The Lifestudio Grand is part of Epson's new Lifestudio line of lifestyle projectors. This lineup includes personal, portable, and the ultra-short-throw model, the Lifestudio Grand, which offers an impressive 3,600 ISO lumens of brightness. Designed with the goal of bringing people together, the Lifestudio series aims to simplify projector setup, allowing users to quickly start sharing and enjoying content with friends and family.

With its streamlined and intuitive interface, robust streaming platform, and bright, vivid picture, the Lifestudio Grand is a compelling option that many users will find appealing thanks in part to its reasonable MSRP of $2,699.99 at the time of writing.

Features

The Epson Lifestudio Grand is the ultra-short throw (UST) model in Epson's Lifestudio projector lineup. Designed with the goal of bringing friends and family together to create and share memorable moments, the Lifestudio series includes both personal and portable models, as well as the high-end UST Grand.

Launching at an MSRP of $2,699.99, the Lifestudio Grand is the flagship of the Lifestudio lineup and its best-performing model. It delivers 4K resolution and 3,600 ISO lumens of brightness, powered by Epson's 3-chip 3LCD laser light engine, which uses separate RGB LCD panels to produce bright, vibrant images with excellent color accuracy.

The Lifestudio Grand delivers up to 3,600 ISO lumens of brightness for up to 20,000 hours, thanks to its laser light engine and Epson's 3-chip LCD technology, which ensures high white and color brightness. During our testing, we measured 3,776 ANSI lumens in Dynamic picture mode—4.7% above Epson's listed specification. Because of the variability inherent in handheld measurements of UST projectors, results may vary slightly, with readings coming in either above or below the rated specification.

The Lifestudio Grand's native contrast ratio is approximately 1,400:1 in Natural picture mode with Dynamic Contrast disabled. However, enabling the Dynamic Contrast setting at High Speed significantly enhances performance in this area, as users familiar with Epson projectors would typically expect.

The Lifestudio Grand is a native 1080p projector that uses Epson's two-way pixel-shifting technology to achieve a full 4K UHD resolution of 3840x2160. The image produced by the Lifestudio Grand is sharp and detailed, whether displaying 4K content or lower resolutions such as 1080p. Additionally, it supports HLG and HDR10, though it unfortunately lacks dynamic tone mapping and HDR10+ support. Despite these omissions, the Lifestudio Grand still delivers a vibrant and impressive image that is sure to please viewers.

Like most ultra-short-throw projectors, the Lifestudio Grand features a fixed lens and does not offer optical zoom. However, it includes a digital zoom with a ratio of 1 to 2.5. The projector can be positioned between 0.7 inches and 15.6 inches from the screen, allowing for a projected image size ranging from 60 to 120 inches diagonally.

The Lifestudio Grand shares a similar design as the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 which Projector Central review in November 2023. Like the LS650, the footprint of the Lifestudio Grand is quite small compared to most other UST projectors. Weighing 16.6 lbs and measuring 15.7 x 18.4 x 6.2 inches (WHD), the Lifestudio Grand is one of the smallest and lightest ultra-short-throw projectors available today. Its compact size allows for easy placement and quick installation, aided by two front-leveling feet for simple setup. Additional features include manual focus and keystone adjustments, which can be controlled either with the included remote or through the Epson Setting Assistant app using a smartphone or tablet camera.

While we generally do not recommended use of keystone due to its effect on image integrity, the option is available if needed. To help aid in setup of a Lifestudio Grand, you can use the ProjectorCentral Epson Lifestudio Grand projection calculator.

The Lifestudio Grand employs Google TV as its operating system, allowing users to enjoy an all-in-one experience without the need for additional external devices. Users have quick access to popular streaming services such as Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Prime Video, and more. Access to the Google Play Store is also available for downloading additional apps.

Thankfully, Epson's implementation of Google TV correctly handles dynamic range, ensuring proper display of both SDR and HDR content. This is great to see, as many other implementations of Google TV from different manufacturers often get this wrong. The OS feels snappy and responsive, and because it manages color spaces and dynamic range properly, it eliminates the need for an external streaming device—ultimately freeing up all available HDMI inputs for other sources.

Support for ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) is available, along with a separate Game Mode that can be enabled independently if ALLM is not selected. Both features provide faster processing to reduce input lag during gaming. The Lifestudio Grand supports 4K at 60Hz as well as 1080p at 60Hz and 120Hz. During testing, I measured latency at 34ms for 60Hz and 24ms for 120Hz, making the Lifestudio Grand a viable option for casual gaming on a more immersive big screen. While the specifications list the Lifestudio Grand as an HDMI 2.0 device with 18Gbps bandwidth, the EDID reported 48Gbps with an FRL of 12Gbps across four lanes.

