Mis à jour le 4 April 2023.
The extremely bright LG HU915QE ultra short focal laser projector is designed to be an alternative to your living room TV. Installed at the foot of an ultra short throw projection screen or wall, it projects a 4K HDR picture that measures 2 to 3 meters across. Its connectors include three HDMI inputs, two multimedia USB ports and network connectivity to access Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube… Lastly, the LG HU915QE projector is equipped with a 40-watt 2.2 channel stereo soundbar.
Flagship of the Korean manufacturer’s catalog, can this €5,990 projector hold its own against the impressive Samsung The Premiere SP-LSP9TFA?
LG HU915QE: packaging & accessories
The LG HU915QE projector comes with a power cable and a remote control with batteries. It is the same Magic Remote that has been included with manufacturer’s projectors for several generations. Still just as convenient, it features a thumb wheel and a pointer for navigation. Another plus: its buttons have backlighting, unlike the Magic Remotes that come with LG’s televisions.
LG HU915QE: presentation
The LG HU915QE ultra-short throw projector is equipped with a powerful light source consisting of three laser lamps with a lifespan of 20,000 hours. It therefore reaches a very high maximum brightness of 3,700 lumens, making it one of the brightest 4K ultra short throw projectors on the market. Bright enough to project a large image (up to 3m across) during the day. Moreover, this projector has one of the shortest projection distances, as it only has to be placed 6 to 18cm away from the wall or screen to project an image measuring 2.3m to 3m across.
The LG HU915QE projector uses HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping technology, which is also present on the manufacturer’s televisions. This technology analyzes the minimum and maximum brightness information of each image source in real time to match them with the projector’s brightness scale. This optimizes the contrast of HDR images very precisely, scene by scene. Consequently, we don’t really understand why this projector doesn’t support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision dynamic HDR formats…
This projector is equipped with three 60Hz 4K HDMI inputs to connect a 4K UHD Blu-ray player and a game console, for example. The HDMI ARC/eARC port allows you to send audio to a compatible AV receiver or soundbar. Its Bluetooth controller lets you stream soundtracks wirelessly to several wireless speakers, a pair of Bluetooth headphones or Bluetooth earbuds. There is also an optical audio output, as well as two 4K-compatible multimedia USB ports.
Once the projector is connected to the internet (WiFi or Ethernet), it is possible to access the main streaming services as well as an app catalog via the proprietary LG WebOS interface.
LG HU915QE: key specifications
- 4K Ultra HD
- Triple RGB laser (20,000 hours)
- Brightness: 3,700 lumens
- HDR compatible
- HDMI 2.0/2.1 (4K 60Hz max.)
- Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube
- eARC (Dolby Atmos compatible)
LG HU915QE: configuration
We tested the LG HU915QE in the Nantes Son-Vidéo.com store’s 4K TV and ultra-short-throw projector space. The projector was installed on a NorStone Khalm TV cabinet, at the foot of a Lumene Movie Palace UHD 4K Extra Bright screen. We connected it to a Panasonic DB-UB820 4K Blu-ray player using an Audioquest Cinnamon HDMI cable to watch movies on Blu-ray. We also connected the LG HU915QE projector to the internet via WiFi to enjoy streaming services.
It’s important to note that if you want to enjoy television programs with this projector, you’ll have to either use an IPTV app, or connect it to a separate DTT/SAT decoder.
If you want to project directly onto a wall in your living room, you simply need to place the projector on the floor or on a piece of furniture. Once the LG HU915QE is positioned parallel to the wall, you can turn it on and immediately enjoy a large image. It is its distance from the wall that determines the size of the image: the further back you move it, the larger the projected image gets. Note also that the image shifts upwards as the projector is moved away from the wall.
Projecting onto a fixed screen requires a more meticulous installation. The projector must first be perfectly centered. Its height and distance then needs to be adjusted so that the picture fits inside the frame. The four feet are height-adjustable, making this step easier.
To simplify the installation even further and fine-tune the settings, the LG HU915QE features a keystone correction feature. 4, 9 and 15-point grids are available, with the ability to precisely shift each point of the image to straighten it, if necessary.
Ideally, an ultra short-throw projector like the LG HU915QE should be used with a specific motorized projection screen, such as the Lumene Eden Extra Bright, as this makes it easier to adjust the height of the image.
Once the image is centered on the projection screen, the focus can be adjusted using the thumbwheel on the top of the projector. The latter is pretty precise, but its placement between the lens and the screen makes things a bit difficult. You have to make sure that your arm is as low as possible when adjusting this setting, otherwise you will see your shadow on the screen!
LG HU915QE: our impressions
Design
There are no surprises in store when it comes to the design, as the LG HU915QE projector has the same silhouette and finish as the LG HU85LS and the late LG HU715QW (read the review of the LG HU715QW). Consequently, it features a white chassis decorated with an elegant fabric cover on the front panel that hides the built-in soundbar’s drivers. The finish is impeccable.
The multifunction button (On/Off and menu navigation) is still present on the front panel, while the left side of the rear panel features the connectors.
