When it comes to creating a theater-like experience at home, Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors have become increasingly popular. Today, we'll compare two impressive options: the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 ($2,799) and the AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro ($5,999). Let's explore what makes these projectors special and help you decide which one might be right for your setup.
Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images while sitting just inches from your wall. This clever design means no more dealing with ceiling mounts or worrying about people walking through the projection beam. It's a game-changer for home theater enthusiasts who want a clean, modern setup.
The Epson LS650 and AWOL LTV-3500 take different approaches to creating their images. Epson uses their tried-and-true 3LCD technology, which splits light into three colors using special LCD panels. This method eliminates the "rainbow effect" that some viewers notice with DLP projectors and ensures consistent color brightness. The LS650 uses pixel-shifting to create a 4K-like image, displaying 4.1 million pixels instead of the full 8.3 million pixels of true 4K.
The AWOL LTV-3500 Pro, on the other hand, employs a triple laser system with DLP technology to achieve true 4K resolution. Its RGB laser light source covers an impressive 107% of the BT.2020 color space - that's significantly more colors than most TVs can display. While both projectors look fantastic, the AWOL's superior color range and resolution give it a noticeable edge in image quality.
Having seen both projectors in action, I can tell you that brightness isn't an issue for either one. The LS650's 3,600 lumens and the LTV-3500's 3,500 lumens both provide plenty of punch, even with some ambient light present. However, you'll still want to control room lighting for the best experience - these aren't magical devices that completely defeat sunlight!
For movie watching, both projectors handle HDR content, but the LTV-3500 Pro has more advanced support including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. These formats allow for dynamic adjustment of brightness and contrast throughout a scene, resulting in more lifelike images. The LS650 still produces beautiful HDR images, but its more basic HDR10 support means it's not quite as nuanced.
If you're a gamer, the LTV-3500 Pro has a slight advantage with lower input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen). It can achieve 8ms at 1080p resolution or 15ms at 4K. The LS650 is still perfectly acceptable for casual gaming but doesn't quite match these numbers.
The LS650 comes with Android TV built-in, which means easy access to streaming services right out of the box. However, some users have reported occasional sluggishness with the interface. The LTV-3500 Pro takes a different approach, working seamlessly with external streaming devices while focusing on image quality.
Both projectors have changed the game since their release, with the LS650 arriving in late 2023 and the LTV-3500 Pro shortly before. The technology continues to evolve, particularly in terms of HDR handling and smart features.
For the best experience with either projector, you'll want to pair it with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen. These specialized screens help maintain image contrast even with some room lighting. Both projectors work well with screens up to 120 inches, though the LTV-3500 Pro can go larger, up to 150 inches.
When it comes to sound, the LS650 includes a surprisingly capable Yamaha-designed audio system with dual 25-watt speakers. The LTV-3500 Pro's 36-watt system is also good, but for a true home theater experience, you'll likely want to connect either projector to a dedicated sound system.
Here's where things get interesting: the LS650 delivers exceptional value at $2,799, offering most of what home theater enthusiasts need. The LTV-3500 Pro at $5,999 provides superior image quality and more advanced features, but at more than twice the price.
Consider your priorities:
If you want:
If you need:
Both projectors represent the current state of UST technology, but they approach it differently. The LS650 aims to provide the best value for most users, while the LTV-3500 Pro pushes the boundaries of what's possible in home projection.
The technology continues to evolve, with manufacturers working on improving brightness, color accuracy, and smart features. However, both of these projectors are recent enough that they'll remain current for years to come.
Remember that either projector can transform your living space into an impressive home theater. The choice ultimately comes down to your budget and how important those extra features and image quality improvements are to your viewing experience. For most users, the LS650's value proposition is compelling, but if you're a videophile seeking the absolute best, the LTV-3500 Pro's premium features might be worth the investment.
