Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 UB

The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 UB is a value-priced (MSRP $2699) home-theater 3LCD HDTV projector capable of delivering 1080p. Originally due out in December 2007, Epson announced its release at CES 2008 on January 8th, 2008.

It offers improved specifications and features compared to its predecessor, the Home Cinema 1080 released in January 2007. This projector has also been referred to as the Epson TW2000. It's suggested retail price is $2999, but there currently is a $200 mail-in rebate.

The 1080 UB offers 1600 ANSI Lumens of brightness, a 4500:1 static contrast ratio (up to 50,000:1 dynamic), and can display images up to 150" across the diagonal. It features 2 HDMI 1.3 inputs accepting a wide range of input signals including 1080p at 24 fps. According to the fact sheet released by Epson, the 1080 UB will not have a VGA input.

There are optional add-ons available as upgrades to the 1080p UB: 1) Reon HQV video processor upgrade, 2) Ceiling mount, 3) Panamorph Anamorphic Lens Kit for improved brightness and the ability to do CIH (Constant Image Height), and 4) replacement lamps.