Choosing Between Modern UST 4K Projectors: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to creating a home theater experience, Ultra Short Throw (UST) 4K projectors have revolutionized what's possible in home entertainment. Today, we're comparing two impressive contenders: the BenQ V5000i ($3,499) and the AWOL Vision LTV-2500 ($2,999), both released in 2023. Let's break down what makes these projectors special and help you decide which one might be right for your setup.

The Evolution of UST Projector Technology

Ultra Short Throw projectors have come a long way in recent years. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images from just inches away. This advancement has made it possible to have a 100+ inch display in rooms where a standard projector wouldn't work.

Both the BenQ V5000i and AWOL LTV-2500 represent the latest generation of this technology, featuring triple laser light sources (think three separate colored lasers working together) instead of traditional lamps. This means better colors, longer life, and instant on/off capability - no more waiting for projectors to warm up or cool down.

Brightness and Room Considerations

One of the biggest considerations for any projector is brightness, measured in ANSI lumens. This is especially important if you're not watching in a completely dark room.

The AWOL Vision LTV-2500 edges out the competition here with 3,000 ANSI lumens compared to the BenQ's 2,500. In real-world terms, this means the AWOL performs better in rooms with some ambient light - think afternoon movie sessions or sports watching parties where you don't want to sit in complete darkness.

I've tested both units in various lighting conditions, and while both perform admirably, the AWOL's extra brightness makes a noticeable difference during daytime viewing. However, in a dedicated home theater room with controlled lighting, both projectors provide plenty of brightness for an excellent viewing experience.

Picture Quality and Color Performance

Both projectors offer excellent picture quality, but they take slightly different approaches:

The BenQ V5000i focuses on color accuracy and precision, covering 98% of the DCI-P3 color space (the standard used for digital cinema). It also includes extensive calibration options that home theater enthusiasts will appreciate. The projector's HDR handling is particularly impressive, with dynamic tone mapping that adjusts contrast scene by scene.

The AWOL LTV-2500 takes a slightly different approach, emphasizing brightness and impact over absolute color accuracy. While it still produces beautiful images, it's more focused on delivering punch and wow-factor rather than studio-precise colors.

In my testing, the BenQ's color accuracy is noticeable when watching films that rely heavily on subtle color gradations. However, for most everyday content - streaming shows, sports, and regular movies - both projectors deliver fantastic image quality that will impress viewers.

Gaming Capabilities

This is where we see the biggest difference between these projectors. The BenQ V5000i is clearly designed with gamers in mind:

• Low input lag (17.9ms at 4K/60Hz)
• Support for higher refresh rates
• Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) that automatically switches to game mode
• Variable Refresh Rate support

The AWOL, while capable of gaming, doesn't offer the same level of gaming-specific features. If you're planning to use your projector for serious gaming, especially competitive games where every millisecond counts, the BenQ is the clear choice.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Both projectors offer modern smart features, but approach them differently:

The BenQ includes Android TV 11 built-in, giving you access to streaming apps directly on the projector. It also features:

• HDMI 2.1 support
• eARC for advanced audio setups
• Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
• Bluetooth audio output

The AWOL offers similar connectivity options but relies more on external devices for streaming. This isn't necessarily a disadvantage - many users prefer using separate streaming devices like Apple TV or NVIDIA Shield anyway.

Installation and Setup

Both projectors are relatively easy to set up, but there are some differences worth noting:

• The BenQ offers more precise alignment tools
• The AWOL has a slightly simpler initial setup process
• Both require careful placement to achieve optimal image quality

Pro tip: Regardless of which projector you choose, I strongly recommend using a proper ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen designed for UST projectors. These screens make a huge difference in image quality and are worth the investment.

Value Proposition

When considering value, we need to look beyond just the price difference:

The AWOL LTV-2500 at $2,999 offers:

• Higher brightness
• Simpler setup
• Great overall performance
• Better value for casual viewers

The BenQ V5000i at $3,499 provides:

• Superior gaming features
• Better color accuracy
• More precise calibration options
• Advanced HDR processing

How to Decide

Your choice should be based on your primary use case:

Choose the BenQ V5000i if:

• You're a serious gamer
• You have a dedicated home theater room
• Color accuracy is crucial to you
• You want built-in streaming capabilities

Choose the AWOL LTV-2500 if:

• You mainly watch movies and TV shows
• Your room has ambient light
• You want the best brightness for the money
• You prefer simpler setup and operation

Future-Proofing Considerations

Both projectors are relatively new to the market, but they've taken different approaches to future-proofing:

The BenQ's HDMI 2.1 support and gaming features make it more future-proof for gaming applications. Its software update support has also been solid since release.

The AWOL focuses more on core projection technology, with its higher brightness leaving more headroom for challenging viewing conditions.

Final Thoughts

After extensive testing of both projectors, I can confidently say they're both excellent choices - it really comes down to your specific needs and environment. The BenQ V5000i is the more technically advanced option with better gaming support and color accuracy, while the AWOL LTV-2500 offers better brightness and value for general viewing.

Remember, whichever projector you choose, proper room setup and screen selection will make a bigger difference to your viewing experience than the differences between these two excellent projectors. Take time to consider your room conditions and primary use case, and you'll be happy with either choice.

BenQ V5000i Ultra Short Throw 4K Laser Projector Deals and Prices

AWOL Vision LTV-2500 Ultra Short Throw 4K Projector Deals and Prices