I was considering some options for my home theater setup; The biggest decision was to choose between a laser projector and a large TV. After many considerations, I finally ended up with the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro although the setup is way more expensive. Does it really deliver a cinematic experience as expected? I’ve used the system for 2 months and here are all the goods and bads. This is an unsponsored review and I bought the projector with my own money.
My Setup
I use all AWOL products for the setup, including the Projector Station and the 100″ Motorized Rising Projector Screen. In total, they cost me around $5,000 as compared to $2,000-$5,000 of a 100-inch TV. Obviously, the projector setup is way more expensive but I’ll explain later why I still chose it.
The projector station provides a sturdy and modern base, designed specifically to support ultra-short-throw projectors. It keeps the projector at the optimal height and distance for projection while offering cable management solutions to maintain a clean and organized look. However, I did have some issues with the station; You can watch our previous video for more details. Despite this, the station is solid and blends well with the modern aesthetics of the projector.
The Motorized Rising Screen fits perfectly to the station. Its motorized mechanism ensures smooth operation, allowing the screen to rise effortlessly and automatically when I turn on the projector. The matte screen doesn’t perform well in ambient light, as it tends to wash out. This isn’t an issue for me as I often use the projector in a dark basement. This screen is particularly useful for those who want a minimalist setup, as it retracts fully into its base when not in use, maintaining a sleek and uncluttered living space.
Design & Connectivities
The LTV-3000 Pro with its ultra-short-throw design allows it to project a 100-inch image from just 9 inches away from the screen, so this is an excellent option for small or medium-sized rooms. You won’t have to find ways to mount the projector to your wall or ceiling.
The projector has large vents for effective cooling and four adjustable rubber feet for precise positioning. A built-in proximity sensor enhances safety by dimming the laser when it detects movement nearby. On the back, there are 3 HDMI 2.0 ports (one with eARC), two USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. There is also a Fire TV Stick so you can get access to streaming platforms easily. I’m glad that they don’t build a smart OS into the projector as using an external TV box is way more responsive and reliable.
The projector features 36W built-in speakers but they are unnecessary because they lack the depth and immersion needed for a truly cinematic experience. I use a Vizio Elevate soundbar for the system and it fits the station perfectly.
Picture Quality
When it comes to screen size, the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro can project an image up to 150 inches, it offers a level of immersion that no TV can match. Unfortunately, my low ceiling doesn’t allow for a screen larger than 100″.
This projector uses a cutting-edge Tri-Chroma laser light source to deliver exceptional brightness of up to 3,000 lumens. It supports 4K resolution with HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), offering stunning clarity, vibrant colors, and deep contrasts. Covering 107% of the BT.2020 color gamut, the projector ensures colors are accurate and lifelike.
The high brightness levels ensure exceptional performance with HDR content, displaying stunning detail even in bright scenes. Dolby Vision content looks amazing. UST projectors often struggle to achieve deep blacks due to their design, so I am quite surprised that the LTV-3000 Pro can deliver rich, dark tones and retain detail in shadowed areas.
Out of the box, the projector’s pre-calibrated modes – including Movie, Game, Vivid, and Standard – are well-tuned for different types of content. The Movie mode, in particular, shines with its warm and accurate color balance, perfect for cinematic experiences. For gamers, the dedicated Game mode reduces latency to as low as 15ms at 4K/60Hz or 8ms at 1080p/120Hz, delivering responsive and fluid gameplay on a massive screen. However, the clarity and latency can’t be compared to my TV, so I still prefer gaming on my TV.
AWOL includes 4 pairs of 3D glasses inside the box, so I don’t have to pay extra to enjoy 3D movies. The 3D performance on this projector looks pretty good when I play 3D Blu-ray movies from the Panasonic Blu-ray player. The projector supports active 3D technology, creating an immersive 3D effect. Colors remain rich, and the contrast stays sharp but the “pop” of objects cannot rival advanced IMAX systems. I can understand why there are less and less 3D blu-ray movies and the market seems to be dying. If you are interested in buying this projector for 3D, I’d not recommend it.
Why Choose the AWOL Projector Over a TV?
A large-screen TV is more affordable than ever and it is the better choice for most consumers. Even a low-cost TV could be more convenient and deliver better picture quality than this projector. However, I still picked the AWOL projector because of the following reasons:
- Theater Atmosphere: TVs, no matter how large or high-quality, still feel like TVs. You can turn on your TV all day and leave it there even when nobody is watching. They are bright and vivid but lacks the cinematic ambiance of a projector. Projectors replicate the softer, more immersive light quality of a theater. They encourage a shared viewing experience, as everyone gathers in the same space, lights turned off, to enjoy the same content on a massive screen. This turns ordinary evenings into special movie nights, perfect for family bonding time.
- Space Optimization: Unlike a TV, which is a permanent fixture, a projector setup can be virtually invisible when not in use. A retractable screen paired with a UST projector means your living space isn’t dominated by a large black screen. This is especially appealing for those who prefer a minimalist or multi-functional room design.
- Logistical Challenge: A 100-inch TV, whether boxed or unboxed, is a massive and heavy object that’s difficult to move. The size made navigating tight corners and stairways nearly impossible. I even had to return an 85-inch TV because it simply couldn’t fit down the stairway to my basement. A projector is way more compact and portable.
- Watch 3D Movies: Since there is no more 3D TVs on the market, using a compatible projector is the only way to watch 3D movies at home.
Final Verdict
The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro laser projector is ideal for home entertainment, especially when you have limited space. I love the whole setup and really enjoy movie nights with my family. Although the picture can’t be compared to the same-sized TV in terms of sharpness, clarity, color reproduction, and contrast, it is the only choice to enjoy movies on a large screen in my basement, so I’m totally happy with it. If you prioritize picture quality and have no problem setting up a large TV in your room, an OLED TV could be the better option. After setting up the projector, I still have to keep my TV in another corner because gaming on TV is way better and when I need to watch news and sports, I can turn on the TV quicker and easier.
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