[DavieGravy]

I just upgraded from a 3700 to a 3800 projector and am having a problem with uneven focus. Parts of the screen are blurry while other parts are crisp. If I adjust the focus ring, the blurry parts become sharp while the sharp parts become blurry. It's basically a trade-off to get an even amount of blurriness and sharpness on the affected areas. I can get it satisfactory, but satisfactory isn't good enough for something that costs this much.

My 3700 had a slight problem with this, but not to this extent.

The projector is mounted via ceiling (front projection). I have used a level to make sure it's level. I am using the lens shift as the projector isn't perfectly centered to the screen, but I've adjusted the lens shift to get it as perfect as possible before using the quick corners to fine tune.

I returned the projector and got another one, but the replacement has the same issue. I've tried centering the lens and holding a piece of paper up to it, but also get the same uneveness after adjusting the focus for the distance. This rules out the screen or the lens shift. The projector exhibits this behavior on external HDMI sources as well as built in screens like the panel alignment and pattern. Resolutions make no difference (4k, 1080p, etc). The lens is clear of smudges, scratches and dust/dirt. If I adjust the dial near the lens to expand or retract the picture size, I still get the same results. Meaning I can make the picture as small as possible, but still get uneven focus.

Just wondering if this is normal or if Epson likely had a bad batch of defective lenses and I got unlucky twice. I called their support and they state that the focus should be even and that I should return it again.

Thoughts as to whether I should go for round 3 or just live with it? I'd hate to waste time returning it again, but would also hate to live with this if I don't have to. The crisp parts of the screen look awesome. If the hole screen had uniform focus, this would be an awe inspiring projector because the picture and brightness is wonderful. However, I have this connected to a PC and the problem is noticeable and irritating when looking at text.

 

[noob00224]

I just upgraded from a 3700 to a 3800 projector and am having a problem with uneven focus. Parts of the screen are blurry while other parts are crisp. If I adjust the focus ring, the blurry parts become sharp while the sharp parts become blurry. It's basically a trade-off to get an even amount of blurriness and sharpness on the affected areas. I can get it satisfactory, but satisfactory isn't good enough for something that costs this much.

My 3700 had a slight problem with this, but not to this extent.

The projector is mounted via ceiling (front projection). I have used a level to make sure it's level. I am using the lens shift as the projector isn't perfectly centered to the screen, but I've adjusted the lens shift to get it as perfect as possible before using the quick corners to fine tune.

I returned the projector and got another one, but the replacement has the same issue. I've tried centering the lens and holding a piece of paper up to it, but also get the same uneveness after adjusting the focus for the distance. This rules out the screen or the lens shift. The projector exhibits this behavior on external HDMI sources as well as built in screens like the panel alignment and pattern. Resolutions make no difference (4k, 1080p, etc). The lens is clear of smudges, scratches and dust/dirt. If I adjust the dial near the lens to expand or retract the picture size, I still get the same results. Meaning I can make the picture as small as possible, but still get uneven focus.

Just wondering if this is normal or if Epson likely had a bad batch of defective lenses and I got unlucky twice. I called their support and they state that the focus should be even and that I should return it again.

Thoughts as to whether I should go for round 3 or just live with it? I'd hate to waste time returning it again, but would also hate to live with this if I don't have to. The crisp parts of the screen look awesome. If the hole screen had uniform focus, this would be an awe inspiring projector because the picture and brightness is wonderful. However, I have this connected to a PC and the problem is noticeable and irritating when looking at text.

You can read @steve1106's posts on the HC3800 thread since he also had this issue and upgraded from an HC3700:
https://www.avsforum.com/forum/68-d...p/3090344-epson-hc-3200-3800-revealed-18.html

 

[steve1106]

Yep, I have a soft focus spot in the lower right hand corner. While I didn't have this issue with my HC3700, I'm still not completely ready to blame the projector for a few reasons. First, I use the lens shift almost to the max. Second, I do a 151.5" image on a painted wall and the spot which is on the lower right corner (really notice it with text/ YouTube at 4K"ish") which according to a laser pointer is a high spot where two sheets of drywall come together. Fortunately I don't even notice it now...because I don't look for it and it hits right below my 143.5" scope image, so not a factor come movie time.

I have encountered this before with my two Epson HC2000s. The 2015 model had a much softer focus since I could never get it sharp across the whole image and just adjusted it for the best focus possible. While the 2013, was sharp across the entire image. I will say I never noticed the focus issue with the 2015 when it was doing a 120" image in another room. Overall I was more amazed by the difference in fan noise with the 2015 being "much" quieter vs the 2013.

