If you looking for a TV larger than 80-inches but find that the prices are too high, there may be a lower-cost alternative that might be just the ticket, a UST (Ultra Short Throw) projector.
There are several models available from Hisense, LG, BenQ, Epson, Samsung, Vava, and XGIMI. However, JMGO has jumped in with its U2 4K UST Laser Projector.
What is an Ultra Short Throw (UST) Projector
An Ultra Throw Projector (aka UST) has a specially constructed lens assembly that allows images to be displayed from a very short distance. This means instead of placing the projector behind the seating position on a table or ceiling you can place it on a table or shelf within a couple of feet from a screen or wall and project very large images without taking much more space than a large TV. This is also great for those that have small rooms.
How The JMGO Laser Projection System Works
The JMGO U2 employs a Tri-Color (aka RGB) laser light source which eliminates the need for a lamp that would have to be replaced on a periodic basis.
The way it works is that one laser emits red light, one green, and one blue. The red, green, and blue light travel through a de-speckler, a narrow “light pipe”, through a lens and prism, bounced off the DLP Chip and then to the screen.
USTs that use a laser light source is sometimes referred to as Laser TV.
How the JMGO U2 Does 4K
The lasers in a UST provide the light source, but the image information and resolution are provided by an image chip (or chips).
For those purposes, the JMGO U2 employs a .47-inch 1080p resolution DLP imaging chip (aka DMD – Digital Micromirror Device) from Texas Instruments. The chip has 2.1 million pixels, which are actually very tiny mirrors. To display 4K resolution, 8.3 million pixels are required. To achieve this using just a 1080p chip, the 2.1 million pixels are shifted both vertically and horizontally at 240Hz (240 times per second). Since the 240Hz “pixel shifting” is so fast, the chip acts like it has the required 8 million pixels and thus, can be labeled as a 4K projector.
JMGO U2 Features
In addition to the core technology required to project a 4K image, here is an overview of features that can enhance your home entertainment experience.
Light Output: 2400 ANSI Lumens Max – 3600 Lumens using the optional JMGO ALR (Ambient Light Reduction) screen. Automatic Day/Night Brightness Adjustment.
Color Gamut: BT.2020 114%
Contrast Ratio: 15,000:1
HDR Compatibility: HDR10
Refresh Rate: 60Hz with additional MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) processing.
Projection Distance: 9.4-inches for 100-inch screen size (.25:1 Throw Ratio).
Audio System: Dynaudio system with 2 full-range speakers (15 wpc) and 2 tweeters (10 watts per channel). 2.4 liter sound cavity.
Surround Sound Decoding: Dolby Audio and DTS-HD.
Audio Processing: Omnidirectional Stereo Compensation Technology. Dolby and DTS surround signals are decoded and mixed down into two channels. The stereo mix-down is then processed using virtual surround algorithms to provide a surround sound-like environment using the stereo speaker system of the JMGO U2.
Projector OS: JMGO U2 features Luna OS with a built-in smart Android system, connecting you to a world of premium entertainment.
3D: Requires DLP-Link LCD Active Shutter Glasses (additional purchase). Although the 3D option has been discontinued in TVs, there are still a number of video projectors that include this feature and the JMGO U2 is one of them.
Input Connections:
- HDMI Version 2.0 (2 -including 1 HDMI-ARC)
- USB 3.0 (1 – in rear)
- USB 2.0 (1 – left side)
- USB Multimedia File support for MVC/ISO/H.265(level 5.1)/VC-1/JPEG/MP3
- Ethernet/LAN (1)
Output Connections:
- Digital Optical: (1) This allows connection to a compatible external audio system.
Additional Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth ver 4.0 – Allows music streaming from compatible smartphones and tablets.
Fan Noise: Less than 28dB (there are 5 built-in cooling fans)
Dimensions: 28.3×15×6.6 inches – 720×382.35×168.2 mm
Weight: 28.2 lbs / 12.8 kgs
Expected Lifespan: 50,000 use hours
Supplied Accessories:
- Power Cable
- Remote Control with Type USB Type-C Charging
- Alignment Toolkit
- Instruction Manual
- Warranty Card
Pricing and Availability
The JMGO U2 4K UST Laser Projector is available at a promotional price of $2099 (regular $2999) and can be purchased directly from JMGO.
Selectable Add-ons that can be made during the purchase
- 100-inch ALR (Ambient Light Projection Screen) $629/$529
- DLP-Link 3D Glasses $99/$19
JMGO U2 Promotional Video
