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Epson 5050ub vs Lg hu810pw vs USED Sony 295es

5666 Views 41 Replies 14 Participants Last post by gunlife, Jun 14, 2021

FSUsmith

Discussion Starter · Jun 8, 2021

I’m in the final stages of planning my HT. I had it narrowed down to the Epson vs LG as they were both at the same price point. I have been trying to weigh bulb with great contrast and deeper blacks, 3d vs laser with a brighter image.
However a local Best Buy has a used Sony 295es for much less than either of the others new. It’s listed as “satisfactory”. I imagine it was a floor model used for display? Would the bulb be the only thing to worry about from continual prior use? If that’s the case, even after a brand new bulb, it comes out lower than the other 2…
Is the 295es a much better projector? Is it an ok buy even used?
My viewing distance will be 15’ to a 135” screen. The room does have some ambient light, but the walls will be painted darker and I’ll be getting blackout shades, so I should have pretty good control of light.

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PixelPusher15

· #2 · Jun 8, 2021

Dang, it would still be cheaper even after the new bulb? That's some crazy clearance pricing even for a display. I'd consider the bulb shot from day one. You have no idea how that projector was treated but it probably had a lot more power cycles than normal and the bulb has to of taken a toll.

I think the 5050 and 295es have been heavily compared and the preference was for the 5050/6050 due to the dynamic iris. Native contrast between the two is about the same but the iris on the 5050 jacks the contrast up for dark scenes. I'm not sure how many of the subjective takes I've seen around here are factoring in price to the equation; maybe the scales would change if the Sony was cheaper. The thing is though, the Sony isn't bright. It puts out 1200 lumens in high lamp while the Epson can do 1800 lumens on Mid lamp and after calibration. If you are trying to battle some ambient light I don't think the Sony will do that well.

I don't see the Sony being the best fit for you, personally. Maybe others will disagree though.

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sage11x

· #3 · Jun 8, 2021

I agree with Pixel that the Sony might not be the best choice for you… but if it were me I’d totally make it work. Haha!

In a treated room— which you don’t have— the 295 would be plenty bright. I’m a big fan of 4K and the Sony is a native 4K solution as opposed to a pixel shifted 4K (LG) or pixel shifted 4K simulation (as the 1080p x 2 Epson is). It’s going to be the dharpest of the 3 easily. The Epson will probably have a deeper shade of black thanks to the iris but the Sony has better native contrast: 5700:1 vs 4300:1 on the Epson. Since I’m sensitive to the brightness pumping an iris can introduce (which is why I keep my Ht3550 on LOW) I’ll take the higher native contrast all day.

DunMunro

· #4 · Jun 8, 2021

FSUsmith said:
I’m in the final stages of planning my HT. I had it narrowed down to the Epson vs LG as they were both at the same price point. I have been trying to weigh bulb with great contrast and deeper blacks, 3d vs laser with a brighter image.
However a local Best Buy has a used Sony 295es for much less than either of the others new. It’s listed as “satisfactory”. I imagine it was a floor model used for display? Would the bulb be the only thing to worry about from continual prior use? If that’s the case, even after a brand new bulb, it comes out lower than the other 2…
Is the 295es a much better projector? Is it an ok buy even used?
My viewing distance will be 15’ to a 135” screen. The room does have some ambient light, but the walls will be painted darker and I’ll be getting blackout shades, so I should have pretty good control of light.

Unless you need 3D, i'd go for the HU810. Bulbs for the Sony aren't cheap and they and the Epson have short bulb life.

PixelPusher15

· #5 · Jun 8, 2021

sage11x said:
I agree with Pixel that the Sony might not be the best choice for you… but if it were me I’d totally make it work. Haha!

