Special Features

USTs come in many variations now. Some aim to please the cinephiles of the world. It is in the UST category where we have seen DLP native contrast ratios pushed beyond what was previously thought possible.

Other USTs are all about replicating that "giant TV in a sports bar" experience and deliver a lot of lumens for the money. Here are some of the best examples of this burgeoning projection category.

Best 4K UST Projectors

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Leica Cine 1 ($9,000/100" or $9,500/120")
The Leica Cine 1 is quite possibly the best general-purpose UST you can buy today, but you do pay a premium for the pleasure. It is a RGB triple-laser model manufactured by Hisense, and the Leica branding is not just for show, it represents an overall higher standard of quality.

This projector features a fixed-focus lens crafted by leica to deliver superior performance. It effectively minimizes RGB convergence and aberration issues commonly seen in other RGB triple-laser projectors, delivering a sharp image quality that rivals traditional long-throw native 4K projectors.

The Leica is a polished product with highly accurate color right out of the box and properly functioning calibration controls to further tweak the image. I've seen it put through the paces and its sharpness is so outstanding it rivals long-throw native 4K projectors.

The main issue with the Cine 1 is that despite qualifying for this list with an MSRP under $10K, it is still a "cost no object" purchase while the Hisense PX2-Pro is the much more affordable option. But I also think it really is the best overall UST for image quality, even if the other models here do certain things better.

The lens sharpness is what gets me. I want to say they you get what you pay for with the Leica, but this might be a case where the law of diminishing returns needs to be factored into a purchase decision.

• Fixed-Focus Leica Lens: Crafted to minimize RGB convergence and aberration, ensuring sharp image quality that competes with long-throw native 4K projectors.
• High Image Sharpness: Delivers exceptionally sharp images, comparable to those of long-throw native 4K projectors.
• Accurate Color and Calibration: Offers highly accurate color reproduction right out of the box, with effective calibration controls for further image refinement.
• HDR Compatible: 4K resolution with Dolby Vision HDR, HDR10, and HLG support.
• Cost Consideration: Despite a sub-$10K MSRP, the projector is a premium investment compared to more affordable options like the Hisense PX2-Pro.

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Hisense PX2-Pro ($2,500)
Although car analogies are risky, the Hisense is essentially a Toyota while Leica is Lexus. Let's start with the fact that it's known both products come from the same manufacturer. Inside, a lot of the technology is similar: DLP, triple laser, Android TV. Of course the Hisense is tuned differently, does not sport the souped-up Leica lens, and has a lower 2400 ANSI lumen rating, but it comes surprisingly close to the Leica in terms of overall picture quality.

The Hisense PX2-PRO is an RGB triple-laser projector or "TriChroma Laser" in Hisense parlance. It is spec'd to reach 107% of the BT.2020 color space and offers 2,400 ANSI lumen brightness and a lifespan of over 25,000 hours. With support for 4K HDR, the PX2-PRO creates detailed images and because the lens has a focus function, it is compatible with multiple screen sizes from 90 inches up to 130 inches.

If you are looking for a polished, high-performance UST from a trusted major brand, the PS2-Pro beckons. Hisense has been in the DLP UST business for years and its experience and resources are readily apparent in this polished product.

• Ultra Short Throw Technology for images from 90 to 130 inches.
• 4K resolution with Dolby Vision HDR, HDR10, and HLG support.
• Game and Filmmaker Modes.
• RGB Laser lamp with a 25,000-hour life and Auto Geometry Calibration.

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Formovie Theater ($3,000)
The Formovie Theater is the UST to buy if your viewing habits lean toward home theater. It offers higher contrast as well as better handling of dark scenes than any other UST that I have seen. It has the remarkable ability to render dark scenes with deeper black levels than any projector outside of the dedicated home theater models, and do so without crushing shadow detail. The ALPD technology light source is a triple-laser plus phosphor design that surpasses the rec.2020 color gamut yet has no visible laser speckle.

When comparing it to other USTs with other projector critics, it was the Formovie that elicited gasps of awe when the lights were out. It also does a great job with the lights on, and its laser-phosphor light engine is free of laser speckle yet achieves vibrant color and is very bright, it is rated at 2,800 ANSI lumens and supports screen sizes up to 150 inches. Other notable Features include support for Dolby Vision as well as Dolby Atmos, and a sound system carrying the Bowers and Wilkins name.

• Exceptional Contrast and Dark Scene Handling: Offers superior contrast and adeptly manages dark scenes, achieving deeper black levels without crushing shadow details.
• Advanced ALPD Technology: Utilizes a triple-laser plus phosphor light source that surpasses the rec.2020 color gamut, eliminating visible laser speckle.
• Impressive Brightness and Large Screen Support: Rated at 2,800 ANSI lumens, suitable for screen sizes up to 150 inches, ensuring vibrant colors even in well-lit rooms.
• Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos Support: Features compatibility with both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for enhanced visual and audio experiences.
• Bowers and Wilkins Sound System: Includes a high-quality sound system carrying the prestigious Bowers and Wilkins name.

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Epson EpiqVision LS800 ($3,500)
Epson's EpiqVision LS800 is the living room champ and the projector I'd recommend for general mixed use like watching sports, playing video games and streaming shows, plus watching movies. It has several differentiating factors versus all other 4K USTs on the market that I am aware of at this time. Namely, it is not DLP. It uses Epson's three-chip LCD tech, just like its home theater projector. That means there is zero rainbow artifact. But, Epson keeps the pixel-shift restricted to 2-way on this model, so it's not quite as crisp as the 4-way shift found on the DLP models.

However, what Epson has over the others is an extremely aggressive 0.17:1 throw ratio. What this means is the Epson sits closer to the wall for a given image size versus competing USTs. The chassis is also shallower, additionally reducing the protrusion. When you start measuring out what it takes to install a UST with a 120-inch screen using a credenza as the projectors stand you will see the benefit of the shorter throw ratio because you don't need specialized furniture to make everything fit.

• Optimal for Mixed Use: Ideal for watching sports, playing video games, streaming shows, and watching movies in a living room setting.
• Three-Chip LCD Technology: Uses Epson's proprietary three-chip LCD technology, similar to its home theater projectors, eliminating rainbow artifacts.
• Aggressive 0.17:1 Throw Ratio: The projector has an extremely low throw ratio, allowing it to be placed closer to the wall for a given image size compared to other USTs.
• Narrow Chassis Design: The shallower chassis design reduces the protrusion, making it more adaptable to different living room setups without the need for specialized furniture.
• Basic Pixel-Shift Technology: Features 2-way pixel-shift technology, which doesn't achieve the same crispness as the 4-way shift found in DLP models.