The LG CineBeam PF510Q is a standout option in the 1080p projector category, especially for those who value a stable and secure internet connection. Priced at $599, it offers unique features for its size and price, distinguishing itself from competitors like the Xgimi Elfin.
Design and Portability
The PF510Q sports a slightly taller and boxier design than many of its peers, including the sleeker Xgimi Elfin. Despite its shape, it maintains a compact footprint and weighs just a bit more than the Elfin, making it easy to transport within a home or office setting. However, it doesn’t come with a protective case, so if you plan on moving it frequently or taking it outdoors, investing in a case is a good idea.
Connectivity at Its Best
One of the PF510Q’s defining features is its LAN port, which allows for a wired network connection. This is a rarity in compact projectors and a huge plus for anyone who prefers Ethernet over Wi-Fi for its ease of setup, reliability, and security. Of course, it also supports Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct, the latter of which I found particularly easy for mirroring content from my Android phone.
Image and Performance
Equipped with a 1080p DLP imaging chip and a four-channel LED light source (RGBB), the PF510Q offers vibrant colors and decent brightness at 450 ANSI lumens. While it doesn’t support 4K inputs, it does handle HDR content well, thanks to its HDR10 compatibility. During my tests, HDR content appeared with enhanced contrast and vividness, adding depth to the viewing experience.
Physical setup is straightforward, albeit the focus adjustment could be finicky. It takes a gentle touch to fine-tune the focus, as small adjustments can significantly alter the image sharpness. Once properly set, the image is highly watchable, though it tends to be a bit soft around the edges.
No Battery? No Problem
Unlike some of its portable peers like the Anker Nebula Solar Portable or the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser, the PF510Q does not come with a built-in battery. This design choice aligns with its inclusion of a LAN port—since you’re likely near a power outlet when using a wired connection. While this might limit its appeal for those looking for a truly portable projector, it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for users who primarily need a projector for home or office use, where power outlets are readily accessible.
High-Quality Imaging and Longevity
The LG CineBeam PF510Q stands out with its 1080p DLP imaging chip and a unique four-channel LED light source featuring red, green, and two blue LEDs (RGBB). This configuration not only enhances color accuracy and vibrancy but also contributes to the longevity of the unit. LG rates its lifespan at an impressive 30,000 hours in full power mode. Although it doesn’t support 4K input, it does handle HDR10 content very well, which significantly boosts the quality of HDR movies and shows, bringing them to life with striking contrast and bright, vivid colors.
Portability and Physical Setup
Measuring just 2.6 by 5.8 by 5.8 inches and weighing only 2.2 pounds, the PF510Q is remarkably compact and light. It’s small enough to fit into a briefcase or backpack, making it an ideal option for those who need a portable projector that can easily move from place to place. However, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t come with a protective case, so if you’re planning to travel with it frequently, purchasing a separate case would be a wise decision to protect it from bumps and scratches.
Setting up the PF510Q is generally straightforward—just plug it in, connect to an image source, and adjust the focus. The manual focus control can be a bit sensitive, requiring some patience to fine-tune the sharpness of the image. Once adjusted, the image quality is quite good, although it can appear a bit soft, which might not suit everyone’s needs.
Connectivity Options and User-Friendly Features
Connectivity is one of the PF510Q’s strong suits. In addition to the standard Ethernet and Wi-Fi options, it includes two HDMI ports and supports Wi-Fi Direct, which simplifies the process of mirroring content from devices like smartphones. An unexpected benefit of this projector is its implementation of LG webOS 22, which is streamlined compared to systems like Android TV. This means you can start streaming with minimal setup, although it’s important to note that there’s no native Netflix app available. For Netflix enthusiasts, this might necessitate using an external streaming device.
Audio Capabilities
The built-in 5-watt mono speaker provides decent sound quality, sufficient for small spaces but not overwhelming. For those needing more robust audio, the PF510Q offers several options to enhance your sound experience. You can connect to external sound systems via Bluetooth, DLNA, or a 3.5mm audio output. Additionally, there’s a Bluetooth sync feature to align the audio perfectly with your video, which is particularly handy if you’re experiencing any delay.
Picture Modes and Settings for Different Uses
The LG CineBeam PF510Q offers a range of picture modes that cater to different viewing needs, whether it’s for professional presentations or leisurely movie watching. Out of the eight available modes, the Cinema mode and the two Expert modes (one designed for daytime and one for nighttime use) stand out for their balance of sharpness and color accuracy. These modes avoid the common pitfalls of oversharpening, which can make text difficult to read, and color shifts, which can distort the look of images and presentations.
When setting up the projector for specific environments, it’s crucial to choose the right mode based on the ambient light and the size of the screen you’re using. For our tests, the Cinema mode was ideal for watching films in a dark room on a 90-inch screen, providing a good balance of brightness and image quality.
Performance Insights: SDR vs. HDR
The PF510Q’s performance varies significantly between Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR) content. While it generally delivers good color accuracy with SDR sources, it struggles with shadow detail in darker scenes. This issue becomes evident in extremely dark scenes, where it’s difficult to discern what’s happening. Fortunately, such extreme cases are rare in typical viewing scenarios, and the projector handles most content well enough for casual viewing.
In contrast, when switching to HDR content, the PF510Q performs better in preserving shadow details, making it easier to follow scenes with complex lighting. However, it’s worth noting that HDR images appear dimmer, which might require reducing the screen size for optimal viewing. This trade-off is something to consider when deciding whether to watch in HDR, depending on the ambient lighting and content type.
Gaming on the PF510Q
For gamers, the PF510Q includes a Game Optimizer mode, which provides tailored settings for various gaming genres, including FPS (First Person Shooter), RPG (Role-Playing Game), RTS (Real-Time Strategy), and Sports. Each setting is designed to enhance the gaming experience by optimizing the display according to the game’s requirements.
However, gamers looking for performance will need to note the projector’s input lag. I measured a noticeable delay of 37.4 milliseconds when the Game Optimizer mode was set to FPS using a Bodnar meter. While this may be acceptable for casual gaming, it could be a dealbreaker for more competitive or serious gamers who need quicker response times.
