Epson QS100 – At a Glance
Price: $4,999
Category Ratings (Compared to Similar Models):
Brightness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Color Reproduction: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Contrast: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Sound Quality: N/A (no built-in audio system)
✅ Pros
Super bright – great for both day and night viewing
Dynamic HDR tone mapping for improved detail
Accurate, vibrant colors
Tons of picture adjustment settings
Premium design and build
❌ Cons
Not native 4K (uses pixel-shifting)
Native contrast is good, but not top-tier
No Dolby Vision support
Doesn’t support 3D content
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OVERVIEW
Epson QS100: A Bright UST Projector Built for High-End Setups
The Epson QS100 is a 4K PRO-UHD ultra short-throw projector launched in April 2025 with a price tag of $4,999. Aimed at high-end home theaters and serious media rooms, it’s designed for users who want a big-screen experience without mounting a projector across the room.
At its core, the QS100 uses Epson’s 3LCD technology with 4K PRO-UHD pixel-shifting. That means it combines three native 1080p LCD panels with advanced pixel-shifting to display more detail than standard Full HD. It’s not native 4K, but for most people watching from a regular distance, the difference is hard to notice.
A major perk of 3LCD tech is its equal color and white brightness—so colors stay vivid without the “rainbow effect” you sometimes see on DLP projectors. The QS100 delivers up to 4,500 lumens for both color and white light, thanks to its upgraded 5-in-1 laser light source. That makes it one of the brightest ultra short-throw projectors out there.
Epson claims a dynamic contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1. While the native contrast isn’t listed, 3LCD projectors like this one tend to have better black levels than typical DLP models. The QS100’s smart laser dimming and advanced processing should help boost detail in darker scenes.
In short, the Epson QS100 is a powerful and flexible UST projector that blends brightness, color, and clarity—making it a great fit for serious home cinema fans or mixed-use media rooms.
Epson QS100: Pro-Level Picture Control and Performance
The Epson QS100 features the brand-new QZX 32-bit image processor, which boosts color accuracy, improves contrast, and enables advanced HDR tone mapping on a frame-by-frame basis. It supports HDR10 and HLG with 10-bit color processing, though like most projectors, it doesn’t support Dolby Vision. Still, the dynamic tone mapping is a big step up from the static HDR found on the LS800—helping to deliver better brightness and detail in both dark and bright scenes.
For users and installers who want to fine-tune the image, the QS100 offers a full suite of calibration tools. These include gamma and grayscale adjustments, full color management (CMS), and precise panel alignment. Unlike the LS800, which is limited by its Android-based system, the QS100 gives you full control over picture quality. It also includes geometric correction options—though physical alignment is still recommended for the sharpest image.
Thanks to its brighter laser engine, the QS100 can handle screens up to 160 inches while still maintaining sharp focus across the entire image. While it looks similar to the LS800 on the outside, the inside is upgraded with a redesigned laser light source and that powerful new image processor. These changes improve HDR performance, tone mapping, and calibration flexibility.
In short, the Epson QS100 is a great choice for serious home theater fans or custom installers who want high brightness, top-tier image control, and seamless integration with premium AV systems.
Comparison with Epson LS800
Epson QS100 vs. LS800: Same Look, Different Audience
At first glance, the Epson QS100 and EpiqVision Ultra LS800 may look the same—they share the same body, 3LCD panels, and Epson’s 4K PRO-UHD pixel-shifting. But they’re built for very different users.
LS800: For Everyday Entertainment
The LS800 is made for casual viewers who want a bright, easy-to-use “laser TV.” It has:
A built-in Yamaha 2.1-channel speaker system
Android TV 11 with all the streaming apps
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for wireless connections
But it lacks deeper image controls—no CMS (Color Management System), gamma tuning, or advanced calibration tools. Great for plug-and-play setups, not ideal for tweakers or pros.
