Epson has released four new home theater projectors, the PowerLite Home Cinema 8100 and 8500 UB and the Pro Cinema 9100 and 9500 UB. All four projectors feature 1080p resolution and use 3LCD technology.
The PowerLite Home Cinema 8100 projector has a contrast ratio of up to 36,000 to 1, brightness up to 1,800 lumens, and 2.1x optical zoom. Epson rates the fan noise at 22 decibels. The 8100 has two HDMI connectors, as well as support for component, composite, S-video, and analog RGB video. The 8100 also has a ceiling mount. Epson includes a two-year parts and labor limited warranty, and a 90-day lamp warranty. The 8100 sells for about $2,000.
The PowerLite Home Cinema 8500 UB features a 200,000 to 1 contrast ratio and a brightness of 1,600 lumens. Like the 8100, the 8500 UB as a 2.1x optical zoom, a ceiling mount, two HDMI connectors, and support for component, composite, S-video, and analog RGB video. The 8500 UB sells for about $3,000, and includes a two-year parts and labor limited warranty, and a 90-day lamp warranty.
The PowerLite Home Cinema 8100 will be available in October. The PowerLite Home Cinema 8500 UB will be available in November.
The Pro Cinema 9100 ($2,599) and Pro Cinema 9500 UB ($4,000) have very high contrast ratios. According to Epson, the 9100 has a 36,000 to 1 contrast ratio, while the Pro Cinema 9500 UB’s ratio is 200,000 to 1. The 9100 has a brightness of 1,800 lumens; the 9500 UB’s brightness is rated at 1,600 lumens. Both the 9100 and 9500UB use the Fujinon OptiCinema Multi-Lens Optics System, Epson Twin Optics Reflection Lamps, Both the 9100 and 9500UB come with two HDMI connectors, component video, composite video, S-video, and analog RGB video.
The Pro Cinema 9100 will be available in October. The Pro Cinema 9500 UB will be available in November.
[Editor’s note: Updated 9/8/09 at 9:45AM PT to include information about the PowerLite Home Cinema 8500 UB, Pro Cinema 9100, and ProCinema 9500 UB.]