As home theater technology evolves, Ultra Short Throw (UST) laser projectors have emerged as an exciting alternative to traditional TVs and projectors. Today, we'll compare two leading options: the Ultimea Thor T60 ($4,999) and the VAVA Chroma ($3,599), breaking down what matters most for potential buyers.
Unlike traditional projectors that need significant distance, UST projectors sit just inches from your wall, creating massive images up to 150 inches while taking up minimal space. They use advanced laser technology instead of traditional bulbs, offering better color, longer life, and instant on/off capability.
The Thor T60, released in late 2023, represents the newest generation of UST technology. Its standout feature is class-leading brightness at 4,000 ANSI lumens - a significant leap over most competitors. The VAVA Chroma, while slightly older, introduced several innovations in audio integration and smart features that remain competitive today.
The Thor T60's 4,000 ANSI lumens versus the Chroma's 2,500 ANSI lumens isn't just a numbers game - it fundamentally changes how you can use these projectors. The Thor can deliver vivid images even with significant ambient light, making it practical for daytime viewing in living rooms with windows. The Chroma, while still bright, works best in controlled lighting conditions.
Both projectors use triple laser technology, but implement it differently:
In practical terms, the Thor's wider color gamut means more vivid, lifelike colors, particularly noticeable in nature documentaries and modern games that take advantage of wide color ranges.
While the Chroma advertises a higher dynamic contrast ratio (1,500,000:1 vs 4,000:1), real-world testing shows both projectors perform similarly in dark room conditions. The Thor's higher brightness actually helps it maintain better contrast in rooms with ambient light.
Gaming on UST projectors has become increasingly popular, and these models handle it quite differently:
For context, most casual gamers won't notice input lag below 50ms, but competitive gamers prefer 20ms or less. The Thor's lower input lag and ALLM support (which automatically switches to game mode) make it notably better for gaming.
Both projectors include Motion Estimation Motion Compensation (MEMC) technology, which reduces motion blur by inserting additional frames. However, the Thor's implementation seems more refined, with fewer artifacts in fast-moving scenes.
Both projectors run Android TV, providing access to popular streaming services and voice control. The Thor includes more recent features like:
The Chroma counters with superior built-in audio, featuring 60W Harman Kardon speakers that outperform the Thor's 30W system.
UST projectors require careful placement for optimal image alignment. Both projectors offer powered focus and keystone correction, but the Thor adds an 8-point geometric correction system that makes fine-tuning easier. Neither has lens shift, which means physical placement needs to be precise.
The Thor T60 commands a $1,400 premium over the VAVA Chroma. This price difference needs to be evaluated against your specific needs:
For dedicated home theater use, both projectors can deliver excellent performance, but with different strengths:
In a properly darkened room, the Chroma's 2,500 lumens are more than sufficient, making its lower price more attractive. The superior built-in audio might also be more relevant in smaller theater spaces.
For rooms that serve multiple purposes or have windows, the Thor's extra brightness provides more flexibility and better HDR performance in varying light conditions.
Choose the Thor T60 if:
Choose the VAVA Chroma if:
The decision between these projectors largely comes down to your viewing environment and use case. The Thor T60 represents the cutting edge of UST technology, with class-leading brightness and gaming performance that justifies its premium price for the right user. The VAVA Chroma remains a strong value proposition, particularly for dedicated theater spaces where its lower brightness isn't a limitation.
Both projectors represent how far UST technology has come, offering genuine alternatives to traditional TVs while providing much larger screen sizes. The competition between manufacturers continues to drive innovation, with each new model pushing the boundaries of what's possible in home theater projection.
| Ultimea Thor T60 | VAVA Chroma |
|---|---|
| Price - Investment Consideration | |
| $4,999 (street), $6,999 (MSRP) | $3,599 |
| Brightness - Critical for daytime viewing and HDR performance | |
| 4,000 ANSI lumens (excellent bright room performance) | 2,500 ANSI lumens (requires more light control) |
| Color Gamut - Determines color vibrancy and realism | |
| 120% BT.2020 (class-leading) | 106% BT.2020 (very good) |
| Gaming Performance - Important for responsive gameplay | |
| 25ms input lag with ALLM | 42ms input lag, no ALLM |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality | |
| 30W total (15W × 2) | 60W Harman Kardon (superior) |
| HDR Support - Impacts dynamic range and contrast | |
| HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG | HDR10, HLG |
| Smart Features - Streaming and control options | |
| Android TV 11.0, Google Assistant | Android TV, Alexa |
| 3D Capability - For specialized content | |
| Full HD 3D support included | No 3D support |
| Throw Ratio - Determines placement distance | |
| 0.21:1 (7.2" for 100" screen) | 0.233:1 (7.8" for 100" screen) |
| Laser Life - Long-term durability | |
| 25,000 hours | 25,000 hours |
| Key Technologies - Special features | |
| MEMC, AI Image Engine, 8-point keystone | MEMC, basic keystone correction |
The Ultimea Thor T60 is significantly brighter at 4,000 ANSI lumens compared to the VAVA Chroma's 2,500 ANSI lumens. This makes the Thor better for rooms with ambient light.
The Ultimea Thor offers superior gaming performance with 25ms input lag and ALLM support, while the VAVA Chroma has 42ms input lag without ALLM, making the Thor the better choice for gamers.
The Ultimea Thor costs $4,999 (street price), while the VAVA Chroma is priced at $3,599, making it the more budget-friendly option.
The VAVA Chroma features superior 60W Harman Kardon speakers, compared to the Thor T60's 30W system.
Only the Ultimea Thor supports 3D content. The VAVA Chroma does not offer 3D capabilities.
The Thor T60 offers a wider color gamut (120% BT.2020) compared to the VAVA Chroma's 106% BT.2020, resulting in more vibrant and accurate colors.
Both support HDR10, but the Ultimea Thor adds Dolby Vision support, which the VAVA Chroma lacks.
Both excel at movie playback, but the Thor T60 has an advantage with higher brightness and Dolby Vision support, while the VAVA Chroma offers better built-in audio.
Yes, both run Android TV, though the Thor T60 has a newer version (Android 11) compared to the VAVA Chroma.
The Ultimea Thor is significantly better for bright rooms due to its 4,000 ANSI lumens, while the VAVA Chroma is better suited for controlled lighting conditions.
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: toidsdiyaudio.com - ustprojector.com - projectorcentral.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - projectorscreen.com - projectorscreen.com - projectorcentral.com - hometheaterreview.com - ultimea.de - ultimea.de - ultimea.de - androidcentral.com - avsforum.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorreviews.com - vava.com - projectorscreenstore.com - youtube.com - projector.com.my - ust-projector.com
