The new range of LifeStudio Series consists of the portable Epson LifeStudio Pop EF-62B and the more premium LifeStudio Flex EF-73. Both support Epson’s 4K PRO-UHD technology, Google TV, Sound by Bose and projection sizes of up to 150 inches, while also including a collection of automatic setup features that should take much of the hassle out of positioning a projector around the house.
The LifeStudio Pop EF-62B is the smaller and more portable of the two. It weighs just 1.6kg and uses Epson’s Triple Core Engine with 3LCD projection technology, producing 700 lumens of both white and colour brightness. Epson rates the LED light source for up to 20,000 hours of use.
It can automatically handle focus, keystone correction, screen fitting, obstacle avoidance and even wall colour adjustment. So, rather than spending time manually correcting the image every time you move the projector between rooms, you should theoretically be able to place it somewhere suitable and have most of the setup handled automatically.
Google TV is built directly into the projector, so you don’t need to connect a separate Chromecast or streaming box to access your usual streaming apps. There’s also a 10W integrated Sound by Bose speaker system, along with HDR10 support, frame interpolation, Auto Low Latency Mode and a dedicated Game Mode.
The LifeStudio Flex EF-73 takes the same basic idea but turns it into something designed to stay on display rather than being packed away after movie night.
It increases white and colour brightness to 1,000 lumens and adds a built-in gimbal, making it easier to adjust where the image is projected without moving the whole unit. Epson has also included ambient lighting and, unusually for a projector, an integrated wireless charging pad for your phone.
Projectors traditionally require more thought about where they’re going to live, where you’ll put the speakers and what streaming device you’ll connect. Combining automatic image adjustment, Google TV and decent integrated audio makes the LifeStudio models feel closer to standalone entertainment devices rather than just projectors.
The EF-73’s gimbal is particularly useful in that context. Being able to quickly change the projection angle makes it much more practical if you want to move between watching content on a wall and experimenting with less conventional surfaces around the home.
Both models use Epson’s 3LCD projection system and support a maximum 150-inch image. The company’s 4K PRO-UHD technology shouldn’t be confused with a native 4K imaging panel, however. Epson uses pixel-shifting resolution enhancement to produce the 4K image on screen.
The inclusion of equal quoted white and colour brightness is also worth noting. Epson rates the EF-62B at 700 lumens for each and the EF-73 at 1,000 lumens, rather than providing only a white-light brightness figure. Naturally, we’ll need to see how these figures translate to actual viewing conditions, particularly if you’re planning to use either projector in a room with plenty of ambient light.
Connectivity includes HDMI with eARC/ARC, USB and built-in wireless connectivity on both models, while the EF-73 also gets USB-C. They support HDR10 and can project images ranging from 30 inches all the way up to 150 inches. Epson lists a projection distance of around 1.59 metres for a 60-inch image on both models.
They are available in Australia through Epson and authorised retailers. The Epson LifeStudio Pop EF-62B is priced at A$1,499, while the Epson LifeStudio Flex EF-73 is priced at A$2,199.