I almost sent the HC3800 back but it wasn't enough of an issue to bother with (family couldn't see it). Plus I've grown lazy and just use my "south" of 1080p cable box (or tablet) for most YouTube content which is inherently "soft" anyway.

 

[DunMunro]

I just upgraded from a 3700 to a 3800 projector and am having a problem with uneven focus. Parts of the screen are blurry while other parts are crisp. If I adjust the focus ring, the blurry parts become sharp while the sharp parts become blurry. It's basically a trade-off to get an even amount of blurriness and sharpness on the affected areas. I can get it satisfactory, but satisfactory isn't good enough for something that costs this much.

My 3700 had a slight problem with this, but not to this extent.

The projector is mounted via ceiling (front projection). I have used a level to make sure it's level. I am using the lens shift as the projector isn't perfectly centered to the screen, but I've adjusted the lens shift to get it as perfect as possible before using the quick corners to fine tune.

I returned the projector and got another one, but the replacement has the same issue. I've tried centering the lens and holding a piece of paper up to it, but also get the same uneveness after adjusting the focus for the distance. This rules out the screen or the lens shift. The projector exhibits this behavior on external HDMI sources as well as built in screens like the panel alignment and pattern. Resolutions make no difference (4k, 1080p, etc). The lens is clear of smudges, scratches and dust/dirt. If I adjust the dial near the lens to expand or retract the picture size, I still get the same results. Meaning I can make the picture as small as possible, but still get uneven focus.

Just wondering if this is normal or if Epson likely had a bad batch of defective lenses and I got unlucky twice. I called their support and they state that the focus should be even and that I should return it again.

Thoughts as to whether I should go for round 3 or just live with it? I'd hate to waste time returning it again, but would also hate to live with this if I don't have to. The crisp parts of the screen look awesome. If the hole screen had uniform focus, this would be an awe inspiring projector because the picture and brightness is wonderful. However, I have this connected to a PC and the problem is noticeable and irritating when looking at text.

Is it noticeably OOF at seating distance? I personally would not tolerate that at seating distance.

 

[DaGamePimp]

I had multiple 3800's and they suffered from uneven focus if lens shift was in use (shifting the image more than about 6" would decrease focal uniformity with my set-up).

I would suggest using a drop pole when possible instead of using optical shift.

* As a side note: I also found that the image would drift slightly during use if lens shift was used (speculating that was temperature related).

- Jason

 

[descalabro]

I just upgraded from a 3700 to a 3800 projector and am having a problem with uneven focus. Parts of the screen are blurry while other parts are crisp. If I adjust the focus ring, the blurry parts become sharp while the sharp parts become blurry. It's basically a trade-off to get an even amount of blurriness and sharpness on the affected areas. I can get it satisfactory, but satisfactory isn't good enough for something that costs this much.

My 3700 had a slight problem with this, but not to this extent.

The projector is mounted via ceiling (front projection). I have used a level to make sure it's level. I am using the lens shift as the projector isn't perfectly centered to the screen, but I've adjusted the lens shift to get it as perfect as possible before using the quick corners to fine tune.

I returned the projector and got another one, but the replacement has the same issue. I've tried centering the lens and holding a piece of paper up to it, but also get the same uneveness after adjusting the focus for the distance. This rules out the screen or the lens shift. The projector exhibits this behavior on external HDMI sources as well as built in screens like the panel alignment and pattern. Resolutions make no difference (4k, 1080p, etc). The lens is clear of smudges, scratches and dust/dirt. If I adjust the dial near the lens to expand or retract the picture size, I still get the same results. Meaning I can make the picture as small as possible, but still get uneven focus.

Just wondering if this is normal or if Epson likely had a bad batch of defective lenses and I got unlucky twice. I called their support and they state that the focus should be even and that I should return it again.

Thoughts as to whether I should go for round 3 or just live with it? I'd hate to waste time returning it again, but would also hate to live with this if I don't have to. The crisp parts of the screen look awesome. If the hole screen had uniform focus, this would be an awe inspiring projector because the picture and brightness is wonderful. However, I have this connected to a PC and the problem is noticeable and irritating when looking at text.

Well, there's not yet a record of any consistent lens defect, so we can assume you got unlucky twice. Ask for another replacement.

 

[DavieGravy]

I got a 3rd replacement but still the same issue. It's a focus compromise between center top, bottom left and top right. Sharp in top left bottom right. It's aggravating as the inconsistencies are viewable from seating distance when reading text on web pages.

