Comparison Optoma UHL55 vs LG HU80KSW

— Smart TV (proprietary system). The operating system of the projector is represented by the proprietary software shell of the manufacturer. Usually such operating systems have an attractive and convenient menu, similar to a traditional Smart TV. A proprietary operating system is developed by the manufacturer for the hardware resources of a particular projector model or a whole line. But, as practice shows, compared to the classic Smart TV, the functionality of proprietary system often has significant limitations, and the system itself, in fact, is a stripped-down version of a full-fledged Smart TV.

— Smart TV (Android AOSP). This type of operating system is a modification of the popular Android OS, mainly notable for being open source. It is a versatile operating system that gives the user much more freedom to create changes and customizations within the system. At the same time, the installation and work stability of certain applications on this platform are not guaranteed, and the overall system management was not specially “tailored” for large screens, which may cause some inconvenience. First of all, such solutions will will generate interest among users who understand the features of the Android OS, like to customize and control everything, and have time for this.

— Android TV. This type of projector has full-fledged Android TV software, spec...ially adapted to work on large screens. In accordance with the name, it is a type of Android OS, specially designed for projectors/TVs, etc. In addition to the common features of all “Androids” (such as the ability to install additional applications, including even games), it has a number of special features: optimized interface, integration with smartphones (including the ability to use them as a remote control), voice search, etc. Thanks to this, TVs with this feature are significantly superior in functionality to models with a Smart TV. Of course, a dedicated processor, graphics subsystem and memory are provided for the operation of a multifunctional OS, and the presence of such hardware resources is reflected in the total cost of the projector. Given the same optical design, models with Android TV will cost more than classic projectors with a simple multi-line menu.

— HD (High-intensity discharge). General name for gas discharge lamps, i.e. lamps in which the light flow is created by an electrical discharge between the electrodes inside the bulb. In the case of projectors, such lamps can be mercury, metal-halide, and xenon (see above for more details).

— LED. LEDs are used as a light source. They provide high brightness with low power consumption.

— Laser-LED. Light source based on laser LEDs. It has even greater brightness than classic LED, with relatively low power consumption.

— UHP (Ultra-high performance) — a high-pressure mercury lamp, developed by Philips. Compared to other lamps, it consumes less power, while not inferior in brightness. Projectors on such lamps are smaller and lighter than conventional ones due to a smaller power supply, the cooler operates with a lower noise level. The creators claimed a service life of up to 10,000 hours. One of the most popular types of lamps for projectors today

– UHE (Ultra-High Energy). Variety of UHP lamps (see above).

— UHB (Ultra-high brightness). Another kind of UHP lamps (see above).

— NSH (New Super High Pressure). Also applies to high pressure mercury lamps manufactured by Ushio. Somewhat less popular than UHP and its peers, but also widespread. Estimated operating time is about...2000 hours.

— SHP. High pressure mercury lamps manufactured by Phoenix.

— P-VIP (Video Projector) — a high-pressure mercury lamp from OSRAM. High brightness lamps, service life — 4000 — 6000 hours.

—UHM (Ultra High Performance Lamp of Matsushita) is a high pressure mercury lamp manufactured by Panasonic. Сan be easily changed, operating time, depending on type — 2000 — 5000 hours.

— Xenon. The design and principle of operation of such lamps are similar to high-pressure mercury lamps — light is created due to a discharge in a gaseous medium. However, instead of mercury vapor, in this case, an inert xenon gas under high pressure is used. This allows to create high power lamps (from 2 kW) with the appropriate light flow. Xenon lamps are used primarily in professional models.

— HPM. High-pressure mercury lamp technology developed by Sony and used primarily in its projectors (although other brands are also available). Combines compact size and relatively low cost with high brightness.

— DC. Abbreviation for "direct current". In the case of projector lamps, this designation usually refers to mercury lamps powered by direct current. The operating voltage of such lamps in different models of projectors may be different. Their design usually uses various tricks to improve performance compared to conventional lamps of this type — in particular, increase service life and reduce power consumption without sacrificing brightness.

