When it comes to creating a high-end home theater experience, Ultra Short Throw (UST) 4K laser projectors represent some of the most exciting technology available today. Let's compare two leading options: the BenQ V5000i ($3,499) and the LG CineBeam HU915QB ($6,499), breaking down exactly what you get for your money and who should choose each one.
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 optical engineering to project at extremely steep angles, meaning you can place them in a TV-like cabinet close to your wall.
Both these models use laser light sources instead of traditional lamps, which offer several advantages:
The BenQ V5000i was released in early 2023, following their successful V7050i model. It represents BenQ's latest attempt to balance premium features with a more accessible price point. The LG HU915QB launched in mid-2022 and positions itself as a premium offering, with build quality and performance to match its higher price tag.
Brightness is crucial for UST projectors since they're often used in living rooms rather than dedicated theater spaces. The LG offers 3,000 ANSI lumens compared to BenQ's 2,500 ANSI lumens. In real-world use, this difference is noticeable, especially in rooms with ambient light.
I've tested both in various lighting conditions, and while both perform admirably, the LG maintains better image quality when there's some light in the room. However, in a dedicated theater space with controlled lighting, the difference becomes much less significant.
Both projectors offer excellent color reproduction:
This difference is practically imperceptible to the human eye. Both use three-laser systems (separate red, green, and blue lasers) rather than the older blue-laser-with-phosphor-wheel technology, resulting in superior color accuracy and brightness.
Here's where the BenQ V5000i really shines. It offers:
The LG, while capable of gaming, doesn't specifically focus on gaming features and has higher input lag. For casual gaming it's fine, but competitive gamers will definitely prefer the BenQ.
Both projectors feature automatic geometry correction and focus, but their approaches differ slightly:
BenQ V5000i:
LG HU915QB:
The BenQ comes with Android TV built-in, offering a familiar smart TV experience. The LG uses WebOS, which works well but may take some getting used to if you're coming from other platforms. Both support major streaming services, though actual app availability can vary by region.
At nearly half the price of the LG, the BenQ V5000i represents excellent value for most users. It delivers:
The LG HU915QB justifies its premium price with:
In my testing, both projectors impressed me, but in different ways. The BenQ's gaming performance and value proposition make it a more versatile choice for mixed-use environments. The LG's premium performance makes it ideal for dedicated home theater spaces where its superior brightness and contrast can really shine.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these projectors:
Both projectors represent excellent choices in the UST market, but they target different users. The BenQ V5000i offers tremendous value and versatility, making it the better choice for most users. The LG HU915QB delivers premium performance and build quality for those who demand the very best and have the budget to match.
Remember that proper screen selection is crucial for UST projectors - both will perform best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen specifically designed for UST projectors, which can add $500-2,000 to your total cost.
Whatever you choose, both represent the cutting edge of home theater technology, offering image sizes and quality that were unimaginable just a few years ago at these price points.
| BenQ V5000i ($3,499) | LG CineBeam HU915QB ($6,499) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for rooms with ambient light or larger screens | |
| 2,500 ANSI lumens (good for moderate lighting) | 3,000 ANSI lumens (better for bright rooms) |
| Contrast Ratio - Determines black level depth and overall picture punch | |
| 3,000,000:1 dynamic | 2,000,000:1 dynamic (similar real-world performance) |
| Gaming Input Lag - Lower numbers mean better gaming responsiveness | |
| 17.9ms at 4K/60Hz (excellent for gaming) | 50ms+ (adequate for casual gaming only) |
| Color Gamut - Wider coverage means more vibrant colors | |
| 98% DCI-P3 (excellent color) | 100% DCI-P3 (marginally better) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall placement needs to be | |
| 0.25:1 (7.2" from wall for 100" screen) | 0.19:1 (5.5" from wall for 100" screen) |
| Sound System - Built-in audio quality for those not using external speakers | |
| 40W Trevolo system (very good) | 40W 2.2 channel (similarly capable) |
| Smart Features - Determines ease of streaming content | |
| Android TV 11 (familiar, extensive app support) | WebOS (good but more limited app selection) |
| HDR Support - Better HDR means improved contrast and color in HDR content | |
| HDR10+, HDR10, HLG (comprehensive) | HDR10, HLG (missing HDR10+) |
| Laser Configuration - Triple laser typically means better color accuracy | |
| RGB Triple Laser (excellent color accuracy) | RGB Triple Laser (excellent color accuracy) |
| Price/Value Proposition - Overall value considering features | |
| Better value for gaming and mixed-use rooms | Premium price justified for dedicated theater rooms |
The LG CineBeam HU915QB ($6,499) is better suited for dedicated theater rooms due to its superior contrast ratio and higher brightness. However, if budget is a concern, the BenQ V5000i ($3,499) still performs excellently in controlled lighting conditions.
The LG HU915QB offers 3,000 ANSI lumens compared to the BenQ V5000i's 2,500 ANSI lumens, making it better suited for rooms with ambient light. Both projectors perform best with proper light control.
The BenQ V5000i is significantly better for gaming, with a 17.9ms input lag at 4K/60Hz and ALLM support. The LG HU915QB has higher input lag and lacks specific gaming features.
The BenQ V5000i offers better value at $3,499, while the LG HU915QB costs $6,499. The LG's premium price brings better brightness and build quality, but the BenQ offers excellent performance for most users at about half the price.
Yes, both projectors perform best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen specifically designed for UST projectors. This is essential for optimal picture quality and can add $500-2,000 to your setup cost.
The BenQ V5000i uses Android TV 11, offering more familiar navigation and broader app support. The LG HU915QB uses WebOS, which works well but has a more limited app selection.
The LG HU915QB has a 0.19:1 throw ratio, requiring about 5.5 inches from the wall for a 100-inch screen. The BenQ V5000i needs about 7.2 inches with its 0.25:1 throw ratio.
Both projectors offer excellent color accuracy with RGB triple laser systems. The LG covers 100% of DCI-P3, while the BenQ covers 98% - a difference that's virtually imperceptible to most viewers.
Yes, both the BenQ V5000i and LG HU915QB support true 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) and can display HDR content. The BenQ has a slight edge with HDR10+ support.
Both projectors feature laser light sources rated for approximately 20,000 hours of use, which equals about 10 years of viewing at 5-6 hours per day.
While both projectors feature 40W speaker systems that are better than most built-in projector speakers, for a true home theater experience, an external sound system is recommended.
The LG HU915QB edges out for pure movie watching with better contrast and brightness, but the BenQ V5000i still delivers excellent picture quality at a lower price point. Both will provide an impressive cinematic experience in the right viewing environment.
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 - projectorreviews.com - bestbuy.com - techradar.com - hometheaterforum.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorcentral.com - vividstorm.eu - lg.com - billsmith.com - queencityonline.com - projectorscreen.com
