Projector Reviews Images

AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro 4K UST Projector Review

Posted on September 10, 2023 by Philip Boyle
AWOL-LTV3000-Pro-w-Award-2 - Projector Reviews Images
AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro

The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro, which retails for $3,999,  is one of two new 4K UHD UST additions to the company's projector lineup.  The LTV-3000 Pro is a 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160p) ultra-short throw home theater projector. AWOL Visions lists the projector's light output as 3,000 Peak lumens compared to the previous model's 2,600 Peak lumens.

The projector has the same high-performance RGB triple laser light sources introduced on its previous projectors, it not only eliminates the phosphor wheel but also gives the LTV-3000 Pro the ability to display 107% of the BT.2020 color space.

The LTV-3000 Pro, as with all previous models, supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG. AWOL Vision lists the projector's contrast as 2,500:1 when using the company's Enhanced Adaptive Black Level setting.

The LTV-3000 Pro features a big-sounding 36-watt sound system capable of very dynamic sound. Besides the company-claimed brightness increase, the biggest addition to the projector is support for smart home control with support for PJLink, Control4, SAVANT, and Crestron control and management protocols.

 

  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Specs - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Projector - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Projector - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Projector - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Projector - Projector Reviews - Image
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AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro Specs
Price$3999.00 (MSRP)
TechnologyDLP (0.47" DMD)
Displayed Resolution3840 x2160
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)2400 ANSI Lumens (3000 Peak Lumens)
Light SourceRGB triple laser
Contrast2,500:1 
Zoom Lens RatioFixed
Lens ShiftNo
Lamp Life25,000 Hrs
Sound System36w stereo(Dolby Vision & DTS Virtual X)
Weight 21 lbs
WarrantyTwo (2) Years

Overview

AWOL Vision entered the home theater projector market in 2022 with their flagship LTV-3500; it was one of, if not the most, compelling ultra-short throw projector available to buy in 2022. Will AWOL Vision's sophomore offerings live up to or even surpass the company's first-generation products?

AWOL-LTV3000-Pro-RGB-Laser-Benefits - Projector Reviews Images
The AWOL Vision LTX-3000PRO is powered by an RGB triple laser light source without a phosphor color wheel

When I first started seeing AWOL Vision generate serious buzz in 2022, it became clear that the company was employing a “check all of the boxes” strategy in its projectors' design and feature set. AWOL Vision is not a projector manufacturer, and in many ways, this gives the company a significant advantage over other projector companies that can be saddled with the cost of factories and parts inventory. Like flat panel television brand VIZIO, AWOL Vision buys the best technology available at the time and offers it some of the most advanced features for its projector products.

First, AWOL Vision used some of the industry's best suppliers for the projector's laser light engine components. The LTV-3000 Pro uses a Texas Instruments 0.47 Digital Micromirror Device (DMD), an NICHA RGB laser diode light source, and a state-of-the-art Ricoh all-glass lens. At peak output, AWOL Vision estimates the projector's triple laser light source can produce 3000 lumens of brightness with an estimated light source life of 25,000 hours. 

The high-speed 0.47 Texas Instruments DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) with XPR technology displays a stunning 4K UHD image (3,840 x 2,160) pixels with a contrast ratio of 2500:1.

With a 25,000-hour lifespan, the light source offers lasting durability. To put this into perspective, even if the projector were used for 8 hours daily, it would endure for more than eight years. Such longevity would be unattainable with a lamp-based projector.

AWOL-LTV3000-Pro-Features - Projector Reviews Images

The LTV-3000 Pro is designated as a Laser TV by AWOL Vision. Laser TVs are known for their vibrant colors, high contrast, and sharp images due to their laser light source. UST projectors can also deliver good image quality, but their performance may vary depending on the light source and other factors, like the projection technology utilized.

Like a UST projector, Laser TVs are designed to be positioned just a few inches away from a screen or wall, which enables them to produce a large image that can rival the size of a traditional TV. Laser TVs have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to produce bright, colorful, and high-quality images with a long lifespan. The LTV-3000 Pro can be positioned like a traditional Laser TV just below the screen but offers the ability to be ceiling mounted upside down, which most competitive Laser TV products are incapable of doing.

