If you're looking to create a stunning home theater experience without dedicating an entire room to a traditional projector setup, Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors offer an exciting solution. Today, we're comparing two leading options: the BenQ V5010i and the LG CineBeam HU915QB, which represent different approaches to bringing the big screen home.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images from just inches away from your wall. This technology has revolutionized home theater setups, especially for those who want a massive screen but don't have the space for a traditional projector installation.
The technology has come a long way since the first UST projectors appeared around 2019. Early models struggled with brightness and color accuracy, but today's units rival traditional long-throw projectors in image quality while offering much more flexible installation options.
The biggest technical difference between these projectors is their light source design. The BenQ V5010i uses a single laser system outputting 2500 ANSI lumens, while the LG HU915QB employs a more advanced triple laser system producing 3000 ANSI lumens.
What does this mean in real terms? The triple laser system in the LG produces more precise colors without requiring a color wheel (a spinning disc that traditional projectors use to create colors). This results in better color accuracy and eliminates the "rainbow effect" that some viewers notice with single-laser systems. However, the BenQ's implementation is still impressive, and many users might not notice the difference unless viewing side-by-side.
Both projectors offer 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), but they handle image processing differently:
In real-world viewing, the LG's higher brightness and contrast make it the better choice for dedicated home theater rooms where image quality is paramount. However, the BenQ holds its own remarkably well, especially considering its price point.
Here's where things get interesting for gamers. The BenQ V5010i includes ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and maintains lower input lag, making it the better choice for gaming. The LG's 67ms input lag, while fine for casual gaming, might frustrate competitive players who need faster response times.
Having tested both projectors in various lighting conditions, I can say that both handle ambient light better than you might expect. The LG's extra brightness gives it an edge, but the BenQ's 2500 lumens are still plenty bright for most situations. If you're planning to use the projector in a living room with some ambient light, either option will work well.
For dedicated home theater use, consider these factors:
Both projectors offer modern smart features, but implement them differently:
The price difference between these projectors is substantial. The LG HU915QB typically retails around $6,500, while the BenQ comes in significantly lower. This price gap makes the BenQ an attractive option for many users, especially those new to UST projectors.
Consider what you're getting for the extra cost of the LG:
Is it worth the difference? That depends entirely on your priorities and budget.
Consider these questions when choosing:
Both projectors represent current UST technology well, but the category continues to evolve. We're seeing new models with even higher brightness levels and improved gaming features. However, both these units should remain competitive for years to come, thanks to their strong core features and performance.
The BenQ V5010i represents excellent value in the UST projector space, offering strong performance across the board. It's particularly appealing for mixed-use scenarios and gaming.
The LG HU915QB stands as a premium option, delivering superior image quality and brightness at a premium price. It's the choice for enthusiasts who demand the best possible image quality.
Both projectors excel at what they do, but they target different segments of the market. Your choice should align with your specific needs, room setup, and budget rather than purely technical specifications.
For most users, the BenQ's combination of performance and value will be the sweet spot. However, if you're creating a dedicated home theater and budget allows, the LG's superior image quality might be worth the premium.
| BenQ V5010i | LG CineBeam HU915QB |
|---|---|
| Light Engine Type - Impacts color accuracy and long-term reliability | |
| Single laser system | Triple laser system (superior color accuracy) |
| Brightness - Critical for ambient light performance and HDR impact | |
| 2,500 ANSI lumens | 3,000 ANSI lumens (noticeably brighter) |
| Contrast Ratio - Determines black level performance and image depth | |
| Not specified | 2,000,000:1 (significantly better dark scene performance) |
| Gaming Input Lag - Essential for responsive gaming experience | |
| Under 20ms (excellent for gaming) | 67ms (suitable for casual gaming only) |
| Color Gamut Coverage - Affects color vibrancy and accuracy | |
| 98% DCI-P3 | 94% DCI-P3 (both excellent) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines installation flexibility | |
| 0.25:1 | 0.19:1 (can be placed slightly closer to wall) |
| Built-in Audio - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 40W (2.2 channel) | 40W (2.2 channel) with better bass response |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of use and streaming capabilities | |
| Android TV (more apps, slower interface) | WebOS (faster, fewer apps) |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| Mid-tier pricing (better value for most users) | $6,499 (premium pricing for enthusiasts) |
| Professional Calibration Support - Important for videophiles | |
| Basic calibration options | Advanced Calman AutoCal support |
The LG CineBeam HU915QB is superior for dedicated home theaters due to its higher contrast ratio, better black levels, and triple laser system. However, the BenQ V5010i still performs well and offers better value if budget is a concern.
Both projectors are bright enough for living room use. The LG outputs 3,000 ANSI lumens while the BenQ provides 2,500 ANSI lumens. Both will work well with some ambient light, though the LG has a slight advantage in brighter rooms.
The BenQ V5010i is significantly better for gaming with input lag under 20ms and ALLM support. The LG HU915QB has higher input lag (67ms), making it less suitable for competitive gaming.
Yes, both projectors work best with ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens designed for UST projectors. This is essential for optimal picture quality and contrast, especially in rooms with ambient light.
The LG HU915QB offers superior picture quality with its triple laser system and 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. The BenQ V5010i still provides excellent image quality but with slightly less contrast and color accuracy.
Both projectors can be placed very close to the wall. The LG has a 0.19:1 throw ratio while the BenQ has a 0.25:1 ratio, meaning they can create large images from just inches away from the wall.
Yes, both have smart platforms. The BenQ uses Android TV with more app options but slower performance, while the LG uses WebOS which is faster but has fewer apps available.
Both projectors feature 40W 2.2 channel audio systems. While adequate for casual viewing, we recommend external speakers or a sound system for a true home theater experience.
Both projectors use laser light sources rated for approximately 20,000 hours of use, which equals about 10 years of viewing at 5-6 hours per day.
Yes, both the BenQ V5010i and LG HU915QB support true 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) and can display 4K content from various sources.
The BenQ V5010i offers better value for most users with excellent performance at a lower price point. The LG's premium features justify its higher price only for dedicated home theater enthusiasts.
While both can be set up by users, professional installation is recommended for optimal alignment and calibration, especially for the LG HU915QB to take full advantage of its advanced calibration features. The BenQ V5010i is generally easier to set up yourself.
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: projectorscreenstore.com - projectorreviews.com - thesmarthomehookup.com - lbtechreviews.com - youtube.com - benq.com - projectorscreen.com - projectorcentral.com - visunext.co.uk - fonearena.com - projektoren-datenbank.com - benq.com - projectorreviews.com - bestbuy.com - techradar.com - hometheaterforum.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorcentral.com - vividstorm.eu - lg.com - billsmith.com - queencityonline.com - projectorscreen.com
