AWOL LTV-2500 Full Review (2024)

AWOL Vision is a newcomer to the industry, founded in 2020 by a group of enthusiasts passionate about large-screen displays. Just two years later, in March 2022, they unveiled their first Laser TV model.

Their goal was ambitious: to create a triple Laser RGB video projector capable of delivering brightness comparable to that of a conventional television. Thus, the LTV (Laser TeleVision) series was born.

The company introduced two variations of the same model, differing only in brightness performance: the LTV-2500 boasting a nominal brightness of 2000 Ansi Lumens, and the LTV-3500 with a remarkable brightness of 3500 Ansi Lumens.

In this article, we’ll focus on the smaller model of the series, the LTV-2500. So, sit back, get comfortable, pour yourself a cup of your favorite coffee, and let’s dive in

Who is the LTV-2500?

When you read the specifications of the LTV-2500, you will be impressed by the latest technology incorporated into its features.

from the latest version of High Dynamic Range (HDR 10+)…

…to the expanded color palette of REC.2020, which it covers by 107%

The first DLP UST projector that can accurately reproduce 24 frames per second on our screen

With 15ms input lag in 4K and 8ms in 1080p, it may be the best “low input lag” performance for a 4K DLP projector currently available on the market

Completing the puzzle with the built-in Dolby Atmos capable soundbar

3D capability is also not missing

“Here, I should clarify that the reviews you read on projectorjunkies are not sponsored reviews. The projectors we test here are either purchased by us or provided by our readers.

If a manufacturer wants to provide us with a model (which has happened several times) for reviewing purposes, it is certainly welcome. However, our collaboration begins and ends with this provision. There is no compensation, no affiliate arrangements, and no commitment to what we will write in our review. Additionally, we do not sell projectors. There is no conflict of interest here, sorry guys.

In this particular review, the LTV-2500 was purchased directly from AWOL and is now our main projector. Therefore, in this review, you will read more of an “owner’s” perspective rather than that of a reviewer who had the projector for a certain period and tested it. This is a clarification I felt needed to be made”.

Let’s take a look

From the box of the LTV-2500, it’s evident that you’re dealing with a large/substantial projector. Owners of previous-generation UST projectors like the Xiaomi 4K and the Fengmi Cinema 4K will be taken aback once the LTV-2500 arrives at their doorstep. Its size is nearly double that of its predecessors.

With dimensions measuring 60cm x 35cm x 15cm and weighing approximately 9.5 kilograms, you’ll require ample space and sturdy arms to position it.

Initially, the build quality may not leave a strong impression. The plastics feel somewhat rigid, and during assembly, there’s a hint that they might creak under pressure.

Despite its weight of 9.5 kilograms, there’s a sense that it’s somewhat hollow inside. It lacks the substantial feel that models like the Xiaomi Cinema 2 or Formovie Theater offer.

Inside the package, you’ll discover the remote control, an Amazon Firestick 4K Max, a lens cleaning cloth, as well as a basic manual.

There’s also a cable with analog audio and video connections included, though its purpose in today’s context may be uncertain.

Regrettably, the package does not include 3D glasses, which personally disappoints me. They are, however, included in the packaging of the LTV-3500, AWOL’s larger model. It’s a shame, considering they’re a $30 accessory, I believe they should be included in the package.

Inside, you’ll also find a warranty card that enables you to activate an additional warranty year for the LTV-2500 by registering it on the AWOL site. This extends the total warranty period to 2 years.

I find what AWOL has done with this Amazon Firestick to be a very smart move.

They’ve integrated a minimalist version of Android 9.0 on the LTV-2500, featuring simple menus for settings and options. For the smart aspect, they’ve ingeniously created a hidden third HDMI 2.0b port, revealed when you open a cover on the back. Here, you can connect your Amazon Firestick, instantly accessing a clean smart TV environment as soon as you select it or automatically upon projector startup (if you’ve chosen this HDMI option).

I’m a fan of this design because it provides a clean menu for easy adjustment of image settings (as i like it), without the need to wait for a heavy graphical environment to load during startup.

The included Firestick 4K Max provided by AWOL inside the projector package works flawlessly.

On the back, we find the other connection ports of the LTV-2500. Its HDMI ports are 2.0b and can accept 4K 60Hz signals.

