While most consumers and A/V hobbyists like to think picture quality is the only thing that matters for a TV or UST projector, sometimes it isn't. The fact is that a big ugly black box sitting in a prominent place in your living room isn't going to win over those in your household who may care about how things look when the lights are on. And if you spend $3,000 or more on a UST (Ultra Short Throw) projector only to have it vetoed by your partner after it has been set up, well that's just sad.
With this in mind, ProjectorScreen.com called together a panel of prominent interior designers to judge how well the most popular and high performance UST projectors fit in with today's modern (and classic) living space designs. They called it the "UST Projector Beauty Pageant" and yes, it's probably going to ruffle a few feathers.
Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors have risen in popularity in the last few years as they offer a viable alternative to huge flat panel TVs or complicated front throw projectors at a fairly affordable price point. Also, with custom consoles, laser-powered brightness and motorized ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens, UST projectors can work well in bright rooms and virtually disappear when not in use. Press a button on a remote and a massive 120-inch Vivid Storm screen can appear from the floor or from the ceiling creating a truly cinematic experience in your living room. Press another button and it simply disappears.
Of course, picture quality must also be considered as it doesn't matter how pretty the projector is in the room if it can't produce a high quality image. All of the projectors under consideration here offer 4K resolution except the Epson LS800 which accepts 4K signals with HDR but renders those images at half 4K resolution (which is still twice the detail of 1080p High Definition, so it's still very detailed). If you are planning to use the projector's built-in speakers (though we always recommend adding a real surround sound system), then you may want to check out the results of the audio portion of the UST Projector Showdown.
Fourteen projectors were considered in the competition. Recent street prices are listed, but click the links to see current pricing on ProjectorScreen.com. Some of these models are currently available for substantially lower than the prices listed below. As always, if you purchase anything using the links on this web site, Big Picture Big Sound may earn a commission.
Both versions of LG's HU915 (Off-White and Black) made the top 3 with Samsung's "Premiere" UST projector (LSP9T) between them in second place. Epson's LS800 came in at #4, and is among the lower-priced models in the competition (currently $2,999). The Epson is the only 3-chip LCD projector in the bunch which means it won't suffer from the RBE (Rainbow Effect) that plagues some DLP projectors.
Rounding out the top 5 was the ForMovie Theater. This projector came out of virtually nowhere late last year to much critical acclaim. It not only won the Triple Laser category of the UST Projector Showdown, but it also took top honors for sound quality with an integrated speaker system designed in partnership with Bowers and Wilkins.
The LG HU915QE's neutral off-white, fairly compact chassis and light "heathered gray" speaker grille cloth earned it the top score for aesthetics. Judge Janna Robinson said the LG offered a "timeless elegance that will transcend into any design style." Judge Christine Kohut added, "The fabric face and the warm tone makes it look less like a techy piece of equipment, and more like a piece that goes in a detail-oriented and well-designed space." Finally, judge Beth Martin had this to offer: "This unique colorway somehow dances a line between contemporary and retro, which makes it feel like an instant classic."
The LG HU915QE also happens to be a top performer for video quality as well. It placed second (by the slimmest of margins) to the Formovie Theater in ProjectorScreen.com's recent UST Projector Showdown and took the top spot in Value Electronics's UST Projector Shootout. The LG really offers the best of best worlds looking good both when the lights are on and when they're off.
Check it out at ProjectorScreen.com:
> LG HU915QE ($5,996) 4K UST Projector (Click for Curent Price)
Samsung's LSP9T Premiere projector offers a modern style without looking too techy. In Judge Janna's words, "the modern inconspicuous aesthetics with its high gloss lacquer finish and gray speaker grill cloth is beautifully executed. This is almost gives the illusion of it being an accessory purposely out on display." Judge Christine was impressed that the projector needs only 4.4 inches of space from the wall in order to throw a huge 100-inch image. This allows the stand or console it is placed on to take up less space in the room. She added, "The rounded edges and smaller looking profile make it feel more contemporary and sculptural, rather than another boxy looking piece of AV equipment."
Check it out at ProjectorScreen.com:
> Samsung The Premiere LSP9T ($6,496) (Click for Current Price)
The black version of the event winner, the LG HU915QB offers identical performance to the white version but in a black chassis with dark grey cloth. Judge Christine said, "While a very simple and clean looking piece, there is attention to detail. The inset fabric speaker face has an elegant, tweedy wool look to it, rather than a plain black cover. The matte black hides dust and finger prints and the defined corners make it look well made." Judge Beth had this to add, "From its sleek design to its image quality, this projector will make any movie night feel like you're in a theater. You can't go wrong with the slick, modernist lines of the LG HU915QB to make your space look stylish and high-end."
Check it out at ProjectorScreen.com
> LG HU915QB ($5,996) at ProjectorScreen.com (Click for Current Price)
One of the more affordable projectors (currently $2,999 at ProjectorScreen.com), the Epson LS800 is available in black or white to suit virtually any decor or color scheme. In judge Janna's words, "The sinuous curves of the chassis available in both black and white, add a soft, flowy and organic element, which allow the unit to naturally blend into any environment." Judge Christine had this to add, "The beveled corners give it a high end look and the low profile keeps things simple." Judge Christine was even more enthusiastic: "The luxe, refined details combined with the outstanding functionality of this projector make the Epson LS800 my favorite option on this list."
Check it out at ProjectorScreen.com
> Epson LS800 ($3,499) at ProjectorScreen.com (Click for Current Price)
The ForMovie Theater has been garnering rave reviews from critics and consumers alike and took first place in the Triple Laser category in the most recent UST Projector Showdown. It features Dolby Vision HDR support (rare on a projector) as well as high-end sound courtesy of Bowers&Wilkins. As for styling, judge Janna said, "Straight lines and right angles are one of the more attractive aspects about this unit. This is simply designed but executed well." judge Christina added, "Bonus points for not being basic black. Charcoal gray has a softer look." Judge Beth praised the ForMovie's "tasteful minimal design" Beth feels that the simple uncluttered housing "will not distract from the overall aesthetic of your living space."
Check it out at ProjectorScreen.com
> ForMovie Theater ($3,499) at ProjectorScreen.com (Click for Current Price)
Check out the full details of the UST Projector Beauty Pageant, including the full rankings and detailed comments for all 14 models.
UST Projector Beauty Pageant on ProjectorScreen.com
Related Articles:
Best UST Projectors Compete at Laser TV Showdown. See Who Won
UST Projector Shootout Crowns a New King of UST Projection
Which UST Projector Sounds the Best? Find Out Here
