Comparing Epson 3200 vs 3800, the 3800-projector model costs a bit higher. With extra bucks, you can buy higher contrast ratio, higher brightness along with built-in speakers. In amateur’s eyes, the difference in black and white contrast and slight increase in brightness might not be day and night. So, for them, an additional cost to get the 3800 model is a waste of money.
However, if you are experienced of using several projectors, know your walls, installation type and if you want to scrutinize, the 3800 has better specs so will give better results. If you don’t have any extra speakers, then you don’t need to spend more on them because you can play with the projector speakers.
On the other hand, spending less with 3200 model will safe you some money which you can spend after extra speakers. HDR movies and fast-moving gaming scenes are best to watch with any of these projectors. Lastly the choice is entirely yours whether you want to save some bucks on additional speaker or not.
Epson Home Cinema 3200 vs Epson Home Cinema 3800: Compare and contrast
What is the difference between Epson 3200 and 3800? Well, lets find out.
Table: Comparison table of Epson 3200 vs 3800
Build Quality
The projectors come in exact same dimension, but the Epson 3800 is a bit bulkier. The looks and design are similar. The quality should also be the same, but since the Epson 3800 comes after the 3200, we expect it to be better built. The top of the unit has vertical and horizontal shift dial. It also has lights and control panel.
Cost
Although we stated the Epson projector cost as low and high, they are affordable, but the Epson 3200 costs lower than the Epson 3800. Since consumers most of the time choose products based on their cost, the Epson 3200 vs 3800 review will unveil whether the additional $200 for 3800 is worth it.
Lumens
Some of the major differences of Epson Home Cinema 3800 vs 3200 lies in brightness and contrast. Its not necessary to always turn off lights to view projectors, modern projectors give you freedom to have ambient lighting. Usually, 2,000-2,400 lumens of brightness are considered good for projectors to deliver brightness needed to movies or games.
Comparing Epson 3200 vs 3800 lumens, the 3800 has a slightly higher lumen than 3200. If you are considering having ambient light so that you can enjoy projector just as TV, with lights on, then 3000 lumens is a better choice. However, 2900 lumens of Epson 3200 show the difference is very close. So in case you aren’t too much brightness conscious, going with the 3200 projector model is safe as well.
Contrast
Contrast ratio defines how white the whites are and how deeper the blacks are. Ideally, a projector with 3000:1 contrast ratio works well but the higher the better. Comparing Epson 3800 vs 3200 projector, the 3200 shows 40,000:1 whereas the 38000 has 100000:1 value. Although the values may become lower, Epson 3800 projector is definitely better with much higher contrast ratio.
With 100% RGB color and higher contrast, Epson 3800 will deliver rich, vibrant, full of life images on screen. Along with other Epson 3800 specs, higher contrast ratio is a boost up for consumers who are confused between the 3200 and 3800.
Speakers
Another dissimilarity in Epson 3200 vs 3800 is, the Epson 3800 has built-in stereo speakers, so you don’t always have to rely on additional speakers. They are rated at 10W.
Gaming Performance
Casual gamers will be able to play without frustration on either the 3200 or 3800. They use similar digital video processing to give them a smooth display with no image hitches or glitches, and the measured input lag for both is below the 30ms threshold commonly cited for reflex-based gaming.
That said, for online or competitive gamers, the Epson 3200 is slightly more responsive. Its input lag is as low as 16.7ms, compared to the 23-29ms of the Epson 3800.
Picture Quality
When it comes to how well they print, the Epson 3200 and 3800 are very similar. Neither of these projectors is technically a 4K display, but they can both play 4K video and use pixel shifting to show about twice as many pixels as a standard full HD screen. With their 3LCD screens and support for HDR and HLG source content, these TVs can show the original content in all of its bright colors just as it was meant to be seen.
The contrast is a little bit better on the Epson 3800. The contrast is more than twice as high as it was in the 3200, which makes the pictures look more real and clearer in low light. This, along with the slightly brighter bulb, makes for a more realistic and interesting picture indoors.
How much similar are they?
Well, you will find multiple similarities between these two projectors. From belonging to the same brand, resolution, color bit and many other factors.
