Find a Projector
Award Winning
New Projectors
Projector Brands
Screen Brands
Projector Lenses
Find a Projector
Subscribe
LG Electronics has introduced its much-anticipated HU85LA projector, an all-in-one entertainment system that combines a laser-driven, UHD resolution, ultra short-throw projector; an integral streaming platform; and a built-in sound system.
The HU85LA, with a list price of $5,999, was first shown at this year's CES in January, where it was a 2019 CES Innovation Award winner. Along with similarly conceived projectors from Optoma, ViewSonic, and start-up VAVA, it is one of several products slugged for release this year that pursue a similar concept. UST projectors, which can throw a large image on a screen or wall from just a few inches away, have long been a staple in the education and business sectors, but are now being targeted by manufacturers as a big-screen alternative to consumer flat-panel televisions. Sony was the first player to enter this market with a single high-end UST projector several years ago, and Hisense has been marketing its all-in-one Laser TV series here since 2017. A key benefit of UST projection is simplicity of installation—since the projector is typically situated on a console or shelf just below the screen, long cable runs in walls and ceilings to facilitate signal and power connections are eliminated.
Dubbed the CineBeam AI ThinQ 4K laser projector, the HU85LA distinguishes itself as a premium entry in this emerging category. It offers 2,700 ANSI lumens of brightness, enough for viewing in moderate to high ambient light at the maximum 120-inch diagonal image size. The high quality, fixed UST lens, with a 0.19 throw ratio, casts a 120-inch image from 7.2 inches off the screen, a 100-inch image from 3.9 inches, or a 90-inch image from just 2.2 inches. Setting up the projector to align the image with the screen, which can be challenging with UST projectors due to the extreme angle at which light leaves the lens, is ably assisted by a user-friendly 12-point keystone/warp adjustment.
The HU85LA uses one of the DLP XPR chips (of unspecified size) to deliver full UHD resolution to the screen with the assistance of pixel-shifting. The light engine is a 3-channel laser design that eliminates the need for a sequential color wheel and is said to offer wider color gamut. It is rated for 20,000 hours of life. HDR10 high dynamic range content is supported with dynamic tone mapping, which gauges the program to adjust HDR brightness for an optimum balance of highlights and contrast in darker areas of the image. This feature eliminates the need to constantly adjust HDR settings for different programs mastered at different levels of brightness, as is required with most HDR projectors these days.
LG has carried along some well-established smart TV features from its television line-up, including a microphone-equipped version of its Magic Remote that accepts Google Assistant voice commands, and a version of its popular WebOS operating system. Popular supported streaming services include Netflix, Amazon Prime, Google Play Movies, Fandango, YouTube, and Spotify for music. Along with Google Assistant, LG's ThinQ technology provides search assistance for finding relevant programs. A digital TV tuner is also integrated for direct connection of an antenna. Screen sharing is supported with Miracast, or from iOS or Android devices via LG's TV Plus app.
On-board audio for the HU85LA is supported with a pair of 5-watt stereo speakers hidden behind an attractive woven grille, and the projector has both a Bluetooth input (to use the speakers with a Bluetooth source) as well as a Bluetooth output for sending the projector's audio to Bluetooth-equipped headphones or a sound system (an AV sync adjustment is provided). An optical audio output is also available for outboard audio, and one of the projector's two HDMI ports is ARC-enabled. Network connection is by integrated WiFi or a wired RJ45 connection.
The LG HU85LA is available now in stores and online at authorized LG resellers. ProjectorCentral's review is in progress and will be published shortly.
For more detailed specifications and connections, check out our LG HU85LA projector page.
To buy this projector, use Where to Buy online, or get a price quote by email direct from Projector Central authorized dealers using our E-Z Quote tool.
Regarding size, the extreme angle with which USTs project an image makes it challenging to establish perfect focus from top to bottom, so there's an argument to be made for perhaps not pushing to the edge of the projector's spec for image size. That said, it's all about the optics and the lens specification as to how large these things can successfully go.
Regarding the VAVA, I was sent an early sample of this projector and chose not to review it while it remains an Indiegogo project that continues to collect funding (purchases) from new buyers who must then wait for delivery of their product. On principle I have never been a fan as an editor of putting reviewing resources against something that then perhaps gets publicized favorably, but which consumers cannot then just go and purchase. It is also entirely possible that the product will change significantly during development, particularly as feedback from reviewers and early customers point out failings that were not caught in development. And I have also seen, in some unfortunate cases, products on crowdfund sites that received favorable attention and funding but which never made it to steady production.
That said, the VAVA, though clearly geared for a consumer audience and offering an interesting mix of features and value, was not well-tuned for an enthusiast image in the sample I received (it comes out of the box with a blue-leaning grayscale) and has no menu controls to allow tuning of the image. This was borne out in at least one expert review I saw online. VAVA has since let me know that an update that was scheduled for end of July would address this with some new menu options. I'll reserve judgement until I get an updated sample or can download new firmware that reflects this.
I currently have a sample of this new LG projector in house for evaluation, and can say that, although priced at the premium end of this segment, it is well engineered and offers an impressive feature set and image that can be tuned as needed. We'll have the review completed soon.
LG's HU85LA TI DLP chip is the new .66 DMM
In our theater demo we positioned the HU85LA about 10" from the screen and it projected a beautiful 130" image
LG's HU85LA TI DLP chip is the new .66 DMM
In our theater demo we positioned the HU85LA about 10" from the screen and it projected a beautiful 130" image
A $6000 projector will require a $1000 screen (UST ALR). So you're asking for a $7000 investment--minimum. While a 120" screen is nice and all, you're trying to convince this segment of something with diminishing returns over a $1500-2000, 75" flat panel. An 85" flat panel already jacks the price up to ~$3500-4000. So about double an 85" flat panel price and over 3x the price of a 75" flat panel.
Some will buy, but not many. Dollars to doughnuts, the projectors most will flock to (if they don't just stick to a flat panel for the time being) are going to be like the Dell S718QL--which will probably hit deep discount after this release from LG. Some looking for a bargain will look at the Vava or the Xiaomi Fengmi. And the rest like me will be waiting on the P1 or another offering to hit that sub $4000 price point that really is the sweet spot.
I have a hard time believing that the average consumer will see sufficient difference between or justify the cost difference between that $4000 and $6000 price point.
Again, huge fan. Glad to see more 4k UST offerings hit the market. But this feels bittersweet, and a Pyrrhic victory for LG.
It's also a single laser that has the RGB spinning wheel to produce all fo the colors. So color accuracy and color volume is not as good ad the 3 channel dual laser system LG's HU85LA uses.
Xiaomi does not have any dedicated HDR modes and clips all tonal detail and color information above 500 nits.
Low price and likely a decent picture, but not in the same league as the HU85LA and I'd be concerned about warranty coverage on the Xiaomi.
Great info.
Have been patiently waiting for the new releases of LG 85 (that came in at higher price than expected by most) and the forthcoming OPTOMA P1.
I will probably choose one of the two.
Q. Will I end uo with a better cinematic image at 120" than going with a non UST projector such as the Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB or the laser powered Optoma UHZ65 ?
Main goal is to be able to use in non absolute darkened room (very minor light leakage), and try to aim for true 4k and not pixel shifted.
Many thanks
do you guys roughly know how high above the suraface of the projector does it project the image?
I've been looking at the dell and from 9inches it projects the image around 60cm in the air
