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The LG CineBeam S is an ultra-short-throw projector boasting an Ultra HD 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, powered by a triple RGB laser technology for dynamic imaging and high color fidelity. This model is capable of projecting a 100-inch image from less than 40 cm away from the wall, thanks to its ultra-short ratio of 0.25, making it ideally suited for small spaces.
LG highlights the flexibility of this device, designed for both occasional use and permanent display in a living room. Indeed, its compact footprint – merely 1.9 kg and with dimensions of 16 x 16 x 11 cm – makes it one of the most portable projectors in its class.
Its direct competitors include the Thomson Sirius, Optoma Photon Go (both very similar models), Acer PD1520Us, and Samsung The Premiere 5, which offer Full HD images, each employing either LED or laser projection technologies.
To assist with installation, the projector includes automatic keystone correction and focus, intelligent adjustments based on wall color, and for video: HDR10 compatibility and Filmmaker mode on board. Also noteworthy is the ability to stream wirelessly via AirPlay 2, Miracast, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi, not to mention the onboard Dolby Atmos audio and native access to all streaming platforms through webOS24.
With brightness peaking at 500 ANSI lumens, the CineBeam S performs best in dim or dark rooms – it is not really suited for those looking for a universal solution to combat ambient light, like some larger, more powerful models. However, it excels in blending image quality, mobility, modern interface, and minimal footprint, a challenge it meets among mini-projectors currently on the market.
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LG CineBeam STechnical Specifications
| Model | LG CineBeam S |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 110 mm x 160 mm x 160 mm |
| Maximum Resolution | 3840 x 2160 pixels |
| Screen Size | 100 inches |
| HDR Compatible | HDR10 |
| HDMI Ports | 1 |
| Surround Compatible | Dolby Atmos |
| Number of Speakers | 2 |
| Speaker Power | 8 watts |
| Audio Output | Speakers |
| Operating System (OS) | webOS |
| Product Sheet |
Test Conditions
The LG CineBeam S projector we tested was loaned to us by the brand. It was evaluated in conjunction with a Lumene Movie Palace UHD Platinum 300C screen, specifically designed for home cinema projectors. Measurements were taken using professional equipment directly in front of the screen to minimize errors and provide values that reflect what the viewer can actually see. This protocol is identical for all ultra-short-throw projector tests to allow for comparison.
LG CineBeam SDesign, Embracing Minimalism
In terms of design, the LG CineBeam S opts for pure minimalism, moving away from the bulky projectors while maintaining a discreet premium identity. Its chassis, with a particularly meticulous silver metallic finish, blends seamlessly into any home environment. It’s worth noting that the CineBeam Q model, a standard throw projector, also features an exceptionally refined design.
The compact form (160 x 160 x 110 mm, 1.9 kg) makes it easy to move around. Here, there is no blatant ventilation or unnecessary elements—every surface, every opening has a precise function, contributing to the feeling of a high-end, ergonomic tech product.
The choice of materials also contributes to this serious impression, with the slightly brushed top surface resisting fingerprints well, even after many manipulations during our tests.
LG has chosen a neutral, almost timeless presentation, allowing the projector to be prominently displayed or, conversely, easily concealed depending on the situation. The absence of a cover for the lens, lamented in other models, is less noticeable given the ease of access to the lens, which remains fairly protected during transport. Fitted with small non-slip pads, the CineBeam S can be easily placed on any surface, compensating for any potential imbalances or irregularities with these well-thought-out features.
LG CineBeam SConnectivity
The connectivity options of the LG CineBeam S are straightforward but still reveal some advantages. At the rear, the device offers a single HDMI 2.1 input compatible with eARC, prioritizing a soundbar connection for optimized Dolby Atmos audio rendering. Two USB Type-C ports are also present, used for power or streaming media from compatible devices.
This minimalist choice echoes that of its competitors. This approach is moderated by the power of the integrated wireless module, offering compatibility with AirPlay 2, Miracast, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. These options make it easy to project content from the vast majority of recent devices, whether they run on Android, iOS, Windows, or macOS.