The Lifestudio Grand offers notable features, including a 2.1-channel audio system with Sound by Bose and the Epson Projection Studio App. The built-in audio system performs quite well, delivering sufficient output for users who choose not to connect an external sound system. Equipped with two 45mm full-range drivers, an 80mm ported enclosure, and a total output of 20W, it produces surprisingly impactful audio given its compact size. While many users may choose to connect it to an external system or use the eARC port on HDMI input 2, the built-in sound is more than adequate for small gatherings where an external setup isn't available.

Another key feature of the Lifestudio Grand is Epson's Projection Studio App, which enables seamless connection to the Lifestudio Grand or any other Lifestudio projector. Through the app, users can instantly share slideshows, movies, and other media directly to the projector. Guests can also contribute content easily by entering a simple invite code. The app itself is intuitive and straightforward to navigate.

The included remote is responsive is paired via Bluetooth with the Lifestudio Grand, allowing for control without a direct line of sight to the projector. It provides access to commonly used features and standard controls for quick and easy navigation of the Lifestudio Grand. While the remote is not backlit, its layout is intuitive, and users will quickly become familiar with the button placement by feel.

The Lifestudio Grand's I/O configuration is straightforward, with only minor changes from the LS650. It includes three HDMI 2.1 inputs with HDCP 2.3, full 48Gbps bandwidth (12Gbps per lane), CEC support, and eARC on HDMI 2. Additionally, there are two USB Type-A ports with power delivery and media playback support, one USB Type-B port for firmware updates, an SPDIF optical audio port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Performance

Color Modes. The Lifestudio Grand offers four picture modes: Dynamic, Standard, Cinema, and Natural. The naming conventions for these modes are consistent across both SDR and HDR, though the picture modes maintain their own independent set of saved settings. This means a user can select the same picture mode for SDR and HDR, with the system automatically recalling the specific settings tailored for each signal type.

The Lifestudio Grand's image controls include standard global adjustments such as Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, Tint, and Sharpness. For more advanced calibration, it also provides Gain and Offset controls, along with a full color management system (CMS) that allows fine-tuning of Hue, Saturation, and Luminance for both primary and secondary colors.

Additional picture controls include Dynamic Contrast (with Normal and High-Speed options), Scene Adaptive Gamma (Off, Low, Medium, or Strong), and Projection Preference (Fine or Bright). These settings can be used to optimize the image for brightness or contrast, depending on user preference. Some users may choose to disable some of these features, though Dynamic Contrast—particularly in the High-Speed mode—tends to deliver the best overall results.

Gamma options include Dark, Normal, and Bright, corresponding to approximate values of 2.3, 2.1, and 1.9 respectively.

Out of the box, the Lifestudio Grand performed well, delivering a fairly accurate image in the Natural picture mode for both SDR and HDR. The image leaned slightly warm but still looked good overall, producing a very usable picture right OOTB. Users who prefer a cooler image with more blue tones may find the Standard picture mode more appealing. While not as accurate, Standard still offered a pleasing image that some might prefer over Natural.

For users who choose not to calibrate, I recommend starting with the Natural picture mode, as it provides the most balanced image with minimal need for adjustment.

I calibrated the Lifestudio Grand with Calman Ultimate calibration software from Portrait Displays, a Colorimetry Research CR-300 Spectroradiometer, a Colorimetry Research CR-100 Colorimeter and a Murideo 8K Seven Generator. The Lifestudio Grand was calibrated to 120-inch diagonal on an Elite Screens Kestrel Tab-Tension 2 CLR lenticular ALR screen, which has a 0.6 gain.

The pre-calibration measurements for the Lifestudio Grand showed average Delta E (dE) errors ranging from approximately 3.3 to 4.7, with maximum errors reaching up to 8.1. These higher errors were due to 100% saturated Green and Blue. Green had a larger error in Hue while Blue was very oversaturated.

HDR grayscale performance was good, though there were larger errors in color due to the limited gamut coverage of the Lifestudio Grand, which had a measured gamut coverage of 76.35% (xy) and 80.88% (uv) for DCI-P3, while BT.2020 coverage reached 55.46% (xy) and 61.23% (uv).

I targeted the industry-standard D65 neutral gray white point using the Gain controls in addition to a full CMS.

