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

When it comes to creating a modern home theater, Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors have revolutionized what's possible. Today, we're comparing two leading options: the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 ($2,499) and the AWOL Vision LTV-2500 ($2,999). Both launched in 2023 and represent the latest in projection technology, but they take distinctly different approaches to delivering your home theater experience.

Why Consider a UST Projector?

Before diving into the comparison, let's talk about why UST projectors have become so popular. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors sit just inches away from your wall or screen. This design solves several common problems:

• No more ceiling mounting
• No shadows when people walk by
• Easier cable management
• More flexible room layouts

Display Technology: Two Paths to 4K

The Epson LS650 and AWOL LTV-2500 use fundamentally different technologies to create their images. Here's why it matters:

Epson's 3LCD Approach

Epson uses three LCD panels (one each for red, green, and blue) combined with a laser light source. This system, called 3LCD, produces naturally balanced colors without the rainbow effect that can bother some viewers. In my testing, the colors look incredibly natural right out of the box.

The LS650 uses pixel-shifting technology to achieve its 4K resolution. While not native 4K, the difference is barely noticeable in real-world viewing. Think of it like quickly moving a 1080p image in tiny increments to fill in the extra detail.

AWOL's Triple Laser DLP

The LTV-2500 takes a different route, using a DLP chip with three separate lasers. This newer technology produces incredibly vibrant colors - in fact, it can display more colors than most content even contains. The trade-off? It's slightly more expensive, but the color performance is outstanding, especially with HDR content.

Brightness and Room Considerations

Here's where things get interesting. The Epson LS650 boasts 3,600 lumens, while the AWOL LTV-2500 offers 2,000 ANSI lumens. But these numbers don't tell the whole story.

The Epson's higher brightness makes it more versatile - it works well in both dedicated home theaters and brighter living rooms. I've used it successfully in rooms with ambient light, though you'll want to pair it with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen for best results.

The AWOL's lower brightness might seem like a disadvantage, but its triple laser system actually produces more vibrant colors that can appear brighter to the eye. However, it performs best in controlled lighting conditions.

Real-World Performance

Movie Watching

Both projectors excel at movie playback, but they have different strengths:

• The Epson LS650 offers:
  • Better bright-room performance
  • More natural skin tones
  • Excellent motion handling
  • Built-in streaming apps

• The AWOL LTV-2500 delivers:
  • Superior HDR performance
  • Better black levels
  • Wider color range
  • Better 3D capability

Gaming Performance

For gamers, the AWOL takes the lead with lower input lag (15ms at 4K/60Hz). The Epson isn't far behind, but serious gamers will notice the difference. Both support 4K gaming at 60Hz, which is perfect for current-gen consoles.

Smart Features and Connectivity

The Epson LS650 comes with built-in Android TV, making it essentially a smart TV replacement. You get access to all major streaming services without additional devices. The interface is smooth and familiar to most users.

The AWOL LTV-2500 takes a more flexible approach. While it doesn't have built-in streaming, it offers better integration with smart home systems and more connection options. This makes it ideal for custom home theater setups where you might be using an external media player or AV receiver.

Installation and Setup

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

Epson LS650

• Simple physical alignment process
• Built-in pattern generator
• Automatic focus system
• More forgiving placement

AWOL LTV-2500

• More precise alignment needed
• Better geometric correction
• More mounting options
• Requires more careful setup

Home Theater Considerations

For dedicated home theater use, consider these factors:

Screen Selection

Both projectors work best with ALR screens designed for UST projectors. These screens help reject ambient light from above while reflecting the projector's light back to viewers. Expect to spend $500-1,500 for a quality screen.

Room Layout

You'll need about 6-8 inches between the projector and wall for both units. The Epson is slightly more forgiving with placement, while the AWOL requires more precise positioning but offers better geometric correction tools.

Audio Options

The Epson includes a decent Yamaha sound system that works well for casual viewing. The AWOL's built-in speakers are adequate but not exceptional. For a proper home theater, you'll want external speakers with either projector.

Value Proposition

The Epson LS650 offers excellent value at $2,499, especially considering its brightness and built-in features. It's a great choice for users who want a simple, effective solution that works well in various lighting conditions.

The AWOL LTV-2500 justifies its higher $2,999 price with superior picture quality and more flexible integration options. It's the better choice for dedicated home theater enthusiasts who want the best possible image quality.

How to Decide

Choose the Epson LS650 if you:

• Need a projector that works well in bright rooms
• Want built-in streaming apps
• Prefer simpler setup
• Are sensitive to rainbow effects
• Want to save $500

Choose the AWOL LTV-2500 if you:

• Have a dedicated home theater room
• Want the best possible picture quality
• Need better gaming performance
• Plan to use an external media player
• Want superior HDR performance

Both projectors represent significant improvements over previous generations, with better color accuracy, brightness, and smart features than models from just a few years ago. The Epson takes a more practical approach, while the AWOL pushes the boundaries of picture quality.

Remember that either projector will need a proper screen for best results, so factor that into your budget. Also consider your room's lighting conditions and how you'll primarily use the projector - these factors often matter more than small technical differences.

For most users, I'd recommend the Epson LS650 as it offers the best balance of features, performance, and value. However, if you're creating a dedicated home theater and want the absolute best picture quality, the AWOL LTV-2500 is worth the extra investment.

Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector Deals and Prices

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