The HDMI 2.1 port is perfectly suited for transmitting Ultra HD 4K content at 60 Hz, and it allows for audio return for external sound equipment. In practice, during testing, the stability of wireless streams proved very satisfactory, both for streaming and for local network gaming sessions from a smartphone or laptop.
The Remote Control
The LG CineBeam S comes with a compact and intuitive remote control that prioritizes ease of use. Its matte finish resists wear well, with each button naturally positioned under the finger, even in the dark thanks to a slight relief differentiating the main controls. Unfortunately, it is not backlit. Unlike the remotes provided with TVs, and similar to the one that comes with the CineBeam Q, it does not benefit from the gyroscopic system that is so convenient. A pity.
For navigation, you use the directional wheel, and each selection is confirmed by the central button. Additionally, there are direct access buttons for streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Rakuten TV, Disney+, and LG Channels, as well as side buttons for volume or quick settings. Powered by a button cell, it does not offer a rechargeable battery or solar sensor.
Being only infrared, you need to point the device to get a response.
LG CineBeam SThe Screen
The LG CineBeam S projector is sold without a screen, belonging to a range of products designed to leave the choice to the user, unlike some offers that include a 100 or 120-inch screen by default. This guarantees total freedom, but it also means that image quality will largely depend on the projection surface. It is therefore always preferable to invest in a suitable screen, with a surface optimized for ultra-short-throw projectors to fully enjoy the precision and contrast offered by the CineBeam S. Users on a tight budget might make do with a light-colored wall, but the finesse of the projector deserves better to reveal its full potential.
LG CineBeam SInstallation, Very Close to the Wall or Screen
Installing the LG CineBeam S requires no special technical skills and is done in a few steps. Placed just a few centimeters from the wall, it is capable of projecting an image from 40 to 100 inches diagonally, which offers great flexibility depending on the room configuration.
Keystone correction and focus are fully automatic, while manual adjustment can be performed via the menus to fine-tune precision in the corners or tweak alignment. To project a 100-inch diagonal image, count on a distance of 38 cm. Therefore, plan for a piece of furniture at least 54 cm deep, considering the dimensions of the projector.
The automatic projection adjustment system adapts both the size and the geometry of the image, avoiding the laborious effort of precisely positioning the projector. LG provides a software guide to assist with setup, even on irregular or colored surfaces, thanks to a wall color compensation feature included in the menu.
Moreover, the adjustable pads allow for easy compensation for the flatness defects of a piece of furniture or table, and the lightweight nature of the device makes it easy to move from one room to another.
LG CineBeam SThe Image in Subjective Mode
The LG CineBeam S uses a triple RGB laser DLP technology, which theoretically covers the DCI-P3 color space extensively. All competitors, with the exception of the Acer PD1520Us (LED), offer the same light source. But where the CineBeam S differs is in the 4K Ultra HD definition it provides. All others are Full HD except for the JMGO O2S Ultra, which like the LG projector offers a simulated Ultra HD image but significantly higher brightness. Once turned on, one can observe an extremely sharp image, even on very fine details of dark or highly contrasted scenes.
Depending on the content projected, whether it be streaming HDR movies or series, 4K Blu-rays, or even live broadcasts, the general impression is one of great visual dynamics and a precision rarely seen in such a compact device.
In use, Filmmaker mode naturally stands out as the most balanced to respect the artistic intent, although the projector also offers Vivid, Standard, Basic, Cinema, Sports, Game Optimizer, Wall Screen Mode, Brightest Mode, Expert (Bright Room), and Expert (Dark Room) modes for SDR contents.
In HDR, the settings are: Vivid, Standard, Basic, Home Cinema, Cinema, Filmmaker, Game Optimizer, Brightest Mode, and Wall Screen Mode. These settings prove effective: they modulate saturation, relative color warmth, and contrast according to the lighting ambiance and the nature of the stream.
