Big comparison special: LG Adagio vs. Philips Screeneo 2.0
Two different concepts, two different results
Things are moving in home cinema projectors: almost simultaneously, two projectors are making a name for themselves in the home cinema scene: the LG Adagio and the Philips Screeneo 2.0 (HDP2510)
Top: Philips Screeneo 2.0 (HDP2510), bottom: LG Adagio PF 1000
What makes them special: instead of conventional front projectors, which usually have to be ceiling-mounted several metres from the screen, these are “ultra short throw projectors”. This means they need only a few centimetres(!) of distance from the screen and can be positioned directly below the image.
The advantages are obvious: the projectors can be placed directly on a sideboard and serve as a TV replacement without “spoiling” the living room ceiling. When not in use, they can be stowed away easily. And they are particularly well suited to portable use, because they always sit in front of the free projection surface.
Accordingly, there is great interest from many aspiring big-screen fans who want a solution particularly suited to the living room and have so far been put off by the installation effort of conventional projectors.
Although both belong to the first generation of ultra short throw models, the two take very different approaches in their priorities. In this comparison special, we show the individual pros and cons of both concepts:
1. Technology
Even from the outside, it is clear at first glance that the projectors are built differently: on one side, the ultra-portable little LG Adagio:
It owes its compact design to a remarkably simple technical structure, the latest miniature DLP chip generation from Texas Instruments and an Osram LED light source.
State of the art:Osram Ostar Projection LED
This makes for an uncomplicated, durable design with no failures to fear: according to the manufacturer, the Adagio should last around 30,000 hours, which matches the running life of modern TVs – which the device is, after all, meant to compete with.
But these advantages are offset by technical limitations: with a specified 1,000 lumens, its brightness is at the lower end of the scale by today’s home cinema standards, which is particularly noticeable when used with ambient light.
The mirror used also does not appear to be high-quality coated and, above all, is exposed and unprotected, so it is subject to household dust, yet because it scratches easily it should not be cleaned with ordinary cloths.
The Philips Screeneo follows a completely different concept: its mirror is integrated into the chassis and protected from scratches and dust by a glass panel on top. This makes cleaning easier and improves longevity. You also cannot accidentally smudge the mirror with fingerprints, which are particularly difficult to remove.
Philips has also gone for quality with the lens itself: the all-glass optics are designed to allow particularly high edge sharpness, which is especially difficult to achieve with an ultra short throw projector.
Philips takes a more conservative approach with the light source, which “classically” consists of a UHP lamp – however, according to Philips, this is a newly developed model that should last up to 10,000 hours. This running time is not as high as that of the LED competitor, but the light source can be replaced (not readily possible with LED), and with replacement costs of only around €200, the Screeneo 2.0 is extremely economical. The real reason for choosing the UHP lamp, though, is the achievable light output: at 2,000 lumens, the Screeneo should be twice as bright as the Adagio, which can pay off in picture quality. Philips also stresses that this is genuine colour brightness “with no tricks” – so it is also delivered in the colour video image.
However, the “classic” projector technology takes its toll on size and weight. The Screeneo 2.0 is four times heavier than the Adagio and also much taller, which makes its appearance something you have to “get used to”.
In terms of technology, this is a contest between classic, proven technology with high performance and above-average build quality (Screeneo) and an innovative new design with simple lightweight construction. As just explained, both have their pros and cons, so we do not want to name a winner at this point.
2. Features & setup
Projectors differ in features more than you might initially think – especially an ultra short throw projector that is meant to compete with conventional TVs.
Adagio / PF1000:
Connections on the side and rear
The inputs through which the projector connects with the outside world are of great importance. The contemporary standard here is the HDMI interface, found on all playback devices today, from DVD players to TV receivers. The Adagio has two, the Philips Screeneo even three.
Philips Screeneo 2.0
Another HDMI port is located on the side
On both models, one of the HDMI sockets is placed on the side to make spontaneous connection of portable players easier. On the Screeneo, it is more elegantly hidden behind a flap.
The Screeneo also scores with its VGA input, as this is still a very commonly used output on notebooks. A draw when it comes to audio output: both devices pass the sound to external speakers either optically, via jack cable or even wirelessly via Bluetooth.