QS100: Built for Home Theater Pros
The QS100 drops the built-in speakers and smart TV features, focusing instead on:
HDMI eARC for connection to AV receivers or high-end soundbars
Full ISF-level calibration tools: CMS, gamma, grayscale, panel alignment
Dynamic HDR tone mapping for better contrast and detail
Professional integration: IP control, RS-232, Ethernet, Crestron, Control4 support
It’s made for custom AV installs and users who demand fine-tuned picture performance.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | QS100 | LS800 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $4,999 | $3,799 (often ~$3,000) |
| Target User | Enthusiasts / Installers | General Consumers |
| Brightness | 4,500 lumens | 4,000 lumens |
| HDR Tone Mapping | Dynamic | Static |
| Calibration Tools | Advanced (ISF-level) | Basic |
| Smart Features | None | Android TV 11 |
| Built-in Audio | None | Yamaha 2.1 System |
| Max Screen Size | 160″ | 150″ |
| Smart Home Integration | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 3 years w/ fast replacement | 2 years |
Final Take
Get the LS800 if you want a hassle-free, all-in-one home theater solution.
Choose the QS100 if you’re serious about image quality and building a custom home theater setup.
The QS100 costs more, but that extra price brings better brightness, advanced tone mapping, pro-level calibration, and full system control—making it a better fit for high-end installations.
HARDWARE
CHASSIS
At first glance, the QS100 looks just like the EpiqVision Ultra LS800. It measures 27.4″ wide, 6.2″ high, and 13.4″ deep, weighing 27.6 lbs. The projector has three adjustable feet—two in the front and one in the back—and a removable panel that neatly hides all the ports and cables for a clean look.
The QS100 features two HDMI 2.0 ports, with one supporting eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). While it doesn’t support HDMI 2.1 or 4K at 120Hz, both ports handle 4K at 60Hz or 1080p at 120Hz with full 18 Gbps bandwidth. The eARC support is a big upgrade over the LS800’s ARC, allowing passthrough of high-quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X—perfect for pairing with modern AV receivers or soundbars.
Another key difference is the QS100’s focus on integration. It includes a Gigabit Ethernet port for reliable network access and remote control, plus an RS-232C serial port to work with commercial control systems. These connections allow full IP control and support automation systems like Crestron, Control4, and AMX. Epson also offers a browser-based setup tool, so installers can adjust settings from a computer or tablet on the same network.
The QS100 has two USB ports—one at 5V/900mA and another at 5V/2.0A—mainly for powering external devices or for service use, plus a USB-B port for firmware updates and diagnostics. It does not include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth because it’s not meant to be a standalone media player. Also, there are no analog or optical audio outputs since all sound is handled through HDMI eARC or an external AV system.
While Epson doesn’t list official noise levels, the QS100 runs quietly. At 85% brightness (default), I could barely hear it from 8 feet away. But the fan noise does get louder when switching from Quiet mode (20dB at 50% brightness) to Normal mode (34dB).
The QS100 comes with a full-size remote like Epson’s top home theater projectors, unlike the simpler remote that comes with the LS800. It’s well organized, has backlit buttons for use in the dark, and offers quick access to popular functions like Color Mode, HDR, image enhancement, and frame interpolation. Even with many buttons, the remote feels roomy and easy to use, letting you make fast picture adjustments without digging through menus.
Thanks to its ultra-short-throw lens, the QS100 sits very close to the screen — just 6.4 inches away for a 120-inch image. It supports screens up to 160 inches and has a bit of optical zoom (throw ratio 0.16:1 to 0.22:1), so the picture stays sharp from edge to edge no matter the screen size.
The LS800 includes built-in 2.1-channel, 20-watt speakers that deliver virtual surround sound, making it a complete all-in-one entertainment system. The QS100, however, doesn’t have any built-in speakers by design. It’s meant to be used with a professional surround sound system, giving you full control over your audio setup.
This difference shows who each projector is for: the LS800 is great for users who want simple setup and decent built-in sound, while the QS100 is for those who want a high-end home theater with customized audio.
In short, the QS100’s “less is more” approach to audio lets users design their sound system exactly how they want — perfect for serious home theater fans who want the best cinematic experience.
Unlike the LS800, which runs Android TV 11, the QS100 isn’t a smart projector. Instead, it uses a straightforward on-screen menu packed with all the settings you need to fine-tune the projector. If you’ve used recent Epson projectors, the text-based menu with clear categories like Image, Signal, and Settings will feel familiar.
