Choosing Between Today's Top Ultra Short Throw Projectors: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to creating a massive home theater experience without dedicating an entire room to a traditional projector setup, ultra short throw (UST) projectors have revolutionized what's possible. Today, we're comparing two leading options: the Formovie 4K Max ($3,699) and the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 ($2,999), both representing the latest in UST technology.

The Evolution of UST Projectors

Ultra short throw projectors have come a long way since their early days. These projectors can create massive images while sitting just inches from your wall, using specialized optics that seemed like science fiction just a few years ago. The technology has matured significantly, with both brightness and image quality reaching levels that make them practical alternatives to traditional TVs, even in rooms with ambient light.

The Epson LS800, released in late 2022, brought significant improvements to the category with its gaming-focused features and impressive brightness. The Formovie 4K Max, announced for Spring 2024, pushes brightness levels even further while maintaining the premium image quality the brand is known for.

Image Technology: Two Different Approaches

These projectors take distinctly different approaches to creating their images. The Formovie uses DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology with ALPD 3.0 (Advanced Laser Phosphor Display), while Epson employs their proven 3LCD system. Here's why this matters:

DLP vs 3LCD

• DLP uses millions of tiny mirrors that flip thousands of times per second, combined with a color wheel
• 3LCD uses three separate LCD panels, one each for red, green, and blue
• DLP can sometimes create a "rainbow effect" for sensitive viewers
• 3LCD typically offers more accurate colors but might have slightly softer images

The Formovie's ALPD 3.0 technology helps overcome some traditional DLP limitations, particularly in contrast and color accuracy. However, Epson's 3LCD approach still generally produces more natural colors out of the box.

Brightness and Ambient Light Performance

Both projectors offer exceptional brightness, but there are important differences:

Formovie 4K Max

• 4,500 ANSI lumens
• Excellent for bright rooms
• Better peak brightness for HDR content

Epson LS800

• 4,000 lumens (both color and white brightness)
• More consistent brightness across colors
• Still plenty bright for most environments

In real-world use, both projectors handle ambient light admirably, but the Formovie's extra 500 lumens gives it an edge in the brightest environments. However, raw brightness isn't everything - the Epson's color brightness matching its white brightness means colors stay vibrant even in bright scenes.

Gaming Performance: A Clear Winner

For gamers, the Epson LS800 takes a decisive lead:

• 16.7ms input lag
• Dedicated gaming port
• Support for 1080p/120Hz
• Better motion handling

The Formovie doesn't specify gaming performance metrics, which typically indicates it wasn't a primary design focus. If gaming is a priority, the Epson is the clear choice.

Image Quality and Color Performance

Both projectors offer 4K resolution, but they achieve it differently:

• Formovie uses pixel shifting with a 1080p DLP chip
• Epson uses pixel shifting with a 1080p 3LCD system

In practice, both produce sharp, detailed images that look excellent at typical viewing distances. The Epson generally offers better out-of-box color accuracy, while the Formovie can produce brighter highlights for HDR content.

HDR Performance

Neither projector supports Dolby Vision, but both handle HDR10 content well:

• Formovie offers higher peak brightness
• Epson provides better shadow detail
• Both benefit from good HDR tone mapping

Installation and Setup

The installation process highlights some key differences:

Throw Ratio and Screen Size

• Epson: 0.17:1 throw ratio, up to 150" screen
• Formovie: 0.25:1 throw ratio, up to 200" screen

The Epson's shorter throw ratio means it can sit closer to the wall, which might be crucial in tight spaces. However, the Formovie's ability to project up to 200" could be compelling for those wanting the largest possible image.

Value Proposition

At $700 less, the Epson LS800 offers compelling value:

• Better gaming performance
• Excellent color accuracy
• Included Android TV
• Proven reliability

The Formovie 4K Max's premium price brings:

• Higher peak brightness
• Larger maximum screen size
• Newer technology

Real-World Performance

In actual use, both projectors excel in their intended environments. The Epson proves more versatile for mixed-use scenarios, handling everything from movies to games with aplomb. The Formovie specializes in pure home theater applications, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.

Having spent time with both technologies, I've found the Epson's color accuracy and gaming performance more valuable than the Formovie's extra brightness for most users. However, if you're planning a massive screen size or have an extremely bright room, the Formovie's advantages become more meaningful.

How to Decide

Choose the Formovie 4K Max if:

• You need the absolute brightest image possible
• You want a screen size larger than 150"
• You have a dedicated home theater room
• Maximum HDR impact is priority

Choose the Epson LS800 if:

• Gaming performance matters
• You want better value
• Color accuracy is crucial
• You have space constraints
• You need more versatility

Important Considerations for Home Theater Use

For dedicated home theater rooms, consider:

Screen Pairing

• Both projectors work best with ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens
• Screen gain can affect brightness and viewing angles
• Screen size affects brightness significantly

Room Setup

• Both need about 2 feet of depth for proper setup
• Ventilation space requirements are similar
• Both offer powered focus and keystone correction

Looking to the Future

The UST projector market continues to evolve rapidly. The Formovie 4K Max represents the latest in brightness capabilities, while the Epson LS800 shows how mature the technology has become in terms of usability and performance. Both offer compelling alternatives to traditional TVs, especially for those wanting massive screen sizes without dedicated projection rooms.

For most users, the Epson LS800's balance of performance, features, and value makes it the smarter choice. However, the Formovie 4K Max's extra brightness and larger maximum screen size could make it worth the premium for specific use cases. As always, consider your specific needs, room conditions, and budget when making your final decision.

Formovie 4K Max Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector Deals and Prices

Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 3LCD Laser Projector Deals and Prices