Choosing Between Top Ultra Short Throw Projectors: A Complete Guide

The Rise of UST Projectors

Ultra short throw (UST) projectors have revolutionized home theater setups by allowing massive screens without requiring large rooms. These specialized projectors sit just inches from your wall, using advanced optics to create huge images from very close distances. Today, we're comparing two premium options: the new Formovie 4K Max ($3,699) and the established LG CineBeam HU915QB ($5,499).

Understanding the Technology

UST projectors use sophisticated lens systems and laser light sources to project images at extremely steep angles. This technology has matured significantly since 2020, with improvements in brightness, color accuracy, and installation flexibility. Both of our contenders represent the current state of the art, though they take different approaches to achieve their goals.

Brightness and Room Compatibility

The Formovie 4K Max leads with an impressive 4,500 ANSI lumens (ANSI lumens are a standardized brightness measurement). This exceptional brightness means it can deliver vibrant images even with some ambient light - perfect for multipurpose living rooms or spaces with windows. Released in early 2024, it represents the latest advances in laser brightness technology.

The LG HU915QB, launched in 2022, offers 3,000 ANSI lumens. While still bright, it's better suited for controlled lighting conditions. However, its triple laser system (using separate red, green, and blue lasers) offers some advantages in color reproduction that we'll explore later.

Real-world Impact

In practical terms, the Formovie's additional brightness means you can:

• Watch during daytime without completely darkening the room
• Maintain vibrant colors with some lights on
• Use larger screen sizes without losing image punch

Image Quality Deep-dive

Contrast and Black Levels

Here's where things get interesting. The LG boasts a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, while the Formovie offers 3,000:1 native contrast. These numbers aren't directly comparable (dynamic contrast involves active laser dimming), but the LG definitively produces deeper blacks and better shadow detail. This becomes particularly noticeable in dark scenes when watching movies in a properly darkened room.

Color Performance

The LG HU915QB covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color space (the standard used for digital cinema), while the Formovie 4K Max achieves 100% of the smaller Rec.709 space (standard HD color range). For movie enthusiasts, the LG's wider color gamut means more vivid and accurate colors, particularly in HDR content.

Value Proposition

Price differences here are significant. The Formovie's $3,699 price tag delivers exceptional brightness and solid overall performance. The LG's $5,499 MSRP (though often available for less) buys you superior contrast, better color accuracy, and more refined image processing.

Installation and Setup

Throw Ratios and Placement

• Formovie (0.25:1 ratio): Can project a 100" image from roughly 9.8 inches
• LG (0.19:1 ratio): Achieves 100" from about 7.4 inches

The LG's shorter throw ratio means it sits closer to the wall, potentially fitting better in tight spaces. However, this also makes precise alignment more critical.

Screen Compatibility

Both projectors work best with ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens, which help preserve contrast and black levels by rejecting ambient light. The Formovie's higher brightness makes it more forgiving with standard white screens, but I'd still recommend an ALR screen for either projector to get the best performance.

Audio Solutions

The LG includes a surprisingly capable 40W 2.2 channel audio system that could suffice for casual viewing. The Formovie's basic speakers are adequate but less impressive. For a proper home theater setup, you'll want external speakers with either projector.

Gaming Considerations

Neither projector is ideal for competitive gaming. The LG's 67ms input lag is noticeable, and while the Formovie's isn't specified, its MEMC (Motion Estimation Motion Compensation) processing suggests similar limitations. Casual gamers won't mind, but serious gamers should look elsewhere.

Special Features

HDR Support

Both projectors handle HDR10 content, with the LG adding dynamic tone mapping for better HDR performance. This means more detailed highlights and better overall HDR impact, particularly noticeable in high-contrast scenes.

Smart Features

The Formovie runs on FengOS, offering built-in streaming apps, while the LG uses webOS. Both are functional but not as polished as dedicated streaming devices like Apple TV or NVIDIA Shield.

How to Decide

Choose the Formovie 4K Max if:

• Your room has significant ambient light
• You want maximum brightness for daytime viewing
• Value is a primary consideration
• You need flexibility for very large screens (up to 200")

Choose the LG HU915QB if:

• You have a dedicated, light-controlled theater room
• Image quality is your top priority
• You want the best possible contrast and black levels
• Built-in audio quality matters

Looking Forward

The UST projector market continues to evolve rapidly. The Formovie 4K Max represents the latest generation with its focus on brightness, while the LG HU915QB shows what's possible when prioritizing image quality. Future models will likely continue pushing brightness boundaries while working to match the LG's contrast performance.

Final Thoughts

Both projectors excel in their intended use cases. The Formovie brings exceptional brightness and value, making it ideal for multipurpose rooms. The LG delivers superior image quality for dedicated theater spaces, justified by its premium price. Your room conditions and primary use case should guide your decision more than specs alone.

Remember: proper screen selection and room setup are crucial for either projector to perform its best. Consider these environmental factors alongside the projector's capabilities when making your choice.

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

LG CineBeam HU915QB 4K UHD Laser Projector Deals and Prices