This simple setup fits the QS100’s role in professional installations, where streaming and content come from external devices like Apple TV, Roku, or Blu-ray players. Because it skips smart features, the QS100 boots faster, runs smoother, and offers full access to advanced calibration tools that aren’t available on Android TV models like the LS800.
Since the QS100 is designed for custom installers and video fans, it comes with lots of advanced picture controls and calibration options. You’ll find Image Enhancement presets for sharpening and detail, plus frame interpolation settings to smooth motion—choose from multiple levels or turn it off if you prefer a natural look.
It has a full Color Management System (CMS) to tweak hue, saturation, and brightness for all primary and secondary colors (R, G, B, C, M, Y). You can also adjust white balance with two-point controls and, in the pro menu, a detailed 13-point grayscale/gamma adjustment to fine-tune color temperature. The projector offers several Gamma presets and lets you customize the gamma curve too.
The QS100 also supports a web-based menu, so you can control all settings remotely from a laptop or phone on the same network. Just enter the projector’s IP address into your browser, and you can access both basic and advanced menus—no need for a remote or direct view of the projector.
The Epson QS100 features a web-based menu you can access from any web browser. This makes setup easier for professional installers, letting them adjust lens alignment, focus, and keystone correction remotely—perfect for projectors mounted on ceilings or hard-to-reach spots.
The web interface offers all the advanced settings, including detailed calibration tools. Plus, the QS100 can connect to a larger network for centralized monitoring, remote diagnostics, and automatic alerts for errors or maintenance.
Unlike the LS800, which focuses on standalone use with features like Chromecast, voice control, and wireless, the QS100 is designed for integration. It favors fast, reliable wired connections, precise device control, and top image quality over extra convenience features. For home theater fans and pros, its brighter output, advanced picture controls, and smooth compatibility with popular control systems make the QS100 a smart choice over consumer-focused models.
PERFORMANCE
COLOR REPRODUCTION
Like the LS800, the QS100 delivers good color right out of the box with four preset SDR picture modes. DYNAMIC mode is the brightest but least accurate. VIVID mode has cooler colors, boosted saturation, and higher contrast, making it great for watching in warm lighting.
The most accurate are NATURAL and CINEMA modes. NATURAL comes closest to the ideal 6500K color temperature, but CINEMA offers the best RGB balance and looks a bit better overall. Both modes have nearly the same color accuracy, though NATURAL has a slight green tint.
NATURAL mode turns off most image enhancements, while CINEMA activates features like Dynamic Contrast, Scene Adaptive Gamma, Frame Interpolation, and Image Enhancement to boost sharpness and contrast.
The LS800 had decent colors but limited adjustment options due to its operating system, which kept it from ranking higher in the 2024 UST Showdown. The QS100, with its full suite of calibration tools, lets you fine-tune colors precisely—making it a strong contender this year.
I took the time to measure and adjust the QS100’s picture modes. But since every room and screen setup is different, it’s best not to copy someone else’s calibration—it might actually make your picture worse if your room is brighter, darker, or has different wall colors.
If you want to quickly improve your projector’s image, check out our video “Optimize The Image of a Projector or TV Using Free Murideo Test Patterns.”
Below are my before-and-after calibration results from my own room. To test and calibrate the QS100, I used a Klein K10-A colorimeter, a Murideo Six-G test pattern generator, and Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays.
Pre-Calibration Color Tracking and Grayscale
I tested and adjusted the QS100’s NATURAL mode. Before calibration, the color temperature was 6718K—pretty close to my target of 6500K. The gamma was about 2.0, a bit higher than usual, which made blacks look more like dark gray in my room. The color accuracy was good, with an average color error of 2.24 and grayscale error of 3.2, both better than average.
While the LS800 was more accurate right out of the box, the QS100 offers many picture adjustment options to fine-tune the image.
On my 100-inch screen, NATURAL mode’s peak brightness hit around 295 nits—bright enough for vibrant HDR even with some ambient light.