In a treated room— which you don’t have— the 295 would be plenty bright. I’m a big fan of 4K and the Sony is a native 4K solution as opposed to a pixel shifted 4K (LG) or pixel shifted 4K simulation (as the 1080p x 2 Epson is). It’s going to be the dharpest of the 3 easily. The Epson will probably have a deeper shade of black thanks to the iris but the Sony has better native contrast: 5700:1 vs 4300:1 on the Epson. Since I’m sensitive to the brightness pumping an iris can introduce (which is why I keep my Ht3550 on LOW) I’ll take the higher native contrast all day.

Where are you seeing those contrast numbers? I was referencing S&V and they had the Epson at 4300:1 and the Sony at 4500:1.

But I agree. It sure would be hard not to try to make that Sony work.

DaGamePimp

· #6 · Jun 8, 2021 (Edited)

I have both the 5050ub and 295es in my HT right now doing a head-to-head and so far there is no obvious choice (each has strong/weak aspects).

EDIT: 'Other's have stated that' the native contrast of the 295es is actually about double that of the 5050ub, however the dynamic iris of the 5050ub takes it beyond what the 295es is capable of.

It's my understanding that the 5050ub reads ~4000+ and the 295es reads ~8000+ (many have measured higher & lower CR on the 295es). The CR difference is visible without the 5050ub dynamic iris engaged (just as it is with it engaged).

I have yet to fully calibrate the 295es CMS so I will refrain from making statements beyond the 5050ub appearing to offer a wider gamut with the 'filter' engaged (which makes for a more level playing field regarding lumen output).

The 5050ub can get MUCH brighter without the WCG filter engaged, it's not even close there.

The 5050ub has better full field black with the iris system in use, the manual iris alone (dynamic iris off) allows for a lower black floor than the 295es (but then if you have the wide gamut filter and manual iris engaged the 295es is brighter, with better highlights - almost blinding at times (so a semi-win for the 295es on WCG/HDR/4K content, especially if dynamic iris 'pumping' bothers you).

The clarity advantage of the 295es native 4K resolution is obvious even though I feel the 5050ub has slightly better optics. I have a gaming/media pc connected so the resolution bump is welcome even though I think the 5050ub does a fantastic job at 4K. The 295es just projects a very 'solid' looking image, it makes for an extremely cinematic experience (and 4K games are razor sharp).

Just as the HW45es that I had previously the 295es has the best white balance/uniformity that I have ever seen on a projector, it's just a glorious pure white glow without a hint of blue/pink (and that is uncalibrated).

I did a split screen blend and gaming (input lag/response) is so close that I could not tell the difference, it was like playing on a single display (this was using Lag Reduction on the 295es and FAST on the 5050ub).

* Additional notes:

- The playback of non 4K material is superior on the 295es, the processing/upscale is great.

- My screen is on the large side for the 295es at 133" (1.0 gain) so please keep that in mind regarding my personal comparison (YMMV).

I will be picking one of the two, tough choice so far.

I plan to do more comparing...

- Jason

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Reactions: 3

FSUsmith

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jun 8, 2021

DaGamePimp said:
I have both the 5050ub and 295es in my HT right now doing a head-to-head and so far there is no obvious choice (each has strong/weak aspects).

The native contrast of the 295es is actually about double that of the 5050ub, however the dynamic iris of the 5050ub takes it beyond what the 295es is capable of.

It's my understanding that the 5050ub reads ~4000+ and the 295es reads ~8000+ (many have measured higher & lower CR on the 295es). The CR difference is visible without the 5050ub dynamic iris engaged (just as it is with it engaged).

I have yet to fully calibrate the 295es CMS so I will refrain from making statements beyond the 5050ub appearing to offer a wider gamut with the 'filter' engaged (which makes for a more level playing field regarding lumen output).

The 5050ub can get MUCH brighter without the WCG filter engaged, it's not even close there.

The 5050ub has better full field black with the iris system in use, the manual iris alone (dynamic iris off) allows for a lower black floor than the 295es (but then if you have the wide gamut filter and manual iris engaged the 295es is brighter, with better highlights - almost blinding at times (so a semi-win for the 295es on WCG/HDR/4K content, especially if dynamic iris 'pumping' bothers you).