Offering up to 3000 Peak lumens of brightness, this projector can produce clear visuals even without a completely dark room. This is a notable advantage, as an effective Laser TV should be able to function well in spaces with some ambient light.

Awol Vision Ltv-3000 with FireStick - Projector Reviews - Image
The included Amazon FireStick 4K Max provides the most popular streaming and entertainment experience.

The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro has built-in smart capabilities, including smart home control. AWOL Vision has done something I think is incredibly smart, and that is partnering with Amazon and packaging a FireStick 4K Max to handle all of the projector's smart media functions while leaving the remaining smart hardware capabilities to the projector, which itself uses a menu system built on Android 0S 9.0.

Using the exact same approach the company uses to get the best-performing hardware and features available in their projector AWOL Vision has smartly, no pun intended, sidestepped two of the biggest issues facing smart display manufacturers today.

First, they can provide their customers access to all the most popular streaming services. I can’t tell you how many times I reviewed an amazing smart projector, only to be incapable of supporting top-tier streaming services like Netflix.

Second, improved operating and customer experience. Rather than try to recreate the years of work a company like Amazon has put into the development of their FireTV software and hardware, AWOL Vision packages the FireStick 4K Max with their projectors, providing their customers what is the most popular and full-featured streaming solution available today.

The Amazon FireStick 4K Max provides AWOL Vision customers a 4K Ultra HD cinematic entertainment. The device features a quad-core 1.8 GHz processor with a 40% more powerful experience than the older Fire TV Stick 4K. This means that apps start faster and run way more smoothly than many smart displays I’ve used. Amazon's menu navigation is intelligently designed to offer a fluid, regardless of whether the user is switching between apps or just searching for content. The FireStick 4K Max supports Dolby Vision, HDR 10, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • $3,999 MSRP
  • Single Chip 0.47" DLP Texas Instruments DMD
  • RGB triple laser light source w/o phosphor color wheel
  • Ricoh all-glass f2.0 optics
  • Speckle reduction technology
  • Laser light source life of 25,000+ hours
  • 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) displayed resolution
  • 2400 ANSI Lumens (3,000 Peak lumens)
  • 2,200:1 contrast ratio
  • HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG signal support
  • 8-point keystone correction
  • Electronic focus control
  • Premium sound 36 watt onboard sound system
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Wi-Fi 6 wireless connectivity
  • 3X HDMI 2.0b with one eARC
  • Android 9.0 OS
  • Includes Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max with NetFlix supported
  • Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa via Smart Home functionality
  • 3D compatible
  • Dimensions (WxDxH) 23.6" x 13.9" x 5.7" (599 mm x 353 mm x 145 mm)
  • Weight 21lbs
  • 2 year warranty

HARDWARE

CHASSIS

Most UST (Ultra-Short Throw) projectors look very similar in design. Still, a few companies have worked hard to create chassis designs that visually separate themselves from the competition and, in the case of AWOL Vision, have used their design to enhance the overall performance of the projector. AWOL Visions' curved sloping design gives the LTV-3000 Pro a very organic-looking design, and the curved chassis creates additional space for speaker resonance, allowing the projector to create a bigger sound than many UST projectors.

  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Projector - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Projector - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Projector - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Projector - Projector Reviews - Image

The LTV-3000 Pro uses the exact same chassis size and shape as the previous series projector that it will be replacing. Ultimately, you will have to decide which design is best for you, but I like the look of this projector as I did the previous series and am glad to see AWOL Vision stuck with the same form factor with only the color and finish changing from previous models.

The LTV-3000 Pro measures 21.7" W × 13.7" D × 4.2" H (550 × 349.2 × 107.5 mm) and weighs 21 lbs. So, how does this compare to the current crop of ultra-short-throw projectors? It's pretty much in the same size and weight ballpark as most of its major 4K UST competitors.

On the top of the projector is a single Power On/Off button on the front, right- side, which works by pressing it or using the remote control. The lens is also located on the top, just left of the center.

The speakers are each centered on the right and left of the projector's front. The LED status indicator is just above and slightly to the right speaker's right. Two Heat Dissipation vents are centered on each side of the LTV-3000 Pro, with a USB 2 port just to the right of the right-side speaker.

