In the rapidly evolving world of home theater, ultra-short throw (UST) laser projectors have become increasingly popular, offering massive screens without the traditional projector setup hassles. Let's dive deep into comparing two leading options: the Formovie Theater 4K UST ($2,399) and the VAVA Chroma ($3,599).
Ultra-short throw projectors represent a significant advancement in home theater technology. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images from just inches away. This innovation has made projectors practical for many homes where long throw distances weren't feasible.
Both of our contenders use ALPD 4.0 RGB+ triple laser technology, which creates colors using three separate laser light sources (red, green, and blue). This approach offers superior color accuracy and brightness compared to older lamp-based or single-laser systems.
The Formovie Theater launched in 2022 and quickly gained recognition for its excellent performance-to-price ratio. The VAVA Chroma arrived slightly earlier in late 2021. Since their releases, both have received firmware updates improving various aspects of their performance, though the Formovie has seen more consistent support.
The technology in both projectors remains current, with their ALPD 4.0 laser systems representing the latest generation of this technology. However, Formovie has announced a Premium version for 2024, suggesting we're approaching a new generation of improvements.
While the VAVA Chroma boasts higher rated brightness (2500 ANSI lumens vs 1800 ISO lumens), real-world testing tells a more nuanced story. The Formovie's superior color accuracy and contrast often make it appear equally bright in practical viewing.
In rooms with ambient light, both projectors benefit significantly from an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen. These specialized screens help maintain picture quality by rejecting light from above while reflecting the projector's light back to viewers. Without an ALR screen, both projectors struggle in well-lit rooms, though the VAVA might have a slight edge in very bright conditions.
The Formovie Theater stands out with its color handling. It covers 107% of the BT.2020 color space (a technical standard for ultra-high-definition television), slightly edging out the VAVA's 106% coverage. More importantly, the Formovie's colors are more accurate out of the box, requiring less calibration for optimal performance.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) handling is another area where the Formovie pulls ahead. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+, while the VAVA only handles HDR10. Dolby Vision support is particularly valuable as it allows for dynamic adjustment of HDR settings scene-by-scene, resulting in better overall picture quality for supported content.
Contrast ratio numbers can be misleading. While the VAVA claims a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio, the Formovie's more modest 3,000:1 specification often delivers better real-world results. This is particularly noticeable in dark scenes, where the Formovie maintains better shadow detail and deeper blacks.
For gamers, input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the result on screen) is crucial. The Formovie's 18ms input lag in game mode is significantly better than the VAVA's 42ms, making it the clear choice for gaming enthusiasts. The Formovie also includes ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which automatically switches to game mode when it detects a gaming console.
The Formovie Theater runs on certified Android TV 11.0, offering a more complete smart TV experience including native Netflix support - a significant advantage over the VAVA's more limited smart features. Both projectors include various HDMI ports and support for external streaming devices, but the Formovie's integration of streaming services makes it more convenient for everyday use.
While the VAVA's 60W Harman Kardon speakers might seem superior to the Formovie's 30W Bowers & Wilkins system on paper, audio quality isn't just about power. The Formovie's audio system delivers clearer dialogue and better sound separation, though the VAVA can get louder. For serious home theater use, most users will want to pair either projector with a dedicated sound system.
Both projectors use similar throw ratios (around 0.23:1), meaning they can create a 100-inch image from roughly the same distance. However, the Formovie offers better geometric correction tools, making it easier to achieve a perfect rectangle even when the projector isn't perfectly aligned with the screen.
At $2,399, the Formovie Theater represents exceptional value, offering superior performance in most areas at a lower price point than the $3,599 VAVA Chroma. The price difference could be put toward a quality ALR screen or sound system, both of which would significantly enhance the viewing experience.
Your choice should primarily depend on your specific needs and viewing environment:
Choose the Formovie Theater if:
Choose the VAVA Chroma if:
The UST projector market continues to evolve rapidly. While both these projectors represent current technology, the upcoming Formovie Theater Premium model suggests we're on the cusp of the next generation of improvements. However, both current models remain capable performers that can deliver excellent home theater experiences.
