Katarzyna Petru
Epson has launched a new version of its top home cinema equipment. Pro Cinema LS9000 is a 4K laser projector with HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, which offers much of what the LS12000 does but at a significantly lower price – precisely $3,999 (~£2,995). Brightness? 2,200 lumens – less than in the more expensive model, but still enough to deliver movie quality in a dark room. The package includes, among other things, a motorized lens, autofocus, zoom, lens shift, and laser life of up to 20,000 hours.
Differences Compared to LS12000? Mainly in the Details
Under the hood, you'll find a 32-bit ZX processor, which is responsible for interpolation, resolution enhancement, and HDR. It's the same engine as in the more expensive models – just a bit weaker (because it's 32-bit instead of 36-bit). In practice? The image will still have an impact. Epson promises over a billion colors, a dynamic contrast of 2,500,000:1, and an image with a diagonal of up to 300 inches. Additionally, there is manual keystone correction and support for anamorphic lenses – if you're thinking about a 2.35:1 screen, you're at home.
Two HDMI 2.1, 4K at 120 Hz – ready for gaming and streaming
LS9000 does not have its own operating system, so it requires an external source of video – but it allows for complete freedom in configuration. It has two HDMI 2.1 ports with support for ARC/eARC, so you can easily connect a console, stick, or set-top box. The projector supports 4K at 120 Hz, which will please gamers, and the zoom memory mode allows you to perfectly match it to a widescreen home theater. There is also a USB type A – for streaming without any hassle.
Not for the living room, but for a real cinema
This projector is not for everyone. If you care about watching in a bright room, you better check out the Epson Q-Series, where brightness reaches up to 10,000 lumens. The LS9000 is equipment for darkened rooms, where its image truly shows its claws. Importantly, the projector supports Control4, Crestron, and other smart home systems compliant with PJLink, so you can easily integrate it with your home automation.
