OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Projectors Methodology v3.0
Projectors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Projectors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Projectors Methodology v3.0

ViewSonic LS820 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£2,640Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:3500Throw ratio:0.23:1Lamp life:15000 hours

ViewSonic LS820 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 1 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

ViewSonic LS820
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Score components

35%

6.7

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

6.7

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 64% of projectors
5.2

Value for money

Value for money
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 98%
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Score components

42%

7.8

Image Quality

22%

5.2

Projection & Lens

12%

4.8

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.9

Audio & Features

8%

5.8

Connectivity

6%

7.0

Design & Power

â–²Better than 59%
6.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models

6.7

Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 review, with a printed score. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 65%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of projector ViewSonic LS820

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Score components:

42%

7.8

Image Quality

22%

5.2

Projection & Lens

12%

4.8

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.9

Audio & Features

8%

5.8

Connectivity

6%

7.0

Design & Power

6.7
Reviews score
6.7
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

5.2
ANSI lumens
3,500
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 3,500 ANSI lumens, brighter than 76.8% of projectors and equal to 2.9% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
100,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 100000:1, higher than 73.1% of projectors and equal to 3.5% of projectors.
Dynamic contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
1920x1080
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 27% of projectors and equal to 59.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1920x1080
This projector supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 25.9% of projectors and equal to 42.3% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
0.23:1
Min throw distance
0.37 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.37 m, shorter than 93.7% of projectors.
Max projection size
150 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 150 inch, smaller than 67.2% of projectors and equal to 10.2% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
N/A
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Input lag
50 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 50 ms, higher than 78% of projectors and equal to 2.5% of projectors.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not switch to low-latency mode automatically. 16.1% of projectors offer this.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support variable refresh rate. 1.8% of projectors offer this.
HDMI version
1.4
This projector supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54% of projectors and equal to 35.7% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
10.2 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 51.2% of projectors and equal to 46.5% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.9% of projectors and equal to 47.3% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
yes
This projector comes with a dedicated smartphone app. 63.3% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
vRemote app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Light source type
laser
This projector uses laser light source technology, more advanced than 75.4% of projectors and equal to 24.6% of projectors.
Laser Phosphor.
Laser light source
yes
This projector has a laser light source. 73.3% of projectors offer this.
Laser Phosphor.
Lamp life
15,000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 15,000 hours, longer than 65.1% of projectors and equal to 0.7% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
20,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 20,000 hours, shorter than 39.4% of projectors and equal to 17.9% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
450 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 450 W of power, more than 95.9% of projectors and equal to 0.3% of projectors.
Show more

ViewSonic LS820 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 59.1% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,500 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,500 vs 2,200
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (100000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    100,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 0.64 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.4 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.37 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 2 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    2 vs 0
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
    vRemote app.
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • 2 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (3 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    3 vs 1
  • Laser light source
    This projector has a laser light source, while the average projector does not. 26.7% of projectors have one.
    Laser Phosphor.
  • 59.1% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,500 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,500 vs 2,200
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (100000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    100,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 0.18 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.7 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.65 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 0.64 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.4 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.37 m vs 1.0055 m
  • Motorized focus
    This projector supports motorized focus, while the average projector does not. 45.6% of projectors support motorized focus.
    Remote-controlled electronic focus.
  • 2 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (3 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    3 vs 1
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 2 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    2 vs 0
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
    vRemote app.
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • 60% stronger audio output
    This projector has a higher audio output power than the average projector (16 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    2 x 8W.
    16 W vs 10 W
  • Laser light source
    This projector has a laser light source, while the average projector does not. 26.7% of projectors have one.
    Laser Phosphor.
  • 3 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (28 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    Eco mode figure.
    28 dB vs 31 dB
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • 100 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (150 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    150 inch vs 250 inch
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.4 vs 2
  • 23 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (50 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    50 ms vs 27 ms
  • 9.5% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models

    6.7

    Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 review, with a printed score. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.7 vs 7.4
  • 34.7% worse value for money
    ViewSonic LS820 has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.16 vs 6.9).
    5.16 vs 6.95
  • 4x more expensive
    ViewSonic LS820 is more expensive than the average projector (£2,640 vs £660).
    £2,640 vs £660
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 5 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2016 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    September 2016
    2016 vs 2021
  • 100 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (150 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    150 inch vs 250 inch
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.4 vs 2
  • 23 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (50 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    50 ms vs 27 ms
  • More outdated HDCP support
    This projector supports an older HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2).
    1.4 vs 2.2
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • 4.56x heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (13.6 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    13.6 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 220 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (450 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    450 W vs 230 W
  • 211 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (508 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    508 mm vs 297 mm
  • 5,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (15,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    15,000 hours vs 20,000 hours

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
projectorcentral.com
✓ explicit
07/10/2016
Lab test · Ultra short throw projector
Verdict
The ViewSonic LS820 is a bright short-throw projector for family rooms that sits inches from the wall, but weak contrast and fan noise hurt dark movie nights.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ViewSonic LS820

  • Ultra-short throw (0.23 ratio) allows for 100-inch projection just inches from the wall
  • High brightness (3,500 lumens) makes it effective even in rooms with ambient light
  • Laser-phosphor light source offers long lifespan (up to 20,000 hours in Eco mode)
  • Excellent color accuracy and vibrant images straight out of the box
  • Strong built-in audio performance with dual 10-watt speakers
  • Comprehensive three-year parts and labor warranty

What customers don't like about ViewSonic LS820

  • Audible fan noise even in Eco mode, which may be distracting during quiet scenes
  • Subpar 3D performance with muted colors and limited adjustment options
  • Noticeable 'rainbow effect' artifacts for users sensitive to DLP technology
  • Black levels are not deep enough for a dedicated dark home theater environment
  • Input lag (50ms) is too high for competitive or serious gaming
  • Large and heavy physical footprint compared to newer portable alternatives
  • Difficulty in obtaining replacement laser parts as the light source is not user-replaceable

Verdict

The ViewSonic LS820 is an ultra-short-throw laser projector featuring a native Full HD (1920x1080) resolution and 3,500 ANSI lumens of brightness, making it suitable for environments with ambient light. It utilizes a laser phosphor light source with a lifespan of up to 20,000 hours in Eco mode and offers a high dynamic contrast ratio of 100,000:1 alongside Rec. 709 color accuracy. Main pros include its remarkable 0.23 throw ratio that projects a 100-inch image from just inches away, maintenance-free operation, and integrated dual 8W speakers with SonicExpert technology for enhanced audio. However, notable cons include a lack of 4K support, noticeable fan noise in quiet rooms, and relatively high input lag of 50ms, which may not satisfy competitive gamers.

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