A head-to-head ust projectors comparison to help you pick the right one for your home theater.
Updated 2026
Verdict
Both are RGB triple-laser ultra short throw projectors that throw a big image from inches off the wall. The AWOL LTV-3500 Pro is no longer sold on Amazon; the AWOL Aetherion Max (over $2,500) is AWOL's current flagship UST in that slot, rated 3,300 ISO lumens with 3D, Dolby Vision, a 240Hz game mode and, unlike the LTV-3500 Pro, Google TV built in. The Hisense PX3-PRO (over $2,500) is rated 3,000 lumens and also runs Google TV and a 240Hz game mode. Buy the AWOL Aetherion Max for the brighter image, 3D and the higher native contrast rating; buy the Hisense PX3-PRO for most of the same triple-laser experience for noticeably less money.
$2,500+
The LTV-3500 Pro is no longer sold on Amazon; the Aetherion Max is AWOL's current flagship UST in this slot.
Check AWOL Aetherion Max Price| AWOL Aetherion Max (LTV-3500 Pro successor) | Hisense PX3-PRO | |
|---|---|---|
| Light source | Triple laser (RGB) | Triple laser (RGB) |
| Brightness | 3,300 ISO lumens (the old LTV-3500 Pro was rated 3,500 ANSI lumens) | 3,000 lumens |
| Native contrast (rated) | 6,000:1 with iris | 3,000:1 |
| Throw ratio | 0.2:1 | Ultra short throw, 80 to 150 inch image |
| Smart TV | Google TV built in (the LTV-3500 Pro needed a streamer) | Google TV built in |
| Gaming | 240Hz mode, VRR, ALLM, 3x HDMI 2.1a, 3D | 240Hz mode, game mode |
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, IMAX Enhanced |
| Best paired with | ALR/UST screen | ALR/UST screen |
| Best for | Brightness, 3D, gaming | Value & smart features |
| Price now | LTV-3500 Pro no longer on Amazon; Aetherion Max over $2,500 | $2,500+ |
The table above compares AWOL's current flagship and the Hisense PX3-PRO on light source, brightness, smart TV, gaming, HDR and price, and the difference that actually decides it is price: over $2,500 against over $2,500 for two projectors built on the same RGB triple-laser idea. The old argument that the AWOL needs an add-on streamer no longer applies, because the Aetherion Max ships with Google TV.
A note on lumens: AWOL rated the LTV-3500 Pro in ANSI lumens and rates the Aetherion Max in ISO lumens. The two standards are measured differently, so 3,300 ISO is not a step down from 3,500 ANSI in any meaningful way; treat them as the same brightness class.
Triple laser means the projector builds its picture from separate red, green and blue lasers instead of one laser filtered through a color wheel, which is what gives both of these USTs their wide color volume.
You want the brightest image in this pair, 3D support, the widest set of HDR formats and the most gaming connectivity (three HDMI 2.1a inputs plus DisplayPort), and your budget supports a flagship.
Where to buy: the LTV-3500 Pro is no longer sold on Amazon. The AWOL buttons on this page go to the Aetherion Max, AWOL's current flagship UST at the same price tier. If you want a cheaper AWOL, the LTV-3000 Pro (rated 3,000 ANSI lumens) is the step-down model, not a replacement for the LTV-3500 Pro.
Check AWOL Aetherion Max on Amazon
You want triple-laser color, Google TV and a 240Hz game mode at the lower price, without flagship cost.
Check Hisense PX3-PRO on Amazon
Not on Amazon. AWOL's current flagship ultra short throw projector is the Aetherion Max (over $2,500), rated 3,300 ISO lumens with RGB triple laser, 3D, Dolby Vision and Google TV built in. It fills the same top-of-the-line slot and price tier the LTV-3500 Pro held, so the buttons on this page go to it.
It is if you want the brighter image, 3D support, the higher native contrast rating (6,000:1 with its iris against 3,000:1), and the extra gaming inputs. The Hisense PX3-PRO delivers most of the triple-laser experience with Google TV for noticeably less money, which makes it the better value for most buyers.
For best results, yes. Both pair best with an ambient-light-rejecting (ALR) UST screen, which dramatically improves contrast and combats room light. Projecting onto a plain wall works but sacrifices a lot of picture quality.
Yes, now. The PX3-PRO runs Google TV, and so does the Aetherion Max. The older LTV-3500 Pro relied on an add-on streaming device, which is the main practical change from that model.
Yes. Both list a 240Hz game mode; AWOL rates the Aetherion Max at 1ms-class latency at 240Hz with VRR and ALLM, and it adds 3D. Pair either with an ALR screen and a console or PC for big-screen gaming.