5000 Archives - Projector Reviews

The LG BU60RG is a super bright 6,000 ANSI lumen 4K ProBeam business projector

The LG ProBeam BU60RG is a business-class Digital Light Processing (DLP) projector with 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160p) resolution, 6,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, and even HDR10 support. LG has loaded the BU60RG with features including a 1.6X optical zoom, lens shift, warping and 360-degree installation designed to make installation quick and pain-free. The BU60RG sells for an MSRP of $3,999.

The BU60RG is an LG professional projector for simulators, office meeting rooms, and classrooms. In addition, the onboard webOS 6 makes the BU60RG a powerful display solution for the digital signage event categories and large halls and museums. The BU60RG is so bright it produces quality images even in environments with large amounts of uncontrolled ambient lighting. webOS 6.0 for Signage is LG’s software solution used in the company’s line of Digital Signage flat-panel displays, and the BU60RG is one of a growing number of LG ProBeam projectors that come in it. LG has made the webOS 6.0 for Signage platform available to many LG partners specializing in content management and distribution solutions.

The BU60RG is a standard-throw projector that offers a full range of connectivity options, including an RJ45 wired network connection supporting HDBaseT, wireless network connectivity, RS232, USB, and two HDMI 2.0 connections.

I have reviewed other LG ProBeam models, such as the BU70QGA and, more recently, the BF50RG. I was very impressed by these projectors’ performance and included features. Check out my review by clicking the model number link above.

LG BU60RG Specs
Price	$3,999 MSRP
Technology	DLP
Displayed Resolution	4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim	6000 ANSI Lumens
Light Source	Blue Laser Phosphor
Contrast	3,000,000:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens Ratio	1.6X
Sound System	10 watt x2
Dimensions	14.6 x 11.4 x 6.1 inches (370 x 290 x 156 mm)
Weight	20.3 lbs.

Overview

The LG BU60RG features a blue laser diode light source that delivers an impressive 6000 ANSI lumens of brightness.

The BU60RG ProBeam projector is designed for business and education professionals to make large-scale projection more accessible and appealing for users. Even though LG is a leading manufacturer of flat-panel displays, they understand that there is a real demand for a more immersive viewing experience that surpasses the capabilities of even the largest OLED or LCD TV.

The LG BU60RG uses a 0.47-inch Texas Instruments DMD to create a 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) pixel on screen image.

The ProBeam BU60RG’s light engine is driven by a combination of a Texas Instruments DLP imager and a high-performance LG laser that, together with a range of light source components, are sealed to prevent dust particles from settling inside the projector’s laser-projected light path and obstructing the projected image.

If you play videos on this projector 8 hours a day, then the laser light source could last up to 7 years.

The LG BU60RG features a blue laser diode light source that delivers an impressive 6,000 ANSI lumens of brightness. This brightness level allows the projector to be effectively used in various professional settings, including medium and large halls and museums. The projector’s massive 6,000 ANSI brightness allows it to project 4K images in detail with stunning colors and contrast in venues with substantial amounts of uncontrolled ambient light. The high-output laser diode is rated for up to 20,000 hours of near-maintenance-free operation, which translates to playing videos seven days a week, eight hours a day for seven years. This diode eliminates the need for routine lamp replacements and maintenance, making the ProBeam BU60RG ideal for hard-to-reach locations such as creative museum displays or high-ceiling installations.

The BU60RG supports image rotation, enabling content to be displayed horizontally or vertically without changing the projector’s physical orientation. Notably, there are no vertical or horizontal installation angle limitations. LG also provides 4, 9, 15, and 25-point warping functions to address image distortion and ensure precise alignment, which is especially useful for unusual projection surfaces.

Equipped with a fully automatic and electronic focusing system, the BU60RG can be adjusted via a remote or software-based control system from a PC, phone, or tablet.

This projector features built-in preset modes, including seven video and six audio presets, optimizing performance in various settings. Two built-in speakers and an HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) enhance the immersive experience by connecting to soundbars and supporting Dolby Digital passthrough and Dolby Atmos in-home theater setups. Bluetooth connectivity allows easy pairing with external Bluetooth speakers or sound systems.

