LG UHD Projector vs. LG 4K: Which One Wins?

LG has been at the forefront of display technology, catering to varying consumer preferences with products like ultra short throw projectors and 4K LED TVs. But should you opt for LG‘s UHD laser projector or 4K TV? We compare the specs and performance to help you decide.

Introducing the Contenders: LG‘s Projector and 4K TV

First, let‘s get to know the key details of each product:

LG HU85LA UHD Laser Projector

• Ultra short throw 4K UHD laser projector
• Up to 120" image size from just 7.2" away
• 2700 ANSI lumens brightness
• HDR10 and HLG HDR support
• Built-in Alexa and LG ThinQ AI
• Around $5000 retail price

This triple laser projector excels at throwing a cinema-sized image in close quarters, ideal for dedicated home theaters.

LG 86" Class 4K UQ7590 Series LED TV

• 86" 4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution
• webOS smart platform with LG ThinQ AI
• α7 Gen 5 AI 4K processor
• Gaming features like AMD FreeSync, Game Optimizer
• Around $1200 retail price

LG‘s 2023 LED 4K TV lineup provides premium display quality for all types of entertainment. The 86" model offers an expansive, cinema-like experience at home.

Comparing Picture Quality

Let‘s start with the most critical metric – how good is the picture?

LG UHD Laser Projector

With triple laser optics providing pure RGB light, LG‘s HU85LA projector reproduces color with exceptional accuracy. It covers 107% of the Rec. 709 color space, important for accurate HDR imaging.

The 4K UHD 3840 x 2160 resolution on a 100"+ screen looks pin sharp, enhanced by LG‘s TruMotion tech which smoothes out fast action scenes. Dynamic tone mapping optimizes HDR color and contrast scene-by-scene.

You‘ll be hard pressed to find better picture quality on an ultra short throw projector under $5000.

LG 86" 4K LED TV

LG‘s 2023 TVs leverage their new α7 Gen 5 AI processor to upscale lower resolution content to near-4K quality. The real starring feature is its HDR imaging.

With support for HDR10, HLG and Advanced HDR by Technicolor, the TV adjusts brightness, contrast and color on a scene-by-scene basis. This brings out details in the brightest and darkest areas of the picture for remarkable dynamic range.

The native 4K resolution and large 86" screen makes for an immersive, cinematic experience with incredible clarity and depth.

So which display comes out on top for sheer picture performance? The LG HU85LA projector wins for color accuracy and contrast, essential for the ideal home theater experience. But the LG 4K TV puts up an impressive fight with its stellar HDR imaging and processing.

Comparing Sound: Built-In Audio Quality

How does built-in sound measure up on both products?

LG UHD Laser Projector

The HU85LA projector has decent on-board sound but lacks the power to fill larger rooms. With 10W speakers, sound quality ispassable but they can distort at high volumes.

You‘ll want to pair it with a dedicated surround sound system or soundbar. It supports audio passthrough via HDMI ARC so connecting an external audio system is straightforward.

LG 86" 4K LED TV

Surprisingly, the 4K TV‘s speakers put out significantly better audio than the premium projector.

With 40W speaker output through a 4.2 channel system and AI acoustic tuning, sound is far fuller with better bass response compared to the projector.

The α7 Gen 5 processor even upmixes stereo audio into virtual 5.1 surround sound for a more immersive experience. Good enough that you may not need a sound bar, saving cost.

The 4K TV clearly delivers superior built-in audio performance.

Brightness Compared

How bright are these displays? Brightness greatly impacts which rooms they will work best in.

LG UHD Laser Projector

One advantage of laser projection is higher brightness compared to traditional lamp projectors.

The HU85LA outputs an impressive 2700 ANSI lumens, enough to project a 100"+ image bright enough for rooms with some ambient light. As there is no lamp, brightness remains consistent over time.

You probably don‘t need dedicated blackout shades to use this projector, though some control of light is still advised for ideal image quality.

LG 86" 4K LED TV

LG‘s 2023 TV lineup has some killer brightness enhancing tech. The TV dynamically adjusts screen brightness and tone mapping based on ambient lighting conditions in the room.

The 86" 4K TV can get remarkably bright – up around 1000 nits peak brightness with HDR content. It may be the only TV that could still look good in a sunroom!

No question the LG TV outshines the projector (pun intended) in terms of luminance and adjustments to ambient lighting. Making it usable in rooms the projector would struggle in.

Gaming Performance Compared

Which display provides the better big screen gaming experience?

LG UHD Laser Projector

The LG projector is usable for gaming but isn‘t optimized for it. Input lag measures around 50-55ms, which could impact competitive online play. Casual gaming is fine.

On the plus side, the 4K resolution and giant projected image provides very immersive gaming visually. HDR10 support also helps gaming imagery.

But the lack of gaming specific features like variable refresh rate mean the LG TV is better suited for gaming.

LG 86" 4K TV

LG‘s 2023 TVs are packed with features that make them exceptional gaming displays in addition to home theater capabilities.

For smoother visuals, it has HDMI 2.1 inputs enabling 4K gaming at 120Hz frame rates. Support for VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and AMD FreeSync eliminate stuttering and screen tearing.

Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and HGiG mode optimize latency and HDR visuals when gaming. There is also a dedicated Game Optimizer dashboard to quickly adjust picture and sound settings.