The digital audio output, which is of interest to those who have older models of AV receivers, works perfectly without any sound delay, something that is not true for all UST models I have tried.

The remote control

The remote control of the LTV-2500 is cleverly designed; let me explain…

Initially, the feeling it leaves in your hand is that of a premium metallic remote control because AWOL has used hard plastic with a metallic finish in its paint.

On its back, a clever design touch is the pattern of dots that provides a textured surface, enhancing the grip and instilling confidence in the owner’s hand.

The remote control of the LTV-2500 is a cleverly designed device, offering both Bluetooth and infrared functionality. AWOL implemented a smart feature where the Bluetooth receiver is off in standby mode, activating only when the projector is started with the infrared signal from the remote control. This helps prevent accidental starts and ensures the projector enters a true standby mode when not in use.

The remote control includes shortcuts for essential functions, such as sound output selection, HDMI input selection, Laser intensity adjustment, and screen sharing. These shortcuts make it convenient for users to navigate and control their projector easily. Additionally, the buttons provide a satisfying tactile feel, and an LED indicator lights up to confirm commands, enhancing the user experience.

Overall, the remote control of the LTV-2500 strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality, making it one of the most well-designed remotes in the UST projector market.

There is of course one button that personally I wouldn’t mind if AWOL had added, and that is the 3D function button as every time you want to watch a 3D movie, you have to go to the menu and enable it manually, something that after few times it becomes annoying .

Of course, how could the company foresee something like this when the 3D feature was added with a firmware update months after the presentation of the model?

Fire up the LTV-2500

Setting up the projector on my furniture was relatively straightforward, and I managed to adjust it without relying on digital frame adjustment like the keystone correction. I recommend avoiding keystone correction whenever possible, as it can lead to a noticeable reduction in sharpness.

It’s worth noting that the LTV-2500 has a throw ratio of 0.25, which differs from the more common 0.23 ratio found in some other UST projectors like Xiaomi and Fengmi. This means that the LTV-2500 needs to be placed slightly further back to achieve the same screen size in inches.

I connected Vividstorm’s USB trigger to one of the LTV-2500’s USB ports, and upon pressing the remote control, the projector turned on seamlessly, triggering the screen to rise as it should.

The welcome screen of the LTV-2500 is quite impressive, showcasing its raw brightness, vibrant colors, and the capabilities of its built-in sound system.

However, the welcome sound is set at a fairly high volume, which can be problematic if you want to turn on the projector silently, especially during late-night hours when others may be sleeping at home.

Thankfully, with the latest firmware update from AWOL, there is an option to disable the welcome sound, providing users with more flexibility and control over their viewing experience.

Before delving into the detailed menu overview of the LTV-2500, let’s discuss its clarity, which is essentially the first aspect of the image that you encounter after positioning and aligning the projector in front of the screen.

One issue that I’ve noticed in all RGB UST laser projectors is the color aberration that somewhat resembles the poor convergence in old Epson LCD projectors.

The LTV-2500, being a Triple Laser (RGB) projector, exhibits this phenomenon as well. I reached out to AWOL regarding this issue, and their response was that this phenomenon is characteristic of the technology and does not manifest in real viewing conditions—and they are correct.

This phenomenon only occurs in white pixels against a dark background and is not present elsewhere. It’s important to note that it doesn’t impact clarity, as someone might assume. In movie scenes, it’s virtually imperceptible and has no discernible effect on the viewing experience.

The clarity of the LTV-2500 is undoubtedly among the best I’ve encountered compared to other UST projectors I’ve tested.

It stands out as the first UST projector where both upper corners of the image—where many UST projectors on the market struggle—display near-perfect focus and clarity. You can almost discern individual pixels when you inspect closely. Such precision in focus is unprecedented in my experience with UST projectors.

This exceptional focus in the upper corners immediately impressed me, especially considering my past encounters with defocused areas in previous UST models.

(upper right corner in the following photo)

Indeed, the high-quality “made in Japan” lens system from RICOH used in the AWOL LTV-2500 likely plays a significant role in its excellent uniformity of image clarity. RICOH is known for producing precision optics with exceptional optical performance.

