Choosing Between Two Top Ultra Short Throw 4K Projectors: A Complete Guide

If you're looking to create a high-end home theater experience without dedicating an entire room to a traditional projector setup, you're probably considering an Ultra Short Throw (UST) projector. I'll help you compare two excellent options: the Hisense PL2 ($2,500) and the AWOL Vision LTV-2500 ($2,999).

Understanding UST Projectors and Why They Matter

Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit several feet away from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images from just inches away. This technology has revolutionized home theater setups, especially for those who want a big-screen experience without mounting a projector on their ceiling or dealing with people walking through the projection beam.

Both of these projectors represent the latest generation of UST technology, with the Hisense PL2 released in late 2023 and the AWOL LTV-2500 arriving in mid-2023. The tech has come a long way - early UST projectors often struggled with image uniformity and required perfect positioning, but these newer models have largely solved these issues.

Image Quality and Performance

Brightness and Room Lighting

The Hisense PL2 boasts 2700 ANSI lumens (ANSI lumens are a standardized measurement of brightness), while the AWOL LTV-2500 offers 2000 ANSI lumens. This difference is noticeable in real-world use - I've seen both in action, and the PL2 definitely handles ambient light better. If you're planning to use the projector in a living room that gets some natural light, this could be a deciding factor.

Color and Contrast

Here's where things get interesting. The AWOL LTV-2500 covers an impressive 107% of the BT.2020 color space (the standard for ultra-high-definition television), while the Hisense PL2 covers 85% of the DCI-P3 space (the standard for digital cinema). In practical terms, the AWOL can display a wider range of colors, which becomes apparent when watching nature documentaries or movies with vibrant scenes.

Both projectors support HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, which means they can show more detail in very bright and very dark areas of the image. However, they handle it differently:

• The PL2 uses Hisense's X-Fusion laser technology and achieves a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
• The LTV-2500 uses an RGB triple laser system with a 2,500:1 native contrast ratio

Smart Features and Connectivity

This is where the Hisense PL2 really shines. It comes with a full Google TV interface built-in, meaning you can stream Netflix, Disney+, and other services without additional devices. The interface is snappy and modern, and voice control works well for finding content.

The AWOL LTV-2500 runs on a more basic Android OS, and you'll likely want to connect a streaming device like an Apple TV or Roku for the best experience. However, it does offer excellent connectivity options for home theater enthusiasts, including multiple HDMI 2.1 ports.

Installation and Setup

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

• The PL2 includes automatic geometry correction using your smartphone, which makes alignment much easier
• The LTV-2500 offers more fine-tuned manual adjustments, which home theater enthusiasts might prefer

For screen size, both can project images from 80 to 150 inches, but they need slightly different positioning. The PL2's 0.22:1 throw ratio means it needs to sit about 12 inches from the wall for a 120-inch image.

Home Theater Considerations

If you're building a dedicated home theater room, there are some additional factors to consider:

Audio Options

• The PL2 includes 30-watt Dolby Atmos-capable speakers
• The LTV-2500 has built-in stereo speakers with DTS support

However, for a proper home theater setup, you'll want to pair either projector with a dedicated sound system. Both support eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) for connecting to modern AV receivers.

Gaming Performance

Both projectors support gaming, but with different strengths:

• The PL2 offers lower input lag in game mode
• The LTV-2500 supports higher refresh rates at 1080p

Value Proposition

At $2,500, the Hisense PL2 offers excellent value, especially considering its brightness and smart features. The AWOL LTV-2500 at $2,999 costs more but justifies its premium with superior color performance and more precise image adjustments.

How to Decide

Here's my practical advice based on different scenarios:

Choose the Hisense PL2 if:

• Your room has significant ambient light
• You want an all-in-one smart TV replacement
• You prioritize ease of use
• You're working with a stricter budget

Choose the AWOL LTV-2500 if:

• You have a dedicated, light-controlled home theater room
• Color accuracy is your top priority
• You don't mind using external streaming devices
• You want the absolute best image quality regardless of cost

Final Thoughts

Both projectors represent excellent choices in the UST category, but they serve slightly different needs. The Hisense PL2 is the more versatile option, better suited for everyday use in varying light conditions. The AWOL LTV-2500 is the videophile's choice, offering superior color performance in optimal conditions.

Remember that either projector will need a proper ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen for the best performance - budget an additional $500-1,000 for this essential accessory.

Whichever you choose, both represent the current state of the art in UST projection technology, offering image sizes and quality that were unthinkable in this form factor just a few years ago. The choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs and viewing environment rather than any significant quality difference between the two.

Hisense PL2 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector Deals and Prices

AWOL Vision LTV-2500 Ultra Short Throw 4K Projector Deals and Prices