The Epson 5050UB projector provides PRO-UHD 4K resolution and a slew of high-end features. There’s definitely a lot to cover here as there are many unique aspects to this model compared to some lesser alternatives. The machine is a standard bulb-based variation with a replaceable bulb that can last up to 5,000 hours of use. Doing some quick math, if you used this projector for around 20 hours per week it could last up to almost 5 years before needing to swap bulbs. There’s also a model variation called the Epson 5050UBe that includes a wireless HDMI hub for wirelessly streaming your devices.
There are a few reasons why you may be considering this projector model. Perhaps you’d like to create your own home cinema and simply want it to be exceptionally high-quality. Having a projector that’s equipped with 4K resolution, tons of connectivity options, and great picture quality should be at the top of your list in this case. However, there are clearly many other choices around, so why exactly is this the model to get? Let’s start by reviewing the resolution specification first.
4K Resolution
Resolution plays a very important role in the visual performance of a projector. This is an area where you need to be careful when comparing models. Typically, you want to be paying attention to something called “native resolution”. This term is the actual internal rendering specification and will determine how clear the projector’s image will be.
Usually native 4K projectors cost over $5,000. The Epson 5050UB uses a clever technique called pixel-shifting to produce a 4K resolution picture. It does this by taking a native 4K source and then simultaneously displaying two overlapping frames that have their pixels slightly shifted. This outputs a much clearer image than a regular 1080p model in comparison.
It’s also important to note that the 5050UB accepts 60Hz sources as well. This is great news for any gamers out there that want to view their games in 4K and 60fps. You’ll get the clarity and smoothness that helps your video games be more immersive and responsive. There are many other projectors that can only output in 30Hz, which would make your games appear less smooth at 30fps visually. Watch the following video of the popular Call of Duty game being played to see the image quality and smoothness of the machine.
Dynamic Contrast
There’s a lot of value of having a projector with a solid contrast ratio. This rating corresponds to how vivid and striking your picture appears. A higher rating means better and brighter colors. This model offers a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. The basic information is thankfully pretty easy to understand but there are a lot of new factors to consider these days.
The 5050UB projector is capable of displaying full 10-bit HDR content. This term is a newer tech spec that basically widens the color range, luminance, and detail that you can see. In fact, “HDR” is an abbreviation for High Dynamic Range. With this feature included you’ll be able to take advantage of any content that’s HDR compatible, like movies and modern gaming. One nice addition is that you can even adjust the HDR strength in 16 steps on the remote to fine-tune the image to your exact liking.
Then there’s the wider gamut P3 color rating. According to the company it’s apparently one of the first commercial home projectors capable of displaying the full 3D DCI-P3 color space. It’s an additional aspect that widens colors 50% more than a standard 1-chip Rec. 709 projector in comparison. All of these color specifications work in tandem to produce a picture with wider saturated colors. Bottom line, you literally wouldn’t be able to see this color range on a lesser projector that lacks these features.
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Brightness
Brightness is likely the top-tier factor when choosing a projector for your own home. You don’t want a dim projector that completely limits when you can enjoy using it, right? A brighter model will allow you to hold outdoor movie showings during the evening and indoor viewings with a bit of daylight shining in. On the other end of the spectrum, if you have a dim projector, you’ll be confined to your darkened basement dungeon with all the windows covered. I think most people will appreciate the flexibility a bright projector can give you. This model is rated at 2,600 lumens for both the color and white brightness. It’ll open up many viewing scenarios for you and will provide remarkable HDR performance.
If you love watching 3D movies you’ll be happy to know that this model is also 3D capable. I know there are a lot of people that really enjoy the experience 3D can give you so it’s a great additional feature. The device unfortunately doesn’t come with any 3D glasses in the box but should be compatible with most active shutter 3D glasses. Just be sure to get “active shutter” ones as those are the type required. This could definitely be something that helps give you that true home theater feeling and would make for a great movie night with friends or family.
Wireless HDMI
The Epson Home Cinema 5050UBe variation has one of the most unique features I’ve seen on any projector. It comes with a wireless transmitter hub that houses 4 HDMI ports. This allows you to stream all of your devices without needing them to be plugged directly into the projector. Basically, you have a base hub that you can place in a different area than your projector that will stream your content wirelessly, though it will need direct line of sight. This is especially convenient if you plan on mounting the projector to your ceiling. There wouldn’t be any wires hanging from your ceiling to deal with or driving you crazy. You’ll even be able to switch between devices seamlessly right from the included remote control.
On the actual WirelessHD transmitter are 4 HDMI ports with one of them supporting MHL for smartphones. When using the device you’re able to play up to 4K content at 30fps. You also have a USB port that can be used to charge your active shutter 3D glasses. On the audio side of things you have an optical out port to send audio to a home audio receiver. Aside from those ports there’s also an HDMI out port that can be used to connect to a television or something. Overall it’s a great accessory for people that want to keep things clean and avoid running cables everywhere.
