LG HU85LA Review

Hey guys! Jim from gg here, and I'm seriously stoked to tell you about this crazy awesome projector I've been messing around with. It's LG's new ultra-short throw beast, the HU85LA CineBeam, and trust me, it's something else.

Look, I've been obsessed with home theater gear for ages, and I thought I'd seen it all. But this thing? It's got me feeling like a kid on Christmas morning. I've had it set up in my living room for the past few weeks, and I've thrown everything at it - from lazy Sunday Netflix binges to intense gaming nights with the boys.

No joke, this beast is a total game-changer if you want that epic movie theater vibe without turning your whole house into an IMAX.

Alright, enough build-up - let's dive into why the HU85LA has got me so hyped. Grab some popcorn, dim those lights, and let's get into it!

Table of Contents:

• LG HU85LA: Key Specifications
• Design and Build Quality
• Unboxing and Setup Experience
• Picture Quality Analysis
• Smart Features and Connectivity
• Audio Performance
• Gaming Performance
• What Users Are Saying
• Alternative Models to Consider

LG HU85LA: Key Specifications

Alright, let's kick things off with a look at what makes this bad boy tick. Here are the specs that really matter:

Now, let me break this down for you. The LG HU85LA is packing some serious heat. As indicated by my tests, that 3-channel laser system paired with 4K DLP tech? It's not just marketing fluff - this thing pumps out images sharper than my wife's opinion on my gadget-buying habits.

The 2700 ANSI lumens might not sound like much if you're used to seeing 3000+ on standard projectors, but trust me, in the world of laser projectors, this is bright. I've had this running in my living room with the curtains open, and the picture still pops.

But here's the real kicker - that 0.19:1 throw ratio. In English? You can park this baby just 7.2 inches from your wall and still get a massive 120" picture. It's a total game-changer if you're tight on space or just don't want a projector hanging from your ceiling.

Design and Build Quality

Alright, let's talk looks. LG didn't just make a projector here; they made a conversation piece. This thing could easily pass for some high-end soundbar or modern art installation. It's sleek, it's white, and it's got curves in all the right places.

Now, I won't lie to you - at 27 pounds, this isn't something you'll be moving around every day. But that heft translates to quality. This feels like a premium piece of kit, not some flimsy plastic toy.

The ports are all neatly tucked away in the back, and the top has some subtle touch controls if you misplace the remote (which, let's be honest, happens to the best of us). But my favorite design touch? The recessed lens on top. It's protected from dust and wayward fingers, which is crucial for something that'll likely live on your TV stand.

Unboxing and Setup Experience

Setting up the HU85LA is easier than explaining to your significant other why you need another tech gadget. Here's the quick and dirty:

1. Unbox it (carefully - this thing's heavy)
2. Place it near your wall (remember, 7.2 inches for a 120" screen)
3. Plug it in and connect your sources
4. Turn it on and follow the on-screen prompts
5. Use the 12-point alignment system to perfect the image

The auto-focus works like a charm, and that 12-point alignment system? It's a lifesaver. No more fiddling with keystone adjustments or physically moving the projector millimeter by millimeter. Just a few clicks, and you're good to go.

Picture Quality Analysis

Now for the main event - picture quality. Based on my firsthand experience, the LG HU85LA is a knockout. The 4K resolution combined with that triple laser system? It's like looking through a window, but better.

Colors are vibrant without being oversaturated, and the HDR10 support really makes a difference. I rewatched some scenes from "Dune," and I swear I could count the grains of sand. The brightness is impressive too - even with some ambient light, the image holds up well.

If I had to nitpick (and as a tech reviewer, it's kind of my job), I'd say the black levels aren't quite OLED-deep. But for a projector? It's impressive stuff. You're not going to mistake this for a black hole, but it's deep enough that you won't be distracted during dark scenes.

Smart Features and Connectivity

LG didn't skimp on the brains of this operation. The HU85LA runs on webOS Lite, which is basically like having a smart TV built right in. Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ - they're all here, no extra streaming stick required.

