Although known primarily for its OLED TVs, LG also offers up a line of video projectors, ranging from inexpensive portables to expensive USTs (Ultra Short Throw 4K Laser Projectors). In this article, we take a look at their most recently released compact portable projector, the CineBeam PF510Q.
The LG CineBeam PF510Q
The LG CineBeam PF510Q is a projector that can be used at home or on the go. With 1080p native resolution and built-in smart TV streaming features, you don’t need to plug anything else (although you do have that option) to start watching, just connect it to the internet.
LED Light Source
The CineBeam PF510Q incorporates a 4-channel LED light source. One LED emits red light, one green, one blue, and a fourth emits what is referred to as Dynamic (contains elements of green and blue). The red, green, blue, and dynamic green light travels through a lens and prism and are bounced off a DLP Chip and then to the screen.
Four advantages of an LED light source over a lamp in a projector are:
- LEDs are smaller than lamps, which is more practical than smaller projectors.
- LEDs don’t have to be replaced periodically, making the system very cost-effective.
- LED lights run cooler than traditional lamps so the need for a large noisy fan is lessened.
- Unlike DLP projectors that use lamps, there is no color wheel that causes the dreaded “rainbow effect”.
DLP Imaging Chip with FHD (1080p) Resolution
In addition to the LED light source which facilitates color, the grayscale image information is provided by a DLP imaging chip (aka DMD – Digital Micromirror Device) from Texas Instruments.
The DLP chip has 2.1 million pixels (1080p FHD resolution), which are very tiny mirrors that angle back and both very rapidly to produce the light and dark parts of the image in combination with the reflected LED light source that adds the color.
In addition to the technologies used to project the image onto a screen or wall, here are the PF510Q’s additional features and specifications.
- Light Output: 450 ANSI Lumens Max (works best in a darkened room or outside at night)
- Light Source Life: Up to 30,000 hours
- Contrast Ratio: 150,000:1
- HDR Compatibility: HDR10 (Keep in mind that with its modest lumens output, the HDR effect will be minimal)
- Refresh Rate: Not stated, but most likely 60Hz with possible added motion processing.
- Screen Size: 30 to 120-inches
- Projection Distance: 60-inches at 5.2ft, 100-inches at 8.7ft
- Optical Zoom: Fixed
- Focus: Manual
- Throw Ratio: 1.2
- Keystone Correction: Vertical
- Audio System: 5 watts (mono)
- Audio Formats: Dolby Audio (includes Dolby Atmos pass-through via HDMI-ARC).
- Smart TV: LG WebOS ver 22. Access is provided for streaming apps such as Disney+, YouTube, Prime Video, and Apple TV+. More can be installed on the projector via the built-in LG Content Store or cast from compatible smartphones. A Web browser is also included.
- Control: LG remote control provided, Joystick control on the projector if needed.
Input Connections:
- HDMI ver 2.0 (2 – 1 supports HDMI-ARC)
- USB ver 2.0 (1) with support for Keyboard, Mouse, and Game Controller connection in addition to media file playback.
- Ethernet/LAN (1)
Output Connections:
- 3.5mm analog headphone output (1)
Additional Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi
- Screen Share (Miracast/Screen Mirroring)
- Content Share via DLNA
- Apple Airplay 2
- Bluetooth Dual Output
- Fan Noise (Eco / Normal / High Brightness): 24 / 26 / 29 dB
- Dimensions (WHD): 5.8 x 7.6 x 5.8-inches
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Expected Lifespan: 30,000 use hours
Pricing and Availability
The LG CineBeam PF510Q Projector has a suggested price of $599.99 and is available from LG.com (Amazon coming soon).
Tip: Travel bag not included – shown for illustration of projector size and portability.
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