While the ProBeam BU60RG lacks some of the smart features found in LG’s CineBeam products, it is powered by the LG webOS 6.0 Signage Platform, enhancing connectivity and productivity in business, education, and commercial applications. The projector can connect with LG ConnectedCare, a cloud-based device management solution, and supports software development through the customizable webOS 6.0. This platform allows partners to add projection capabilities to their offerings and manage various content and custom software solutions.

The BU60RG offers network monitoring and control, compatible with third-party solutions from Crestron, Control4, Savant, and RS232C. It also supports dynamic HDR tone mapping for HDR10 content, automatically adjusting tone mapping curves according to the scene for optimal HDR performance.

The ProBeam BU60RG projector is fully compatible with the optional LG One: Quick Share USB transmitter and software, enabling seamless wireless screen sharing. This feature enhances the projector’s versatility and ease-of-use in various professional settings.

The BU60RG is a great solution in venues like retail spaces, museums, tradeshows, and conventions. Its advanced capabilities facilitate networked content distribution and streaming, simplifying complex setups.

LG 2024 ProBeam BU Series 4K UHD Business Projectors
Model	BU60RG	BU50RG	BU53RG
Price	$3999	$3399	$3799
Brightness	6000 Lumens	5000 Lumens	5000 Lumens
Light Source	Blue Laser Phosphor	Blue Laser Phosphor	Blue Laser Phosphor
Operating System	Web OS 6.0	Web OS 6.0	Web OS 6.0
Contrast	3,000,000:1 Dynamic	3,000,000:1 Dynamic	3,000,000:1 Dynamic
Len Assembly	1.6x Standard Throw	1.6x Standard Throw	Short Throw
Sound System	10 watt x 2	10 watt x 2	10 watt x 2

HIGHLIGHTS

4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160p) resolution with 8.3 million discrete pixels
DLP XPR (Expanded Pixel Resolution) video processing
DLP (0.47-inch DMD) with XPR imaging
6,000 ANSI Lumens
Laser Light Engine with up to 20,000 hours lifespan (NORMAL mode)
3,000,000:1 (Dynamic Contrast Ratio)
1.6x Optical Zoom Ratio
Lens Shift (Horiz ±20% | Vert ±50%)
Aspect Ratios (16:6, 16:9, 16:10, 21:9 and 4:3)
HDR10 with Dynamic Tone Mapping
Integrated Wi-Fi & RJ45 for network connection
webOS Smart Signage 6.0
Supports optional LG One: Quick Share USB devices
HDBaseT compatibility
Supports Crestron command and control software
Wireless screen share via Miracast
Wireless content shared via the TV Plus app (Android, iOS) or DLNA device
Dual 10-watt speaker system with Bluetooth
3-Year Limited / Up to 15,000 hours

HARDWARE

CHASSIS

The LG ProBeam BU60RG is relatively compact compared to many competitive professional projectors. It measures 14.6 x 11.4 x 6.1 inches (370 x 290 x 156 mm) and weighs 20.3 lbs (9.2 kg). Due to its size and weight, it is advisable to have assistance when lifting and positioning the unit, especially for those unfamiliar with handling larger projectors.

When looking at the projector from the front, the projector’s lens is on the right side of the panel, along with air intakes for cooling. There is an IR receiver on the front left side. The projector’s manual focus and zoom controls are wheels located around the lens assembly. The horizontal and vertical lens shift controls and an air intake vent are on the projector's right side.

All inputs and connections are situated on the rear of the chassis. The cooling exhaust vent, combined power button/joystick, and control panel are also located on the back panel, allowing for full menu operation from this position. The left and right stereo speakers are firing backward in the projector’s rear.

LG includes a basic control panel in the same area of the rear panel where the projector’s inputs are located. The control panel has a four-direction low-profile joystick for navigating the projector menus up, down, left, and right. Pressing down on the joystick serves as menu activation and control selection.

The ProBeam BU60RG’s traditional remote control provides users with a wide range of controls for all projector features and functions. Users can swiftly adjust projector settings for different source materials and lighting conditions. With a single button press, switching from making a presentation in a fully bright room to watching sports or TV after dark is effortless.

