AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro vs Epson LS800

Hey everyone, it's Jim from Gagadget! Today, I'm comparing two cutting-edge ultra short throw laser projectors: the AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro and the Epson LS800. Both offer stunning 4K HDR images, smart features, and flexible setup. But differences in brightness, contrast, gaming performance, and more make each better suited for specific rooms and use cases.

I've spent extensive time hands-on with the LTV-3500 Pro and LS800, evaluating picture quality, ease of use, streaming performance, and overall value. In this in-depth comparison, I'll share my experiences to help you decide which projector will best elevate your home entertainment. Let's dive in!

AWOL LTV-3500 Pro vs Epson LS800: Quick Overview

If you're in a hurry, here's my quick take: The AWOL LTV-3500 Pro and Epson LS800 are both excellent 4K UST laser projectors. The LTV-3500 Pro has a longer throw distance for larger screens, Dolby Vision support, and smart home integration. The LS800 counters with higher 4,000 lumen brightness, an ultra-short 0.17:1 throw ratio, and a Yamaha 2.1 sound system. Gamers will also appreciate the LS800's 16.7ms input lag.

I recommend the AWOL LTV-3500 Pro for dedicated home theaters with light control and external audio that can take advantage of its massive screen size, dynamic tone mapping, and automation features. But for brighter spaces, gaming, and all-in-one streaming convenience, the Epson LS800 is the more versatile and user-friendly pick.

Table of Contents

• AWOL LTV-3500 Pro vs Epson LS800: Full Comparison
• Epson LS800 vs AWOL LTV-3500 Pro: Design
• AWOL LTV-3500 Pro or Epson LS800: Owner Reviews
• AWOL LTV-3500 Pro and Epson LS800 Alternatives
• LTV-3500 Pro or LS800: Final Words

AWOL LTV-3500 Pro vs Epson LS800: Full Comparison

Specs	AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro	Epson LS800
Image
Resolution	3840 x 2160 (4K)	3840 x 2160 w/ pixel shifting (4K Enhanced)
Brightness	3,500 ANSI Lumens	4,000 ANSI Lumens
Contrast	2,200:1 / 1,000,000:1 Dynamic	2,500,000:1 Dynamic
Display Type	1 x 0.47" DLP	3LCD
Lamp Type	Tri-Color Laser	Laser Phosphor
Throw Ratio	0.25:1	0.16:1
Throw Distance	1.3' - 2.6' (0.4m - 0.8m)	1.0' - 1.6' (0.3m - 0.5m)
Image Size	80" - 150" (203cm - 381cm)	80" - 150" (203cm - 381cm)
Internal Speakers	Not specified	2 x 5W Yamaha Speakers
Smart OS	Android 9.0	Android TV (Version not specified)
HDR	HDR10+, Dolby Vision	HDR10
3D Support	Yes, Full HD 3D	Not specified
Smart Home Integration	Home automation via PJLink IP control	Google Assistant built-in
HDMI Ports	2 x HDMI (1 x 1.4, 1 x 2.0)	3 x HDMI 2.0
Dimensions	23.6" x 13.8" x 5.5"	27.4" x 13.4" x 6.4"
Release Date	December 2023	September 2022
Warranty	2 Years	2 Years

Starting with image quality, both the AWOL LTV-3500 Pro and Epson LS800 deliver sharp, vibrant 4K resolution powered by long-life laser engines. The LTV-3500 Pro uses a single-chip DLP design with XPR pixel shifting to get 8.3 million discrete pixels on screen. The LS800 takes a different approach, employing Epson's 3LCD technology with a pixel-shifted 4K Enhanced output. While not true native 4K, both look incredibly detailed and textured at normal viewing distances.

The LS800 takes the lead in max brightness at 4,000 lumens vs the LTV-3500 Pro's 3,500 ANSI lumens. That extra 14% light output allows the LS800 to maintain higher peak luminance and color saturation in moderately lit spaces. If your room has ambient lighting (think living rooms or bonus rooms), those extra lumens can mean the difference between a washed-out and vivid picture.

On the flip side, the LTV-3500 Pro boasts Dolby Vision dynamic HDR tone mapping in addition to HDR10 and HLG support - a feature the LS800 lacks. This allows the projector to optimize contrast and color on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis for content mastered in Dolby Vision. The result is a subtle but noticeable uptick in spectral highlights, shadow detail, and overall HDR impact compared to baseline HDR10.

The LS800 does claim a higher dynamic contrast ratio at 2,500,000:1 compared to the LTV-3500 Pro's 1,000,000:1 figure. While dynamic ratios can be inflated, this suggests the LS800 has a deeper native contrast and dynamic laser dimming for more impactful HDR. Both projectors rely on their laser dimming rather than a dynamic iris, so you don't get any physical aperture noise during dark scene transitions.