The winner in terms of connectivity, however, is undoubtedly the LG Adagio: the LAN socket on the side is a subtle hint at its full network capability. In fact, the Adagio is one of the world’s first “smart projectors” with its own apps and streaming options. It joins the home network via LAN or Wi-Fi and can stream all content (videos, pictures, music) in real time. Its integrated apps even allow direct use of popular services such as Netflix, Maxdome, YouTube and Amazon Prime (via update). Alternatively, films can also come from a USB stick – just plug it in. There is even a browser integrated into the operating system, although it is somewhat sluggish in practice.
Main menu of the LG Adagio (PF1000)
This smart TV interface is supported by the LG “Magic Remote”, which the Adagio has also inherited from its TV siblings from the same manufacturer. It works like a virtual laser pointer and is perfectly tuned – everyone gets the hang of it right away. All in all, the LG Adagio becomes a fully fledged TV replacement; unfortunately, it lacks a satellite/cable tuner, so you have to resort to external set-top boxes.
The Adagio’s interactive “Magic Remote”
The Screeneo 2.0’s remote control seems much more spartan by comparison and is just a conventional infrared remote. That is all it needs, though, as it has no network capability or smart interface, and despite the USB socket on the back, it cannot play video files either. The Philips Screeneo therefore always depends on an external player, which makes it more of a large display.
In return, it offers luxury in setup: the all-glass lens protected inside is fully motorised, and focus is conveniently adjusted at the push of a button on the device or remote control. The mechanism works so finely that the “sweet spot” is very easy to find.
Adjusting the focus on the LG Adagio is somewhat more “rustic”: it has to be done manually using the dial on top of the device, but you get there all the same.
The image size is determined solely by the (short) distance to the wall; ultra short throw projectors generally have no additional zoom. Here the two devices are evenly matched: the Adagio, for example, projects a generous 100-inch (2.54 m) image from a distance of just 38 cm, while the Philips Screeneo needs an equally “modest” 42 cm for an even larger 120-inch (3.05 m) image. Both projectors thus achieve really big images in the smallest of spaces – the only limiting factor is the size of the wall.
There are differences in the vertical position of the image, however: as the Screeneo is taller than the Adagio, its image is also positioned higher. This is very useful for floor placement, whereas a sideboard should be mounted low so that the image does not “hang” too high.
In principle, any light-coloured wall can be used as a projection surface, but it should be as flat as possible: even slight bulges lead to visible geometric distortion due to the steep projection angle. Coarse woodchip wallpaper creates shadows and impairs picture quality, whereas fine woodchip is less of a problem. Smoothly plastered walls or flat screens are best.
It was interesting to find out which of the two projectors has the quieter cooling. LEDs are known to be easier to cool than a glass lamp, and the Screeneo also delivers much more light output, which also suggests more cooling is needed. On the other hand, the LG Adagio is very small, so it has to use a smaller fan at higher speed. To cut a long story short: the Philips Screeneo 2.0 is clearly the quieter projector. The Adagio is not loud either, but it produces a noticeable hum. The Screeneo, on the other hand, is barely audible in its eco modes (in which it is still brighter than the Adagio) – the large chassis clearly shows its advantages here.
3. Picture quality
Where do the strengths and weaknesses of the two contenders lie when it comes to picture quality? And how well can such ultra short throw projectors keep up with “classic” home cinema projectors at all? Here are the results…
3.1 Colour reproduction
For natural colours, a projector must be able to be adjusted as precisely as possible to the video standard. Classic UHP lamp technology with an RGBRGB colour wheel has been optimised for this over the past 20 years, and Philips accordingly advertises the Screeneo as particularly “true to colour”.
Colour gamut after calibration
Our measurement shows that, with the right preset selected, the Screeneo hits the HDTV video standard very well in the primary colours; further fine corrections can be made with colour management.
The correct white balance in colour temperature is achieved with the “Natural” and “Warm” presets. With recalibration, even perfection is possible. In terms of colour, the Screeneo is indeed capable of very high precision that need not fear comparison with more expensive price classes.
Native colour gamut of the LG Adagio / PF1000
The new LED light source basically produces a much purer colour spectrum than the conventional HD video standard requires. This must be compensated for by powerful colour management. The Adagio offers good matching of the primary colours, but absolute perfection is not achieved, not even with subsequent calibration.
A perfect colour temperature is no problem
The “Warm” colour temperature preset leads to a good white balance, which can be perfected further using the RGB equaliser in the advanced picture menu. Overall, the result on screen is appealing and convincing colour reproduction, although it does not quite match the Screeneo’s perfection. Conversely, the LED projector can be particularly colourful if you wish, which pays off especially with animated films.