LG command and control software, such as LG Control Manager, allows users to access and operate all the projectors' menu-based functions. This remote control is designed for use with a range of LG projectors, so not every button on the remote is supported by the BU60RG. An example is the lens button, which normally controls features like AUTO FOCUS and LENS SHIFT, which are unavailable in this projector model.

THE LENS

The ProBeam BU60RG has a zoom range of 1.6x, allowing for placement at throw ratios of 1.30 ‐ 2.08. Throw distance can be quickly calculated using the screen width: Throw Ratio = Throw Distance/Image Width.

LG created an online Projection Calculator to help users determine if LG projectors will work in their rooms. The app will provide throw distances and other installation-related information if you input the LG projector model, screen size, and aspect ratio.

The ProBeam BU60RG has manual lens shift controls for horizontal and vertical shift located on the projector’s right side. This type of lens shift makes this projector an excellent choice for a mobile solution in an organization moving from a conference room or classroom. The ability to shift and zoom the image means the projector can also be placed in an environment with an existing screen or mounting setup.

Users can manually adjust the projector’s lens shift settings by rotating the control wheels on the side of the projector. Like all projectors with H/V shift, moving the image in one direction will limit the amount of shift available in the opposite direction. Lens Shift: (Horiz ±20% & Vert ±50%).

MENUS

The BU60RG is part of LG’s Digital Signage lineup. It incorporates a built-in webOS System on Chip (SoC) that allows communication with an external server and playing media content without needing an external player or display control device. By offering an onboard player, LG has enabled users to remove a device from the installation chain and eliminate a potential failure point.

This projector has an intuitive and user-friendly menu system, which is especially impressive for a professional display with many features. The visual operation guides for making specific adjustments are particularly helpful.

LG webOS is a web-centric platform that offers powerful tools for developing rich web applications. The developer-friendly webOS menus make it easy to navigate and utilize the projector’s extensive features, including content playback and access to a wide range of solutions and services.

PERFORMANCE

COLOR REPRODUCTION

The BU60RG has a resolution of 4K UHD, which is almost 4X as many pixels on screen as a typical professional WUXGA projector. Production quality has improved across the consumer and professional markets, so displaying higher-resolution content on-screen can greatly impact your audience’s perception of your brand, even at a tradeshow.

Also, being able to display higher resolution content in the boardroom and the classroom offers the potential to grab your audience’s attention and keep it.

Projectors like the BU60RG can benefit from 4K resolution as the projected image gets bigger and bigger. When I look at the WUXGA LG I just reviewed compared to this 4K model, there is a noticeable picture difference between them, even on my 100-inch screen. If I can see the difference 4K makes at 100 inches, imagine the benefits when projecting a 200, 300, or 500-inch image.

The BU60RG’s color performance is impressive and on par, with other LG professional projectors I’ve reviewed. Unlike many professional projectors that tend to have a blue or greenish tint no matter the preset picture mode, the BU60RG delivers colors akin to those of finely tuned blue laser phosphor home projectors. As a DLP projector, its color output can vary from neutral to the typical over-saturation seen in many DLP models, depending on the preset mode. The brighter modes lean more toward a bluish hue, designed specifically for settings with lots of uncontrolled ambient light, such as trade shows, business presentations, and events with bright lighting.

BRIGHTNESS

Even before I started measuring this projector, it was clear that the BU60RG had brightness to spare. LG rates the projector as reproducing 6,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, making the ProBeam BU60RG one of the brightest projectors in this specific line of digital signage-focused displays.

The highest brightness reading on the projector’s out-of-the-box modes is the MALL/QSR preset mode. I took measurements at different positions around the lens, about 15-20% out from the center.

The ProBeam BU60RG measured 6,450 ANSI lumens, 450 ANSI lumens brighter than LG’s brightness claim. To verify the accuracy of my findings, I replaced the batteries in my meter and repeated the measurement process twice, obtaining nearly identical results, with only slight variations in lumens. Additionally, I extended my analysis to include the other preset picture modes. Please refer to the accompanying chart for a comprehensive overview of my measurements.

