#PixelShiftingtechnology

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Epson Home Cinema 5050UB (EH-TW9400) vs Epson 5040UB (EH-TW9300)

As known, in June 21, 2016, Epson introduced 3LCD 5040UB/5040UBe (EH-TW9300) and Pro Cinema 4040 projectors with 4K UHD and HDR support for under $3,000. Unlike UB models, UBe projectors have module for support wireless HDMI technology based on the well-regarded WirelessHD standard. Of course, they are more expensive about $ 300. These models used wobulation (e-shift, pixel-shifting or 4K- Enhancement) technology for increasing the resolution to 3840 x 2160. But, this resolution differs from Native 4K (4096 x 2160) and True 4K. As known, True 4K with Two-Phase or Four-Phase Pixel Shifting use 0.66" DMD chip (2716 x 1528) or 0.47" DMD chip (1920 x 1080), but with the division of 4K images into 4 arrays and their shift. Of course, the simultaneous use of several different names for one technology may confuse some consumers. Today, wobulation technology for video processing in projectors use the following names: - JVC - e-Shift or eShift; - Epson - 4K Enhancement or 4KE; - Texas Instruments - TI UHD (informally). However, many prefer the more common name pixel-shifting or Pixel Shifting. Of course, some experts sometimes argue about the validity of using the 4K name for all these technologies. Indeed, pixel-shifting does not increase the physical number of pixels. But these disputes are linguistic in nature, because wobulation really enhances the clarity of the image in its visual perception. At the same time, this technology has radically reduced the cost of producing projectors with support for 4K resolution. As a result, today the market offers a wide range of models at a relatively affordable price.

HC 5050UB / 5050UBe

In 2019, the company introduced the new HC 5050UB / 5050UBe, which replace the 5040UB / 5040UBe (TW9400 for Europe) of 2016. Traditionally, the UBe model has a 4K wireless HDMI transmitter and costs $ 300 more. Of course, the novelty supports all functions of the previous model. In addition, it offers an improved pixel-shifting algorithm with higher efficiency, HLG support for HDR UHD content, new Digital Cinema color mode with full DCI-P3 color gamut and 18 Gbps HDMI 2.0 port., which supports 4K / 60p HDR games.

Lumen Output

New models provide 100 ANSI lm more compared to 5040UB (2,600 vs 2,500 lumens). But, the brightness value for Epson has some specific features due to the peculiarity of LCD projection technology. As known, the light from the source in 3LCD projectors is reflected from the mirrors of the optical unit. In fact, these dichroic mirrors perform the function of color filters, passing only a certain color (red, green and blue or R, G, B). After separation, the three light streams are directed to the corresponding LCD monochrome matrices, which, after modulation, form a black-red, black-green and black-blue image at the output. A prism unites them and forms a color image, transferring it further to the optical system, the lens and to the screen. Thus, all three color components are projected onto the screen at the same time, providing the same white light output and color light output (CLO). This aspect is an important difference between 1 chip DLP projectors and 3LCD models. The perfect balance between white / color light output really affects image quality. Of course, Epson actively uses this advantage, periodically presenting the results of various tests. Therefore, Epson, unlike other companies, always specifies two values in the specs of its models. In particular, the company indicates CLO (Colour Light Output) and white light output, once again reminding of this advantage. Of course, both of these values are always identical. The video at the end demonstrates the difference in color saturation of 3LCD vs 1-chip DLP models. Epson measures white light output in accordance with traditional ISO/IEC 21118 standard and CLO in accordance with IDMS 15.4 standard, which was first published in May 2012.

Improved pixel-shifting algorithm (4K PRO-UHD), HDR mode and lens

Epson 5050UB uses second generation of 4K-Enhancement, which is called 4K PRO-UHD. In particular, 4K PRO-UHD uses a pixel plate with tighter tolerances. As a result, the engineers have increased angle of the leading and trailing edges of the electronic shift pulse, reducing the delay between the bottom and the top of the pixel shift change. According to the company, this improvement reduces downtime, increasing the light output, color accuracy, and performance, in general. In addition, Epson indicates DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) for 5050UB vs 3840 x 2160 for 5040UB. Moreover, the company has improved HDR support. In particular, the new projector automatically detects HDR content, including HDR10 and HLG, and supports its setting from the menu. As known, this line of projectors uses a 3-axis motorized lens. Unfortunately, the previous models had a rather large lag. Now, engineers have reduced electrical noise of the control system, increasing the smoothness of its work. In addition, the improved system has an auto-centering control, which is activated by the “LENS” button.

