With the advent of the 4K UHD TV revolution, it is now possible to project images onto a large screen from your computer, smartphone, tablet, or any other device. Of course, we can use a projector to do this. Several different projectors are available, and if you’re looking for suitable affordable projectors, Epson is definitely at the top of the list. One of the most popular ones is the Epson 5050UB–a lightweight projector ideal for various devices, including smartphones and tablets. The Epson 5050UB is 4K capable of pixel-shifting technology, offers good image quality, and is relatively affordable.
However, many people are curious about the newer Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB projector. The Pro Cinema 6050UB projector is naturally more expensive, being the newer model. But how is it different from its predecessor? Does it have significant new features that make it worth spending some extra bucks?
If you’re in the market for a new home theater projector, these two models are in the spotlight now–Epson Home Cinema 5050UB and the Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB. These home theater projectors have similar features and specs, but which one is better? Let’s look at the differences between the two and see which one better fits your home theater system.
This article will compare the Epson Home Cinema 5050UB and the Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB projectors to help you decide which one suits you better.
Table of Contents
Specs and Features Comparison
At first glance, we know how to tell them apart because Pro Cinema 6050UB is now housed in black, whereas 5050UB was in white. Then we look at the general specs, and it seems like they are pretty similar. But of course, we all know that newer always means better, maybe not in all areas but definitely in some. So let’s make a side-by-side comparison to understand what Epson changed and upgraded.
| EPSON 5050UB | EPSON 6050UB | |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1920x1080 4K w/pixel shifting | 1920x1080 4K w/pixel shifting |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 2,600 ANSI | 2,600 ANSI |
| Projection Size (Inches) | 50" – 300" | 50" – 300" |
| Throw Distance (Inches) | 10.3' - 29.4' | 10.3' - 29.4' |
| 3D Projection | YES | YES |
| Keystone Correction | Vertical: ±30 | Vertical: ±30 |
| Lens | 2.1x Powered Zoom & Powered Focus | 2.1x Powered Zoom & Powered Focus |
| Lens Shift | Vertical: ±96.3 Horizontal: ±47.1 | Vertical: ±96.3 Horizontal: ±47.1 |
| Input Lag (Milliseconds) | 22-27ms | 28-50ms |
| Lamp Type | UHE bulb | UHE bulb |
| Lamp Life | 35,000 hours | 35,000 hours |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000,000:1 | 1,200,000:1 |
| Pixel Shift Technology | Pixel-Shift Processor | Unique S2 Pixel-Shift Processor |
| Imaging Technology | Digital Imaging Processor | Powerful ZX Digital Imaging Processor |
| HDR Technology | HDR Processor | Precise H2 HDR Processor |
With this side-by-side comparison, we can now see where Pro Cinema 6050UB looks better than its predecessor. The question is, are these improvements worth the more expensive price tag? Will the changes even be noticeable in your home cinema setup? Let’s break this down and look closer at some essential factors.
Ease of Installation and Setup
Both Epson models are easy to set up, and even novices will have no issue matching images on the screen. Both home theater projectors come with a zoom, vertical keystone correction, and horizontal and vertical lens shift, giving you plenty of options to perfect your alignment. The 5050UB and 6050UB are standard-throw projectors, so you need around 13 feet for a 100″ screen. Given this, you would need a ceiling mount. Epson upgraded the 6050UB projector by including a ceiling mount with the projector. So there is no additional cost of purchasing a separate ceiling mount. Epson 6050UB is perfect for beginners who have no idea how to choose a mount.
Setting up 5050UB and 6050UB projectors is pretty similar, but with the ceiling mount, Pro Cinema 6050UB is the better projector when it comes to ease of installation and set up.
Home Theater Projectors: Picture Quality
These Epson projectors provide an outstanding brightness level even in rooms with lights on. The projectors’ impressive 2,600 lumens can produce beautiful images in various light environments. So you can project your shows anywhere in your house and still have bright and clear images.
Both Epson 6050UB and Epson 5050UB boast pixel-shifting 4K Pro UHD resolution. Pixel-shifting technology allows us to take full advantage of the four times the resolution of traditional 1080p HDTV, with all of the extra detail and color we can get from 4K. This technically means about 4.15 million pixels on-screen–that’s almost twice as many pixels as ordinary full HD and half as many as real native 4K, which has 8.3 million pixels. So while it’s not as sharp as 4K, it’s still pretty detailed.