The projector has four feet, one in each corner, with ceiling mount connections on the bottom as well.

All the inputs and connections, with the exception of one USB located on the side, are on the rear of the projector. I'll discuss them in more detail below. There is also a nifty "Patented Pocket" with a dedicated HDMI on the back of the projector for hiding the Fire Stick.

Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Inputs - Projector Reviews - Image

LENS

Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Lens - Projector Reviews - Image

The included lens is a customized Ricoh F2.0 fixed focal length ultra-short-throw lens with a throw ratio of 0.25: 1. The projector is rated by AWOL Vision as being able to display an image from 80 to 150 inches.

The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro projector has impressive focus uniformity, maintaining a clear image even on the outer edges of my 120-inch screen.  The projector can be electronically focused via the remote allowing for highly detailed manual adjustments.

The LTV-3000 Pro also includes 8-point keystone correction for versatile placement options.

Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Throw Ratio Chart - Projector Reviews - Image
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REMOTE

Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Remote Control - Projector Reviews - Image

The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro remote is silver plastic and feels good in my hand. Like most Android TV remotes, this one features the most common buttons for everyday operations, including power on/off, source select, input select, settings, and a home button.

In addition to these more standard controls, AWOL Vision has added direct buttons for brightness, sound, file explorer, and network functionality.

One of the features that I think is fantastic about the manufacturer-included remote control is that once the user finishes setting up and activating the included Fire Stick 4K Max device users can use the projector remote control to navigate all the features of the projector as well as the Fire Stick 4k Max.

My only criticism is that the AWOL Vision remote does not have a backlight.

Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Remote App - Projector Reviews - Image

The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro also includes the ability to be controlled by a pretty advanced smart device application that can easily be downloaded and setup starting via the projector itself and finishing on the smart device. iOS and Android devices are supported.

MENUS

The AWOL Vision LTV-3000PRO projector features an operating system that is built on Android TV 9. The menus very user-friendly and easy to navigate. If you've ever used an Android phone or tablet, you will find the interface very familiar. The projector features a home page with quick shortcuts to the most common projector inputs and features including the projectors highly detailed Android style menus.

  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Projector Menu - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Projector Menu - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Projector Menu - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Projector Menu - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Projector Menu - Projector Reviews - Image

The LTV-3000 Pro is bundled with an Amazon FireStick 4K Max smart dongle, so you must learn to navigate two different menu systems. The good news is the smart dongle can be controlled using the projector's remote and it supports the most popular streaming services, including Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix.

The LTV-3000 Pro includes several preset picture modes.  None of the projector's preset picture modes except USER can be fully adjusted.  Selecting the USER mode gives you access to a complete suite of calibration adjustments, including Gamma, 2pt White Balance, and Color Management System (CMS).  

PERFORMANCE

COLOR REPRODUCTION

  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Color - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Color - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Color - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Color - Projector Reviews - Image

Like previous AWOL Vision models, the LTV-3000 Pro can reproduce 107% of the BT.2020 color space. My impression of this projector's out-of-the-box color is very positive. AWOL has done an excellent job tuning each of the presets in both SDR and HDR modes, keeping a smaller amount of the high color saturation typically found in triple laser DLP projectors but not overdriving colors to the point that they seem to glow.

When viewing SDR content, AWOL Vision provides users with six pre-set picture modes that look very similar to each other, except the MOVIE mode, which displays an image that appears to be very warm with obvious yellow hues dominating the image. While the USER mode was more pleasing to the eye, the MOVIE mode was more accurate. 

The six SDR modes are STANDARD, VIVID, SPORT, MOVIE, GAME, and USER. After viewing various content using each mode, I set the projector to either MOVIE or USER picture preset modes when viewing SDR content. 

When watching Dolby Vision-encoded content, the LTV-3000 Pro offers three different preset picture modes: DARK ROOM, BRIGHT ROOM, and VIVID ROOM.

  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Color - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Color - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Color - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Color - Projector Reviews - Image

The out-of-the-box picture quality of the LTV-3000 Pro would satisfy most viewers. However, I took the time to measure the projector’s picture modes and calibrate the projector’s USER Mode.

