Choosing Between Two Top Ultra Short Throw Laser Projectors: A Detailed Comparison

The home theater projector market has evolved dramatically in recent years, with ultra short throw (UST) laser projectors emerging as an exciting alternative to traditional TVs and long-throw projectors. Today, we're comparing two compelling options: the Hisense PX2-PRO ($2,997.97) and the AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro ($5,109.00), both released in 2022.

Understanding Ultra Short Throw Projectors

Before diving into specifics, let's understand what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, these units can create massive images from just inches away. They use advanced optics and laser light sources to project upward at an extreme angle, making them perfect for modern homes where space is at a premium.

Core Performance: The Heart of the Matter

Brightness and Ambient Light Handling

Brightness is crucial for UST projectors since they often compete with room lighting. The AWOL LTV-3500 Pro leads significantly with 3,500 ANSI lumens compared to the PX2-PRO's 2,400 ANSI lumens. What does this mean in practice? The AWOL can maintain vibrant images even with some lights on or during daytime viewing, while the Hisense performs best in controlled lighting.

ANSI lumens, unlike marketing lumens, represent standardized brightness measurements you can trust. Think of it like comparing true horsepower versus inflated manufacturer claims.

Picture Quality and Color Performance

Both projectors utilize triple laser technology (using separate red, green, and blue lasers) to produce incredibly accurate colors. They both cover 107% of the BT.2020 color space - far beyond what traditional TVs can display. This means you'll see colors in movies and games that simply aren't possible on most displays.

The key difference lies in HDR (High Dynamic Range) handling:

• Both support Dolby Vision and HDR10
• AWOL adds HDR10+ support
• Both handle HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) broadcast content

In real-world testing, the AWOL's higher brightness gives it an edge in HDR performance, creating more impactful highlights while maintaining better shadow detail.

Gaming Capabilities

For gamers, input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action) is crucial. The AWOL shines here:

• 8ms at 1080p/120Hz
• 15ms at 4K/60Hz

The Hisense manages around 30-35ms, which is fine for casual gaming but might frustrate competitive players. For context, one frame at 60fps takes 16.7ms, so the AWOL's performance is impressive.

Features and User Experience

Smart Platforms and Streaming

The Hisense PX2-PRO integrates Google TV, providing a polished, modern streaming experience with personalized recommendations and Google Assistant voice control. The interface is snappy, and app support is excellent.

The AWOL LTV-3500 Pro takes a different approach, running Android 9.0 with an included Fire TV Stick 4K Max. While this seems less elegant, it offers flexibility - you can swap in your preferred streaming device if desired.

Installation and Setup

Both projectors feature automatic geometric correction, using your smartphone to perfectly align the image with your screen. This is a massive improvement over manual adjustment, especially given the precise alignment UST projectors require.

The AWOL offers a slightly wider range of screen sizes (80"-150" versus 90"-130"), though both are plenty large for most homes. Remember that ambient light becomes more challenging as screen size increases, making the AWOL's higher brightness even more valuable for larger installations.

Audio Performance

Built-in audio is surprisingly capable on both units:

• AWOL: 36W Dolby Atmos system
• Hisense: 30W Dolby Atmos system

However, for a proper home theater setup, you'll want external speakers or a soundbar. Both projectors offer eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) support for high-quality audio passthrough to external systems.

Value Proposition and Real-World Use

The $2,100 price difference between these projectors is significant, so let's break down the value proposition:

The Hisense PX2-PRO at $3,000 offers:

• Excellent picture quality
• Integrated smart features
• Good brightness for dark rooms
• Solid overall performance

The AWOL LTV-3500 Pro at $5,100 delivers:

• Superior brightness
• Better gaming performance
• More flexible installation options
• Premium HDR handling

How to Decide

Choose the Hisense PX2-PRO if:

• You're setting up in a light-controlled room
• You want an integrated smart TV experience
• Gaming isn't your primary use case
• Value is a key consideration

Choose the AWOL LTV-3500 Pro if:

• You need maximum brightness for daytime viewing
• Gaming performance is crucial
• You're planning a larger screen size
• Budget allows for premium features

Looking Forward

Both projectors represent 2022 technology, and while newer models are emerging, they remain competitive. The core laser technology hasn't changed dramatically, though we're seeing incremental improvements in processing and smart features.

Final Thoughts

For most users, the Hisense PX2-PRO offers tremendous value, delivering 80% of the AWOL's performance at 60% of the price. However, if you need maximum brightness or gaming performance, the AWOL LTV-3500 Pro justifies its premium position.

Remember that any UST projector works best with a proper ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen, which should be factored into your budget. These screens help maintain contrast and color accuracy, especially in rooms with ambient light.

The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and environment. Both projectors represent excellent options in the UST category, with the Hisense offering better value for most users and the AWOL delivering premium performance for those who need it.

Hisense PX2-PRO TriChroma 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Cinema Projector with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, & Google TV Deals and Prices

AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro Ultra Short Throw Projector Deals and Prices