Two Epsons

We tested two relatively new Epson projectors, the models EH-TW6250 and CO-FH02.

The first of these represents Epson’s more modest model in the uhd range, and at the time of writing the price on Epson’s own website was 1,099 euros (prices vary slightly depending on the sales channel). The C0-FH02, on the other hand, is Epson’s so-called office-oriented fullhd projector, which, thanks to its features, is also perfectly suited for home theater use. And Epson even classifies it as such. The price of the C0-FH02 on Epson’s own website is 599 euros. However, on the Verkkokauppa.com website, the price was already 499 euros.

Both projectors use Epson's 3LCD display technology, which consists of three separate LCD panels. This 3LCD technology allows for at least in theory greater brightness across all the RGB color components.

4k with pixel pitch

The Epson EH-TW6250 is not exactly a true UHD projector, as the physical resolution of the panels is 1 920 x 1 080 pixels (i.e., full HD resolution). But the 3 840 x 2 160 pixel resolution is achieved using Epson’s 4K PRO-UHD technology, which creates a higher resolution by using a so-called pixel shift technology. In this technology, each pixel is moved to the side by 0.5 pixels twice as fast and with extremely high precision, resulting in a doubling of the number of pixels, or resolution, to 3 840 x 2 160 pixels. When this is done quickly, the eyes, or rather the brain, do not notice the movement and the difference between the image produced by the true 3 840 x 2 180 panel is virtually impossible to notice, even though opinions on this may differ.

Size and investment

The EH-TW6250 is not a mini projector, but in its class it is quite compact. The zoom lens, which allows for a wide throw ratio, also makes positioning it easier. For example, a 2.34–3.81 meter distance yields an image of 80 inches, and for a really large 120-inch image, 3.53–5.74 meters are required. There is a so-called keystone adjustment for the vertical/horizontal perspective distortion caused by indirect reflection, and there is also automatic correction in the vertical direction. With the so-called lens shift feature, the image can be shifted vertically without requiring the projector to be tilted. The adjustment of the image height enabled by the lens shift also expands the projection projector’s placement and mounting options. However, with Epson, the image can only be shifted downward from the base level, which means that in this case the bottom edge of the image is normally only slightly higher than the center of the lens (the so-called offset value is approximately 108 percent). From this point on, the image can be moved quite a lot. This is useful if the projector is placed high up, for example on a shelf on the back wall of the room. In this case, the image must be projected well down. More information about offset and other issues can be found in the link at the end of the article.

The shape of the image can also be corrected digitally with the Quick Corner correction. It is worth noting that all digitally/electronically performed corrections require processing and have more or less an impact on the image’s accuracy and quality. Therefore, it would be best to get the image in its correct position with as few corrections as possible.

The more affordable fullhd model CO-FH02 is slightly smaller and lighter than the previous model. The lens produces a slightly smaller image of 80 inches at a shorter distance (2.11 meters) than the TW6250, but at the same time, the projector can’t be moved very far when aiming for a 80-inch image (2.86 meters). Conversely, for a 120-inch image, the distance between the lens and the screen is 3.18–4.30 meters. Therefore, there is zoom for the image, but the adjustment range is quite small and it is implemented digitally, whereas the TW6250 has an optical zoom.

The offset of the FH02 image is less than 100 percent (about 85 percent), which means that the bottom edge of the image is positioned somewhat lower than the center of the projector lens. This is important when positioning the projector. For example, if the bottom edge of a 100-inch screen is to be approximately 70 centimeters above the floor, the projector must be about 10 centimeters higher than that. If the projector is placed on a coffee table, for example, the projector must be tilted quite steeply upward. The image distortion can be corrected with the versatile adjustments of the CO-FH02. The position of the image can also be adjusted in both vertical and horizontal directions, but only digitally, and if the image is zoomed in first. This, however, reduces the image resolution. The simplest solution for a pop-up home theater would be to purchase a projector with its own height-adjustable floor stand or a 70–80 centimeter high stand.

In terms of size, the TW6250 is designed more clearly for fixed installation, while the FH02 can be set up for home theater more quickly and perhaps even more simply if needed. This is supported by its compact size, lightness, short throw distance, and versatile image settings, as well as good light output.

Connections and features

The TW6250 has two HDMI inputs, but the FH02 has only one. In principle, that’s enough for most people, and if you need to connect multiple video sources at once, separate HDMI switches/adapters don’t cost much.

The need for connections is certainly reduced by the Android TV media player that can be wirelessly connected to the home network of both projectors. Epson’s own ELPAP12 (STI6110) media player brings the most popular streaming services (Youtube, Yle Areena, Netflix, and so on) as well as games and other applications to the devices. Movies and other content can therefore be played directly from the projector’s media player. The media player also includes the Chromecast feature, which allows the phone’s screen to be mirrored and displayed wirelessly on the projector.

The technical specifications of the media player are nothing special (Arm Cortex-A53, Mali-G31, 2 GB RAM and 8 GB memory), but they do the job well. On the other hand, the media player is capable of 3840 x 2160 resolution at 60fps with HDR support (HRD10). So it’s quite decent, and of course, there’s no reason not to replace the media player with another one. In our opinion, there’s no need for that.

In the TW6250, the media player is kind of built-in; in the FH02, it has an additional device that can be connected to a separate HDMI port. However, the built-in in the TW6250 is the same as the one in the FH02, but it is already placed under the door and connected to its own HDMI input and power supply. In the FH02, you have to connect this device yourself, but it also has its own place behind the side panel. A bit of a strange solution, but it works well. In the FH02, however, this device also takes up the device’s only HDMI input. In the TW6250, the device has its own separate HDMI input and the other one is left free.