Conclusion

Of course, the improved 4K image quality, excellent colors, good HDR performance and deep black provide an advantage of 5050UB vs 5040UB. However, the new model also has several drawbacks, including the huge size, the high price for Pixel Shifting technology, and a bit noisy in high setting. But in general, the model adequately continues the evolution of Epson 4K HDR projectors. In fact, today the price difference reaches almost 30%, which is probably a lot. But the visualization of all these pros is manifested only in complex video and in difficult conditions (highly dynamic or dark scenes on the big screen or in daylight, etc.). That is, when using a home theater projector. Therefore, the final assessment of the price / quality ratio depends on the individual preferences of the buyer and his budget. Besides, all these factors affect the choice of the optimal projector. Read the full article

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Epson 3LCD 4K 5040UB (EH-TW9300) projector Review

Initially, models with 4K resolution began to actively displace Full HD format in the TVs segment. However, this process was slow enough due to several reasons. First, the small amount of 4K content significantly limited the development of this segment. Secondly, the difference is visually perceived only on large enough screens (50" and above). But the screens with a diagonal of 90" and above already perfectly demonstrate the difference. Of course, such model worth a lot. Therefore, projectors offer a very good alternative. But a few years ago, 4K projectors have also been very expensive. For example, the most affordable 1 chip DLP-projectors with a 4K resolution are only slightly cheaper compared to LCoS-models of entry level. But they have much less contrast, a strong rainbow effect, do not support HDR and 3D and usually do not provide real 4K resolution. Of course, the development of Pixel Shifting technology radically changed the situation. But the development of Pixel Shifting technology radically changed the situation. As known, it uses wobulation to increase the resolution. The device divides the original 4K signal into several arrays, shifts them relative to each other and sequentially displays several images with offset pixels (2 or 4 for Two-Phase or Four-Phase Pixel Shifting, respectively). Increasing pixel density on the screen and high speed create the illusion of increasing resolution. Today, several companies use this technology in their projectors under various names, including e-Shift or eShift (JVC), 4K Enhancement or 4KE (Epson), and TI UHD (Texas Instruments, informally). Of course, their real resolution is inferior to Native 4K. But a significant increase in visualization at a relatively low price ensured the immense popularity of these projectors.

Epson 5040UB (EH-TW9300)

Epson 5040UB (EH-TW9300) became the first model with 4K-Enhancement technology in the evolution of Epson Full HD/4K projectors. As the name implies (UB abbreviation), the projector supports, Epson UltraBlack technology, which uses a compensation filter to increase the efficiency of controlling the light polarization. In fact, it suppresses excess light in the signal, increasing the dynamic contrast ratio to an unprecedented value of 1,000,000: 1. Epson 5040UB has 2.1x zoom lens and amazing setting range, including Lens Shift of ±96% vertically and ±47% horizontally. Throw ratio of 1.35:1 - 2.84:1 (D:W) provides Image Size of 127 cm - 762 cm at Throw Distance of 3.1 m - 9.0 m. In fact, the projector provides 150" diagonal (for a 16: 9 format) from a distance 14.75 - 31 ft. But, of course, the zoom lens reduces the lumen output while increasing the distance. The loss of brightness at the maximum distance reaches 33%. The projector supports Vertical Digital Keystone. Input lag varies from 28 ms without FI (frame interpolation) up to 104 ms. Model also has Picture-in-Picture, Frame Interpolation and Lens Memory functions. Traditionally for 3LCD projectors, Epson 5040UB has low noise level, which does not exceed 20 dB in Eco mode on a 106-inch screen. The model also supports UHD Blu-ray format and modern Internet services, including Netflix, Amazon, Okko, etc.

Testing

Measurements of real brightness in different modes demonstrated the following values: - Dynamic – 3527 / 2719 / 2645 ANSI lm (High/Medium/Eco) - Bright Cinema – 2401 / 1851 / 1801 ANSI lm (High/Medium/Eco) - Natural – 1864 / 1437 / 1398 ANSI lm (High/Medium/Eco) - Cinema – 1100 / 848 / 825 ANSI lm (High/Medium/Eco) - B&W Cinema – 2194 / 1691 / 1645 ANSI lm (High/Medium/Eco) - Digital Cinema – 1165 / 898 / 874 ANSI lm (High/Medium/Eco) Thus, the real brightness in Dynamic mode was significantly higher compared to spec (3527 vs 2500 lm). But, more importantly, the brightness with a more accurate color in Bright Cinema almost corresponds to the stated, reaching 2401 lm. Bright Cinema provides достаточно яркое изображение для 225" diagonal (16:9 image) at 2400 lm in a dark room. Of course, viewing HDR content requires a reduction in image size. Eco mode reduces lamp power by about 25%.

PROS & CONS

Pros: - very high image quality; - Full HD 1920 x 1080p native resolution with support for 4K content (4K Enhancer); - impressive performance for gaming and 4K Blu-Rays; - HDR and 3D modes; - Netflix, Amazon, Okko, etc; - low fan noise level; - 2.1x zoom lens; - very wide range of lens shift; - very high image clarity; - low price. Cons: - 4K Enhancement, Frame Interpolation and Noise Reduction do not work simultaneously; - low efficiency Fast Mode (practically does not reduce input lag); - limited HDR signals compatibility (support for not all frame rate, bit depth, and chroma sub-sampling combinations); - execution delay of Auto Iris option at High Speed; - low saturation of colors in the green range; - only one HDMI Port for 4K HDR; - no built-in speakers; - too high heat during operation. Of course, all these factors affect the choice of the optimal projector. Today, Epson 5040UB continues to compete successfully with Epson 4010 (EH-TW7400) and even with 5050UB of 2019. This video demonstrates the capabilities of the Epson 5040UB projector. Read the full article