Additionally, the larger size of the lenses, optical system, and final mirror in the LTV-2500 compared to competitors like Xiaomi and Formovie may contribute to its superior performance. A larger optical system can provide several advantages, including better light transmission, reduced optical aberrations, improved focus, and overall enhanced image quality.

Therefore, it’s reasonable to suspect that the combination of the high-quality lens system and larger optical components in the AWOL LTV-2500 contributes to its exceptional uniformity in image clarity.

The graphical user interface (GUI) of the AWOL LTV-2500 appears simple yet highly functional. When the projector is turned on and hasn’t automatically connected to any HDMI source, or when prompted by pressing the central button with the house icon on the remote control, users encounter the main interface screen.

Performance

The LTV-2500 is exceptionally bright. When I say it’s bright, I mean it surpasses any other UST (Ultra Short Throw) projector in terms of brightness, except for its larger brother and perhaps the Samsung LSP9.

Regardless of what the numbers indicate in various reviews, as an owner of four UST projectors (including the RGB Laser Formovie Theater, a 2800 lumens UST projector), I can confidently affirm that this AWOL projector is anything but lacking in brightness.

Its raw luminosity may necessitate lowering the Laser power, especially on smaller screens like mine (100″). For most content, excluding 3D and HDR, I typically keep the Laser setting at the midpoint, around 6.

This raw brightness is also reflected in its color reproduction, resulting in an impressive image that captivates your attention from the moment the projection begins, regardless of the content being viewed.

As for why AWOL lists the brightness of the LTV-2500 as 2000 Ansi Lumens when the projector perhaps exceeds 2500 Ansi Lumens, I really don’t know. Perhaps they aim to maintain a significant specification gap compared to their larger and considerably pricier model, the LTV-3500, to justify the price difference i suppose. This could be a possibility.

On the manufacturer’s website, Elevation Technology Partners, the listed brightness is 2500 Ansi Lumens, which aligns more closely with reality.

Unfortunately, obtaining a precise “measurable” brightness measurement from a UST (Ultra Short Throw) projector is exceedingly challenging.

Even minor variations in the angle of the photometer or slight shifts in distance can significantly impact the measurement. Additionally, due to the unique construction of UST screens, the brightness reaching the viewer’s eyes doesn’t always align with what the projector produces. I’m not just referring to the negative gain here.

I’m specifically addressing the angles of the grooves on a UST screen, which, when combined with the projector’s actual throw ratio, result in varying levels of brightness reaching the viewer’s eyes compared to what one might expect or what emerges from the projector’s lens.

In my experience, I find that the 0.25 throw ratio chosen by AWOL is better suited for pet crystal screens compared to the 0.23 ratio (or even the 0.19 of the Samsung LSP9), particularly in terms of the horizontal projection of light towards the viewer’s eyes. Perhaps I’ll delve into this topic further in a future article, providing more detailed measurements regarding the relationship between UST projectors and UST ALR screens in relation to the angle of light projection.

I’ll conclude the discussion on brightness here to avoid overwhelming you and transition directly to the next crucial parameter: contrast.

Contrast

Those who were anticipating the stellar black levels characteristic of Appotronics UST Laser projectors (such as Xiaomi and Fengmi) might find themselves disappointed. The contrast of the LTV-2500 hovers around the typical 1000:1 for DLP projectors, which is notably lower than the competition’s +3000:1.

This discrepancy is noticeable to the discerning eye within the initial moments of projection.

“How significant is it?” one might inquire. “Indeed, my friend, it’s quite noticeable, but…”

This disparity is particularly pronounced, or rather disconcerting, only when projecting onto a standard white screen. However, when using a specialized UST ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen, which appears dark gray and achieves enhanced ANSI contrast, the difference diminishes considerably.

Enter AWOL with an active response: they’ve introduced a firmware update about a month ago that, through subtle laser dimming combined with dynamic gamma adjustments, elevates the actual on/off contrast of the LTV-2500 from 1000:1 to a commendable 2200:1 (personally measured at 2330:1).

And I ask you, how can you not love a company that from the first day of presenting its models, never stopped evolving its software and constantly providing significant updates for free to the owners?

With an update, all LTV-2500 and LTV-3500 owners gained the ability for 3D projection. With another update, an significant increase in contrast was bestowed upon them. And with yet another update, as the company has announced, DolbyVision will be added!