LG ProBeam BU60RG Preset Mode's Brightness
Picture Modes	Brightness Measured (ANSI Lumens)
MALL/QSR	5,820 ANSI Lumens
GENERAL	6,450 ANSI Lumens
TRANSPORTATION	4,123 ANSI Lumens
SCREEN/GAME	6,359 ANSI Lumens
GOV/CORP	3,378 ANSI Lumens
EXPERT	3,207 ANSI Lumens
CALIBRATION	5,168 ANSI Lumens
HOSPITAL	1,173 ANSI Lumens

BLACK LEVEL AND SHADOW DETAIL

The blacks on the BU60RG are closer to dark gray, which is not such a surprise since this projector is built to be used and looks good in many environments where having total control of your lighting is not likely. Dark area details are quite good on this projector, especially when watching HDR-encoded content, although it is just as easy to boost dark area details in SDR content as well.

Black levels can be improved by turning down the projector light output, but not to levels you would find in a home theater projector. The projector produces average black levels even with features like Dynamic Contrast engaged. This projector is intended for digital signage environments, trade shows, and meeting rooms, with lights-on viewing being the norm rather than the exception.

The ProBeam BU60RG is an excellent choice for venues with uncontrolled ambient light sources that require high brightness while maintaining decent color saturation, which this projector is designed to provide.

The ProBeam BU60RG continues LG’s trend of creating a range of professional projectors that support High Dynamic Range formats, including HDR10 and HLG. It can dynamically tone map HDR10 content while maintaining good highlight detail.

The BU60RG offers Dynamic Tone mapping, a feature that fits very well with this high-brightness projector. When watching entertainment-based content, I preferred how it made my HDR movies look. Dynamic tone mapping will not come into play for all the other content I displayed (presentations, advertisements, and documents). Even though the BU60RG offers 6,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, tone mapping will knock that down, so use it only when the situation calls for it. It’s nice to have features like HDR, dynamic tone-mapping, and dynamic contrast, which could very well be more common at some point in the content being produced to display on this type of projector.

If you plan on using the BU60RG in spaces with a lot of ambient light, the MALL/WSR and GENERAL present modes are the best choices for an out-of-the-box picture mode.

The BU60RG comes with five preset picture modes for HDR-encoded content, and they are:

MALL/QSR: This is the brightest HDR mode but the least accurate picture mode. It is most appropriate for displaying presentation materials where color accuracy takes a back seat to make the content visible to almost anyone in the venue.

GENERAL: This mode strikes a balance between brightness and accuracy and succeeds for the most part. It lets you enjoy a dynamic, clear image by correcting the light and dark areas of the display.

GOV/CORP: This mode provides a realistic picture, even when the source image’s gradation level is high. It allows viewing videos or movies in a room with ambient light. It is one of the more accurate picture modes.

EDUCATION: This mode allows viewing movies in a darkened room. It has good contrast and color accuracy. Users would select EDUCATION mode to view photos and collaborate in presentations and educational environments. These environments give presenters good overall control of the venue’s light sources.

SCREEN/GAME: This mode is designed to be used when watching GAME content, providing users with the best experience for high-speed content.

TEXT AND PRESENTATION

The LG ProBeam BU60RG shows clear images without being too sharp, which is great for showing text, even small fonts. The 4K UHD resolution helps this projector display text clearly from 15 feet on a 100-inch screen. Even 8-point fonts stay readable without blur at the edges, making it useful for PowerPoint slides and most websites. However, websites with very small text might have issues with fonts smaller than 8 points.

Colors in slides also look bright and true, especially those with strong contrast. The colors pop, making charts, graphs, and images stand out on the screen. This makes the LG ProBeam BU60RG a good choice for meetings and presentations where visual quality is important.

SOUND QUALITY

The LG ProBeam BU60RG has two 5-watt speakers built in that fire from the projector’s rear. Volume is above average on this projector, and I had no issue hearing dialog at the back of the room. The BU60RG’s sound system should be audible in a classroom, boardroom, or small to medium event space. Still, I’m not sure the projector could be heard in a larger space, especially with many people and environmental noise.

