Samsung Unveils ‘First’ 8K Ultra Short Throw Projector
On Tuesday, Samsung announced its 8K ultra short-throw projector called The Premiere. This is the updated 4K version of the 2020 Premiere – a single box designed to sit directly below and on your coffee table inches from your wall or screen. Using special lenses and video processing, it can create images up to 150 inches diagonally.
There are built-in speakers and Dolby Atmos to fill the room with sound and light. As you’d expect, it also has access to Netflix, Disney Plus, and more. with Samsung’s smart TV features.
While the idea of an 8K projector capable of projecting a giant image on any wall sounds intriguing, UST projectors are not as magical as they first appear. Here’s what we know so far.
8TH KILOMETER?
Ultra short throw projectors like this 4K The Premiere from 2020 claim to be able to project an image on any wall, but not all projectors can.
Samsung
yes, 8TH KILOMETER. That’s four times the resolution of a 4K projector. There is currently no widespread 8K content, a problem that also affects 8K TVs. Without 8K content, you can’t take full advantage of the extra pixels, although the projector will upscale anything you throw at it to 8K, so it may look a bit sharper than a 4K projector projecting a similarly sized image. Note that image quality is more important than resolution.
The Premiere isn’t the first 8K projector, but there are only a handful on the market. JVC has several models starting at $11,000 and up. These use a 4K imaging chip and pixel shifting to produce 8K resolution on the screen. This is similar to the way most 4K projectors create 4K by using a 1080p or lower resolution chip and doubling or quintupling the display pixels for roughly 4K resolution. Samsung doesn’t disclose the projector’s specs, but that’s pretty much how it makes 8K.
On the professional side, Digital Projection has several 8K models, but these are designed for movie theaters and other large venues.
What is an Ultra Short Throw Projector?
It is important to remember that any ambient light will affect the image of the projector, including UST projectors.
Samsung
Traditional projectors need to be about 10 feet away to project a 100-inch image. High-end models may sit further away, while short-range models may sit closer. UST projectors sit inches from the wall and are still capable of producing huge images thanks to smart lenses and video processing.
The two main drawbacks of all UST projectors are price and image quality. Due to their complex designs, UST projectors cost significantly more than traditional projectors.
Another disadvantage arising from their activity is the decline Contrast ratio. UST projectors typically have lower contrast ratios than traditional projectors, which makes their images look flatter with less “punch”. Usually, manufacturers try to compensate for this by dramatically increasing the brightness, but this does not improve the image quality, it just makes the image brighter.
Assumed properties
No matter how bright, a UST projector will not be able to compete with ambient light without a dedicated screen. And even then it will look better with the curtains drawn.
Samsung
Samsung hasn’t revealed many details about the new The Premiere, but we can guess a few things. It was the previous model illuminated by a laser, and there will probably be a new model as well. Indeed, lasers offer better performance in terms of light output (brightness) and color. Unlike the replaceable lamps in most low-end projectors, they generally last the life of the projector.
The 4K The Premiere had built-in speakers, allowing it to act as its own soundbar. This is another likely feature, as most UST projectors aim to be a one-stop shop when it comes to room entertainment. The new model will have Dolby Atmos, which was not present in the old model.
It’s also safe to assume it will be brilliant. There were two versions of the 4K The Premiere: a “120-inch” version and a “130-inch” version. Neither came with a screen, and in fact managed to produce a range of image sizes between 90-120 inches with the former and 100-130 inches with the latter. The difference was a claimed light output of 2,200 and 2,800 respectively. These are very good numbers, although other UST projectors in a similar price range are brighter. For example, the $4,000 Epson LS500 puts out a claimed 4,000 lumens. Samsung claims the new model can take “150-inch” pictures, so we’d expect an increase in lumens.
Price and availability
Samsung has not yet announced pricing or availability. Typically, products announced at CES come out in the spring or summer. In terms of price, of course, it will not be cheap. The previous The Premiere cost $3,500 for the 120-inch version and $6,500 for the 130-inch version. Given that the only other consumer 8K PJs start at $11,000 and focus on traditional (i.e. non-UST) designs, it seems safe to assume that the 8K The Premiere will cost at least as much as the previous model, and probably more overall. more.
Keep an eye out for CNET ETUC scope For more details.