Now, Nikos, with this boost in contrast, can the AWOL compete with the Appotronics models in terms of contrast?

The straightforward answer is mmm, i don’t think so. It cannot rival them outright. However, it has come close enough that contrast is no longer the decisive factor for me.

Before the update? Absolutely. The difference in contrast was distinct enough to serve as a decisive factor in purchasing. But not anymore.

In the photos captured with identical camera exposure settings, you can discern the variance in black levels between the LTV-2500 (top) and the Formovie Theater (bottom).

The “Enhanced Black Level” feature, as labeled in the menu of the LTV-2500, essentially adjusts the brightness of dark areas while preserving the brightness of brighter elements in a scene. Allow me to illustrate this concept with a straightforward example derived from numerous tests.

Let’s consider the maximum brightness output of the projector as 100%. If, in a given scene, the black level measures at 2% brightness and there’s a bright spot registering at 40% brightness, the LTV-2500 algorithm intervenes. It reduces the laser power to deepen the black level, let’s say to 1%, while simultaneously “boosting” the gamma to maintain the brightness of the bright spot at 40%—preventing it from dropping to, say, 20% as it should.

In simpler terms, the Enhanced Black Level feature aims to enhance the detail and depth of dark scenes, ensuring deeper blacks and improved overall image quality. Importantly, it does so discreetly, without drawing undue attention to its adjustments.

In practical terms, Enhanced Black Level performs admirably not only in completely dark scenes but also in less dimly lit ones, contributing to their richness and detail. Most notably, its adjustments are subtle enough to seamlessly integrate into the viewing experience without being conspicuous.

You can witness the impact of Enhanced Black Level firsthand in the following photos, where its effect on a dark scene is evident. (These photos are captured with slight overexposure, using the following settings: ISO100, F1.4, 1/10 shutter speed.)

And another set of pictures

And another one

Even in less dark scenes, Laser dimming works wonderful (although it’s more difficult for the camera to capture)

Take a closer look at the 235:1 black bars up/down of the image, impressive hah?

Congratulations to AWOL engineers for such an impressive firmware update that resulted in such a significant enhancement in image quality, and most important for free! This company truly demonstrates that it values its customers, and that’s not something you come across easily these days.

Color

With 107% of REC.2020 color space coverage and a full CMS (Color Management System) settings that work correctly, I could hardly say a word more, and I could have already fully described the color performance of AWOL.

The color palette and behavior of the LTV-2500 is perhaps the main reason i chose to buy it, outstanding!

Here’s a random REC.709 color triangle to show you what we used to see in the past, and what we see now with the AWOL.Do you realize the difference?

Encountering the CIE1931 color gamut is a rarity, but when you do, it’s undeniably impressive and immensely satisfying for your eyes.

What’s even more remarkable is how the AWOL projector seamlessly handles this extensive color palette, whether it’s rendering SDR or HDR content.

Admittedly, achieving optimal performance with this projector requires some adjustments. However, once calibrated, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy this unbelievable color space in your living room.

In a subsequent section, I’ll provide detailed settings that you can apply to your own LTV-2500, ensuring that you experience its full potential.

In conclusion, the LTV-2500 offers a chromatic feast that will leave your eyes dazzled and your viewing experience will sky rocket. For me, absolutely the best projector out there in terms of color performance, no question about it!

HDR Performance

The performance with HDR content has been a personal concern for me in the past. However, with the AWOL projector, this won’t be an issue as long as it’s properly calibrated. There are two parameters that are notably off by default in AWOL, but even with their adjustment without instrument measurement, the projector can be transformed.

One of these parameters is the blue color in the gray scale, which can be corrected by simply reducing the blue gain in the white balance settings by ~ 30 units.

Factory performance on grey scale is like this…

…but we want it like this.

The other parameter is the saturation of the red color, so just reducing the red saturation in color correction by few units.

Factory settings for the saturation of intermediate shades of red are somewhat like this…

…but we want it like this.

Correcting these two image parameters, even just by eye, significantly improves the color behavior of the AWOL projector in both SDR and HDR content.

There is also an important setting for HDR content that can help us improve the performance of a specific film in the LTV-2500 by adjusting the HDR EOTF values (think of it as the “gamma” of HDR).

