Projectors

The remaining setup is exactly the same as a Samsung TV, with the SmartThings app taking you through the process. Before you know it you'll have Wi-Fi connected, TV channels tuned in and all streaming apps installed (the LSP9T carries Samsung's full Tizen-powered OS, bringing the same smart features as its TVs, including built-in Bixby and Amazon Alexa, and VOD hubs such as Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Disney+). The fast on/off nature of the laser light source also helps blur the lines between TV and projector.

The LSP9T's images support 4K, although its DLP chipset isn't native 3,840 x 2,160, and instead uses a 2,716 x 1,528-pixel micro-mirror that combines two separate off-set images to create the perception of a single 4K frame. It's very effective, with the illusion only being exposed by 4K test patterns.

Watching The New Mutants (4K BD) reveals a crisp and razor-sharp picture, in part thanks to DLP's single-chip nature avoiding and alignment issues. This allows all the fine detail to shine through – whether its facial close-ups, clothing textures or the layered production design.

Conversely, the film's opening nighttime sequence demonstrates the inherent weakness of DLP, with limited contrast and blacks that are often more of a dark grey. When viewed in living rooms with ambient light, as it's chiefly designed for, this shortcoming is less of an issue.

The film's climactic 'demon bear' fight reveals an impressive HDR performance, The LSP9T uses the brightness of its lasers and exceptional tone-mapping to produce punchy HDR images, but it's worth remembering this is one area where a TV will always ace a beamer.

However, that's definitely not the case when it comes to HDR colour, and here the LSP9T gets to strut its chromatic stuff. The 4K Blu-ray of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 is awash with saturated primaries, and the PJ's super-wide gamut renders Ego's planet in all its day-glo glory.

It's worth pointing out that while this projector's laser lighting doesn't utilise a colour wheel, you may still experience 'rainbow artefacts'. If this is something you suffer from, I'd recommend a demo before dropping seven grand.

The 2018 version of Robin Hood (UHD BD) includes HDR10+, and the LSP9T correctly detects the dynamic metadata, ensuring the opening crusader sequences are awash with Middle Eastern sunlight, while also retaining highlights and avoiding unwanted clipping.

Running through the built-in apps establishes this projector's abilities as a surrogate flatscreen, with each loading flawlessly. The battle with the Krayt dragon in The Mandalorian (Disney+) looks suitably epic; the dimly lit churches of Warrior Nun (Netflix) retain a pleasing contrasty quality; and the bright and colourful automotive antics of The Grand Tour (Prime Video) benefit from HDR10+.

The same goes for the built-in tuners, where the LSP9T shows off additional strengths. Sophisticated processing does a great job upscaling Full HD broadcasts to the larger image, while motion is buttery smooth. The latter is a particular strength of DLP, making this projector ideal for watching sports and gaming (although serious gamers may find the 55ms lag a bit high).

Ahead Of The Pack
There's no denying that the LSP9T is expensive, and if all you want is a projector then you may as well head to models from JVC and Sony that have similar price tags, native 4K resolutions, 3D support and better blacks. There are more affordable UST alternatives too, but none come close to this Samsung in terms of performance and features. This is one Premiere you won't want to miss n

HCC Verdict

Samsung LSP9T

Price:  £7,000
www.samsung.com

We say: Colour-rich picture performance, unrivalled feature-set and surprisingly good sound make this premium PJ a viable bigscreen alternative to a TV.

Overall: 5/5

Specifications

3D: No 4K: Yes. 3,840 x 2,160 via Texas Instruments XPR technology HDR: Yes. HDR10; HDR10+ CONNECTIONS: 3 x HDMI inputs (one with eARC); terrestrial and satellite tuners; powered USB; optical digital audio output; Ethernet BRIGHTNESS (CLAIMED): 2,800 Lumens CONTRAST (claimed): 2,000,000:1 ZOOM: N/A DIMENSIONS: 550(w) x 141(h) x 367(d)mm WEIGHT: 11.5kg

FEATURES: RGB triple-laser lighting system; DLP optical engine; 16-bit 3D colour mapping; 4.2-channel audio with Acoustic Beam technology and 40W claimed amplification; 20,000-hour claimed laser life; built-in Tizen-powered smart platform; Bluetooth; Apple AirPlay 2; Bixby and Amazon Alexa built-in; SmartThings app; Tap View; Game Enhancer; Filmmaker Mode; white balance, gamma and colour calibration controls