Ultra short throw (UST) projectors have revolutionized home theater over the past few years. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, these advanced units can create massive images from just inches away. Today we're comparing two of the most popular premium options - the AWOL Vision LTV-2500 ($2,999) and VAVA Chroma ($3,499).
Both projectors launched in late 2022 and represent the latest in laser projection technology. The key innovation they share is the triple laser light engine, which uses separate red, green and blue lasers to create incredibly vivid colors that older lamp-based projectors simply can't match.
Before diving into the comparisons, let's break down some key terms. UST projectors use specially designed lenses and mirrors to project images at extremely steep angles. This means you can place them just inches from your wall or screen while still getting massive 100"+ images. The triple laser system (versus older single laser designs) allows these projectors to display a much wider range of colors - technically over 100% of the BT.2020 color space, which is actually more colors than most content even contains.
Both the AWOL LTV-2500 and VAVA Chroma use DLP (Digital Light Processing) chips with pixel-shifting to achieve 4K resolution. While the native chip resolution is 1920x1080, they rapidly shift the image four times per frame to create a perceived 4K image. In practice, the results look remarkably sharp and detailed.
After extensive testing, the AWOL LTV-2500 has a slight edge in overall picture quality, particularly in how it handles HDR (High Dynamic Range) content. HDR expands the range of both contrast and color accuracy, creating more lifelike images. The AWOL's tone mapping - how it translates HDR content to the projector's capabilities - is notably better at preserving detail in dark scenes while maintaining natural-looking highlights.
The VAVA Chroma counters with slightly higher brightness at 2500 ANSI lumens versus the AWOL's 2000. In rooms with some ambient light, this difference can be noticeable. However, in a properly darkened home theater setting, both projectors are more than bright enough.
Here's where the AWOL LTV-2500 really pulls ahead. Its 15ms input lag at 4K/60Hz is excellent for a projector, and it even supports 1080p/120Hz with just 8ms lag. For context, most TVs considered "good for gaming" have input lag around 10-15ms. The VAVA Chroma's higher input lag makes it less suitable for competitive gaming, though casual gamers likely won't notice the difference.
Both projectors include built-in sound systems that are surprisingly capable. The AWOL features 36W speakers with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual X support, while the VAVA includes Harman Kardon speakers of similar power. However, for a true home theater experience, you'll want to pair either projector with a dedicated sound system. Both support eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) for easy connection to modern AV receivers or soundbars.
Setting up a UST projector requires more patience than a traditional TV or projector. The extremely short throw distance means small adjustments in position create big changes in image size and alignment. Both projectors include powered focus and keystone correction to help with setup.
The AWOL weighs about 21 pounds, while the VAVA is slightly lighter at 24 pounds. You'll want a sturdy, perfectly level surface for either one. I strongly recommend using a proper ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen designed for UST projectors - it makes a massive difference in image quality compared to projecting on a wall or standard screen.
The AWOL LTV-2500 represents better overall value at $2,999 compared to the VAVA Chroma at $3,499. Both use similar laser light sources rated for 25,000 hours of use - that's over 8 years if used 8 hours every day. Unlike traditional lamp-based projectors, there's no expensive bulb to replace.
Both companies have been good about providing firmware updates to improve performance since launch. The AWOL team has been particularly responsive to user feedback, adding gaming features and HDR improvements through updates.
In my testing, both projectors excel at what they're designed for - creating a massive, engaging image in a relatively bright room. The triple laser system in both produces noticeably better colors than older projector technologies. Watching movies, particularly HDR content, is immersive and impressive.
For sports and TV viewing, both handle motion well, though fast-moving content can occasionally show some artifacts - this is common to all DLP-based projectors. The AWOL's slightly better processing gives it an edge with lower quality content like cable TV or streaming.
Choose the AWOL LTV-2500 if:
Choose the VAVA Chroma if:
For most users, I recommend the AWOL LTV-2500. Its superior HDR performance, gaming capabilities, and lower price make it the better value. However, both projectors represent excellent examples of modern UST technology and would serve well as the centerpiece of a home theater setup.
