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SubscribeThe idea of using an ultra-short-throw projector as a replacement for a regular TV has been around for a few years, but there's no denying the explosion of recent interest as numerous projector manufacturers have jumped into the fray. You can blame it on a number of factors including the dropping cost of bright lasers that eliminate the usual lamp replacements associated with projectors, the development of high-tech screens that let you effectively watch projections with the lights on, and the lack of availability and still relatively high cost associated with panel TVs at sizes above 110 inches—though the dropping cost of 100-inch panels admittedly makes them a viable alternative at that size. Whatever the reason, what was once a curiosity has become a bonafide product category, with quite a few models to choose from at different price and performance levels.
The projectors listed below (in alphabetical order) all use a solid-state light source—typically laser—that eliminates costly lamp replacements and provides essentially stable brightness for at least 20,000 hours of use. That's more than nine years of watching six hours of TV every single day. Some include on-board streaming platforms for receiving services like Netflix and Amazon, a built-in off-air TV tuner, or an integrated soundbar. Likewise, some are shipped as a complete solution with an ambient-light-rejection screen designed for use with UST projectors, though this has become rarer and more often than not an ALR screen, if it's offered, is an option. In our guide below, we've called out these and other features, and included a link to our review where applicable and to each product's page in our ProjectorCentral database. From there, you can see more specifications, download a product sheet and user manual for more information, or visit our Projector Throw Calculator for that model. You can also directly compare prices and specs on up to six different models by hitting the blue "+ Add to Compare List" button at the top of every spec page. Clicking on the price for any projector in the guide will provide a link to our affiliated online resellers. As always, follow the links through to the retailer to check for the latest discounts.
AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro
- Rated Brightness LTV-3500 Pro 3,000 Lumens
- Rated Brightness LTV-3000 Pro 2,000 Lumens
- Rated Brightness LTV-2500 1,700 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light Source RGB Triple Laser
- Price LTV-3500 Pro $5,999
- Price LTV-3000 Pro $2,999
- Price LTV-2500 $2,699
The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro is an RGB triple-laser 4K UHD projector for $6,499. AWOL also offers two less bright models in the LTV-3000 Pro and LTV-2500, as well as a Vanish TV bundle that comes with an ALR floor screen that rises from the cabinet, available in 100 inches and 120 inches. The flagship LTV-3500 Pro delivers 3,000 ISO lumens. It can project an image of up to 150 inches, though it is important to note that the larger the screen, the darker the image. It will perform best at sizes between 100 inches and 120 inches, matching the bundled screens offered by AWOL.
Like its predecessor, the LTV-3500, the LTV-3500 Pro is loaded with features. AWOL claims the projector reaches 107% of the BT.2020 color gamut, offering richer color than the DCI-P3 color gamut that is seen with most HDR content. With Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 3D features, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Virtual X, the AWOL LTV-3500 Pro provides an immersive home theater experience.
Gamers will love this projector for its Turbo Mode, bringing the input lag down to just 8 ms with some high frame rate signals—making it the best of the best when it comes to latency. It is compatible with Crestron, Control4, Savant, and ELAN, for smart home automation. The projector even comes with a free Amazon Firestick, though this is a reflection of its lack of an integrated onboard streaming platform.
The AWOL Vision LTV-3500, discontinued in February of 2024, had many of the same features, but there are key differences. Priced at $5,999 list, it offered 3,500 peak lumens, and lacked the smart features and Dolby Vision found in the LTV-3500 Pro. Both models have an RGB triple-laser light engine, 4K resolution, Dolby Atmos, and come with an Amazon Fire Stick.
We reviewed the AWOL Vision LTV-3500 and our reviewer noted that there was visible laser speckle and that the menus were awkward to navigate.
BenQ V5010i
- Rated Brightness 2,500 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light Source RGB Triple-Laser
- Price $2,999
BenQ, though a well-known projector manufacturer, is relatively new to the ultra-short throw living room projector market, entering the game in 2021. The BenQ V5010i follows up the V5000i, featuring a triple-laser light engine, 4K UHD resolution, and a wide color gamut. This DLP projector is rated for 95% of the BT.2020 color space and 98% of the DCI-P3 color space. Though this falls slightly below the 100% or higher of the BT.2020 color space seen in most RGB projectors, there is little visual difference.
The 2,500 lumen V5010i can project imaves from 90 to 120-inches, its color and details tuned by BenQ ISF and THX certified engineers, delivering a vivid image even in ambient light with an appropriate UST ALR screen. In addition to HDR10 and HLG, it has HDR-Pro with multi-stage tone mapping, Dynamic Black for preserving dark details, and both local (adjusting gamma cross 1,000+ zones) and global contrast enhancement, further improving the picture quality. The V5010i, like the V5000i, has a robust calibration controls with an advanced color management system, color temperature tuning, and 11-point white balance adjustment.
Filmmaker Mode delivers cinematic experience that reflects the filmmakers' intent, with support for 24 fps playback. BenQ, known for its gaming projectors, has equipped the V5010i with Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). This mode automatically detects when a game is being played and puts the projector into its low input lag mode. Input lag will vary based on resolution and frame rate, and BenQ rates the latency for 4K and 1080p @ 60Hz at 17.9 ms, 1080p @ 120Hz at 12.6 ms, and 1080p @ 240 Hz at 5.1 ms—a significant improvement over its predecessor.
It has an attractive chassis with a fabric lining over the premium 40-watt sound system (two 5-watt tweeters and two 15-watt woofers). For audiophiles with a home theater sound system of their own, the projector has SPDIF and eARC support for 7.1 channel and Dolby Atmos audio pass through. The V5010i has three HDMI (HDCP 2.2) inputs.
The Android TV 10 operating system includes dozens of apps and access to 700,000 films and TV shows, all available through the Google Play store, as well as Google Assistant for voice search. Its auto-features include Auto Screen Fit to automatically adjust to and match the size of the screen, and Auto Keystone, while the 8-point geometric correction facility and focus are manual.
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800
- Rated Brightness 4,000 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light Source Single-Laser + Phosphor
- Price $3,500
The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is a true laser TV, boasting a 4,000 ANSI/ISO lumen rating and continuing Epson's reign as having the brightest UST on the market. A winner of a CEDIA Best of Show 2023 and of our Highly Recommended award, the LS800 is an update to the earlier LS500. The LS800 offers that model's 4K PRO-UHD detail enhancement technology, which mimics the look of a full UHD-resolution projector from normal viewing distances by doubling the pixel-count on the projector's native 1080p chip and applying processing for sharpening; note that the final pixel-count still remains half that of a full 4K UHD display. It is available in black or white.