Since your room and screen material significantly impact the overall picture, we don't recommend using someone else's calibration adjustments. If your room is brighter/darker or your walls are a different color, your settings would probably be different. Also, the color characteristics of different individual projectors can vary. Therefore, copying someone else's results can be detrimental to the picture quality rather than improving it. However, I am including my specific room before and after calibration results.

If you want to make BRIGHTNESS, CONTRAST, and SHARPNESS adjustments to optimize your projector for your room, several free test patterns are available on Murideo’s website and YouTube channel. Check out our YouTube video on utilizing several of these test patterns called Optimize The Image of a Projector or TV Using Free Murideo Test Patterns. Murideo also has written instructions located under the resource section of its website. We use Portrait Displays Calman color calibration software to test the projector's color accuracy.

Pre-Calibration Color Tracking and Grayscale

AWOL-LTV3000-Pro-Calibration-Pre-Results-Wide-Gamut-ON - Projector Reviews Images

While MOVIE was the most accurate mode, we chose to calibrate the USER mode since it offers access to more picture settings.  Due to the characteristics of their light sources, many Tri-Color Laser projectors emphasize red, which results in a bluish image. When measured, the RGB balance was slightly cool but better than most Laser TVs that I have evaluated.

The MOVIE mode measured 7080K, which is just a few hundred degrees off my color temperature target of 6500K. In this mode, the projector’s projector gamma was around 2.0, which is brighter than my gamma target of 2.2.

The projector also did better than average job tracking colors in SDR, except for at higher IREs. The default WIDE COLOR GAMUT setting is Auto, but this caused colors to be oversaturated. 

  • Picture Mode: USER
  • Gamma: 2.0
  • Color Temperature: 7080K
  • Average Grayscale dE: 5.2
  • Average Color Tracking dE: 11.9

Post-Calibration Color Tracking and Grayscale

AWOL-LTV3000-Pro-Calibration-Post-Results - Projector Reviews Images

The AWOL LTV-3000 Pro includes a complete suite of calibration adjustments, including 2pt White Balance and Color Management System (CMS). 

To get closer to our 6500K color temperature target, we switched the COLOR TEMPERATURE to User. Then I increased the RED GAIN and reduced the BLUE GAIN to finetune the RGB balance, resulting in excellent grayscale.

To achieve my Gamma target of 2.2, I switched the GAMMA adjustment from Dark to Middle and reduced the BRIGHTNESS setting.

Once the WIDE COLOR GAMUT setting was switched from Auto to Off, colors looked more natural, but some of the brightest colors were now undersaturated. I used the projector's CMS controls to increase the saturation and brightness of red, blue, and magenta as much as possible.

  • Picture Mode: USER
  • Gamma: 2.2
  • Color Temperature: 6613K
  • Average Grayscale dE: 1.2
  • Average Color Tracking dE: 1.84

Delta E measurement of 3 or less is considered ‘Excellent’ and imperceptible by the human eye.  Once calibrated, the LTV-3000 Pro had a grayscale average dE of 1.2, which is outstanding. The average post-calibration Color Tracking dE was just 1.84, which is also great. Overall color reproduction of the LTV-3000 Pro than most Tri-Color Laser TV especially those that retail for under $4000.  

HDR Grayscale Measurement Before and After

AWOL-LTV3000-Pro-HDR-Cal-Post-Pre-Results - Projector Reviews Images

The LTV-3000 Pro has dedicated picture modes for both HDR10 and Dolby Vision content. When viewing HDR10, the MOVIE mode was the most accurate. It offered the best RGB balance and color temperature but it was not adjustable. To utilize the white balance adjustments, we switched to the USER  mode. 

When viewing HDR content, the projector's RGB balance and grayscale looked similar to SDR. The average HDR grayscale Delta E before calibration was just 4.2 which is pretty good.

we used the projector's 2Point RGB balance adjustments to finetune the projector's white balance further and it only took a few minutes. After calibration, the grayscale Delta E was 1 which is outstanding. 

Out of the box, the projector color tracking was better when viewing HDR than SDR. Once the RGB balance was adjusted the LTV3000-Pro overall HDR color reproduction was very good. 