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 |
AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro |
|---|---|
| Price - Primary consideration for value assessment | |
| $2,799 (excellent value for features) | $5,999 (premium pricing) |
| Resolution Technology - Determines image sharpness and detail | |
| 4K PRO-UHD (4.1M pixels via pixel-shifting) | True 4K UHD (8.3M pixels) |
| Brightness - Critical for rooms with ambient light | |
| 3,600 ANSI lumens (excellent for bright rooms) | 3,500 ANSI lumens (very capable) |
| Color Technology - Impacts color accuracy and vibrancy | |
| 3LCD (good color, no rainbow effect) | Triple laser (107% BT.2020, exceptional color) |
| HDR Support - Affects contrast and color in HDR content | |
| Basic HDR10, HLG | Advanced HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision |
| Maximum Screen Size - Determines viewing scale options | |
| 120 inches (suitable for most rooms) | 150 inches (more flexible for larger spaces) |
| Gaming Performance - Important for responsive gaming | |
| Standard input lag (casual gaming) | 8ms@1080p/15ms@4K (serious gaming capable) |
| Smart Features - Affects ease of use | |
| Built-in Android TV (occasional stability issues) | External streaming device required |
| Sound System - Built-in audio quality | |
| 2.1 Yamaha system (50W total, very good) | 36W stereo (good, but less powerful) |
| Laser Life - Long-term ownership consideration | |
| 20,000 hours | 25,000 hours |
Both the Epson LS650 and AWOL LTV-3500 Pro perform well in bright rooms with their 3,600 and 3,500 ANSI lumens respectively. The Epson has a slight edge in brightness, making it marginally better for very bright environments.
The Epson LS650 costs $2,799, while the AWOL LTV-3500 Pro is priced at $5,999. This significant price difference of $3,200 makes the Epson a more budget-friendly option while still offering excellent performance.
The AWOL LTV-3500 Pro delivers true 4K resolution (8.3 million pixels), while the Epson uses pixel-shifting to achieve 4.1 million pixels. For most viewers, both look sharp, but the AWOL has a technical advantage in detail.
Yes, both excel at movie watching. The AWOL LTV-3500 Pro has superior HDR support including Dolby Vision, while the Epson LS650 offers excellent contrast and color accuracy. Both create an immersive home theater experience.
The AWOL LTV-3500 Pro is better for gaming with its lower input lag (8ms at 1080p, 15ms at 4K). The Epson is suitable for casual gaming but isn't optimized for competitive play.
Yes, both projectors work best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen designed for UST projectors. This type of screen helps maintain contrast and image quality, especially in rooms with ambient light.
The Epson LS650 supports screens up to 120 inches, while the AWOL LTV-3500 Pro can project up to 150 inches. Consider your room size and viewing distance when choosing between them.
The AWOL offers 25,000 hours of laser life, while the Epson provides 20,000 hours. Both should last many years under normal use, making them reliable long-term investments.
The Epson includes Android TV for built-in streaming, while the AWOL requires an external streaming device. The Epson's all-in-one solution is more convenient but can be less responsive than dedicated streaming devices.
The Epson LS650 features a superior 2.1 Yamaha sound system with 50W total power, compared to the AWOL LTV-3500 Pro's 36W stereo system. However, for the best home theater experience, an external sound system is recommended for either projector.
Yes, both projectors excel in dedicated theater rooms. The AWOL's superior color accuracy and HDR support make it particularly appealing for dedicated spaces, while the Epson's higher brightness helps with occasional ambient light.
The Epson LS650 offers better value for most users, delivering excellent performance at a lower price point. The AWOL LTV-3500 Pro justifies its higher price with superior technical specifications but may exceed many users' needs and budgets.
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: techradar.com - youtube.com - projectorscreen.com - news.epson.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorreviews.com - avsforum.com - projectorcentral.com - news.epson.com - audiogeneral.com - projectorjunkies.com - digitaltrends.com - youtube.com - avsforum.com - dreamediaav.com - awolvision.de - projectorreviews.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - projectorjunkies.com