I suppose it's possible the wall dimensions are a bit off, but doubtful that's the cause as it's projected on to a dangling screen on the wall which should even out dimension offsets. I guess I'll have to live with it until I can get a better mount and mount the projector more centrally to the screen and not rely so heavily on lens shift. I guess I shouldn't expect anything else from such a reasonably priced 4K projector. On the bright side, the 4k looks amazing as the pixel shifting technology seems very good, even though it's technically not a true 4k projector. 4K video games and video are fantastic. My only other complaint is no frame interpolation on 4k which results in jerky video on fast frames when watching online streaming video.

 

[DavieGravy]

I had multiple 3800's and they suffered from uneven focus if lens shift was in use (shifting the image more than about 6" would decrease focal uniformity with my set-up).

I would suggest using a drop pole when possible instead of using optical shift.

* As a side note: I also found that the image would drift slightly during use if lens shift was used (speculating that was temperature related).

- Jason

I will look into a drop pole. I have also had an issue with the image drifting and have had to redo the alignment.

 

[srees304]

Same on 3200

I just went through three units with Epson tech support for this exact issue.

I even unmounted my unit, perfectly centered it to the screen with no keystone or lens shift, and bought a nice uniform fixed frame screen for the wall.

Finally, tech support admitted that they probably don't sell a projector that will provide even focus across the screen for 4k in my setup - I'm running a 142" screen 184" from the projector. They plan to refund my money tomorrow.

Of note, I did find using maximum zoom helped a bit, you might try that. I'm curious if the higher end units (5050UB) with better lenses have this issue as well.

 

[DaGamePimp]

I just went through three units with Epson tech support for this exact issue.

I even unmounted my unit, perfectly centered it to the screen with no keystone or lens shift, and bought a nice uniform fixed frame screen for the wall.

Finally, tech support admitted that they probably don't sell a projector that will provide even focus across the screen for 4k in my setup - I'm running a 142" screen 184" from the projector. They plan to refund my money tomorrow.

Of note, I did find using maximum zoom helped a bit, you might try that. I'm curious if the higher end units (5050UB) with better lenses have this issue as well.

I owned multiple 3800's, a 4010 and a 5050ub, the 4010 and 5050ub do not suffer from this issue.

- Jason

 

[puckshawn8]

Looks like you can add me to the list of people that have this issue. Just setup my projector today and the lower right is noticeably out of focus, upper left and right are slightly out of focus as well. Everything else is crisp. I tested on 3 walls and see the same behavior. It’s on a shelf and everything was lined up perfectly.

I really don’t feel like swapping this out only to get the same issue over and over again. Is this widespread or did I just get unlucky? I’ll go with a different projector if this is as good as it gets with this one.

 

[bigbee68]

Looks like you can add me to the list of people that have this issue. Just setup my projector today and the lower right is noticeably out of focus, upper left and right are slightly out of focus as well. Everything else is crisp. I tested on 3 walls and see the same behavior. It’s on a shelf and everything was lined up perfectly.

I really don’t feel like swapping this out only to get the same issue over and over again. Is this widespread or did I just get unlucky? I’ll go with a different projector if this is as good as it gets with this one.

I don't have this issue on the 3800 that I bought earlier this year.

 

[Stephen Hopkins]

I'll chime in and say that I have no uniformity issues with my refurb 4000, both with zoom at max (2.35:1) or with lens shift at max (16:9)... projector is also shifted horizontally ~36" from screen centerline, and no issues at al. I ended up going with the 4000 over the 3800 mostly for 2.35:1 but also because refurbs weren't yet available either. Looks like I may have dodged a bullet.

 

[puckshawn8]

Received my replacement unit today and it’s perfect. Definitely got a dud on the first one. Very happy now.

 

[wiggles1111]

My second was a bit better but there's a dead pixel right in the center. Sending that one back and keeping the first with the out of focus 2 corners. I'm afraid I'll get a ****ty third one so I should just keep the first so I'll see how it goes. Even tho the Epson guy said it's rare that this happens, this focus issue seems to be common. How many ppl have had replacements with perfect focus? Should I try a 3rd?