BRIGHTNESS

  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Brightness - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Brightness - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Brightness - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Brightness - Projector Reviews - Image

The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro looks very bright out of the box. This projector performed very well in my living room, with the blinds open during the day. Yes, the image colors did fade, and the black levels were not as good as they appear in a light-controlled room, but the image could easily be watched during the day, making this projector a candidate to replace a living room TV. This projector is one of the best-performing lights-on viewing projectors I’ve reviewed in its class.

The AWOL Vision lists the brightness in both peak and ANSI lumens for this model. While the AWOL Vision is advertising 3000 Peak Lumens, the industry standard in ANSI lumens. The LTV-3000 Pro has a manufacturer's rated brightness of 2400 ANSI lumens. The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro measured 2,586 ANSI lumens, 186 lumens more than AWOL Vision's rating. The LTV-3000 Pro is more than bright enough for viewing SDR content on a 120" screen in a room with some light or HDR content on a 150" screen in a dark room.

The chart below shows my calculated brightness rating for each of the projector's out-of-the-box preset picture modes.

AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro Brightness

ImageBrightness Measured (ANSI Lumens)
STANDARD2482
VIVID2480
MOVIE2479
SPORT2468
GAME2479
USER2586
DOLBY VISION DARK ROOM2475
DOLBY VISION BRIGHT ROOM2378
DOLBY VISION VIVID2578

BLACK LEVEL AND SHADOW DETAIL

  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Blacks - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Blacks - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Blacks - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Blacks - Projector Reviews - Image

The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro has some of the best out-of-the-box black-level performance I’ve seen in an ultra-short throw around its price range. AWOL has done an excellent job getting the most out of the black-level and detail capabilities of this DLP projector.

If you look at the slideshow above, one of the first things you will notice is the amount of dark area detail visible in the video. Look at the deep navy blues of Lawrence Fishburne's tunic, and instead of being completely crushed, the LTV-3000 Pro does an excellent job of showing detail within the darks. In the shot from Top Gun Maverick, the pattern within Jennifer Connely’s black sweater is clearly visible; also, the image of Jennifer Lawrence from Passengers shows off what the LTV-3000 Pro is capable of when you look at the subtle detail in her pants.

It is possible to improve the dark-level detail of this projector even more, but this would come at the cost of black-level performance. I was blown away by the LTV-3000 Pro black level and detail in my light-controlled testing space.

Laser TV or UST projectors like this one are not intended to rival high-end home theater projectors typically found in completely darkened media rooms. Instead, the LTV-3000 Pro is more likely to be used in a space with higher ambient light levels from lights on viewing or windows. In these circumstances, the ability of the projector to produce deep blacks takes a backseat to the projector's ability to produce a bright image.

HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE

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  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 HDR Mode - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Blacks - Projector Reviews - Image
  • Awol Vision Ltv-3000 HDR Mode - Projector Reviews - Image
The AWOL VIsion LTV-3000ProO supports both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision encoded video.

Like many of the features of the LTV-3000 Pro, the AWOL Vision engineers seem to have been able to maximize the HDR technology to maximize the playback of HDR content. AWOL Visions tone mapping is excellent. For my testing, I played back both HDR10-encoded content and Dolby Vision-encoded HDR content. To be honest, I did not see a huge difference between the two types of content. They both displayed HDR content beautifully, as seen in the slideshow above.

Be aware that you must sacrifice some onscreen brightness or flatten the contrast to maximize the picture's highlight detail. Even though the LTV-3000 Pro measured less than 3,000 ANSI lumens, this is a remarkably bright projector with light to spare, especially to get an overall improved HDR image.

For those who want to adjust HDR tone mapping manually, the LTV-3000 Pro has multiple HDR presets. Users can also use the HDR BRIGHTNESS to change the brightness level based on their screen size.

The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro also supports HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), the HDR standard developed for live broadcast, so you are all set to enjoy sports and award shows when the networks start broadcasting in HDR.

