Epson is expanding its range of Lifestudio projectors with the launch of the Lifestudio Flex Special Lux Edition EF-73, which is a higher-end version of the EF-72 model that debuted in September.
The newer model retains the overall shape and slick appearance of the Lifestudio Flex EF-72 and it offers much the same in terms of its picture and sound output, but it has a more premium look and feel and a couple of other intriguing features.
You’ll still be getting a 4K resolution image at a maximum size of 150-inches diagonally, and the Triple Core Engine light source, which is a 3LCD laser system, also retains the same 1,000 lumens peak brightness found on the EF-72. Other similarities include HDR10 and HLG support, and an auto-calibration system that spans features such as auto-focus, auto-keystone correction, auto-screen fit and auto-obstacle avoidance.
In addition, the Lifestudio Flex Special Lux Edition EF-73 appears to have the same 10-watt speaker setup fine-tuned by Bose, and there’s Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity for those who want to step things up on the audio side by connecting an external wireless speaker or two.
Like the EF-72, the EF-73 features the Google TV platform for streaming and apps, which is handy because that means you won’t have to sacrifice the only HDMI port it has to connect a streaming device.
So what is different about the Lifestudio Flex Special Lux Edition EF-73? Well, the most important thing is the overall build quality. It’s made out of premium materials such as tempered glass, suede and anodised gold, Epson said, and it’s available in an exclusive "Night Black" colour.
In addition, the upper panel of the base stand can double as a wireless charger for smartphones, which should be a useful feature considering that Epson appears to be convinced that the best place to use this projector is in the bedroom. In its marketing materials, the EF-73 sits on a bedside table, ready to project its big-screen pictures onto the wall so you can enjoy movies in bed. That explains why the EF-73 also comes with a funky ambient lighting feature, which was also found on the original EF-72. It allows the device to serve as a nightlight or reading light when you're not streaming.
Epson said the EF-73 will be fully compatible with its upcoming Projection Studio app, which is set to launch in March. The Projection Studio app will be available for Android and iOS, allowing users to create, customise, and project photo and video slideshows and play them on compatible Epson Lifestudio projectors. Users will be able to curate, add music and frames, and stream content from their phones, and even collaborate with friends and family in real time, the company said.
Epson said the Lifestudio Flex Special Lux Edition EF-73 will go on sale in April, but it hasn’t revealed anything about pricing just yet. The current Epson Lifestudio Flex EF-72 retails for £1,149, so we can expect it to cost a fair bit more than that, given that this is a premium model.
