Although TVs get most of the hype, UST (Ultra Short Throw) video projectors are becoming a popular solution for those seeking big-screen entertainment at home even with limited space.
There are several brands and models available from Hisense, LG, BenQ, Epson, Samsung, Vava, XGIMI, and others, including Viewsonic. Viewsonic’s latest entry in this category is the X2000B-4K Laser UST Smart Projector with built-in soundbar, which replaces the X1000-4K LED UST Projector from 2019.
Why Ultra-Short Throw?
An Ultra-Short Throw Projector (aka UST) incorporates 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 great for those that have small rooms.
Laser/Phosphor Light Source
The X2000B-4K employs Laser/Phosphor Light Source. Instead of a lamp, a blue laser diode is combined with a yellow phosphor wheel. A portion of the blue laser light passes through, while another portion hits a yellow phosphor wheel which creates red and green light. This technology provides up to 20,000 use hours of life (no lamp means no periodic lamp replacement). In addition, the Laser/Phosphor combination does not contain any mercury, which is common with most projector lamps.
How 4K Works
The Laser/Phosphor light engine in the X2000B-4K provides the light source, but the image information and resolution are provided by an imaging chip.
The X2000B-4K employs a .47-inch sized DLP imaging chip (aka DMD – Digital Micromirror Device) from Texas Instruments. That’s the same size chip in most UST projectors, except for The Premiere by Samsung which has a larger .66-inch sized imaging chip. Larger is generally better.
The .47-inch chip has 2.1 million pixels (the equivalent of 1080p resolution), which are very tiny tilting mirrors. 4K resolution is created by moving the pixels slightly but very rapidly (Pixel Shifting). The result is that the viewers perceive a “4K-like” image projected onto the screen.
Built-in Sound System
Moving from video to audio, the X2000B-4K also incorporates an integrated soundbar designed by Harman Kardon. The total power output of the speaker system is 50 watts (25 watts x 2). Dolby and DTS are supported.
To support music playback, the X2000B-4K features wireless Bluetooth connectivity for smartphones, tablets, and other compatible mobile devices.
Tip: You can use the X2000B-4K as a Bluetooth Speaker without watching the projector.
Wi-Fi and Streaming
In addition to Bluetooth, the X2000B-4K also includes built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. This enables users to connect the projector to a home network and the internet. Built-in Android includes a select number of streaming apps that can be downloaded and installed right on the X2000B-4K without having to connect to an external streaming device, such as Roku or Fire TV.
Specifications
- Light Output: 2,000 ANSI Lumens
- Color Depth: 1.07 Billion Colors.
- Contrast Ratio (Dynamic): 3,000,000:1
- HDR: Compatible with HDR10/HLG
- Refresh Rate: Not provided but estimated to be 60Hz with additional MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) processing.
- Screen Size Range: 65 to 150 inches
- Projection Distance: 3.3-inches (65-inch image) to 20.48-inches (150-inch image)
- Fan Noise: 32dB (Normal Mode)
- Dimensions (WHD): 27.7 x 19.2 x 7.4 in / 577.0 x 488.0 x 187.0 mm
Input Connections
- Audio In: 1 3.5mm
- HDMI (ver 2.0): 2 (One is HDMI-ARC enabled – Dolby/DTS pass-through to external audio systems)
- USB ver 2.0 : 2
- Ethernet/LAN: 1
Output Connections
- Analog Audio/Digital Coaxial Output: 1 (3.5mm – Switchable via Adapter)
Control
- Wireless Remote Control (no onboard controls except for Power)
- Smartphone control via App
- Wireless Screen Mirroring: This allows direct streaming from compatible smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices.
- Onscreen Menu and Android App Center: The menu provides access to all projector settings while the APP Center allows the installation of streaming and control apps from a selection.
- 3D viewing option: Compatible with 3D Blu-ray and streaming sources. The necessary active 3D glasses require additional purchase.
Supplied Accessories
- X2000B-4K projector
- Quick Start Guide
- Power Cable
- Remote Control with Batteries
- Distance Card
Pricing and Availability
The Viewsonic X2000B-4K Laser UST Smart Projector is priced at $2,899.99 and is available from Viewsonic.
Where the Viewsonic X2000B-4K Fits In
There is an increasing number of 4K UST Laser projectors being offered, ranging from “affordable” to “very expensive”. The Viewsonic fits into the more affordable category with around a $3,000 price point. Its core features and price are comparable to the JMGO U2, XGIMI AURA, and LG UHU715QW that we have reported on.
At 2,000 lumens, the Viewsonic is on the lower side in terms of peak brightness, but not much lower than the 24 to 2500 lumens of its immediate competitors. The Viewsonic, XGIMI, and LG all use a laser-phosphor light engine, whereas the JUMGO U2 incorporates a triple-laser, which is rare in this price range.
All the above projectors include a comparable speaker system, as well as built-in streaming features. The Viewsonic and XGIMI use Android, which is the most commonly used streaming system by UST projectors while the LG uses WebOS. The JMGO incorporates a little-known system referred to as Luna OS.
In terms of screen size the Viewsonic offers up a wider range, going from 65 to 150 inches, but keep in mind that none of the projectors in this price group include a screen in the package.
Our takeaway is that the X2000B-4K is definitely worth considering, not only given the information provided, but Viewsonic’s reputation in both the consumer, educational, and business projector space. Hopefully, we will be able to get one in and test it out and further confirm.
Related reading: Best UST Projectors
