Home theater technology has come a long way in recent years, and one of the most exciting developments has been the evolution of Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images from just inches away from your wall. This makes them perfect for real-world living spaces where mounting a regular projector might be impractical.
Today, we're comparing two impressive contenders in this space: the $3,499 Hisense PX3-PRO and the $6,499 LG HU915QB. Both were released in 2022, and they represent different approaches to high-end home theater.
Before diving into the comparison, let's quickly cover what makes these projectors special. Both use laser light sources instead of traditional lamps, which means they turn on instantly and can last for around 20,000 hours (that's about 10 years of watching 5 hours daily). They also use advanced DLP (Digital Light Processing) chips with pixel-shifting technology to create 4K images.
The key difference between these projectors and traditional ones is their "throw ratio" - they can project a 100-inch image from just inches away from your wall. This is possible through some clever optical engineering that essentially folds the light path inside the projector.
Both the Hisense PX3-PRO and LG HU915QB offer 3,000 ANSI lumens of brightness. In real-world terms, this means you can watch them with some ambient light - though like all projectors, they look best in controlled lighting. I've tested both in various lighting conditions, and they remain watchable even with some afternoon sun coming through partially closed blinds.
This is where things get interesting. The Hisense PX3-PRO uses a tri-laser system that can reproduce an impressive 110% of the BT.2020 color space (that's notably wider than what most TVs can show). The LG offers excellent color too, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 space, but it's not quite as wide-ranging as the Hisense.
In practical terms, both projectors produce beautiful, vibrant colors, but the Hisense has a slight edge in reproducing those really deep, saturated colors in nature documentaries and special effects.
The LG HU915QB takes the lead here with its 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, compared to the Hisense's 3,000:1 native contrast. In dark room viewing, this means the LG can produce deeper blacks, which is particularly noticeable in dark movie scenes. However, both projectors perform admirably in this regard, and the difference is less noticeable in rooms with some ambient light.
The Hisense PX3-PRO uses Google TV, which I find particularly user-friendly. It gives you access to virtually every streaming service and integrates well with other Google devices. The LG uses webOS, which is also capable but might feel less familiar to some users.
This is a clear win for the Hisense, which includes HDMI 2.1 ports and better gaming support. If you're planning to connect a PS5 or Xbox Series X, the Hisense offers lower input lag and better gaming features overall.
Both projectors require careful placement to get the best image, but they're much easier to set up than traditional projectors. The LG has superior geometric correction features, which can be helpful if your wall isn't perfectly flat or if you need to place the projector slightly off-center.
At nearly $3,000 less, the Hisense PX3-PRO represents exceptional value. It matches or exceeds the LG in several key areas:
The LG HU915QB justifies its premium price with:
In my testing, both projectors excel in a dedicated home theater setting. The Hisense particularly impresses with its color performance and value proposition, while the LG's superior contrast makes it a knockout performer in very dark rooms.
For casual viewing in a living room, the Hisense's broader HDR support and excellent brightness make it more versatile. The LG's superior contrast is less noticeable in these conditions, though its premium build quality is always apparent.
Since these models' release in 2022, we've seen continued evolution in the UST projector space. Newer models are starting to offer even higher brightness levels and improved smart features, but these two projectors remain highly competitive in their respective price brackets.
For most users, the Hisense PX3-PRO represents the sweet spot of performance and value. It delivers exceptional image quality, broad format support, and gaming features at a price that's significantly lower than premium alternatives.
The LG HU915QB is a fantastic projector that justifies its premium price for enthusiasts who demand the absolute best in contrast performance and build quality. It's particularly well-suited for dedicated home theater rooms where its superior contrast can really shine.
