Main trade-off
Epson Home Cinema 3800
Its 2.15 maximum throw cannot cover the 20-foot example.
Head-to-head
Epson Home Cinema 3800 vs Epson Home Cinema LS11000: LS11000 adds 4K120 and 12.8 lb to the mount
The short answer
Choose Home Cinema 3800 when its manual lens fits your room and a 15.2-pound body is easier to install. Choose LS11000 for 4K120 input, powered optics or a longer rear mount. The laser model is 12.8 pounds heavier, so reusing a mount requires a load check as well as a throw calculation.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
Twenty feet changes this decision
A 120-inch 16:9 image needs a ratio near 2.295 from 20 feet. The 3800 ends at 2.15, while LS11000 reaches 2.84. The 3800 would need to move closer or show a larger image.
What this is based on
Image width = 120 × 16 / √337 = 104.589 in. 240 / 104.589 = 2.295. Compare with 1.32–2.15 and 1.35–2.84.
Main trade-off
Epson Home Cinema LS11000
Its 28-pound body adds 12.8 pounds to the mount load.
Epson Home Cinema 3800
- Choose it for
- Install the lighter 15.2-pound body
- Use manual optics in a compatible 4K60 setup
- Main trade-off
- Its 2.15 maximum throw cannot cover the 20-foot example.
Epson Home Cinema LS11000
- Choose it for
- Keep a 4K120 gaming signal through the projector
- Make a 120-inch picture from a 20-foot lens position
- Main trade-off
- Its 28-pound body adds 12.8 pounds to the mount load.
About this comparison
Compare Epson 3800 and LS11000 for a permanent theater, a 20-foot rear mount, 4K120 gaming, projector weight and remote lens adjustment.
Choose Home Cinema 3800 when its manual lens fits your room and a 15.2-pound body is easier to install. Choose LS11000 for 4K120 input, powered optics or a longer rear mount. The laser model is 12.8 pounds heavier, so reusing a mount requires a load check as well as a throw calculation.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
I need 120 inches from a 20-foot lens position
The required 2.295 ratio is above the 3800's 2.15 maximum.
- Epson Home Cinema 3800
- Not suitable
- Epson Home Cinema LS11000
- Good
My source must remain at 4K120
Only LS11000 documents that 4K input rate.
- Epson Home Cinema 3800
- Not suitable
- Epson Home Cinema LS11000
- Good
I cannot reach the ceiling-mounted lens easily
LS11000's powered adjustments avoid hands-on lens changes.
- Epson Home Cinema 3800
- Caution
- Epson Home Cinema LS11000
- Better fit
I want the lighter projector for installation
The 3800 is 12.8 pounds lighter before mounting hardware.
- Epson Home Cinema 3800
- Better fit
- Epson Home Cinema LS11000
- Caution
I want to avoid routine projection-lamp swaps
LS11000 uses a laser array instead of the 3800's UHE lamp.
- Epson Home Cinema 3800
- Caution
- Epson Home Cinema LS11000
- Better fit
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
Twenty feet changes this decision
A 120-inch 16:9 image needs a ratio near 2.295 from 20 feet. The 3800 ends at 2.15, while LS11000 reaches 2.84. The 3800 would need to move closer or show a larger image.
How we reached this conclusion
Image width = 120 × 16 / √337 = 104.589 in. 240 / 104.589 = 2.295. Compare with 1.32–2.15 and 1.35–2.84.
The laser upgrade adds roughly 84% to the projector load
The extra 12.8 pounds matters for a ceiling plate or wall shelf even when the new lens fits. Compare the mount's documented capacity with the complete installed assembly.
How we reached this conclusion
28.0 - 15.2 = 12.8 lb. 12.8 / 15.2 × 100 = 84.2%. This calculation covers the projector bodies, not brackets or cables.
A 120 Hz console requires a resolution-specific check
LS11000 accepts 4K120. Buying it does not upgrade an older HDMI cable or receiver that only passes 4K60, so the source-to-projector path must be checked as one system.
How we reached this conclusion
LS11000's US signal table lists 3840 × 2160 at 120 Hz and HDMI 2.1. The 3800 specifies 4K at up to 60 Hz. Resolution and refresh rate must both be satisfied.
Try your real numbers
Will either projector fit your room?
The result checks hard limits only. Preferences stay out of the calculation.
