The home theater projector market has evolved dramatically in recent years, with Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors becoming increasingly popular. Today, we're comparing two leading options: the premium $5,999 Samsung Premiere 9 and the value-focused $2,999 AWOL Vision LTV-2500. Both launched in late 2023, representing the latest in UST technology.
Before diving into specifics, 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 makes them perfect for rooms where mounting a regular projector isn't practical.
Think of them as a bridge between conventional projectors and large TVs - they offer massive screen sizes without requiring dedicated theater rooms. They use specially designed lenses and advanced processing to prevent image distortion despite their extreme angle.
The Samsung Premiere 9 really shines in picture quality. Its triple laser system (using separate red, green, and blue lasers) produces incredibly accurate colors covering 154% of the DCI-P3 color space - that's technical speak for "it can show more colors than most content even contains." At 3,450 lumens brightness, it's notably brighter than many competitors, including the AWOL.
The AWOL Vision LTV-2500 isn't far behind, though. It also uses a triple laser system but achieves about 95% of the DCI-P3 color space. While that's less than the Samsung, it's still excellent and more than enough for most content. Its 2,000 lumens brightness is good but means you'll want better light control in your room.
What's fascinating is how both handle HDR (High Dynamic Range) content:
Here's where things get interesting. The Samsung's 0.19:1 throw ratio means it needs just 4.5 inches from the wall for a 100-inch image. The AWOL requires slightly more space with its 0.25:1 ratio.
Both projectors include powered focus and keystone correction (which helps square up the image if the projector isn't perfectly aligned). From personal experience setting up several UST projectors, I can say the Samsung's setup process is more refined and user-friendly.
Surprisingly, the AWOL takes the lead here. It offers:
The Samsung's 55ms input lag is fine for casual gaming but might frustrate competitive players. This is one area where the price premium doesn't translate to better performance.
The Samsung's Tizen OS provides a full smart TV experience similar to their high-end TVs. You get:
The AWOL uses Android TV, which is capable but less polished. Both offer three HDMI inputs, but Samsung's implementation of eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) is more reliable in my testing.
Built-in audio is often an afterthought in projectors, but both companies have made serious efforts here:
The Samsung Premiere 9 includes:
The AWOL Vision LTV-2500 offers:
After spending time with both projectors, here's what stands out:
Choose the Samsung if:
Choose the AWOL if:
Both projectors represent significant improvements over previous generations, with better color accuracy, brightness, and smart features. The Samsung Premiere 9 is clearly the superior technical product, but the AWOL Vision LTV-2500 provides remarkable value that makes it the more practical choice for many users.
Remember that either projector will benefit greatly from a proper ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen - budget about $1,000 extra for this essential accessory.
The market continues to evolve, but these two models represent some of the best options available in early 2024. Whether you prioritize absolute performance or value, both the Samsung Premiere 9 and AWOL Vision LTV-2500 deliver impressive home theater experiences that can transform any living space.
| Samsung Premiere 9 ($5,999) | AWOL Vision LTV-2500 ($2,999) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for ambient light performance | |
| 3,450 ISO lumens (excellent for bright rooms) | 2,000 ANSI lumens (best in controlled lighting) |
| Light Source - Impacts color accuracy and longevity | |
| Triple laser with 20,000 hour life | Triple laser with 25,000 hour life |
| Color Gamut - Determines color range and vibrancy | |
| 154% DCI-P3 (class-leading) | 107% BT.2020 (95% measured) |
| Throw Ratio - Affects installation flexibility | |
| 0.19:1 (4.5" for 100" screen) | 0.25:1 (7" for 100" screen) |
| Gaming Performance - Important for interactive content | |
| 55ms input lag (adequate for casual) | 15ms input lag (excellent for gaming) |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality | |
| 40W 2.2.2 channel Dolby Atmos | 36W stereo with basic Dolby |
| Smart Features - Streaming and control options | |
| Full Tizen OS, Gaming Hub, SmartThings | Basic Android TV 9.0 |
| HDR Support - Impacts dynamic range | |
| HDR10+, HDR10, HLG with advanced processing | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG standard |
| Resolution - Detail and clarity | |
| 3840x2160 with enhanced processing | 3840x2160 with pixel shifting |
| Contrast Ratio - Affects black levels | |
| 2,000,000:1 dynamic | 2,500:1 native |
| Screen Size Range - Installation flexibility | |
| 100" to 130" optimal | 90" to 150" optimal |
| Connectivity - Device connection options | |
| 3x HDMI 2.0, eARC, WiFi 5, BT 5.2 | 3x HDMI, eARC, WiFi, Bluetooth |
The $5,999 Samsung Premiere 9 is significantly better for bright rooms with its 3,450 lumens compared to the $2,999 AWOL Vision LTV-2500's 2,000 lumens. The Samsung performs well even with ambient light, while the AWOL needs more controlled lighting conditions.
The Samsung Premiere 9 costs $5,999, while the AWOL Vision LTV-2500 is priced at $2,999. The price difference reflects Samsung's superior brightness, processing, and smart features.
The Samsung Premiere 9 offers superior picture quality with better HDR processing, higher brightness, and wider color gamut (154% DCI-P3). The AWOL LTV-2500 still provides good picture quality but doesn't match Samsung's performance level.
The AWOL Vision LTV-2500 is better for gaming with its 15ms input lag at 4K/60Hz. The Samsung Premiere 9 has higher input lag at 55ms, making it less suitable for competitive gaming.
Yes, both projectors work best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen, which costs around $1,000. This screen type is essential for optimal picture quality and helps reject ambient light.
The Samsung Premiere 9 needs 4.5 inches for a 100-inch image due to its 0.19:1 throw ratio. The AWOL LTV-2500 requires slightly more space with its 0.25:1 throw ratio.
The Samsung Premiere 9 has superior audio with a 40W 2.2.2 channel Dolby Atmos system. The AWOL LTV-2500 offers decent 36W stereo sound but isn't as immersive.
Both projectors offer excellent longevity. The AWOL Vision LTV-2500 has a 25,000-hour laser life, while the Samsung Premiere 9 offers 20,000 hours.
The Samsung Premiere 9 includes full Tizen OS with native streaming apps. The AWOL LTV-2500 uses Android TV 9.0, which also supports major streaming services but with a less refined interface.
The AWOL Vision LTV-2500 can project up to 150 inches, while the Samsung Premiere 9 is optimized for 100-130 inches. Both perform best within their recommended ranges.
Yes, both the Samsung Premiere 9 and AWOL Vision LTV-2500 support 4K (3840x2160) resolution, though they use different methods to achieve it.
The AWOL Vision LTV-2500 offers better value at $2,999, providing about 80% of the Samsung Premiere 9's performance at half the price. However, if picture quality is paramount, the Samsung's premium features justify its higher price.
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: avsforum.com - valueelectronics.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - youtube.com - news.samsung.com - samsung.com - soundandvision.com - samsung.com - sound-advice.online - trustedreviews.com - projectorjunkies.com - dreamediaav.com - projectorjunkies.com - avsforum.com - nothingprojector.com - projectorreviews.com - vividstorm.eu - projectorcentral.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorcentral.com - avsforum.com - dreamediaav.com