Epson 3200 and 3800 projector models support 4k HDR and 18Gbps HDMI 2.0. This means the 3LCD projectors will support 4k content at 60fps and ensure 100% RGB color. With HDR 10, HLG and Epson’s E-Shift tech, you will receiver clearer and crispier image. However, they don’t have Power Zoom or Lens Shift. Gaming scenes are clearer and so are movies.
On one side you will see Air intake vent/air filter cover. You can enjoy movies on large screens like 120” so you will get the actual movie theater feel. The 3D support makes it easier in case you want to use 3D glasses. Also, Bluetooth ensures wireless connectivity to external speakers or sound systems. The rear side of Epson 3200 has 2x HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 2.2), 1USB Type A 2.0, 1 USB, 1 Mini USB and a 3.5mm port. 3800 Epson projector has all similar ports along with a RS232C and 1 Trigger out 200 mAh.
Different color modes are available from which you can choose as per your need: Dynamic, Bright Cinema, Natural, Cinema. Both projectors can be installed in front, rear, or ceiling. Epson Precision lens helps to achieve rich and detailed image.
They have 250 W UHE Lamp that can last up to 5000 hours. Artifacts and banding in images are minimized with HDR color processing and A2D conversion. They both deliver high-quality images and have excellent out of the box accuracy. Installation is flexible and straightforward. Fan noise is within 24-35dB. This is same for both the models.
Ideally projector noise of 29dB of less is quite good because you won’t hear much noise. A range of 19-25dB is considered to be completely silent. 1.6x optical zoom used by these models ensure better zooming of the lens. With the remote control, you can change color mode, go through menu, and tweak multiple settings.
Use 3D format button, then play 3D compatible source, and with 3D glasses, enjoy movies like real life. While using 3D glasses, you need to remain within 32 ft. from the projector.
Installation
Connect the speakers with 3.5mm port or Bluetooth connection. You can connect two video source and computer with the projector at the same time. Once all connections are made, plug in the projector. Then take out the caps and press the power button. Use the buttons on the projector or the included remote control to go the Home and adjust settings.
For best results, make sure the projector is placed directly in front of the screen. Adjust the projector feet if the image looks ‘tilted’ in one side. Then use the ‘zoom ring’ to maximize or zoom out the screen. If you want to sharpen the image, use the focus ring. While connecting Fire TV Cube, use rated 4k HDMI cable.
Placement
As mentioned, the projector should be positioned ‘squarely’ in front of the screen. You have flexibility to install it on front, rear or ceiling. Based on the image size, you need to place the projector at a certain distance. The table below will help you to position it correctly.
Parting words
If we compare Epson 3200 vs 3800 projectors, the 3800 is power demanding that seeks 406W power, whereas the 3200 model needs 386W. At a glance, the Epson 3800 might find attractive but understand that these built-in speakers are average in quality. For powerful room filling sound, you need to spend more to get high-quality speakers.
Overall, watching movies or playing games on large screen is quite enjoyable because of high resolution image. Connecting several types of devices into the projector is much easier. multiple HDMI ports make these Epson projectors quite versatile. Fan noise is bearable and, in some cases, not noticeable at all. In case there is an issue you can replace the Epson projector bulb.
The Pro-UHD method employs advanced processing so that it can give you better resolution, improved color and image processing. Wide color gamut and brightness makes it easier to watch even with some ambient lighting. In case you are looking for something much better or upgraded version, check the Epson 4010 projector.
FAQs
This FAQ is here to solve some of the most asked question regarding this subject. well, what are you waiting for then? let’s dive more into it!
Is noise coming from projector normal?
Some noise coming from projector fan is normal. However, some projectors can make loud buzzing noise which will eventually hamper you quiet movie watching late at night. To overcome this noise, make sure to clean the projector and projector area every now and then. Apart from buzzing noise, other sort of noise like grinding, make sure to contact with the support for a replacement.
What are some of the best quiet projectors?
Optoma H184X and ViewSonic 3800 Lumens are some of the best quiet projectors.
Is Epson 3800 True 4K?
Epson 3800 claims to deliver 4k resolution images. It uses 2 phase pixel shift and focuses on delivering true 4k image.
Does Epson 3200 have Bluetooth?
Both Epson 3200 and 3800 have Bluetooth.
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