Trading in the LS500's awkward periscope lens for a sleek form factor, the LS800 pulls in the title for having the industry's shortest throw UST lens (0.16:1), delivering the closest placement to the screen wall of any projector for a given screen size. For the LS800, that's anything from 80 inches up to 150 inches diagonal, though using a 120 inch or less screen will allow for the projector to be placed on a standard-depth credenza or TV stand without having to pull the furniture out from the wall. Epson recommends pairing it with an ambient light rejecting screen and offers its 100- and 120-inch SilverFlex Ultra screens as an accessory.
Epson's 4K PRO-UHD 3-chip 3LCD architecture eliminates the need for a color wheel and provides immunity to rainbow artifacts, while also offering 100% color brightness, something single-chip DLP projectors can't match. However, the projector's single-laser+phosphor design is only rated for Rec.709 color gamut, so it can't take advantage of the extended color gamut found in HDR movies and shows.
The LS800's integrated Android TV streaming platform is sadly missing Netflix, but it does have HBO, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, YouTube, and other streaming apps. Google Assistant is available from a mic on the remote and its built-in Chromecast allows for screen mirroring from a phone or other mobile device. Live TV can be streamed via YouTube TV. Unlike the earlier LS500, there are no 3D capabilities on this one. Our review can be viewed here.
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650
- Rated Brightness 3,600 Lumens
- Screen Included No (ALR option available)
- Light Source Single-Laser+Phosphor
- Price $1,950
The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 is one of the brighter ultra-short throw projectors on the market at 3,600 lumens. As a 3-chip 3LCD projector, it has equal white brightness and color brightness for consistently vivid colors, an advantage over most single-chip DLP projectors that sacrifice some color brightness. It also eliminates the need for a color wheel, so there are no rainbow artifacts that also can affect single-chip DLP projectors. Paired with an ultra-short throw ALR screen, this Epson could easily be used in higher ambient light scenarios, such as a living room or family room. Like the LS800, it is available in either a white or black chassis to match best with your decor.
The single-laser+phosphor light engine has a lifespan of up to 20,000 hours at full power consumption, and like most other single-laser projectors, it shows no real evidence of laser speckle that can afflict triple-laser RGB projectors. But unlike most of the DLP models, the LS650 does not offer full 4K resolution and instead uses Epson's 4K PRO-UHD detail enhancing technology. With this approach, pixel shifting tech doubles the on-screen pixel count to twice that of 1080p, which is one-half of the full 8 million pixel count for 4K. However, this is combined with sophisticated detail processing to successfully give the appearance of full 4K UHD resolution image at normal viewing distances.
The LS650 has an immersive 2.1-channel sound system designed by Yamaha with stereo speakers (two 5-watt),a subwoofer (10-watt) and Yamaha DSP virtual sound processing. One of its HDMI ports supports eARC for feeding bitstreams of up Dolby Atmos quality to a compatible AV receiver or soundbar.
This low latency projector is good for all but the most competitive gaming, with its input lag measuring at 24 ms. The LS650 has Android TV OS 11. Unfortunately, there is no dedicated Netflix app, so an external media player will be required for that platform. It does have several popular streaming services, such as Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube, and the Google Play store allows for download of other apps and streaming services. It does not have 3D compatibility.
Our reviewer noted that with its single-laser engine, the Epson LS650 has a restricted color gamut that tops out around Rec.709, and it lacks serious calibration controls that professionals might use for tuning the color. Along with its high brightness, that makes this projector more for everyday TV watchers over serious cinema enthusiasts.
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300
- Rated Brightness 3,600 Lumens
- Screen Included No (ALR option available)
- Light Source Single-Laser+Phosphor
- Price $2,000
The EpiqVision LS300 Streaming Laser Projector is a 3LCD 1080p resolution projector that accepts 4K UHD HDR signals and employs HDR10 or HLG processing to make the most of the wider dynamic range inherent in that content. This projector was discontinued in November 2024 but remains available to purchase at retail while supplies last.
The LS300 possesses an integrated speaker system developed exclusively for this projector by acoustic engineers from Yamaha. This Yamaha-engineered 2.1-channel sound system boasts a custom "3D Acoustic Enclosure" with two high-end Yamaha drivers and a dedicated woofer powered by a discrete amplifier, tuned with Yamaha's AudioEngine DSP technology. The result is said to be a spacious sound stage. The projector has onboard Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music from mobile devices and use it as a standalone speaker.
The LS300's Android TV OS is supported by the Google Play store and allows access to major streaming services like Max, Disney+, Hulu, and YouTube. You can even stream live TV with Google TV. It has Google Assistant voice control via the remote control and built-in Chromecast, which is integrated fully into the projector and mic-enabled remote instead of being executed via an HDMI dongle and extra remote. The LS300 further touts automatic "scene-based color correction," though its color gamut taps out at Rec.709.
A relatively compact and lightweight projector, the LS300 measures 18.4 x 15.7 x 5.9 inches and weighs in at 15.9 pounds. It can project an image of up to 120 inches diagonal, but it goes as small as 61 inches. The smaller throw ratio of its lens allows the projector to cast a 100-inch image from only 10.5 inches away from the rear of the projector, or 15.2 inches for a 120-inch image. The LS300 is available in either black or white styling.
Formovie Theater Premium
- Rated Brightness 2,200 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light Source RGB Triple-Laser
- Price $2,499
The Formovie Theater Premium is the successor to the Formovie Theater, building upon its feature set with some notable upgrades like a built-in authorized Netflix app and 3D compliance (set to be added with an over-the-air (OTA) firmwase update). Utilizing the same ALPD 4.0 RGB+ triple-laser light engine as its predecessor, it incorporates a single blue laser+phosphor light source alongside a secondary RGB (red, green, blue) laser configuration and claimsreduced laser speckle.
The Formovie Theater Premium can project an image of up to 150 inches from only 15.75 inches back from the wall. A 100 inch image requires only 6.25 inches of clearance. The projector claims 2,200 ISO lumens, which is certainly bright enough for a home theater environment. Using a high gain screen or smaller image size will result in a brighter image, and as with all projectors, a larger image size results in less brightness. It is important to consider your room environment to determine the best screen size for the projector.