3.2 Brightness and contrast
As mentioned at the outset, the specifications state that the Screeneo, at 2,000 lumens, is twice as bright as the Adagio (1,000 lumens). Manufacturer specifications are one thing, calibrated colour brightness another, so we measured for ourselves:
Under real conditions, the Philips Screeneo delivers around 1,600 lumens in the picture, providing very appealing brightness that holds up even in rooms that are not fully darkened. It combines this with around 2,000:1 native contrast, a solid average value for this class, but not an outstanding one. With the LG Adagio, these values are also halved in practice: around 700 lumens remain for the picture, and the little projector achieves an average native contrast of approx. 800:1.
In direct comparison, the Philips Screeneo, as expected, outperforms the LG Adagio with much higher brightness and a better black level at the same time. In its lowest eco mode, the Screeneo is still brighter than the Adagio, with much deeper black and quieter cooling. The Screeneo is the clear winner in this area.
3.3 Detail / motion sharpness
The third main aspect of picture quality covers detail reproduction and sharpness, especially with Full HD projectors like the two test candidates. Their 2-megapixel resolution must be reproduced on the screen as pixel-sharp as possible, which proves particularly difficult with an ultra short throw projector.
For the best possible quality, Philips relies on an all-glass lens, which pays off: correctly adjusted, it shows good optical sharpness right into the edges – something we have not yet seen in an ultra short throw projector in this price class. The LG Adagio’s lens/mirror construction is largely plastic and much simpler, yet it too surprises with good sharpness uniformity; in one corner, however, a slight “drift” is visible, so it has to concede defeat in terms of optical sharpness.
In the detail reproduction of its signal processing, however, the Adagio evens the score: thanks to modern sharpening algorithms (Super Resolution) and sharpness that can be adjusted separately horizontally and vertically, the LG is better at bringing out fine details in the Full HD signal without artificial over-sharpening.
The LG also scores in motion sharpness with more powerful frame interpolation: it is not only adjustable in 10 levels (only “on” or “off” on the Philips) but also works so precisely that it is among the best available on the market. The Philips version also ensures smooth motion, but more often produces artefacts and takes away the “film look” – somewhat less aggressive processing would be desirable.
Despite the better optical sharpness of the Philips’ all-glass lens, the LG is more convincing in terms of detail and motion sharpness and wins this aspect.
4. Sound
The Philips Screeneo shows its superiority not only in picture quality but also in sound: thanks to its built-in 2.1 system (stereo at the front, subwoofer at the rear), it achieves sound dynamics that leave most TVs behind.
We particularly liked the Virtual Surround programme, which spreads the sound diffusely around the room, noticeably widening the soundstage of the small projector.
The LG Adagio stands no chance in this category: its internal speakers produce surprising volume given the small chassis, suitable even for watching films in larger groups, but they come nowhere near the Screeneo’s sonic volume.
If you are even more demanding: both projectors can pass the sound on either by cable or wirelessly via Bluetooth, so external sound systems or soundbars can also be used.
5. Conclusion
Our detailed comparison shows that the two models differ markedly not only in appearance – the first two representatives of ultra short throw home cinema projectors are also far apart in what they offer:
The LG Adagio is undoubtedly the more portable device and can be integrated easily into any infrastructure; the integrated media player with Wi-Fi support and the numerous smart apps are particularly useful here. There is hardly any (portable) application the little Adagio cannot handle. Its technical robustness and durable, modern LED technology consistently complete the concept of the smart go-anywhere projector.
The Philips Screeneo, on the other hand, with its larger dimensions, greater weight and UHP lamp, comes across as somewhat more cumbersome and conservative. Networking and smart apps are also foreign to it, and it always needs an external player. But the initial somewhat “old-fashioned” impression fades once you switch the device on: the Screeneo proves that proven technology can lead to clear advantages in picture quality when used consistently. With more brightness, better picture dynamics and more natural colours, the Screeneo scores exactly where it matters for a home cinema projector. Its better sound quality and lower fan noise also make it a more serious TV replacement.
Which one is right for you?
Given these different concepts and priorities, we cannot name a clear winner: the best way to decide which of the two better meets your personal needs is a personal comparison on site at one of our many home cinema partners across Germany!
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Further guides:
- Projector test: the best projectors of 2026 – the best models of 2026 by price range
