Action RPG

Awol LTV-3500 Pro Review: You’ll Never Game On A Lousy Old TV Again

BBG News

I have a strong affection for movies played on enormous cinema screens. Ever since my high school days, I’ve been visiting the theater at least once a week, and I’m consistently amazed by the sheer size of those screens. Just like that cheesy opening every movie has featuring Nicole Kidman discussing the brilliant lights on a gleaming silver screen, she couldn’t be more accurate. It might sound silly, but emotions like heartbreak truly resonate in such an environment.

During my time at film school, we had an available screening room where students could reserve for the afternoon sessions. I often seized this opportunity, hosting weekly screenings of Indonesian martial arts films and Humphrey Bogart detective movies, inviting all my classmates to watch these favorites on a massive 50-foot screen. It was a delightful experience, but it wasn’t until I realized the simplicity of connecting my PS3 to the projector that I developed an unbridled passion. I completed Bioshock Infinite from start to finish on a movie theater screen, and the exhilarating encounter left me questioning if I had ever enjoyed playing any game as much since then.

When in film school, I frequently rented out the screening room to watch movies with my classmates. My favorite picks were Indonesian martial arts films and Humphrey Bogart detective movies on a 50-foot screen. However, it was only when I found it easy to connect my PS3 to the projector that I became truly obsessed. Playing Bioshock Infinite from start to finish on a movie theater screen was an incredible experience, and I’m not sure if I’ve enjoyed any game as much since then.

Awol Brings The Movie Theater Experience Home

For quite some time, I’ve dreamt about owning a personal projector, but it always appeared impractical for me. Typically, only wealthy individuals with home theaters in their grand estates can afford projectors, while those of us in my situation are left with the hand-me-down, outdated 42″ Insignia models without remotes. My living space is limited, I lack the financial resources, and I’m not well-versed enough in technology to correctly set up a gaming projector.

For quite some time, I put the notion aside. However, when Awol contacted me with a chance to evaluate the LTV-3500 Pro, a 4K laser projector designed for gaming, I hesitated not to accept. Despite my doubts about fitting it into my two-bedroom condo, I couldn’t resist. To my delight, this projector turned my home theater vision into reality. Moreover, after experiencing Monster Hunter on it, I doubt I can enjoy games in any other way again.

It seems I had a number of misunderstandings regarding projectors, assuming they were complex and fragile devices that must be ceiling-mounted at an exact distance from the screen. However, configuring the LTV-3500 was surprisingly straightforward. This device, contrary to my expectations, emerges from its packaging ready to function, requiring no installation in a specific location; it projects directly onto your screen from the floor.

Although I wasn’t concerned about the projector itself, it was indeed the screen that gave me concern. Awol provided me with one of their 100” ALR screens, and prior to its arrival, I was uncertain where to install it. To my surprise, there was no installation required. This motorized floor-rising screen is enclosed within a long, rectangular box that rests on the floor. When I power on the projector, the screen ascends from the box automatically, all set and ready to use. I positioned the entire setup in front of my office closet, so it obstructs the doors only during viewing, but when the projector is turned off, it doesn’t pose much of an issue at all.

Setting up the projector was generally smooth, but the tricky part was achieving a precise alignment between the projector and the screen. The projector seemed sensitive and disliked being disturbed or touched, making minor adjustments quite frustrating. It would flash a warning message when I came too close and shut off when I touched it. To get it right, I had to repeatedly turn the device on, wait for the screen to rise up, and make tiny adjustments. This process took about thirty minutes. Even after getting it in position, it still occasionally displayed a warning if my cats got too near it.

The part of setting up the projector that was a bit annoying was aligning it with the screen perfectly due to its sensitivity and dislike for being touched or disturbed. Fine-tuning adjustments were frustrating as I had to turn the projector on and off multiple times, wait for the screen to rise, and make small changes in position. This process took around 30 minutes. Despite getting it positioned correctly, it occasionally displayed a warning when my cats approached it too closely.)