Though the Formovie Theater Premium adds some desirable new features, including a Google TV streaming platform with Netflix and an updated high quality sound system from Bowers & Wilkins, our reviewer found the out of the box color accuracy to be disappointing, and noted issues with its colorspace detection for different content types and with the ALLM gaming function that negatively affected input lag. Formovie is said to be working on a series of firmware updates to address these concerns, but for the moment, its predecessor (if available) remains the better performing model, having won first place for overall image quality in the Triple-Laser grouping in ProjectorCentral's 2022 Laser TV Showdown. In that same competition, it took first place for audio quality.
Formovie Cinema Edge
- Rated Brightness 1,900 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light Source Single-Laser+Phosphor
- Price $1,799
The Formovie Cinema Edge is a single-laser+phosphor projector featuring a 1080p DLP chip with TI's XPR fast-switch pixel shifting to achieve its 4K UHD resolution image. The projector's brightness is rated at 1,900 ISO lumens, providing sufficient illumination for vibrant images in a darkened viewing environment or moderate ambient light settings. It's best to pair with an ALR screen if you intend on watching it with any sort of ambient light present.
The Cinema Edge is rated to achieve 110% of the Rec.709 color gamut and supports HDR10 and HLG high dynamic range formats. It has MEMC frame interpolation to smooth motion for sports and fast-action content, which is turned on by default but can be turned off for viewing films and TV shows for viewers who dislike the so-called "soap opera effect."
The Cinema Edge can project an image from 80 inches up to 150 inches, achieving that large image size from just 19.29 inches away from the screen surface. Setup is simplified with motorized focus and 8-point geometric correction, allowing precise alignment regardless of whether the unit is mounted on a tabletop or the ceiling. It is only available in black, and has a reasonably compact chassis.
It features Google TV and native Netflix support, eliminating the need for external streaming sources, as well as Google Assistant. The Cinema Edge also supports Dolby Audio and DTS-HD via its integrated dual 15-watt speakers and features an HDMI eARC port for users seeking a more immersive audio experience through an external sound system. There is also an optical audio out. It features both WI-FI and Bluetooth connectivity, or you can connect to the internet via an Ethernet cable.
Hisense L9H TriChroma Series
- Rated Brightness 3,000 Lumens
- Screen Included Yes
- Light Source RGB Triple Laser
- Price $4,248 w/ 100-inch Daylight screen
- Price $5,497 w/ 120-inch Cinema screen
The 3,000 lumen, 4K UHD Hisense L9H comes with a fixed-focal length lens for either of two image sizes: 100 inch and 120 inches. This triple laser projector comes bundled with its respective screen sizes, with the 100 inch mated with a high gain fresnel Daylight screen, and the 120-inch paired with a 0.6 gain lenticular cinema screen (ProjectorCentral's preferred screen type; you can read more about UST ALR screen technology here). The L9H replaces the L9G, and is designed to completely replace a smart TV, with a built-in TV tuner, a smart OS utilizing Google TV, and closed captioning. Built-in apps include Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Showtime, Sling TV, YouTube, and Pandora. It is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa to control the projector, and search for content. Note that Hisense announced and demonstrated a sophisticated L9Q flagship model at CES 2025, but gave no clear date for its roll-out and the L9H remains their best UST projector currently available as of this writing.
Like the PX1 and PX2-Pro, the LH9 features both Filmmaker Mode and Game Mode. Game Mode automatically activates when a signal is fed from a game console. It reproduces 107% of the BT.2020 color space, and has Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG HDR compliance. MEMC frame interpolation is on board for smooth motion.
This Hisense has dual 20-watt speakers equipped with Dolby Atmos and an optical audio out. It does support eARC for sending audio to a Dolby Atmos sound system and is WiSA ready to stream to a wireless multi-channel sound sound system. Three HDMI and two USB inputs allow for connection of external sources. The projector features both wired and wireless networking, and works with Mac, Windows, and iOS.
Hisense L5H
- Rated Brightness 2,700 Lumens
- Screen Included Yes
- Light SourceSingle Laser+Phosphor
- Price $3,398 w/ 100-inch Daylight screen
- Price $4,498 w/ 120-inch Cinema screen
The Hisense L5H replaces the L5G, and like the Hisense L9 and Leica Cine 1, comes with a fixed-focal length lens for either a 100 inch or 120 inch image, in this case with the ALR screen included. The 100 inch L5H comes with a high-gain fresnel screen, while the 120 inch is mated with a low-gain lenticular ALR screen, ProjectorCentral's preferred screen type. This 2,700 lumen ultra-short throw projector has 4K UHD resolution, a single laser+phosphor light engine, the latest Google TV platform, a built-in TV tuner, and closed captioning, making it a good replacement for a smart TV. It has an option for low blue-light emission to reduce eye strain while you can binge watch your favorite content.
The L5H has wireless connectivity and works with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant can be used to not only control the projector, but to search for movies and TV shows, stream apps, and play music. It also has Apple Airplay 2 for streaming an Apple device's screen to the projector, and HomeKit functionality. The Google TV interface consolidates all your app subscriptions, with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Max, Showtime, Sling TV, YouTube, and Pandora coming preinstalled. Additional apps can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
The projector offers Filmmaker Mode for accurately displaying films and TV shows at the frame rate, aspect ratio, color, and sound settings they were meant to be viewed in. To further enhance color, the L5H has Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG support. It also has an AI Picture Mode, which uses AI to scan each frame and adjust brightness, color, contrast, and other settings to bring out the best in each scene. The L5H has smooth motion frame interpolation for fast-paced content like sports and games.
This Hisense is encased in a black chassis with two built-in 20-watt speakers, and the audio system is equipped with a Dolby Atmos mode. It has eArc on one of its three HDMI ports for hooking up an external sound system, as well as an optical audio output and a stereo analog mini jack.
Hisense PX3-PRO
- Rated Brightness PX1-PRO 3,000 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light Source RGB Triple-Laser
- Price $3,165
The Hisense PX3-Pro features a new chassis design, updated sound system, and 3,000 lumens—a definite upgrade from the 2,200 lumen PX2-Pro. Those extra 800 lumens bring this projector out of the home theater and into the living room, making it a true laser TV suitable for environments with ambient light. Still, pairing with an ALR screen will provide the best results in ambient light settings. The PX3-Pro received a very positive review and our rare Editor's Choice Award.
The PX3-Pro has Hisense's advanced LPU and TriChroma triple-laser projection technology. It has 4K UHD resolution and can project an image from 80 to 150 inches, though our reviewer noted that the projector may lack sufficient brightness for images above 120 inches. Hisense claims the PX3-Pro reaches 110% of the BT.2020 color space and 150% of DCI-P3, but our measurements concluded that it reaches 94.34% xy and 94.78% uv of BT.2020—which is still excellent—while DCI-P3 coverage measured 99.82% xy and 99.78%uv. It did fully cover the Rec.709 color space.
