Epson Home Cinema 980 specifications and in-depth review

Epson Home Cinema 980

Manufacturer: Epson

The Epson Home Cinema 980 is a versatile projector designed for home use, delivering a crisp 1080p resolution. With its compact design, it weighs just 3100 g and features a maximum projection size of 340″. The projector operates quietly, with an audible noise level of 37 dB, making it suitable for a variety of environments. The lamp life in normal mode lasts up to 6000 hours, ensuring long-term use without frequent bulb changes.

In terms of connectivity, the Epson Home Cinema 980 includes 2 HDMI ports and 2 USB ports, but lacks wireless capabilities like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The projector also supports a manual focus for flexible image adjustments, though it does not include features like motorized zoom or lens shift. For audio, it provides a built-in speaker with 2W output and a 3.5mm audio jack for external audio devices.

Pros
  • The projector offers a maximum projection size of 340 inches, making it suitable for large home theater setups.
  • It features a long lamp life of 6000 hours in normal mode, which extends to 12000 hours in eco mode, reducing maintenance needs.
  • The projector supports manual focus, allowing for flexible image adjustments without the need for motorized systems.
Cons
  • It lacks wireless connectivity features like AirPlay, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, limiting some streaming and device connection options.
  • The projector does not include motorized focus, zoom, or lens shift, which may limit ease of use for precise image adjustments.
  • There are no advanced HDR features such as HDR10+, Dolby Vision, or HLG, which could impact image quality for high-definition content.
Who is this for?

The Epson Home Cinema 980 is well-suited for users seeking a reliable home theater projector for medium to large screen setups, with its impressive maximum projection size of 340 inches. It’s ideal for casual movie nights or entertainment setups where ease of use and long-term maintenance are priorities, thanks to its 6000 hours of lamp life in normal mode and 12000 hours in eco mode. The projector’s manual focus gives users control over their image adjustments, making it a good option for those who prefer flexibility without the need for motorized features.

Who is this NOT for?

This projector may not be suitable for users who prioritize wireless streaming or advanced image quality features. It lacks Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay support, which limits its ability to connect to streaming services or other devices without cables. Additionally, the absence of HDR support and advanced features like motorized zoom or lens shift may leave enthusiasts or professionals looking for more precise adjustments and higher-quality visual experiences dissatisfied.

General info:

lamp life 6000 h
audible noise 37 dB
has laser light source
audible noise (eco) 28 dB
release date August 2025
operating power consumption 349W
lamp life (eco mode) 12000 h
width 310 mm
height 110 mm
thickness 280 mm
weight 3100 g
Has a dedicated smartphone app
volume 9548 cm³
warranty period 2 years

The Epson Home Cinema 980 projector features a lamp life of 6000 hours under normal usage, which extends to 12000 hours in eco mode. It operates with a power consumption of 349W and produces an audible noise of 37 dB during use, dropping to 28 dB in eco mode. The projector has a compact form with a width of 310 mm, height of 110 mm, and thickness of 280 mm, while weighing 3100 g. It also offers a 2-year warranty period, though it lacks a dedicated smartphone app or a laser light source.

Projection quality:

output resolution 1080p
has motorized focus
displays 3D with glasses
maximum projection size 340"
has motorized zoom
supports HDR10+
bit depth 10-bit
has manual focus
minimum throw distance 1.1 m
supports Dolby Vision
supports HDR10
supports HLG

The Epson Home Cinema 980 offers a 1080p output resolution for sharp, detailed images and supports a maximum projection size of 340″. It features manual focus for precise image adjustments but lacks motorized focus or zoom. The projector is compatible with a 10-bit bit depth for enhanced color depth, although it does not support advanced HDR formats like HDR10+, Dolby Vision, or HLG.

Connectivity:

HDMI ports 2
has AirPlay
Has Bluetooth
supports Wi-Fi
USB ports 2
has Chromecast built-in
has a VGA connector
is DLNA-certified
has a DVI connector
supports Miracast
RJ45 ports 0
Has S/PDIF Out port

The Epson Home Cinema 980 offers 2 HDMI ports and 2 USB ports for versatile connectivity. However, it lacks support for wireless features such as AirPlay, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. The projector does not include a VGA connector, DLNA certification, or an S/PDIF Out port, but provides reliable wired connections for external devices.

Features:

has stereo speakers
has lens shift (vertical)
has lens shift (horizontal)
has a remote control
has built-in smart TV
has a built-in speaker
audio output power 1 x 2W
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has Dolby Atmos
has an external memory slot
has voice commands

The Epson Home Cinema 980 comes with a built-in speaker that provides 2W audio output. It also includes a remote control for easy operation, but lacks features like stereo speakers, lens shift, and voice commands. Additionally, there is no support for built-in smart TV functionality or Dolby Atmos, and the projector does not have an external memory slot.

Final Verdict

The Epson Home Cinema 980 is a solid choice for those seeking a straightforward, reliable projector for home entertainment. With its impressive maximum projection size of 340 inches and long lamp life of up to 12000 hours in eco mode, it offers durability and flexibility for casual viewing experiences. However, it lacks advanced features like wireless connectivity, HDR support, and motorized zoom, which may limit its appeal to users looking for more high-end specifications. Overall, it’s best suited for users who prioritize simplicity and long-term performance in a home theater projector.