Epson just unveiled a new flagship UST projector in their Lifestudio line. The Epson LifeStudio Grand Plus ($3,799) packs 4,000 Lumens of white and color brightness into a fairly compact and elegant chassis. It supports full 4K resolution with HDR, thanks to dual axis pixel shifting, laser lighting and a 3-Chip LCD imaging engine which prevents the RBE (rainbow effect) and other artifacts we see on most DLP-based projectors.
The Lifestudio Grand Plus (Model # LS970) is also Epson’s first projector to support Google Gemini AI in its integrated Google TV operating system. With Google TV, the projector has access to thousands of apps for audio and video streaming and cloud gaming. Enhanced with Google Gemini, the projector can not only make recommendations about what to watch, but can answer virtually any question in a straightforward conversational manner, and can be fully integrated into a Google Smart Home.
In case you want to add more sources, the LS970 offers three HDMI inputs with HDMI eARC, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and support for sources up to 4K/120 Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming from a next gen console or gaming PC.
Image by Epson, Sound By Bose
The projector includes robust built-in sound quality, thanks to a sound system designed in partnership with Bose. Its integrated 2.1-channel Bose soundbar packs a punch in a small form factor with surprisingly good bass response, though we’d still recommend pairing it with a high quality external sound system for best results. Match it up with a motorized UST screen and you can enjoy a “TV screen” up to 150 inches diagonally, bright enough for rooms with some ambient light, which can virtually disappear when not in use. Epson offers its own SilverFlex ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) fixed UST screens in both a 100-inch and 120-inch size as options, but larger fixed and motorized screens optimized for UST projectors are available from several other companies.
Melvin Diaz, Epson’s Senior Product Manager for home entertainment had this to say about the new projector: “Home entertainment is evolving beyond screen size. It’s about how technology enhances the way we live and connect. The Lifestudio Grand Plus is designed to deliver an immersive, theater-like experience that integrates beautifully into home décor, even with challenging room layouts and ceiling heights, giving consumers the freedom to turn everyday moments into something truly special.”
Unlike some competitors, Epson’s peak brightness ratings are backed up by real world use and measurements. So you know the projector’s ratings of 4,000 Lumens of Color Brightness (IDMS Rated) and 4,000 Lumens of White Brightness (ISO Rated) are legit. And these numbers make the projector suitable for medium to bright room use. Though, of course, it will look even better in a light-controlled living room or home theater.
Google TV Just Got Smarter
Personally speaking, I find it frustrating when I ask my TV or projector’s built in voice assistant a question, and all it gives me are generic recommendations about what shows to watch. As one of the first projectors to integrate Gemini AI into Google TV, the LS970 is taking this viewing experience to the next level, turning your projector into a conversational hub. Gemini learns and understands how you talk as well as your viewing preferences. It can give you curated recommendations from across thousands of apps and hundreds of free live channels tailored for your viewing tastes but Gemini goes beyond that. It allows for free-flowing natural conversations – whether you’re planning a family trip, need help with some homework or want details on who that actor is and what other shows and movies he’s been in.
The Bottom Line
We’re pleased to see Epson is offering true 4K resolution with HDR 10 support in its flagship UST projector thanks to dual axis pixel shifting as most of their previous UST offerings only offered half-4K resolution (single pixel shift). Combine this with 4,000 lumens of white and color brightness and screen size support up to 150 inches and you should have a capable projector which can virtually disappear when not in use. Add in Google TV with Gemini and a high quality built-in soundbar and the Epson Lifestudio Grand Plus offers a compelling all-in-one giant screen Smart TV solution with a solid value proposition.
Where to Buy:
> Epson Lifestudio Grand Plus LS970 UST Projector at ProjectorScreen.com (black)
> Epson Lifestudio Grand Plus LS970 UST Projector at ProjectorScreen.com (white)
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