Picture Mode: NATURAL
Gamma: 2.1
Color Temperature: 6718K
Average Grayscale dE: 3.2
Average Color Tracking dE: 3.4
Post-Calibration Color Tracking and Grayscale
To reach my gamma target of 2.2, I lowered the gamma setting to -1. I kept the color temperature at its default 6500K since it was already close to the target.
The measurements showed a slight green tint, which I fixed easily using the 2-point white balance controls by reducing the green gain. This brought the color temperature even closer to 6500K.
Fixing the white balance also improved color accuracy by removing most of the color shifts that caused errors in the saturation test. While the brightest colors were a bit undersaturated, most colors were very accurate. After calibration, brightness was still a strong 217 nits.
Picture Mode: NATURAL
Gamma: 2.18
Color Temperature: 6535K
Average Grayscale dE: 0.7
Average Color Tracking dE: 1.1
Overall, the QS100’s grayscale and color are good enough right out of the box for most Laser TV users. But for enthusiasts wanting the best picture, it’s great that the QS100 offers a full range of picture adjustment tools.
HDR Color Tracking and Grayscale
The QS100 also delivers very good HDR color right out of the box. Like with SDR, the NATURAL mode is the most accurate for HDR too. Adjustments like contrast, brightness, CMS, and RGB affect both HDR and SDR versions of the mode.
The projector has ten memory slots to save different SDR and HDR settings. After calibrating NATURAL mode for SDR, I saved it to one memory slot. For HDR, I adjusted white balance, brightness, and contrast, then saved those settings separately.
BRIGHTNESS
The QS100 is rated at 4,500 lumens, but when I tested it in its brightest DYNAMIC mode—with laser output at 100% and the lens zoomed all the way out—it actually measured about 4,750 lumens. Epson’s brightness ratings tend to be conservative, so this isn’t surprising. Measuring brightness on ultra-short-throw projectors can be tricky because of the steep projection angle, but I’m confident the QS100 meets or even exceeds its rating.
I also checked the brightness for other SDR picture modes, and they all fell within a few hundred lumens of each other:
| Picture Mode | Brightness (Lumens) | Color Temperature (K) |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic | 4750 | 7392 |
| Vivid | 4125 | 8640 |
| Cinema | 3696 | 7312 |
| Natural | 4051 | 6718 |
The 4,500-lumen brightness makes the QS100 great for watching TV shows and sports in rooms with some ambient light or on larger screens. High brightness also helps HDR content look better by reducing tone mapping, so the image looks closer to the creator’s intent.
Thanks to its effective dynamic HDR tone mapping, the QS100 delivers a bright, vibrant HDR picture—often better than projectors with even higher brightness ratings.
I tested the QS100 on both matte white and ambient light-rejecting (ALR) screens. Combined with an ALR screen, it works well in rooms with low to moderate ambient light. In a demo room where I recently replaced an LS800 with the QS100, the projector was ceiling-mounted and used a matte white screen, yet the image still looked great even with some ambient light.
BLACK LEVEL AND SHADOW DETAIL
The blacks on the QS100 look more like dark gray rather than true black. However, its black levels and native contrast are better than most DLP projectors. The QS100’s contrast is similar to other Epson home theater models, like the Home Cinema 3800. Epson doesn’t list the native contrast for the QS100, but in my tests, I measured about 1637:1—solid, but not outstanding.
The QS100 uses dynamic laser dimming to achieve an impressive dynamic contrast of 5,000,000:1—almost infinite when fully active. While it’s much brighter, it doesn’t match the deep black levels of the similarly priced Epson ProCinema LS12000, which is built for dark home theaters.
That said, in rooms with some ambient light, our eyes don’t notice deep blacks as much. In these settings, higher brightness often creates a better sense of contrast. With its 4500-lumen brightness, the QS100 makes SDR and HDR images really stand out in family or game rooms. Most users will be very happy with its black levels, especially given the extra brightness.
STANDARD DYNAMIC RANGE
The QS100 features Epson’s latest QZX picture processor, which does a great job upscaling HD content. Whether watching 720p sports or 1080p Blu-rays, the image was sharp and clear. Although the QS100 uses native 1080p 3LCD panels, it boosts on-screen resolution with two-way pixel shifting. Unlike Epson’s newest projectors that quadruple pixels, the QS100’s pixel-shifting doubles them, still improving the picture nicely.
