With large flat panel TV prices dropping every year, the case for UST (Ultra Short Throw) projectors has been getting harder to make. But if your screen size requirement is greater than 100 inches, or you want a TV or home theater solution that can virtually disappear when not in use, then a projector – specifically a UST projector – can provide an ideal solution. With a discrete and compact cabinet and the ability to throw a huge projection image just inches from a wall, UST projectors can fit into spaces where traditional projectors and huge flat panel TVs may not.
At last year’s CEDIA Expo, Epson unveiled a suite of high performance home theater projectors with one thing in common: extremely high peak brightness. Typical home theater projectors struggle in brightly lit rooms as the projected image can get washed out by sun streaming in through a window or bright overhead lights. But, with peak brightness ratings up to 10,000 Lumens, Epson’s Q Series projectors brought big projection screen solutions to brighter living environments.
Today, Epson has brought that Q Series brightness to the UST category with the new QS100 4K PRO-UHD Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector. With a peak white brightness rating of 4500 Lumens and a peak color brightness of 4500 Lumens, the QS100 is sure to prove popular with those who want the huge screen advantages of a UST projector with the ability to keep the lights on or the curtains open while viewing.
Full Integration with Popular Automation and Smart Home Systems
Epson says the high brightness rating allows the QS100 to be paired with screens up to 160 inches diagonal with the projection unit itself placed just inches away from the wall. The QS100 includes support for the top smart home integration platforms including Crestron, Control4 and PJLink so it plays nicely in a high end custom integration setting. The QS100 is also ISF Certified, allowing professional calibrators to optimize performance for the customer’s specific viewing environment whether that’s a dedicated home theater in a deep dark bunker or an open floor plan with sun flowing in through all the windows.
In the words of Melvin Diaz, a senior product manager at Epson, “The QS100 is the latest addition in Epson’s Q-Series projector lineup, bringing next-level projection technology to modern homes. Featuring Epson’s innovative 3-chip, 3LCD technology, the QS100 delivers vibrant, lifelike images. Plus, with a stronger focus on custom integration needs, the QS100 is a perfect fit within Epson’s ultra-premium, high-lumen Q-Series, designed for contemporary living spaces beyond traditional home theater rooms.”
The QS100 is powered by Epson’s latest QZX Picture Processor, a 32-bit proprietary engine that enhances contrast, brightness and color accuracy. The QS100 uses Epson’s PRO-UHD pixel shifting technology to support native 4K content, though its single pixel shift per frame technically supports only half 4K resolution (but twice the resolution of 1080p HD). The QS100 also offers offers 10-bit HDR color processing with support for HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) content. Advanced dynamic tone mapping optimizes HDR performance for the projector’s specific dynamic range capabilities. The QS100 features a 3LCD imaging engine with a high powered laser light source certified to last a minimum of 20,000 hours.
The QS100 offers two HDMI 2.0 inputs with 18Gbps bandwidth, ARC/eARC, HDMI CEC and HDCP 2.3 support built-in. You’ll also find 2 USB-A ports for firmware updates and content playback, a USB-B port for firmware updates, an RJ45 LAN port for IP control and an RS-232C (DB-9) jack for for control systems integration.
The QS100 comes with a standard three-year limited warranty including two-business-day full unit replacement, with free shipping both ways. It also comes with free lifetime technical phone support.
Stealth Design
The QS100 features a discrete and elegant modern design and is offered in black or white matte finishes to minimize light reflections and glare which can interfere with picture quality. It is designed for compatibility with custom UST projector-integrated cabinets from Salamander Designs, making for seamless and stealth installations in virtually any room. Pair it with a motorized screen to make your home theater system virtually disappear when not in active use.
The QS100 can also be mounted on a ceiling or on a wall. The projector supports an innovative wall mounting system from Epson which allows it to be mounted above the screen, securely attached to the front wall. The integrated mounting arm allows for precise depth adjustments so you can dial the projector in for specific screen sizes as needed (up to 160 inches maximum).
The QS100 is fairly substantial, measuring 27.4″ (W) x 6.2″ (H) x 13.4″ (D) and weighing in at 26.46 pounds. There is no integrated streaming platform on board, so you’ll need to match it up with a source like a Kaleidescape player, UHD Blu-ray Player, gaming console or streaming stick. Also, as a Pro unit, there are no built-in speakers. The assumption here is that you (or your installer) will connect it to an AVR (Audio/Video Receiver) and speakers, or at least to a soundbar system for sound.
Pricing/Availability
The Epson QS100 4K PRO-UHD Laser Projector is now available to order in matte black or matte white finishes at a suggested retail price of $4,999. It is available from our affiliate partners ProjectorScreen.com (note: purchases using these links may earn the site a commission):
- Epson QS100 in White (QS100W) at ProjectorScreen.com
- Epson QS100 in Black (QS100B) at ProjectorScreen.com
The Bottom Line
For those looking for a discrete large screen viewing experience in both bright and dark room settings, the Epson QS100 UST projector is definitely worth a look. As a Pro unit, you won’t find speakers or streaming services built in. But the unit’s dual HDMI inputs with eARC support make it easy to hook up source components and audio systems as needed. The QS100’s compact design, extremely high color brightness and white brightness and elegant matte finish will allow it to blend in nicely with virtually any decor while creating a bright dynamic image, even with the lights on. And its integration with Salamander’s UST cabinetry and flexible mounting options can allow customers to enjoy an immersive cinematic viewing experience at home without a large flat panel TV dominating the room.
Related Reading:
Epson Q Series Home Theater Projectors Bring Cinematic Viewing to Even the Brightest Living Spaces
What’s the Best UST Projector of 2024? Find Out in the Laser TV Showdown
Lord Anton of Mustafar
April 2, 2025 at 1:20 pm
This MIGHT be the first UST projector that makes sense to me. No speaker, multiple mounting options and a picture that finally justifies the asking price.
Don’t understand not being a native 4K projector for that price. Weird.
But you still have to add an ALR screen for another $1,500 to $2,500 to make it all work. So it’s really a $7K+ investment.
Might as well pay an additional $2K for the 98-inch TCL.
Ian White
April 2, 2025 at 2:44 pm
Mustafar was a molten hell hole but I guess that makes sense as you’ve mentioned being based in S. California.
I really don’t see the point of any projector at this point, although I agree with Chris that one can hide a screen and the projector with current accessories. I’ve always wanted a 200″ screen with an 8K JVC projector but who the hell has that kind of money. It also requires a dedicated space with total control over ambient light and some isolation from the rest of the house. My new apartment can only support an 85″ TV on the living room wall (which has a cut-out made by the previous owner) and my balcony faces the ocean. Massive amounts of sunlight until almost early afternoon.
I would rather have a high quality TV that will last at least a decade that works with my film collection and streaming. I don’t play video games and a UST would block my center channel speaker.
Epson does make a really good product so I’m sure this will perform well.
Ian “You were the chosen one” W.