Imagine a device that can project a large, high-resolution image onto a screen from an incredibly close distance. No imagine that projector having everything you need to upgrade your "big screen" TV to a gigantic 100+ screen size that even works with the lights on. What you're dreaming of exists. They're called ultra short throw projectors, and they're taking the home entertainment industry by storm.
An ultra short throw projector is a type of projector that can produce a large image from a very short distance away from the screen onto which it's projecting. These laser TVs, as they're also called, eliminate the need for extensive space, making them ideal for small rooms or apartments where traditional projectors may not fit. Their rising popularity stems from their versatility, convenience, and ability to deliver stunning visuals even with the lights on.
So, because we're the experts on everything projection, ProjectorScren.com created a series of projector vs. projector comparisons where dive deep into the specs of USTs to help you choose the best one to meet your specific needs.
Today's ultra short throw shootout features the Formovie Theater up against the LG HU915QE. With just a glance at the specs, it's clear to see these are two of the best laser TVs available on the market. When we compared the LG HU915QB Vs Formovie Theater, it was the Formovie Theater that earned the win. But how will the brighter of the LG CineBeam siblings fare against the reigning champion of the laser TVs? Does the LG HU915QE have what it takes to beat the Formovie Theater? Let's find out!
Formovie Theater
The Formovie Theater has been the top-selling ultra short throw projector since it launched here in the USA in the summer of 2022. It is the enhanced and updated version of the Fengmi T1, its Chinese counterpart.
This triple laser 4K ultra short throw takes full advantage of the advanced ALPD® 4.0 RGB+ technology. This innovative light engine helps give the Formovie Theater some of the best black levels you'll find on a laser TV. {Spoiler Alert}, the amazing specs found on this projector helped the Formovie Theater take 1st place for the 2nd year in a row at the Projector Central/ProjectorScreen.com Laser TV showdown in 2023. As our #1 selling ultra short throw projector, it will be quite a challenge to unseat it as the best UST on the market.
For more information you can also check out our in-depth Formovie Theater projector review.
LG HU915QE CineBeam
The LG HU915QE CineBeam is one of LG's two new ultra short throw projectors (the other being the LG HU915QB). Their first UST was considered one of the best so it's no surprise that LG put out another top performer. With incredible picture quality, this triple laser is definitely one of top ultra short throw projectors. While the LG HU915QB emphasized picture quality, the LG CineBeam HU915QE focuses on brightness. With 3,700 lumens it's certainly one of the most powerful residential projectors out there.
You can read our review of the LG HU915QE if you want to learn even more about this bright room projector.
LG HU915QE Vs Formovie Theater
Both of these triple laser ultra short throw projectors excel in different aspects so this is going to be quite the interesting bout. And without further ado, lets find out which is the better projector, the LG HU915QE or the Formovie Theater. LET'S DO IT!
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LG HU915QE |
Formovie Theater |
Our Thoughts: |
Brightness |
3700 |
2800 |
With bright room projectors like these, the extra lumens on the LG HU915QE is a big advantage. |
Throw Ratio |
0.19:1 |
0.23:1 |
Only the Epson LS800 sits closer to the screen than the LG HU915QE. |
Chipset |
.67" DLP |
.47" DLP |
The LG HU915QE uses the larger native 4K DLP chip which offers a sharper image. |
Light Source |
RBB Triple Laser With Green Phosphor |
ALPD® 4.0 RGB+ Triple Laser |
Both are triple laser projectors but the Theater uses a true RGB laser engine that includes ALPD 4.0 technology. Point, Formovie. |
Color |
94% DCI-P3 |
113% DCI-P3 |
Each laser TVs offers a wide color gamut, but the Formovie Theater has a significant upper-hand. |
Contrast Ratio |
2700:1 |
3333:1 |
The contrast on LG's laser TV is fantastic but the Formovie Theater gets the win here because it has one of the best contrast ratios found on a UST projector. |
Image Size |
90 to 120 inches |
80 to 150 inches |
With a much wider screen size range the Formovie offers is a tremendous benefit. |
Input Lag |
4K/60Hz: 53ms
|
4K/60Hz: 43ms |
Both offer decent input lag for gaming with the Formovie Theater having the edge in this regard. |
Audio |
2.2 Channel, 40W speakers |
Full-range×2 + Tweeter×2 (30W) By Bowers & Wilkins |
Though LG's built in soundbar is more powerful, the Formovie laser TV has arguably the best built-in soundbar of any ultra short throw projector. |
Price |
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With such a low price for a 4K UST projector the Formovie Theater's value is hard to beat. |
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Add to Cart
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Add to Cart
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LG HU915QE
The Pros
- Bright 3,700 ANSI lumen triple laser light source
- Offers outstanding contrast
- Uses the larger .66 DLP chip
- Sits the 2nd closest to the projector screen
- Dynamic Tone Mapping to tame HDR sources
- Powerful 40W speakers
- Has built-in Netflix app
- Offers a plethora of calibration and image controls, along with AutoCal option
- Has 3 HDMI ports
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
- Even though it offers many calibration controls, it is difficult to calibrate fully
- No 3D support
- Relatively high lag time isn't bad per se, but not as good as other projectors for gaming
- Sand colored chassis. It could look OK with specific décor but would probably be better if it were white or black.
