Epson Home Cinema 980 vs Optoma UHD38X
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Choosing between the Epson Home Cinema 980 and Optoma UHD38X? 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, form factor. The Optoma UHD38X leads in video quality, gaming performance, room fit. They score similarly in ease of use.
Different projection technologies (3LCD vs DLP). 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.
For most home theaters, the Optoma UHD38X is the stronger choice — it leads in 3 of 6 scored dimensions. The Epson Home Cinema 980 makes more sense if you prioritize the 2 dimensions where it leads.
Performance Overview
Scores based on specs and category benchmarks (0–100 scale)
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Native Resolution | 1080p | 4K |
| Technology | 3LCD | DLP |
| Throw Ratio Min | 1.21 | 1.5 |
| Throw Ratio Max | 1.45 | 1.66 |
| Lens Shift V | — | 5% |
| Lens Shift H | — | — |
| ANSI Lumens | 4000 | 4000 |
| CLO Lumens | 4000 | — |
| Contrast Ratio | 16000:1 | 1000000:1 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HLG | |
| Input Lag | — | 4.2ms |
| Lamp Life | 6000hrs | 4000hrs |
| Light Source | lamp | lamp |
| Lens Quality | — | — |
| Tone Mapping | — | — |
| Ultra Short Throw | No | No |
| Chip Size | — | 0.47" |
| Color Depth | 10bit | 10bit |
| Zoom Ratio | 1.2 | 1.1 |
| Zoom Type | Manual | manual |
| Focus Type | Manual | Manual |
| Noise (Normal) | 37dB | 28dB |
| Noise (Eco) | 28dB | 26dB |
| Power Draw | 349W | 305W |
| HDMI Inputs | 2 | 2 |
| HDMI Version | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| 3D Support | No | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker Power | 2W | 10W |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Streaming Apps | No | No |
| Lens Memory | No | No |
| 12V Trigger | No | Yes |
| Ethernet | No | No |
| Frame Interpolation | No | No |
| Native Aspect | 16:9 | 16:9 |
Key Differences
- Native Resolution: Epson Home Cinema 980 at 1080p vs Optoma UHD38X at 4K
- Contrast Ratio: Epson Home Cinema 980 at 16000:1 vs Optoma UHD38X at 1000000:1
- Speaker Power: Epson Home Cinema 980 at 2W vs Optoma UHD38X at 10W
- Technology: Epson Home Cinema 980 at 3LCD vs Optoma UHD38X at DLP
- Lamp Life: Epson Home Cinema 980 at 6000hrs vs Optoma UHD38X at 4000hrs
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Epson Home Cinema 980 if you want:
- + better throw ratio min
- + better lamp life
Choose Optoma UHD38X if you want:
- + better contrast ratio
- + better noise (normal)
- + better noise (eco)
- + better power draw
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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