Despite the continued growth of increasingly large flat-panel TVs and premium direct-view displays, the projector is not going away. For dedicated home theaters and larger multipurpose spaces, projection can still deliver screen sizes that conventional televisions simply cannot match without moving into far more expensive territory.
Advances in laser light sources, HDR processing, brightness, and installation flexibility have also made modern projectors more capable outside of completely darkened theater rooms. Epson’s flagship QL7000 ($32,999), for example, delivers up to 10,000 lumens of color and white brightness, supports HDR10, and can produce images up to 300 inches with a choice of interchangeable lenses.
At CEDIA Expo 2026, Epson will showcase its latest home projection solutions across several screen configurations, demonstrating why projection remains a serious option for custom integrators and consumers who want a genuinely cinematic image at home. Bigger televisions may continue to grab headlines, but when the goal is a 150-inch, 200-inch, or even larger image, projectors still have a rather persuasive argument to make.
Epson QL7000 Goes Big with Stewart Filmscreen
For its CEDIA demonstrations, Epson will be employing its top of the line 10,000-lumen QL7000 4K 3LCD Laser Projector.
Demo One: The QL7000 will be paired with Stewart Filmscreen’s new slimmer profile Director’s Choice Generation 2 four way masking screen — an impressive 215-inch, 2.0:1 cinematic display optimized for today’s growing library of 2.0:1 streaming content. The setup will showcase the impact of high brightness projection and HDR performance on a truly cinematic scale.
Demo Two: The QL7000 will also be demonstrated with Stewart Filmscreen’s StudioTek 130 G4 acoustically transparent screen. The screen allows speakers to be positioned behind the image, helping preserve precise LCR localization and a cohesive soundstage while still delivering a premium visual experience.
Demo Three: This demonstration combines the QL7000 with Stewart Filmscreen’s 160-inch Balón Edge Phantom HALR+ ambient light rejecting, acoustically transparent screen to showcase high brightness projection in environments with controlled ambient light.
As with the StudioTek demonstration, the Balón Edge Phantom HALR+ is acoustically transparent, allowing speakers to be installed behind the screen. However, the Phantom HALR+ material is also designed to maintain image contrast in rooms with higher levels of ambient light.
Demo Four: An additional demonstration pairs the QL7000 with the ELPLX02S short throw lens and Stewart Filmscreen’s 135-inch Luxus G2 Electric Roller Screen with GrayMatte 70 material. In this setup, the QL7000 will be integrated into the ceiling with only the lens visible, while the screen retracts out of sight when not in use.
The installation demonstrates how projection can serve as an integrated alternative to direct view displays and video walls while minimizing its visual impact on the room.
To round out Epson’s CEDIA 2026 exhibit, a live projector comparison will demonstrate key Q-Series performance differences in brightness, HDR, and color, showing how each model; the QL7000, QL3000, and QB1000 — is suited to different home installation requirements.
For a thorough rundown on all three projectors, refer to our previous article: Epson’s New Q-Series Projectors Will Light Up Even the Brightest Living Spaces and our comparison chart below. These projectors were all released in late 2024.