The LG TV clearly outshines the projector for gaming performance. Gamers will appreciate the smooth visuals and low latency.

Comparing Smart Platforms

LG TVs and projectors utilize the same smart platform – webOS. Let‘s examine the features you get on each:

webOS Features

Both the HU85LA projector and 86" TV include the latest webOS platform and Magic Remote control. This provides:

• Fast access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ etc.
• Built-in support for Alexa and Google Assistant voice control
• LG Channels for free TV channels and content
• Smart home device control
• Customizable home screens

You get the full webOS experience including updates for the long term. For streaming and smart features, both LG products have you covered.

Bonus Features

The projector lets you create multiple user profiles so each user can customize their home screen.

Meanwhile, the LG 4K TV includes sports alerts, real-time updates on your favorite teams – handy for keeping up with the action across various games.

Both products essentially deliver equivalent smart capabilities. The TV offers a couple extra perks but nothing majorly differentiating.

Price Comparison

There is a massive gulf in price between the projector and TV:

• LG HU85LA Projector – $4999 retail price
• LG 86" 4K TV – $1199 retail price

Even high end smart TVs cost a fraction compared to ultra short throw laser projectors. You can get the huge 86" 4K TV for under $1500.

Meanwhile the LG projector costs over 3 times more at around $5000. There are significant premiums for projection technology miniaturized into a compact form factor.

Price wise, the 4K TV provides exceptional value with performance approaching the pricier projector. Budget is a key aspect influencing which technology you opt for.

Installation and Space Compared

Installation requirements and space constraints also impact your decision between TV or projector.

LG UHD Laser Projector

A major perk of ultra short throw is easy installation. This LG projector can create a 100” image from just over 7 inches away from the screen or wall.

No need for complicated ceiling mounting or long throw distances. Just set it on a credenza facing the wall and you‘re ready. Ability to size the image down to 90” also adds placement flexibility.

However, you still need sufficient clearance between the back of the projector and wall, around 5 feet ideal for a 100” image. Without enough breathing room picture quality suffers.

You also need space for a projector screen or suitable white projection wall.

LG 86" 4K TV

The LG 86" TV requires nearly 10 feet width to accommodate. No projector or screen is necessary however.

Being self contained, you only need a single power outlet to start watching. It works anywhere traditional TVs are placed, on credenzas, stands or wall mounted.

Install is easy – just connect devices with supplied HDMI cables. At 87 lbs without the stand, carrying it requires two strong people.

For installation and space, the LG TV carries advantages of simplicity and flexibility to utilize in more rooms. The fixed screen size however limits just how big a picture it can display relative to a projector.

Recent and Potential Technology Improvements

Both LG TV and projector platforms continue to advance:

Recent Updates:

• Enhanced color accuracy and image processing for better visuals
• Gaming performance boosted through lower input lag and gaming modes

Potential Future Improvements:

• Higher peak brightness for compatibility with more lighting conditions
• Improved color reproduction for more true-to-life picture
• Lower costs and more compact product designs

We can expect both LG TV and projector products to leverage advancements in display tech like Mini and Micro LED. Brighter screens, slimmer hardware and more realistic images could be coming down the pipeline.

Projector vs TV: Which Should You Choose?

So with specs and capabilities covered, which is the right display technology for your needs?

Here are some key questions to consider:

1. What screen size do you want?

The projector can go far bigger – up to 120" diagonal projected image possible. Even an 86" TV seems small in comparison.

But if you have space limitations, the TV may fit where a projector screen would overwhelm.

2. What will be the main use – movies, TV, gaming?

For serious home theater, the LG projector provides reference-level picture quality and enormous screen immersion – bigger than most commercial theaters!

The LG TV excels more for mixed usage from streaming to gaming with outstanding all-around performance. Its gaming credentials are far stronger too.

3. What‘s the lighting situation?

The projector can work in rooms with some ambient light but performs optimally in darker controlled environments.

Meanwhile, the LG TV dynamically adapts to brightly lit rooms wonderfully. Making it better for multipurpose spaces.

Considering these factors will clarify which technology better aligns with your needs and room conditions.

Here is a simple breakdown:

• LG HU85LA Projector – Ideal for dedicated home theaters wanting best-in-class picture quality with a cinema-sized screen.
• LG 86" Class 4K TV – Best for mixed usage including gaming in rooms with more ambient light. Outstanding performance at a reasonable price.

Your budget, room specifics and performance priorities should steer you towards the display technology that works best. Both LG options here represent the pinnacle of what‘s currently available.

Summary

LG‘s UHD Short Throw Laser projector and 86" Class 2023 4K TV both deliver phenomenal visual experiences, each optimized for different applications.

The HU85LA projector carries advantages in color accuracy, contrast, mammoth screen size potential and home theater centric performance.

Meanwhile, the LG 86" TV offers gorgeous 4K HDR imaging, robust built-in sound, exceptional gaming capabilities and AI enhanced brightness. All at far more affordable pricing.

Consider display size needs, room lighting, primary usage models and budget to decide which advanced LG display technology fits your situation best. You‘ll be wowed by the phenomenal viewing either way!

Additional Resources

• LG UHD Laser (Short-Throw) vs. LG OLED – Which One Wins?
• The 6 Best Screens for Ultra Short Throw Projectors in 2023