GAMING

Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Gaming - Projector Reviews - Image

The LTV-3000 Pro has a preset game mode, and when combined with the projector's HDMI 2.1 inputs, it provides an optimized gameplay experience. AWOL says the LTV-3000 Pro’s latency of 15ms at 4K. 60 Hz is the projector's maximum refresh rate when playing 4K games. If you need to increase the frame rate, drop the resolution down to 1080p, and you are able to game at up to 120 Hz.

In my experience, this projector worked exceptionally well for console gaming, with no noticeable input lag. This was particularly impressive when playing first-person shooter games, where input lag can make all the difference between your character surviving a firefight or being eliminated.

SOUND QUALITY

Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Sound - Projector Reviews - Image
The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro supports sound from its 36 watt sound system.

One of the best things about ultra-short throw projectors is that the manufacturers build in a much bigger sound system than a typical projector to match the really big picture being displayed. The integrated 35-watt sound system delivers a dynamic sound from the front of the projector's chassis.

In addition, the LTV-3000 Pro is compatible with Dolby Audio and Digital Theater Systems HD (DTS-HD). Dolby Audio, developed by Dolby Laboratories, is a collection of audio encoding and processing technologies, encompassing Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Atmos.

DTS is another family of audio technologies, including DTS Digital Surround, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DTS:X. DTS Digital Surround is a competitor to Dolby Digital, supporting 5.1 surround sound as well. Overall, the audio performance is comparable to a mid-sized soundbar.

The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro provides support for eARC on HDMI port number three, allowing for enhanced audio transmission from the projector to an external audio device like a soundbar or home theater audio system.

 

SUMMARY

Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Projector - Projector Reviews - Image

The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro is one of two new projectors selling for $3,999 MSRP starting September 18, 2023. Physically, this projector uses the same chassis as the two previous models, which I have no issue with; it is likely a good way to keep costs down.

AWOL Vision is physically differentiating this model from the previous models by color and finish. This projector uses a matte black finish compared to the last, more glossy models. I like the matte black appearance since the finish won't reflect as much stray ambient light off the projector body and onto the screen. The only downside to the new chassis color is that it is a fingerprint magnet. Fortunately, projectors tend to set it and forget it. The projector will likely spend little time being handled by friends and family.

The AWOL Vision shares about 98% of its features and benefits on the LTV-3000 Pro with the company's previous models, with two big exceptions: brightness and smart home control.

AWOL-LTV3000-Pro-Features-2 - Projector Reviews Images

AWOL Vision has increased the projector's listed brightness to 3,000 Peak lumens from last year's 2,600 Peak lumens. Boosting performance to 3,000 lumens keeps this projector competitive and potentially moves into a whole new performance range compared to AWOL Vision's closest competitor.

The other big change in the LTV-3000 Pro is adding what AWOL Vision calls Smart Room Ready functionality. The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro is now seamlessly integrated with Control4 and other projector control and management solutions. AWOL addition of this functionality allows projector features like power, volume, HDMI source switching, and more to be managed through platforms like PJLink, Control 4, SAVANT, and Crestron.

Awol Vision Ltv-3000 with FireStick - Projector Reviews - Image

AWOL Vision has included the smart hardware functionality I listed above and an Amazon FireStick 4K Max streaming stick. Turning over smart media functionality is a brilliant move on AWOL Visions part for multiple reasons. First, there is no bigger smart platform available today than the Amazon FireTV platform, with an installed base of users bigger than any other streaming media platform.

The FireStick is a complete solution offering AWOL Visions customers access to all the most popular streaming applications like NetFlix, Disney+, Max, and so many more. In addition, the FireOS system has been put through its paces over years of operation and has proven fast and reliable. AWOL Vision projectors have a patented recessed chamber designed to hide the Fire Stick from view and provide protection. This chamber can be covered and hidden from view using an included protective cover.

THE COMPETITION

VAVA Chroma $3,499 MSRP

The VAVA Chroma has similar brightness and contrast and an ALPD 4.0 triple laser light source. The VAVA Chroma may use much of the same hardware as the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro, but the resulting sound and picture do not come close to the AWOL Vision. For instance, the colors on the AWOL Vision are more accurately tuned. Both out-of-the-box black levels and details are just better on the AWOL Vision. The AWOL Vision supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, while the VAVA only supports HDR10.