When comparing the QS100 to a native 4K projector using test patterns and super-detailed footage, you can notice the difference in resolution. But for most 4K content and normal viewing distances, the difference isn’t very obvious. A good lens is just as important as resolution, and the QS100’s lens does a solid job delivering sharp focus across the whole screen.
Motion handling is excellent, with smooth playback of 24 fps movies. The QS100 also has frame interpolation to make fast action and sports look smoother without weird artifacts. It doesn’t support 3D, but since 3D content is rare these days, most users won’t miss it.
While the QS100 doesn’t have a dedicated game mode, it does include ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which automatically switches to a faster processing mode for gaming. Using a tester, I measured an input lag of 21ms at 1080p/120Hz—fast enough for casual gamers to enjoy responsive and competitive play.
HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE
Thanks to its high brightness, good native contrast, and strong video processing, the QS100 delivers excellent HDR picture quality. Its brightness is higher than most similar ultra-short-throw projectors, which helps especially on screens bigger than 120”. More brightness also means less tone mapping is needed for HDR content.
The QS100 uses Epson’s new QZX processor, which includes Dynamic Tone Mapping. This feature balances screen brightness with highlight detail well. It keeps more detail in bright areas of HDR content (especially above 1000 nits), though the overall image gets a bit dimmer when it’s on. But with 4500 lumens to spare, this small drop in brightness isn’t a big deal. When watching HDR, I used the NATURAL mode, turned on Dynamic Tone Mapping, and set Dynamic Contrast to Normal.
The Epson QS100 uses the new QZX processor, which supports Dynamic HDR tone mapping.
If you don’t turn on Dynamic Tone Mapping, you can still adjust the HDR tone curve using the HDR button on the remote. Turning the setting higher shows more highlight detail but lowers the overall screen brightness.
The QS100 covers about 87% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, so it can’t match the wide colors of a tri-laser DLP projector. However, because it’s a 3LCD projector, it delivers equal color and white brightness, meaning colors stay bright and vivid. In my experience, higher brightness usually matters more than a wider color gamut when watching HDR on a projector.
SUMMARY
The Epson QS100, priced at $4,999, offers bright images, accurate colors, good contrast, and advanced processing in a flexible, installer-friendly design. When I reviewed the Epson LS800, I really liked it—it’s one of the best Laser TVs out there. With built-in speakers and smart features, the LS800 is a great alternative to a big flat-screen TV.
But most enthusiasts already have devices like Blu-ray players, Apple TV, or Kaleidescape, plus external sound systems. So in custom installs, built-in apps and speakers often go unused.
Custom integrators and home theater fans want precise image control and reliable operation. The QS100 delivers great color right out of the box, but for those who like to fine-tune, it offers all the picture adjustments you could want. It also works smoothly with popular control systems like Control4 and Crestron.
For gamers, the QS100’s HDMI inputs support 4K at 120Hz. It doesn’t have a special gaming mode, but its ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) automatically switches to a fast processing mode to keep input lag low—around 21ms at 4K/120fps—making it responsive enough for casual gaming.
COMPETITIVE COMPARISON
The Epson QS100, priced at $4,999, competes with premium ultra-short-throw projectors like the Hisense L9Q and AWOL Vision LTV3500 Pro, both around $5,999. All three deliver great picture quality but have different strengths for different users.
The Hisense L9Q and AWOL LTV3500 Pro are 4K DLP projectors using XPR technology for true 4K resolution. The QS100 uses 4K Pro UHD pixel-shifting, which is better than 1080p but not quite as detailed as native 4K.
Epson QS100 vs. AWOL Vision LTV3500 Pro
The QS100 features a 3LCD engine with pixel-shifting and offers 4,500 lumens brightness. It focuses on calibration options and smooth integration into high-end AV setups. It’s also brighter, more accurate out of the box, and costs $1,000 less than the AWOL.