The PX3-PRO supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced, and HLG. It has Google TV with Google Assistant, as well as Chromecast, though this model loses the ability to work with Amazon Alexa. The projector has an authorized built-in streaming app for Netflix, along with Disney+, Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime TV, and many more options for entertainment through the Google Play Store. The PX3-Pro features real-time Pro AI Algorithms enhance brightness, fine-tune contrast, and eliminate noise.
Its Filmmaker Mode preserves the original frame rate, aspect ratio, color, and sound of the film or TV show being projected, allowing you to see the film as it was intended to be viewed by the filmmakers. There are many other picture modes to enjoy, including a PC/Game mode (HDR Game when projecting HDR content), and has a DLP Turbo Mode to assist with latency. The input lag measurements are as follows: 1080p/2160p @30fps = 38ms, 1080p @60fps = 25ms, 2160p @60fps = 21ms, 1080p/2160p @120fps = 14ms (with High Refresh Rate Mode on), and 1080p @240fps = 7ms. With 30 fps games, this projector is suitable for casual gaming, while games at 60fps to 240fps will work well for more competitive gaming.
The built-in Harmon Kardon 50-watt speaker system supports Dolby Atmos mode and is a significant upgrade from the audio systems of earlier models. Its HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 2.2) eARC feature allows transmission of lossless audio from the streaming platform or externally connected sources to an outboard AV receiver, prepro, or soundbar. It has two additional HDMI 2.1 ports (48Gbps; HDCP 2.3), a USB Type A 2.0 and 3.0 connection, a 3.5mm headphone jack, RJ45 LAN input, an S/PDIF optical audio out, and WI-FI 6e as well as Bluetooth compatibility.
Hisense PL2
- Rated Brightness 2,700 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light SourceSingle-Laser+Phosphor
- Price $2,248
The single-laser+phosphor Hisense PL2 replaces the PL1 and adds another 500 lumens, bringing the PL2 to a nicely bright 2,700 lumens. The 2,200 lumen Hisense PL1 will remain available at retail while supplies last, but the PL2 adds some new features that are sure to catch the eye of home theater enthusiasts. The PL2 laser TV utilizes a 0.47-inch DMD chipset and projects an image of 80 inches to 150 inches—another 30 inches larger than the PL1 delivers—at 4K UHD resolution. Though already bright, pairing with an ALR screen allows you to take advantage of all the projector's lumens and color, especially in a living room or family room environment. Its motorized focus and automatic geometric correction make setup simple.
The Hisense PL1 reaches up to 85% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, which isn't as fantastic as many triple-laser models, but is on par with most single-laser projectors and in excess of 100% Rec.709. Like the PL1, the PL2 features HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision HDR for further visual enhancement. The PL2 also has a 4K AI Upscaler, which improves the visual clarity of lower resolution content. It offers low blue light emission so it is said to be easier on the eyes than most other projectors, and even TVs.
The Filmmaker Mode, which has become common on home theater projectors, preserves the frame rate, color profiles, aspect ratios, and other elements to reflect industry standards and allows films and TV shows to be viewed in the way the filmmakers intended it. The projector has support for 3D, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. For screen mirroring, either Chromecast or AirPlay can be utilized.
The PL2 has an Auto-Low Latency Model (ALLM) that activates automatically when it senses input from a game console, and both HDMI ports have this feature. Although the projector has refresh rates up to 240Hz, the predecessor PL1's low latency mode has an input lag of 40.4 ms, which is only suitable for more casual gamers. The Pro Game mode on the PL2 does improve this somewhat, but not enough for it to be called a gaming projector. If you game online competitively, you'll want to look elsewhere.
The 30-watt mono speaker is top firing, doubling the power of the PL1's speaker system. It features a Dolby Atmos mode with recognizes Atmos soundtracks and applies immersive surround processing. The PL2 has eARC for connecting an external sound system. Featuring a Google TV OS, the projector has plenty of pre-installed popular streaming apps—such as Netflix, Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, and YouTube—with more available from the Google Play Store.
Google Assistant can be used to control the PL1 by saying, "Hey Google, " and following with a command to stream apps, find movies, and play music. In addition, the projector has HomeKit and Alexa compatibility, and Apple AirPlay 2. With AirPlay, iOS devices can be screen mirrored, or you can send videos and share photos. It also has wired and wireless networking, support for Control4, an optical audio out, dual HDMI inputs, and a pair of USB ports.
Leica Cine 1
- Rated Brightness 3,000 Lumens
- Screen Included No (ALR option available)
- Light Source RGB Triple Laser
- Price $9,660 / 100 inch
- Price $10,460 / 120 inch
From the company that brought us the first 35mm camera, we have the Leica Cine 1. It is a 4K UHD resolution, RGB triple laser projector with DLP technology. The Cine 1 has up to 3,000 lumens, making it usable outside of a dedicated home theater, especially when paired with an ALR screen. While the projector doesn't automatically come with its own screen, there is an option to bundle with a 100 inch or 120 inch ALR screen. The 100 inch screen is a Daylight fresnel screen, whereas the 120 inch is a Cinematic screen using lenticular technology, ProjectorCentral's preferred screen type for USTs.
The Cine 1 is based on a Hisense L9 projector platform and, similar to those models, comes with a fixed focal-length lens good for one of two image size options depending on the model: 100 inch or 120 inch. However, Leica provides a premium Leica-branded Summicron lens that did prove in our testing and in the ProjectorCentral 2023 Laser TV Showdown to be exceptionally sharp in the 100-inch samples we tried.
The projector also features an aluminum housing with an automatic dust cover, a built-in 50-watts surround system with Dolby Atmos (which ranked poorly for sound quality in the Showdown), and an HDMI port that supports eARC. It's also WiSA-ready to stream audio directly to a wireless multi-channel sound sound system. True cinema enthusiasts will appreciate having Filmmaker Mode, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR, and rich, wide-gamut color thanks to the triple-laser enging that reaches over 100% of the BT.2020 standard. The onboard Google TV streaming platform includes access to apps for most major services, including Netflix.
