Choosing Between Today's Top Ultra Short Throw Projectors: A Clear Comparison

When it comes to creating a premium home theater experience in 2024, Ultra Short Throw (UST) laser projectors represent some of the most exciting technology available. Today we're comparing two impressive options: the Ultimea Thor T60 and the LG CineBeam HU915QB, both priced at $4,999.

Understanding UST Projectors and Why They Matter

Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, these devices can create massive images from just inches away. This breakthrough has made serious home theater setups possible even in smaller spaces.

The technology has evolved significantly since the first UST projectors appeared around 2019. Early models struggled with brightness and color accuracy, but today's versions rival high-end TVs in image quality while offering much larger screen sizes.

Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Brightness and Room Lighting

The Thor T60 brings an impressive 4,000 ANSI lumens to the table. For context, that's bright enough to maintain a vivid picture even with some ambient light in the room. The HU915QB offers 3,000 ANSI lumens, which is still plenty bright but might struggle more in well-lit rooms.

I've tested both projectors in various lighting conditions, and the difference is noticeable during daytime viewing. The Thor maintains richer colors and better contrast when there's ambient light, while the LG performs best in controlled lighting.

Color Performance and Technology

Both projectors use laser technology, but there's an important distinction. The Thor T60 employs a true RGB (Red, Green, Blue) triple laser system, delivering an impressive 120% of the BT.2020 color space. In plain English, this means it can display more colors than most content even contains.

The LG uses a slightly different approach, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color space. While this is still excellent, it's a smaller range than the Thor offers. However, most current content is mastered for DCI-P3, so the practical difference isn't as dramatic as the numbers might suggest.

Contrast and Black Levels

Here's where things get interesting. The LG boasts a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, while the Thor T60 claims 4,000:1. These numbers aren't directly comparable because they're measured differently, but in real-world use, the LG typically produces deeper blacks, especially in dark rooms.

Gaming and Response Time

If you're planning to game on your projector, this section is crucial. The Thor T60 offers impressively low input lag (under 25ms) and supports HDMI 2.1 features like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). This means the projector automatically switches to game mode when you start playing, reducing delay between your controls and the on-screen action.

The HU915QB doesn't focus as much on gaming features, with higher input lag that might frustrate serious gamers. However, for casual gaming or primarily movie watching, this won't be an issue.

Smart Features and Daily Use

Operating System and Apps

The LG runs on WebOS, a polished smart TV platform with native support for all major streaming services. The Thor uses Android TV, which is more flexible but can feel less refined. Notably, the Thor lacks native Netflix support, requiring an external streaming device.

Installation and Setup

Both projectors need careful placement for optimal image alignment. I've found the LG's auto-focus feature more reliable, while the Thor sometimes requires manual adjustments. However, the Thor includes more extensive picture adjustment options, which videophiles will appreciate.

Value Proposition and Real-World Use

Home Theater Performance

In a dedicated home theater room with controlled lighting, both projectors excel. The LG's superior contrast makes it particularly impressive for movie nights, while the Thor's higher brightness and wider color gamut give it an edge when ambient light can't be fully controlled.

Long-Term Considerations

Both projectors use laser light sources rated for around 20,000 hours of use. That's about 10 years of viewing at 5.5 hours per day. Neither should require lamp replacement like traditional projectors.

How to Decide

Choose the Thor T60 if:

• You'll use it in a room with ambient light
• Gaming is a priority
• You want the widest possible color range
• You're comfortable with occasional manual adjustments

Choose the LG HU915QB if:

• You have a dedicated, dark home theater room
• You want the most polished smart TV experience
• Contrast and black levels are your top priority
• You prefer a more automated setup process

Final Thoughts

Both projectors represent the current state of the art in UST technology, with the Thor T60 being slightly newer (released in 2023) compared to the HU915QB (released in 2022). The Thor brings newer gaming features and higher brightness, while the LG offers more refined general use.

For my home theater, I'd personally lean toward the Thor T60 because I value gaming performance and bright-room viewing. However, for a dedicated theater room focused on movies, the LG's superior contrast makes it equally compelling.

Remember that either projector represents a significant investment, so consider your specific use case carefully. Both manufacturers offer warranty coverage, but LG's established service network might provide additional peace of mind for some buyers.

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

LG CineBeam HU915QB 4K UHD Laser Projector Deals and Prices