When it comes to creating a theater-like experience at home, Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors have revolutionized what's possible. Today, we'll compare two leading options: the $2,799 Formovie Theater Premium and the $5,999 AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro, both released in late 2023.
Before diving into our comparison, let's understand what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images from just inches away. This clever technology uses specially designed lenses and mirrors to project an image upward and outward, meaning you can place the projector right under your screen without casting shadows when you walk by.
Both of these projectors represent the latest in triple-laser technology, which is a significant leap forward from traditional lamp-based projectors. Triple-laser systems use separate red, green, and blue lasers to create incredibly accurate colors while lasting much longer than lamp projectors - we're talking 20,000+ hours versus 3,000-4,000 hours for lamps.
The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro boasts 3,500 ANSI lumens, while the Formovie Theater Premium offers 2,200 ISO lumens. Let's decode what this means:
In real-world use, the AWOL Vision has a noticeable advantage in brighter rooms. I've tested both in my living room with large windows, and while both perform well, the AWOL maintains more vibrant colors when the blinds are partially open.
Both projectors deliver excellent 4K resolution (3840x2160 pixels) and support HDR content, including Dolby Vision. The color gamut coverage is identical at 107% of BT.2020, which is impressive - this means they can display more colors than most TVs.
Key differences:
For gamers, input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen) is crucial:
AWOL Vision:
Formovie Theater:
The AWOL is clearly superior for gaming, especially for fast-paced titles where every millisecond counts.
The Formovie's integrated Google TV is more elegant, offering a smoother experience without needing external streaming devices. However, the AWOL's inclusion of a Fire TV Stick is a practical solution that works well.
Both projectors offer built-in sound systems:
In my testing, the Formovie's B&W speakers provide noticeably better audio quality, though most users will want to pair either projector with a dedicated sound system for a true home theater experience.
At $2,799, the Formovie Theater Premium represents excellent value, offering:
The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro at $5,999 justifies its premium price with:
Both projectors need similar basic requirements:
The Formovie's slightly shorter throw ratio (0.21:1 vs 0.25:1) means it can sit closer to the wall, which might matter in very tight spaces.
For both projectors, I strongly recommend an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen. These screens are specifically designed for UST projectors and help maintain picture quality even with some ambient light. Expect to budget $500-1,500 for a good ALR screen.
Consider these key factors:
Both projectors represent current state-of-the-art technology, but the field is evolving quickly. We're seeing trends toward:
However, both these models should remain competitive for years to come, thanks to their strong core specifications and updatable software.
For most users, the Formovie Theater Premium provides the better value proposition. Its picture quality, built-in streaming, and audio capabilities make it an excellent choice for home theater enthusiasts who want a premium experience without breaking the bank.
The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro justifies its higher price for specific users - particularly those needing maximum brightness or serious gamers. Its performance in bright rooms and gaming-friendly features make it worth the premium for the right user.
Remember, either projector will provide an impressive big-screen experience that can transform your home entertainment. The key is matching the projector to your specific needs and environment.
| Formovie Theater Premium ($2,799) | AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro ($5,999) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for ambient light performance and screen size flexibility | |
| 2,200 ISO lumens (good for moderate lighting) | 3,500 ANSI lumens (excellent for bright rooms) |
| Input Lag - Lower numbers mean better gaming experience | |
| 43ms @ 4K/60Hz (casual gaming only) | 15ms @ 4K/60Hz (excellent for serious gaming) |
| Contrast Ratio - Higher numbers mean better black levels and image depth | |
| 3,000:1 (superior dark room performance) | 2,500:1 (good but slightly less dynamic) |
| Smart Features - Determines how easily you can access streaming content | |
| Built-in Google TV (convenient, no extra devices needed) | Android 9.0 + included Fire TV Stick (more flexible but less integrated) |
| Audio System - Important if not using external speakers | |
| Bowers & Wilkins tuned speakers (premium audio quality) | 36W stereo with Dolby Atmos (good but less refined) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall unit needs to be | |
| 0.21:1 (can be placed closer to wall) | 0.25:1 (needs slightly more distance) |
| Color Gamut - Wider coverage means more vibrant colors | |
| 107% BT.2020 (excellent color range) | 107% BT.2020 (equally excellent) |
| HDR Support - More formats mean better compatibility | |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ (comprehensive) | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG (most comprehensive) |
| Light Source Lifespan - Longer life means better value | |
| 20,000+ hours (typical usage: 10+ years) | 25,000 hours (typical usage: 12+ years) |
For a dedicated home theater space, the Formovie Theater Premium ($2,799) offers better value with superior contrast ratio and excellent built-in audio. However, if budget isn't a concern, the AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro ($5,999) provides brighter images and better gaming performance.
The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro performs significantly better in bright rooms with its 3,500 ANSI lumens compared to the Formovie Theater Premium's 2,200 ISO lumens. For rooms with large windows or significant ambient light, the AWOL is the better choice.
The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro is clearly superior for gaming with its 15ms input lag at 4K/60Hz and 8ms at 1080p/120Hz. The Formovie Theater Premium has higher input lag (43ms at 4K), making it more suitable for casual gaming.
The Formovie Theater Premium includes built-in Google TV, eliminating the need for external streaming devices. The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro comes with a Fire TV Stick 4K Max but requires using this external device for streaming.
The Formovie Theater Premium offers better value at $2,799 with comparable picture quality and superior built-in features. The AWOL Vision justifies its higher $5,999 price primarily through brightness and gaming performance.
Both projectors work best with ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens specifically designed for UST projectors. Regular projector screens will work but won't optimize the performance of either the Formovie Theater Premium or AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro.
The Formovie Theater Premium features Bowers & Wilkins-tuned speakers that provide superior audio quality. While the AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro offers good 36W stereo sound with Dolby Atmos support, it's not quite as refined.
The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro supports slightly larger screens up to 150 inches, while the Formovie Theater Premium is optimized for screens up to 120 inches. Both perform best between 100-120 inches for typical home theater use.
The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro fully supports 3D content in multiple formats. The Formovie Theater Premium is expected to support 3D through a future firmware update.
The Formovie Theater Premium has a slightly shorter throw ratio (0.21:1) making it easier to position in tight spaces. Both projectors offer similar setup features, but the Formovie's integrated streaming makes initial configuration simpler than the AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro.
Neither the Formovie Theater Premium nor the AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro absolutely requires professional installation, but both benefit from careful setup to achieve optimal image alignment and quality. DIY installation is feasible with patience and attention to detail.
Both projectors use triple-laser technology with excellent longevity. The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro is rated for 25,000 hours, while the Formovie Theater Premium should last 20,000+ hours - both translating to 10+ years of typical use.
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 - projectorscreen.com - avsforum.com - rtings.com - nothingprojector.com - formovie.com - bmcav.com.au - projectorcentral.com - digitalcinema.com.au - projectorreviews.com - techpowerup.com - nothingprojector.com - projectorjunkies.com - digitaltrends.com - youtube.com - avsforum.com - dreamediaav.com - awolvision.de - projectorreviews.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - projectorjunkies.com
