Choosing Between Today's Best Ultra Short Throw 4K Projectors: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to creating a high-end home theater experience, Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors have revolutionized what's possible in home entertainment. Today we're comparing two leading options: the Formovie Theater Premium ($2,999) and the NexiGo Aurora Pro ($2,449).

Understanding UST Projectors

Before diving into the 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 means you can place them in a TV console and still get a 100-inch or larger picture - something that would cost tens of thousands of dollars with a traditional TV.

Release Timing and Technology Evolution

The NexiGo Aurora Pro was released in late 2023, while the Formovie Theater Premium arrived in October 2024 as an upgrade to their original model. This timing difference shows in some of their features - the Formovie incorporates newer HDR processing and smart TV features, while the NexiGo has had time to mature and receive software updates addressing early issues.

Picture Quality Deep Dive

Brightness and Room Lighting

One of the biggest practical differences between these projectors is how they handle ambient light. The NexiGo's 2400 ANSI lumens outshines the Formovie's 2200 ISO lumens (different measurement standards, but the NexiGo is noticeably brighter). In real-world use, this means:

• The NexiGo works better in rooms with windows or bright lighting
• The Formovie performs best in controlled lighting conditions
• Both can handle some ambient light, but you'll get the best picture in a darker room

Color Performance and HDR

Color accuracy and HDR (High Dynamic Range) handling show interesting trade-offs between these models:

• The Formovie offers superior out-of-box color accuracy
• Both support Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+
• The NexiGo has better contrast (6000:1 vs 3000:1) thanks to its dynamic laser dimming
• Both use RGB triple laser technology for wide color gamut

For movie enthusiasts, the Formovie's better color accuracy might be worth the premium price, especially if you're planning to watch in a dedicated theater room.

Gaming Performance

Gaming has become a major consideration for projector buyers, and these models handle it quite differently:

• NexiGo: 17.8ms input lag at 4K/60Hz
• Formovie: 43ms input lag at 4K/60Hz

The NexiGo's significantly lower input lag makes it the clear choice for gamers. For context, anything under 30ms is considered good for gaming, so the NexiGo performs exceptionally well here.

Smart Features and Connectivity

The smart platform experience varies considerably between these projectors:

• Formovie offers full Google TV with better app support
• NexiGo uses a more basic Android TV implementation
• Both support streaming, but the Formovie has better native app integration

If you're planning to use external streaming devices like an Apple TV or NVIDIA Shield, these differences matter less. However, for an all-in-one solution, the Formovie's better smart features are a significant advantage.

Installation and Setup

Both projectors are relatively straightforward to set up, but there are some differences:

• Both require careful placement for optimal image alignment
• The Formovie has a slightly shorter throw ratio, meaning it can sit closer to the wall
• Both offer keystone correction, but it's best avoided for optimal image quality

In my experience setting up UST projectors, the key is taking time to get the physical placement right rather than relying on digital corrections.

Value Proposition

The $550 price difference between these projectors requires careful consideration:

The NexiGo Aurora Pro offers:

• Better brightness
• Superior gaming performance
• Better contrast ratio
• Lower price point

The Formovie Theater Premium provides:

• Better color accuracy
• Superior smart features
• Newer technology
• Better HDR processing

How to Decide

Your choice should ultimately depend on your specific needs:

Choose the Formovie Theater Premium if:

• You're creating a dedicated home theater
• Color accuracy is your top priority
• You want the best built-in streaming experience
• You primarily watch movies and TV shows
• You have good light control in your room

Choose the NexiGo Aurora Pro if:

• You need better brightness for a bright room
• Gaming is a priority
• You want the best contrast for movie watching
• You're using external streaming devices
• Value is important to you

Real-World Performance Notes

In my testing, both projectors impressed me with their capabilities, but in different ways. The NexiGo's brightness and contrast made it more versatile across different lighting conditions, while the Formovie's color accuracy and smart features provided a more premium experience in optimal conditions.

For home theater enthusiasts, both projectors can create impressive large-format displays, but they excel in different environments. The Formovie shines in a dedicated theater room, while the NexiGo adapts better to multi-purpose spaces.

Final Thoughts

Both projectors represent excellent value in the UST projector market, especially compared to large-format TVs. The NexiGo Aurora Pro offers better brightness and gaming performance at a lower price point, while the Formovie Theater Premium provides superior color accuracy and smart features for those willing to pay more.

The choice ultimately comes down to your specific use case and environment. Consider your room's lighting conditions, primary use cases (gaming vs. movies), and whether you need built-in smart features or plan to use external devices.

Remember that proper installation and screen selection are crucial for getting the best performance from either projector. A high-quality ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen is recommended for both models, especially if you'll be using them in rooms with ambient light.

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

NexiGo Aurora Pro 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector Deals and Prices