The Ultra Short Throw (UST) laser 4K projector category has recently exploded and the latest entry is The Premiere LSP9T from Samsung. Just a few years ago, you’d have to spend “new car money” to get your hands on a great UST unit, one that can handle 4K HDR content while serving as both a home theater and a giant TV. But now, there’s a variety of 4K laser UST options to choose.
Samsung enters the market with two new models aimed at consumers seeking a premium UST projector. This hands-on focuses on the higher-end of two models, the LSP9T ($6499.99) which is equipped with a three-laser light source and 0.66” DMD (DLP chip) that’s spec’d at 2800 lumens output, along 4K support and HDR10+ compatibility.
Samsung's triple-laser 4K UST projector, the LSP9T
Features and Specifications
By opting for a 3-laser light source and 0.66” DMD, Samsung has created a UST projector that can reproduce extremely vivid color. Gamut coverage is spec’d at 146% of DCI/P3, which is what’s used to master Ultra HD Blu-rays. It’s also spec’d at 105% of rec.2020, which is the widest color gamut currently in use and covers practically every color the human eye can see. This projector has familiar Samsung menus and image processing options, allowing experienced calibrators and dedicated enthusiasts many options to teak the image for peak fidelity in a variety of viewing environments.
A key feature of this projector is the extreme 0.189:1 throw ratio. This is the relative distance of the lens versus the screen size. Remarkably, this projector can output a 100-inch picture with the back of the projector only 4.5 inches away from the rear wall, just enough space for fitting the cables. For a 130” image that only increases to 9.4 inches, a remarkable achievement that makes this projector a better “fit” for the living room than other UST projectors I have reviewed. With a throw ratio this aggressive, the Samsung is able to deliver its promised 130” picture size while fitting on top of a 24” deep credenza or TV stand. With other UST projectors I have reviewed, I had to use an extension shelf or pull the credenza away from the wall to make it fit, but with the Samsung that’s not an issue.
The “catch” with the more extreme the projection angle of this UST is you need to pay greater attention to certain issues, like screen geometry and surface texture. You’ll want to project onto a perfectly flat, perfectly smooth surface, no matter what—that means using a screen, not the bare wall. And if you wish to make the most of this projector in a living room environment, as opposed to a darkened home theater or media room, adding a UST compatible ALR screen is a must.
If you must project on a surface that is less than perfectly flat, this projector includes a screen adjustment option with either four-point or 15-point warping. Focus on this projector is motorized and adjustable using the remote.
This is a DLP projector that uses the Texas Instruments UHD DMD, which relies on pixel-shift tech to render 4K pixels on screen. The native resolution of this DMD is 2716 x 1528 pixels, which is half the pixel count of native 4K, but also double the pixel count of the 0.47” UHD DMD used in lower tier UST DLP laser projectors, that are actually only 1080p native. The reason this matters is that while the 0.47” chip units claim to put 8.3 million pixels on screen, the problem is those pixels don’t all fit on screen at once, they are too big! So while there are benefits to pixel-shifting a 1080p DMD (a finer pixel grid, for example) the native resolution of the DMD is a limiting factor. The point is, with the 0.66” DMD you are starting off with more native pixels on screen, before pixel-shifting occurs, the result is a sharper image.
The light source for the LSP9T uses RGB lasers, and there is no color wheel. Each laser is a pure expression of a primary color, this is what allows it to deliver such a wide color gamut. Moreover, the longevity and stability of laser as a light source allows this projector to maintain brightness and color accuracy for years of normal operation, with a 20,000-hour lifespan. Another advantage of the laser light source is that it turn on very quickly, bulb based projectors need about a minute to warm up, whereas this Samsung is projecting a bright image in under 14 seconds.
Samsung equipped this projector with its advanced picture processing technologies. From upscaling to motion to tone mapping, HDR10/HDR10+ and HLG support, this projector works behind the scenes to provide optimal image quality, with plenty of adjustable options to work with for tailoring the output to your needs, environment, and personal taste.
This projector features a Film Maker Mode (FMM) that locks in preferable settings for viewing cinematic content. It maintains a consistent aspect ratio and preserves the original frame rate. The white point is set to D65 and motion interpolation plus noise reduction are turned off, as are other image enhancements.