Formovie Theater
The Pros
- Very low price tag, especially given the incredible performance
- High lumen output with a RGB triple laser light source
- Vibrant colors out of the box
- Fantastic contrast and deep dark black levels
- Powerful and clear built-in soundbar
- Laser speckle reduction technology
- 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 and 2023 Laser TV Showdown
The Cons
- Menu is sometimes less intuitive
- 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
- Netflix app is not included
So Which UST Is Better, The Formovie Theater Or The LG HU915QE?
We've spent countless hours with each projector watching movies and TV. We also dissected the specs and torture tested each unit. All of this to help you decide which is better, the Formovie Theater or LG HU915QE.
It's safe to say, either projector you choose is going to make you a happy camper. (Though for camping purposes we'd recommend a lifestyle projector.) Both of these 4K USTs are at the top of the pile so no matter who comes out ahead you know you'll win with your close-up projector decision.
So amongst these two absolutely great 4K UST projectors, our top choice in the LG HU915QE vs. Formovie Theater shootout is the………
Formovie Theater
Why You Should Buy The Formovie Theater
You'd think by this point we'd be tired of picking the Formovie Theater as the winner of these showdown. But it is clearly one of, if not the best, 4K ultra short throw projectors available on the market today. The low cost combined with the incredible specs that make this UST difficult to top. It's that low price and great value that keeps putting the Formovie Theater as the top pick in these showdowns.
On top of the low price, the Formovie 4K UST boasts sharp detail and impressive motion handling. The vibrant colors from the wider color gamut, exceptional contrast, and deep blacks especially distinguish the Theater from the LG CineBeam HU915QE. You really need to see the Formovie Theater in person to fully appreciate how great the picture is that it spits out onto the screen.
Equipped with a 2800 lumen triple laser light source, the Formovie Theater delivers ample brightness for most well lit rooms in your home. It's particularly effective when paired with an ambient light-rejecting screen like the Spectra Vantage, which minimizes the LG HU915QE's brightness advantage.
What sets the 4K Theater UST further apart is its extensive control over picture settings, allowing for meticulous fine-tuning compared to other models. Additionally, its variable focus accommodates screen sizes all the way up to 150 inches, exceeding the LG HU915QE's maximum of 120 inches. The more compact profile of the Formovie Theater compared to the rather bulky body of the LG UST also help give it an edge.
For those not planning to use an external sound system, the Formovie Theater features the best-in-class built-in soundbar among laser TVs. It offers rich and powerful audio unmatched by competitors.
Really above all else the reason why we chose the Formovie Theater over the LG HU915QE is the price. Even on sale, the LG HU915QE is still hundreds of dollars more expensive. When you offer a lower price and still output an amazing picture, like the Formovie Theater, you're going to win a lot of head to comparisons.
Why You Should Buy The LG HU915QE
Just because we chose the Formovie Theater instead of the LG HU915QE, doesn't mean it's not the better projector to meet your needs.
These laser TVs are made to be bright room projectors. Above all else the most important factor for watching content with the lights on is lumens. In that regard the LG HU915QE has a big advantage. With 900 more lumens of light output, the LG CineBeam UST can handle placement in all but the brightest of rooms. The Formovie Theater just wouldn't be able to produce as good of an image in extra bright rooms, even with an ALR screen made for USTs.
Another reason you might like the LG HU915QE better than the Formovie Theater is if you like webOS, LG's operating system. It's very easy to navigate compared to the Android OS on the Formovie projector which can sometimes be counterintuitive. On top of that, the LG comes with a built-in Netflix streaming app while you'd need an external device to watch Netflix on the Theater.
As a practical matter if you're very limited on space, the LG HU915QE's ability to sit several inches closer to the screen makes it easier to fit in your room without obstructing the space in front of the screen. This also reduces the likelihood of needing a new laser tv credenza to hold the projector.
What Do You Think?
So now that you've read our head to head, which ultra short throw projector do you think is better, the Formovie or the LG HU915QE? Do you have a preference for your own home? Which projectors do you want to see head to head in our next laser TV shootout? We'd love to hear what you think so please let us know in the comments below!
Also make sure to subscribe to our email list below and to our YouTube channel so you can get notified when our shootouts go live and other great upcoming content in our pipeline.
If you have any questions on these projectors or anything else projection related don’t hesitate to hit us up at ProjectorScreen.com. Thanks for reading and as always, keep on projecting!
Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | LG |
Product Status: | In Stock |
Lumens: | 3700 |
Projector Type: | Ultra Short Throw |
Light Source: | Laser |
Contrast Ratio: | 2,000,000:1 |
Chipset: | DLP |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 0.19:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 3840x2160 |
Lens Shift: | No |
Input Lag: | 4K/60Hz: 53.3ms |
3D Support: | No |
Built-In Speaker: | Yes |
Warranty: | 1 Year |
Standard Lens Focus: | Manual |
ARC/eARC: | eARC |
Operating System: | webOS |
Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | Formovie |
Product Status: | In Stock |
Lumens: | 2800 |
Projector Type: | Ultra Short Throw |
Light Source: | Laser |
Contrast Ratio: | 3,000:1 (full on/off) |
Chipset: | DLP |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 0.23:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 3840x2160 |
Lens Shift: | No |
Input Lag: | 4K/60Hz: 43ms | 1080p/60Hz: 41ms | 1080p/120Hz: 37ms | 1080p/240Hz: 34ms |
3D Support: | No |
Built-In Speaker: | Yes |
Warranty: | 2 Years |
Standard Lens Focus: | Motorized |
ARC/eARC: | eARC |
Operating System: | Android TV |
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