Choosing Between Today's Best Ultra Short Throw 4K Projectors

Looking to build your dream home theater without a ceiling-mounted projector? Let's compare two of the most compelling Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors available today: the $3,499 BenQ V5000i and the $3,299 Hisense PX3-PRO. Both offer stunning 4K picture quality while sitting just inches from your wall, but they have some key differences worth understanding.

What Makes UST Projectors Special?

Before diving into the comparison, let's understand why UST projectors have become increasingly popular. Unlike traditional projectors that need to be mounted far from the screen, UST projectors sit very close to your wall - typically just 4-15 inches away. Using specially designed optics, they can project massive images from this short distance, making them perfect for rooms where a regular projector setup isn't practical.

Picture Quality and Performance

Both projectors use advanced triple laser light sources, which is a significant upgrade from older lamp-based projectors. These lasers provide more accurate colors and turn on instantly without warm-up time.

The BenQ V5000i delivers 2,500 ANSI lumens (a standard measure of brightness) and covers 98% of the DCI-P3 color space (the standard used for digital cinema). In practical terms, this means vivid, accurate colors that pop even with some ambient light in the room.

The Hisense PX3-PRO pushes brightness higher to 3,000 ANSI lumens and achieves an impressive 110% of the BT.2020 color space - currently the gold standard for HDR content. This extra brightness makes it more versatile in brighter rooms, though both projectors perform best in controlled lighting.

Real-world testing shows both projectors deliver excellent picture quality, but the Hisense has a slight edge in brightness and color range. However, the BenQ tends to have better out-of-box color accuracy, requiring less calibration for optimal performance.

Gaming Capabilities

Here's where these projectors show their different priorities. The BenQ V5000i was clearly designed with gamers in mind, offering incredibly low input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen) of just 17.9ms at 4K/60Hz. It also supports 4K resolution at 120Hz refresh rate, making it one of the most responsive UST projectors available.

The Hisense PX3-PRO takes a different approach. While it supports gaming well enough for casual players, its input lag is higher. However, it offers IMAX Enhanced certification and Dolby Vision support, which can make compatible games look stunning. It's more focused on delivering a premium movie and TV watching experience.

Setup and Flexibility

Both projectors are relatively easy to set up, but there are important differences in their flexibility:

The Hisense PX3-PRO can project images from 80 to 150 inches, giving you more options for different room sizes. It also includes automated geometry correction and focus features that make initial setup easier.

The BenQ V5000i maxes out at 100 inches but offers more precise manual adjustments for getting the perfect image. This can be better for permanent installations where you'll set it up once and leave it.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Both projectors offer modern smart TV platforms - the BenQ runs Android TV 11, while the Hisense uses Google TV. Both give you access to all major streaming services and apps, though the Hisense interface feels slightly more polished and current.

For connections, both include multiple HDMI ports supporting the latest standards (HDMI 2.1), which is crucial for gaming consoles and high-end home theater equipment. The Hisense adds Dolby Atmos support for its built-in speakers, though most buyers will likely use external audio systems.

Value Proposition

At $3,299, the Hisense PX3-PRO offers slightly better value for most users. You get higher brightness, larger maximum screen size, and Dolby Vision support for $200 less than the BenQ. However, if gaming is a priority, the $3,499 BenQ V5000i justifies its premium with class-leading gaming performance.

Home Theater Considerations

For dedicated home theater rooms, both projectors excel but in different ways. The BenQ's superior gaming performance and accurate colors make it perfect for mixed-use theater rooms where gaming is important. The Hisense's higher brightness and larger maximum screen size make it ideal for more traditional home theater setups, especially in rooms where ambient light can't be fully controlled.

How to Decide

Choose the BenQ V5000i if:

• Gaming performance is a top priority
• You prefer more accurate out-of-box colors
• You're limited to a 100-inch screen
• You value precise manual adjustments

Choose the Hisense PX3-PRO if:

• You want the largest possible screen size
• Your room has more ambient light
• You prioritize HDR movie performance
• Built-in audio quality matters
• You want the best overall value

Conclusion

Both projectors represent the current state of the art in UST technology, but they serve slightly different needs. The Hisense PX3-PRO offers better all-around value and versatility for most users, while the BenQ V5000i is the clear choice for gaming enthusiasts who demand the lowest possible input lag.

Remember that either projector will need a proper screen designed for UST projectors - regular projector screens won't work as well due to the extreme angle of the light. Also consider your room's layout and lighting conditions, as these factors can significantly impact your experience with any projector.

Whichever you choose, both represent a significant step forward in home theater technology, offering cinema-like experiences without the traditional compromises of projector setup.

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

Hisense PX3-PRO 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector Deals and Prices