— AC. This abbreviation stands for "alternating current". Such lamps are similar in almost everything to the DC ones described above, differing from them only in the type of power supply.

Minimum projector lamp life as stated by the manufacturer. Specified by the total time of continuous operation. Note that if the projector was operated without violations, then upon reaching this time, the lamp will not necessarily fail — on the contrary, it can work for quite a long time. However, when evaluating durability, it is best to focus on the claimed service life.

The dynamic image contrast provided by the projector.

Dynamic contrast ratio is the ratio between the brightest white and darkest black colour that a projector can produce. Recall that the quality of colour reproduction and detailing depend on contrast, the higher this indicator, the lower the likelihood that details will be indistinguishable in bright or dark areas. However, dynamic contrast is a rather specific parameter. The fact is that when it is calculated, the brightest white at the maximum brightness settings and the darkest black at the minimum are taken into account. As a result, the figures in this column can be very impressive, but it is impossible to achieve such a contrast within one frame.

By introducing this parameter, the manufacturers went to a certain trick. However, this is not to say that dynamic contrast has nothing to do with image quality at all. Projectors can use automatic brightness control, in which the overall brightness, depending on the "picture" on the screen, can increase or decrease. This format of work is based on the fact that the human eye does not need too bright areas on a general dark background and very dark areas on a bright one, the image is normally perceived even without it. The maximum brightness difference achievable in this mode of operation is exactly what described by dynamic contrast.

Horizontal frequency supported by the projector.

This parameter is relevant when working with analogue video signal. In such a video, the image is formed line by line: each pixel in the line is highlighted in turn, then the next line is highlighted, and so on. The horizontal frequency describes how many times per second the backlight beam runs from edge to edge of the screen. For normal playback, the projector must support the same refresh rate as the input signal was recorded. However, most models support a fairly wide range of frequencies, and there are no problems with support. Also note that if you are not a professional, then when choosing a projector, it is quite possible to focus on the frame rate (see below) — this parameter is simpler and more intuitive, and support for a certain frame rate automatically means support for the corresponding line rate.

Frame rate, simply put, is the frame rate supported by the projector.

For normal playback, it is highly desirable that the frame rate of the projector match the original frame rate of the video signal. However, most modern models do not support a specific frame rate, but a whole range of frequencies, and quite an extensive one at that.

Note that for viewing most video materials, the range from 24 to 60 fps is quite enough. The exception is 3D content, which may require double the frame rate, up to 120Hz (see " 3D Support " for details).

The size of the panel/chip affects the depth and final quality of the image. The larger the panel/chip, the more light it is able to process, which means the picture will be clearer and more structured. The average projector has a sensor of 0.5-0.7″, advanced projectors use sensors of 1.2-1.5″ and more.

The closest distance to the screen that the projector can be used on. Typically, this is the minimum distance at which the image from the projector remains in focus.

This parameter is especially important if the device is to be placed at a small distance from the screen (for example, in a cramped room). Some modern projectors are able to work normally at a distance of 10 – 20 cm. Also note that the throw distances are determined primarily by the lens, and if the initial range of these distances does not suit you, perhaps the situation can be solved by replacing the optics.

The farthest distance from the screen that the projector can be used on. This is the maximum distance at which the image remains in focus and maintains acceptable brightness — at least enough for viewing in a darkened room on a high-quality screen.

It is necessary to choose according to this parameter taking into account the expected operating conditions and the distances to be dealt with. At the same time, it's ok to have a certain margin for the maximum distance — since, as already mentioned, it is usually indicated for an perfect screen and a darkened room, and such conditions are not always available. Also note that although the throw distances depend on the lens, not every projector with an interchangeable lens allows the installation of more "long-range" optics than the standard one — the device may simply not have enough brightness for an increased distance.