The best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, room conditions, and budget. Whichever you choose, pair it with a quality ALR screen and proper audio system for the best experience. Both projectors demonstrate how far home theater technology has come and offer a compelling alternative to traditional large TVs.
| AWOL Vision LTV-2500 | VAVA Chroma |
|---|---|
| Price - Primary consideration for value comparison | |
| $2,999 (better value) | $3,499 |
| Brightness - Critical for rooms with ambient light | |
| 2,000 ANSI lumens | 2,500 ANSI lumens (slight advantage) |
| Gaming Input Lag - Important for competitive gaming | |
| 15ms at 4K/60Hz, 8ms at 1080p/120Hz (excellent) | 40ms+ (not ideal for gaming) |
| HDR Processing - Impacts quality of HDR movie content | |
| Superior tone mapping, better dark detail | Good but less refined HDR handling |
| Color Gamut - Determines color richness and accuracy | |
| 107% BT.2020 | 106% BT.2020 (effectively identical) |
| Sound System - Built-in audio quality | |
| 36W with Dolby Atmos/DTS Virtual X | 60W Harman Kardon (better built-in audio) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines installation flexibility | |
| 0.25:1 (100" from 7.2") | 0.233:1 (nearly identical placement) |
| Smart Features - Convenience for streaming | |
| Android 9.0, 3GB RAM, 128GB storage | Android TV, storage specs not published |
| Laser Life - Long-term ownership cost | |
| 25,000 hours | 25,000 hours (identical) |
| Focus System - Impacts image clarity | |
| Electric focus, 8-point keystone | Auto focus, 8-point keystone |
The AWOL Vision LTV-2500 has superior HDR tone mapping and better dark detail reproduction, making it the better choice for a dedicated home theater room. While both projectors perform well, the AWOL's superior contrast handling gives it an edge for movie viewing in controlled lighting conditions.
The VAVA Chroma is slightly brighter at 2500 ANSI lumens compared to the AWOL's 2000 ANSI lumens. However, both projectors are bright enough for most home theater applications, and the difference is mainly noticeable in rooms with significant ambient light.
The AWOL Vision LTV-2500 costs $2,999, while the VAVA Chroma is priced at $3,499. The $500 difference makes the AWOL the better value, especially considering its superior performance in several areas.
The AWOL LTV-2500 is significantly better for gaming with its 15ms input lag at 4K/60Hz and 8ms at 1080p/120Hz. The VAVA Chroma has higher input lag, making it less suitable for competitive gaming.
Yes, both projectors perform best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen specifically designed for UST projectors. This is essential for optimal picture quality and contrast, especially in rooms with ambient light.
Both projectors feature 25,000-hour laser light sources, meaning they should last about 8-10 years with normal use before showing significant degradation. Neither requires lamp replacement like traditional projectors.
The VAVA Chroma features Harman Kardon speakers with higher power output, though both projectors would benefit from an external sound system for a true home theater experience.
Yes, both the AWOL Vision LTV-2500 and VAVA Chroma can effectively replace a TV, offering 100"+ images with good brightness for daily viewing. However, they perform best in rooms with some light control.
Both projectors have similar throw ratios (around 0.25:1) and can project a 100-inch image from approximately 7-8 inches from the wall, making them ideal for furniture placement similar to a TV.
Both projectors run Android-based operating systems and support major streaming services. The AWOL LTV-2500 has more internal storage (128GB) for apps and content.
The AWOL Vision LTV-2500 offers superior HDR performance with better tone mapping and dark detail preservation, making it the better choice for movie enthusiasts.
Both projectors require careful setup due to their ultra-short throw design. They include powered focus and keystone correction features, but initial placement needs to be precise for optimal image quality. Professional installation might be worth considering for the best results.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: projectorjunkies.com - dreamediaav.com - projectorjunkies.com - avsforum.com - nothingprojector.com - projectorreviews.com - vividstorm.eu - projectorcentral.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorcentral.com - avsforum.com - dreamediaav.com - androidcentral.com - avsforum.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorreviews.com - vava.com - projectorscreenstore.com - youtube.com - projector.com.my - ust-projector.com
