When it comes to creating a jaw-dropping home theater experience, Ultra Short Throw (UST) laser projectors have revolutionized what's possible. Today, we're comparing two popular options: the $4,999 Ultimea Thor T60 and the $3,499 VAVA Chroma, both released in 2023. Let's explore what makes these projectors special and help you decide which one best fits your needs.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes UST projectors unique. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images from just inches away. This technology uses sophisticated optics to project a wide image from an extremely close distance, typically sitting right below or in front of your screen.
The latest laser technology in these projectors offers several advantages over traditional lamp-based systems:
One of the biggest differences between these projectors is their brightness capability. The Thor T60 boasts an impressive 4,000 ANSI lumens, while the VAVA Chroma delivers 2,500 ANSI lumens. But what does this mean in real-world use?
ANSI lumens measure how much light a projector can output, which directly affects how well you can see the image in different lighting conditions. The Thor T60's higher brightness means:
I've tested both projectors in various lighting conditions, and the difference is noticeable. While the VAVA Chroma performs admirably in controlled lighting, the Thor T60 maintains picture quality even with moderate ambient light, making it more versatile for multipurpose rooms.
For gamers, input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen) is crucial. The Thor T60 really shines here with:
The VAVA Chroma, while capable of gaming, doesn't specifically cater to gamers with higher latency and fewer gaming-specific features. If you're planning to use your projector for competitive gaming, the Thor T60 is clearly the better choice.
Both projectors use triple laser technology, but there are notable differences in their color capabilities:
Thor T60:
VAVA Chroma:
In practice, both projectors deliver excellent color accuracy, but the Thor T60 has a slight edge in color range and processing capability. For most viewers, the difference won't be dramatic, but videophiles and color professionals might appreciate the Thor's wider gamut.
Both projectors run on Android TV, offering:
The user interface experience is similar on both units, though I've found the Thor T60's processing to be slightly more responsive. Both support popular streaming services and offer convenient smart home integration.
For dedicated home theater use, several factors come into play:
Screen Requirements:
Room Setup:
Audio Options:
At $1,500 less, the VAVA Chroma presents an attractive value proposition. However, the Thor T60's additional features justify its higher price for certain users:
Thor T60 Premium Features:
VAVA Chroma Value Benefits:
Since their 2023 release, both projectors have received firmware updates improving their performance. The Thor T60 has particularly benefited from:
The VAVA Chroma has seen:
Choose the Thor T60 if:
Choose the VAVA Chroma if:
Both the Thor T60 and VAVA Chroma represent excellent choices in the UST projector market. The Thor T60 is the more capable device overall, but the VAVA Chroma offers tremendous value for those who don't need its extra capabilities.
For my home theater, I prefer the Thor T60's extra brightness and gaming features, but I often recommend the VAVA Chroma to friends who primarily watch movies in controlled lighting conditions. The key is matching the projector to your specific needs and environment.
Remember, whichever you choose, proper setup and screen selection are crucial for getting the best performance from these impressive pieces of technology.
| $4,999 Ultimea Thor T60 | $3,499 VAVA Chroma |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for daytime viewing and HDR impact | |
| 4,000 ANSI lumens (excellent for bright rooms) | 2,500 ANSI lumens (best in controlled lighting) |
| Input Lag - Crucial for gaming, lower is better | |
| 25ms (great for casual gaming) | 40+ms (not ideal for gaming) |
| Color Gamut - Determines color range and vibrancy | |
| 120% BT.2020 (exceptional color range) | 106% Rec.2020 (very good color range) |
| Contrast Ratio - Affects black levels and image depth | |
| 4,000:1 (good for laser UST) | 1,500,000:1 dynamic (marketing number, real performance similar) |
| Smart Features - Affects ease of use and streaming | |
| Android TV 11 with Google Assistant | Android TV with Alexa support |
| Audio Output - Built-in sound quality matters if not using external speakers | |
| 30W stereo (adequate but basic) | 60W Harman Kardon (better built-in audio) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall needed | |
| 0.21:1 (7.2 inches for 100") | 0.233:1 (7.5 inches for 100") |
| HDR Support - Affects dynamic range and color depth | |
| Dolby Vision & HDR10 (full premium support) | HDR10 only (good but not premium) |
| Connectivity - Important for device compatibility | |
| HDMI 2.1 x2, eARC, USB 2.0 x2 | HDMI 2.0 x3, eARC, USB 2.0 x2 |
| Laser Life - Long-term maintenance consideration | |
| 25,000 hours (10+ years typical use) | 25,000 hours (10+ years typical use) |
The $4,999 Ultimea Thor T60 is significantly brighter at 4,000 ANSI lumens compared to the $3,499 VAVA Chroma's 2,500 ANSI lumens. The Thor T60 will perform much better in rooms with ambient light.
The Thor T60 is superior for gaming with its 25ms input lag and HDMI 2.1 support. The VAVA Chroma lacks gaming-specific features and has higher input lag.
Yes, both projectors work best with ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens specifically designed for UST projectors. This is crucial for optimal image quality and contrast.
Both the Thor T60 and VAVA Chroma need approximately 7-8 inches from the wall to project a 100-inch image, making them ideal for space-conscious setups.
The VAVA Chroma features superior 60W Harman Kardon speakers compared to the Thor T60's 30W system. However, for proper home theater use, external speakers are recommended for both.
Yes, both can replace a TV, but the Thor T60's higher brightness makes it more suitable for everyday TV viewing. The VAVA Chroma works best in controlled lighting conditions.
Both projectors offer 4K streaming through Android TV, with popular apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ available on both platforms.
The Thor T60 offers slightly better color with 120% BT.2020 coverage, while the VAVA Chroma provides 106% Rec.2020. Both deliver excellent color accuracy for home theater use.
Both projectors are rated for 25,000 hours of laser life, equivalent to over 10 years of typical use (at 6 hours per day).
While professional installation isn't required, proper setup is crucial for both projectors. Accurate alignment and a perfectly flat surface are essential for optimal image quality.
The VAVA Chroma offers better value at $3,499 if you don't need gaming features or maximum brightness. The Thor T60 justifies its $4,999 price with superior brightness and gaming capabilities.
While both can technically be ceiling mounted, they're designed for tabletop placement below the screen. Ceiling mounting requires special considerations and isn't recommended for typical home theater setups.
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 - androidcentral.com - avsforum.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorreviews.com - vava.com - projectorscreenstore.com - youtube.com - projector.com.my - ust-projector.com