During these test sequences, shadows retain texture, bright areas never burn out, and the overall image renders both bright landscapes and complex night scenes well. There is great uniformity in the diffusion, a lack of overly pronounced contours that could betray the digital rendering, fostering a natural immersion.
Even during streaming projections or via Blu-ray, the subjectively soft restitution and good sharpness evoke the best OLED TVs on the market while maintaining a distinct projector laser identity. The wide color nuances allow each content to have a personality: animation, blockbusters, series, documentaries, each benefits from this richness.
However, it must be kept in mind that the best of this projector is expressed in a relatively dark room, where the sense of contrast and depth reaches its peak, whereas in full daylight, even with blinds slightly open, the rendering significantly loses impact. This is the inevitable trade-off for its mini format and relatively low brightness.
Note on this point that the competition does not do much better with 500 Lumens for the Acer PD1520Us just like the Samsung The Premiere 5 while the Photon Go from Optoma and Sirius from Thomson claim respectively 650 and 600 Lumens. Only the JMGO O2S Ultra offers much better with a brightness announced at 3600 Lumens for a little more than twice the price of LG (or Samsung).
Motion Compensation
The LG CineBeam S benefits from a motion compensation treatment, which allows it to fluidly handle fast sequences: sports, video games, or action movies display without tearing and with minimal artifacts. Panoramic scenes appear natural, a definite advantage for fans of dynamic content who wish to avoid the “stutter” effect sometimes present on 24p content. In most observed cases, the treatment proved effective without generating an excessive soap opera effect. The balance is therefore maintained between fluidity and an authentic cinema sensation.
The Rainbow Effect
The triple laser DLP technology of the CineBeam S significantly limits the rainbow effect, a common phenomenon in entry or mid-range DLP projectors. During long hours of testing, including on content with white subtitles on a dark background, no noticeable appearance of these unsightly small colored flashes was observed. However, this technology is never completely free of this effect in particularly sensitive subjects, presenting a few rare episodes, especially on highly contrasted scenes. This remains very occasional and will only bother viewers who are particularly sensitive to this phenomenon.
LG CineBeam SOur Measurements, Probes Included
We put the CineBeam S projector under our probes. We selected Filmmaker mode for the measurements. Thus, we were able to measure a contrast ratio of 893:1, which is correct for this type of device, but still low overall. The average color temperature measured is 8119 K with significant chromatic drifts (the ideal value being 6500 K). The average gamma was recorded at 2.02, offering a relative tracking compared to the reference curve.
The images are too dim compared to what they should be as soon as you exceed 20%. Regarding color fidelity, also in Filmmaker mode, the average Delta E was recorded at 6.19, thus significantly above the threshold of 3. This results in colors that are far too saturated on the screen.
For HDR content, remember that the device does not support HDR10+ or Dolby Vision, only HDR10, without dynamic optimization of media brightness.
For HDR content, we used Filmmaker mode. With this, color fidelity is still not optimal, as we recorded an average Delta E of 6.43, again above the threshold of 3.
Against the Lumene screen used for all our tests, we measured a peak brightness of 60 cd/m² (relative to the screen’s gain of 0.5), which is particularly low, but a bit better than the Optoma Photon Go, for example. We therefore strongly advise using this projector in the darkest environments possible. This corresponds to a brightness of 516 lumens for a 100-inch diagonal image. As can be seen in the graphs below, the reference curves are not well followed, indicating that a calibration phase and therefore the adjustment of several parameters in the Image menus are necessary to obtain better results.
As can be seen in the graph below, the projector manages to offer almost the same brightness, regardless of the size of the target.
Finally, for the coverages of the color spaces rec709, DCI-P3, and BT2020, we obtained surprisingly excellent values with respectively 98.90%, 114.24%, and a very good 96.30%.
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Maya Singh is a senior editor covering tablets and hybrid devices. Her work explores how these tools reshape digital productivity and learning. She also contributes to feature editorials on emerging tech.