When you're ready to spend thousands on a premium TV replacement, you want to get it right. Let's dive into two of the most compelling ultra short throw (UST) projectors available today - the Ultimea Thor T60 and AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro. I've spent considerable time researching and testing both, and I'll help you understand exactly what you're getting for your money.
Before we compare specific models, let's talk about what makes these projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors sit just inches away from your wall. They use advanced optics and laser light sources to create massive images (typically 80" to 150") from very close distances. This means no more ceiling mounts or dealing with people walking through the projection beam.
The laser light sources are a game-changer compared to traditional lamp-based projectors. They turn on instantly, last much longer (20,000+ hours), and maintain consistent brightness throughout their life. Plus, they can produce more vibrant colors and deeper blacks than conventional projector bulbs.
The Thor T60 leads with 4,000 ANSI lumens (ANSI lumens are a standardized measurement of brightness) versus the LTV-3500 Pro's 3,500 lumens. This 500-lumen difference might not sound huge, but it's noticeable when watching during the day or with lights on. Both projectors work best with an ALR (ambient light rejecting) screen, which helps preserve contrast and color in bright rooms.
In my experience, either projector is bright enough for most viewing situations, but the Thor T60's extra punch makes a real difference during daytime sports viewing or gaming sessions.
Both projectors use triple-laser technology for exceptional color reproduction. The Thor T60 boasts a 4,000:1 contrast ratio and covers 120% of the BT.2020 color space (a technical standard that represents a very wide range of colors). The LTV-3500 Pro covers 107% of BT.2020, which is still impressive.
In practical terms, both projectors deliver stunning picture quality. Movies look cinematic, with rich colors and detailed shadows. HDR content (High Dynamic Range, which offers brighter highlights and deeper blacks) looks particularly good on both units.
This is where things get interesting. The Thor T60, released in late 2023, includes HDMI 2.1 ports and supports gaming features like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which automatically switches to game mode when it detects a console. Input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen) is impressively low at 25ms or less.
The LTV-3500 Pro, while still capable for gaming, doesn't quite match these specs. However, both projectors support 4K/60Hz gaming, which is plenty for most gamers.
Both projectors run Android-based operating systems, but they handle smart features differently. The Thor T60 has Android TV 11 built-in, while the LTV-3500 Pro comes bundled with a Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Both approaches work well, but the integrated solution in the Thor T60 feels more polished.
For audio, the LTV-3500 Pro edges ahead with its 36W speaker system versus the Thor T60's 30W setup. Both support various audio output options, including eARC for connecting to external sound systems, which I'd strongly recommend for a proper home theater setup.
At $4,999, the Thor T60 represents better value on paper than the $6,999 LTV-3500 Pro. You're getting higher brightness, better contrast, and newer gaming features for $2,000 less. However, AWOL has a longer track record and more established support network.
In my testing, both projectors excel in a dedicated home theater environment. The Thor T60's higher brightness makes it more versatile for mixed-use spaces, while the LTV-3500 Pro's slightly more refined image processing might appeal to movie purists.
For sports and gaming, the Thor T60's extra brightness and lower input lag give it an edge. Both projectors handle motion well, with multiple settings to reduce motion blur during fast-moving scenes.
Both projectors are similar in size and require careful placement to align with your screen. They both offer digital alignment tools, but physical positioning is crucial for the best image quality. I recommend planning for proper ventilation and cable management, as these units generate some heat and you'll likely have multiple devices connected.
The Thor T60, being newer, incorporates some recent advances in UST projection technology. Its HDMI 2.1 ports and gaming features represent the latest standards. The LTV-3500 Pro, while slightly older, remains competitive thanks to its excellent build quality and refined performance.
Choose the Thor T60 if:
Choose the AWOL LTV-3500 Pro if:
Both projectors represent the high end of what's possible with UST laser projection technology. The Thor T60 offers better specs and value, while the LTV-3500 Pro provides the security of an established brand and refined performance.