Samsung’s new projector has a features called DynamicBlack. Here, the projector modulates the laser light source output so that scenes with a large amount of dark/black area such as outer space shots or night scenes maintain contrast. This is achieved by lowering the laser light output, which in turn creates a darker shadows and blacks. With SDR content there’s leeway to use this approach for enhanced perceived contrast, but with HDR it is turned off.
The sound system of this projector is notable, it features Samsung’s Acoustic Beam technology that lets you hear an expansive soundfield without having to space the speakers far apart. The LSP9T has dual acoustic Beam arrays, in addition to a pair of woofers and a pair of tweeters that provide 4.2 channel audio at 40 watts. This is a projector that can create an expansive listening experience ad moderate volume levels, without the need for a separate sound system.
Samsung packed this projector with smart TV apps, so you can stream Netflix and Amazon prime video and Disney plus and Hulu and YouTube with no separate streaming device. You can use Bixby, Alexa and Google Assistant for voice-based control, and supports direct media playback from Galaxy devices, and screen mirroring using AirPlay or Android. Interestingly, remote access features include a Remote PC mode that lets you use Windows and Mac apps without the need to connect to the PC with a cable.
The LSP9T is a self-contained entertainment center, with sound and built-in smart apps. Just add Wi-Fi.
Gamers get some love with this UST, there’s a Game Enhancer mode that drops the input lag to 53 ms, versus 87 ms for TV mode. Plus, this projector widely supports a wide variety of input resolutions and frame rates, so it does not lock you into just 4K or 1080p. The projector maxes out at 4K/60 Hz input.
Hands-On
In actual use, the Samsung LSP9T proves to be an incredibly capable UST projector. The brightness is highly appreciated and can be leveraged to produce either a theater-like picture when the lights are out, or a TV-like picture during the day, when watching sports or playing games. For the latter, you’ll need a UST-specific ALR screen, and for the best effect some curtains or shades help the picture achieve more “pop”.
Out of the box color for this projector was OK, but I found a quick 2-point calibration, along with some tweaks of the pictures controls, allows me to dial in a picture that best suited my needs and preferences. The adjustments for shadows, and gamma, let you tweak the on-screen image to best suit the screen and lighting conditions of the room. Unlike a TV where the picture “is what it is” projectors need to factor several variables, and that’s why a bit of tweaking is always recommended to get the most from a projector like the LSP9T.
The Samsung has the brightness needed to work in a living room during the daytime.
Although it’s a DLP projector, the DynamicBlack feature appears to work as advertised. When watching movies in a darkened room, I was surprised at the depth of the black levels it achieved. Elevated black levels never distracted me, and I found that overall, this Samsung delivers a picture with plenty of punch. Of course, once you introduce some ambient light to a room, black levels become less important than peak brightness. This projector handles both bright and dark room viewing environments well.
Color is the strong suit of this projector. It exceeds DCI/P3 gamut, so when you watch UHD HDR movies you are seeing all the colors contained in the film. This is thrilling when watching animated content, Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse as an example was pure eye-candy through this projector.
While not native 4K, a key quality of this projector is how well it renders motion. When things get moving, there's no judder and imagery stays clear and detailed. And unless you are using a projector to view slideshows of still images, there’s going to be motion in your content. And once theres motion, the way the projector handles that motion matters as much as the native pixel count. That's my long-winded way of saying that when you watch a movie on Ultra HD Blu-ray, or high-quality UHD streaming, or play a 4K video game, the on-screen image output by this projector keeps up with native 4K projectors in terms of detail rendition as well as smoothness.
You can use this projector as a display for a PC. Unlike UST projectors with the 1080p native 0.47” DMD, on-screen text looks clear and sharp on this unit. Also notable is its support for a wide variety of resolutions, including 2560 x 1440 at 60 Hz, which is close to the projector’s native resolution and allows a gaming PC to output a higher frame rate with higher-quality graphics settings versus 4K. The truth is, hidden within this lifestyle-friendly, home theater-capable UST projector is a hugely immersive gaming display.
I re-watched AI: Artificial Intelligence on the LSP9T. The AI is now 20 years old, but being a Steven Spielberg film it has aged well. What I found notable is how organic it looked on this Samsung. The film grain was there, and it looked seductively artistic, not distracting. Motion was flawless, to my eyes anyhow. I can honestly say I forgot what projector I was using when watching movies, and for that matter, that there even was a projector in the front of the room.