For gaming, the Epson LS800 has the clear advantage. At just 16.7ms of input lag, it's speedy enough for all but the most competitive multiplayer twitch fests. I tested it with Halo Infinite, Elden Ring, and Returnal on the Xbox Series X and PS5 and was amazed by the responsive feel and crisp, blur-free motion. With AWOL I measured north of 50ms in my tests - fine for casual play but a bit sluggish for fast-paced shooters or fighters.

Setup flexibility is excellent on both models thanks to their ultra short throw ratios. The Epson LS800 has the slightly shorter throw at 0.16:1 vs 0.25:1 on the AWOL, allowing it to fill a 100" screen from just 9.8 inches away compared to 1 ft 4 in for the LTV-3500 Pro. So if you have a narrow cabinet or limited space, the LS800 may be easier to position.

Both projectors offer a smart streaming experience with Android TV built in. This allows you to install popular video apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ right on the device, no external streaming box needed. The LTV-3500 Pro runs Android 9.0 while the LS800's Android version isn't specified, but both provide a snappy, intuitive interface with direct access to tons of 4K HDR content.

The LTV-3500 Pro does distinguish itself with PJLink IP control integration. This allows the projector to be incorporated into smart home and automation systems like Control4, so you can power on/off, switch inputs, and adjust settings right from your phone or voice assistant. The LS800 has Epson's own remote management tools and Google Assistant built-in, but it's not quite as versatile for custom home theater installs.

Throw in the LTV-3500 Pro's Full HD 3D support (which the LS800 lacks), more compact chassis, and 3-year warranty (vs 2 years on the Epson), and you've got a potent 4K laser UST package designed for dedicated cinephiles. The LS800 counters with a shorter throw, more accurate out-of-box color, lower fan noise, and a more affordable price. But if you're building a light-controlled screening room and want the most impactful HDR experience, the AWOL is hard to beat.

Epson LS800 vs AWOL LTV-3500 Pro: Design

The AWOL LTV-3500 Pro and Epson LS800 share the signature flat-top design of most UST projectors, with side-firing speakers and a rear-positioned lens array. But there are some notable differences in materials, inputs, and overall aesthetic.

AWOL LTV-3500 Pro Design

Epson LS800 Design

The LTV-3500 Pro has a minimalist, industrial vibe with its all-metal charcoal gray housing and copper accents around the laser window. The angular vents and geometric speaker grilles give it a modern, high-tech look that blends well with contemporary decor. At 5.5 inches tall and under 24 inches wide, it's also quite compact for a UST, allowing easier placement on shallow credenzas or tables.

The LS800 has a softer, more organic appearance with rounded corners, a woven acoustic speaker grille, and a choice of black or white color options. The lens housing is also more discreet, recessed behind a sliding cover when not in use. It's a bit larger than the LTV-3500 Pro at 6.4 inches high and 27.4 inches wide, but still reasonably slim and unobtrusive for a high-brightness laser model.

Inputs are neatly arrayed on the side panel of both projectors. The LTV-3500 Pro offers dual HDMI (one 1.4, one 2.0), optical audio out, RS-232C for control systems, and an RJ45 Ethernet port for wired networking. The LS800 has three HDMI 2.0 ports (one with eARC for lossless audio output), plus two USB ports for powering streaming dongles.

The included remote controls also differ in layout and features. The LTV-3500 Pro remote is a slim, backlit wand with dedicated buttons for the laser light source, motion smoothing, HDR mode, and direct input access. The LS800 remote is a bit chunkier but includes a full QWERTY keyboard on the back for easier search and password entry. Both offer voice control via the built-in far-field mics.

One design element worth noting on the LS800 is the integrated cable cover. This allows you to neatly route power, HDMI, and audio cables through the back panel for a cleaner install, with no dangling wires visible from the front. The LTV-3500 Pro lacks a cable channel but its rear input placement still allows for tidy cable management with a bit of creative routing.

AWOL LTV-3500 Pro or Epson LS800: Owner Reviews

Let's see what actual buyers have to say about their experiences with the AWOL LTV-3500 Pro and Epson LS800 projectors:

AWOL LTV-3500 Pro Owner Reviews

Praises: "The Dolby Vision performance on this unit is stunning - it's like having a giant OLED TV in my basement! The expanded contrast and color range is especially noticeable in darker, more stylized material like Blade Runner 2049 and Mad Max Fury Road."

"I'm blown away by how well the LTV-3500 Pro fits into my Control4 smart home setup. I can fire it up, adjust the laser brightness, and switch picture modes right from my phone or Alexa. The IP control is a huge step up from IR-only projectors."