The BU60RG’s speakers do not distort at higher volume levels, which is good because this is likely where the projector’s volume will be set when audio is needed with video content. Event professionals should be satisfied with the projector’s speaker quality in most small-to-medium and larger spaces where environmental noise is not an issue.

The ProBeam BU60RG’s 29 dB to 33 dB-rated fan noise is lower than I expected for a high-brightness professional projector. It is a little louder than a large home projector, but it will be fine for this projector’s targeted customer and use case. Fan noise is not typically heard in retail and boardroom environments.

SUMMARY

The LG ProBeam BU60RG is a powerful 4K UHD professional projector. This projector is designed to cater to various businesses, educators, retailers, and event organizers. This cutting-edge projector is one of LG’s Digital Signage growing portfolio, moving beyond traditional flat panels and offering a dynamic, engaging alternative for captivating audiences in various environments like event installations and retail spaces. The BU60RG’s massive amount of available light allows it to display HDR content effectively.

The ProBeam BU60RG’s bright blue laser phosphor light source is rated to deliver 20,000 hours of operation with no need to worry about lamp replacements. The projector exceeded the manufacturer-rated brightness of 6,000 ANSI lumens in my testing. The BU60RG truly shines in environments with high ambient light. Though not perfectly inky, its gray blacks do not detract from the projector’s exceptional ability to reveal subtle details across the entire spectrum of the projected image, ensuring clarity and visibility even in challenging lighting conditions.

In addition to being incredibly bright, the BU60RG joins the growing list of professional projectors that feature 4K UHD (3840 x 2160p) resolution provided by a high-quality Texas Instruments DLP imager. The projector uses TI’s proven XPR technology to almost quadruple the number of pixels on-screen. This increased resolution is incredibly valuable when projecting images near the BU60RG’s maximum displayed screen size but is even noticeable on a 100-inch screen like the one I use in my lab. This is incredibly valuable as more and more content is produced at resolutions higher than HD.

The BU60RG uses the latest version of LG’s webOS 6.0 for Signage, revolutionizing content delivery by eliminating the reliance on external media devices. This integrated solution streamlines the setup process, reducing costs and minimizing potential points of failure while enhancing communication and control capabilities when paired with compatible CMS solutions like Woven Media. Furthermore, webOS 6.0 empowers LG partners with unparalleled customization options and granular device-level control, surpassing the capabilities of conventional third-party solutions.

The BU60RG’s impressive up-to-25-point warping makes it capable of projecting immersive displays onto unique shapes and configurations, making it ideal for digital signage and creative installations. The projector’s powerful geometry correction gives network administrators and even managers exceptional installation flexibility in this class of projectors.

Ultimately, the ease of installation and event features don’t mean anything if the projector can’t display a good image, which I’m happy to report the BU60RG can. The projector’s out-of-the-box color accuracy is very good, delivering vibrant and lifelike visuals right from the start. The BU60RG displays excellent color even in environments with high ambient light. If you use this projector for digital signage, colors will pop and attract attention from people passing by. For those users who demand an even more personalized and finely-tuned viewing experience, the BU60RG offers built-in professional calibration adjustments. These adjustments enable users to optimize color reproduction to their preferences and specific content requirements. Black levels can even be improved in darker spaces by turning down the lamp output.

LG ProBeam Business Projectors deliver outstanding performance

With an MSRP of $3,999, the BU60RG offers a compelling value proposition, particularly given its extensive capabilities and potential applications. This projector should be a superb addition to your inventory, delivering exceptional results and enhancing visual communication.

The LG ProBeam BU60RG is an outstanding value, especially for digital signage, educational environments, and business professionals. Its impressive performance and features make it an excellent choice for various applications, from brightening classrooms and boardrooms to taking your digital signage or retail installations to the next level. If 4K UHD resolution and/or 1000 lumens of brightness is not needed, the 5000-lumen WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) ProBeam BF50RG, which retails for $2399, is another great option.

The BU60RG stands out as a top contender for those seeking an ultra-bright 4K business projector. It combines unmatched brightness, image quality, and versatility, and its durable construction and long-lasting laser light source guarantee years of reliable service, making it a prudent investment for any organization.

