The first 7 and 9 video projectors return to the front of the stage in 2024 after a four-year absence. This is an opportunity for Samsung to update its focal ultra-scale video projectors in the face of fierce competition and a market that is rapidly evolving. Here we test the first 7 LPU 7D, a more affordable model than the first 9 equipped with a triple laser, but the first 5 coming out in 2025 are better delivered than the compact.
This video projector has a DLP chip from Texas Instruments as well as a laser source. The displayed image is in 4K UHD, but it is normally achieved thanks to a small image-based wobble process of 2716 x 1528 pixels. Samsung touts an increase over the previous generation with a brightness of 2400 lumens as well as a lifespan of 20,000 hours. What to see?
The ultra-short focal point model can be placed very close to the projection surface, but be careful, we remind you that you need a perfectly smooth wall or dedicated canvas to enjoy it. Otherwise, we’ll obviously be looking for Samsung’s Tizen interface inside.
The first 7 appears at a suggested price of $3,300, but that’s closer to €2,500. A premium price is already easy to justify compared to solid competition, which laser models, even Trellis, offer brighter around € 2500 (Hausense PX3 Pro, Formvi Cinema Edge and Theater, etc.)
All brightness and colorimetry measurements described in this article were performed with a Calibrate ProHL Caliber probe and Kalman Ultimate software.

Image quality
The LPU7D can project an image from 90 to 120 inches. So these fairly large projection surfaces, some ultra-short focal models that can go down to 80 inches. The projector should be placed 21 cm from the wall or screen to get a 90-inch image, and 37 cm for a 120-inch diagonal.
Hate. © no
First 7 unfortunately doesn’t offer automatic trapeze or developmental correction. So it will be necessary to proceed manually. Sharpness looks good overall, though angles have some problems. We failed to get four perfectly clear angles during our tests, with the top left corner doing itself a favor.
Focus is manual. © no
Fortunately, the projector benefits from interesting features, such as improving perceived contrast and, above all, improving fluidity, without rendering The decision (earthquakes) in the image. Please note, it is best to keep the Image Clarity adjustment at a low level so as not to suffer from the “soap opera” effect. To calibrate the video projector, the menus offer only a few settings, we would have appreciated a complete profile with saturation, shade and brightness.
Justice League. © no
For our measurements, we created the first 7 in Filmmaker mode to get the best possible image. In this mode, the color temperature is perfect with an average of 6,500 K, which is very low in the market. Alas, the same cannot be said for the color matrix, which flows quite noticeably.
We noted an average of 6.4 delta E, which is a fairly classic result on a video projector, but which exceeds the range of 3 with colors reaching peaks. The 2’s gamma is a bit off the reference curve for its part, especially at light and white-gray levels that are over-the-top, but it’s not catastrophic.
Where the projector disappoints, it’s mainly in terms of its contrasts with the 660:1 aspect ratio not being worthy of a Focal Ultrascale model at this price. The best models in our comparison exceed 2000:1, or even 3000:1, and the difference is noticeable with blacks appearing slightly gray.
Mario movies. © no
Global, so image quality is very accurate, but some competing models do better, sometimes for less…
Hdr
LPU7D is HDR10, HLG is HDR10+, but Get out Dolby Vision is not available on Samsung products. The EOTF curve is clearly not followed well, as is usually the case with video projectors that cannot reach the brightness offered by televisions.
Left, EOTF curve in HDR10, window of 10%; OK, HDR luminance curve, 10% window.
In this regard, we measured an HDR brightness peak of 111 CD/m². An absolute good result, but one that is limited in this price range. That’s the same level as the Formo Theater, released in 2022, or the Hassens PL1, which costs almost twice as much today.
Delta E measured in HDR at 15 is very high and colors are fully derived. That said, we can’t blame Samsung because we haven’t – at the moment – ever been able to test a model that’s capable of displaying accurate colors in HDR.
On the left, DCI-P3 space coverage; On the right, REC-2020.
The coverage of the color metric spaces isn’t as good as on the trelliser models, but it’s pretty accurate with 67.7% Cover 2020 and 87.4% of the DCI-P3 space.

Construction and ergonomics
With its clean design and premium look, the Samsung Premier 7 2024 doesn’t go unnoticed. The shiny white plastic and gray color for the speakers is what we are used to seeing, and the quality of the whole breath changes. Please note, this is not a feeder weight: with its imposing dimensions (53 x 35 x 13 cm) and weight of 9.2 kg, it will fit a TV piece of furniture deep enough to accommodate it. Can be.
So Samsung has planned presence sensors all around to reduce the light intensity if someone gets too close to the source, thus protecting their eyes. Practical feature, especially for adventurous children.
There is a detector to cut off the laser if you pass in front. © no
This video projector offers three HDMI 2.0B inputs (including EARC compatible), a USB port, an optical audio output (S/PDIF), an Ethernet port and antenna for TNT/cable and satellite. Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2 are present. In addition, the projector can act as a Bluetooth speaker or connect to a wireless helmet.
Connector at the rear. © no
Under the device, two adjustable feet are used to adjust the tilt angle and correct the trapeze. The roof will also have four steps that allow for installation on the roof.
Tizen’s home page. © no
The Tizen operating system is identical to the one found on Samsung televisions and offers a complete interface. Unfortunately, you’ll need to connect to its Samsung account to use it, but you’ll have access to the vast majority of streaming apps: Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, OCS, RMC Sport, Molotov and MyChannel. With AirPlay 2 compatible and mirror mobile function, it also allows you to mirror the screen of an Android smartphone by placing it on the right side of the chassis.
Samsung’s remote control. © no
To simplify the extreme, the Samsung remote control is not backlit, but it turns out to be very pleasant. With a microphone, it allows you to launch vocal research or quickly adjust parameters, such as activating game mode, especially Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and can be recharged with solar energy. is Small panel located at the back.
Finally, the video projector is quite quiet as we noted barely 33.5 dB from the video projector at 1 meter and 35 dB at 50 cm. So we hear a slight breath in operation, but it won’t correlate to the viewing experience.
Video game
Few video projectors today can boast such adaptability Gaming. The Samsung Premier 7 is limited, like most of its competitors, to 60Hz, and claims Input interval 44 ms. So there will be a small discrepancy between the action performed on the controller and its reaction on the screen. Enough to play solo or accessory games, but Adios Competitive multiplayer.