We’re going to take a look at the Sony VPL-VW715ES and LG CineBeam HU915QB, two projectors that are very similar in many ways. Both models have 4K resolution and project up to 120 inches onto the wall using a 12000:1 contrast ratio. They also have the ability to project on both ceilings (and walls) and ceilings only, so you’ll be able to use either one depending on how much light you want in your room.
Table of Contents
Design
The LG CineBeam HU915QB is a 4K laser projector, while the Sony VPL-VW715ES is a 4K SXRD projector. Both models have similar designs and features. Both projectors use DLP chips to create their images but with slightly different specs:
- The LG CineBeam HU915QB also uses contrast enhancement technology (CET) to boost contrast levels and make whites look whiter than they really are. This can be useful if you want to increase brightness without having to dim your image too much or add graininess when looking at dark scenes on film clips or video games (more on this later).
- The Sony VPL-VW715ES has an aspect ratio of 2:1—meaning it’s taller than it is wide—and can display up to 2160p resolution via its SXRD panel technology, which uses red, green, blue pixels as opposed to traditional color filters used by other technologies like LCDs or OLEDs (though those two latter options offer high resolutions too).
Setup
Both of these projector systems are relatively easy to set up, with the Sony VPL-VW715ES being a little more complicated than the LG CineBeam. The Sony requires you to connect an HDMI cable from your TV or other display device into the HDMI port on its back panel before you can plug in any other cables, but then it’s pretty straightforward after that. It also comes with an IR remote control so that you can operate it from a distance if necessary.
When it comes to pricing and value for money, you might think that since both projectors cost $6,000+ (with different price ranges), they’re basically equal in terms of quality and performance—but this is not entirely true! While both devices have similar specs overall (1080p resolution), each has some key features that make them stand out above others when compared side by side:
Picture
The Sony VPL-VW715ES is brighter than the LG CineBeam HU915QB. It has a native contrast ratio of 10,000:1 and a peak luminance of 2,500 cd/m2. This makes it an ideal choice for home theater enthusiasts looking to get the most out of their TVs without having to compromise on picture quality or size.
The CineBeam HU915QB also has a native contrast ratio of 10,000:1 and a peak luminance of 3200 cd/m2; however its highlights are slightly less bright than those on its bigger brother (the VW955ES).
Motion
Motion is very good on both models. The Sony VPL-VW715ES has a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes it feel more like a movie theater than an LCD TV. We found that the LG CineBeam HU915QB had a slight advantage over the Sony in motion clarity—but only slightly so, so we think you should choose whichever model best suits your needs and budget.
Color and contrast accuracy
The color and contrast accuracy of the Sony VPL-VW715ES is better than that of the LG CineBeam HU915QB.
The contrast ratio, a measure of how much light is reflected by an LCD panel, is important for your overall viewing experience. A high contrast ratio means that there are more shades between black and white onscreen than with an ordinary TV set or monitor. This can make images look sharper and more detailed; it also makes blacks seem darker since they aren’t lost among other dark shades in a scene (like those from clouds).
In our testing we found that the LG CineBeam HU915QB had superior black levels when compared to its competitors—it offered darker blacks than both Samsung’s UHDTVs (which were already on par with other sets in their category) as well as Sony’s top-of-the line model. In addition, its brightness was comparable across all tested scenes: neither too dim nor overly bright when compared against other TVs released this year at similar price points up until now.*
Sony VPL-VW715ES vs LG CineBeam HU915QB
The Sony VPL-VW715ES is a great projector, but it’s not the best in its class. The LG CineBeam HU915QB has more features, better resolution and color reproduction, and better 3D performance than the Sony. If you’re looking for something more advanced than your average home theater projector then this might be worth considering as well—but if you’re just starting out with home theater projectors then stick with something simpler like this one from Sony or Epson (which we’ll discuss later).
Conclusion
Sony VPL-VW715ES vs LG CineBeam HU915QB: Are you ready to make a decision? I know the decision is never easy for me because I know that both of these projectors are good. The main difference is that the Sony VPL-VW715ES has more features, but it’s still not as powerful as an LG CineBeam. If you want a great picture quality with bright colors and sharp contrast then this one might just be right for you!