Choosing Between Top Ultra Short Throw Projectors: A Complete Guide

When it comes to creating a premium home theater experience, AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro ($5,999) and LG CineBeam HU915QB ($6,499) represent some of the best ultra short throw (UST) projectors available today. Let's dive into what makes these projectors special and help you decide which one might be right for your setup.

Understanding Ultra Short Throw Projectors

UST projectors are a relatively new innovation that can create massive screens while sitting just inches from your wall. Unlike traditional projectors that need to be mounted across the room, these units sit in a TV console and beam images upward and backward. This clever design eliminates problems like people walking through the beam or dealing with ceiling mounts.

Both of these projectors use advanced laser light sources instead of traditional bulbs. Lasers offer several advantages:

• They turn on instantly (no warm-up time)
• They last much longer (20,000+ hours)
• They maintain consistent brightness over their lifetime
• They can produce more vivid colors

Performance Comparison

Brightness and Daytime Viewing

The AWOL LTV-3500 Pro leads with 3,500 ANSI lumens compared to the LG's 3,000. ANSI lumens are a standardized measurement of brightness, and this difference is noticeable in well-lit rooms. I've found that the AWOL handles daytime viewing noticeably better, though both projectors perform excellently in controlled lighting.

Color Accuracy and HDR

Both projectors handle colors beautifully, but they take different approaches:

• AWOL covers 107% of BT.2020 (a very wide color standard)
• LG focuses on the DCI-P3 color space (the current cinema standard)

In practical terms, both produce stunning colors, but the AWOL has a slight edge in reproducing the most vibrant shades. Both support HDR (High Dynamic Range), which helps create more lifelike images with better contrast between bright and dark areas. The AWOL supports every major HDR format including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, while the LG lacks HDR10+ support.

Gaming Performance

Released in 2024, the AWOL LTV-3500 Pro was designed with gaming in mind. It offers:

• 8ms input lag at 1080p/120Hz
• 15ms input lag at 4K/60Hz
• Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

The LG, released in 2022, handles gaming well but with slightly higher input lag. For casual gaming, both work great, but competitive gamers will prefer the AWOL.

Installation and Setup

Physical Installation

The LG CineBeam offers more flexibility during setup with:

• Motorized focus
• Advanced geometric correction
• Better lens adjustments

The AWOL requires manual adjustment but is generally easier to set up initially. Both projectors need careful placement - even small adjustments can affect image alignment significantly.

Smart Features and Connectivity

• The AWOL LTV-3500 Pro runs Android 9.0 and comes with a Fire TV Stick 4K Max
• The LG HU915QB uses webOS, similar to LG's smart TVs

Both offer extensive streaming options, but LG's webOS is more polished and integrated. The AWOL's Fire TV stick solution works well but feels less premium.

Home Theater Considerations

Audio Options

Both projectors include built-in speakers:

• AWOL: 36W stereo system
• LG: 40W 2.2 channel system

However, for a proper home theater, you'll want external speakers or a soundbar. Both support eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) for high-quality audio passthrough to external systems.

Screen Compatibility

These projectors work best with ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens specifically designed for UST projectors. These screens help maintain image quality even with some ambient light. Both manufacturers recommend screens between 90" and 120" for optimal performance.

Value Proposition

The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro offers slightly better performance in most areas at a lower price point ($5,999 vs $6,499). However, the LG CineBeam HU915QB justifies its higher price with:

• Better build quality
• More installation flexibility
• More mature smart platform

How to Decide

Consider these key factors when choosing:

Choose the AWOL if:

• Gaming is a priority
• You'll often watch in brighter rooms
• You want the latest HDR format support
• Value for money is important

Choose the LG if:

• Installation flexibility is crucial
• You prefer a more premium build quality
• You want an integrated smart TV experience
• You're building a dedicated home theater room

Environment Considerations

For bright living rooms, the AWOL's extra brightness makes a real difference. In dedicated theater rooms with controlled lighting, either projector will perform excellently.

Technology Evolution

Since the LG's release in 2022, we've seen improvements in:

• HDR processing
• Gaming features
• Brightness capabilities

The newer AWOL (2024) incorporates these advances, which explains its better gaming performance and HDR handling. However, LG's mature design and premium build quality remain impressive.

Final Thoughts

Both projectors represent excellent choices in the UST category, but they target slightly different users. The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro offers better performance specs and value, while the LG CineBeam HU915QB provides a more premium, integrated experience.

For most users, I'd recommend the AWOL unless specific LG features (like motorized lens adjustment or webOS) are important to you. Its better brightness, gaming performance, and lower price make it a compelling choice. However, if you're building a dedicated home theater and want the most flexible installation options, the LG's additional features might be worth the premium.

AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro Ultra Short Throw Projector Deals and Prices

LG CineBeam HU915QB 4K UHD Laser Projector Deals and Prices