The clarity advantage of the 295es native 4K resolution is obvious even though I feel the 5050ub has slightly better optics. I have a gaming/media pc connected so the resolution bump is welcome even though I think the 5050ub does a fantastic job at 4K. The 295es just projects a very 'solid' looking image, it makes for an extremely cinematic experience (and 4K games are razor sharp).

Just as the the HW45es that I had previously the 295es has the best white balance/uniformity that I have ever seen on a projector, it's just a glorious pure white glow without a hint of blue/pink (and that is uncalibrated).

I did a split screen blend and gaming (input lag/response) is so close that I could not tell the difference, it was like playing on a single display (this was using Lag Reduction on the 295es and FAST on the 5050ub).

* Additional notes:

- The playback of non 4K material is superior on the 295es, the processing/upscale is great.

- My screen is on the large side for the 295es at 133" (1.0 gain) so please keep that in mind regarding my personal comparison (YMMV).

I will be picking one of the two, tough choice so far.

I plan to do more comparing...

- Jason

How much light control do you have in your room? How does the 295 do with a little ambient light?

Ricoflashback

· #8 · Jun 8, 2021

DaGamePimp said:
I have both the 5050ub and 295es in my HT right now doing a head-to-head and so far there is no obvious choice (each has strong/weak aspects).

The native contrast of the 295es is actually about double that of the 5050ub, however the dynamic iris of the 5050ub takes it beyond what the 295es is capable of.

It's my understanding that the 5050ub reads ~4000+ and the 295es reads ~8000+ (many have measured higher & lower CR on the 295es). The CR difference is visible without the 5050ub dynamic iris engaged (just as it is with it engaged).

I have yet to fully calibrate the 295es CMS so I will refrain from making statements beyond the 5050ub appearing to offer a wider gamut with the 'filter' engaged (which makes for a more level playing field regarding lumen output).

The 5050ub can get MUCH brighter without the WCG filter engaged, it's not even close there.

The 5050ub has better full field black with the iris system in use, the manual iris alone (dynamic iris off) allows for a lower black floor than the 295es (but then if you have the wide gamut filter and manual iris engaged the 295es is brighter, with better highlights - almost blinding at times (so a semi-win for the 295es on WCG/HDR/4K content, especially if dynamic iris 'pumping' bothers you).

The clarity advantage of the 295es native 4K resolution is obvious even though I feel the 5050ub has slightly better optics. I have a gaming/media pc connected so the resolution bump is welcome even though I think the 5050ub does a fantastic job at 4K. The 295es just projects a very 'solid' looking image, it makes for an extremely cinematic experience (and 4K games are razor sharp).

Just as the the HW45es that I had previously the 295es has the best white balance/uniformity that I have ever seen on a projector, it's just a glorious pure white glow without a hint of blue/pink (and that is uncalibrated).

I did a split screen blend and gaming (input lag/response) is so close that I could not tell the difference, it was like playing on a single display (this was using Lag Reduction on the 295es and FAST on the 5050ub).

* Additional notes:

- The playback of non 4K material is superior on the 295es, the processing/upscale is great.

- My screen is on the large side for the 295es at 133" (1.0 gain) so please keep that in mind regarding my personal comparison (YMMV).

I will be picking one of the two, tough choice so far.

I plan to do more comparing...

- Jason

***Great write up! Tough choice for the OP. I’d try to make the 295es work, if it makes sense. Maybe a discount on a new bulb from the seller? Sony processing always seals the deal for me. Especially since I watch a lot of sports and non 4K material.