AWOL Vision uses the Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max with its thousands of applications and services included in the box. The best VAVA could come up with is the unreliable APPTOIDE marketplace.

Formovie Theater - $3,499 MSRP

For $500 less, the Formovie THEATER offers much of the same hardware technology AWOL Vision uses. Both projectors  offer decent onboard sound and similar contrast specifications and are close in brightness. The onboard sound system of the Formovie is better overall, mainly because the Bowers and Wilkens sound system produces a more spatial sound effect.

Users also need to consider what they give up for $500. The Formovie THEATER does not support HDR10+, just HDR10. Formovie did not include any 3D support, whereas AWOL Vision supports full 3D.

Since I reviewed the Formovie THEATER, I can also tell you that AWOL Vision has a superior out-of-the-box picture, especially regarding black levels and dark/highlight details. The AWOL Vision focus uniformity is also the best I've seen yet in an ultra-short throw triple laser projector.

Laser TV Model Comparison
ModelAWOL Vision LTV-3000 ProFormovie THEATERVAVA Chroma
Price (MSRP)$3999$3499$3499
Displayed Resolution3840x2160
(1920x1080x4)
3840x2160
(1920x1080x4)
3840x2160
(1920x1080x4)
Light SourceRGB Laser w/o Color WheelALDP 4.0 RGB LaserALDP 4.0 RGB Laser
Brightness (Measured)2586 ANSI lumens2650 ANSI lumens2393 ANSI lumens
HDR SupportHDR10+, Dolby VisionHDR10, Dolby VisionHDR10
Operating SystemInternal Android TV 9.0Internal Android TV 11.0Internal Android  9.0
App StoreAmazonGoogle PlayApptoide
Audio System36W (Dolby Atmos)30W (10W x 2 Full Range, 5W x 2 Tweeter) Bowers & Wilkins30W x 2 Harman Kardon
3D SupportYesNoYes
3D Hardware IncludedYesNoNo
Keystone Correction8-Point8-Point8-Point
Weight21 lbs21.6 lbs23.5 lbs
Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Lifestyle - Projector Reviews - Image

PROS

  • Out-of-the-box color is incredibly well-tuned
  • Black levels and shadow details performance is excellent
  • Game Mode (15ms 4K@60Hz and 8ms 1080P@120Hz)
  • 36 Watt sound system provides a big sound
  • HDR10+ and Dolby Vision supported
  • Dedicated 24 fps playback mode
  • Fully 3D capable 
  • Three HDMI inputs
  • Smart home capabilities supporting Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Includes Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max
  • WiFi 6 is fully supported
  • Bluetooth 5.0 and projector can be used as an external Bluetooth speaker
  • Thousands of applications, games, and streaming content via the Amazon App Store
  • 8-Point keystone correction

 CONS

  • The remote control lacks backlighting
  • It uses two separate operating systems, one for the projector and the other for the Fire Stick
  • The black matte finish is a fingerprint magnet

AWOL Vision LTV-3000 PRO - SPECIFICATIONS

Awol Vision Ltv-3000 Pro Specs - Projector Reviews - Image
Full Specifications
Projector ModelLTV-3000 Pro
Price$3999.00
Imager TypeDLP (0.47” DMD)
Displayed Resolution3840 x 2160 pixels
Native Resolution1920 x 1080 x 4 pixels
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)2400 ANSI lumens (3000 Peak lumens)
Light Source TypeRGB Triple Laser w/o phosphor wheel
Light Source Life25,000+ hours 
Contrast Ratio2500:1 
Zoom Lens RatioFixed
Power Zoom/FocusYes - Focus
Lens ShiftNo
Interchangeable LensNo
Ultra-Short ThrowYes
Native Aspect Ratio16:9 (Widescreen)
HDTV/4K Yes
DVI or HDMIYes
3DYes
Blu-Ray 3DYes
Speakers36W
Noise Level (-db)27 dB
Low Lag GamingYes
Smart FunctionalityYes
BusinessNo
ClassroomNo
PortableNo
Special FeaturesSmart Home Networking, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
NetworkingWireless
Dimensions (HxWxD)10.2 inches x 10.5 inches x 7.2 inches
Weight21 lbs.
Warranty2 Year
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