COMPETITION

ViewSonic LS920WU $3,499 MSRP

The ViewSonic LS921WU is an advanced 6,000 ANSI Lumens projector from Viewsonic that offers a range of professional features geared towards the professional user. This projector is perfect for the classroom, boardroom and even used with retail display or event solutions. Like the BU60RG the ViewSonic offers the same brightness powered by a professional blue laser phosphor light source. These high performance lasers allow these projectors to be used in venues with a significant amount of uncontrolled ambient light sources. Both projectors laser light sources are closely matched with advanced technology that offers your clients a lifespan of up to 20,000 hours with no degradation in brightness over time so long term picture quality remains consistently vibrant.

Both the VeiwSonic and the LG are DLP projectors however the LS921WU is a WUXGA projector and does not offer the UHD resolution of the LG BU60RG.

Like the LG the ViewSonic offers users a tool-free, lens shift control knobs that make adjusting the projection lens up, down, left, and right easy. It provides flexible installation options with a wide adjustable range (Horizontal: +/- 23%, Vertical: +/-50%) and fewer placement restrictions. Both projectors lens adjustment ranges are similar with the ViewSonic offering a slight edge over the LG.

The LG comes equipped with a 1.6x optical zoom lens, the projector lets users choose the most ideal setup location within a wider throw distance range that doesn't interfere with existing interior design while still getting the desired image size up to a 300 inch image. The ViewSonic comes with a 1.1x and is specced to display up to a 200-inch image.

The LG is the the only projector out of the two units with an additional focus on digital signage and the projectors built-in webOS 6 for Signage provides this projector a big feature advantage over the ViewSonic.

Both projectors utilize DLP technology and retail for an MSRP of $3,999. Overall with a higher resolution and dedicated digital signage functionality I have to give the advantage to the LG.

PROS

6,000 ANSI lumens means that even in the worst light-saturated environments, you’ll have enough brightness to show your content.
Built-in Wi-Fi in a category where this is usually an additional purchase.
Laser phosphor illumination rated at 20,000 hours is far better than a lamp-based projector.
The built-in signage player and wide range of templates allow users to customize a range of prebuilt signage solutions as easily as a PowerPoint slide.
4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160p) display resolution provides high-resolution video and detailed presentations, especially those up to 300 inches.
Good color reproduction.
Excellent HDR picture quality compared to other business projectors.
The BU60RG includes features such as dynamic tone mapping and contrast.
It is small for its performance and class, making installation safer and potentially faster.
Digital image rotation allows both portrait and landscape displays without turning the projector.
The projector offers 360-degree mounting flexibility for space-challenged environments.
It features horizontal and vertical lens shifts, up to 25-point warping for fast alignment with screens, and projecting on uneven surfaces.
3-year parts and labor warranty.

CONS

The response times of the remote-activated features can be slow.
The remote control is not backlit.
The built-in speaker’s sound quality could be more dynamic, and in large areas with high ambient noise, an external sound source may be required.

LG BU60RG – SPECIFICATIONS

LG BU60RG Full Specifications
Projector Model	BU60RG
Price	$3,999 MSRP
Imager Type	DLP (0.47" DMD)
Displayed Resolution	4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
Native Resolution	1,920 x 1,080
Brightness	6000 ANSI Lumens
Light Source Type	Blue Laser Phosphor
Light Source Life	20,000+ hours (Normal)
Contrast Ratio	3,000,000:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens Ratio	1.6x
Power Zoom/Focus	No
Lens Shift	Yes
Interchangeable Lens	No
Ultra-Short Throw	No
Native Aspect Ratio	16:9
Built-in Rechargeable Battery	No
DVI or HDMI	HDMI
3D	No
Blu-Ray 3D	No
Sound System	10 watt x2
Noise Level (-dB)
Low Lag Gaming	No
Smart Functionality	Yes, for Digital Signage
Business	Yes
Classroom	Yes
Portable	Yes
Special Features	5000 ANSI lumens, Web OS 6.0
Networking	Wi-Fi
Dimensions (HxWxD)	14.6 x 11.4 x 6.1 inches
Weight	20.3 lbs.
Warranty	3-year parts and labor warranty.

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