Looking to create a stunning home theater without dedicating an entire room to a traditional projector setup? Modern Ultra Short Throw (UST) laser projectors might be exactly what you need. Let's compare two of the most compelling options released in 2023: the $3,499 BenQ V5000i and the $2,799 Formovie Theater Premium.
Before diving into the specifics, let's understand what makes these projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images from just inches away. They use advanced laser technology instead of traditional bulbs, offering better colors, longer life, and instant on/off capability.
The tech has evolved significantly in recent years. While early UST projectors struggled with image quality and required perfect placement, modern units like these offer flexible positioning and impressive picture quality that rivals high-end TVs.
Both projectors deliver excellent 4K resolution (that's 3840 x 2160 pixels - four times the detail of standard HD), but there are some important differences in how they handle image quality.
The BenQ V5000i leads in raw brightness with 2,500 ANSI lumens compared to the Formovie Theater Premium's 2,200 ISO lumens. In practical terms, this means the BenQ performs better in rooms with some ambient light - think afternoon sports viewing or casual gaming sessions where you don't want to sit in complete darkness.
However, the Formovie has an ace up its sleeve with Dolby Vision support. Dolby Vision is an advanced HDR (High Dynamic Range) format that adjusts picture quality scene-by-scene, resulting in more natural-looking images with better contrast and color. The BenQ supports HDR10 and HDR10+, which are still excellent but not quite as sophisticated as Dolby Vision.
If you're a gamer, pay attention here. The BenQ V5000i offers exceptional gaming performance with input lag as low as 8.7ms at 1080p/240Hz. Input lag is the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen - lower numbers mean more responsive gameplay. The Formovie's 34ms lag isn't bad, but serious gamers will notice the difference.
Both projectors support 4K gaming at 60Hz, but the BenQ's lower latency makes it the clear choice for competitive gaming. I've tested both with fast-paced games, and while casual gamers will be happy with either option, the BenQ's responsiveness is noticeably better.
Both projectors run Android TV 11.0, giving you access to popular streaming services without needing external devices. They include built-in apps like Netflix, Disney+, and access to the Google Play store. Both also support Google Assistant for voice control.
The BenQ offers slightly better connectivity with HDMI 2.1 support (important for gaming at 4K 120Hz) and eARC for high-quality audio passthrough to external sound systems. The Formovie's connections are still comprehensive but stick to HDMI 2.0.
One of the best things about UST projectors is their flexibility in home theater setups. Both projectors can create a 100-inch image from just inches away from your wall. However, there are some considerations:
Here's where things get interesting. The Formovie Theater Premium offers fantastic value at $2,799, while the BenQ V5000i asks for an additional $700 at $3,499. Is the BenQ worth the premium?
For gaming enthusiasts or those needing maximum brightness, yes. The BenQ's superior gaming performance and higher brightness justify the cost. However, for movie enthusiasts or those primarily watching streaming content, the Formovie's Dolby Vision support and lower price make it a compelling choice.
Having spent time with both projectors, I can say they're both impressive performers. The BenQ's extra brightness is noticeable in rooms with ambient light, while the Formovie's Dolby Vision support really shines in dark room movie viewing.
Color accuracy is excellent on both units, though they take slightly different approaches. The BenQ offers more detailed color management controls for those who like to fine-tune their picture, while the Formovie delivers great results out of the box.
Choose the BenQ V5000i if:
Choose the Formovie Theater Premium if:
Both projectors represent current technology, but their different strengths might age differently. The BenQ's gaming features and higher brightness might prove more valuable over time, while the Formovie's Dolby Vision support ensures it'll handle future HDR content well.
Both projectors are excellent choices for a modern home theater. The BenQ V5000i excels in gaming and bright room performance, while the Formovie Theater Premium offers better value and superior HDR movie watching. Your choice should ultimately depend on your primary use case and viewing environment.
Remember, whichever you choose, investing in a good ALR screen and sound system will help you get the most from your new projector. These aren't just TVs replacements - they're the foundation of a true home theater experience.
| $3,499 BenQ V5000i | $2,799 Formovie Theater Premium |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for rooms with ambient light | |
| 2,500 ANSI lumens (better for bright rooms) | 2,200 ISO lumens (requires more light control) |
| HDR Support - Impacts color and contrast quality in movies | |
| HDR10, HDR10+ (good but not best) | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ (superior for movies) |
| Gaming Input Lag - Lower numbers mean better gaming responsiveness | |
| 8.7ms at 1080p/240Hz (excellent for gaming) | 34ms at 1080p/240Hz (okay for casual gaming) |
| Color Gamut - Wider coverage means more vivid colors | |
| 98% DCI-P3, 95% BT.2020 (excellent) | 107% BT.2020 (slightly better) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall/screen needed | |
| 0.25:1 (needs 11" for 100" image) | 0.21:1 (needs 9.5" for 100" image) |
| Sound System - Built-in audio quality matters if not using external speakers | |
| 40W Trevolo (very good built-in audio) | 15W x2 (adequate but basic) |
| Smart Features - Affects ease of use without external devices | |
| Android TV 11, Netflix certified | Android TV 11, Google TV interface |
| Value Proposition - Overall bang for buck | |
| Higher price but better for gaming/bright rooms | Better value for movie viewing, includes Dolby Vision |
The $2,799 Formovie Theater Premium has an advantage for dedicated movie viewing thanks to its Dolby Vision support and excellent contrast performance. While the BenQ V5000i also performs well, the Formovie's superior HDR capabilities make it the better choice for cinematic content in controlled lighting conditions.
The $3,499 BenQ V5000i leads with 2,500 ANSI lumens compared to the Formovie Theater Premium's 2,200 ISO lumens, making it better suited for rooms with ambient light or daytime viewing.
The BenQ V5000i is significantly better for gaming with its 8.7ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz, compared to the Formovie Theater Premium's 34ms. Serious gamers will notice the difference in responsiveness.
Yes, both projectors perform best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen designed for UST projectors. While they can project onto a white wall, an ALR screen significantly improves image quality and contrast.
The $2,799 Formovie Theater Premium offers better value with similar core performance and Dolby Vision at $700 less than the BenQ V5000i, unless gaming or bright room viewing is a priority.
Both projectors can create a 100-inch image from very close to the wall. The Formovie Theater Premium needs about 9.5 inches while the BenQ V5000i needs about 11 inches.
Yes, both projectors run Android TV 11.0 with access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and the Google Play store. No external streaming device is required.
The BenQ V5000i has superior built-in audio with its 40W Trevolo sound system, while the Formovie Theater Premium has basic 15W x2 speakers. However, for a true home theater experience, external speakers are recommended for both.
Yes, both projectors offer true 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) and can handle 4K content from streaming services, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players.
The BenQ V5000i has an advantage for sports viewing due to its higher brightness and better motion handling, making it better suited for fast-moving content in varying light conditions.
While professional installation isn't required, proper setup is important for both projectors. The main challenges are achieving perfect alignment and ensuring the projector is level. Basic DIY skills are sufficient for most users.
Both projectors use triple laser technology with approximately 20,000-30,000 hours of laser life. At 4 hours of daily use, this means 13-20 years of operation before significant brightness reduction.
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: projectorscreen.com - projectorscreen.com - avsforum.com - techradar.com - projectorreviews.com - projectorcentral.com - digitaltrends.com - digitaltrends.com - ooberpad.com - techradar.com - projectorscreen.com - avsforum.com - rtings.com - nothingprojector.com - formovie.com - bmcav.com.au - projectorcentral.com - digitalcinema.com.au - projectorreviews.com - techpowerup.com - nothingprojector.com