Epson Model QL7000 (Body Only) QL3000 (Body Only) QB1000 (Lens Included) Price (SRP) $32,999.00 $15,999 $7,999 Projector Type 3LCD 3LCD 3LCD Light Source 20,000-hour Laser Light Source 20,000-hour Laser Light Source 20,000-hour Laser Light Source White Brightness Up to 10,000 lumens (ISO-rated) Up to 6,000 lumens (ISO-rated) 3,300 lumens (ISO-rated) Color Brightness Up to 10,000 lumens (IDMS-rated) Up to 6,000 lumens (IDMS-rated) 3,300 lumens (IDMS-rated) Display Resolution 4K Display Technology via Pixel Shift 4K Display Technology via Pixel Shift 4K Display Technology via Pixel Shift Picture Processing Proprietary 32-bit QZX Picture Processor Proprietary 32-bit QZX Picture Processor Proprietary 32-bit QZX Picture Processor 10-Bit HDR Color Processing HDR10, HLG HDR10, HLG HDR10, HLG Lens Options Compatible with Epson Precision Short/Long-Throw Lens Compatible with Epson Precision Short/Long-Throw Lens 15-Element Epson VRX Cinema Lens Included Double Micro-Lens Array Yes Yes No Lens Shift 3-Axis Motorized Lens Shift with Memory Presets (dependent on the installed lens) 3-Axis Motorized Lens Shift with Memory Presets (dependent on the installed lens) 3-Axis Motorized Lens Shift with Memory Presets Lens Shift Range Vertical: -64 % to +64 %
Horizontal: -16 % to +16 %Vertical: -64 % to +64 %
Horizontal: -16 % to +16 %Vertical: -96.3% to +96.3%
Horizontal: -47.1% to +47.1% Keystone Correction Vertical/Horizontal: ± 30 degrees Vertical/Horizontal: ± 30 degrees Vertical/Horizontal: ± 30 degrees Screen Size 60″ to 300″, based on attached Epson High Precision Lens 60″ to 300″, based on attached Epson High Precision Lens 50 to 300″ (at 58 to 62’4″ screen distance) Connectivity Dual 40 Gbps HDMI® 2.1 ports (supports up to 120 Hz at 4:2:2 in 8-, 10- and 12-bit color modes) Dual 40 Gbps HDMI® 2.1 ports (supports up to 120 Hz at 4:2:2 in 8-, 10- and 12-bit color modes) Dual 40 Gbps HDMI® 2.1 ports with ARC & eARC (supports up to 120 Hz at 4:2:2 in 8-, 10-, and 12-bit color modes) ISF® Certified Yes Yes Yes Smart Home Control Compatible Control4®, Crestron®, PJ Link, and others Control4®, Crestron®, PJ Link, and others Control4®, Crestron®, PJ Link, and others Model Color Black or White Black or White Black or White Dimensions (WDH) 22.8 x 7.5 x 22.4″ 22.8 x 7.5 x 22.4″ 20.5 x 17.6 x 7.6″
“Advancements in projection technology are giving integrators more options for delivering compelling large-screen entertainment in spaces that may have traditionally been challenging for projection,” said Melvin Diaz, senior product manager, home entertainment, Epson America, Inc. “At CEDIA Expo, we’re excited to demonstrate how the Q-Series platform combines high brightness, exceptional image performance and a compact, thoughtfully designed form factor to bring immersive cinema experiences to more rooms. From dedicated home theaters designed for large cinematic experiences to beautiful living spaces with more ambient light, the Q-Series gives integrators the flexibility to create an extraordinary viewing experience while allowing the technology to elegantly disappear into the space.”
The Bottom Line
The annual CEDIA Expo remains the place where custom integrators can see how the latest home theater, control, lighting, and smart home technologies actually work together, and the large scale theater demonstrations are always part of the attraction.
For CEDIA 2026, Epson is taking a more useful approach with the QL7000. Rather than simply putting its 10,000 lumens of color and white brightness on the biggest screen it can find, Epson is demonstrating how the same projector performs with several screen materials, sizes, and installation approaches. That includes a 215-inch masking screen, an acoustically transparent screen, an ambient light rejecting option, and a retractable installation designed to disappear when it is not being used. The QL7000 itself can produce images up to 300 inches and accepts interchangeable lenses, which makes this kind of demonstration particularly relevant for integrators.
That is what makes Epson’s CEDIA presentation interesting. Choosing the projector is only half of the equation; the screen material, room lighting, speaker placement, viewing distance, and installation all have a major impact on the finished system. Visitors to Epson’s booth will be able to see those differences rather than merely stare at another specification sheet.
With enormous OLED, Mini LED, and direct view LED displays continuing to improve, projection has plenty of competition. But when a client wants a 135-inch, 160-inch, or 215-inch image that can be integrated into the architecture of the room, projectors still offer something most televisions cannot. Epson appears determined to make sure integrators remember that.
Price & Availability
Epson Q-Series Projectors are available at the following prices:
- Epson QL7000 – $32,999 at ProjectorScreen
- Epson QL3000 – $15,999 at ProjectorScreen
- Epson QB1000 – $7,999 at ProjectorScreen | Best Buy
Screens: The screens featured in this report are available through Stewart Filmscreen and Authorized Dealers – prices vary depending on size and configuration options – professional installation strongly suggested.
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