AN ULTRA-SHORT-THROW PROJECTOR THAT DELIVERS ABOVE ITS PRICE
£1799
As a relatively nascent product category, high-quality ultra-short-throw (UST) projectors that can project images above 100 inches tend to be pretty pricey. These all-in-one home cinemas have to tick many boxes, delivering advanced optics, onboard streaming and integrated sound within a single compact package designed to be used flexibly.
So when it comes to models at the more affordable end of the market, such as the Epson LS300, we are inherently sceptical about the prospect of it producing a well-rounded and immersive big-screen experience. Which makes it all the more satisfying to find that it does.
One of the more affordable UST projectors currently on the market, it sits below Epson’s only other UST projector, the LS500, which bumps up its spec with 4K resolution via pixel shifting and adds 3D support at a cost of £2600. The LS300 also undercuts non-native 4K models such as the Xgimi Aura and BenQ V6050.
From the outset, the build of the Epson LS300 doesn’t indicate that it is overly capable. Available in black (LS300B) or white (LS300W), with chunky curves and a grey marl grille, the look of the projector is relatively cheap and plastic, with a small, functional remote that looks like it was made for another product.
Underneath the fabric grille sits a serviceable 20W 2.1 Yamaha speaker system. Should you wish to connect an external sound set-up (and we think you should), there are two HDMI ports on the rear, one of which sports ARC, as well as an optical audio output. Alongside these sits a USB 2.0 input, but despite having wi-fi connectivity, there isn’t a socket for a hardwired ethernet connection. Though Netflix is notably absent, the Android 10 operating system gives access to most major streaming apps, and users can work around those that are missing by adding an external streaming device.
The right-hand side of the Epson LS300 houses push-buttons for power, screen blanking, Bluetooth and volume, as well as a recessed lever to adjust the focus manually, the action of which feels a bit loose. There is also a removable air filter, and if the level of fan noise is anything to go by, this should be checked regularly.
Compact and light, the LS300 is easy to move around for positioning, with two adjustable feet underneath and a thorough placement guide provided by Epson. To further refine image placement, there’s an eight-point digital keystone adjustment. However, as with all projectors, we would caution against using this unless absolutely necessary a
