As announced at CES 2024, Samsung introduced two new ultra-short throw (UST) projectors.
LPU9D and LPU7D
Like other Samsung’s UST models they use Scandinavian design with rounded edges and a fabric finish from the Danish design firm Kvadrat. The LPU9D projector called Premiere 9 replaces the flagship LSP9T (2020), offering a significant increase in brightness from 2,800 ANSI lumens (in accordance with ANSI IT7.228) to 3,450 ISO lumens (in accordance with ISO 21118). The LPU7D (Premiere 7) is also brighter than the LSP7T (2020), delivering light output up to 2,500 ISO lumens vs the previous model’s 2,200 ANSI lumens.
But of course, a correct comparison requires taking into account the ratio between different units of measurement, which is 1 ANSI lumens ≈ 1,045 ISO lumens. Accordingly, the brightness of the LSP9T / 7T is 2,930 / 2,300 ISO lumens.
The maximum 4K projection sizes of the new models reach 130″ and 120″, respectively.
Both models support HDR content, including HDR10+ dynamic HDR.
The projectors have improved video processing, including the 4K AI Upscaling and a Vision Booster feature. The second option automatically optimizes the brightness / contrast depending on the ambient lighting.
They use an advanced version of Samsung’s Tizen OS smart platform. In addition to native apps for most major streaming services, including Netflix, YouTube и Amazon Prime Video, the new Tizen offers access to the Samsung Gaming Hub for online gaming without a console.
Today their list includes over 3,000 premium games from partners like Xbox and more.
Moreover, the projectors can be used as a smart speaker for music playback and support a voice control. In particular, it extends to Samsung’s integrated SmartThings hub for controlling, for example, lights and thermostats.
A Custom Ambient mode is designed for projecting photos, color effects, background scenes, real-time clock, etc onto the wall.
Key Features
The UST projector popularity as an alternative to huge TV in the living room is due to several factors, including improved image quality, wireless streaming technologies, etc. Solving the problem of mid-focal models with wires on the floor has become one of them. Today, it can only be solved with the help of a complex ceiling mount. As known, the UST projector forms a projection from a very short distance by re-reflecting the light flux using complex aspherical mirrors.
As a result, placing the projector near the screen radically eliminates the problem of wires on the floor. In particular, the new projectors provide 100″@16″/42cm.
Premiere 9 uses ALPD 4.0 – based triple-laser RGB light engine, which covers more than 150% of the DCI-P3 color space.
As known, Advanced Laser Phosphor Display (ALPD) technology was developed in 2007 by the Chinese Appotronics Corp. In fact, it’s a fluorescent laser technology that uses multi-color laser beams and disks coated with fluorescent materials. Today, the company has already created 5 of its generations, including the latest ALPD 5.0 version, which was presented in last year’s Dangbei X5 Ultra. For reference, its declared color gamut reaches an unprecedented 120% (Rec.2020), 165% (DCI-P3) and 210% (Rec.709) with DeltaE < 1 color accuracy 'out of the box' (DeltaE < 3 is considered good even after calibration).
Premiere 7 is equipped with ALPD 3.0 – based laser phosphor light source and traditionally covers only 100% of DCI-P3.
New projectors provide improved surround sound effect due to built-in 40W 2.2.2ch and 30W 2.2ch audio systems in Premiere 9 / 7 vs 40W 4.2 and 30W 2.0ch in their previous counterparts. Perhaps music lovers will find them insufficient, but most can save money on buying a sound bar.
Specs comparison
Premiere series
– LPU7D – 2024; $ 3,000; 2,500 ISO Lumens; Laser Phosphor; 0.25:1 Throw Distance (100″@0,6m);
– LSP7T – 2020; $ 3,500; 2,200 ANSI Lumens; Laser Phosphor; 0.25:1 (100″@0,3m);
– LPU9D – 2024; $ 6,000; 3,450 ISO Lumens; RGB Laser; 0.19:1 (100″@0,4m);
– LSP9T – 2020; $ 5,750; 2,800 ANSI Lumens; RGB Laser; 0.19:1 (100″@0,1m).
All models have 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and support 4K (3,840 x 2,160) resolution with pixel-shift-based XPR technology. The previous models used different chipsets:
– LSP7T – 0.47-inch XPR 4K DLP chipset with 4-phase pixel shift;
– LSP9T – 0.66-inch DMD with 2-phase pixel shift.
