Epson sheds light on new Home Cinema 3000 projectors

Epson has announced three new projectors in its 3000 3LCD range that will feature up to 2,500 lumens brightness and mechanical lens shift.

The entry-level Home Cinema 3000 ($1,299) is a 1080p projector that features a 1.6x zoom, 50,000:1 contrast ratio, and a more compact design, which Epson says provides for easier placement. In addition you get two HDMI ports, a 2,300-lumen brightness and the onboard lens shift allows for +/- 60 percent vertical adjustment or +/- 24 percent on the horizontal axis.

Stepping up to the Home Cinema 3500 ($1,699) and you get an increase in brightness to 2,500 lumens, a 70,000:1 contrast . Epson says it has improved 3D performance with greater brightness and also throws in and two pairs of 3D glasses. Lastly, you also receive a set of 10W speakers onboard and Super Resolution and Detail Enhancement controls. The 3500 replaces the Home Cinema 8350 which had a lower light output of of 2000 lumens and a much lower 50,000:1 contrast ratio.

Based on a demo of the 3000 series in New York, unfortunately in a lit warehouse setting, the projector certainly gave out a lot of light. Given the advertised improvement in black levels and light output it would appear this series will do well in a typical living room environment, and with the lights off it should be much more competitive amongst its peers.

Lastly, and for an extra $300, the flagship PowerLite Home Cinema 3600e ($1,999) adds a WirelessHD transmitter, which doesn't require line of sight, and connects up to five HDMI devices.

Epson says the existing Home Cinema 3020, which we reviewed here , will remain in the lineup

The new line of Epson Home Cinema projectors are available now.