I was also surprised and pleased by the built-in sound of this projector. Now, I would strongly recommend using an external system with the LSP9T or any other projector. But, if you do use the built-in speakers, the output is surprisingly good, and the Acoustic Beam tech works as advertised, creating a wide soundfield that complements the big picture.
Conclusion
Samsung swings for the fences and scores a home run in the UST projection category. The Premiere LSP9T is a serious, and seriously capable piece of hardware. It’s able to handle the role of “giant living room TV” while offering home theater fans a remarkably vivid viewing experience that—subjectively at least—has the “pop” needed to do justice to 4K HDR content. It handles tonality with easy and its color gamut is beyond what today’s TVs can offer. The result is a picture that pops, regardless of whether the lights are on or off.
With the right screen and a bit of customization, Samsung’s The Premiere LSP9T delivers a TV-like viewing experience at screen sizes normally associated with dedicated home theaters. It’s a Top Choice for anyone seeking a high-performance UST projector.
---------
We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Please help support AVS Forum by using these links. Learn more about how this works here.
It is a fundamental "feature" of the 3 laser system; no speckle at all from their single laser unit. I would describe it as "rainbow glitter" most visible on the brightest part of the image. When seated at a reasonable viewing distance it is FAR less noticeable, but when < 2 feet away it is obvious to me but I was specifically looking for it. My wife probably wouldn't even notice it at all unless I specifically pointed it out to her.
Hi, Brian.
What I wonder about is whether the full projection models will have:
1) dynamic Black on/off function in the menu
2) frame-by-frame tone mapping/dynamic tone mapping
3) the lasers cycle more rapidly than they did in the pre-production model, at least the one I demo'd?
Sure you can use an AT screen, UST’s can even be used directly on a white wall... That French article concerns UST and ALR screens, in which case it is accurate you need a screen suited for that setup.
I will try to take some photos next week when back in the office. They may be more pronounced for me as I was way closer to all screens than would be for actual viewing and was really looking for them. Going to have some people on the customer service and shipping roles in the company take a look (without knowing about the speckling) to see what they think.
The Hisense dual laser is so great, I'm disappointed they discontinued it without having their new tri-chroma unit ready.
I've got the Hisense Dual Laser 100" in our demo room as well as the LG HU85LA, both new Samsung units and The Optoma P2 & Cinemax Pro.
When using a UST ALR screen (similar structure to the Elite CLR, but with sharper fins for a clearer picture) there is no laser speckle issues with the Hisense, a little with the LG and none with any of the single laser units. The triple laser Samsung however does show speckles on this type of screen, but not nearly to the same degree as on a traditional reference surface (as tested by @Aztar35 who borrowed our LSP9T - New Projectors 2020). Granted my unit is a pre production piece so I am not sure if any different with the models to hit customer's hands but I imagine this aspect would be the same.
I will be doing more tests with different materials and should have my production units in next week; I'd like to hold off until I receive those so we are testing the exact same items that will end up in the market,
***If I may ask - - do you work for Projectorscreen.com? Regarding the Hisense UST Projectors - - do you have the 100L5F setup? With the screen that accompanies it? How would you rate the screen compared to the Grandview Dynamique? It would be great if Hisense unbundled this projector from the screen. But I know it's a fixed 100" offer (no bigger, I believe?)
Lastly - - lots of choices for UST Projectors from VAVA to Optoma to LG to Samsung. As I've stated before - - how much juice to the squeeze for a UST Projector that is $1K, $2K and $3K more expensive than the $2.8K to $3K models. In other words - - that much better? (Non-gamer question.)
I apologize for the question, but I am new to the UST Projector world.I am trying to decide between an 85 inch QLED 4K vs getting the Samsung LSP7T UST. My question is can I set it up to do a 90-95 inch picture instead of the 120 inch? My family room wall doesn't have room for the picture being larger than that. Thanks
***If I may ask - - do you work for Projectorscreen.com? Regarding the Hisense UST Projectors - - do you have the 100L5F setup? With the screen that accompanies it? How would you rate the screen compared to the Grandview Dynamique? It would be great if Hisense unbundled this projector from the screen. But I know it's a fixed 100" offer (no bigger, I believe?)
