At CES 2023, Samsung announced an 8K resolution ultra-short-throw projector called The Premiere. It’s an updated version of 2020’s 4K Premiere, a single box designed to sit on a low table directly below and just inches away from the wall or screen. Using special lenses and video processing, you can create an image up to 150 inches diagonally.
There are built-in speakers and Dolby Atmos to fill a room with sound and light. Unsurprisingly, it also has Samsung’s Smart TV features, with Netflix, Disney Plus, etc.
read more: Here’s another Samsung device we’re excited about (hint: it’s a foldable phone)
While the idea of an 8K projector capable of producing a huge image on any wall sounds intriguing, UST projectors aren’t as magical as they seem. This is what we know so far.
8K?
Ultra-short-throw projectors, like this 2020 4K The Premiere, claim to be able to create an image on any wall, but all projectors can.
samsung
Yes, 8K. That’s four times the resolution of a 4K projector. 8K content is currently not widely available, a problem that affects 8K TVs as well. Without 8K content, you can’t take full advantage of the extra pixels, although the projector will convert anything you send it to 8K, so it may appear slightly sharper than a 4K projector projecting a similarly sized image. Keep in mind that there are more important aspects of image quality than resolution.
The Premiere isn’t the first 8K projector, but there are only a few on the market. JVC has several models, starting at $11,000 and going up from there. These use a 4K imaging chip and a pixel shifter to create 8K resolution on the screen. This is similar to how most 4K projectors create 4K, using a 1080p or lower resolution chip and doubling or quintupling the camera pixels for about 4K resolution. While Samsung hasn’t revealed the projector’s specs, this is almost certainly how it’s creating 8K as well.
On the professional side, Digital Projection has several 8K models, but those are for actual movie theaters and other large venues.
What is an ultra short throw projector?
It’s important to remember that any ambient light will affect a projector’s image, including UST projectors.
samsung
Traditional projectors need about 10 feet of distance to project a 100-inch image. Higher-end models can sit farther away, while short-throw models can sit closer. UST projectors sit just inches from a wall and can still produce huge images thanks to smart lenses and video processing.
The two main disadvantages of all UST projectors are the price and the image quality. Due to their intricate designs, UST projectors tend to cost a lot more than traditional projectors.
The other drawback, also as a result of its operation, is the reduction of contrast ratio. UST projectors typically have worse contrast ratios than traditional projectors, making your images look flatter with less “punch.” Usually, manufacturers try to compensate for this by increasing the brightness considerably, but this does not improve the image quality, it just makes the image brighter.
Assumed characteristics
No matter how bright it is, a UST projector won’t be able to compete with ambient light without a special screen. And even then, it will look so much better with the curtains closed.
samsung
Samsung hasn’t announced many details about the new The Premiere, but we can guess a few things. The previous model was laser illuminated, and the new model probably will be too. This is because lasers offer better performance in terms of light output (brightness) and color. They also typically last for the life of the projector, unlike the replaceable lamps in most lower-end projectors.
The 4K The Premiere had built-in speakers, allowing it to function 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 the previous one did not have.
It is also safe to assume that it will be brilliant. The 4K The Premiere had two versions, a “120-inch” version and a “130-inch” version. Neither actually came with a screen, and you could actually create a range of image sizes from 90 to 120 inches with the former and 100 to 130 inches with the latter. The difference was the light output, at 2,200 and 2,800 respectively. These are pretty good numbers, although other UST projectors in a similar price range are much brighter. The $4,000 Epson LS500, for example, put out a claimed 4,000 lumens. Samsung claims that the new model will be capable of “150-inch” images, so we expect an increase in lumens.
Price and availability
Samsung has yet to announce pricing or availability. Generally, products that are announced at CES come out in the spring or summer. As for the price, it’s almost certainly not going to be cheap. The previous The Premiere was $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 they’re for traditional (aka UST) designs, it seems safe to assume that the 8K The Premiere will cost at least what the previous model did, and likely much more.
Keep an eye on CNET ESC coverage for more information.
#Samsungs #projector #screen #big #downsides