LG Electronics PH450UG Projector: Is Short Throw Convenience Worth the Trade-off in Image Quality?

Today, we’re diving into the LG PH450UG Short Throw LED Projector, a device that claims to redefine home entertainment with its compact design and screen share capabilities. But let’s be real—can a projector that prioritizes convenience really deliver on quality, or is it just another gadget in a crowded market? Short throw projectors have been gaining traction, promising big-screen experiences without the hassle of traditional setups. But with this one, is the trade-off in performance worth it? We’ll unpack its specs, analyze the user experience, and ultimately explore whether the LG PH450UG is a genuine innovation or just another device that falls short of expectations. Stick around as we cut through the marketing noise and get to the heart of what this projector can really do.

Spec​

Parameter
LG Electronics PH450UG Projector​
Picture​
LGElectronicsPH450UGProjector.jpg
Reference Price​
$1031.26​
Highlight​
Screen Size​
40 Inches - 80 Inches​
Contrast Ratio​
100000:1​
Maximum Resolution​
1280 x 720​
Native Resolution​
1280 x 720​
Brightness​
450 Lumens​
Display Type​
DLP​
LightSource Life​
30000 Hours​
Controller Type​
Button Control​
Control Method​
Touch​
Lamp Wattage​
55 Watts​
Wattage​
55 watts​
Connectivity Technology​
Bluetooth​
Hardware Connectivity​
Bluetooth​
Other Features​
Ultra Short Throw, Short Throw​
Item Weight​
2.4 Pounds​

System Experience​

Setting up the projector was a breeze. I’m not the most tech-savvy person, but I found it incredibly user-friendly. It came with a remote, which was a nice touch, and all I had to do was plug in the power supply and select my language. I’ve mostly used Apple products, so I connected my iPhone using an HDMI cable with a lightning adapter. However, I did find that it works wirelessly with my Samsung tablet, which was a pleasant surprise. Overall, the portability and compact design make it easy to take wherever I want.

Viewing Experience​

The picture quality is a bit of a mixed bag for me. When I used it in a dimly lit room, the visuals were quite satisfying, and I loved the idea of projecting such a large image on the wall. However, in areas with more ambient light, I noticed the image washed out significantly. It’s definitely not bright enough to compete with daylight or even a well-lit room, so I found myself wishing for better blinds to help manage the light. The distortion at the top of the screen was also a bit annoying; I had to play around with the focus dial to get it right, but it wasn't perfect.

Other Experience​

Using this projector has been a fun experience overall. I’ve enjoyed movie nights with my family, and it’s great to have a big-screen experience, especially when we’re outdoors. The built-in battery is a fantastic feature that I really appreciate for taking it outside or to places without easy access to power sources. It runs surprisingly cool and quietly, which is great when you're trying to enjoy a film without distractions. However, I did encounter challenges with the Bluetooth audio connection; it lacked the volume I expected, so I ended up connecting it to a soundbar for better quality.

Conclusion​

Pros:
I genuinely love the ultra short throw feature, which allows me to set it up close to the wall while still achieving a massive image size. The compact design makes it easy to transport, and the battery life, while not perfect, is sufficient for a typical movie. Additionally, the wireless Bluetooth feature is a nice convenience, allowing me to connect to external speakers without fussing with wires. The ease of setup and user-friendly interface made me feel confident in using it right out of the box.

Cons:
On the downside, I found the picture quality could be improved, especially when there's any ambient light in the room. The sound quality from the built-in speaker left much to be desired, and I had to rely on external speakers to enhance the audio experience. I also wish there were more HDMI and USB ports available, as having only one HDMI input can be limiting. The image distortion at the top of the projection was frustrating, and while I could adjust it, it never felt completely right.

Overall Evaluation:
Overall, I feel mixed about this projector. It has fantastic features and potential, especially for movie nights and outdoor gatherings. The size and portability are definite advantages, but the picture quality, particularly in bright conditions, was a letdown. I think it’s a great option for those who prioritize portability and ease of use, but if you're looking for a projector that performs exceptionally well in various lighting conditions, you might want to explore other options. Despite its imperfections, I’m happy with my purchase and look forward to using it more, particularly in a more controlled lighting environment.
 

jcwillia1

New member
Man, this little projector is a game changer! I’m really digging the ultra short throw feature. I can just plop it right up against the wall, and it’s super quiet – like, barely makes a peep. When it comes to brightness, it’s perfect for nighttime movie marathons (I might even switch to eco mode if it’s pitch black, depending on what I’m watching). Even during the day, it holds its own pretty well (just a heads up, you might want to close some shades for the best view). The contrast is stellar, and the 3D effect? Totally awesome!
 
So, I was really excited to swap out my Brookstone Big Shot Ultra for this LG projector, but it’s a total letdown. The image gets all warped when you try to focus it. If you're thinking about putting it on a table to project onto a wall, just know it’s gonna look messed up. I found that if you push the projector way back from the wall, the image clears up, but that kind of defeats the whole point of getting a short throw projector in the first place. Just doesn’t work for what I need, unfortunately.
 

mvppaulo

New member
I’m totally obsessed with my LG projector! The short throw feature is a game changer, especially with little ones running around. No more worries about them knocking it over!
 

jcwillia1

New member
Dude, at just 15 inches from my wall, this screen is massive! It’s nice and compact, so it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. Setting up Bluetooth with my speakers was a breeze, and I’m loving the clarity it brings. Sure, it’s not the brightest out there, so if you don’t have blackout blinds, you might get a bit of washout during the day. But honestly, it’s not bad enough for me to shell out a ton more cash on a fancier projector. I’m pretty stoked with it!
 
So, here’s the deal: the image just isn’t bright enough. Even a little bit of light totally messes with the picture quality. I fiddled around with all the settings, but everything looked kinda cartoonish because of the contrast. Because of that, I’m sending this back. Honestly, I really wanted to love it—especially since it's so compact and comes with a battery. I bet in a pitch-black room, this little projector would be amazing!
 
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