Choosing Between Today's Best Ultra Short Throw Projectors: A Complete Guide

When it comes to creating a theater-like experience at home, ultra short throw (UST) laser projectors have revolutionized what's possible. Today, we're comparing two leading options: the Hisense PX2-PRO ($2,998) and the Formovie Theater ($2,699), both of which represent the cutting edge of home projection technology.

Understanding UST Projectors

Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images from just inches away. This breakthrough means you can place them in a TV stand rather than mounting them on the ceiling or across the room. Both of these models use advanced triple laser technology, which produces more vibrant colors than traditional lamp-based projectors or even single-laser systems.

Release Timing and Technical Evolution

The Hisense PX2-PRO and Formovie Theater both launched in 2022, marking a significant step forward in UST technology. Since their release, both have received software updates improving their smart features and performance. While newer models have emerged, these two remain highly competitive, especially considering their current pricing.

Picture Quality Deep Dive

Brightness and Room Compatibility

The Formovie Theater's 2800 ANSI lumens outshines the PX2-PRO's 2400 ANSI lumens, making it better suited for rooms with ambient light. For context, ANSI lumens are a standardized measurement of brightness - think of it as how well the projector can compete with room lighting. The Formovie's advantage here means you won't need to completely darken your room for every viewing session.

Color Performance

Both projectors use triple laser systems, but implement them differently:

• The PX2-PRO's TriChroma system covers 107% of the BT.2020 color space
• The Formovie Theater matches this coverage while delivering slightly better brightness

These color capabilities far exceed what traditional TVs can produce (which typically cover about 75% of BT.2020). In practical terms, both deliver stunningly vivid images that make content like nature documentaries and action movies pop with remarkable realism.

Contrast and Black Levels

While the PX2-PRO advertises a higher dynamic contrast ratio, real-world testing shows both projectors perform similarly in dark room conditions. The Formovie Theater has a slight edge in maintaining black level detail, particularly in challenging scenes with both bright and dark elements.

Installation and Setup

Room Requirements

Both projectors need about 4-8 inches from the wall to create their images. Here's what you can expect:

• PX2-PRO: 90-130 inch image size range
• Formovie Theater: Up to 150 inches

The Formovie's larger maximum size provides more flexibility, especially for dedicated home theater spaces. However, remember that larger images require more brightness for the same perceived picture quality.

Calibration and Adjustment

The PX2-PRO includes an innovative auto-geometric calibration system using your smartphone, making initial setup significantly easier. The Formovie Theater relies on manual adjustment but provides comprehensive controls for enthusiasts who prefer fine-tuning their image.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Operating Systems

The PX2-PRO runs Google TV, offering:

• More modern interface
• Better content recommendations
• Tighter Google Assistant integration

The Formovie Theater uses Android TV, providing:

• Larger app selection
• More stable performance
• Better compatibility with older apps

Gaming Features

Both projectors support 4K/60Hz gaming with ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which automatically switches to game mode when it detects a console. The PX2-PRO has a slight advantage in input lag, making it marginally better for competitive gaming.

Audio Performance

Built-in audio quality often gets overlooked, but it's crucial for an all-in-one solution:

• PX2-PRO: 30W Dolby Atmos system
• Formovie Theater: Bowers & Wilkins-designed speakers

The Formovie Theater delivers noticeably better audio quality, though serious home theater enthusiasts will want to pair either projector with a dedicated sound system.

Real-World Performance

Movie Watching

Both projectors excel with movies, but in different ways:

• The PX2-PRO offers slightly better motion handling
• The Formovie Theater provides better brightness for HDR content

For dark room movie viewing, both deliver outstanding experiences. The extra brightness of the Formovie Theater makes it more versatile for casual viewing with some lights on.

Sports and TV Shows

The higher brightness of the Formovie Theater makes it better for watching sports during the day or with lights on. Both handle motion well, though fast-moving content like hockey or football can benefit from their motion smoothing features.

Value Consideration

At their current prices:

• Formovie Theater ($2,699) offers better brightness per dollar
• PX2-PRO ($2,998) provides better smart features and gaming performance

The $300 price difference is significant but not decisive - the choice should depend more on your specific needs than the price difference.

How to Decide

Choose the PX2-PRO if:

• You're creating a dedicated home theater in a light-controlled room
• Gaming performance is a priority
• You're invested in the Google TV ecosystem
• You want the easiest possible setup process

Choose the Formovie Theater if:

• You'll be watching with some ambient light
• You want the largest possible image size
• Audio quality from the built-in speakers is important
• You prioritize maximum brightness for HDR content

Final Thoughts

Both projectors represent excellent value in the UST market, with the Formovie Theater offering slightly better overall performance for most users. However, the PX2-PRO's superior smart features and easier setup might make it the better choice for less technical users or those prioritizing gaming.

For a dedicated home theater room, either projector will deliver outstanding performance. The decision ultimately comes down to your specific use case and environment. If you're upgrading from a traditional TV or projector, either option will provide a significant improvement in both image size and quality.

Remember that both projectors will benefit from a proper screen - while they can project onto a wall, an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen will significantly improve contrast and color performance, especially in rooms with ambient light.

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

Formovie Theater Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser Projector Deals and Prices