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

When it comes to creating a home theater experience that rivals commercial cinemas, today's Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors offer an exciting alternative to traditional TVs and projectors. I've spent considerable time with both the NexiGo Aurora Pro ($2,699) and LG CineBeam HU915QB ($6,499), and I'm here to help you understand which might be right for your setup.

Understanding UST Projectors

Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors use specialized optics to create large images from just inches away. This clever design solves many common projector placement issues and makes installation much simpler in most homes.

Both of these projectors launched in 2023, representing the latest advancements in laser projection technology. They use triple-laser systems (separate red, green, and blue lasers) instead of the older lamp or single-laser designs, which helps them produce more accurate colors and maintain consistent brightness over their lifetime.

Performance Deep Dive

Picture Quality

The LG CineBeam clearly leads in raw performance metrics, with its 3,000 ANSI lumens brightness and impressive 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. These aren't just numbers - in real-world use, this translates to noticeably better performance in rooms with ambient light and more detail in dark scenes.

However, the NexiGo Aurora Pro isn't far behind where it counts. Its 2,400 ANSI lumens and 6,000:1 contrast ratio might seem modest in comparison, but in actual viewing, it delivers excellent picture quality that will satisfy most viewers. I've found it performs particularly well in controlled lighting conditions, which is how most home theaters operate anyway.

Color Accuracy and HDR

Both projectors support HDR (High Dynamic Range), which helps deliver more lifelike images with better contrast between bright and dark areas. The NexiGo has a slight edge in format support, handling Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, while the LG skips Dolby Vision but still handles the other formats well.

In terms of color accuracy, both projectors can reproduce over 100% of the DCI-P3 color space (the standard used for digital cinema). The LG offers more professional calibration options, but the NexiGo's out-of-box performance is quite good and will satisfy most users who don't plan to hire a professional calibrator.

Gaming Performance

If you're a gamer, pay attention here - this is where these projectors really differentiate themselves. The NexiGo Aurora Pro supports 4K at 60Hz and can handle 1080p at up to 240Hz, with impressively low input lag. This makes it an excellent choice for both casual and competitive gaming.

The LG also supports gaming features but doesn't quite match the NexiGo's capabilities in this area. For most gamers, especially those playing fast-paced games, the NexiGo would be the better choice.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Both projectors offer modern smart features, but implement them differently:

• The NexiGo runs Android TV with full support for popular streaming apps
• The LG uses their proprietary smart platform, which is polished but somewhat more limited

Both include:

• Multiple HDMI 2.1 ports
• Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
• Bluetooth audio support
• USB ports for media playback

Installation and Setup

UST projectors require careful placement to achieve optimal image quality, but both these models include features to help:

• Digital keystone correction (to square up the image)
• Focus assistance
• Screen size adjustment tools

The LG includes more advanced geometric correction options, which can be helpful if you can't achieve perfect placement. However, the NexiGo's setup process is more straightforward for DIY installers.

Audio Performance

Built-in audio has traditionally been a weak point for projectors, but both these models break that mold:

• NexiGo: 60W system (15W x 2 woofers, 15W x 2 tweeters)
• LG: 40W 2.2 channel system

While both sound good enough for casual viewing, I'd still recommend a proper sound system for a true home theater setup. Both projectors support eARC for easy connection to external audio systems.

Value Proposition

Here's where things get interesting. The NexiGo Aurora Pro at $2,699 delivers about 90% of the LG's performance at roughly 40% of the price. The LG CineBeam at $6,499 offers superior performance in some areas, but the price difference is substantial.

For most users, the NexiGo represents better value. The extra money for the LG might be justified if you:

• Need maximum brightness for a bright room
• Require professional calibration options
• Value brand reputation and support infrastructure
• Want the absolute best picture quality regardless of cost

Real-World Usage Tips

After extensive testing, here are some practical insights:

• Both projectors work best with proper ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens
• The LG's higher brightness helps more in bright rooms than dark ones
• The NexiGo's gaming features make it more versatile for mixed-use setups
• Both benefit from professional installation, but the NexiGo is more forgiving for DIY

How to Decide

Consider these key factors when making your choice:

1. Budget: If you're spending under $3,000, the NexiGo is your clear choice. If budget isn't a concern, the LG offers some meaningful advantages.

1. Room Conditions:
   • Bright room → LG's higher brightness helps
     • Controlled lighting → Either option works well

1. Primary Use:
   • Mixed gaming/movies → NexiGo
     • Pure home theater → Either, with LG having slight edge
     • Professional installation → LG
     • DIY setup → NexiGo

1. Future-Proofing:
   • Both support current standards
     • NexiGo has slight edge in HDR format support
     • LG likely has better long-term support

Final Thoughts

Having spent considerable time with both projectors, I can confidently say either one can serve as the centerpiece of an impressive home theater setup. The NexiGo Aurora Pro offers exceptional value and versatility, while the LG CineBeam HU915QB delivers premium performance for those willing to pay for it.

For most users, I recommend the NexiGo. Its combination of features, performance, and value is hard to beat. However, if you're building a dedicated high-end home theater and budget isn't a major concern, the LG's superior brightness and contrast might be worth the premium.

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

LG CineBeam HU915QB 4K UHD Laser Projector Deals and Prices