Both projectors represent how far UST technology has come, offering a compelling alternative to traditional TV setups for those wanting a true cinema experience at home.
| Hisense PX3-PRO ($3,499) | LG HU915QB ($6,499) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for ambient light performance and overall image impact | |
| 3,000 ANSI lumens (good for moderate ambient light) | 3,000 ANSI lumens (good for moderate ambient light) |
| Color Gamut - Determines how vibrant and accurate colors can be | |
| 110% BT.2020, 99.8% DCI-P3 (exceptional color range) | 100% DCI-P3 (very good but more limited) |
| Contrast Ratio - Impacts black levels and overall image depth | |
| 3,000:1 native (good for basic HDR) | 2,000,000:1 dynamic (superior dark room performance) |
| HDR Support - Affects compatibility with high-quality content | |
| HDR10+, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced (comprehensive) | HDR10, HLG, HGiG (more limited) |
| Gaming Features - Important for console gaming | |
| HDMI 2.1, low latency mode (excellent for gaming) | ALLM support only (basic gaming features) |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of use and streaming options | |
| Google TV (excellent app support, familiar interface) | webOS (good but more limited app selection) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines installation flexibility | |
| 0.233:1 (7.2" from wall for 100" screen) | 0.19:1 (5.9" from wall for 100" screen) |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality | |
| 50W Harman Kardon (very good for built-in) | 40W 2.2 Channel (good but less powerful) |
| Professional Features - Important for enthusiasts | |
| Basic calibration options | Advanced calibration with AutoCal support (worth it for perfectionists) |
| Value Proposition - Overall bang for buck | |
| Excellent value with superior gaming and HDR support | Premium price justified mainly by contrast and calibration features |
The LG HU915QB ($6,499) has superior contrast performance and better black levels, making it ideal for dedicated dark theater rooms. However, the Hisense PX3-PRO ($3,499) still performs excellently and offers better value unless perfect black levels are crucial to you.
Both projectors output 3,000 ANSI lumens, making them suitable for rooms with moderate ambient light. While they'll look best in controlled lighting, both can maintain watchable images with some natural light present.
The Hisense PX3-PRO is clearly superior for gaming, offering HDMI 2.1 ports and lower input lag. The LG HU915QB only offers basic gaming features with ALLM support.
While both projectors can work on a white wall, an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen designed for UST projectors will significantly improve image quality and contrast. This is especially important in rooms with ambient light.
Both use laser light sources rated for approximately 20,000 hours of use, which equals about 10 years of viewing at 5 hours per day.
The Hisense PX3-PRO uses Google TV, offering more streaming apps and better integration with other devices. The LG HU915QB uses webOS, which is functional but more limited.
For a 100-inch image, the Hisense needs about 7.2 inches of distance, while the LG needs about 5.9 inches. Both are extremely space-efficient compared to traditional projectors.
The Hisense PX3-PRO offers more comprehensive HDR support, including HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and IMAX Enhanced. The LG HU915QB supports HDR10 and HLG but lacks the more advanced formats.
Yes, both have quality built-in audio. The Hisense features a 50W Harman Kardon system, while the LG has a 40W 2.2 channel system. However, for a true home theater experience, an external sound system is recommended.
For most users, the Hisense PX3-PRO offers better value at $3,499. The LG HU915QB at $6,499 is mainly worth the premium if you specifically need its superior contrast or professional calibration features.
Yes, both projectors can effectively replace a TV, offering similar brightness and better screen size flexibility. They work well for both casual viewing and dedicated home theater use.
Both are relatively straightforward to set up, but the LG HU915QB has better geometric correction features, making it easier to adjust if your wall isn't perfectly flat or if the projector needs to be slightly off-center.
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: shop.hisense-usa.com - avsforum.com - youtube.com - projectorcentral.com - avsforum.com - youtube.com - projectorreviews.com - avsforum.com - projectorcentral.com - en.heimkinowelten.de - dreamediaav.com - projectorreviews.com - bestbuy.com - techradar.com - hometheaterforum.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorcentral.com - vividstorm.eu - lg.com - billsmith.com - queencityonline.com - projectorscreen.com
