When it comes to creating a high-end home theater experience, Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors like the AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro and VAVA Chroma have revolutionized what's possible. These advanced projectors can turn any wall into a massive screen while sitting just inches away, eliminating the traditional setup headaches of ceiling-mounted projectors.
The projector market has seen dramatic improvements since these models were released. The AWOL LTV-3500 Pro launched in early 2022, while the VAVA Chroma arrived in late 2021. Both brought significant advances in laser technology, particularly in their use of triple-laser systems (using separate red, green, and blue lasers) rather than the older single-laser designs with color wheels.
Perhaps the most significant difference between these projectors is their ability to handle ambient light. The AWOL LTV-3500 boasts an impressive 3300 ANSI lumens, while the VAVA Chroma provides 2500 ANSI lumens. ANSI lumens, unlike marketing "LED lumens," are a standardized measurement of actual light output.
This brightness difference matters tremendously in real-world use:
The AWOL's additional brightness comes at a price premium but delivers noticeable benefits for multipurpose rooms. The VAVA still performs admirably but works best in rooms with good light control.
Both projectors deliver 4K resolution (3840x2160 pixels) using DLP (Digital Light Processing) chips with XPR (eXpanded Pixel Resolution) technology. This technology rapidly shifts pixels to create a perceived 4K image from a lower-resolution chip. While not native 4K, the results are impressive and virtually indistinguishable at normal viewing distances.
Color performance is remarkably close:
These numbers indicate both projectors can display more colors than standard HDR content contains (which uses the BT.2020 color space). The real difference comes in HDR processing:
The AWOL supports:
While the VAVA offers:
Dolby Vision support gives the AWOL an edge when watching premium streaming content, as it can adjust brightness and contrast scene-by-scene for optimal picture quality.
For gamers, input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the result) is crucial. The AWOL LTV-3500 excels here:
These numbers are remarkably good for a projector, making it viable even for competitive gaming. The VAVA doesn't publish specific input lag numbers, which typically indicates less impressive performance in this area.
Both projectors offer smart features, but take different approaches:
AWOL:
VAVA:
The AWOL's approach offers more future-proofing, as you can easily upgrade to newer streaming devices. The VAVA's integrated solution is more convenient but potentially limiting as technology advances.
While many users will opt for separate sound systems, built-in audio can be important:
VAVA Chroma:
AWOL LTV-3500:
For those planning to use built-in audio, the VAVA has a clear advantage. However, in a dedicated home theater setup, most users will opt for separate audio systems anyway.
Both projectors feature similar throw ratios (around 0.25:1), meaning they can project a 100-inch image from about 7-8 inches from the wall. The key differences lie in their installation flexibility:
AWOL:
VAVA:
At $5,999, the AWOL LTV-3500 represents a premium option, while the $3,499 VAVA Chroma offers a more budget-friendly alternative. The $2,500 price difference needs careful consideration:
AWOL advantages worth the premium:
VAVA value benefits:
Consider these key factors:
The final decision often comes down to room conditions and budget. In a dedicated home theater with controlled lighting, the VAVA represents excellent value. For mixed-use spaces or rooms with ambient light, the AWOL's additional brightness and flexibility likely justify its premium price.
Remember that both projectors represent significant investments in your home entertainment system. Taking time to evaluate your specific needs and room conditions will help ensure long-term satisfaction with whichever model you choose.
| AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro | VAVA Chroma |
|---|---|
| Price - Base investment required | |
| $5,999 | $3,499 |
| Brightness - Critical for ambient light performance | |
| 3300 ANSI lumens (excellent bright room performance) | 2500 ANSI lumens (requires more light control) |
| Gaming Performance - Important for interactive content | |
| 8ms@1080p, 15ms@4K (excellent for gaming) | Not specified (likely higher latency) |
| Color Gamut - Determines color richness and accuracy | |
| 107% BT.2020 (industry-leading) | 106% Rec.2020 (excellent) |
| HDR Support - Impacts dynamic range and contrast | |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG (comprehensive) | HDR10, HLG (standard) |
| Built-in Audio - Affects need for external speakers | |
| 36W quad speakers with Dolby Atmos | 60W Harman Kardon (more powerful) |
| Smart Features - Determines content access | |
| Android 9.0 + FireTV Stick (upgradeable) | Built-in Android TV (integrated) |
| Throw Ratio - Distance needed from wall | |
| 0.25:1 (7.2" for 100" screen) | 0.233:1 (7.2" for 100" screen) |
| Light Source Lifespan - Long-term durability | |
| 25,000 hours | 25,000 hours |
| Professional Integration - Installation flexibility | |
| Full IP control, Control4, SAVANT, Crestron | Basic integration options |
| Focus System - Setup convenience | |
| Powered automatic focus | Powered automatic focus |
| 3D Support - Advanced viewing options | |
| Full 3D support (all formats) | Full HD 3D support |
The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro is significantly better for bright rooms with its 3300 ANSI lumens compared to the VAVA Chroma's 2500 ANSI lumens. This makes the AWOL a better choice for rooms with windows or ambient lighting.
The VAVA Chroma is more affordable at $3,499, while the AWOL LTV-3500 Pro costs $5,999. The VAVA offers better value if you have a controlled lighting environment.
The AWOL LTV-3500 Pro is superior for gaming with its low input lag of 8ms at 1080p and 15ms at 4K. The VAVA Chroma doesn't specify gaming performance, suggesting higher latency.
Yes, both the AWOL LTV-3500 and VAVA Chroma support 4K resolution (3840x2160) using DLP XPR technology.
The VAVA Chroma has more powerful built-in audio with 60W Harman Kardon speakers, compared to the AWOL LTV-3500's 36W system, though both will likely be supplemented with external speakers in a home theater setup.
Both projectors have similar ultra-short throw ratios (approximately 0.25:1), requiring only about 7-8 inches from the wall for a 100-inch image.
The AWOL LTV-3500 Pro offers superior HDR support with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, while the VAVA Chroma only supports HDR10 and HLG.
Both projectors feature 25,000-hour laser light sources, meaning they should last over 10 years with typical use.
The VAVA Chroma offers a simpler plug-and-play setup, while the AWOL LTV-3500 Pro has more complex calibration options but greater customization potential.
Yes, both support streaming. The VAVA Chroma has built-in Android TV, while the AWOL LTV-3500 comes with a Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
Both projectors offer excellent color accuracy with the AWOL covering 107% BT.2020 and the VAVA covering 106% Rec.2020, making them nearly identical in color performance.
While both projectors can project onto a white wall, an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen is recommended for optimal performance, especially for the VAVA Chroma which has lower brightness. The AWOL LTV-3500 performs better on standard screens due to its higher brightness.
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: projectorreviews.com - dreamediaav.com - youtube.com - projectorcentral.com - awolvision.com - awolvision.de - projectorjunkies.com - youtube.com - awolvision.com - projectorcentral.com - androidcentral.com - avsforum.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorreviews.com - vava.com - projectorscreenstore.com - youtube.com - projector.com.my - ust-projector.com
