LG just seized the wraps off a new flagship CineBeam ultra-short throw (UST) projector, model HU915QE. The 4K three-channel laser projector shoots a super bright 3,700 ANSI lumen image that gauges 100 inches when placed just 9.8cm (3.9 inches) from a wall, gratitude to an excellent 0.19 throw ratio.
Other UST projectors like the AWOL LTV-3500 need a distance of 24.9cm (9.8 inches) to reach that same 100-inch diagonal picture size.
And while it sounds like a large span, it can easily surpass the width of common sideboards where the projector will live.
Better yet, you can set the new LG CineBeam 18.3cm (7.2 inches) from an Ambient Light Rejection (ALR) screen for a giant 120-inch picture with improved contrast (to create the most of the projector’s support for HDR10, HLG, HGiG) and vibrancy, even when the daylight creeps into the room. Just be willing to spend another $1,000 or so in the process.
The LG HU915QE runs webOS, which means easy access to all your favorite streaming services, including Netflix (which is always a challenge for Android TV projectors). It also supports screen mirroring, Apple’s AirPlay 2, and a pair of USB 2.0 jacks for added content sourcing options. In addition, the projector has an integrated 40W 2.2 channel speaker for use in a pinch or a trio of HDMI eARC ports to complete most of your home theater sound setup.
LG says that CineBeam HU915QE will be available in the first half of 2022, starting with “key markets in Europe, North America, and the Middle East, with Latin America and Asia markets to follow.” Unfortunately, LG didn’t announce pricing, but a quick check on B&H and elsewhere generates a preorder price of $5,996.99, which sounds right.
What is believed to be an ultra-short throw?
Traditional projectors naturally have a throw distance ratio of around 1.5. So for every 1 foot of image width, the projector must be moved 1.5′ away. So, for example, to project an image onto a 120-inch screen, you need to move the device around 15 feet away.
On the other hand, an ultra-low throw uses an extra wide-angle lens and advanced technology to provide an impressive throw ratio of less than 0.4. In addition, it allows you to have your laser tv directly under your projector screen.
Ultra Short Advantages
- Short Throw Distance: As the name implies, the best thing about ultra short throws is the short throw distance. Laser TV projectors can sit directly under the display thanks to their advanced wide-angle lens and state-of-the-art technology. The short throw distance makes these units ideal for your living room or apartment. The installation is also much less complex as you will not need to install an outlet on your roof near where a traditional projector would be mounted. You do not even have long runs of HDMI cables from your sources to the projector, as the UST will often sit near your receiver and other elements.
- They Work In Bright Rooms: Laser TVs were created to be used outside of a trustworthy home cinema room in the living room or den. These family rooms are often much more kaleidoscopic with windows and ambient light. For a standard projector, this would be a problem. But not for a UST! UST projectors were made for well-lit rooms. All Laser TVs are created with an additional bright light source. These lasers suggest a brightness of at least 2,000 ANSI lumens, ideal for rooms with lots of ambient light. These projectors work best with a screen engineered to work with a UST. These ultra-short throw screens reject light from other sources allowing just the light from the steep angle of an ultra short-focus projector. It reflects outwards to the viewer and does not bounce off the ceiling and walls, counting to the status of ambient light in the space due to reflection. Between the extra illumination of the light source and the unique UST projector screen, laser TVs are the best choice to replace a regular TV in a well-lit living room or apartment.
- They last longer: One of the less spoken-about advantages modern UST projectors hold is that their light source lasts longer. Gratitude to their solid-state laser or LED light engines, most ultra short throw laser projectors will last at least 20,000 hours! That’s comparable to binging all of Netflix for 2.25 years consecutively! When comparing that to the 3 to 5 thousand hours you’d get from a traditional projection lamp, laser TVs have the edge. Also, unlike typical projection lamps, the UST’s laser light source bears much longer to degrade, so you’re not catching the image getting dimmer or colors shifting as time goes on.
Ultra Short Throw Projectors Price
Ultra short throw projectors cost between $1,500 to $6,500. The phrase “you get what you pay for” applies to ultra-short throw laser projectors. A cheap ultra-throw projector can’t compare to a premium one. Cheaper USTs offer fewer crisp colors and visuals and typically require to be further away from the screen. Better made, more state-of-the-art entertainment technology comes with a higher price tag and a significantly better picture quality. In addition, premium laser TVs often suggest better audio, thanks to their advanced built-in soundbar. This price typically does not contain the UST projector screen, but some are marketed as a bundle.