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Hisense nudges home cinema close to the wall with 4K laser projectors

Hisense nudges home cinema close to the wall with 4K laser projectors
The PX2-Pro (shown) features a triple-laser light source for 2,400 ASNI lumens, while the PL1 model is built around a X-Fusion laser light source for 2,200 ANSI lumens
The PX2-Pro (shown) features a triple-laser light source for 2,400 ASNI lumens, while the PL1 model is built around a X-Fusion laser light source for 2,200 ANSI lumens
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The PX2-Pro (shown) features a triple-laser light source for 2,400 ASNI lumens, while the PL1 model is built around a X-Fusion laser light source for 2,200 ANSI lumens
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The PX2-Pro (shown) features a triple-laser light source for 2,400 ASNI lumens, while the PL1 model is built around a X-Fusion laser light source for 2,200 ANSI lumens
The PX2-Pro TriChroma Laser Cinema projector snuggles close to the display surface for 4K UHD visuals at up to 130 inches
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The PX2-Pro TriChroma Laser Cinema projector snuggles close to the display surface for 4K UHD visuals at up to 130 inches
The PL1 Smart Laser Cinema projector can throw 4K UHD imagery at up to 120 inches
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The PL1 Smart Laser Cinema projector can throw 4K UHD imagery at up to 120 inches
The PX2-Pro and PL1 (shown) projectors each come with a built-in Dolby sound system
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The PX2-Pro and PL1 (shown) projectors each come with a built-in Dolby sound system
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Back in January, Hisense rolled into CES with an 8K laser projector called the 120LX plus a bunch of 4K ultra-short-throwers. Now the PX2-Pro and PL1 laser cinema models have gone up for sale, so let's have a closer look.

Details were somewhat lacking in the CES presspack, but with the sales launch comes full specs and pricing. First up is a TriChroma Laser Cinema model called the PX2-Pro, which Hisense says "elevates the home cinema experience to a new level, making it the ultimate choice for movie enthusiasts and entertainment lovers."

Positioned a few inches from the wall or screen, viewers are treated to 4K UHD resolution with a powered focus lens bringing visuals into sharp focus up to 130 diagonal inches. Its triple-laser (RGB) light source is reckoned good for 25,000 hours of operation, and puts out 2,400 ANSI lumens.

The PX2-Pro TriChroma Laser Cinema projector snuggles close to the display surface for 4K UHD visuals at up to 130 inches
The PX2-Pro TriChroma Laser Cinema projector snuggles close to the display surface for 4K UHD visuals at up to 130 inches

The projector covers 107% of the wide BT.2020 color gamut for "a rich and realistic color palette that brings every scene to life," plus there's support for Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG content. Dynamic contrast comes in at 2-million:1, while MEMC frame interpolation technology takes care of blur reduction in fast action scenes.

The home cinema solution ships with Google TV for easy access to thousands of streaming entertainment apps, including Netflix, over built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi. There are three HDMI 2.1 ports for cabling up to more traditional media sources or games consoles, including one with audio return. And a Dolby Atmos sound system rocks 30-W speakers for immersive audio, and the promise of "clear speech, crisp highs, and booming lows without the need for additional audio equipment."

The PX2-Pro TriChroma Laser Cinema commands a recommended retail price of US$3,499.99, and is available now.

The PL1 Smart Laser Cinema projector can throw 4K UHD imagery at up to 120 inches
The PL1 Smart Laser Cinema projector can throw 4K UHD imagery at up to 120 inches

The PL1 4K smart UST projector shares much of its feature set with its pricier cousin, but is built around Hisense's X-Fusion laser light source for 2,200 ANSI lumens. The blue laser and phosphor color filter engine also has a 25,000-hour lifespan, with Hisense promising "sharper images, more natural colors."

Google TV is in the driving seat here too, the powered focus keeps imagery sharp up to 120 inches, there's support for 85% of the DCI-P3 color space, and Dolby Audio is provided by a similarly capable sound system. This flavor is priced at $2,799.99.

Product pages: PX2-Pro, PL1

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2 comments
2 comments
paul314
What kind of a screen do you need to reflect the lion's share of that low-angle light back in the direction of the viewers? Custom made?
Nibblonian
@paul314 : Look up Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) screens. They are designed for the steep angle of incidence from these UST projectors. The ALRs can be pricey, and between price of screen and price of projector, you are a long way toward a decent size OLED, but for a 100"+ image in a DARKENED room, projector and ALR screen not a bad way to go. Note: a ceiling mounted UST projector won't work on an ALR screen, because the projector light then comes in at same angle as ambient light, defeating the function of an ALR screen.

PS: I have to commend Hisense for posting pictures showing projector in a darkened room. Even though image is probably "simulated" it's much better than so many other living room projector manufacturer product shots showing an unrealistically bright huge screen image in a sunlit room.