Lastly - - lots of choices for UST Projectors from VAVA to Optoma to LG to Samsung. As I've stated before - - how much juice to the squeeze for a UST Projector that is $1K, $2K and $3K more expensive than the $2.8K to $3K models. In other words - - that much better? (Non-gamer question.)
Yes I do work there. I do not yet have the 100L5F nor have I had a chance to see it yet, The screen that comes with it is supposedly the same as came with their previous generation (superior, dual laser units) and that I do have in the demo room. The Grandview is much better constructed as the Hisense frame is very lightweight. From an image perspective, the Hisense screen is more in line with the Elite Screens so less sharp and less ALR % than the Grandview.
They will not be releasing it without a screen anytime in the foreseeable future from what I have been told.
Vava is the bottom of the barrel, but is also the least expensive so it is rightfully so. The P2 and the Samsung LSP7T are around the same price and we intend on testing them side-by-side this week.
The LG HU85la is a great unit, but I thought the Hisense dual laser unit was better (albeit MUCH larger and without variable focus, so you were locked in with the size you bought).
The Samsung LSP9T is the top of the list in almost every regard right now (including price tag).
I have yet to receive my Epson LS500 yet to test it out
It's always a tough question to answer "is it worth the extra $x more?" as that $x is more/less meaningful to different people. I do believe the step up from Vava to P2/LSP7T is worth the several hundred. I also believe the step up to the HU85LA/LSP9T is worth the several extra thousand, as long as you are looking for the best and have that $$ disposable.
Yes I do work there. I do not yet have the 100L5F nor have I had a chance to see it yet, The screen that comes with it is supposedly the same as came with their previous generation (superior, dual laser units) and that I do have in the demo room. The Grandview is much better constructed as the Hisense frame is very lightweight. From an image perspective, the Hisense screen is more in line with the Elite Screens so less sharp and less ALR % than the Grandview.
They will not be releasing it without a screen anytime in the foreseeable future from what I have been told.
Vava is the bottom of the barrel, but is also the least expensive so it is rightfully so. The P2 and the Samsung LSP7T are around the same price and we intend on testing them side-by-side this week.
The LG HU85la is a great unit, but I thought the Hisense dual laser unit was better (albeit MUCH larger and without variable focus, so you were locked in with the size you bought).
The Samsung LSP9T is the top of the list in almost every regard right now (including price tag).
I have yet to receive my Epson LS500 yet to test it out
It's always a tough question to answer "is it worth the extra $x more?" as that $x is more/less meaningful to different people. I do believe the step up from Vava to P2/LSP7T is worth the several hundred. I also believe the step up to the HU85LA/LSP9T is worth the several extra thousand, as long as you are looking for the best and have that $$ disposable.
***Much thanks for your post. You and another poster have helped me zero in on the Grandview Dynamique as my UST projector screen. I think you short change the VAVA 4K - especially with the ease setup compared to other UST Projectors. And since Hisense forces a bundle with the 100L5F - I’ve crossed that PJ off my list. Also - and maybe this is a personal preference but I prefer a black or dark color projector. A white projector will stick out like a sore thumb with my setup. White is ok for my washer and dryer - but not my projector. It’s great that more UST Projectors are coming to market. I think prices will continue to drop as well. Thanks again.
***Much thanks for your post. You and another poster have helped me zero in on the Grandview Dynamique as my UST projector screen. I think you short change the VAVA 4K - especially with the ease setup compared to other UST Projectors. And since Hisense forces a bundle with the 100L5F - I’ve crossed that PJ off my list. Also - and maybe this is a personal preference but I prefer a black or dark color projector. A white projector will stick out like a sore thumb with my setup. White is ok for my washer and dryer - but not my projector. It’s great that more UST Projectors are coming to market. I think prices will continue to drop as well. Thanks again.
I'm not trying to be argumentative as everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I'd love to know why do you think I am short-changing the Vava? Have you seen it in person and next to the P1/P2 or other comparably priced options?
Assuming it is actually easier to setup than the others, I'd still much rather have a better image, more reliable product, better customer support at the expense of spending more time setting it up.
I am with you on the preference of a black housing vs white one. The poll that I put on the P2 release thread shows the same; 83.9% of respondents prefer black, 10.7% have no preference and only 5.4% prefer white.
