In 2018, the LG PF1000U DLP projector with a built-in TV tuner became the first home ultra-short throw (UST) model. As known, they generate a huge picture from a distance of several inches, forming a projection by re-reflecting the image using a complex aspherical mirror. With a brightness of only 1,000 lumens, the price of this Full HD (1080p) model reached $ 1,000. Despite the relatively low price-quality ratio, the UST design ensured its fantastic popularity. In fact, the LG PF1000U was the first projector to radically eliminate one of the main drawbacks of any mid-focal model. Placed near a wall with a screen, they do not create the problem of wires on the floor.
As a result, UST projectors have become the most popular alternative to TVs in the living room.
Of course, modern mid-focal projectors partially solve this problem, for example, using a complicated ceiling mount. But it radically blocks the projector mobility. Indeed, it’s unlikely that anyone will dismantle a ceiling-mounted projector to watch a baseball game in the backyard with friends and beer. Honestly, the majority of modern UST models are quite bulky and weigh more than 10 kg. But they are clearly more mobile compared to ceiling-mounted solution.
Given their extreme popularity, some companies have even come up with new names for them, including, for example, ‘Laser TV’ or ‘Laser Cinema’. They are likely to raise a skeptical grin from some physicists. But formally, any projector with a built-in TV receiver can be positioned as a TV with a screen outside the case. To be fair, most companies prefer the traditional name ‘UST projector’ for similar models.
Hisense UST projectrors
Today Chinese giant Hisense has a fair claim to dominate this segment, offering the widest model line. Moreover, the company even subdivides them into Laser TV and Laser Cinema lines. More expensive Laser TVs come with an ALR / CLR screen.
This aspect has a little history. As known, the image quality of projectors depends significantly on the screen. But effective CLR screens are very expensive. For example, their price even for 100″ size exceeds $ 1,000 and reaches $ 2,000 for 120-inches screens. Not wanting to risk their reputation due to low image quality, some well-known companies sold UST projectors only with a screen included. Unfortunately, it significantly increases the price.
Additionally, some users may already have a screen that was won in a lottery or from a previous projector. Finally, they could buy it later after, for example, receiving a bonus or inheritance. As a result, today most companies offer the screen only as an option, which is quite logical.
New flagship Hisense L9Q is an improved version of Hisense L9H. This list includes higher brightness and contrast (5,000 vs 3,000 ANSI lumens and 5,000:1 vs 4,000:1 contrast) and a maximum diagonal screen size (150″ vs 100″ or 120″).
Unfortunately, the price has also increased and reached almost $ 6,000 vs $ 5,000 for Hisense 120L9H Laser TV with 120″ ALR Cinema Screen.
Hisense projectors are built on Laser Projection Unit (LPU) technology.
It includes several components:
– laser diodes;
– DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology with Texas Instruments DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) chipset;
– ALPD 4.0-based (Advanced Laser Phosphor Display) TriChroma triple-laser engine with coverage of the 110% of the BT.2020 color space;
– increased contrast with real-time Pro AI algorithms;
– VIDAA OS.
LPU Key Features
In fact, the laser diode is a diode with an optical cavity, which provide greater power due to coherent radiation, increasing the projector brightness. As known, ambient light makes the image colors fade and dull. Projector brightness compensates for this negative effect. The brightness of most modern UST projectors exceeds 2,000 lumens. The light output of more expensive models exceeds 3,000 lumens. Premium projectors provide 4,000 lumens and more. Of course, even this is unlikely to provide high quality in direct sunlight, but is enough for a colorful image with saturated colors in diffused daylight.
A few years ago, Texas Instruments’ 0.47 inches DLP (Digital Light Processing) DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) chipsets with XPR (eXpanded Pixel Resolution) technology have radically reduced prices for 4K DLP projectors. This pixel shift-based technologe provides playback of 4K content using a relatively inexpensive DMD with native 1080p resolution (~ 2 million micromirrors). In fact, the projector divides 8 million pixels of 4K-image into 4 parts of 2 million. Then, the 4 XPR module electromagnets change the lens tilt 4 times per cycle (4-phase pixel shift), shifting the four 1080p images by half a pixel diagonally relative to each other.
Of course, 2 million micromirrors produce only one a 1080p image at any given time. But due to the high frequency, the eye and brain perceive them as one higher-resolution image.
TriChroma triple-laser engine expanded color gamut to 110% of the BT.2020 color space.