Connectivity-wise, you're spoiled for choice:

• 2 HDMI ports for your cable box, game console, or whatever else you want to plug in
• 2 USB ports for hard drives or powering streaming sticks
• A USB-C port, which is great for newer devices
• Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, because options are good

And let's not forget about Alexa and Google Assistant support. I've been turning this thing on and off with my voice like I'm some kind of techno-wizard. It's probably not helping my delusions of grandeur, but it sure is convenient.

Audio Performance

Look, I'll be straight with you - the built-in speakers aren't going to replace a good soundbar or surround sound system. But for built-in projector audio? They're surprisingly decent.

The 5W + 5W stereo setup gets reasonably loud and clear. Dialogue comes through crisp, and there's even a hint of bass. For casual TV watching or the odd YouTube video, they'll do the job.

That said, if you're dropping this kind of cash on a projector, do yourself a favor and pair it with a good audio system. Your ears will thank you, and your neighbors... well, they might not, but that's their problem.

Gaming Performance

Alright, fellow button-mashers, listen up. The HU85LA isn't marketed as a gaming projector, but it holds its own pretty well.

Input lag is around 50-60ms in Game Mode. Is it going to satisfy the hardcore competitive crowd? Probably not. But for most of us casual gamers? It's perfectly fine. I've been playing "God of War Ragnarök" on this thing, and let me tell you, seeing Kratos's beard in 120" glory is something else.

The Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) is a nice touch - it switches to Game Mode automatically when you fire up your console. And while it doesn't support 4K/120Hz, the 4K/60Hz gameplay looks smooth and gorgeous.

LG HU85LA: Owner Reviews

Don't just take my word for it. Here's what some other HU85LA owners have to say:

"This projector turned my living room into a home theater. The picture is insane, and I don't even need to black out my windows!"

***

"Setup was a breeze. I was worried about alignment, but the 12-point system made it easy. Watching movies on this is like being in a cinema."

***

"It's pricey, but worth every penny. The smart features are great, and the image quality is top-notch. Just wish it had a bit more bass in the speakers."

***

"Gaming on this is awesome. Sure, it's not as fast as my monitor, but playing on a massive screen makes up for it. Just don't tell my teammates I'm not using a 'proper' gaming display!"

The consensus? Most owners are thrilled with their purchase. The ease of setup, image quality, and convenience of the smart features are frequent praise points. The main gripes seem to be the price (it's not cheap, folks) and the built-in audio, which some find lacking for the price point.

LG HU85LA Alternatives

If you're not completely sold on the LG HU85LA, here are a couple of other well-regarded 4K ultra-short throw laser projectors to consider:

1. Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800: This 4K UST projector offers an impressive 4,000 lumens brightness and a 0.16:1 throw ratio. It features Android TV and works great in bright rooms.
2. XGIMI Aura 4K UHD: A more budget-friendly option that still offers 4K resolution, 2400 lumens brightness, and a built-in Harman Kardon sound system.

The Epson LS800 is a strong contender if you're looking for higher brightness and don't mind a slightly different smart platform. It's particularly well-suited for rooms with lots of ambient light.

For those willing to sacrifice some brightness and a few premium features for cost savings, the XGIMI Aura is worth a look. It offers excellent overall value with its built-in sound system and Android TV interface, though it may not match the LG's image processing capabilities.

Final Words: Is the LG HU85LA Right for You?

Alright, let's wrap this up. After weeks of testing (and probably too many movie marathons), here's my take: The LG HU85LA is a beast of a projector that delivers on its promises.

If you're after a cinema-like experience without dedicating an entire room to it, this projector delivers in spades. The ultra-short throw design is a game-changer for small spaces, and the image quality will make your jaw drop.

That said, it's not for everyone. If you're a hardcore gamer needing the lowest possible input lag, or if you're on a tight budget, you might want to look elsewhere.

But if you've got the cash and want a versatile, high-performance projector that can be the heart of your home entertainment system, the LG HU85LA is hard to beat. It's a premium product with a premium price tag, but in my book, it's worth every penny.

As always, if you can, try to see it in action before you buy. There's nothing like seeing a 120" picture in person to really appreciate what this bad boy can do.

That's all from me, folks. Thanks for reading, and happy projecting! Got questions? Drop 'em in the comments below. I'm always up for a good tech chat!

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