Choosing Between Today's Top Ultra Short Throw Projectors: A Complete Guide

If you're looking to create a home theater experience without dedicating an entire room to a traditional projector setup, Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors have become an incredibly compelling option. Let's dive into two of the most talked-about models in this space and help you figure out which one might be right for your home.

Understanding UST Projectors in 2024

Before we compare our two contenders - the $2,799 Formovie Theater Premium and the $6,499 LG CineBeam HU915QB - let's talk about what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit several feet back from your screen, these devices sit just inches from your wall, using clever optics to create massive images from very close distances. Think of it like having a giant TV, but without the massive physical screen taking up wall space when it's not in use.

The Technology Behind These Projectors

Both projectors use laser technology, but they approach it differently. The Formovie Theater Premium employs a triple-laser ALPD 4.0 system (which stands for Advanced Laser Phosphor Display). This technology, developed by Appotronics, creates images by using three separate laser light sources - red, green, and blue - to produce incredibly accurate colors.

The LG CineBeam, released in late 2022, uses a similar three-channel laser system but adds their proprietary Brightness Optimizer II technology. This system automatically adjusts the picture based on your room's lighting conditions, which is particularly helpful if you're not watching in a completely dark room.

Picture Quality Deep Dive

Brightness and Contrast

The Formovie offers 2200 ISO lumens, while the LG boasts 3000 ANSI lumens. While these numbers might seem directly comparable, they're actually measured using different standards. In real-world use, both projectors are plenty bright for most home theater setups, even with some ambient light.

The LG takes the lead in contrast ratio with a claimed 2,000,000:1, which means it can display very deep blacks alongside bright highlights. The Formovie doesn't quote as impressive a number but still delivers excellent contrast for movie watching.

Color Accuracy and HDR

Here's where things get interesting. The Formovie Theater Premium supports Dolby Vision HDR, which is a big deal for movie lovers. Dolby Vision adjusts the picture quality frame by frame, resulting in more accurate colors and better contrast in supported content. The LG supports HDR10 and HLG but lacks Dolby Vision.

Smart Features and Connectivity

The Formovie comes with Google TV built-in, which means you get access to thousands of streaming apps without needing an external device. The interface is smooth, and having Netflix pre-installed (which isn't always a given with projectors) is a nice touch.

The LG CineBeam uses webOS, the same system found in LG's smart TVs. It's capable but might feel less familiar than Google TV to some users. Both projectors offer plenty of HDMI ports and support for external sound systems.

Real-World Performance

In my experience testing these projectors, both deliver impressive performance for movies and TV shows. The Formovie has a slight edge in gaming thanks to lower input lag, making it a better choice if you're planning to connect a gaming console.

For home theater use, either projector can deliver a cinema-like experience, but there are some key differences:

• The Formovie's Dolby Vision support makes a noticeable difference with supported content
• The LG's higher brightness helps maintain picture quality with some lights on
• Both handle sports content well, with minimal motion blur

Installation and Setup

Both projectors are relatively easy to set up, but there are some considerations:

• You'll need a proper screen - don't plan on projecting directly onto a wall
• The throw ratios (0.21:1 for Formovie, 0.19:1 for LG) mean both can sit very close to your wall
• The LG offers more advanced calibration options if you're planning to have it professionally set up

Value Proposition

At $2,799, the Formovie represents excellent value, especially considering its feature set and performance. The $6,499 LG is significantly more expensive but offers some premium features that serious home theater enthusiasts might appreciate.

How to Decide

Choose the Formovie Theater Premium if:

• You want the best value for money
• Dolby Vision support is important to you
• You'll be gaming as well as watching movies
• You prefer Google TV's interface
• You want a more recent model with newer features

Choose the LG CineBeam HU915QB if:

• Budget isn't a major concern
• You need maximum brightness
• You want professional calibration options
• You prefer LG's build quality and reliability
• You're setting up a dedicated home theater room

Future-Proofing Considerations

Both projectors support 4K resolution and various HDR formats, making them relatively future-proof. The Formovie's Dolby Vision support might give it a slight edge for future content compatibility, while the LG's higher brightness and contrast ratio provide some headroom for HDR content.

Conclusion

For most users, the Formovie Theater Premium offers the better value proposition with its combination of features, performance, and price. However, if you're a serious enthusiast with the budget for it, the LG CineBeam delivers premium performance and build quality that might justify its higher price tag.

Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs - consider your room setup, typical viewing conditions, and how you plan to use the projector before making your final decision.

Formovie Theater Premium 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector Triple Laser UST with Dolby Vision 2200 ISO Lumen Laser TV Deals and Prices

LG CineBeam HU915QB 4K UHD Laser Projector Deals and Prices