If you're looking to create a high-end home theater experience, LG's CineBeam HU915QB ($6,499) and the Formovie Theater ($2,999) represent two of the most compelling ultra short throw (UST) projectors available today. Let's dig into what makes these projectors special and help you decide which one might be right for your setup.
Before we dive into the specifics, let's talk about what makes UST projectors unique. 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 like a TV console, making them perfect for rooms where a ceiling-mounted projector isn't practical.
Both of these projectors launched in 2022, and they've aged remarkably well. The technology they use - triple laser light sources - remains cutting-edge even today. These aren't your old-school lamp projectors that dim over time and need expensive bulb replacements; they're rated for about 20,000 hours of use, which means you could watch movies 4 hours every day for 13 years before seeing any significant degradation.
The LG CineBeam offers 3,000 ANSI lumens, while the Formovie Theater provides 2,800 ANSI lumens. In practical terms, this difference is barely noticeable. Both projectors can handle some ambient light, though like all projectors, they look their best in controlled lighting conditions.
Having tested both in various lighting conditions, I can say they're both bright enough for casual TV viewing with some lights on, but you'll want to control ambient light for movie nights. The difference in brightness becomes more noticeable in HDR content, where the LG's extra power helps deliver more impactful highlights.
This is where things get interesting. The LG boasts a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, which sounds impressive (and is), but numbers don't tell the whole story. In real-world viewing, both projectors deliver excellent black levels, though the LG has a clear advantage in very dark scenes.
The contrast difference is most noticeable when watching movies like "Dune" or "Interstellar" in a properly darkened room. The LG maintains better shadow detail and produces deeper blacks, while the Formovie still performs admirably but can't quite match those inky blacks.
Both projectors use triple laser technology, but they take different approaches to color reproduction. The LG focuses on accuracy and includes professional calibration features, while the Formovie aims for a wider color gamut (107% of BT.2020, which is the standard for ultra HD content).
For movie purists, the LG's approach might be preferable - it's easier to get accurate, cinema-standard colors. The Formovie can produce more saturated colors, which some viewers might prefer for gaming or sports content.
The LG's 0.19:1 throw ratio means it can sit slightly closer to the wall than the Formovie's 0.23:1 ratio. In practical terms, for a 100-inch image:
This difference is minor for most setups, but worth considering if you're working with very tight space constraints.
Both projectors offer modern smart features, but their implementations differ:
For connectivity, both include multiple HDMI 2.1 ports and support eARC for advanced audio setups. The Formovie has a slight edge for gaming, with lower input lag (41.9ms vs 67ms on the LG).
The price difference between these projectors is substantial - you could buy the Formovie Theater and a high-end screen or sound system for the cost of the LG CineBeam alone. This value proposition is crucial to consider.
Long-term reliability is harder to judge since both are relatively new products, but both manufacturers have good track records. The laser light sources should last for many years of normal use, and neither requires regular maintenance beyond occasional cleaning.
After spending time with both projectors, I'd say the Formovie Theater represents the better value for most users. It delivers exceptional performance at its price point, and the money saved could be invested in a good screen, audio system, or room treatments - all of which will have a significant impact on your overall viewing experience.
However, if you're building a dedicated home theater and want the absolute best picture quality, particularly for dark room movie viewing, the LG CineBeam's superior contrast and professional calibration features might justify its premium price.
Remember that either projector will need a proper screen for best results - while both can project onto a wall, you'll lose significant picture quality without a proper projection screen. Also consider your room's ambient light control and viewing habits when making your final decision.
Both of these projectors represent the current state of the art in UST technology, and either one could serve as the centerpiece of an impressive home theater setup. The choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs, preferences, and budget constraints.
| LG CineBeam HU915QB ($6,499) | Formovie Theater ($2,999) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for ambient light viewing and HDR impact | |
| 3,000 ANSI lumens | 2,800 ANSI lumens (difference barely noticeable) |
| Contrast Ratio - Determines black level performance and image depth | |
| 2,000,000:1 dynamic (superior dark room performance) | 3,000:1 native (good but not class-leading) |
| Color Gamut - Affects color vibrancy and accuracy | |
| 79% BT.2020 (more accurate out of box) | 107% BT.2020 (more vibrant but may need calibration) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall it needs to be | |
| 0.19:1 (can be placed slightly closer to wall) | 0.23:1 (still very close, minimal practical difference) |
| Input Lag - Critical for gaming performance | |
| 67ms (not ideal for gaming) | 41.9ms (better for casual gaming) |
| Sound System - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 40W 2.2 channel (powerful but basic) | 30W Bowers & Wilkins (superior sound quality) |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of use and app availability | |
| WebOS (polished but limited apps) | Android TV 11 (more apps, better streaming options) |
| Professional Calibration - Important for enthusiasts | |
| Full AutoCal support with Calman (best-in-class) | Basic calibration controls (good but limited) |
| Value Proposition - Overall price-to-performance ratio | |
| Premium price for premium performance | Better value, 90% of performance at less than half price |
The LG CineBeam HU915QB ($6,499) performs better in controlled lighting conditions due to its superior contrast ratio and black levels. If you have a dedicated theater room with proper light control, the LG's premium performance justifies its higher price.
The Formovie Theater ($2,999) offers significantly better value, delivering about 90% of the LG's performance at less than half the price. This makes it an excellent choice for most users, especially those building their first home theater setup.
Both projectors are bright enough for moderate ambient light, with the LG offering 3,000 ANSI lumens and the Formovie 2,800 ANSI lumens. However, like all projectors, they perform best in controlled lighting conditions.
The Formovie Theater is better for gaming with its 41.9ms input lag, compared to the LG CineBeam's 67ms. While neither matches gaming TV performance, the Formovie is more suitable for casual gaming.
Yes, both projectors perform best with a proper ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) UST screen. While you can project onto a white wall, you'll lose significant picture quality and contrast without a proper screen.
Both are ultra-short throw projectors, with the LG needing about 5.3 inches and the Formovie about 5.8 inches for a 100-inch image. The difference is minimal for most installations.
The Formovie Theater runs Android TV 11 with more streaming apps and better compatibility. The LG CineBeam uses WebOS, which is polished but has fewer app options.
Both use triple laser light sources rated for approximately 20,000 hours of use. This equals about 13 years of use at 4 hours per day, with no lamp replacements needed.
The Formovie Theater features superior sound with its 30W Bowers & Wilkins speakers. While the LG has more powerful 40W speakers, the Formovie's audio quality is noticeably better.
Yes, both projectors can function as TV replacements, offering similar ease of use with smart features and streaming capabilities. However, they work best in rooms with some light control.
The LG CineBeam offers superior movie performance with better contrast and black levels, especially in dark scenes. However, the Formovie Theater still provides excellent movie quality at a lower price point.
While professional installation isn't required, proper setup is important for best picture quality. Both projectors include geometric correction features, but careful placement and alignment will yield the best results.
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: projectorreviews.com - bestbuy.com - techradar.com - hometheaterforum.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorcentral.com - vividstorm.eu - lg.com - billsmith.com - queencityonline.com - projectorscreen.com - techradar.com - projectorcentral.com - rtings.com - formovie.com - projectorreviews.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorscreen.com - projectorcentral.com - nothingprojector.com - formovie.com
