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LG CineBeam HU915QB 4K Laser Projector Review

Posted on June 26, 2022 by Phil Jones
LG HU915QB earned Projector Reviews Highly Recommended Award

The LG HU915QB is an ultra-short-throw laser 4K smart DLP projector with retails for $6499. It utilizes a multi-channel laser light source that can reproduce nearly 100% of the DCI-P3 color space and deliver up to 3000 ANSI lumens of brightness.

While LG is a leading manufacturer of flat-panel TVs, they understand that some customers are looking for a bigger and more immersive image than even the largest OLED or LCD TV can provide. The HU915QB is the part of LG CineBeam projector lineup and is the flagship UST model in their assortment.  The CineBeam series of projectors are designed to make front projection more accessible and appealing to a wider range of consumers.

LG HU915QB  supports Apple AirPlay and webOS

Since this model is targeted at people looking for a TV replacement so it includes a very good sound system and all the smart features you would find in one of LG’s smart flat-panel TVs. The HU915QB uses the latest version of LG’s WebOS, which is what is found in their latest flat-panel TVs. This feature makes the projector very smart, so you have all the apps and capabilities also found in a Smart TV. It is nice that WebOS supports Netflix, the app is not available on many smart projectors.

It also includes Google Assistant, which allows you to control not only the projector, but a wide variety of compatible smart home devices, like your lights, or blinds, using only your voice.

The price point of the HU915QB is higher than most Laser TVs but its picture quality, user interface, and build quality make it worth its premium price.

LG HU915QB has a 3 channel laser

The HU915QB has a 3-channel (RBB) laser light source which increases the projector's color gamut. This system also eliminates the need for a spinning phosphor wheel reducing/eliminating the rainbow effect that is common on many DLP projectors. Its Laser-light source is rated to deliver up to 20,000 hours of nearly maintenance-free operation.

The HU915QB is equipped with the larger 0.66-inch Digital Micromirror Device (DMD). This Digital Light Processing (DLP) chip can deliver higher native contrast and a sharper image than the smaller 0.47-inch DMD chip used in many 4K UHD DLP projectors. The LG HU915QB also features Adaptive Contrast that adjusts the UST’s laser light sources to provide superb contrast for each individual scene. The larger DMD chip combined with precise laser dimming results in an impressive 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio.

The HU915QB supports both HDR10 and HLG formats and includes Dynamic HDR Tone Mapping when viewing your HDR10 content. What this feature does is automatically adjusts both the dark and bright levels to ensure the best picture and optimize the HDR performance.

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LG HU915QB Specs
Price $6499
Technology DLP (.66” DMD)
Native Resolution 2716x1528 x 2
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim) 3000
Contrast 2,000.000;1
Zoom Lens Ratio Fixed
Lens Shift No
Lamp Life 20,000 hours
Weight 26.9
Warranty 1 year

The HU915QB and its brother the HU915QE are the replacement for the award-winning HU85LA. While these new models look nearly identical to the older model, there are several notable improvements. The new projector includes HDMI 2.1 inputs which support several advanced HDMI 2.1 features including ALLM (auto low latency mode), eARC (enhanced Audio Return channel) as well as bandwidth up to 24Gbps.

The HU915QB is an HGiG (HDR Gaming Interest Group) compatible product, This feature is designed to improve the HDR gaming experience. The projector will identify itself as an HGiG-compatible game console or computer. The game console uses the information provided by the projector to look up the projector in a database. The gaming console and the game software then use the projector’s properties when rendering images to optimize the picture quality during HDR gameplay.

Filmmaker Mode is included on the HU915QB. This mode was created by the collaboration of filmmakers, Hollywood studios, consumer electronics companies, and the UHD Alliance. The Filmmaker Mode can be manually switched On from the projector’s setting menu, it can also be automatically activated by metadata embedded in the video bitstream. The goal of Filmmaker Mode is to display SDR and HDR content exactly as the creator intended by switching off all post-processing for a more cinematic experience on a projector or flat-panel TV.

LG HU915QB supports Calman Auto Calibration
LG HU915QB supports Calman Auto Calibration

The HU915QB, just like LG’s high-end flat-panel TV can communicate directly with the Calman calibration software to auto-calibrate itself. The software takes reading and adjusts the projector’s menu settings to quickly finetune the onscreen image. The feature can be used to calibrate the projector for both SDR and HDR.

While you still need all the equipment including the CALMAN software, a test pattern generator, and a meter, this feature dramatically reduces the time required to precisely calibrate the HU915QB. 

The HU915QB chassis is black which I prefer because I think it helps the projector blend into the room. However, for those who want a white case or have a lower budget, LG also offers a nearly identical version of this projector in white called the HU915QE.

 HU915QBHU915QE
Suggested Retail Price$6499.99$5999.99
Brightness (ANSI Lumens)3000lm3700lm
Color Reproduction100% DCI-P394% DCI-P3
Chassis colorBlackWhite
Calman AutoCalYes No
FILMMAKER ModeYesYes

The white HU915QE which retails for $5999 is 700 ANSI lumens brighter than the HU915QB. It was designed for use in a family room or living room where higher brightness is helpful in overcoming moderate ambient light. To maximize brightness, LG had to sacrifice some DCI-P3 color coverage. The black HU915QB is designed for rooms with lower ambient light and LG says it can reproduce 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. The HU915QB also supports Calman Auto Calibration.

While the HU915QB commands a higher price than most Laser TVs, its outstanding picture quality and great build quality make it worth every penny. Therefore, we gave the HU915QB a Highly Recommended award.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Technology: Single Chip DLP (0.66" DMD)
  • Light Source: 3 Channel Laser (B LD, R LD, B LD+S/P)
  • Display Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
  • Native Resolution: 2716x1528x2
  • Brightness (Manufacturer Claim): 3000 lumens
  • Light Source Lifespan: up to 20,000 Hours
  • Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 2,000,000.1
  • Nearly 100% DCI-P3 Color Reproduction
  • HDR10 /HLG Compatible
  • Dynamic HDR Tone Mapping
  • Wired and Wireless Networking
  • 24Gbps HDMI 2.1 input with ALLM and eARC
  • LG WebOS
  • Auto Calibration (w/CALMAN)

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