Reactions: 1

DaGamePimp

· #9 · Jun 8, 2021

FSUsmith said:
I’m in the final stages of planning my HT. I had it narrowed down to the Epson vs LG as they were both at the same price point. I have been trying to weigh bulb with great contrast and deeper blacks, 3d vs laser with a brighter image.
However a local Best Buy has a used Sony 295es for much less than either of the others new. It’s listed as “satisfactory”. I imagine it was a floor model used for display? Would the bulb be the only thing to worry about from continual prior use? If that’s the case, even after a brand new bulb, it comes out lower than the other 2…
Is the 295es a much better projector? Is it an ok buy even used?
My viewing distance will be 15’ to a 135” screen. The room does have some ambient light, but the walls will be painted darker and I’ll be getting blackout shades, so I should have pretty good control of light.

If you can get a 295es at that closeout price I would absolutely try it and see what you think, you can always resell (and not lose any $).
I would not buy with the intent to return because they have a 15% restock fee on projectors unless defective.
At the closeout pricing it's a great projector and you'll retain the full 3 year Sony warranty.

- I would add a new lamp and keep the current lamp as a back-up, that's my plan if I keep the 295es (just don't buy it direct from Sony, too high $).

Best of luck,
- Jason

PixelPusher15

· #10 · Jun 8, 2021 (Edited)

DaGamePimp said:
I have both the 5050ub and 295es in my HT right now doing a head-to-head and so far there is no obvious choice (each has strong/weak aspects).

The native contrast of the 295es is actually about double that of the 5050ub, however the dynamic iris of the 5050ub takes it beyond what the 295es is capable of.

It's my understanding that the 5050ub reads ~4000+ and the 295es reads ~8000+ (many have measured higher & lower CR on the 295es). The CR difference is visible without the 5050ub dynamic iris engaged (just as it is with it engaged).

I have yet to fully calibrate the 295es CMS so I will refrain from making statements beyond the 5050ub appearing to offer a wider gamut with the 'filter' engaged (which makes for a more level playing field regarding lumen output).

The 5050ub can get MUCH brighter without the WCG filter engaged, it's not even close there.

The 5050ub has better full field black with the iris system in use, the manual iris alone (dynamic iris off) allows for a lower black floor than the 295es (but then if you have the wide gamut filter and manual iris engaged the 295es is brighter, with better highlights - almost blinding at times (so a semi-win for the 295es on WCG/HDR/4K content, especially if dynamic iris 'pumping' bothers you).

The clarity advantage of the 295es native 4K resolution is obvious even though I feel the 5050ub has slightly better optics. I have a gaming/media pc connected so the resolution bump is welcome even though I think the 5050ub does a fantastic job at 4K. The 295es just projects a very 'solid' looking image, it makes for an extremely cinematic experience (and 4K games are razor sharp).

Just as the the HW45es that I had previously the 295es has the best white balance/uniformity that I have ever seen on a projector, it's just a glorious pure white glow without a hint of blue/pink (and that is uncalibrated).

I did a split screen blend and gaming (input lag/response) is so close that I could not tell the difference, it was like playing on a single display (this was using Lag Reduction on the 295es and FAST on the 5050ub).

* Additional notes:

- The playback of non 4K material is superior on the 295es, the processing/upscale is great.

- My screen is on the large side for the 295es at 133" (1.0 gain) so please keep that in mind regarding my personal comparison (YMMV).

I will be picking one of the two, tough choice so far.

I plan to do more comparing...

- Jason

Great write-up, Jason. These are some crazy different contrast specs though between what I found, what sage found and what you've got. But heck, you are seeing the differences in person and saying there's a difference so I'll go with that rather than some random numbers on the web.

Reactions: 1

DaGamePimp

· #11 · Jun 8, 2021 (Edited)

FSUsmith said:
How much light control do you have in your room? How does the 295 do with a little ambient light?

100% light control and dark walls with ~14' acoustic ceiling.

I had a light on here and there (no sunlight anywhere), obviously the image is still watchable but the 295es is not a day time, light colored room unit.

If you want to watch with some lights on the 5050ub has modes that would be much better suited.

You can also look into an ALR screen, they generally work well in a non-ideal room.