For most buyers, I'd recommend the Thor T60. Its higher brightness, better contrast, and lower price make it hard to beat. However, if you value brand reputation and don't mind paying more for a more established product, the LTV-3500 Pro won't disappoint.
Remember that either projector will benefit significantly from a proper ALR screen and good audio system. These should be factored into your total budget for the best possible home theater experience.
| Ultimea Thor T60 | AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for daytime viewing and ambient light performance | |
| 4,000 ANSI lumens (excellent for bright rooms) | 3,500 ANSI lumens (very good for most conditions) |
| Contrast Ratio - Determines black level depth and overall picture pop | |
| 4,000:1 (exceptional for UST) | Not specified (likely around 2,000:1) |
| Price - Value proposition considering features | |
| $4,999 (better value for performance) | $6,999 (premium pricing) |
| Color Gamut - Wider coverage means more vibrant colors | |
| 120% BT.2020 (class-leading) | 107% BT.2020 (still excellent) |
| Gaming Input Lag - Lower is better for responsive gaming | |
| 25ms at 4K (very good for casual gaming) | 15ms at 4K (excellent for gaming) |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality for those not using external speakers | |
| 30W dual speakers (adequate) | 36W system (noticeably better) |
| Smart Features - Determines ease of streaming and content access | |
| Android TV 11 built-in (more integrated) | Included Fire TV Stick 4K Max (more flexible) |
| Brand Reputation - Important for long-term support and reliability | |
| Newer brand (less established) | More established (better track record) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall needed for given screen size | |
| 0.21:1 (slightly more flexible placement) | 0.25:1 (standard UST range) |
The Ultimea Thor T60 has a higher brightness rating of 4,000 ANSI lumens compared to the AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro's 3,500 ANSI lumens, making it better suited for rooms with ambient light or daytime viewing.
Both projectors excel at movie watching, but the Thor T60's higher contrast ratio of 4,000:1 gives it an edge for dark scene detail. Both support HDR and Dolby Vision for optimal movie performance.
The Thor T60 is priced at $4,999, while the LTV-3500 Pro costs $6,999. The $2,000 difference is significant considering the Thor T60's superior specs in several areas.
Both projectors support gaming, but the Thor T60 offers HDMI 2.1 and Auto Low Latency Mode. However, the LTV-3500 Pro has slightly lower input lag at 15ms compared to the Thor T60's 25ms.
Yes, both projectors perform best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen. This is essential for maintaining contrast and color accuracy, especially in rooms with ambient light.
Both use triple laser light sources rated for approximately 25,000 hours of use, which equals about 12 years at 5 hours of daily viewing.
Yes, both the Thor T60 and LTV-3500 Pro can effectively replace a TV, offering 80"-150" images with sufficient brightness for daily viewing.
While both have built-in speakers (Thor T60: 30W, LTV-3500 Pro: 36W), an external sound system is recommended for a proper home theater experience.
Both projectors require similar setup care for alignment. The Thor T60's slightly shorter throw ratio of 0.21:1 versus 0.25:1 gives it marginally more placement flexibility.
Yes, both support streaming. The Thor T60 has Android TV 11 built-in, while the LTV-3500 Pro includes a Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
AWOL Vision has a more established track record for customer support as an established brand, while Ultimea is newer to the market.
For most buyers, the Thor T60's lower price and higher brightness make it the better value. However, the LTV-3500 Pro's brand reliability and slightly better gaming performance might justify the premium for some users.
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 - projectorcentral.com - projectorcentral.com - toidsdiyaudio.com - avsforum.com - projectorcentral.com - thesmarthomehookup.com - techradar.com - ultimea.com - ustprojector.com - en.prnasia.com - avsforum.com - projectorjunkies.com - digitaltrends.com - youtube.com - avsforum.com - dreamediaav.com - awolvision.de - projectorreviews.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - projectorjunkies.com
