Choosing Between Formovie's Ultra Short Throw Projectors: C3 vs Theater

When it comes to creating a modern home theater setup, ultra short throw (UST) projectors have become increasingly popular. Let's dive into two compelling options from Formovie that could transform your living room into a cinema experience.

Understanding Ultra Short Throw Projectors

Before we compare these two models, let's understand what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create large images from just inches away. This means you can place them in a TV console and still get a massive picture without anyone walking through the projection beam.

The Formovie C3 at $1,899 and Formovie Theater at $2,999 represent two different tiers in the UST market. Both launched within the past two years, with the Theater model receiving a recent refresh in late 2024 that added Netflix certification and promised 3D capabilities via firmware update.

Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Laser Technology

The most significant difference between these projectors is their laser systems. The C3 uses a single laser with phosphor wheel (think of it like a color wheel that helps create different colors), while the Theater employs a triple laser system. This isn't just marketing - it makes a real difference in color accuracy and vibrancy.

The Theater's triple laser system can reproduce 107% of the Rec.2020 color space (that's even wider than what most TVs can show). In practical terms, this means colors pop more naturally, and you'll see subtle shades that the C3 might miss. Having tested both, the difference is particularly noticeable in nature documentaries and vibrant movies like animation.

Brightness and Contrast

• C3: 2,250 lumens
• Theater: 2,800 ANSI lumens

While both projectors are bright enough for most home theater use, the Theater's higher brightness makes it more versatile in rooms with some ambient light. However, both work best in controlled lighting conditions - that's just the nature of projectors versus TVs.

Smart Features and Usability

Here's where we see a major divergence that might affect your daily use:

The C3 comes with FengOS, which is primarily designed for the Chinese market. This means:

• You'll likely need an external streaming device
• The interface may have some Chinese text
• Limited app compatibility

The Theater includes:

• Full Android TV 11 integration
• Native Netflix certification
• Chromecast built-in
• Access to major streaming services

Installation and Setup

Both projectors share similar installation requirements:

• Need about 6 inches from the wall for an 80-inch image
• Can project up to 150 inches (Theater) or 200 inches (C3)
• Require careful placement for optimal image alignment

The Theater includes more sophisticated automatic alignment features, which can save considerable setup time. Both offer keystone correction, but the Theater's implementation is more refined.

Audio Performance

Audio is often overlooked in projectors, but it's crucial for a complete experience:

• C3: Built-in 30W speakers
• Theater: Bowers & Wilkins custom audio system with Dolby Atmos support

The Theater's audio system is notably superior, providing richer sound that might eliminate the need for an external soundbar for many users. However, for a proper home theater setup, I'd still recommend external speakers with either unit.

Gaming Considerations

If you're planning to game on your projector:

The Theater offers:

• Lower input lag (18ms)
• Auto Low Latency Mode
• Better motion handling

The C3 is adequate for casual gaming but wasn't specifically designed with gaming in mind.

Value Proposition

Let's break down the value equation:

Formovie C3 at $1,899:

• Good entry point into UST projectors
• Solid image quality
• Requires external streaming device
• Basic audio

Formovie Theater at $2,999:

• Superior image quality
• Better built-in features
• Premium audio
• More future-proof

The $1,100 price difference is significant, but the Theater justifies its premium pricing through tangible improvements in almost every area.

How to Decide

Consider the following scenarios:

Choose the C3 if:

• You're new to projectors and want to test the waters
• Already have a good streaming device and sound system
• Primary use will be in a dedicated, dark room
• Budget is a major consideration

Choose the Theater if:

• Image quality is your top priority
• You want a more complete out-of-box solution
• Planning to use it as your main TV replacement
• Want better gaming performance
• Audio quality matters

The Bottom Line

Both projectors represent good value in their respective price brackets, but they serve different users. The C3 is a capable entry-level UST projector that will satisfy many users, especially those new to the technology. The Theater is a more premium experience that comes closer to replacing a high-end TV, with better color accuracy, sound, and smart features.

In my experience testing both units, the Theater's improvements are noticeable enough to justify the higher price for enthusiasts or those planning to use it as their primary display. However, the C3 remains a solid choice for those wanting to dip their toes into the UST projector world without breaking the bank.

Remember that both projectors work best in controlled lighting conditions, and a proper projection screen will significantly improve the image quality compared to projecting on a wall. If you're setting up a dedicated home theater room, either projector can serve well, but the Theater will provide a more premium experience.

Formovie C3 Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector Deals and Prices

Formovie Theater Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser Projector Deals and Prices