch image about 104.6 inches wide.
| Image (16:9) | HC 3800 | LS11000 / LS12000 | LS650 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100″ | about 9.6 to 15.6 ft | about 9.8 to 20.6 ft | about 1.9 to 3.0 ft |
| 120″ | about 11.5 to 18.7 ft | about 11.8 to 24.8 ft | about 2.3 to 3.6 ft |
This is simple arithmetic from published throw ratios. Confirm placement with Epson’s projection calculator or the manual before drilling.
Specifying projectors for a project?
Multi-room theaters, showrooms and rental or hospitality jobs need consistent equipment. Send the room dimensions and quantity through our quote request page (we handle 5+ unit orders), use the contact page, or browse all projectors. Free ground shipping applies to RobertsonAV orders.
FAQ
Is 4K PRO-UHD real 4K?
It puts a 3840 x 2160 image on screen from 1080p-class panels using pixel shifting. The 3800, LS11000 and LS12000 accept input up to 4096 x 2160, but the panels are not native 4K.
LS11000 vs LS12000?
Per Epson’s sheets: brightness (2,500 vs 2,700 lumens) and contrast (1,200,000:1 vs 2,500,000:1). Throw ratio, zoom, lens shift, HDMI 2.1, fan noise and laser life are listed the same.
Lamp or laser in the 3800?
Lamp: a 250 W UHE lamp rated up to 5,000 hours in ECO.
Best for gaming?
The LS11000 and LS12000 list HDMI 2.1 inputs with a 120 Hz maximum refresh. The 3800 supports 4K at 60 Hz.