At the time of CES, we covered the unveiling of the LG 4K UHD HU80KA projector, and the beamer hit the news because, among other gongs, it also received the coveted CES Best of Innovation Award. Now LG has launched the projector stateside at a suggested retail price of $2,999.99.
The market for 4K projectors is expected to grow rapidly, and LG claims that it intends to lead the sector due to its ‘highly recognized product quality and innovative design’. The portable laser PJ, known as ‘CineBeam’ has also garnered the Red Dot Best of the Best Product Design Award. While LG contests that 4K projectors historically have tended to be heavy, expensive and difficult to install at home, the company believes that its designers have succeeded in minimizing the typical footprint of such machines, ‘without sacrificing image quality’, and while remaining price competitive. The CineBeam’s portability should guarantee that any room in the house can be morphed easily into a 4K home theater.
The HU80KA can create 150-inch diagonal screen size at a claimed 2,500 lumens, making it LG’s brightest projector to date, and HDR10 is also supported. Because of its ‘I’-shaped design, the unit can be placed on the floor, mounted on a wall, or hang from a ceiling. The projector includes a carrying handle, as well as an ‘Auto Cord’ feature, allowing for last-minute placement decisions, and its ‘Mirror Reflector’ doubles as a lens cover to protect from dust during storage. There are also two onboard 7W speakers to deliver ‘vivid cinematic sound’, although the jury might be out for some time on that one.
Streaming services and associated content can be accessed from LG’s embedded webOS smart platform, and connectivity includes USB, Ethernet and HDMI. There is also cool wireless support for keyboard and mouse if you’re planning that special presentation or wish to map your e-mail account in extra large text across the bedroom wall.
“The LG CineBeam 4K Laser Projector is a true game changer in the projector market,” said Tim Alessi, head of home entertainment product marketing at LG Electronics USA. “Portability and versatility combined with 4K technology delivers the ultimate large-screen home cinema experience in a compact size. This projector will lead the way in changing how consumers view 4K content in any room at home.”
Martin, a seasoned journalist and AV expert, has written for several notable print magazines. He’s served in key roles at Lucasfilm’s THX Division, NEC’s digital cinema division, and has even consulted for DreamWorks. Despite his illustrious career, Martin remains rooted in his passion for cinema and acting, with notable appearances in several Spielberg films, Doctor Who, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He currently resides in San Francisco.
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