Tech Tuesday Takeover – Epson Home Cinema 8700UB Review
The FRC Takeover is in full effect, here is Ted S. with a cracking review of his new toy, the Epson 8700UB
Epson is known for producing some of the best home theater front projectors at a low cost and that reputation is even more truer with their Home Cinema 8700UB. Now just FYI, this model was released about a year and half ago, so some dealers aren’t selling it anymore, but you can still find one at a good price online. I previously purchased their lower end model, Epson 8350UB and I wanted to upgrade. Actually I was thinking of upgrading to a 3D projector but then realized I will also have to buy a new A/V receiver to be able to watch 3D content. I just couldn’t bring myself to make an additional purchase, so I went with the 8700UB. And you know what? I’m in love with this machine.
Let’s list some of the differences between the 8350 and 8700. (*editor* The 8350 is the equivalent of the UK TW3200, unfortunately we do not have an equivalent of the 8700UB)
Contrast ratio:
8350 – 50,000:1 ratio
8700 – 200,000:1 ratio
Brightness:
8350 – 2000 lumens
8700 – 1600 lumens
Both machines has the same design look and both has vertical and horizontal lens shift; lens shift is very important if you’re going to shelf mount the projector. The 8700 also can support the anamorphic lens if you decided to purchase it, while the 8350 does not. Even though the 8350 is at brighter at 2000 lumens, the 8700 has something the 8350 lacks, the ultra-black picture quality. That 200,000:1 contrast ratio is the highlight of this projector, when watching films in dark scenes, the 8700 just blow the 8350 out of the water, there’s no comparison at all.
Another thing that makes the 8700 better than its younger brother is that it includes a THX certified picture mode. What this means is when you watch a movie and choose the THX mode, you don’t even need to adjust the settings, the THX folks has calibrated for you. But if want to tweak the picture a bit, you can do that. The projector also comes with 5 other picture modes, Dynamic, Living Room, Theater, Theater Dark 1 and Theater Dark 2. I use Dynamic to watch sports and Living Room for gaming. I don’t recommend you even bother with the Theater picture modes, like I mentioned the THX is the one to use when watching films. Another interesting feature is the Frame Interpolation, what this does is to make the picture look more smooth and “realistic”, to be honest I didn’t like this feature and decided to turn it off when I watch films. But it works better when watching sports or regular TV shows. Also the Super Resolution feature is good to have, this one is useful for watching non HD content like DVD.
You’re probably wondering how good films look on this machine right? Well let’s just say I was blown away by the picture quality on this machine, I thought it has the best deep black I’ve ever seen for a projector at this price range. You can check out some of the photos below; all were taken with my 4S iPhone, I have a 100inch projector screen and I set it up in widescreen 2.20:1 ratio. The color is rich and the black level is so dark you’d think this machine must’ve cost at least $5000, but trust me you can find one online at a pretty good price.
CLICK FOR BIGGER IMAGE
Well that’s my quick review of this awesome projector, so if ever wanted to upgrade your current projector or thinking of getting one, the Epson 8700UB comes with my high recommendation. Now don’t get me wrong, I thought is a great machine but it lacks the deep black picture quality that the 8700 has to offer. If you have questions, please feel free to ask them in the comments section and I’ll try to answer to the best of my knowledge.
Did you enjoy Ted’s review? Are you as jealous as I am? Comment below…
Scott Lawlor
As you know I just got the 3200 (same as your last one) and I am pretty happy with the blacks, more than happy actually. It is better than most CINEMA black levels I have seen lately. And if this is better… then wow!!
If I was to do it again I would probably spend more and get a different brand. The 3200′s do have issues with dust.
Thanks for a great take over Ted
Thanks Scott.
I didn’t know that Epson doesn’t offer the 8700UB in your part of world, but 8350 (3200) is a damn good machine. Like you said, for the price the picture and black level are pretty great. I did a comparison between the two and the 8700 clearly won in the ultra deep black and again I love that THX picture mode. I know those screenshots look good but when you see it for real, you’ll be blown away by how great it looks.
Where’s that hashtag…oh there it is: #ENVY!
Ha ha, it’s a great machine and I’ll probably be watching more movies at home now than spend money at a theater.
Boys and his toys, ahah! When’ll I get another invite to your beautiful home cinema Ted?
Come over whenever you’re free.
And my invite???
Hey you’re also invited too mate, give me a ring when you’re here in the States.
I’m coming over to watch movies!!
Thanks for this review. It really helps, as a matter of fact, a LOT of your Tech Tuesdays really help as I learn extra tidbits and share with my employees and customers as we sell all of these things.
Keep up the great work, Scott
Hey T. if you ever come to visit the Best Buy corporate campus, give me a ring, I live 5 minutes away from the campus.
I def will Ted. It’s been a while since I’ve been up there.
That looks great, one day I’ll get this kind of setup as well (when I have the space for it)
Yeah, if you have a space for it and can afford to buy it then I highly recommend going with a projection set up.
I think this one is discontinued now, but still an awesome projector if you can get your hands on one.
Yup, Epson replaced it with their 3D model 5010. I was thinking of getting that one but I’m still not sold on 3D so I went with the 8700 and yes it’s an awesome machine.