Tech & Audio · PRODUCT REVIEW

Epson
PowerLite Home Cinema 8700 UB 1080p 3LCD Projector

Full HD home-theater projector with manual zoom and generous lens shift. A closer look at the benefits, the limitations, and the alternatives.

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THE SHORT ANSWER

Our take

The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 8700 UB is a fixed-room Full HD projector whose manual zoom and lens shift ease installation around an existing screen position. Epson specifies native 1920 × 1080 3LCD, two HDMI inputs, and 1,600 color and white lumens. Those output figures are not labeled ANSI. The product page marks it discontinued, so any current used unit needs individual condition checks.

Consider it for

A fixed home-cinema room where Full HD and optical placement adjustment matter more than portability or built-in apps..

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Pass if you require a battery projector, verified current streaming apps, a current production model, or an ANSI brightness number for direct comparison.

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Pros & cons

What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.

What works in its favor

  • Native Full HD resolution matches a home-theater source without relying on input support alone.
  • A 2.1× manual zoom and substantial optical lens shift allow flexible fixed installation.
  • Two HDMI inputs accommodate a disc player, console, or external streaming device.

What to weigh up

  • The 1,600 color and white lumen claims are not ANSI ratings.
  • The 16.1 lb lamp-based body is intended for a planned position rather than frequent carrying.
  • Discontinued status leaves the condition and remaining life of an individual unit uncertain.
Specifications and exact model details

The key details

Published product specifications
Model coveredPowerLite Home Cinema 8700 UB
Image formatNative 1920 × 1080 3LCD image
Rated light output1,600 color and 1,600 white lumens; neither figure is identified as ANSI
Placement2.1× manual zoom, lens shift, two HDMI, and a 100-inch throw of 9.8–20.9 feet

Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 15, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.

Full review: how the features affect your choice

What the features mean for you

Full HD is the core image-format reason to consider it

Epson identifies native 1920 × 1080 resolution and 3LCD imaging. That is a stronger fit for detailed films and modern console interfaces than the SVGA and XGA presentation models in this batch. It also differs from a projector whose title only says it accepts 1080p input. Native resolution does not guarantee contrast, focus, or source quality, but it sets a useful baseline for a home-cinema screen. The correct choice still depends on the viewing distance and screen size, not the format label alone.

Read Epson's output figures in their own terms

The brochure lists 1,600 color-light-output lumens and 1,600 white-light-output lumens, with an ISO method specified for the white figure. Neither is identified as ANSI lumens in the saved source. Keep those measurements separate from the ANSI values on models such as the Optoma PRO250X or Epson PowerLite 62c. Output also interacts with image size, screen gain, picture mode, and ambient light. A fixed room that can control light is a more suitable setting than a bright multipurpose room, but that is a use inference rather than a test result.

Zoom and lens shift help with a fixed screen

Epson documents a 2.1× manual zoom and lens shift up to 96.3 percent vertically and 47.1 percent horizontally. These optical adjustments can help align the image from a ceiling or shelf position without moving the mount as much. The brochure gives a 100-inch projection distance of 9.8–20.9 feet, so measure the lens-to-screen path and confirm that the planned location falls inside the range. Lens shift is not a reason to ignore screen geometry; a good layout still needs enough clearance, a level mount, and room to access the focus and zoom controls.

The connection panel suits external home sources

Two HDMI inputs provide a straightforward path for a console, disc player, or external streaming box. The saved brochure does not establish a built-in app platform, so buyers should plan around an external source for subscription services. HDMI simplifies that arrangement, but the specific source device and required audio path still need checking. Use the input layout and the room's receiver or soundbar plan to decide whether the projector can sit where the screen geometry works without forcing awkward cable runs.

Lamp age and discontinued status change ownership checks

The brochure lists a 200 W UHE lamp rated up to 4,000 hours, but the rating depends on mode and use; it does not estimate the remaining life of a used unit. Epson marks the model discontinued. Before choosing a particular item, ask for actual lamp hours, replacement history, focus uniformity, color behavior, fan noise, HDMI operation, and included remote. These are model-specific inspection points for an individual projector, not claims that this review personally tested a unit. The 16.1 lb weight and AC power also favor a permanent setup over travel.

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Before you buy

Is the 8700 UB's brightness ANSI-rated?

Epson lists separate color and white light-output figures; the saved brochure does not identify either as ANSI lumens.

Can it sit close to the wall?

The brochure gives a 100-inch throw distance of 9.8–20.9 feet, which is conventional rather than ultra-short-throw placement.

Does it have streaming apps built in?

The saved sources document two HDMI inputs but do not establish a streaming platform, so plan an external source device.

Where can I check the current price?

Use the Amazon link for current offers. Check the exact model, seller, product condition, delivery, and return terms. This page does not display a live price or confirm stock.

Sources and review basis

Sources & review basis

We use the linked product documentation for the features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.

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Is it the right fit?

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