Hisense has taken advantage of CES to show off their 2022 entries in the UST (Ultra-Short Throw) Laser TV category with two models; the PX1-PRO and the L5G, plus a tease of their forthcoming 8K model.
PX1-Pro
The PX1-PRO features a .47-inch DLP chip with a TriChroma (RGB) laser light source that can output a maximum of 2,000 ANSI lumens with support for a 25,000-hour use life.
The PX1-PRO displays 4K resolution via TI XPR pixel-shifting technology.
This combination provides full BT.2020 (aka Rec.2020) color support and a dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1.
HDR10 and HLG HDR are supported.
To optimize movie watching, the PX1-PRO incorporates Filmmaker Mode. This feature automatically shuts off all unneeded video processing features and sets the correct frame rate and aspect ratio.
For gamers, the input lag is listed as about 30 ms.
Unlike several Hisense UST Laser TVs, the PX1-PRO doesn’t come with a projection screen. This is not necessarily a bad thing because you can buy the size and type of screen from 90 to 130 inches that suit you best.
Depending on your chosen screen size, the PX1-PRO can be placed as close as 10.75 to 19.3 inches from the screen.
For audio, the PX1-PRO incorporates a 30W speaker system. Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital decoding is supported.
Connections include:
- HDMI (2): Ver 2.1 (one HDMI port supports HDMI eARC – which can pass Dolby Atmos to an external sound system)
- Note: While the ports are both HDMI 2.1, the DLP imager limits the projector to displaying 4K/60 instead of 4K/120.
- USB: 1 USB 3.0 and 1 USB 2.0
- Audio Outputs: 1 Digital Optical, 1 3.5 mm analog audio
- RF Input: Antenna/cable (the PX1-PRO has a built-in TV tuner).
- Internet Connectivity: Wi-Fi/Ethernet
- Bluetooth Support: Yes
- WiSA: the PX1-PRO is also WiSA-ready for connection to compatible wireless surround sound speaker systems.
Additional features include the Android TV platform with Chromecast Built-in and voice control via Google Assistant. Alexa voice control is also supported.
The projector cabinet is 6.3 x 20.5 x 12.8 inches (HWD) and weighs 20.3 pounds.
Where to buy:
The Hisense PX1-PRO has a MSRP of $3,999 and is available on Amazon.
Deal Alert: Buy it for $3,499 at ProjectorScreen.com during a Special Launch Promo (Save $500)!
L5G
The L5G has a lot of the same features and the PX1-PRO, but there are differences.
One difference is that it includes either a 100- or 120-inch ambient light-rejecting screen.
Another thing that is different is that instead of incorporating a TriChroma laser, the L5G employs a Blue Laser/Phosphor light source that is rated to output as much as 2,700 lumens.
There are also 3 HDMI ports instead of two, with one featuring HDMI-eARC support.
The built-in audio system, WiSA functionality, Android/Chromecast, Google Assistant, and Alexa support are the same as on the PX1-Pro.
The projector measures 6.2 x 21.5 x 13.6 inches (HWD) and weighs 20.3 pounds. The 100- and 120-inch ALR screens weigh 26.5 and 49.6 pounds, respectively.
Where to buy:
Hisense L5G is priced at $4,499 (100-inch ALR screen) and $4,999 (120-inch ALR screen) at Amazon.
Deal Alert: Save $500 at ProjectorScreen.com on either L5G screen size:
- Hisense 100L5G is $3,999 at ProjectorScreen
- Hisense 120L5G is $4,499 at ProjectorScreen
L9G
Carrying over from Fall 2021 is the top-of-the-line Hisense L9G Laser TV, which also comes with a screen in 100- or 120-inch sizes. This TriChroma (triple laser) ultra-short-throw projector was awarded 2021 King of UST Projectors at the Value Electronics Shootout and currently is our top pick in our UST projector buying guide.
UPDATE 6/28/2022: Hisense is adding Dolby Vision display capability via an automatic firmware update to the L9G Laser TV.
Where to buy:
100” 100L9G – $5499.99 at Amazon | ProjectorScreen
120” 120L9G – $5999.99 at Amazon | ProjectorScreen
8K Laser TV is Coming
During the Hisense CES 2022 presentation, it was announced that a forthcoming 8K Laser TV was in the works, supported by a newly developed AI-powered processing chip that supports 8K resolution at up to a 120Hz refresh rate. Just as with most Hisense Laser TVs, a TriChroma Laser engine, which has full BT.2020 color gamut support will be used as the light source. No working prototype or pre-production model was shown.
This definitely sounds encouraging, and it looks like Hisense is ready to go into the production stage soon. However, what wasn’t clear is whether Texas Instruments would be supplying a native 8K DLP imaging chip or if the product will use a native 4K resolution imaging chip and use XPR pixel shift technology to achieve 8K display resolution.
If an 8K Laser TV becomes available and is somewhat affordable, it will definitely be a game-changer in the UST projector market.
Update 12/24/2022: Hisense and Texas Instruments have stated that an 8K UST may be coming in 2023. It will incorporate a new .94-inch DLP chip (most likely a native 4K resolution chip) that will use TI’s pixel-shifting technology to display an 8K image. More details to follow…
