AWOL Vision LTV-2500 Review: Is This Short Throw Triple Laser Projector Worth It?

First Impressions​

As with many single-chip 4K DLP projectors, the LTV-2500 uses a 0.47-inch imaging chip with a native 1080p mirror array, to which rapid four-phase pixel shifting is applied to achieve full 4K (3840x2160) resolution on screen. The image produced is quite sharp, likely thanks in part to a customized Ricoh F2.0 pure glass lens utilized for increased sharpness.
The LTV-2500 has an RGB triple laser light engine capable of providing a maximum of 25,000 hours of laser life, though, as is common with some other discrete RGB lasers, it displayed the image with a small amount of visible laser speckle. The triple laser RGB light engine ultimately provides users with a wide gamut coverage, cited by AWOL at 107% of the Rec.2020 color space. As noted below, our measurements showed 95.3% uv for Rec.2020 coverage, which falls slightly short of spec but is still very wide and more than sufficient to fully cover the more restricted DCI-P3 gamut to which most of today's HDR content is mastered.

Introduce​

Parameter
AWOL Vision LTV-2500​
Picture​
AWOLVisionLTV-2500.jpg
Reference Price​
$2999​
Recommended Uses​
Home Cinema​
Built-In Media​
User Manual * 1, Triple Laser Projector * 1, Power Cord * 1, AV Input Cable *1, Remote Control * 1 , AAA Batteries* 2, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k Max * 1​
Highlight
• **Type**: UST Projector and Center Channel Speaker
• **Audio**: 5.2.2 Surround Sound, Dolby Atmos
• **Screen Compatibility**: Premium ALR Screens
• **Resolution**: 4K UHD
• **Brightness**: Not specified (compared to LTV-3500 and LTV-3000)
• **Color Technology**: Triple Laser without Color Wheel
• **Color Gamut**: 107% BT 2020, 147% DCI-P3
• **3D Capability**: Yes, with active shutter 3D glasses
• **Noise Level**: Whisper quiet
• **Screen Size**: Up to 150 inches
• **HDR Support**: HDR10+
• **Additional Features**: 3D available, immersive audio, no extra equipment needed

Display​

Parameter
AWOL Vision LTV-2500​
Screen Size​
80 Inches - 150 Inches​
Throw Distance​
0.5 Feet - 1.68 Feet​
Contrast Ratio​
2500:1 Pixels​
Maximum Resolution​
3840 x 2160 Pixels​
Native Resolution​
3840 x 2160​
Brightness​
1700 ISO​
Display Type​
Laser​
Picture Enhancement​
Dolby Vision, HDR10+​
Viewing Experience
The AWOL LTV-2500 projector offers a range of six picture modes for both SDR and HDR content, along with three Dolby Vision modes, providing versatility for different viewing preferences. However, the projector exhibits a pronounced blue bias across all modes, which, while less offensive than a green bias, detracts from color accuracy. Users can adjust color temperature settings for each mode, but the effectiveness is limited due to inconsistent handling of wide color gamut switching. This inconsistency necessitates manual adjustments between SDR and HDR content, complicating the user experience. Overall, while the LTV-2500 has potential for customization, its shortcomings in color space management and bias issues hinder its performance in delivering accurate and consistent picture quality.

Features​

Parameter
AWOL Vision LTV-2500​
Video Encoding​
H.264, H.265 (HEVC), VP9​
LightSource Life​
25000 Hours​
Controller Type​
Remote Control​
Control Method​
Remote​
Wattage​
175 watts​
Connectivity Technology​
HDMI​
Hardware Connectivity​
S/PDIF, HDMI, 802.11 ac/b/g/n, USB 2.0​
Compatible Devices​
Television, Laptop, Gaming Console​
Other Features​
Dolby Atmos, HDMI eARC, Triple Laser without Color Wheel, 80”-150” f2.0 glass lens, Dolby Vision, 4K UHD, Active 3D, HDR 10+​
L x W x H​
23.6"L x 13.9"W x 5.7"H​
System Experience
The LTV-2500 projector offers a compelling viewing experience with its large image projection capabilities, reaching up to 150 inches diagonally while maintaining a compact throw distance. Although its advertised contrast ratio is not fully realized in testing, the native contrast ratio still provides adequate shadow detail for most scenes. This projector is well-suited for those looking to maximize space without sacrificing size, delivering a sizable cinematic experience. However, potential users should be mindful of its brightness limitations at the larger image size, particularly in well-lit environments. Overall, the LTV-2500 is a solid choice for immersive viewing in appropriate settings.

User Feedback​

Pros:
• Great brightness levels, even in well-lit environments
• High-quality image performance, especially in low ambient light
• Respectable black levels and vibrant colors
• Good detail in 4K Ultra HD content
• Satisfying menu system with thorough options for customization
• Positive viewing experience for 3-D content, with minimal dimming compared to older projectors
• Good value for the bundle deal including the projector and ALR screen

Cons:
• Some stuttering in moving scenes
• Complex menu structure that may take time to master
• Lack of a dedicated 3-D button on the remote
• No automatic recognition for 3-D content, requiring manual adjustments
• Adjustment features could be quicker and more efficient compared to other projectors

Overall Impression:
The AWOL Vision LTV 2500 offers impressive brightness and image quality, making it a solid choice for home theater enthusiasts looking to enhance their viewing experience, particularly with 3-D content. While it has some drawbacks, such as a complex menu and minor performance issues during fast-moving scenes, the overall value and performance make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality projector and screen bundle.
 
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