The Formovie Theater stands as the more well-rounded and value-oriented choice, while the VAVA Chroma offers specific features that might appeal to certain users. Either way, both represent how far UST projection technology has come and hint at an exciting future for home theater enthusiasts.
| Formovie Theater 4K UST | VAVA Chroma Triple Laser |
|---|---|
| Price - Critical for value assessment | |
| $2,399 (better value for performance) | $3,599 (premium pricing) |
| Brightness - Key for ambient light viewing | |
| 1,800 ISO lumens (performs well in dark/dim rooms) | 2,500 ANSI lumens (slightly better for bright rooms) |
| Color Gamut - Impacts color vibrancy and accuracy | |
| 107% BT.2020 (more accurate out of box) | 106% BT.2020 (tends toward oversaturation) |
| HDR Support - Affects dynamic range and contrast | |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ (superior HDR processing) | HDR10 only (basic HDR support) |
| Gaming Performance - Critical for gamers | |
| 18ms input lag (excellent for gaming) | 42ms input lag (adequate for casual gaming) |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality | |
| 30W Bowers & Wilkins (more refined, better clarity) | 60W Harman Kardon (louder but less precise) |
| Smart Features - Affects ease of use | |
| Android TV 11.0, native Netflix (full smart features) | Limited smart features, no Netflix (requires external device) |
| Throw Ratio - Distance needed from screen | |
| 0.23:1 (100" image from 5.5" away) | 0.233:1 (100" image from 5.7" away) |
| Special Features - Additional capabilities | |
| ALLM, MEMC, superior geometric correction | 3D support, powered focus |
| Operating System - User interface | |
| Google certified Android TV (polished experience) | Custom Android OS (more basic interface) |
| Contrast Ratio - Affects black levels | |
| 3,000:1 (better real-world performance) | 1,500,000:1 claimed (less impressive in practice) |
| Connectivity - Input options | |
| 3x HDMI 2.0, eARC support (comprehensive) | 3x HDMI 2.0 (standard connectivity) |
| Lamp Life - Long-term durability | |
| 25,000 hours (typical laser lifespan) | 25,000 hours (typical laser lifespan) |
The Formovie Theater at $2,399 offers better value than the VAVA Chroma at $3,599, delivering superior picture quality and features at a lower price point.
The Formovie Theater offers better overall picture quality with more accurate colors, superior HDR processing, and better contrast, despite the VAVA's higher brightness rating.
Both projectors perform best in controlled lighting. The VAVA Chroma has higher rated brightness (2500 lumens vs 1800), but both require an ALR screen for optimal daytime viewing.
The Formovie Theater is significantly better for gaming with 18ms input lag compared to the VAVA's 42ms, plus it includes ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) for automatic game mode switching.
Yes, both projectors work best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen designed for UST projectors. This is essential for optimal picture quality, especially in rooms with ambient light.
The VAVA Chroma has more powerful 60W Harman Kardon speakers, while the Formovie Theater uses 30W Bowers & Wilkins speakers. The Formovie offers clearer, more refined sound despite lower power.
The Formovie Theater includes native Netflix support through its certified Android TV system. The VAVA Chroma requires an external streaming device for Netflix.
Both projectors have similar throw ratios (around 0.23:1), requiring about 5.5-6 inches from the wall for a 100-inch image.
The Formovie Theater offers better geometric correction tools for alignment, though both projectors are relatively straightforward to set up with powered focus.
Both projectors are rated for 25,000 hours of laser life, which equals about 10 years of use at 6 hours per day.
Both support 4K resolution, but the Formovie Theater offers superior HDR support with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+, while the VAVA Chroma only supports basic HDR10.
The Formovie Theater is the better choice for most users, offering superior performance at a lower price. Only consider the VAVA Chroma if you specifically need its 3D capability or higher brightness rating.
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: rtings.com - formovie.com - projectorscreen.com - projectorcentral.com - formovie.com - formovie.com - projectorcentral.com - bmcav.com.au - formovie.ca - projectorcentral.com - formovie.com - androidcentral.com - avsforum.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorreviews.com - vava.com - projectorscreenstore.com - youtube.com - projector.com.my - ust-projector.com