 

[bubbaba]

Reviving a thread here, but just picked up an Epson 3800 and the left lower side is slighlty out of focus when the rest is in focus, cannot get all even. is this just a problem everyone lives with with Epsons? Does anyone have a good Epson 3800 with even focus?

thanks

 

[jcasetnl]

Reviving a thread here, but just picked up an Epson 3800 and the left lower side is slighlty out of focus when the rest is in focus, cannot get all even. is this just a problem everyone lives with with Epsons? Does anyone have a good Epson 3800 with even focus?

thanks

Add me to the uneven focus club. In my case, I am using a decent amount of lens shift on the Epson 3200. I'm using a ceiling mount with the projector aligned near the top of the screen so it requires moving the image down. The bottom corners are very out of focus in any resolution, with or without 4k enhancement, but there's also a lack of focus uniformity at the left and right edges. In other words, the left and right of this paragraph are different from the center.

I spent several hours trying every setting, including adjusting convergence. It helps but the end result is still really lacking in ways I wouldn't even tolerate in a budget 1080 projector.

Also, this is my first LCD, but is it normal for texts/fonts in Windows to have such low sharpness? 4k is pretty much illegible but even dropping the resolution down to 1080p and turning off 4k enhancement, the overall quality is more like a cheap office projector from 2005. i can definitely see the screen door effect around text. Is that just a fact of life with a LCD? I ask because UHD content looks AMAZING, so it seems like this projector should handle a simple thing like Windows with no problem.. I also ask because the text in projector menus seems somewhat crisper and sharper than windows. The parts that are in focus, anyway.

I'm currently running through an AVR and I guess the last thing I'll try is running directly to the projector to rule it out. However, if that doesn't work I'll have to return it.

 

[bubbaba]

Add me to the uneven focus club. In my case, I am using a decent amount of lens shift on the Epson 3200. I'm using a ceiling mount with the projector aligned near the top of the screen so it requires moving the image down. The bottom corners are very out of focus in any resolution, with or without 4k enhancement, but there's also a lack of focus uniformity at the left and right edges. In other words, the left and right of this paragraph are different from the center.

I spent several hours trying every setting, including adjusting convergence. It helps but the end result is still really lacking in ways I wouldn't even tolerate in a budget 1080 projector.

Also, this is my first LCD, but is it normal for texts/fonts in Windows to have such low sharpness? 4k is pretty much illegible but even dropping the resolution down to 1080p and turning off 4k enhancement, the overall quality is more like a cheap office projector from 2005. i can definitely see the screen door effect around text. Is that just a fact of life with a LCD? I ask because UHD content looks AMAZING, so it seems like this projector should handle a simple thing like Windows with no problem.. I also ask because the text in projector menus seems somewhat crisper and sharper than windows. The parts that are in focus, anyway.

I'm currently running through an AVR and I guess the last thing I'll try is running directly to the projector to rule it out. However, if that doesn't work I'll have to return it.

Everything i have read is that this is just what we get. For 1500 bucks not sure I want even a little bit out of focus.

 

[raul7]

My second was a bit better but there's a dead pixel right in the center. Sending that one back and keeping the first with the out of focus 2 corners. I'm afraid I'll get a ****ty third one so I should just keep the first so I'll see how it goes. Even tho the Epson guy said it's rare that this happens, this focus issue seems to be common. How many ppl have had replacements with perfect focus? Should I try a 3rd?

Add me to the list ! similar experience!
I picked up a 3800 12 days ago, noticed the uneven focus, while trying to research, few days later got a red stuck pixel ! watched bunch of YouTube videos attempting to fix it, no luck, since it was less than 2 weeks, I just returned it and waiting for another one to come !!! I been hearing Lens Shift seem to magnify the issue.

Curious anyone with 3800 has even focus?

 

[Dilip Chhetri]

Same on 3200

I just went through three units with Epson tech support for this exact issue.

I even unmounted my unit, perfectly centered it to the screen with no keystone or lens shift, and bought a nice uniform fixed frame screen for the wall.

Finally, tech support admitted that they probably don't sell a projector that will provide even focus across the screen for 4k in my setup - I'm running a 142" screen 184" from the projector. They plan to refund my money tomorrow.

Of note, I did find using maximum zoom helped a bit, you might try that. I'm curious if the higher end units (5050UB) with better lenses have this issue as well.

I'm using 5050UB on 130" screen, and it has this same issue. Distance from top-left corner of screen is same as that of top-right to the center of lens, but still if one corner is in focus other is out of focus. It's ceiling mounted and projection is below 0 degree, hence has to shift down the image but left-right is centered. If I keep center in focus, both corner are equally out of focus. Sharpness wise it's less sharp than my 1080p projector when looking at test/sub-title. Only thing good about this projector is black-level and colors. I will likely return it and try some other 4K.