This projector comes with the same Magic Remote, which nobody will begrudge because it is so functional. Its pointer and clickable thumbwheel make it very easy to navigate the menus. The Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video direct access buttons are an added bonus. Lastly, the motion sensor that activates the backlighting as soon as the remote is picked up is still just as convenient.
webOS
The LG HU915QE projector uses the webOS 6.0 interface, which is the same version used on 2021 LG OLED TVs, LG QNED TVs and LG LCD LED TVs. Consequently, it isn’t the most recent variant (webOS 23), but we still enjoyed a powerful, smooth and intuitive operating system. It features the main streaming services with an overview of the most popular content by platform and custom content as you scroll down the homepage. It is possible to customize the interface to add, move or remove certain elements. The overall usability is excellent.
Picture quality
Like the LG HU715QW, the LG HU915QE projector provides excellent 4K HDR picture quality in Filmmaker and Cinema modes, which are perfectly calibrated by default. Naturally, those who want to can fine-tune and customize the settings to adjust the image according to their taste or viewing conditions.
Moreover, this projector benefits from an HDR Tone Mapping feature that is very effective at optimizing the display of HDR content. It matches the dynamic range of the projected images to the physical capabilities of the projector in real time. This makes it possible to obtain the best range between the low and highlights, while preserving as much nuance as possible, as well as the clearest details.
The picture quality was optimal with HDR films and series, as we were able to observe with the 4K HDR Blu-ray of Avengers: Endgame, as well as with several programs streamed on Amazon Prime Video. Our only regret is that LG doesn’t support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, unlike the Samsung The Premiere LSP9T (HDR10+), Hisense PX1-PRO (Dolby Vision) and Hisense PL1 (HDR10+ and Dolby Vision).
The color accuracy is one of the strong points of this projector which, in Cinema and Filmmaker mode, delivered natural, rich and nuanced hues. The LG HU915QE did an excellent job with the slightly desaturated colors of the Avengers’ costumes and the warm tones and 70s atmosphere of the series Daisy Jones & the Six, effectively immersing us in the visual worlds crafted by the directors.
Its high brightness means that the LG HU915QE can be used during the day without making the room dark. However, the best viewing conditions and contrast are achieved when the room is dark.
The projector’s 3,700 lumens also allow effective HDR content management, with highlights that are very nuanced. The dark parts of the picture were not overlooked either and the blacks, without reaching the depth available with a Sony SXRD or JVC D-ILA projector, were very realistic. In addition, the contrast was high and the colors perfectly saturated.
The definition of 4K UHD content was also very impressive. Even though it isn’t equipped with a native 4K matrix, the LG HU915QE delivered an incredibly precise image with a plethora of details.
The LG HU915QE was also very comfortable with HD 1080p SDR content, whether it was via streaming or with HD Blu-rays. The upscaling was effective and the colors vivid. Both the contrast and motion handling were convincing. The video processing was on par with the best TVs from the Korean manufacturer.
Not everything was rosy, however. This projector revealed a certain tendency to create a rainbow effect, with primary colors sometimes appearing on the screen. Most viewers will probably not notice this, but those who are more sensitive to it may find their viewing experience marred by this phenomenon.
Audio section
Like the LG HU715QW, sound spatialization isn’t this projector’s forte, although it does do better with the lows, which aren’t as timid. Nevertheless, the width of the soundstage is convincing and the dialogues are distinct thanks to the Clear Voice III feature.
The lack of surround sound spatialization is regrettable. That said, it is possible to connect one or two Bluetooth speakers to the projector to reproduce rear sound effects, without any latency and perfectly synchronized with the built-in soundbar. Ideally, it is best to pair the projector with an AV receiver via its HDMI eARC port or optical output.
LG HU915QE: compared to…
Samsung The Premiere LSP9T
Although not as recent, the Samsung speaker still looks good with its rounded shape and counters the LG model with serious advantages. Its HDR rendering is remarkable and benefits from HDR10+ (dynamic HDR) compatibility, it features a DTT tuner and a 4.2 channel soundbar which is more effective regarding spatialization and bass.
Other than the rainbow effect (almost completely absent with the Samsung model), the LG projector is superior when it comes to image quality. It produces more accurate and nuanced colors, provides greater brightness for projection during the day and offers a sharper picture.
LG HU915QE: who is it for?
The LG HU915QE ultra short throw laser projector will appeal to those who enjoy large 4K HDR images and don’t want a TV in their living room. They’ll be impressed by the simple installation, its ease of use, smart features, brightness and contrast.
LG HU915QE: conclusion
The perfect solution to replace the TV in a large living room, the LG HU915QE impressed us in certain areas and disappointed us in others. We really appreciated the level of detail on 4K content, its high brightness and contrast, as well as its HDR management. Its flawless usability and incredibly simple configuration also help its cause.
As for complaints, the lack of HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos compatibility puts it at a disadvantage compared to some competitors, as does the lack of a TV tuner. The tendency to create rainbow effects will only inconvenience those who are sensitive to them, but must be pointed out. Finally, we would have liked an audio section offering a wider spatialization.
We liked
- The highly detailed 4K images
- The brightness and contrast in both SDR and HDR
- The Magic Remote
- The smooth and easy to use webOS interface
- The ability to pair Bluetooth speakers
We would have liked
- An integrated DTT tuner
- Support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision
- Less prominent rainbow effects
- Wider sound spatialization
