Choosing between the Formovie Theater and Epson LS800 ultra short throw projectors can be challenging. After extensive research and analysis, I recommend the Epson LS800 for most users due to its superior brightness, established brand reliability, and comprehensive smart features.
Why Do I Recommend The Epson LS800?
The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 stands out as the superior choice for several compelling reasons:
- Superior Brightness Performance: With 4,000 lumens of color and white brightness, the LS800 significantly outperforms the Formovie Theater’s laser output, ensuring excellent visibility even in well-lit rooms.
- Proven 3LCD Technology: Epson’s proprietary 3-chip 3LCD technology delivers consistent, accurate colors without the rainbow effect that can occur with single-chip DLP projectors.
- Built-in Android TV: Unlike the Formovie Theater, the LS800 includes a full Android TV interface with voice search, Google Assistant, and access to major streaming platforms.
- Premium Audio System: The 2.1ch virtual surround sound system designed by Yamaha exclusively for Epson provides immersive audio that eliminates the need for external speakers in most setups.
- Advanced HDR Processing: Full 10-bit HDR color processing with 100% HDR source acceptance ensures exceptional visual performance with HDR content.
- Screen Size Flexibility: Projects images up to 150″ compared to the Formovie’s more limited range, offering greater installation flexibility.
- Brand Reliability: Epson’s established reputation in the projector market provides better long-term support and warranty coverage.
- Gaming Optimization: Dedicated gaming HDMI port supporting 1080p/120Hz signals for optimal gaming performance.
Side By Side Comparison Chart – Ultra Short Throw Projectors
| Feature | Formovie Theater | Epson LS800 |
| Brightness | Triple Laser System | 4,000 Lumens |
| Technology | DLP | 3-chip 3LCD |
| Max Screen Size | Limited Range | Up to 150″ |
| Smart Platform | Basic Android | Android TV with Google Assistant |
| Audio System | Standard Speakers | 2.1ch Yamaha Designed |
| HDR Support | Standard HDR | 10-bit HDR Processing |
| Gaming Support | Standard HDMI | Dedicated Gaming Port 1080p/120Hz |
| Price | $1,997.97 | $3,180.00 |
| Warranty | Standard | Extended Support |
| Brand Heritage | Emerging Brand | Established Market Leader |
What Common Ultra Short Throw Projectors Can Do?
Both projectors share several fundamental capabilities that make them excellent choices for home entertainment:
Ultra Short Throw Design: Both projectors can be placed just inches from the wall while projecting large images. This eliminates shadows from people walking in front of the projector and reduces the risk of looking directly into the bright laser light source.
4K Resolution Support: Both models support 4K content with advanced upscaling technology. They can accept 4K HDR signals at 60Hz, making them suitable for modern gaming consoles and streaming devices that output high-resolution content.
Multiple Connectivity Options: Each projector offers multiple HDMI ports, USB connections, and wireless connectivity options. This ensures compatibility with gaming consoles, streaming devices, Blu-ray players, and other modern entertainment sources.
Smart Streaming Capabilities: Both include built-in streaming platforms, though the implementation differs significantly between the two models. Users can access popular streaming services without requiring external devices.
Ambient Light Performance: Unlike traditional projectors, both UST models perform reasonably well in rooms with some ambient light, though performance varies based on specific lighting conditions and screen selection.
Common Features of Ultra Short Throw Projectors
| Feature | Formovie Theater | Epson LS800 |
| 4K Resolution | ✓ | ✓ |
| HDR Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ultra Short Throw | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple HDMI Ports | ✓ | ✓ |
| WiFi Connectivity | ✓ | ✓ |
| Streaming Apps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Laser Light Source | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Ports | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wall Mounting Option | ✓ | ✓ |
A Detailed Comparison Of Ultra Short Throw Projectors
Brightness and Visual Performance
The Epson LS800 delivers exceptional brightness with its 4,000 lumens output, making it suitable for viewing in various lighting conditions. The proprietary 3-chip 3LCD technology ensures consistent color accuracy without the rainbow effect that can sometimes affect DLP projectors.