LG Cinebeam HU915QB/HU915QE
- Rated Brightness HU915QB 3,000 Lumens
- Rated Brightness HU915QE3,700 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light SourceTriple Laser+Phosphor
- Price HU915QB $5,748
- Price HU915QE $5,831
The LG Electronics HU915QB is LG's high-performance home theater UST projector with a triple laser light engine. Its sister model, the HU915QE, is similar in all respects except the color of the cabinet, lumen output, and what LG says is some sacrifice in color gamut. The HU915QB (black) sports 3,000 lumens, while the HU915QE (white) has 3,700 lumens to withstand a fair amount of ambient light. These USTs are more advanced version of their predecessor, the tri-laser HU8LA, which (for now) remains on the market.
Unlike other triple laser projectors that use discrete lasers for red, green, and blue light, the LG HU915QB and HU915QE use a red laser and two blue ones, with the second blue laser bouncing light off a phosphor to create the green primary. The result is a color gamut that isn't as spacious as its discrete RGB brethren, but offers less laser speckle on the image and less potential for rainbow effects. Note that all single-chip DLP projectors, even those with discrete RGB light sources that have no need for a color wheel, can suffer from DLP rainbow effect due to sequential timing errors of the colors.
The HU915QB had excellent out of the box image quality in our review, where it earned our coveted Editor's Choice Award. It offers a bright image with excellent contrast, though it benefits from calibration for best accuracy. To that end, the HU915QB has extensive color calibration controls and is also the only UST projector on the market that can be calibrated with Portrait Displays' Calman AutoCal functions if you or a pro you hire has that software and the appropriate instruments. Furthermore, the LG HU915QB has outstanding dynamic tone-mapping for HDR, which is rarely seen among USTs. This projector uses the larger 0.66-inch 4K DLP imager typically seen only in premium models, which some say provides a sharper image with better color saturation.
LG includes a Game Optimizer function that can be used to adjust image settings for different game types and lowers input lag, though our lowest measured lag at 67 ms remains far too high for all but the most casual gaming. On the other hand, one strong suit is the excellent webOS smart TV platform borrowed from LG's televisions which provide access to Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+ among others, and support for 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos sound. Unfortunately, like the HU85LA that preceded it, LG's built-in sound system for these 915 models and the 715QW is a disappointment and the projector fared poorly in our 2022 Laser TV Showdown audio tests; you'll likely want an external sound system. The projector also comes with LG's Magic Remote control, which is an air-mouse navigation—but you can use it like a regular remote if you so wish.
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LG CineBeam HU715QW
- Rated Brightness 2,500 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light SourceSingle Laser+Phosphor
- Price $2,997
The LG CineBeam HU715QW, a Projector Central Editor's Choice Award winner, is a single laser+phosphor UST projector and LG's entry-level model. It has good out-of-the-box image quality and extensive picture settings, but the more limited gamut typical of single-laser projectors—it's rated for only 86% DCI-P3 coverage. It uses the more common 0.47-inch 4K DLP chip rather than the larger 0.66-inch used in LG's high-end triple laser projectors, but we found in our review that it's mated here with a sharp lens with motorized focus. It supports HDR10 and HLG HDR assisted by LG's dynamic tone-mapping, and HGiG (HDR Gaming Interest Group) is on board for console gaming, though with a low measured input lag of 53.9 ms it's not suitable for serious competition or fast games.
The LG HU715QW has two 20-watt speakers, each with a tweeter and a woofer, but it still ranked in the bottom tier in the audio tests from our 2022 Laser TV Showdown, and an external soundbar or audio system is highly recommended. Fortunately, there's an eARC HDMI for exporting up to Dolby Atmos sound quality from the excellent webOS streaming platform. LG provides their Magic Remote control, which is highly functional, and comes with a voice search mic.
Nexigo Aurora Pro
- Rated Brightness 2,400 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light Source RGB Triple Laser
- Price $3,000
NexiGo saw its beginnings in 2020 as an online retailer of consumer electronics like laptops, desktops, and other electronics, with a webcam being the first product they launched. Their 4K UHD projector, the $2,499 NexiGo Aurora Pro, can project from 80 inches to 150 inches?a 150 inch image is produced with about 1.5 feet of clearance from the screen wall. It offers 2,400 lumens and reaches 107% of the BT.2020 color gamut and has both HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR compliance.
Like many projectors, the Aurora Pro has an Android TV platform, which in this case comes pre-installed with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Plex, with other streaming services and apps being available to download. There is also support for 3D.
The 60-watt speakers produce big sound with four 15-watt speakers (two woofers and two full-range speakers), and the projector recognizes and supports Dolby Atmos. It has an optical audio out as well as a 3.5mm audio jack, three HDMI inputs, and three USB connectors. The Aurora Pro's remote is backlit?a nice feature not found on most projectors.
The Aurora Pro claims a low input lag of 12ms, and it measured at 17.8 ms, either way it's still suitable for serious gaming. It has MEMC for smooth motion to enjoy sports and other fast-moving content with crisp definition, and both 4-point and 8-point geometric correction.
Nexigo Aurora Lite
- Rated Brightness 1,900 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light Source RGB Triple-Laser
- Price $2,000
The NexiGo Aurora Lite is an ultra short throw home theater projector with 1,900 lumens and a triple-laser light engine. This affordable UST projects a 4K UHD resolution image from 80 inches to 150 inches, projecting a 150 inch image from just under 1.5 feet away from the screen. An ALR screen would be recommended if you plan on having any ambient light present.
A true gaming projector, the Aurora Lite has a low minimum 8 ms input lag, suitable for even the most competitive gamers. This NexiGo also features MEMC for smooth motion (useful for viewing sports content), support for 3D, and a backlit remote control.
The projector reaches up to 107% of the BT.2020 color space, and offers visual enhancement through HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision. The Aurora Lite utilizes an Android TV platform, which in this case comes pre-installed with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and Plex. Other streaming services and apps are available to download, but this projector is not compatible with the Google Play Store.
The NexiGo Aurora Lite has a 60-watt speaker system, with two woofers and two tweeters, each 15-watts. The audio system supports Dolby Atmos and has eARC on one of the HDMI ports for export to an external audio system, as well as an optical audio out and a 3.5mm audio jack. The projector has three HDMI inputs, three USB connectors, and a wired LAN port. It also has 8-point geometric correction if needed for setup.
Nomvdic P2000
- Rated Brightness 2,500 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light Source RGB Triple Laser
- Price $2,099
NOMVDIC is a newer projector manufacturer, with the company being founded in 2021. The $2,899 NOMVDIC P2000 is a 4K UHD ultra-short throw projector with a triple laser light engine powered by an ALPD 4.0 light engine.
