reviews

HCC Review - Epson EMP-TW-1000
(PowerLite Pro Cinema 1080)

April 2007

Just when you thought how much better can home theatre projectors get Epson introduce the EMP TW-1000. The Epson EMP-TW-100 is similar to the TW-700 in that they use the same case but that's where the similarities end.

First review impressions

Same shape different colour, packs a HD punch!

Epson EMP-TW1000 Projector

This projector is over twice as powerful as any 720P model.

Screen shot from the Epson TW1000

The TW-1000 is about picture detail, it uses the latest 3-LCD chip that's made by Epson. This chip is native 1080 x 1920 pixels and thus true HD. All 3-LCD 1080-HD projectors will use a LCD chip made by Epson.

The amount of detail available is more than double 720P models. We will show what this means later in the review.

Review upgrading from 720 to 1080 as it may not be as worthwhile as you'd think unless you are going to feed the TW-1000 true HD programming. This is where Blu-Ray comes into its own. If you watch foxtel most of the time, save your money and buy a TW700 or similar.

There is some debate about LCD vs. DLP. The TW-1000/ PowerLite Pro Cinema 1080 ends the debate for us, as the only real blood the DLP camp could draw was the fact that LCD engines don't last forever c2Fine inorganic panels address this marketing line. No moving parts must be better than fast moving parts to produce the image?

The current LCD panels last long enough when used as intended. Running continuously for days on end will induce a failure. Try running your hair dryer for a day. Most home cinema projectors are designed to watch a few movies per night. For full time use we recommend heavy duty LCD models or DLP.

"There is very little room for
improvement from here. "

When you consider single chip DLP models use a very fast spinning colour wheel which could have a bearing failure (noisy bearings are common) then add in the DLP rainbow effect and the war is as hot as ever. We understand some DLP only brands are brining out LCD models.
[Rainbow test by AIM here]

The new Epson HD LCD c2Fine chip does not degrade over time, put another way you'd compare this LCD model with 3 chip DLP models.

"..Seiko Epson Corporation ("Epson") has developed new high temperature poly-silicon (HTPS) panel technology incorporating an inorganic alignment layer for use in 3LCD projectors. ..this technology dramatically enhances aperture ratios, definition, and image quality to enable the development of projectors offering an even more realistic HDTV experience. Reflecting the crystal clear images made possible by this new inorganic alignment layer HTPS technology, Epson has called it "Crystal Clear Fine (C 2 Fine)."

EMP TW-1000 basics

This is the first projector to utilize Epson's Crystal Clear Fine (C2Fine) panels, which enable unprecedented light control, 1080p resolution and super-smooth images. From movies to video games, and with lights on or off, every performance is superb. Set up is simple, and you can maximise quality at the touch of a button.

It's time to take your home entertainment system to the next level.

• Next generation projection technologies – high definition big screen home entertainment
• New levels of brightness, colour and quality – introducing Epson Crystal Clear Fine (C2Fine) 3LCD panels
• Deeper blacks and enhanced whites – Epson Auto Iris and a 12,000:1 contrast ratio
• Perfect images in any light conditions – select optimum colour settings at the touch of a button
• Simple set up – ceiling mounted or free standing, with flexible horizontal and vertical lens shift
• Rich colours and smooth shades – full 10-bit colour processing and HDMI v1.3 connectivity
• Accurate, defined images – a new lens includes 14 sub-lenses and 2.1x optical zoom

The black case colour is fairly reflective the
colour changes with its surroundings!

Image by 3-LCD

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Inputs

Projection Distance

More specifications at Epson subject to change without notice.

Real HD 1080 x 1920 that you can see up close!

Let's start with the math. 720P is 1280 x 720 pixels = 921,600 pixels.

1080 = 1080 x 1920 pixels = 2,073,600 active pixels or..

225% more detail

In the images below you can see the extra pixels and the effect they have on fine detail. We used a Samsung Blu-Ray player BD-P1000 (also backward compatible with CD/DVD) via HDMI. The Blu-Ray player is currently bundled with the TW1000 for a limited time.

We set up the Epson TW-700 (still current model) which is a 720P model at the same distance with the camera in the same spot in this comparison.

The number of dots/pixels per cm will change with distance that's why this is a relative not absolute example.

This example is relative between the TW700 above and
the TW1000 below.

A note on the TW-700 and for that matter the Sanyo PLV-Z5 (same LCD chip).. They are awesome projectors for the money and I'd guess 90% of the time you'll find it hard to spot the difference when seated at the correct distance from the screen unless they were side-by-side.

This is what you're paying for.. Pixels and lots of them!
Very hard to see them unless you are very close.

Auto on

Note you can set it to turn on once power is applied i.e. as in automatic ceiling mounting.

Contrast Ratio

EMP-TW1000 has a very high maximum contrast ratio of 12000:1. The enhanced auto iris function regulates brightness and contrast 60 times a second. This is more than you'll ever need, most movies are around 1000:1 CR and the eye can't see 12000:1 in a movie that's why pilots try to avoid bright white lights for at least 1/2 hour before a night flight and their torches are red, not white. [More]

ANSI Lumens

High Brightness Mode 1200 ANSI lumens
Colour Mode ( Dynamic, Zoom: Wide, Lens shift: V10 / H Centre )

Some ask is this too much? No. You'll run the lamp in low mode in a cinema room thus increasing its life (If you dim lamps they seem to last a long time) this also has the function of lowering the cooling fan speed.

The power may come in handy in a family/lounge room. Don't get too carried away with lumens however, doubling lumens does not make the projector seem twice as bright. The only time it's super important is in a bright room or outdoor sporting event, then it's the most important specification by far.

Warranty

Australian Epson 24 month projector warranty (excludes lamp/90 days). Epson have specialist HT resellers. Beware "Grey Market" as you're on your own if they close.

Summary

A fantastic image. You can really the difference when you place it besides a 720P model.

Full size projection screen shot from TW1000

If you want the highest resolution available the Epson EMP-TW-1000 has to be on your short list. Epson make the LCD engines, so they know how to get the most from their design.

This projector has all the benefits of LCD technology without draw backs. You'll never see an image as detailed as this in a "real" cinema so you'll really impress your audience.

Zoom in on section (Chopper Above Rego) shows detail available.
The camera does not do it justice.

Feature Logos

RRP for a "Genuine" TW1000 is $6999 however for that you'll get a Blu-Ray player and/or fixed projection screen too. Some dealers are bundling in a spare lamp.

There is very little room for improvement from here.

Epson EMP-TW1000 Projector
AKA PowerLite Pro Cinema 1080
HCC Editors Choice for True HD projection

HCC - April 07

Special thanks to AIM Digital Imaging for supplying the test unit.