Connectivity
The Epson 5050UB projector contains a few useful inputs located on the back of the machine, I’ll go over the most important ones here. There are two HDMI ports that will be used for most modern devices including Blu-ray players, streaming media sticks, and game consoles such as the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. Having two ports available is really great since you can leave two different devices plugged in at once. Less swapping of cables is always a big plus for most people. There’s also an Optical HDMI 300mA port which will supply power to any optical HDMI cables that require it, if you plan on using those.
You have a USB-A port which will be used to update the system’s firmware and is also the place where the WLAN wireless streaming adapter plugs into on the 5050UBe model. It doesn’t seem like you’re able to playback videos from USB flash drives unfortunately but I guess that’s a minor complaint since there are other ways to play video content.
There is a LAN port that allows you to connect over your home network. The company says you can share static images and do presentations this way. They recommend not streaming video over LAN/Ethernet via their Epson iProjection software. If you have a computer with a VGA or HDMI port you could hook that up directly to the projector to play all of the videos you have saved.
Finally, there’s a Trigger Out port that you can connect things like a motorized projector screen to or anything that supports a “trigger” signal. This means that you can have a projector screen automatically unravel when used with this Trigger Out port.
Audio/Speakers
There aren’t any speakers built into the machine and there is no Bluetooth for wireless speakers either. This means you’ll need to route the audio through your home AV receiver or use a soundbar that has an HDMI passthrough. You could also use an additional small device called an HDMI sound extractor like this one on Amazon: J-Tech Audio Extractor. This box would extract the HDMI signal and convert it into a 5.1-channel or 2-channel audio output for your speakers. It would support a wide range of audio devices since you have the choice of using either HDMI out, SPDIF out, or red/white analog audio out ports.
Summary
Resolution Support: 1080p, 3D, full 4K 60Hz sources with HDR
White/Color Brightness: 2,600 lumens
Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 1,000,000:1
HDR Support: Yes HDR10 (Full 10-Bit)
HDR Adjustment: 16 Steps
Supports Hybrid Log Gamma HDR (HLG)
Minimum Throw Distance: 4 1/2~ ft (1.35m)
Full 3D DCI-P3 color space
Connectivity: 2x HDMI with HDCP 2.2, Opt.HDMI (300ma), USB-A, LAN, VGA, RS-232C, Service port, Trigger out
LED Lamp Life: ECO 5,000~ hours / High 3,500~ hours
Fan Noise: 20dB to 31dB
Dimensions: 17.7″ x 20.5″ x 7.6″
Weight: 24.7lbs / 11.2kg
No internal speakers
Epson Precision Lens with Shift
Remote control that lights up
Alias: Epson Home Cinema 5050UB 4K Pro-UHD 3LCD projector
Epson 5050UBe model: Wireless streaming hub with 4 HDMI ports
Conclusion
The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB projector and its sibling the 5050UBe both offer outstanding visual performance and versatility. The 4K PRO-UHD resolution paired with its exceptionally high contrast, HDR, and 60Hz capabilities allow you to enjoy the latest 4K content available. These advanced imaging features also help futureproof the machine a bit since they support a wide range of modern specifications. This is a true 3-chip design that covers 100% of the RGB color spectrum and gives you professional-level color accuracy. It provides all of this image performance while still having a fan noise loudness of only 20dB to 31dB. This is really impressive and ensures that the fan won’t be as distracting compared to other noisier projectors.
I’ll remind you that this is a 3D capable projector as well. If you have a collection of 3D movies or enjoy viewing 3D content this could be super appealing, especially if you love having a movie night with friends or family. There are other little nice details about the projector too. There’s an automatic lens shutter for instance that protects the lens when the machine isn’t in use.
If you’re trying to decide whether to get the 5050UB or the 5050UBe the only real difference is the WirelessHD transmitter. How important is the ability to stream your media devices to your projector? If this functionality is essential then you’ll definitely want to go for the 5050UBe version. On the other hand, if you have no interest or need for it then you can save some extra money and be perfectly happy with the 5050UB model. Either way, if you’re looking to bring the 4K cinema or the latest gaming content to your home, this is a great way to do it.
Epson 5050UB Offers
Go ahead and visit the following links to check the current prices being offered and whether any deals are going on. The price can change relatively quickly on Amazon so be sure to add the projector to your shopping cart to keep track of the latest cost including any fees or discounts.
Click Here for Epson Home Cinema 5050UB OffersOr, check out the 5050Be model, which comes with a WirelessHD transmitter. This allows you to conveniently stream your media devices without needing to run long cables across your room.
Click Here for Epson Home Cinema 5050UBe OffersIf you’re willing to consider a “renewed” model to save a little extra over a brand new product, Amazon also offers a renewed version at the following link.
Click Here for Epson 5050UBe (Renewed) Offers"As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not influence our content and helps keep the site running."