- Jason

akka83

· #12 · Jun 8, 2021

FSUsmith said:
I’m in the final stages of planning my HT. I had it narrowed down to the Epson vs LG as they were both at the same price point. I have been trying to weigh bulb with great contrast and deeper blacks, 3d vs laser with a brighter image.
However a local Best Buy has a used Sony 295es for much less than either of the others new. It’s listed as “satisfactory”. I imagine it was a floor model used for display? Would the bulb be the only thing to worry about from continual prior use? If that’s the case, even after a brand new bulb, it comes out lower than the other 2…
Is the 295es a much better projector? Is it an ok buy even used?
My viewing distance will be 15’ to a 135” screen. The room does have some ambient light, but the walls will be painted darker and I’ll be getting blackout shades, so I should have pretty good control of light.

One consideration would be in case you have a scope screen, and you switch between content relying on lens memory, Well, the Sony doesn't have it. Moot point if you go for a regular 16:9 screen.

Reactions: 1

FSUsmith

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jun 9, 2021

DunMunro said:
Unless you need 3D, i'd go for the HU810. Bulbs for the Sony aren't cheap and they and the Epson have short bulb life.

Do you know of any Laser projectors that do offer 3d?

duihlein67

· #14 · Jun 9, 2021

FSUsmith said:
I’m in the final stages of planning my HT. I had it narrowed down to the Epson vs LG as they were both at the same price point. I have been trying to weigh bulb with great contrast and deeper blacks, 3d vs laser with a brighter image.
However a local Best Buy has a used Sony 295es for much less than either of the others new. It’s listed as “satisfactory”. I imagine it was a floor model used for display? Would the bulb be the only thing to worry about from continual prior use? If that’s the case, even after a brand new bulb, it comes out lower than the other 2…
Is the 295es a much better projector? Is it an ok buy even used?
My viewing distance will be 15’ to a 135” screen. The room does have some ambient light, but the walls will be painted darker and I’ll be getting blackout shades, so I should have pretty good control of light.

It's their demo unit and it comes with 3yr warranty. I just got one and Ill be hooking it up tonight.

duihlein67

· #15 · Jun 9, 2021

DaGamePimp said:
If you can get a 295es at that closeout price I would absolutely try it and see what you think, you can always resell (and not lose any $).
I would not buy with the intent to return because they have a 15% restock fee on projectors unless defective.
At the closeout pricing it's a great projector and you'll retain the full 3 year Sony warranty.

- I would add a new lamp and keep the current lamp as a back-up, that's my plan if I keep the 295es (just don't buy it direct from Sony, too high $).

Best of luck,
- Jason

I don't think there are restocking fee on open Items

FSUsmith

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jun 9, 2021

duihlein67 said:
It's their demo unit and it comes with 3yr warranty. I just got one and Ill be hooking it up tonight.

Keep me posted on what you think! Does the 3 year warranty include a future bulb replacement?

Reactions: 1

duihlein67

· #17 · Jun 9, 2021

Only in the first 6 months...

DunMunro

· #18 · Jun 9, 2021 (Edited)

FSUsmith said:
Do you know of any Laser projectors that do offer 3d?

Lots, but for 4k HDR the price gets steep. The ZH507 (UHZ65LV) is probably the cheapest right now and would be a superb 3D projector.

If you can settle for 4K HDR downsampled to 1080P HDR checkout the X1300i and GT1090HDR. 3D is only 1080P anyways.

I've excluded 4K USTs but there are several of these, under $3Kus that have 3D capability, including the VAVA 4K, IIRC.

FSUsmith

Discussion Starter · #19 · Jun 9, 2021

duihlein67 said:
Only in the first 6 months...

I’m guessing the bulb would be the only thing that’s really effected by being used as a display model?

DaGamePimp

· #20 · Jun 9, 2021

duihlein67 said:
I don't think there are restocking fee on open Items

There is a 15% on any projector, including 'open-box'. 😕

* Obviously this does not apply if the item is defective.

- Jason

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