The Pro Cinema LS12000 represents the next generation of home theater projectors from Epson. While it’s missing a couple of expected features, its performance is incredible, especially when you consider the $4,999 price.

The biggest of the upgrades is a newly designed laser-array 3LCD light engine. It replaces the older bulb-based one from UB-series projectors. On top of lasting far longer than a bulb—the laser is specified for at least 20,000 hours—Epson says this new laser/phosphor light source helps the LS12000 achieve greater light output (up to 2,700 lumens).

Bottom line the Epson LS12000 is a Top Choice Award winner and one of the easiest awards to hand out. I think this is the best projector in the $5,000 and under class and I doubt I will be alone in that belief as others get a look at this amazing projector. If you’re looking for a projector under $5,000 I highly recommend checking the Epson out.

Aside from the need to switch picture modes manually between SDR and HDR, the LS12000 is about as close to perfect as I could wish for. For $4,999, it delivers tremendous contrast, accurate color, a razor-sharp image, and enough flexibility for any environment and scenario. It’s bright enough for a media room and premium enough for a dedicated theater. The lens easily matches what comes with displays costing much more and that alone is a reason to put it on your short list. With broad signal support, it can play games, TV shows, and movies, on disc or streamed, with equal precision. It is truly one of the very best projectors I’ve ever reviewed and receives my Highest Recommendation.

Overall we were incredibly impressed with the LS12000 and I would be happy to have this projector as part of my personal home theater system. Due to its performance, feature set, and price point, we are giving the Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 a hot product award.

I have said this before about the LS11000, 5050/6050UB and prior models, along with brands like BenQ. Epson really seems to care about what they produce and how it performs. They combine this incredible performance with affordable prices for the middle class, every-man who wants to have the best his budget allows without sacrificing their retirement or children’s college funds! The Epson LS11000 and now the LS12000 are showing the big boys in this space that laser phosphor can be done at affordable prices in the non-DLP realm, and they are continuing to do it very well!

Offering great image punch, clarity, and good contrast, Epson's LS12000 impresses with most content, though its HDR performance is hindered by the lack of dynamic tone mapping.

The Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 shames most other projectors with the might of its imagery and flexibility, but it needs a good sound system and might entail some long cable runs. Recommended for those seeking the highest quality at-home movie-viewing experience.

The Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 is the company's first home theater projector to put genuine 4K resolution on screen, but that's just part of the top-tier image quality and long feature list that make it worth its high price.

Although it’s labour intensive and occasionally lets colours slip, the LS12000B is overall a fantastically cinematic projector for its money