A high-end projector can make your humble home theater into a spectacular gathering spot for friends and family. Choosing a projector that is easy to set up and provides outstanding image quality even in less than ideal conditions is a challenge particularly when a top-quality brand has numerous offerings that all provide excellent image quality.
A great example is the LG Cinebeam HU715Q vs HU85LA. Both are high-end products with excellent resolution and similar technology, making it difficult to choose between the two. The HU85LA has a few features that make it an excellent choice, but we have found that most people will be more satisfied with the experience they get from the LG Cinebeam HU715Q (>>> Check on Amazon).
LG Cinebeam HU715Q vs HU85LA Specifications:
| LG Cinebeam HU715Q | LG Cinebeam HU85LA | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Resolution | 3840x2160 | 3840x2160 |
| Contrast Ratio | 2,000,000:1 | 2,000,000:1 |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 2,500 ANSI | 2,700 ANSI |
| Throw Distance | 1.3' - 1.9' | 1.3' - 1.7' |
| Screen size | 80" - 120" | 90" - 120" |
| Internal Speakers | 20.0 Watts × 2 | 5.0 Watts × 2 |
| Price | Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com Bhphotovideo.com | Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com Bhphotovideo.com |
The first thing you’ll notice about these two projectors is how similar they appear. Both use a soft white body with a gray fabric front panel. They are similar in size as well with the HU85LA coming in just about an inch larger in all dimensions. Both designs are modern, sleek, and look fantastic.
Resolution
Both the LG Cinebeam HU715Q and HU85LA boast 4k resolution with a native 3840×2160 screen resolution. This gives you a clear image and vibrant details. Both projectors feature a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio to improve the depth of black colors. Pixel-shift technology allows both projectors to provide smooth, stutter-free images even when you are watching action movies and playing video games.
The primary difference between these two projectors is the use of a true three laser system on the HU85LA against a laser and color wheel system that is used on the HU715Q. In theory, the HU85LA will provide more bright and vivid colors with less artifacts visible.
Winner: LG Cinebeam HU85LA
Ultra-Short Throw Capabilities
LG lists both projectors as ultra-short throw projectors, meaning that you can place the projector very close to the screen. This design makes it easy for you to get a large screen size even in smaller spaces like apartments.
The LG Cinebeam HU715Q lists a throw ratio of 0.22:1 ratio that provides a 100” screen from only 8.5-inches from the screen. The LG HU85LA offers a slightly shorter 0.19:1 ratio that gives you a 100” screen from just 7.2-inches away.
Winner: Cinebeam HU85LA
Screen Adjustment
One of the biggest challenges of any short throw projector is properly aligning the image on the screen. Both projectors have features for alignment, but the LG Cinebeam HU715Q has more options for pinpointing the alignment. It offers 4-, 9-, and 15-point warping and digital keystone correction features that make alignment simple. The HU85LA offers only 12-point warping which can make alignment difficult, particularly when the throw of the projector is so short. Minute movements have major effects on the image.
Winner: LG Cinebeam HU715Q
Connectivity
A projector is a great purchase, but you’ll want to have the ability to connect various devices like Blu-Ray players, cable boxes, and video game consoles. The LG Cinebeam HU715Q offers three HDMI ports and two USB ports to make it a snap to connect your favorite devices with ease. The HU85LA offers only two HDMI ports and two USB ports. The additional HDMI ports on the HU715Q make it more functional for larger and more complex systems.
Winner: LG Cinebeam HU715Q
Audio Performance
Nothing ruins a great cinema experience quicker than having a big, bright image but sound you can’t hear. While it is possible to incorporate your projector into a more complex home theater audio system, most people will count on the built-in speakers to provide ample audio.
The LG Cinebeam HU715Q features dual 20 watt speakers with a built-in subwoofer to provide ample audio playback with rich, deep sound. The HU85A uses dual 5 watt speakers and no subwoofer, making it practically necessary to add an audio-video receiver to generate the level of sound quality you crave.
Winner: LG Cinebeam HU715Q
Why We Picked One Over the Other
On paper, the LG Cinebeam HU85A has a list of specs that make it seem like a top-end product. Where it falls short is on the useability side of things. Setting the projector up is particularly challenging due to the lack of fine adjustment for screen angle. While the ultra short throw lens makes for a compact system, there isn’t enough difference between the two projectors to make up for the lack of tuning.
There is very little practical difference in the way these two projectors offer images. Since both have the identical pixel shifting technology to create a 4k image, the primary difference comes down to the laser system. Admittedly, the HU85A offers a great image, but when put side-by-side, there simply is very little difference in resolution, vibrancy, and contrast.
The other aspect that makes us like the HU715Q over the HU85A is the additional HDMI port. This lets you connect more devices simultaneously and makes it easy to expand your home theater system. Find a comparison of the newer generation LG projectors: LG HU915QE vs HU915QB
Product Reviews
LG Cinebeam HU715Q
The LG Cinebeam HU715Q offers a 4k image resolution using a 2k chip and pixel shifting technology that creates an artificial 4k environment. Coupled with a high contrast ratio and outstanding brightness, the HU715Q makes for a fantastic home theater option. For our more detailed review of LG Cinebeam HU715Q, click here.
Pros
- Bright and clear image with plenty of options for screen alignment
- Ideal for connecting into your advanced home theater system
Cons
- Some quality control issues reported along with units that may ship with missing components
LG Cinebeam HU85LA
The LG Cinebeam HU85LA offers high-end technology and a fantastic resolution and contrast. The advanced laser imaging system ensures a crisp and clear picture even in less-than-ideal scenarios. The short throw projection is ideal for small spaces when you want a large screen with a great picture.
Pros
- Excellent image quality that creates a believable 4k resolution
- Excellent advanced tech for playing digital files via streaming services
Cons
- Not as easy to set up as some products
- Lacks connectivity options that other devices have
Conclusion
Some of the tech that is incorporated in the HU85A makes it seem like this would be the hands-down winner between the two, however when they are side-by-side, there is little difference. Given the cost of the two units, the HU715Q comes out on top. It offers better speakers, easier setup, and an image quality that is ideal for most home theater options (>>> Find on Projectorscreen).