The P2000 projects up to 150 inches, and its 2,500 lumens will go further when paired with an ALR screen for ambient light conditions. Reaching 100% of the BT.2020 wide color gamut, the P2000 has support for HDR10 and HLG. A Fire TV Stick 4K Max is included with purchase, allowing access to top streaming apps and a plethora of choices for entertainment.
It has MEMC for smooth motion and support for 3D content. Both 5Ghz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are available routes for wireless connectivity, and content can be screen mirrored from mobile devices. The custom, built-in sound system has two 25-watt speakers from Harman Kardon, a leading manufacturer in the audio space that has partnered with other UST brands and has a proven success record in those products. The system features Dolby and DTS support, as well as eARC for feeding high-quality sound to an external system if you choose to do so.
The projector features auto geometric correction to assist setup including 4-corner, and warping capabilities to project on a curved surface.
Optoma CinemaX D2 Smart
- Rated Brightness 3,000 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light Source Single-Laser+Phosphor
- Price $2,995
The Optoma CinemaX D2 Smart is a 4K UHD, single-laser+phosphor projector with smart capabilities, and is available in black or white. Typically, a projector will have an integrated operating system for streaming, but this is not the case with the D2 Smart—this projector has an included Android TV dongle for streaming apps like Netflix, Max, Amazon Prime, Paramount+, Starz, YouTube, Showtime Anytime, and more. Its predecessor, the CinemaX D2—without smart capabilityies—has been discontinued.
It connects to the projector via two cables. The micro-HDMI to standard HDMI cable connects the dongle to the projector to provide the image, while the micro-USB to USB Type-A cable connects the dongle to power via the projector's available USB port. This cable actually includes another USB port so access to USB isn't lost when using the dongle. It's a bit cumbersome and more complicated than other projectors with integrated streaming, but it works.
This 3,000 lumen projector reaches 97% of the Rec.709 color space and 84.6% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut. It has HDR and HLG, but no Dolby Vision. Our reviewer noted that the D2 Smart is lacking in out of the box color accuracy, but it does feature a CMS to tweak that color, and ISF modes calibrated for day and night viewing. It is easy to set up, with geometric controls, but the remote can be a bit tricky. It controls both the projector and the dongle, but there is a button that must be pressed to toggle between controlling each. The indicator light on the remote flashes red when it's controlling the projector, and blue when it is controlling the dongle when pressing the button. It's something you'll have to get used to, but after a few times of using it, it should become second nature.
The CinemaX D2 Smart is an excellent gaming projector. Optoma claims 4.4 ms latency when using HDMI 1—which is the only HDMI port that supports Enhanced Gaming mode—and our reviewer measured a 5 ms input lag for 1080p/240 Hz signals. That is fantastic. Other signal types also read on the low end of things, with 1080p/60Hz coming in at 18 ms, 4K/60Hz at 19ms, and 1080p/120Hz measuring 8 ms. This is a projector that can be used for both console and computer gaming. When not using the Enhanced Gaming mode via HDMI 1, the results almost doubled.
Enhanced Gaming and the Gaming picture mode do not work if the input signal is HDR, so those who play primarily HDR games will find this projector lacking. This is something Optoma plans to correct this in a future update. Enabling Enhanced Gaming mode also disables image and aspect adjustments such as keystone, digital zoom, and aspect ratio, as these typically increase lag time. There is an addition restriction to note —HDMI 1 is also the port that supports eARC, so you will have to choose between Enhanced Gaming mode and Dolby Atmos—a major bummer.
It does have dual 10-watt speakers, but they are somewhat thin, so many will choose to use an external sound system. If you are a gamer and want to utilize that Enhanced Gaming mode, you are not completely out of luck. The CinemaX D2 Smart does have both a 3.5mm audio out jack and a S/PDIF optical audio out connector. Additional inputs include two more HDMI 2.0 ports, a USB Type-A input that supports power delivery of 5V/1.5A and can be utilized for service, and an RS-232 port for serial communication.
Optoma GT3500HDR
- Rated Brightness 3,800 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light Source Single-Laser+Phosphor
- Price $1,499
Optoma's GT3500HDR is a 3,800 lumen projector that should be on a gamer's short list. Created for competitive gaming, this 1080p ultra short throw supports refresh rates of 120Hz and 60Hz, with input lags of 8.6 ms and 17 ms respectively. This projector works with both consoles and PCs, and with such a low response time, gameplay should be incredibly smooth. It has a single-laser+phosphor light engine, and is 35% more compact than previous Optoma models at approximately 12.9 x 4.3 x 12.9 inches (WHD), making it a great solution for those where space is an issue.
The projector is eco-friendly, with a reduced carbon footprint and packaging composed of 97% recycled materials. The GT3500HDR has manual focus and 4-point geometric correction for setup. It also has a digital zoom option to help get the picture just right. Keep in mind that digital processing will increase latency, so if you're using this for gaming, it's better to set up the projector with as little processing as possible.
The GT3500HDR is designed to be viewed with the lights on, provided that there are no lights shining directly on the screen surface. Utilizing an ALR screen will help you take advantage of the available lumens. The GT3500HDR has both HDR10 and HLG but taps out at reproduction of the Rec.709 color gamut. It has a color management system to further tune the color to your liking. The projector features full 3D in HD, compatible with DLP-Link glasses.
It has a single 15-watt mono speaker, and only a 3.5mm audio jack to output the sound to an external system—no HDMI eARC on either of its two HDMI 2.0 ports, and no optical digital output. The projector also has one USB port to provide power to an HDMI dongle like Chromecast, an RJ-45 ethernet network connection, an RS-232 for command and control, and a 3D sync connector.
Samsung "The Premiere" 9 LPU9D
- Rated Brightness 3,200 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light Source RGB Triple-Laser
- Price $5,599
Samsung's "The Premiere" 9 LPU9D triple-laser projector is an update to its earlier flagship model, the LSP9T, and features the same 0.66 DLP chip. With an additional 400 lumens compared to its predecessor, the LPU9D is a 3,200 ANSI lumen projector (spec'd at 3,450 ISO lumens) that will thrive in a bright room, especially when projected onto an ALR screen. Slightly larger than the LSP9T, the Samsung LPU9D measures 21.7 x 5.6 x 15.1 inches (WHD) and has a 0.189:1 throw ratio lens, allowing it to cast a 100-inch image with the back of the projector just a few inches off the screen wall, or its maximum 130-inch image from less than 10 inches away. This has the potential benefit of not having to adjust the distance of the TV stand or credenza from the wall to acheive a large 120- or 130-inch image.