The larger 0.66-inch DMD delivers the sharpest image and usually they are used in the premium projectors. The operation of the 0.47-inch chipset is based on a 4-phase cycle. In addition, the DMD size affects the maximum projection size. Unfortunately, there is no information about chipsets in the new models.
The new flagship LPU9D is predictably a bit brighter and more functional than its predecessor, but slightly more expensive ($ 6,000 vs $ 5,750). The difference is quite adequate. Curiously, the brighter LPU7D is cheaper vs previous LSP7T ($ 3,000 vs $ 3,500), offering a better price-quality ratio.
LPU9D main pros
– wide color gamut with ALPD 4.0 – based RGB laser light sourse;
– Multiple Voice Assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant and Bixby);
– Samsung TV Plus + Gaming Hub;
– Vision Boost (richer and higher contrast colors);
– 4K AI Upscaling with Quantum Processor 4K.
– 40W 2.2.2ch audio, built-in woofers, Object Tracking Sound (OTS), and Dolby Atmos;
– Smart Experience + Diverse OTT content.
Technologies
Object Tracking Sound (OTS)
This feature is very popular in Samsung’s TVs. It automatically tracks the movement of an object to deliver sound that follows its action. The standard OTS version adds physical speakers to the TV top, OTS+ adds side-firing speakers, and OTS Pro adds extra tweeters, creating 6.2. 2ch audio configuration.
Xpanded Pixel Resolution (XPR) technology
Until recently, 4K DLP projectors were very expensive. Texas Instrument’s XPR technology for Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) chipset has revolutionized the projector market. Using 2- or 4-phase pixel shift, it displays 8 million pixels of 4K content with the help of a relatively cheap 1080p chipset with 2 million micromirrors. In fact, the projector plays 1080p-images 2 or 4 times, shifting them by half a pixel using 4 XPR electromagnets of the module, which change the angle of the lens.
Of course, at any given moment the projector only displays 2 million pixels. But because of the high frequency, our vision and brain perceive a sequence of 2 or 4 pictures as one sharper image. This technology has significantly reduced the price of 4K DLP projectors.
4K AI Upscaling
It converts lower resolution content into a higher resolution, such as from Full HD to Ultra HD. Its operation is similar to frame interpolation. As known, it creates additional virtual frames by processing data about adjacent frames for smoother playback of dynamic scenes. The AI Upscaling creates additional virtual pixels, increasing image clarity. But, of course, this technology requires high processor performance.
Vision Booster feature
It automatically optimizes the brightness / contrast depending on the ambient lighting and is similar to Adaptive Picture or HDR 10+ Adaptive in Samsung’s TVs.
The function uses data from the built-in optical sensor.
Conclusion
The world giant has introduced another superb UST 4K laser projectors. Unfortunately, they are traditionally expensive. However, the price of LPU7D (~ $ 3,000) is quite comparable with the cost of competitors. In addition, higher prices, for example, Sony, Samsung, and other market giants traditionally include an impeccable reputation for high quality, wide functionality due to innovations and great service.
However, TV manufacturers are also not wasting time, actively offering huge 100″ models at quite affordable prices. For example, the 98-inch TCL 98R754 (XL Collection) costs only $ 2,800, offering QLED (Quantum dot technology) display and Google TV. The 100-inch Hisense 100U8K (QLED, mini LED, Google TV, 480 Motion Rate, 144Hz Game Mode Pro, Dolby Vision IQ) also costs only $ 3,000.
Moreover, for consumers skeptical of Chinese products, the 98-inch Samsung QLED 4K Q80C (2023, Quantum HDR +, Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite, Direct Full Array, Q-Symphony 3.0, Gaming Hub) with a 5-year warranty is available for only $ 4,500.
In fact, for $ 1,500 ($ 6,000 vs $ 4,500), the LPU9D projector offers an extra 30″ screen diagonal (130″ vs 100″). But it’s inferior in brightness (direct light output is significantly more powerful than reflected light) and, accordingly, in contrast. In addition, the optimal viewing distance is approximately equal to the diagonal size multiplied by 1.2 (40° viewing angle). Accordingly, a 100″ screen requires a distance of 120″ / 3 m, a 130-inch image is optimally perceived at a distance of 156″ / 4 m. This may be a problem for some living rooms.
However, healthy competition is always pleasant for any consumer.
This video offers a demo of the new Samsung Premiere 4K UST laser projectors.