Epson 5000XB: Modified Projector Lamp

The Epson 5000XB or EMP 5000XB is a special edition projector that Epson released after the release of their successful 5000c or EMP 5000. The 5000XB was basically a 5000 on steroids coming with some improved features that included a pumped up ANSI lumens rate.

The main difference between the two projectors lies in the projector lamp. The projector lamp in the 5000c was a 150W metal halide lamp that lasted for 1600 hours and had an output of around 450 ANSI lumens. When the 5000XB was released some months later, Epson had installed what they officially called a UHE projector lamp to replace the metal halide lamp in the previous model. The UHE lamp was basically a clone of Philips’ UHP projector lamp technology. These UHP lamps lasted longer and produced a brighter lumens rate than their predecessors.

The UHP technology must have become available to Epson right around the time the 5000c was released because soon after the 5000XB was released with the upgraded technology.

The specs on the 5000XB are exactly the same as for the 5000c; and except for the fact that the projector lamp has been upgraded they are indeed identical projectors. Let’s run down some of the specs on this unit. The contrast ratio is 300:1 with a native resolution of 800x600. The projector is SVGA compatible with personal computer and component inputs available. The 5000XB operates with an aspect ratio of 4:3.

The first thing to know about this projector, if you are considering buying one used, is that it is extremely old. The projector was manufactured before projector technology really caught up with HDTV and S-Video etc. And because of that, a lot of users have complained about poor quality video. Meaning that if you’re planning on purchasing this projector, you should plan on sticking to office presentations and simple demonstrations – i.e. don’t expect to watch the Super Bowl with a lot of friends on this projector, it simply won’t work.

Another thing to be wary of is that some users have commented that the pixilation dies out as the projector gets older as well. So be sure to test the unit before you buy, if you can.

OK, until next time – take it easy.