New LG CineBeam short-throw laser 4K projector debuts at CES 2019

LG Electronics will unveil its second-generation CineBeam Laser 4K projector (model HU85L) with Ultra Short Throw technology at CES 2019. The CES 2019 Innovation Award winner follows on from LG’s first 4K projector (model HU80K) and promotes a small footprint and compact design, and will project “stunningly sharp 4K images” on any flat surface, such as a wall, floor or ceiling. Because this is a pre-announcement, there’s no pricing info as of yet.

The new projector can be placed just over two inches from a wall to project a 90-inch diagonal image. Placed seven inches away, the projector produces a larger and 120-inch image, and setup is said to be “simple and efficient.” The unit delivers 2,500 ANSI lumens of brightness and supports 4K UHD resolution, as well as a wide color gamut.

LG Electronics (LG) is set to unveil its second-generation CineBeam Laser 4K projector (model HU85L) with Ultra Short Throw (UST) technology at CES 2019

LG says the new beamer is smaller than other leading 4K projectors and sports a design that shouldn’t interfere with the viewing experience. It includes a 12-point keystone adjustment feature, eliminating image distortion that can affect other UST projectors, and its webOS 4.5 function offers access to Netflix, Hulu and other 4K streaming services. The device comes equipped with standard connectivity options for USB, Ethernet and HDMI ports, and wireless support for external devices like a keyboard and mouse.

AI technology is also supported with the use of voice commands to access the natural language processing capabilities of LG’s AI solution, ThinQ. Viewers can control the operation of the projector by saying things like “turn off projector after the movie has finished” or narrow the content to view by telling it to “play yoga videos on YouTube”. Viewers can also access a list of movies starring favorite actors, and then select content by speaking into the included Magic Remote. The latter also recognizes gestures and features backlit buttons for navigation which turn on automatically when motion is detected.

“The new CineBeam Laser projector marries spectacular 4K viewing experience with the convenience of AI technology,” said Jang Ik-hwan, head of LG’s IT business division. “There is no other product like this on the market, illustrating how LG continues to deliver unique value to consumers.”

For those attending CES in January, you can see LG’s CineBeam Laser 4K models at the LG booth (#11100) located in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 8-11. For additional CES news, visit ces2019.lgusnewsroom.com.

Martin, a seasoned journalist and AV expert, has written for several notable print magazines. He’s served in key roles at Lucasfilm’s THX Division, NEC’s digital cinema division, and has even consulted for DreamWorks. Despite his illustrious career, Martin remains rooted in his passion for cinema and acting, with notable appearances in several Spielberg films, Doctor Who, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He currently resides in San Francisco.

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Michael Osadciw

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At two inches there must be crazy distortion at edges. We know the market this is tailored to. It said it can be projected onto any flat surface; a 'screen' wasn't even mentioned in the list! This is just a fun toy.
 

DaveF

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At two inches there must be crazy distortion at edges.
Fundamental design work for off-axis projection has been going on for over 20 years. I had a young assistant professor working the problem when I was a student. Optical manufacturing technology has advanced a good deal to better manufacture the irregular and non-symmetrical optics needed for these uses.

That is to say: it might look quite good when used as designed.

Will be interesting to see, come 2019. :)
 

ManW_TheUncool

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"... 12-point keystone adjustment..." says it all re: advances in optical tech... ;)

I just wonder how one would properly set it up to not rely too excessively on that keystone adjustment... and what about having the sub(s) shaking the room and probably that little projector out of place even 1/8 inch? :D

_Man_
 

Michael Osadciw

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You're more positive than I am, and I appreciate that! :dancing-banana-04: We'll see. I've calibrated the Sony VPL-VZ1000ES short throw laser. It was set up as precisely as possible by the installation company, and we couldn't get a straight line out of it. While most people wowed by big screens wouldn't complain, anyone with a sharp eye would notice it, not to mention differences in focus from center to edge. For the record I'm not expecting these devices to be precise. They are what they are: big screens from short distances. It's super cool but it can't replace a long throw unit if high performance is also expected.
 
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