Take a look what is the effect of EOTF values at the final result

The tone mapping on LTV-2500 its fantastic and the details on dark areas is the main AWOL weapon. The LTV-2500 has the best “HDR dark details” behavior on the market right now. Does not crash the blacks like Formovie in order to present you fake “better” blacks but keeps the HDR EOTF calculations on the correct path so the viewer can see absolutely exactly what the producer of the movie create on the post production. Well done AWOL.

SDR & Full HD Performance

I don’t know about you, but for me, half of the movies and series I watch in my personal home cinema are still in Full HD resolution. This is either because Netflix offers this resolution for much of its content, or because certain movies that I want to watch are not available in 4K, or because I already have several movies on regular Blu-ray.

To clarify, while 4K HDR is impressive, especially on larger screens, a good Full HD Blu-ray still holds up well in terms of image quality.

So, how my projector handles Full HD content is still very important to me.

Unfortunately, with the UST (Ultra Short Throw) projectors I had before the AWOL, I wasn’t entirely satisfied. The focus across the entire frame was not as good as I would have liked, and the upscaling to 4K was not great, resulting in a soft image for my tastes.

With the LTV-2500 now, that’s a thing of the past.

The AWOL gives you the option to disable its 4K resolution and turn it into a pure Full HD projector with the Actuator control adjustment.

The native resolution, combined with the excellent focus and clarity, delivers a strong performance with Full HD content. The screenshots speak for themselves, I believe.

Generally, I would say that in terms of SDR performance, the AWOL is a top-of-the-class projector. I don’t remember any other UST projector performing so well with SDR material. Even TV content seems magnificent. The AWOL can be a real TV replacement, for sure.

Let’s talk about motion

The AWOL also offers an option to add intermediate frames for smoother motion, like many other latest models on the market.

It’s called MEMC, which stands for Motion Estimation/Motion Compensation. It offers four options, with the latest one (Movie) added with the latest firmware update, and it makes a difference here.

Choosing Movie, the LTV-2500 delivers the original 24Hz to our screen without adding extra frames and without the known and annoying 3:2 pulldown. I believe it’s the first DLP 4K projector that offers this capability. I’ll take it!

In terms of motion, the LTV-2500 performs excellently. Whether you choose to add frames for smooth motion or opt to display the original 24 frames of the film, it will not disappoint you.

3D

And now we come to a significant feature that may not interest everyone, but for me, it’s a game-changer…

I was never a fan of this technology because I often felt tired from constantly putting on and taking off the 3D glasses, dealing with crosstalk, and experiencing reduced brightness. As a result, I had completely abandoned the hobby.

My mistake was that I watched 3D on the AWOL, what a mistake!

I tried it once, and since then, there’s been no turning back for me. I now watch a movie or a documentary in 3D at least once a week. My mind craves it, you could call it an addiction.

From having just a few 3D Blu-ray discs, which I could count on one hand, I have now amassed over 90, and I continue to add more to my collection.

Although there are no longer new 3D Blu-ray releases (let’s hope for Avatar 2 – The Way of Water), there is still a plethora of worthwhile content available to build a large and beautiful collection.

The 3D performance of the AWOL is truly exceptional and must be seen to be believed. The depth, realism, brightness, balanced color reproduction, and lack of crosstalk make 3D viewing an absolute delight.

I recently watched Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One and was completely immersed in the movie in a way I haven’t experienced in years. It felt like I had placed my chair in a corner of Spielberg’s fantastic world, with everything unfolding around me. I wasn’t just enjoying an incredible movie, I felt like I was a part of it! And i was, i swear!

In the AWOL’s 3D settings, you’ll find familiar options such as Frame Packing, Side by Side, and Top and Bottom, as well as the important option to invert the polarization on the glasses. This inversion is crucial because many movies use opposite polarization, and you may need to adjust the setting accordingly.

Now, someone might ask, “Are you really talking to us about 3D in the year 2023 Nikos, when almost all companies have abandoned it? Well folks, I’m not just talking, I’m telling you that this 3D of this projector is perhaps a very compelling reason to buy it!

