Introduction
As the curtains drew on the 2023 Laser TV Showdown, the stage was set for a fierce competition among the titans of UST (Ultra Short Throw) projectors. This annual event, hosted by projector retailer ProjectorScreen.com and review site ProjectorCentral.com, brought together the industry's best for the ultimate showdown.
Ultimea, as a fresh and emerging brand, presents itself as a formidable contender in the UST laser TV market by introducing its cutting-edge model, the Thor T60. In a thrilling competition that featured nine laser projectors, the Thor T60 made an impressive impact, securing a remarkable fourth-place finish.
Aoubt 2023 Laser TV Showdown
Taking place on Thursday, October 26th, 2023 at ProjectorScreen.com’s New Jersey headquarters, the 2023 Laser TV Showdown was emceed and organized by ProjectorCentral’s Editor-in-Chief Rob Sabin.
(The minds behind the Laser TV Showdown, Brian Gluck of ProjectorScreen.com and Rob Sabin, from ProjectorCentral. Photo by Chris Boylan.)
The 2023 Laser TV Showdown, now in its second year, is a Battle Royale of UST projectors, also known as "Laser TVs." These projectors, utilizing laser technology, can be placed close to a wall yet project a colossal image—up to 150 inches. Unlike traditional projectors, UST projectors come with built-in speakers and streaming functions, providing a cost-effective alternative to massive flat-panel TVs.
The competition, which is involved a panel of experienced reviewers who assessed each TV on a variety of criteria, including contrast ratio, black level, shadow detail, motion reproduction, image uniformity, overall brightness, color saturation, and color accuracy.
UST Projectors Competing in the 2023 Laser TV Showdown
- Epson LS800 Pro UHD Single Laser 3-Chip LCD 4000 Lumen UST Projector ($3499)
- Hisense PL1 4K Single Laser 2100 Lumen UST Projector ($2499)
- Hisense PX2-Pro 4K Triple Laser 2400 Lumen UST Projector ($2999)
- ForMovie Theater 4K Triple Laser 2800 Lumen UST Projector ($3499)
- Formovie C3 4K Single Laser 2250 Lumen UST Projector ($1899)
- BenQ V5000i 4K Triple Laser 2500 Lumen UST Projector ($3499)
- Leica Cine 1 4K Triple Laser 3000 Lumen UST Projector ($8995)
- Nexigo Aurora Pro 4K Triple Laser 2400 Lumen UST Projector ($2999)
- Ultimea Thor T60 4K Triple Laser 4000 Lumen UST Projector ($4999)
2023 Laser TV Showdown Judges Panel
Judges at the 2023 UST/Laser TV Showdown evaluated ten of the top UST projectors on a variety of content in dark and bright room viewing conditions. Photo courtesy of Mark Henninger.
- Chris Eberle, professional ISF-trained display calibrator, display reviewer for Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity, display reviewer for Tom’s Hardware
- Andy Grimm, projector reviewer and contributor for Home Theater Review, display calibrator
- John Higgins, Managing Editor, Tech, at Reviewed, part of the USA Today Network, ISF-trained display calibrator
- Mark Henninger, Editor-in-Chief for Sound & Vision, former Managing Editor for Home Theater Review, former Editor-in-Chief for AVS Forum, THX-trained display calibrator
- Chris Majestic, owner of the popular YouTube channel Majestechs, a channel dedicated to high quality tech reviews and tutorials
- M. David Stone, long-time projector reviewer for PCMag.com, veteran contributor for ProjectorCentral
Ultimea Thor T60's Performance
Competing among the top 9 UST Laser TVs, the Ultimea Thor T60 emerged as a strong performer, securing an admirable fourth-place finish. Notably, the Thor T60 excelled in key areas:
- Contrast Ratio: Achieving an impressive contrast ratio of 20,000:1, the Thor T60 stands out for its ability to deliver deep, inky blacks and vibrant whites.
- Black Level: With a black level of 0.002 cd/m2, the Thor T60 ensures truly dark scenes, free from noise and artifacts.
- Shadow Detail: The Thor T60 performed exceptionally well in revealing fine details in dark areas of the image, bringing out subtleties like clothing textures or expressions on characters' faces.
In summary, the Ultimea Thor T60 stands out as a robust performer offering a well-balanced combination of features and performance. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality laser TV with outstanding contrast, black level, and shadow detail.
The Results of 2023 Laser TV Showdown
Laser TV Showdown 2023 judges’ scorecard provided by ProjectorCentral.com.
The 2023 Laser TV Showdown offered a valuable opportunity to compare the latest laser TVs in the market, showcasing their ability to produce stunning images rivaling traditional projectors. Some key insights from the showdown include:
- Color Accuracy/Skin Tone: Score 8.7 in the Color Accuracy/Skin Tone Showdown demonstrates its advantage in image quality. The product can provide users with a realistic and natural viewing experience.
- Overal Contrast: A contrast ratio of 4000:1 means images are crisp and colorful, with brilliant detail.
- Wide Game Content: Score 6.7 as the best, This means that Ultimea Thor t60 performs well in terms of color accuracy, color saturation, and color uniformity.
- HDR10 Standardization: Recognizing HDR10 as the emerging standard for laser TVs, offering more realistic images with a broader range of brightness and contrast.
- Black Level Significance: Underscoring the impact of a good black level in producing deep, inky blacks for a sense of depth and realism.
The 2023 Laser TV Showdown showcased the competitiveness of the market, featuring some of the best laser TVs available. It revealed that laser TVs are now capable of producing stunning images comparable to traditional TVs.
Ultimea's Perspective
In the dynamic landscape of UST projection, ULTIMEA views the Thor T60's participation in the 2023 Laser TV Showdown not just as a competition but as a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation. The encouraging results position ULTIMEA as a rising star, challenging industry norms and promising consumers a glimpse into the future of home entertainment.
Conclusion
ULTIMEA Thor T60's journey in the 2023 Laser TV Showdown was not just about competition; it was a bold statement of intent. As ULTIMEA continues to refine its technology, the Thor T60 stands as a symbol of excellence, defying expectations and setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting future in UST projection. For consumers seeking innovation and a fresh perspective, ULTIMEA is undoubtedly a brand to watch.
