Epson Home Cinema 980 vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST
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Choosing between the Epson Home Cinema 980 and Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST? Both compete in the Projector segment. Here’s how they compare across the specs that matter most for your home theater.
Pricing for both models is currently unavailable. Check the retailer links below for current deals.
Looking at overall performance dimensions: The Epson Home Cinema 980 scores higher in value, video quality. The Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST leads in form factor, room fit. They score similarly in ease of use.
The Epson Home Cinema 980 offers higher brightness at 4000 ANSI lumens vs 650, and different projection technologies (3LCD vs DLP). More lumens means a brighter image, critical if you can't fully darken your room. Below 2000 lumens needs a dedicated dark room; 3000+ handles ambient light. In a dedicated dark room, contrast ratio and color accuracy may matter more than raw brightness.
These two Projector options trade wins across different dimensions. The right choice depends on which specs matter most for your room and listening preferences — review the detailed table below to decide.
These two are closely matched — your decision comes down to your specific room setup and speaker pairing and budget.
Performance Overview
Scores based on specs and category benchmarks (0–100 scale)
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Native Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Technology | 3LCD | DLP |
| Throw Ratio Min | 1.21 | 0.18 |
| Throw Ratio Max | 1.45 | 0.18 |
| Lens Shift V | — | — |
| Lens Shift H | — | — |
| ANSI Lumens | 4000 | 650 |
| CLO Lumens | 4000 | — |
| Contrast Ratio | 16000:1 | 2500000:1 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HLG | |
| Input Lag | — | — |
| Lamp Life | 6000hrs | 20000hrs |
| Light Source | lamp | rgb_laser |
| Lens Quality | — | — |
| Tone Mapping | — | — |
| Ultra Short Throw | No | Yes |
| Chip Size | — | — |
| Color Depth | 10bit | 10bit |
| Zoom Ratio | 1.2 | — |
| Zoom Type | Manual | Fixed |
| Focus Type | Manual | Motorized |
| Noise (Normal) | 37dB | 35dB |
| Noise (Eco) | 28dB | 30dB |
| Power Draw | 349W | 85W |
| HDMI Inputs | 2 | 1 |
| HDMI Version | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| 3D Support | No | No |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker Power | 2W | 20W |
| Wi-Fi | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Streaming Apps | No | Yes |
| Lens Memory | No | No |
| 12V Trigger | No | No |
| Ethernet | No | Yes |
| Frame Interpolation | No | No |
| Native Aspect | 16:9 | 16:9 |
Key Differences
- Contrast Ratio: Epson Home Cinema 980 at 16000:1 vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST at 2500000:1
- Speaker Power: Epson Home Cinema 980 at 2W vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST at 20W
- Throw Ratio Max: Epson Home Cinema 980 at 1.45 vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST at 0.18
- Throw Ratio Min: Epson Home Cinema 980 at 1.21 vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST at 0.18
- ANSI Lumens: Epson Home Cinema 980 at 4000 vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST at 650. More lumens means a brighter image, critical if you can't fully darken your room. Below 2000 lumens needs a dedicated dark room; 3000+ handles ambient light.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Epson Home Cinema 980 if you want:
- + better ansi lumens — more lumens means a brighter image, critical if you can't fully darken your room
- + better noise (eco)
Choose Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST if you want:
- + better throw ratio min
- + better contrast ratio
- + better lamp life
- + better noise (normal)
Specifications sourced from manufacturer datasheets and verified against retailer listings. Prices updated hourly from authorized retailers. Scoring uses our open methodology — products are never ranked, promoted, or suppressed based on affiliate commission rates.
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