I'm not trying to be argumentative as everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I'd love to know why do you think I am short-changing the Vava? Have you seen it in person and next to the P1/P2 or other comparably priced options?
Assuming it is actually easier to setup than the others, I'd still much rather have a better image, more reliable product, better customer support at the expense of spending more time setting it up.
I am with you on the preference of a black housing vs white one. The poll that I put on the P2 release thread shows the same; 83.9% of respondents prefer black, 10.7% have no preference and only 5.4% prefer white.
***You're not being argumentative and as I said in an earlier post - - I really appreciate the information your are providing. Unfortunately, I cannot compare any UST Projectors, side by side, due to COVID-19 as well as not having the luxury of a setup room like you have at my location. All I can rely on is extensive background reading of multiple reviews from the AVS Forum and other sources. This is just my opinion, only, but I have read many negative remarks about Optoma and their customer service. And - - the technology in setting up their UST PJ's. But that will not make me exclude Optoma from my buying decision as "customer service" is a personal matter - - namely, how you have been treated IF you need to go down that route. (P.S. - lots of negative reviews on Amazon about VAVA customer support, as well.)
The VAVA 4K can be had for $2.6K. The Optoma Cinemax P2 for around $3.3K. I have no objection in spending the extra $$$ if the juice is worth the squeeze. One thing that both projectors do not have that some Hisense models have is Android TV. I know you can get by this with a streamer but the Hisense remote looks like my Sony remote. And the interface is exactly the same. I find that native apps, at least on my Sony LCD 900F look sharper than from a separate streamer. Not by much, but noticeable. Convenience wise, it's nice to have everything in one place.
Lastly - yes, the black housing is my preference and I do not understand having a "white only" option. I guess it looks good in the marketing pictures with a white sofa, white walls and the vase next to the PJ on a sparsely occupied stand.
P.S. - Optoma CinemaX Pro is a black model. I'm not sure if it's better than the Cinemax P1 or P2 - - but that is an option.
I'm not trying to be argumentative as everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I'd love to know why do you think I am short-changing the Vava? Have you seen it in person and next to the P1/P2 or other comparably priced options?
Assuming it is actually easier to setup than the others, I'd still much rather have a better image, more reliable product, better customer support at the expense of spending more time setting it up.
I am with you on the preference of a black housing vs white one. The poll that I put on the P2 release thread shows the same; 83.9% of respondents prefer black, 10.7% have no preference and only 5.4% prefer white.
***I forgot to ask - - how does the Optoma CinemaX PRO compare to the P1 or P2? Or the LSP7T? The LSP9T seems to be the cream of the crop albeit expensive. Maybe the price will come down. And of course - - no Dolby Vision with Samsung. Dolby Vision with the other projectors? Or just Dolby Atmos soundtracks?
***I forgot to ask - - how does the Optoma CinemaX PRO compare to the P1 or P2? Or the LSP7T? The LSP9T seems to be the cream of the crop albeit expensive. Maybe the price will come down. And of course - - no Dolby Vision with Samsung. Dolby Vision with the other projectors? Or just Dolby Atmos soundtracks?
The Pro is brightest by far. The LSP7T is the least bright of the bunch (from stated specs) - hoping to do some actual measurements in the near future. I wouldn't expect a price drop on the LSP9T anytime soon as it was JUST released. No projector has Dolby Vision, so the HD10+ & Filmmaker Mode of the LSP9T is the closest you will get.
@ProjectionHead I am trying to find a work around for a PS5 and a processor that doesn’t take HDMI 2.1. The PS5 doesn’t have audio outs, but I see that the LSP9T has an optical out. I was thinking of using this with my older preamp, but I don’t see any info on what gets passed through the optical output. Do you have any insight from looking at the projector menus? Or can you hook up a bitstream output to see if it will pass multi channel audio?
***At $15K for the VPL-VZ1000ES, what is the value in comparing a projector that costs $8.5K more than the Samsung? Not exactly an apples to apples comparison.
For what it's worth - - here is a review of this projector sans the direct comparison to the LSP9T -
A forum community dedicated to home theater owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about home audio/video, TVs, projectors, screens, receivers, speakers, projects, DIY’s, product reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
