Posted Tue Dec 26, 2017 at 03:30 PM PST by Steven Cohen
Improved HDR performance is now available on select models.
Epson has announced the release of an HDR (high dynamic range) firmware update for its line of HDR capable projectors. The upgrade is now available for the Home Cinema 4000, Pro Cinema 4040, Home Cinema 5040, Home Cinema 5040UBe, and Pro Cinema 6040.
Here's a rundown of some key improvements made to HDR performance with the new update per Epson:
- Brightness, clarity and color saturation improved
- Increased overall white and color lumen brightness
- Contrast and brightness noticeably improved in lower greys
- Higher perceived detail – especially in the middle greys and dark
As part of the update, Epson has also altered the projectors' HDR mode selection to add a new"Brightest" option while removing the "Darkest" mode. Users can still choose between four default HDR modes and the menus themselves have not actually been changed, but Mode 1 has now been upgraded from Bright to Brightest and Mode 4 has been changed from Darkest to Dark. As a result, the settings that use to activate under HDR 1 mode will now activate under HDR 2, and the HDR 1 option now offers the new "Brightest" mode settings.
In order for users to update their projector's HDR firmware, customers should follow these exact instructions from Epson:
1. Download from http://download2.ebz.epson.net/dsc/vi/fw/EPSONPJ_t5111_111.bin
2. Save file to an empty USB drive (FAT32 formatted) (do not rename file)
3. Disconnect power cord from projector
4. Connect USB drive to the projector’s USB port (use the USB port next to the mini-USB NOT the Opt.HDMI)
5. Press and HOLD the power button
6. Without releasing power button, connect power cord
7. When all indicator lights turn on, release power button
8. Update will take a few minutes, and then projector will turn off automatically
9. Turn on projector by pressing power button
10. Using remote control or projector’s control, press menu, and select Info, then Version
11. Version should display: xxxxxxx111
12. HDR mode Auto should be chosen for the best picture
13. HDR mode Auto (Bright) should be chosen for the brightest picture
Once updated, Epson recommends a Lamp setting of High, Saturation level of 55, and Image Enhancement level of 5. In addition, Epson also recommends adjusting the projector's Color Mode before adjusting its HDR mode, and has specific recommended settings for different lighting conditions:
High Quality in Dark Viewing Environments - Digital Cinema Color Mode with HDR Auto Mode.
Optimal Quality and Brightness Blend - Bright Cinema Color Mode with HDR Auto Mode.
Optimal Quality and Brightness in High Ambient Light - Bright Cinema Color Mode with HDR Auto (Bright) Mode.
Customers with compatible Epson projectors can now download the new HDR firmware update, and units with the firmware update pre-installed will start shipping in February.
Source: Epson
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