Unfortunately, the images of these models sometimes contain specks, the formation of which is due to the interference of laser beams. However, companies are successfully combating this problem.
Hisense L9Q
The developers paid special attention to the design. A sleek rectangular body with a brushed metal finish, Black Walnut accents, and
Specs:
– tuners built-in – NextGen TV, ATSC 3.0 & ATSC 1.0 OTA;
– increased 5,000:1 contrast ratio w/deep blacks and increased brightness of up to 5,000 lumens w/superb uniformity;
– Google TV w/Netflix and other popular apps;
– WiFi 6E (fastest broadband streaming) and Apple Airplay 2 (wireless connection to Apple devices);
– coverege 110% BT.2020 with TriChroma RGB triple-laser;
– DolbyVision capable ‘out of the box’;
– IMAX enhanced, Dolby Vision HDR, HDR10+, HDR10 & OTA HLG support;
– 116W 6.2.2ch premium sound system built-in with 15-degree tilted sound bin, Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X support.
Moreover, it’s compatible with Hisense’s HT Saturn 4.1.2ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X audio system, which costs ~$ 1,300 in the USA. When used together, ten L9Q’s speakers act as a center channel speaker, and seven Saturn’s speakers further enhance the Dolby Atmos/DTS:X audio;
– HDMI eARC.
Finally for music lovers, the model offers an HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) port that provides lossless audio transmission to external soundbars in digital format. But honestly, the sound quality will be fine for most people, allowing them to save on buying an additional soundbar;
– CalMAN calibration.
Key Features
Google TV is another flagship bonus. It provides access to over 10,000 apps, 800 free live TV channels, and an extensive library of streaming content. The connectivity options include HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6E, and ATSC 3.0. Of course, projector supports Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit.
The motorized focus and auto screen alignment make installation and setup easy.
In addition to unprecedented brightness, the flagship offers a fantastic contrast of 5,000:1 with Pro AI algorithms in real time. As known, a high contrast affects detail in dark scenes. Simply put, a projector with low contrast is unlikely to reproduce a scene with a dark-skinned detective who, in a dark cloak, dark glasses and dark gloves, watches a bandit from a dark cave. Basically, the viewer will see a blurry gray spot on a dark background. An expensive projector with high contrast will be able to reproduce at least the contours.
In addition, contrast affects the number of shades. The left image with low contrast looks pale and washed out. Images with normal contrast are detailed and clear. The right picture with much contrast appears too posterized.
In fairness, modern DLP and 3LCD projectors cannot boast of high native contrast, which usually ranges from 500:1 to 3,000:1. LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) projectors provide superb contrast from 20,000:1 and higher due to deep black, which is caused by a tiny gap between the crystals. But their price starts from $ 6,000 and reaches tens of thousands. However, DLP projector manufacturers successfully solve this problem. For example, the new Valerion VisionMaster DLP projectors provide 10,000:1 and even 15,000:1 ‘viewing contrast’ with Enhanced Black Level (EBL) technology algorithms.
Conclusion
Hisense has unveiled another Chinese miracle with unprecedented brightness of 5,000 lumens and 5,000:1 contrast. Luxurious design, Google TV and superb 116W 6.2.2ch premium sound system built-in are very significant bonuses. Frankly, the L9Q has no competitors with similar characteristics in the Home Theater UST projector segment today. Of course, model ranges, for example, JVC-DLA, Sony-VPL or Epson Q include superb models with fantastic specs, but, unfortunately, their prices are also fabulous. In fairness, $ 6,000 is also not cheap. However, the traditional adjustment of the launch price can significantly reduce it.
But this aspect has its nuances. Five years ago, prices for 100-inch TVs started at $ 10,000 and they did not compete with much cheaper UST DLP 4K projectors priced at several thousand. But not wanting to give up a promising market, TV manufacturers concentrated their efforts in this segment. As a result, the 98-inches Hisense 100U8K TV costing only $ 2,800 today is one of the main competitors of Hisense L9Q. However, the great 98-inches TCL QM6K TV also costs just over $ 2,000.
Of course, the maximum image size of the projector reaches 150 inches. But in accordance with the recommendations of ophthalmologists, the optimal viewing distance is calculated as the screen diagonal with a multiplier of 1.3, which corresponds to almost 5 meters for 150″. Taking this factor into account, placing the projector is unlikely to create a problem in a spacious villa near the ocean, but it can be a difficult task for a standard living room in a city apartment.
The video demonstrates the installation of the screen for Hisense Laser TV.