The projector includes a manual key tone for adjustments. To make things simpler, you can extend the image beyond the screen by pulling the key back, and then fine-tune it to fit perfectly within the screen’s boundaries using the settings.

You’ve Never Seen Your Games Like This Before

A common misunderstanding I once held about projectors was that they struggle to perform effectively during the day. However, the LTV-3500 model has demonstrated this isn’t always the case. Equipped with 3000 ISO Lumens and a screen material that only appears when light is shone upon it (even black in darkness), the image remains nearly as vibrant and clear with lights on and blinds open, as it does in a pitch-black room. I’ve found no issue enjoying movies or gaming during daylight hours, and unlike my OLED TV, there are no bothersome glare problems to deal with either.

The projector doesn’t have built-in smart capabilities, but it includes an Amazon Fire Stick 4K that can be tucked away in a concealed compartment on the back and covered for a clean look. It boasts Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to download updates and pair it with wireless headphones. Additionally, it’s compatible with Dolby Vision and HDR10+, ensuring top-notch picture quality. Interestingly, I find the color precision of this projector to be on par or even superior to my 55″ LG OLED TV.

Playing video games on my PS5 feels more incredible than watching movies at home, as it offers a completely new kind of experience. Compared to my home theater setup, experiencing a movie premiere at an AMC Dolby Cinema can’t be beat; however, gaming on the PS5 makes me feel like I’ve stepped into the future. Games like Astro Bot in 4K 60fps on a massive 100-inch screen leave me awestruck, and it’s amazing that I don’t have to sacrifice picture quality for this immersive experience.

The projector’s input lag is 15ms in 4K at 60Hz, but it can be lowered significantly to 8ms when switched to 1080p at 120Hz Turbo Mode for gaming. Although my eyes can’t discern differences of around 7ms, this feature is available if you require the minimum possible lag in your gaming experience.

Keeping 3D Alive

Alongside the projector, you’ll find active 3D glasses included. I decided to explore the world of 3D content since it’s not commonly found in modern TV broadcasts or production over the past decade. Consequently, there isn’t a vast amount of 3D content available. To utilize the 3D capabilities of the projector, you’ll require a source that supports 3D and 3D content itself. Unfortunately, the Fire Stick bundled with the projector does not offer 3D compatibility.

I discovered that the PS4 has 3D capabilities (unlike the PS5), so I unearthed my old Batman: Arkham Knight edition PlayStation 4 and inserted the single 3D Blu-Ray disc I own, Alita: Battle Angel. Activating 3D was straightforward with just a few adjustments in the project settings, and it functioned perfectly. It’s quite fascinating to view 3D movies on this projector, although I see it more as an added perk rather than a significant advantage due to the limited amount of 3D content available. I plan to utilize it for my regular Avatar rewatch, but not much else.

You’ll Never Go Back To Regular Screens

My main observation is that the audio isn’t exceptional; it can get quite loud, but the dialogue lacks depth and seems echoey. However, I’ve noticed this issue with every TV I’ve had in the past. If you decide to invest in a setup like this, I highly recommend adding a surround sound system or even a basic sound bar to your purchase. These additions will significantly enhance your viewing experience.

I’m utterly impressed by the LTV-3500! It delivers everything I dreamed of in a projector and then some. The projection size can vary between 80-150 inches, making it suitable for any living space where you can relish watching movies and playing games at home. Setting it up is a breeze, and the best part? It’s non-permanent, ideal for someone like me who rents their dwelling. I can’t help but rave about it; just be cautious, as once you experience gaming on this projector, you might find it hard to go back to traditional methods.

Visit Awol’s official site for a look at their variety of projector and screen packages. Meanwhile, you can find the LTV-3500 Pro over on Amazon as well.

Read More

2025-03-01 11:35

Previous post Miranda Lambert Claps Back at Body Shamers Over ‘Unattractive’ Outfit
Next post Revealed: The Secret Location to Catch the Elusive Goldenfish in Monster Hunter Wilds!