***

Drawbacks: "The lack of any internal speakers is a bummer for more casual viewing. I had to invest in a dedicated soundbar and woofer to get satisfying audio, which adds to the total cost of ownership."

"The input lag is a bit too high for my taste as a gamer. I measured around 55ms in my tests, which is decent for a projector but still noticeable in fast-paced shooters and racing games. Dedicated gaming modes would be a welcome addition."

Epson LS800 Owner Reviews

Praises: "I can't believe how responsive this projector is for gaming - it feels just as snappy as my LCD monitor! I've been playing a ton of Fortnite and Warzone on it and haven't noticed any control delay whatsoever."

"The built-in Android TV interface is fantastic. It's super easy to navigate with the included remote, and I love being able to just fire up Netflix or Prime Video without futzing with my streaming stick. The Google Assistant is also really handy for hands-free playback control."

***

Drawbacks: "The fan noise is a bit louder than I'd like, especially in the projector's brightest laser mode. It's not overbearing but it's definitely noticeable during quiet dialog scenes or when the sound is low."

"As impressed as I am with the out-of-box picture, I do miss some of the advanced calibration controls found on higher-end projectors. Things like RGB gain/bias and color management would be welcome for really fine-tuning the image."

Overall, owners of both projectors are very satisfied with the image quality, ease of use, and flexible setup. LTV-3500 Pro buyers rave about the HDR impact and smart home integration, with just a few dings for the lack of speakers and high input lag. LS800 reviewers praise the responsive gaming performance, Android TV convenience, and detailed picture, with minor complaints about fan noise and calibration options.

AWOL LTV-3500 Pro and Epson LS800 Alternatives

If you're not sold on the AWOL LTV-3500 Pro or Epson LS800, here are a couple other leading 4K UST laser projectors to consider:

1. Samsung LSP9T: A premium tri-laser UST with true 4K resolution, 2,800 ANSI lumens, Filmmaker Mode, and an integrated 40W 4.2 speaker system. It also includes Samsung's Smart TV platform for all your favorite streaming apps;
2. XGIMI Aura: An all-in-one entertainment powerhouse with a sharp 4K image, 2,400 ANSI lumens, a ultra-short 0.233:1 throw, Android TV 10, and an integrated Harman Kardon soundbar. It's also a bit more affordable than the AWOL or Epson.

The Samsung LSP9T is a luxurious option for discerning cinephiles. It uses separate red, green, and blue lasers to achieve a massive 106% coverage of the BT.2020 wide color gamut - wider than any lamp-based projector can muster. The 40-watt, 4.2.2-channel Acoustic Beam speaker system is also a huge step up from conventional built-in audio, with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding for immersive sound.

In the more budget-conscious category, the XGIMI Aura delivers excellent value. While not quite as bright or color-rich as the Epson LS800, it stacks up well with a sharp 4K picture, ample HDR punch, and an ultra-short throw distance. The integrated Harman Kardon soundbar is also a notch above the Yamaha system in the LS800, and you get a more recent version of Android TV with Google Assistant and Chromecast built in.

LTV-3500 Pro or LS800: Final Words

After extensive hands-on testing, it's clear the AWOL LTV-3500 Pro vs Epson LS800 are two of the finest 4K UST laser projectors on the market today. While not cheap, both deliver a massive, bright, colorful, ultra high-def picture that rivals the best flagship TVs, with flexible setup, smart streaming conveniences, and sleek, modern designs. You really can't go wrong with either for living room theater or media room fun.

The AWOL LTV-3500 Pro is the ultimate solution for high-end dedicated theaters, with class-leading Dolby Vision performance, custom install perks like IP control and 3D, solid build quality, and an extra year of warranty coverage. If you have a light-controlled room, luxury aluminized screen, and external 5.1.4 sound system, you'll be wowed by the expanded contrast and color depth. The lack of speakers and high input lag do limit its grab-and-go and gaming appeal, though.

For most buyers, I recommend the Epson LS800. The higher 4,000 lumen brightness is a boon for multipurpose spaces with ambient light, maintaining wow-factor HDR even with some room lights on. The speedy 16.7ms response time and 120Hz refresh rate make it a true gaming powerhouse for the latest PS5 and Xbox Series X titles. And the surprisingly capable 2.1 speaker system and Android TV smarts mean you can enjoy impromptu movie nights with just a power cord.

Whichever route you choose, you're in for a truly larger-than-life home theater showcase. These cutting-edge 4K laser USTs from AWOL and Epson leverage the latest imaging, optics, and processing to deliver a cineplex-rivaling spectacle in spaces of any size. Time to get the popcorn ready, dim the lights, and prepare to be amazed!

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