The 3LCD chips and the dynamic iris improve the color clarity. Thanks to the full HD resolution, all on-screen visuals are sharp and clear. And because of the 10-bit color processing technology, both Epson projectors produce accurate colors that do not show any bleeding or fading effects. As you can see, both projectors offer outstanding image clarity.
So far, it appears that picture quality is the same for both. However, Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB gets ahead in contrast ratio. Epson 5050UB has a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 while Epson 6050UB’s contrast ratio is 1,200,000:1. Epson 6050UB produces significantly richer black levels with a higher contrast ratio, resulting in brighter and more vivid images than that of Epson5050UB.
While both projectors have the same 4k with pixel shifting resolution and the same brightness of 2600 ANSI lumens, Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB comes out as the better projector in terms of picture quality because of its superior contrast ratio.
Gaming Performance
One of the most crucial factors to consider is input lag in gaming. Input lag indicates how much time or delay is between your controller input and screen. The acceptable input lag for gamers is anything under 30ms.
The older model performed better when gamers tested the input lag between Epson Home Cinema 5050UB and Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB. 5050UB had an input lag of 22-27ms, while 6050UB had 27-50ms. Epson 5050UB comes out as the winner for low input lag.
Another important thing for gamers is processing speed. Both the Epson 5050UB and 6050UB come with a built-in feature to support HDMI 1080P video at a maximum of 18 GHz. An exemplary processing speed allows you to play at a full 60 frames per second in both movies and games, avoiding picture difficulties like blurring or compression. So in terms of processing speed, it’s a tie between 5050UB and 6050UB.
However, if you consider the whole gaming experience, you may want a projector with better image quality. When we took a look at picture quality, Epson 6050UB is better at this category because of its higher contrast ratio. Therefore, if you’re playing a game with a dark theme, you will have a better experience with the Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB. Otherwise, the brightness will be the same on both projectors.
So which one of the two Epson projectors is better in gaming? It all boils down to your priority as a gamer. If you are very particular with low input lag, Epson 5050UB is the better choice. But if having a better cinematic gaming experience is what you’re after with a brighter picture, then Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB is the way to go with far superior picture quality.
Connectivity
Finding the correct ports can be tricky when putting up a brand-new home theater setup. Most devices have limited ports available, and it can get frustrating when you don’t have enough ports and have to unplug one to plug another. That’s why it’s always a relief to find extra ports on your device.
Both Epson projectors do not disappoint when it comes to connectivity. They have 2 HDMI ports, 3 USB ports, a LAN port, and 1 PC/VGA port.
You’ll have enough USB and HDMI connectors regardless of the Epson projector you choose to purchase. You’ll have all the ports you need, whether you need to connect your PS4 or stream some videos from your mobile phone.
Connectivity-wise, we don’t see any issue with either Epson projector. They both have enough ports to aid in a more straightforward setup and use.
Other Differences
Aside from the categories mentioned above, it is worth knowing some other areas where the two projectors differ.
The Epson 5050UB has a lamp life comparable to the Epson 6050UB. The Epson 5050UB, however, does not have a spare lamp, which the Epson 6050UB has. It also doesn’t have rear dust covers, which will require more rigorous care in the long run to maintain its performance. So the spare lamp and rear dust covers are improvements in the 6050UB model.
Another feature you’ll like in the Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB is how simple it is to play around with the picture settings. The 6050UB features many pre-set profiles and configurable settings, and owing to the straightforward interface and instruction manual, these settings are all easy to discover and understand.
So, Which One is Better: Epson 5050UB vs. 6050UB?
Overall, Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB is the better projector owing to its sharp image quality, performance, and ease of setup. However, the differences are not that much depending on your preferences and use. Both are highly-recommended projectors that will give you a good bang for the buck, but if you can afford it, go for Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB.
My name is Henry Larson and I have been associated with research and development of projectors throughout my professional career. I used all my experience and expertise to create this blog so that I can guide people to get the best projector of their choice. For any further assistance, you can get in touch with me through email or comments.