The devices come with two separate remotes, one for the media player and one for the projector’s functions. In the CO-FH02, the media player remote controller works with everything else except the projector settings. However, the only special feature is that you cannot start the projector with the media player remote controller but you can turn it off. A bit special. This is related to the fact that the media player remote controller works with a Bluetooth connection, so you don’t need to point it at the projector. In the TW6250, operation (including the media player) is done with the projector’s actual remote controller. At least that’s how the projector guides you. The connection to the media player via the remote controller is also reliable via Bluetooth, but with infrared for controlling the projector functions. A bit of a strange solution, but on the other hand, one remote controller is enough. However, the media player itself also comes with a remote control, which needs to be set up (bluetooth pairing) separately, but there is no real added value to this.

Sound

Sound plays a big role in movies. A proper multi-channel audio system should be used in home theaters, and we still recommend that. At the very least, though, you should have at least a pair of stereo speakers or even a soundbar speaker.

Both projectors do have built-in amplifiers and speakers, but for movie use they’re best left out. The sound is quite modest. If the projectors are intended for a fixed installation, it’s easy to implement sound with a decent set, but if it’s for occasional home theater sessions or you simply don’t have the budget for a mega system, the simplest way to reproduce the sound is with a slightly higher-quality portable Bluetooth speaker. This is made possible by the Bluetooth transmitter in the projector’s media player units. With them, the sound can be conveniently transmitted to the AV system, Bluetooth-enabled speakers, a soundbar speaker, or even wireless headphones.

The TW6250 also has a traditional 3.5mm audio output, and its HDMI output has an arc function, meaning the audio played back by the media player can be transferred all the way to the AV receiver via the HDMI cable. The FH02 has no other audio output besides the media player’s Bluetooth connection.

Implementation and image

Both projectors were easy to set up. After powering them on, the media player took over and guided me through the setup process on the network. As for Android, it’s advisable to have a Google account. Next, adjust the projector’s orientation, image size, and image distortion correction. Both projectors have good settings and even automatic functions for this. The settings on the TW6250 are perhaps a bit easier to use and better for image quality. On the FH02, the lens offset is also such that the bottom edge of the image is below the projector’s edge. The projector must be placed quite high, or in a sofa table setup, it must be tilted quite upward.

Both projectors have good settings for precise adjustment and even calibration, while the TW6250 is downright versatile. It is truly a wish for no adjustment whatsoever. However, the settings may not be available to those who are not familiar with the matter, and it is best to leave them alone. The image quality of both projectors was excellent straight from the package; it could be said to be excellent. In particular, the brightness of the image and colors was remarkable. The projector has three settings for the lamp power, of which “Standard” or even “Low” is suitable for a darkened room. On the FH02, there are two settings (High/Eco), of which “Eco” is sufficient for a darkened room. Low power reduces the need for electricity and also extends the lamp’s lifespan. In daylight mode, it is advisable to use the “High” setting. The lamp lasts for so long that even if you watched two and a half hours of movies every day for a year with full brightness, replacing the lamp would not become necessary until more than four years have passed.

When using high brightness, the cooling fan noise is audible in both projectors. Of course, it also depends on the location of the projector.

TW6250 supports HDR or high dynamic range technologies, and you can see that when playing compatible material.

Both projectors work excellently even in gaming mode. There was no noticeable input lag. Some sources mention a special gaming mode in the TW6250, but we did not find it. The projector’s input lag is reported to be under 20 milliseconds, and no lag was detected in the games.

Which one?

The setup and operation of both projectors are generally easy. With the TW6250, perhaps a little easier thanks to the optical zoom and the easy-to-use controls on the device itself. With the FH02, the controls are done through menus. With the FH02, you get a large image with slightly less throw distance than the TW6250. Also, its small size makes it easier to install. On the other hand, the projector requires an upward orientation, which in turn requires electronic correction of the image shape. The TW6250 is perhaps slightly better in this respect.

Both projectors produce a large image, but the TW6250, which offers a higher number of pixels, also produces a more detailed image with larger image areas, and the image can also be viewed closer up.

Both projectors produce high-quality images in their class, up to 120–150 inches if necessary. With the TW6250, I would even dare to say that its image is excellent in its class: sharp and bright in color. The image has very versatile settings if needed, but the image was of high quality right out of the package. The CO-FH02’s image is also bright, but it certainly loses out on its resolution in direct comparison with the TW6250. This depends somewhat on the material being viewed and the source of the image.

In terms of lighting, there may be a slight difference between the projectors, but on the other hand, the TW6250 offers, in our opinion, a more subjective contrast and image depth.

In their price range, both projectors are excellent choices. In some respects, they might even be better, but with these you can really enjoy the big picture.

If your budget allows, the Epson EH-TW6250 is our best choice when it comes to getting the best overall value for money, features and, above all, image quality.

The Epson CO-FH02 is a good choice when budget is limited and image quality is still a priority. The media player offers all the necessary image sources and streaming services. However, audio can only be output via Bluetooth.

Both projectors work well in gaming as well, but with the TW6250 only at 1080 resolution, not with 4K games.

Epson EH-TW6250

Price: 1099 €

Excellent entry-level UHD projector

The Epson EH-TW6250 is an excellent budget-priced UHD projector. Its image quality is excellent, even though it is not a true UHD resolution projector. The image is exceptionally bright and vibrant even in terms of colors, and it works directly out of the box, but the versatile settings offer even more control over the image in expert hands. The projector therefore works even in more serious but lower-budget home theater use when needed. We recommend that anyone considering a budget-friendly and easy-to-use UHD projector take a look at it.

Excellent picture in its class
Easy setup and operation
Android TV features
Bluetooth audio output
Comprehensive image adjustments

Noteworthy in its class