Epson Home Cinema 3800
Does not fit these inputsFor a 120-inch 16:9 picture, the calculated lens range is about 11.50 to 18.74 ft. Your input is 9.50 ft. Optical estimate only: rounded throw ratios do not replace the manual’s 16:9 placement table. Check optical zoom, combined lens-shift limits, body/cables and ventilation before mounting. Digital correction adds no optical range.
Epson Home Cinema LS11000
Does not fit these inputsFor a 120-inch 16:9 picture, the calculated lens range is about 11.77 to 24.75 ft. Your input is 9.50 ft.
Distance is measured from the lens to the screen. The calculation uses a 16:9 image and the verified optical throw range for each exact model.
Choice A
Epson, V11H959020
Home Cinema 3800
A bright lamp-based 3LCD projector with wide manual lens shift, active 3D and equal color and white output for a forgiving traditional setup.
- Best matched use
- Install the lighter 15.2-pound body
Checked facts
- Light source: 250 W UHE lamp
- 4K input: Up to 60 Hz
- Optical throw: 1.32 to 2.15:1
- Lens operation: Manual focus, zoom and shift
Choice B
Epson, V11HA48020
Home Cinema LS11000
A motorized 3LCD laser projector for fixed theaters, with broad lens memory, 4K120 input and no sequential-color rainbow mechanism.
- Best matched use
- Keep a 4K120 gaming signal through the projector
Checked facts
- Light source: Laser diode array
- 4K input: Up to 120 Hz
- Optical throw: 1.35 to 2.84:1
- Lens operation: Powered focus, zoom and shift
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Epson Home Cinema 3800 | Epson Home Cinema LS11000 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light source | 250 W UHE lamp | Laser diode array | The laser removes routine projection-lamp replacement. |
| 4K input | Up to 60 Hz | Up to 120 Hz | 4K120 also requires a compatible source, cable and any receiver in the path. |
| Optical throw | 1.32 to 2.15:1 | 1.35 to 2.84:1 | LS11000 extends the far end for rear-shelf installations. |
| Lens operation | Manual focus, zoom and shift | Powered focus, zoom and shift | LS11000 can be adjusted without reaching the body. |
| Projector weight | 15.2 lb | 28.0 lb | Recheck mount and shelf ratings before replacing a lighter projector. |
| Maximum centered-axis shift | Vertical ±60%, horizontal ±24% | Vertical ±96.3%, horizontal ±47.1% | The maxima apply on centered axes, rather than simultaneously at both limits. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Epson Home Cinema 3800
- Manual optics and a replaceable lamp remain ownership tasks.
If you choose Epson Home Cinema LS11000
- The 4K image is produced with pixel shifting, despite the laser light source.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
I need 4K120 or 120 inches from 20 feet
Choose Epson Home Cinema LS11000. LS11000 meets those signal and optical-range requirements.
My fixed 4K60 setup fits and lighter installation matters
Choose Epson Home Cinema 3800. The 3800 weighs 15.2 pounds and supports that simpler plan.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
A larger projector needs an installation budget
A weight increase can require a different mount or shelf even when the bolt pattern seems manageable. Include the mount, cables and safe access in the upgrade plan. The lens-distance advantage of LS11000 is useful only if the room can also support and ventilate its larger installed assembly.
Separate 4K120 from everyday movie playback
If the system mainly shows 24 or 60 Hz material, the 120 Hz input ceiling may offer little practical value. A buyer specifically keeping a console at 4K120 has a clearer reason to choose LS11000. Confirm signal formats and receiver settings before attributing a 60 Hz limit to the projector.
Powered optics can solve a daily inconvenience
Manual focus and shift are reasonable when the 3800 stays in an accessible, fixed setup. A high mount makes LS11000's remote adjustments more useful. Both have real optical adjustment, so plan around their supported lens ranges before using digital keystone to compensate for a poorly placed mount.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- Throw examples use a 16:9 image with no digital keystone. Final placement requires manufacturer guidance and installation tolerance.
- No measured brightness, contrast, input lag or lifetime advantage is claimed.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current home projectors comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
See the checked facts and calculation notes
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epson Home Cinema 3800 |
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| Epson Home Cinema LS11000 |
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Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
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Epson Home Cinema 3800
Install the lighter 15.2-pound body
See price & reviews on AmazonEpson Home Cinema LS11000
Keep a 4K120 gaming signal through the projector
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.