Samsung claims the LPU9D reproduces 154% of the DCI-P3 color space and features HDR10+ compliance. This is a more advanced form of HDR10 initially developed by Samsung that offers dynamic metadata (similar to Dolby Vision) to assure a better result than is usually found with the static metadata found on regular HDR10 titles. The LPU96 continues the tradition of supporting the UHD Alliance's Filmmaker mode, which recognizes metadata in compatible content to engage a picture mode that optimizes the image based on the creator's intent.
With 4K AI Upscaling, the detail from lower-resolution HD content is said to be improved thanks to scene by scene analysis. Its smart technology includes Samsung's excellent Smart TV powered by Tizen streaming platform—which has a working Netflix app—compatibility with both Amazon Alexa and Samsung's Bixby voice assistants, as well as the SmartThings Hub, Matter Hub, and IoT-Sensor functionality.
This projector also features Samsung's Gaming Hub, allowing you to stream thousands of games right from the projector without the need for a gaming console, though you'll still need a high-speed internet connection and compatible gaming controller. The LPU9D has an Auto Game Mode (ALLM) as well, though our testing revealed disappointing low input lag around 57 ms.
The Samsung LPU9D has an integrated 40-watt 2.2.2 speaker system, driven by powerful up-firing speaker and built-in woofers. The projector features Object Tracking Sound (OTS) and Dolby Atmos. Its predecessor's audio was one of the better-sounding systems found among USTs. The LPU9D has Q-Symphony, which plays sound from a Samsung soundbar and the internal speakers simultaneously via Bluetooth. This Samsung has three HDMI inputs, one USB Type-A, an optical audio out port, an RJ-45 ethernet connector (as well as WI-FI), and an RS-232 port for command and control.
Samsung "The Premiere" 7 LPU7D
- Rated Brightness 2,400 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light Source Single-Laser+Phosphor
- Price $2,499
The Samsung Premiere 7 LPU7D is a step down from the LPU9D described above, and replaces the LSP9T. Similarly to the LSP9T, the LPU7D projects a 120 inch image, but from 16.3 inches rather than 12 inches away from the wall. Like its predecessor, it utilizes a single blue laser and yellow phosphor wheel as a cost-effective solution to achieving the three primary colors. It is a tad smaller than the LSP9T, measuring 20.9 x 5.2 x 14 inches to the LSP9T's 21 x 5.4 x 13.5 inches (WHD).
Samsung claims the LPU7D reaches 100% of the DCI-P3 color space, an improvement in gamut range over the earlier model. The 2,400 lumen ultra short throw is bright enough for use in a living room environment with an ALR screen, though you may still want some control over ambient light. It uses the same Smart TV by Tizen streaming platform that the LPU9D uses—with Netflix—and is compatible with the Bixby and Amazon Alexa voice assistants.
Like the LPU9D, the Samsung LPU7D features Samsung's Gaming Hub, turning the projector into a console-free gaming system as long as you have high-speed internet and a compatible gaming controller. If you do want to connect a gaming system, the projector has three HDMI inputs to choose from. It also has one USB Type-A, an optical audio out port, and an RJ-45 ethernet connector (as well as WI-FI and Bluetooth).
The Samsung LPU7D's 2.2 channel speaker system offers 30-watts of room-filling audio. The projector features both Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound (OTS), Adaptive Sound Pro, and Active Voice Amplifier. It has eARC as well, for feeding audio signal to an external sound system. If you've got a Samsung soundbar, Q-Symphony will play sound from both the integrated speakers and that soundbar via Bluetooth, for a surround sound experience.
Ultimea Thor T60
- Rated Brightness 4,000 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light Source RGB Triple-Laser
- Price $4,999
The Ultimea Thor T60 is a 4K UHD projector with an RGB triple-laser light engine. One of the brightest UST projectors on the market, it's designed to work in high brightness environments like living rooms, family rooms, and media rooms where ambient light control may be limited. Paired with an ambient light rejecting screen, the projector should be quite enjoyable for TV watchers during the day. It projects images from 80 inches up to 200 inches diagonal.
The T60 claims 120% of the expanded BT.2020 color gamut, a top-tier microprocessor with 2GB of RAM and 32GB ROM, as well as an AI Smart Image Engine. The projector has HDR10 and Dolby Vision compliance, and its 8-point calibration allows for further improvement of color. The IDDW technology (integral dynamic diffuser wheel) is said to combat laser speckle artifacts sometimes seen on laser projectors, though it was found in the ProjectorCentral 2023 Laser TV Showdown have mildly distracting laser speckle and rainbow artifacts.
MEMC provides smooth motion, which can be toggled on for sports or off for TV and movie viewing. Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) automatically optimizes settings for responsive gaming, claiming an input lag of between 10 ms and 25 ms, making it suitable for both serious and casual gaming.
The Android TV OS 11 includes apps for HBO, Disney+, Hulu, and YouTube, as well as access to other apps via the Google Play store, though as with most Android TV projectors Netflix is not among them. The built-in Google Assistant allows for smart control of the projector, and it has Chromecast built in. It also has 3D compatibility. The integrated soundbar has stereo15-watt speakers, driven by a tweeter and woofer for each channel, it the system supports Dolby Audio, Dolby Atmos, and DTS HD. One HDMI port has eARC for feeding digital audio to an external sound receiver or soundbar.
Ultimea Thor T50
- Rated Brightness 3,000 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light Source Single Laser + Phosphor
- Price $3,999 MSRP
The Ultimea Thor T50 is a step-down from the Ultimea Thor T60, as its model number suggests. Like the T60, the T50 is a 4K UHD resolution projector designed for use in bright room environments like living rooms, family rooms, and media rooms, but with 1,000 lumens less than the T60. This 3,000 lumen projector also has a single-laser+phosphor light engine rather than the triple-laser featured in the T60. Pair it with an ALR screen to make the most of the projector's picture, which can be enjoyed on screens from 80 to a whopping 250 inches. The projector itself measures 19.1 x 5.3 x 12.8 (WHD).
The T50 claims to achieve 130% of the Rec.709 color space, and has both HDR10 and Dolby Vision compatibility to enhance the image. It has full 3D compatibility and built-in Google Assistant. With an Android TV 11 OS and Chromecast and AirPlay built in, there is plenty of opportunity to watch your favorite content from most of the major services, though there is no working Netflix app. This is common among projectors with Android TV, whereas those with the newer Google TV platform do have access to Netflix.
The Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) optimizes the projector's settings for gaming, offering a low input lag of just 15 ms at 60fps—good enough for both competitive and casual gamers. For sports lovers, the projector features MEMC for smooth motion. The integrated dual 10-watt speakers offer Dolby Atmos and DTS HD, and one of the two HDMI inputs has eARC to feed audio to an external sound system. It also features Bluetooth 5.0. Additional connections include two USB 2.0 ports, a 3.5 mm audio out jack, a SPDIF output, an RJ-45 Ethernet port (WI-FI 2.4GHz and 5GHz are also available), and an RS-232 port for command and control.
ViewSonic X2000B-4K
- Rated Brightness 2,000 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light Source Single Laser + Phosphor
- Price $2,199
The ViewSonic X2000B-4K is a smart, compact, single laser phosphor UST projector that appears to replace the ever so fleeting, LED-driven X1000-4K that was only briefly on the market. The X2000B-4K should be more of a keeper, as it proved itself an excellent projector that reviewed well, earning our Highly Recommended award, and was a surprise sleeper in the single-laser category of our 2022 Laser TV Showdown. It produces pleasing color, accurate skin tones, and high contrast with good black level performance and shadow detail for a DLP projector. The X2000B offers HDR and HLG for high dynamic range content, though it's only rated for Rec.709 color gamut. It supports 1080p 3D.
This 4K UHD projector (it uses the 0.47-inch DLP XPR chip) is easy to set up thanks to built-in 4-corner adjustment, and it's equipped with an effective powered focus mechanism. It has built-in dual integrated Harmon Kardon speakers (10-watt tweeter and 15-watt woofer) with Dolby and DTS decoding on board and delivered clean sound and good dynamics in the audio tests for our 2022 Laser TV Showdown. The X2000B-4K is also equipped with Bluetooth in and out. You can use it to connect with your wireless device for listening to music, or send the audio out to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones.
Viewsonic dropped the ball on their proprieatry built-in streaming, which is clunky, so as with many projectors, we recommend you plan for adding your own streaming dongle or player. As with some other models, the X2000B has embedded Wi-Fi for sharing of content from mobile devices. It has Instant Power On, so you can use your projector without the wait. Check out our full review of the X2000B for more details.
Renew WEMAX Nova SE
- Rated Brightness 1,300 Lumens
- Screen Included No (ALR option available)
- Light Source Single-Laser + Phosphor
- Price $1,470
The 4K UHD-resolution WEMAX Nova has been replaced by the Renew WEMAX Nova SE, which is most notably different in its reduced brightness spec to 1,300 ANSI lumens (compared with the orignial's 2,100 claim) after the correction was forced by an Epson legal action charging deceptive advertising practices. The projector features an Appotronics ALPD 3.0 single-laser+phosphor light module and uses the 0.47-inch DLP chip with XPR fast pixel-switching to produce a 4K UHD image.
Its image size ranges from 80 to 150 inches and the motorized-focus lens on the WEMAX Nova 4K we reviewed proved fairly sharp and free of color aberrations. There are several options for bundled ALR screens in 100 inches, 120 inches, and 150-inch sizes, though we generally recommend avoiding images larger than 120 inches for a relatively low-brightness projector like this since the image dims the larger you go. The screen options include both electric floor rising tension screens and fixed frame and come with a significant discount when bundled with the projector. The projector can also be purchased without an accompanying screen.
The onboard Android 9 web-streaming system isn't the newest version, but it provides good image quality on most apps and provides access to apps from the Google Play store. As with many Android projectors, there is no Netflix support, so you will likely want to add and external streaming player or dongle. It does have Chromecast and Google Assistant built in. Our reviewer found that the 30-watt audio system—featuring four speakers—was also very good among USTs, with Dolby Audio and DTS, but no Atmos. There is also the option to use the projector as a standalone Bluetooth speaker. The Nova SE has three HDMI inputs, two USB Type-A ports, two 3.5mm audio jacks for headphones, a SPDIF connector, and an RJ-45 ethernet port along with WI-FI.
The Renew WEMAX Nova SE is said to reach 100% of the Rec.709 color gamut. The projector supports HDR10 content but not 3D. Unfortunately, the original WEMAX Nova 4K proved itself to be a bit of a dud on HDR image quality and exhibited noticeable "coil whine" in our review, though we have not tested the newer model to see if the issues were addressed.
XGIMI Aura 2
- Rated Brightness 2,300 Lumens
- Screen Included No
- Light Source RGB+Phosphor Hybrid
- Price $2,699
The original XGIMI Aura was both the company's first laser projector and, at $2,499, the least expensive laser UST on the market upon its release in October 2021. It reviewed well at ProjectorCentral, earning our Highly Recommended award. The replacement Aura 2, with 2,300 ISO lumens, is a 4K UHD projector that uses the same 0.47-inch 4K DLP chip. However, it separates itself from it predecessor and most competitors with XGIMI's Dual Light 2.0 hybrid light source. This starts with a discrete RGB laser configuration but adds a laser+phosphor color element to maintain high brightness while reducing the potential for laser speckle and color fringing that can occur with strict RGB laser designs.
The Aura 2 claims to reach up to 99% of the DCI-P3 color space, and to further improve the experience, offers both Dolby Vision HDR compliance and a certified IMAX Enhanced mode for HDR viewing. It has the newer Android TV 11 (the Aura had Android TV 10) for streaming, though unlike some of XGIMI's newer projectors that use the Google TV platform, the Aura 2 lacks a Netflix app. The projector has features that make setup easy, include auto focus, geometric correction, wall flatness and wall color adaptation, screen alignment assist, and intelligent eye protection. It can achieve a 100 inch image from only 7 inches away from the screen. XGIMI recommends a viewing size from 90 inches to 130 inches for the Aura 2. Of course, if you mate the projector with a UST ALR screen, which we always recommend, you'll likely be limited to a 120-inch image.
This cream-colored projector has an auto lens cover to protect the lens from scratches and dust when it is turned off, is designed to stay water-, dust-, and oil-resistant, and is eco-friendly. Its 60-watt Harman Kardon speaker system—a dedicated 15-watt tweeter and woofer for each channel—is covered with fabric created from four recycled water bottles and supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS audio tracks. The original XGIMI Aura's speaker system scored highly in the audio tests for our 2022 Laser TV Showdown, in which it was featured. For connections, the Aura 2 has three HDMI inputs (one with eARC), three USBs, a 3.5mm audio jack, an optical audio out connector, and and network connections are supported with the built-in WI-FI or an RJ-45 ethernet port.
