Ultra short throw projectors are a relatively new type of projector that sits directly under the screen. But which UST is the best? We'll answer that question as part of our ultra short throw projector shootout series. Let's see who wins this battle between the Formovie Theater and the LG HU915Qb.
The Formovie Theater ultra short throw projector just launched here in the USA early this summer and is the enhanced and updated version of it's Chinese counterpart, the Fengmi T1. This triple laser UST utilizes ALPD® 4.0 RGB+ technology which helps give it some of the best black levels we've seen on a projector. These amazing specs helped the Formovie Theater take 1st place in the 2022 Laser TV Showdown. You can also check out our in-depth Formovie Theater review.
The LG HU915QB CineBeam is one of LG's two new ultra short throw projectors (the other being the LG HU915QE). Coming in at a close 2nd place in the Laser TV Showdown, it's no surprise that LG put out another top performer. With tremendous picture quality, this triple laser is definitely one of best ultra short throw projectors. Make sure to also read our LG HU915QB Review.
So which is better the Formovie Theater or the LG HU915QB UST?
Check out our expert comparison of these two fantastic triple laser ultra short throw projectors to find out.
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Formovie Theater |
LG HU915QB |
Our Thoughts: |
Brightness |
2800 |
3000 |
Both of these are bright projectors but with 200 more lumens the LG HU915QB wins the brightness comparison. |
Throw Ratio |
0.23:1 |
0.19:1 |
The Formovie UST sits closer than most others, however the new LG Cinebeam sits closer to the projection screen than any UST. |
Chipset |
.47" DLP |
.66" DLP |
The LG CineBeam uses the larger which offers higher native resolution that only needs to eshift two directions as compared to four for the .47 chip. |
Light Source |
ALPD® 4.0 RGB+ triple laser |
RBB triple laser with green phosphor |
Both UST projectors use a three laser light source but the Formovie Theater uses true Red, Green and Blue lasers. |
Color |
107% BT.2020 |
79% BT.2020 |
The Formovie Theater offers wider coverage capabilities. That said the LG still has vibrant colors and covers a wide color gamut. |
Sequential Contrast Ratio |
3333:1 |
6018:1 |
We measured the contrast as being almost twice as good on the LG Hu915QB. This is really impressive because the Formovie Theater's contrast is better than just about every other laser TV. |
Input Lag |
41.9 ms |
67.0 ms |
While not ideal for the most hardcore gamers, The Formovie laser TV is definitely the better gaming projector. |
Audio |
Full-range×2 + Tweeter×2 (30W) By Bowers & Wilkins |
2.2 Channel, 40W speakers
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Despite being less powerful overall, the Formovie delivers a better audio experience. |
Price |
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At half the price the Formovie Theater has a big advantage when it comes to cost. |
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Add to Cart
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Add to Cart
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LG HU915QB Vs. Formovie Theater Side By Side Comparison
We put together this video of the LG CineBeam HU915QB and the Formovie Theater comparing them side by side to show you how the image looks out of the box. We'll break down this video at a later time so make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Pros And Cons Of Each UST Projector
Formovie Theater
The Pros
- Very low price tag, especially given the incredible performance
- High lumen output
- Vibrant colors out of the box
- Laser speckle reduction technology
- Best native contrast for a .47” XPR DLP
- Supports Dolby Vision
- Sits closer to the screen than most other USTs
- Can make an image size up to 150 inches
- Winner of the 2022 Laser TV Showdown
The Cons
- Menu is sometimes less intuitive
- Fan can be a little noisy
- Lacks 3D support
- Fixed-level line output for attaching a sub-woofer; volume controls on remote will change levels of built-in speakers but not adjust volume of the attached subwoofer
LG HU915QB CineBeam
The Pros
- Provides the best contrast for any laser TV
- Bright 3,000 ANSI lumen triple laser light source
- Uses the larger .66 DLP chip
- Sits the closest to the screen
- Dynamic Tone Mapping to tame HDR sources
- Powerful 40W speakers
- Offers a plethora of calibration and image controls, along with AutoCal Option
The Cons
- Uses a RBB triple laser with a filter instead of true red, green and blue lasers
- Projector needs to be more carefully aligned to avoid focus issues around the edges
- Large bulky chassis
- No 3D support
- Relatively high lag time isn't bad per se, but not as good as other projectors for gaming
So Which Is Better, The Formovie Theater Or The LG HU915QB Laser TV?
This is probably one of the toughest calls we've had in these head to head comparisons. These are two phenomenal ultra short throw projectors. Without a doubt, you'll be 100% thrilled with either one you buy.
But a winner must be chosen. So between the LG HU915QB and Formovie Theater the winner of this ultra short throw projector shootout is the………
Formovie Theater!
Even though this is Formovie's first ultra short throw projector sold in the USA, their practice with the Fengmi T1 certainly paid off. The Formovie Theater is arguably the best laser TV on sale. So good in fact, that a panel of independent judges named it the winner of the 2022 Laser TV Showdown.
This UST has incredibly bright accurate colors, super sharp detailed image, great motion handling, phenomenal contrast and some of the deepest blacks we've seen on a laser TV. With a 2800 lumen, triple laser light source, the Formovie Theater is bright enough for most rooms, especially when paired with an ambient light rejecting screen.
That said it would not be a stretch to argue that the LG HU915QB is the superior laser TV. With more lumens, dynamic tone mapping, larger DLP chip, a smaller throw ratio, deep black levels and having a contrast ratio twice as good as the Formovie Theater, you could also say the LG HU915QB is the best ultra short throw projector.
What really makes the difference to give the Formovie the win, is that it is half the price of the LG HU915QB. If you're looking to save money and still want an incredible picture the Formovie Theater is the best option available.
We'll be breaking down the comparison between the Formovie Theater and LG HU915QB even further in our Ultra Short Throw shootout series on YouTube. So make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you can get notified when our shootout goes live plus other great content in our pipeline.
If you have any questions on these UST projectors or anything else projection related don’t hesitate to hit us up at ProjectorScreen.com. Thanks for reading and keep on projecting!
Which projector do you think is better? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below.