The Formovie Theater utilizes triple laser technology which provides good brightness performance, but falls short of the LS800’s impressive output. While adequate for darkened rooms, it may struggle in brighter environments where the Epson excels.
Smart Platform Integration
The Epson LS800 features a comprehensive Android TV platform with built-in Google Assistant and voice search capabilities. Users can access major streaming platforms directly through the interface, eliminating the need for external streaming devices in many cases.
The Formovie Theater includes basic smart functionality but lacks the comprehensive ecosystem and regular updates that come with Epson’s implementation. The interface is more limited and may require external devices for optimal streaming experience.
Audio Quality and Design
The LS800 incorporates a 2.1ch virtual surround system designed exclusively by Yamaha for Epson. This creates immersive sound performance with dedicated presets for different content types, often eliminating the need for external speakers.
The Formovie Theater includes standard built-in speakers that provide adequate audio for basic viewing but lack the sophisticated audio processing and power of the Yamaha-designed system in the LS800.
Gaming and Input Lag
The Epson LS800 includes a dedicated gaming HDMI port optimized for low latency and supports 1080p at 120Hz refresh rates. This makes it particularly suitable for modern gaming consoles and competitive gaming scenarios.
The Formovie Theater provides standard HDMI connectivity suitable for gaming but lacks the specialized gaming optimizations found in the LS800, potentially resulting in higher input lag for competitive gaming applications.
Build Quality and Reliability
The LS800 benefits from Epson’s decades of projector manufacturing experience, resulting in superior build quality and reliability. The company’s established service network provides better long-term support and warranty coverage.
The Formovie Theater represents a newer entry into the UST projector market with competitive features but lacks the proven track record and comprehensive support infrastructure of the established Epson brand.
Conclusion
The Epson LS800 emerges as the superior choice due to its exceptional brightness, proven 3LCD technology, comprehensive smart features, and superior audio system. While the Formovie Theater offers competitive pricing, the LS800’s performance advantages and brand reliability justify the investment for most users seeking the best ultra short throw projector experience.
FAQs
Q: Which projector is better for bright rooms?
A: The Epson LS800 with its 4,000 lumens brightness significantly outperforms the Formovie Theater in bright room conditions, making it the better choice for daytime viewing.
Q: Do these projectors require special screens?
A: While both can project on white walls, ambient light rejecting (ALR) screens dramatically improve performance. Epson offers compatible SilverFlex screens in 100″ and 120″ sizes.
Q: Which projector offers better gaming performance?
A: The Epson LS800 provides superior gaming performance with its dedicated gaming HDMI port supporting 1080p/120Hz and optimized low-latency processing for competitive gaming.
Q: How do the smart TV features compare?
A: The LS800 offers full Android TV with Google Assistant and comprehensive app support, while the Formovie Theater provides more basic smart functionality requiring external devices for optimal streaming.
Q: Which projector provides better value for money?
A: While the Formovie Theater costs less initially, the LS800 offers better long-term value through superior performance, reliability, and comprehensive features that eliminate additional equipment needs.
Q: Can these projectors replace a traditional TV?
A: Both can serve as TV replacements, but the LS800’s superior brightness, smart features, and audio system make it more suitable for complete TV replacement in various lighting conditions.
Q: What’s the expected lifespan of these projectors?
A: Both use laser light sources rated for 20,000+ hours, but Epson’s established manufacturing quality and service network provide better long-term reliability and support coverage.
Q: Do I need professional installation?
A: Both projectors can be self-installed, though the LS800 includes helpful setup apps and more detailed documentation. Professional installation is recommended for optimal screen alignment and calibration.
Alex Turner is a dedicated product researcher and reviewer at TopBuyGuide.com, known for his clear, honest, and data-driven insights. He spends countless hours testing, comparing, and analyzing products to help readers make confident and informed buying decisions.