The AWOL LTV3500 Pro uses a triple-laser RGB light source, covering 107% of the BT.2020 color gamut, and supports Dolby Vision HDR—which the QS100 doesn’t have. It’s designed as a living room centerpiece with built-in 36W Dolby Atmos speakers, Android TV (via Fire TV stick), and 3D support.
In contrast, the QS100 targets integrators and image purists who want higher brightness, precise picture tuning, and reliable control over convenience features.
Hisense L9Q
We haven’t reviewed the Hisense L9Q yet, but its specs look impressive. Like the AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro, the L9Q is a full-featured Laser TV with built-in speakers and smart features. It uses a triple-laser RGB light source that covers 110% of the BT.2020 color gamut, and it’s one of the few consumer ultra-short-throw projectors that’s brighter than the QS100.
The L9Q also has a better native contrast ratio, which means deeper blacks. While the QS100 supports HDR10 and HLG, the L9Q adds Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support.
Both projectors offer full picture adjustments and work well with popular control systems like Control4 and URC. The L9Q costs $1,000 more than the QS100, but its higher brightness and extra features make it a strong choice for anyone wanting an all-in-one TV replacement.
Final Thoughts
Epson now offers two great ultra-short-throw projectors for home use: the LS800 and the QS100. They’re not direct competitors but serve different needs and audiences.
The LS800 is designed for mainstream users who want a simple, bright “laser TV” experience. It has built-in Yamaha 2.1 speakers and runs Android TV 11 with streaming apps, making it easy to set up and use. However, its Android OS limits advanced picture settings like white balance and color management, which may disappoint those who want to fine-tune their image.
The QS100 is made for custom installers and enthusiasts who want full control. It drops Android TV in favor of Epson’s professional projector firmware, unlocking advanced calibration tools like ISF modes, grayscale adjustment, panel alignment, and full color management. It also offers higher brightness (4,500 lumens), supports screen sizes up to 160 inches, and uses Epson’s new QZX 32-bit processor with Dynamic HDR tone mapping.
Audio-wise, the LS800 has built-in speakers and wireless options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, making it a self-contained system for casual users. The QS100 skips internal speakers and smart features but supports HDMI eARC for high-quality audio through external receivers. It also includes professional control options like Ethernet, RS-232, and compatibility with Crestron and Control4 systems.
The QS100 costs $4,999, more than the LS800, reflecting its advanced features, calibration tools, and installation flexibility. It’s sold through authorized dealers and comes with a longer three-year warranty and faster service, compared to the LS800’s two-year coverage.
If you want an ultra-short-throw projector that integrates smoothly into a custom home theater and offers precise image tuning, the Epson QS100 is a solid choice.
Pros:
4500 lumens (color and white)
Good color right out of the box with full calibration controls
HDMI 2.1 supports 4K@120Hz HDR content
Smooth motion and good 4K upscaling
Low input lag with ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
Extensive picture adjustment options
Cons:
Black levels and native contrast could be better for the price
No 3D support
No Dolby Vision support
Epson QS100- SPECIFICATIONS
| Full Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Projector Model | QS100 |
| Price (MSRP) | $4999 |
| Imager Type | 3LCD |
| Displayed Resolution | 1920 x 1080 X2 (2-way pixel shifting) |
| Native Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Brightness (Manufacturer Claim) | 4500 Lumens |
| Light Source Type | Blue Laser Phosphor |
| Contrast Ratio | 5,000,000:1 (Dynamic) |
| Lens Throw Ratio | 0.16:1 to 0.22:1 |
| Power Zoom/Focus | No |
| Lens Shift | No |
| Interchangeable Lens | No |
| Ultra Short Throw | Yes |
| Native Aspect Ratio | 16:9 (Widescreen) |
| 4K/120 fps | Yes |
| 3D | No |
| Speakers | No |
| Noise Level (-db) | 20 dB Quiet (34 dB Normal) |
| Low Lag Gaming | Yes |
| Smart Functionality | No |
| Business | No |
| Classroom | No |
| Portable | No |
| Special Features | Dynamic HDR Tone mapping |
| Networking | RJ45 Lan |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 20.5 x 17.6 x 7.6 inches (521 x 447 x 193 mm) |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs. |
| Warranty | 3-year Limited |