The HU70LA is a 4K DLP projector that retails for $1,799. It utilizes a single DLP (0.47” DMD) chip to reproduce 4K UHD resolution (3,840 x 2,160). The HU70LA’s 4ch LED light engine is rated to deliver at 1,500 lumens for up to 30,000 hours.
Unlike most LED or Laser DLP projectors, the LG HU70LA does not have a spinning phosphor color wheel. It uses four LEDs to generate red, green and blue, with an addition of the fourth LED to boost brightness, contrast, and generate more vivid colors.
The HU70LA is one of LG’s CineBeam series of projectors which are the Smartest projectors available on the market today. Most other Smart projectors just utilize the widely available Android TV operating system to add popular entertainment apps usually via Android TV HDMI Dongle. LG has equipped the HU70LA with the same ThinQ AI webOS that is offered in their lineup of Smart flat panel TVs. Since the HU70LA was built around LG’s UI, which was developed over several years and is utilized in millions of LG TVs worldwide, the Smart features are incorporated seamlessly, the menus are easy to navigate, and well laid out.
The HU70LA is loaded with all the popular streaming apps like Netflix, HULU, YouTube and Disney+. Looking for access to local broadcast channels with a 3rd party set top box, the HU70LA also has a built-in digital tuner. There is even a built-in web browser.
Also, the HU70LA is the first projector I have ever used or reviewed that included HDMI eARC (audio return channel) which delivers the highest quality immersive sound for the projector’s internal streaming services. You can also wirelessly stream audio via Bluetooth to an external speaker or sound system.
Since the HUL70LA was designed to be a replacement to a Smart flat panel TV, it has all the Smart feature customers have come to expect from a smart TV like voice control. You can use the Smart remote, which has a built-in microphone to not only control basic projector features but also control a wide variety of compatible Smart devices via Google Assistant.
Not only does the HU70LA have a ton of Smart entertainment features, since it utilizes LG’s ThinQ AI webOS it also has Smart video processing to optimize picture quality of HDR content and the projector’s AUTO TONE MAPPING feature. Unlike most HDR compatible projectors in the HU70LA’s price point, I rarely felt the need to make any manual tone mapping adjustments during HDR viewing.
Combine the HU70LA with a good portable screen like an Elite Screen ezCinema or a Screen Innovations Solo to create a great 85” TV replacement which can easily be tucked away when not in use.
Great picture, smart features, and low maintenance make the HU70LA a compelling alternative to a large flat panel TV especially in room where space is at a premium. In fact, I am personally considering this solution for my master bedroom.
