Choosing Between Premium Ultra Short Throw Projectors: A Complete Guide

Understanding Ultra Short Throw Projectors in 2024

The home theater landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, with Ultra Short Throw (UST) laser projectors emerging as the premium choice for those seeking a true theater experience without dedicating an entire room to it. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images from just inches away - making them perfect for modern homes.

When comparing the Ultimea Thor T60 (released December 2023) and the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 (released early 2023), we're looking at two of the most advanced options in this category. Both represent different approaches to achieving high-end home theater performance, each with distinct advantages.

Key Technologies and What They Mean

Before diving into specifics, let's understand some core technologies that make these projectors special:

Laser Light Sources

Both projectors use laser technology instead of traditional lamps, but they do it differently:

• The Thor T60 uses a Tri-Color Laser Engine, meaning separate red, green, and blue lasers combine to create the image
• The LS800 uses a blue laser with phosphor wheel for other colors, combined with 3LCD technology

The practical difference? The Thor T60's approach offers potentially better color accuracy and purity, while the LS800's system provides excellent brightness consistency and no rainbow effects (a visual artifact some people see with single-chip DLP projectors).

Resolution Technologies

Here's where things get interesting:

• Thor T60: Native 4K resolution (3840x2160) using DLP technology
• LS800: Uses pixel-shifting to create a 4K-like image from a 1080p base resolution

While this might sound like an easy win for the Thor T60, real-world performance isn't quite so simple. The LS800's pixel-shifting technology has become highly refined, and many viewers can't spot the difference from normal viewing distances.

Performance Where It Matters

Brightness and Ambient Light Handling

Both projectors advertise 4,000 lumens, but measure them differently:

• Thor T60: 4,000 ANSI lumens
• LS800: 4,000 ISO lumens

In practical terms, both are bright enough to use in rooms with some ambient light, especially when paired with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen. I've found both projectors perform admirably during daytime viewing, though you'll still want to control direct sunlight.

Color Performance and HDR

The Thor T60 takes the lead here with its 120% BT.2020 color gamut coverage and Dolby Vision support. For movie enthusiasts, this means more vibrant and accurate colors, especially with HDR content. The LS800 isn't far behind, but its more standard color gamut means it won't show quite the same color range.

Gaming Performance

For gamers, the Epson LS800 has a slight edge:

• Lower input lag (16.7ms vs 25ms)
• Better handling of 120Hz signals
• Dedicated gaming HDMI port

Real-World Usage and Setup

Installation and Placement

Both projectors are designed for ultra-short-throw placement, but the LS800's 0.16:1 throw ratio is particularly impressive. This means it can sit even closer to the wall than the Thor T60, which might be crucial in some setups.

Smart Features and Connectivity

• Thor T60: Android TV 11, built-in streaming
• LS800: Android TV, similar streaming capabilities

Both offer modern smart TV features, but the Thor T60's newer Android TV implementation might receive updates longer.

Value Consideration

The Thor T60 at $4,999 represents a premium option with some leading-edge features, while the LS800 at $3,499 offers excellent performance at a more accessible price point.

Consider that both prices are before any additional costs like:

• ALR screen ($500-2000)
• Professional installation if needed
• Audio system upgrades

How to Decide

Choose the Thor T60 if:

• You're a serious movie enthusiast who demands the best color accuracy
• True 4K resolution is non-negotiable
• You watch lots of HDR content
• Budget isn't your primary concern

Choose the LS800 if:

• You're sensitive to rainbow effects
• Gaming is a priority
• You need the shortest possible throw distance
• Value per dollar is important

Final Thoughts

Both projectors represent excellent choices in the UST category, but they target slightly different users. The Thor T60 is the choice for the enthusiast who wants the absolute best image quality and is willing to pay for it. The LS800 offers tremendous value with very few compromises, making it an excellent choice for most users.

My personal recommendation? For pure home theater use, the Thor T60's superior color performance and true 4K resolution make it worth the premium. However, for mixed-use scenarios including gaming and casual viewing, the LS800's better value proposition and gaming features make it hard to beat.

Remember that either projector will provide a dramatic upgrade over traditional TV viewing, and both represent the current state of the art in home theater technology. The choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget rather than any significant performance limitations.

Ultimea Thor T60 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector Deals and Prices

Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 3LCD Laser Projector Deals and Prices