The post-calibration DeltaE errors improved significantly for both SDR and HDR. In SDR, the grayscale average was 1.7 dE, with a maximum of 3.1 dE. A large 150+ patch color checker measured an average of 2.2 dE, and Saturation sweeps at 25% showed an average of 1.6 dE. The max error for Blue and Green was still quite high unfortunately as 100% saturated blue remained oversaturated and couldn't really be adjusted as it would compromise other points, while 100% saturated green still exhibited the same hue errors. Post-calibration HDR results showed an average of 2.1dE with a max of 5.7dE when luminance was not factored in, primarily due to the limited gamut coverage of the P3 color space.

The device I used for reviewing content post calibration was the Panasonic UB820.

1080p/SDR. The first movie I selected for viewing was Rogue One on Blu-ray. Overall, the film looked excellent, with natural skin tones and good color reproduction in various scenes, such as when Jyn was a child and Orson arrived on her planet. The skies were clean and free of any posterization, and the greens of the limited foliage were rendered well. The image was sharp, detailed, and displayed good clarity.

The only part of the opening sequence that presented a minor issue was when Jyn climbed down into the bunker to hide and shook the lantern, which caused a noticeable jump in contrast as it flickered in and out. However, other darker scenes did not exhibit this effect. The audio was also surprisingly good, demonstrating how the Lifestudio Grand could easily be used on its own during various social gatherings.

4K/HDR10. The second movie I chose to watch was The Shallows in HDR10 via Blu-ray. The presentation quality varied—brighter scenes or those with intense highlights didn't render as much detail due to some noticeable clipping in the sky, such as when Nancy was recording a video on the GoPro or just before that, when she was blocking the sun with a piece of surfboard nearby. This clipping was also visible in the sunlight reflecting off her face. However, in other scenes—such as when she swam to the bell buoy, which lacked such bright highlights—the image looked excellent. Overall, the picture was sharp and detailed, with good color reproduction in the water and vibrant hues in the jellyfish sequence after she was stung.

4K/HDR10. The last movie I watched in HDR was Big Hero 6 on Blu-ray. It was a very enjoyable viewing experience, as the Lifestudio Grand handled the film well and delivered good overall color reproduction. I did feel the image could have used a bit more contrast to add depth, though this was noticeable only in a few scenes—such as when Hiro was at the science fair demonstrating his invention.

After Hiro won and he and his brother were looking at the lab, the green grass in the distance appeared vibrant, and the scene really popped. Later, when Hiro opens his window to see Baymax walking across the street, the colors—particularly the blues, pinks, and greens—looked excellent and were rendered just as I expected.

Conclusion

The Lifestudio Grand is a solid-performing projector capable of delivering vibrant images and impressive sound despite its small stature. Running the latest iteration of Google TV as its operating system, it serves as an all-in-one solution for users seeking a cinematic experience in a compact form. It also invites users to share movies and photos, creating a more interactive and engaging viewing experience.

Offered at a reasonable price, the Lifestudio Grand is a great option for those looking to enter the world of projection without making too large of a financial commitment. While its color accuracy could be slightly better, it excels in key areas such as skin tone and grayscale accuracy, providing an image that looks natural and pleasing.

The environments and setups in which the Lifestudio Grand might be used can vary widely. Although it's not a top performer in any single category, it delivers well-rounded performance across all areas—from casual gaming to watching movies and TV shows.

One potential drawback for some users is that it is designed for screens up to 120 inches diagonal, which may deter those who want a larger image. However, for users with screens between 100 and 120 inches, the Lifestudio Grand makes an excellent pairing.

There is very little to dislike about the Lifestudio Grand. While it could have slightly lower input latency, wider color gamut coverage, and dynamic tone mapping, it doesn't lack much. Admittedly, the lack of DTM is a notable omission, as it could have significantly enhanced the projector's overall performance—especially given that Epson's implementation of dynamic tone mapping is quite good.

The inclusion of the Projection Studio App is also a nice touch, though it may go unused by more cinema-focused enthusiasts who primarily just want to watch films.

With so many different UST projectors on the market today—each offering varying feature sets and performance levels—the Lifestudio Grand stands out as a model worth considering thanks to its approachable price point, compact design, and strong all-around performance.

For more detailed specifications and connections, check out our Epson Lifestudio Grand B projector page.

To buy this projector, use Where to Buy online, or get a price quote by email direct from Projector Central authorized dealers using our E-Z Quote tool.