Sound

The LTV-2500 boasts built-in audio with Virtual DTS and Dolby Atmos capabilities, powered by a robust 2×36 Watt system. Its sound output is impressively loud and powerful, making it suitable for hosting gatherings or parties in your living room.

While the sound quality may not match that of top-rated systems like the Formovie Theater with its B&W built-in sound system, it’s certainly not lacking either. The AWOL’s sound system compensates with deep bass and pure amplifier power. With adjustments to the equalizer and sound modes, you can fine-tune the audio to suit your personal preferences.

Overall, the sound quality is good, and the AWOL can easily serve as the primary audio source for your personal home cinema setup if desired.

Noise & Cooling

The LTV-2500 sets a new standard for quiet operation among UST projectors, boasting a claimed operating noise level of 27dB that is indeed accurate.

Even when sitting just a few centimeters away from the projector, you’ll struggle to hear any sound emanating from it. This remarkable quietness extends to the absence of the typical high-pitched noise often associated with XPR modules.

AWOL is also excelled in temperature management, ensuring that the projector remains cool even after prolonged periods of operation. This low-temperature operation not only enhances user comfort but also contributes to the long-term reliability of the LTV-2500.

I have prepared a small video for you to get a taste of the LTV-2500 performance.

Conclusion

The AWOL LTV-2500 represents, for me, one of the most compelling offerings in the RGB Laser TV market.

It boasts crisp optics and exceptional edge-to-edge focus on the screen.
With its impressive brightness, it’s capable of daytime viewing on screens up to 120 inches.
Its color performance is unparalleled, achieving true coverage of 107% REC.2020.
Groundbreaking native motion handling of 24 frames per second, a rarity for a 4K DLP projector.
The Turbo mode reduces input lag to an outstanding 15ms in 4K, ideal for gaming.
Enhanced contrast with a clever Laser dimming trick.
It excels in both HDR and SDR content, delivering stunning performance.
The 3D performance is truly remarkable.
Operating silently and maintaining very low temperatures, it ensures a comfortable viewing experience.
Continuous firmware updates, with Dolby Vision support already announced for the next update.
The built-in Dolby Atmos sound system provides immersive audio that can easily fill a small space.
Exceptional communication and support directly from AWOL, a crucial aspect for many users.
All of this comes at a fair price point, making it an excellent value proposition.

Just like I have promised, I’m giving you the settings that I have personally applied to my own LTV-2500 for you to try. You have nothing to lose…

(The settings I’m giving you have been tested with i1pro spectrometer and align with what the ISF organization recommends, but my believe is that we should watch according to our own preferences and not be dictated by standards or organizations. So, my settings should only serve as a reference and from there you can make any adjustments you desire for your eyes. Trust me, it won’t be wrong).

Brightness 50
Contrast 50
Chroma 50 (45 on SDR)
MEMC Movie
Dynamic contrast on
Enhanced black level on

Wide color gamut on
USER mode (SDR)
Gamma Dark or Middle (depends on your preferences)
Red Gain/Offset 3/3
Green Gain/Offset 1/2
Blue Gain/Offset -26/2
HDR user
Gamma Dark or Middle (depends on your preferences)
Red Gain/Offset -8/0
Green Gain/Offset -4/-4
Blue Gain/Offset -32/-5

color correction (both SDR&HDR mode)

Red
hue 43/50
saturation 42/75
brightness 51/51

green
hue 52/52
saturation 47/69
brightness 46/46

Blue
hue 49/47
saturation 48/64
brightness 55/58

Yellow
hue 51/57
saturation 47/67
brightness 56/57

Cyan
hue 40/48
saturation 48/63
brightness 52/54

Magenta
hue 53/52
saturation 46/70
brightness 57/61

Skin
tone 42/46
saturation 39/51
brightness 41/59

Wide color gamut on

Finally as a suggestion (because you usually ask me with your emails) a nice online store that you can buy your AWOL (or any UST model) especially if you living in EU (hard to find a trustable UST store with any model in stock) is the well known nothingprojector , best prices and nice after sales support from these guys. I totally recommend them!

I hope you enjoyed the review!

If you don’t, enjoy at least your Home Cinema!

See you in my next review fellas

Nikos Tsolas

Coming next…

AWOL LTV-3500pro Review

3D Glasses shoot-out