At CES 2025, Hisense solidified its commitment to the world of projection technology, unveiling an impressive lineup of new devices. Despite its dominance in the market for ultra-large flat-panel televisions, Hisense continues to innovate in projectors, emphasizing their versatility and unique applications.
Among the highlights in the Hisense booth were the L9Q Laser TV, a compact ultra-short throw prototype, a rollable screen solution, and the C2 Series lifestyle projectors, which include the C2, C2 Pro, and C2 Ultra models. These products showcase advancements in image quality, portability, and user convenience, reinforcing Hisense’s leadership in projection.
The Hisense L9Q: Pushing the Limits of Brightness and Contrast
One of the standout announcements from Hisense was the L9Q, a powerful addition to its laser TV lineup. The L9Q offers a significant leap forward in performance compared to its predecessors, including the PX3 Pro and L9H. Equipped with an RGB laser light engine, it delivers an impressive brightness of 5,000 lumens, a considerable increase from the PX3 Pro’s 3,000 lumens. The L9Q’s native contrast ratio has also been increased to 5,000:1. These enhancements ensure vivid, clear images even in bright environments and darken spaces.
The L9Q also benefits from improved optics and a redesigned light engine, resulting in better contrast and more accurate tone mapping. These advancements make the projector suitable for displaying a wide range of content, from HDR to SDR, with remarkable clarity. Another key feature of the L9Q is its ultra-short throw capability, boasting a throw ratio of 0.18:1, a marked improvement over earlier models. This allows the projector to produce a 120-inch image while positioned close to the screen, minimizing the space required.
The projector is equipped with Google TV, which gives users access to 800+ free live TV channels, plus 700,000+ movies and shows available across 10,000+ apps. The L9Q includes a robust 6.2.2 sound system tuned by a high-end audio partner, Devialet, to enhance the home theater experience further. While the L9Q is much brighter than previous models, Hisense also optimized the device for energy efficiency, keeping its power consumption lower than a large flat-panel TV.
Designed as a soft bundle, the L9Q can be paired with various ambient light rejection (ALR) screens (100, 110, 120, 136, and 150 inches), which maximize brightness and maintain visual contrast.
Paired with Hisense latest high-gain ALR screen featuring a gain of 2.9, the L9Q can achieve a full-screen brightness of 1500 nits, rivaling OLED flat panels in terms of perceived brightness and color saturation. These features make the L9Q a standout option for consumers seeking a premium Laser TV solution. Pricing and availability of the L9Q have not been announced.
A Compact Ultra-Short Throw Prototype: High Performance From a Compact Package
Another notable reveal at the Hisense booth was a compact ultra-short-throw (UST) prototype designed to offer the performance of the PX3 Pro in a significantly smaller package. Weighing just six kilograms and roughly the size of a 12-inch laptop, this prototype is 30% lighter than its predecessor, making it an appealing choice for consumers prioritizing portability.
The compact design is achieved by removing the integrated sound system, which caters to Home entertainment enthusiasts who plan to pair the device with external audio setups.
The prototype uses the same RGB laser light source as the PX3 Pro, delivering up to 3,000 ANSI lumens of brightness and covering over 100% of the DCI-P3 color space. The unit has the same video processing and optics as the PX3Pro, so the picture is comparable. It also runs on the Google TV operating system, ensuring a seamless and familiar user experience.
Although this prototype is not slated for release in 2025, it demonstrates Hisense’s ongoing focus on developing portable, high-performance solutions that cater to diverse consumer needs. The design is especially suited for urban living spaces where portability and compact form are paramount.
Rollable Screen Solution: Blending Technology and Aesthetics
Hisense also showcased a rollable screen solution that pairs seamlessly with an ultra-compact UST projector prototype. This concept combines the UST projector with a motorized screen, which both retract into a slim, stylish cabinet when not in use. The slim design minimizes the device’s footprint and seamlessly integrates into modern living spaces, solving one of the primary challenges of traditional ultra-short throw projectors: bulky cabinetry.
The rollable screen includes ambient light rejection properties, enhancing its usability in brightly lit environments. This setup is particularly advantageous for users who value aesthetics and functionality, as the screen and projector can remain hidden when not in use. The prototype offers an elegant solution for blending cutting-edge technology with home décor.
The Hisense C2 Series: Versatility in Lifestyle Projection
Rounding out Hisense’s CES 2025 lineup was the C2 Series, a trio of lifestyle projectors designed to cater to various user needs and preferences. The C2, C2 Pro, and C2 Ultra models share a compact, portable form factor and similar Google TV smart features. The C2 Series incorporates advanced features such as auto-focus, auto-keystone correction, Wall Color Adaption, and object avoidance for effortless setup. The C2 Series models differ in brightness, features, and capabilities, providing options for diverse applications and budgets.
The entry-level C2 is equipped with a gimbal-mounted chassis, making it easy to position for optimal projection. It delivers 2,200 lumens of brightness and features digital zoom for flexible installation. While it offers solid sound quality, it lacks some of the premium enhancements found in higher-tier models. This makes the C2 a cost-effective choice for users seeking a straightforward and reliable projector for casual use.
The C2 Pro steps up with 2,600 lumens of brightness, providing a more vibrant image. Unlike the base model, the C2 Pro features optical zoom, which ensures consistent image clarity across different projection distances. The lens has an optical zoom range of 0.9:1 to 1.5:1, so the C2 Pro can project a 100-inch picture from 86 inches to 145 inches away from the screen.
The C2 Pro also has an upgraded JBL sound system. The projector also supports Dolby Vision and is IMAX Enhanced certified. These upgrades make C2 Pro an excellent middle-ground option for users who want enhanced performance without investing in the top-tier model.
At the flagship of the lineup, the C2 Ultra boasts 3,000 lumens of brightness, ensuring vivid and detailed images even in well-lit environments. This model incorporates all the advanced features found in the C2 Pro, such as optical zoom. The C2 Ultra is also “Designed for Xbox,” so it is optimized for gaming while offering a cinematic experience in a portable package. Additionally, the C2 Ultra has a subwoofer integrated into its gimbal base, which enhances the projector’s audio performance.
The C2 Series highlights Hisense’s commitment to delivering accessible and high-performance projection solutions for a wide range of applications, from gaming to movie nights. Each model is designed to offer a seamless combination of portability, functionality, and image quality, catering to the growing demand for lifestyle projectors.
The C2 Ultra and C2 Pro are available at several retailers, including Amazon. The pricing and availability for the C2 will be announced soon.
Hisense's Continued Commitment to Projection
While Hisense continues to lead in the ultra-large flat-panel market, its projection solutions address key challenges in specific use cases. For instance, projectors remain the most practical option for achieving screen sizes above 120 inches, particularly in environments where transporting or installing large flat panels is impractical.
Hisense has long been recognized as a leader in projectors and Laser TVs, with a track record of continuous improvement and innovation. From its first laser TV in 2007 to its current offerings, the company has amassed thousands of patents, reflecting its dedication to advancing the field. By combining technological excellence with thoughtful design, Hisense ensures that its projectors meet the needs of diverse consumer segments.
CES 2025 provided a stage for Hisense to demonstrate its prowess in projection technology. As Hisense continues to refine its offerings, it remains at the forefront of projection technology, providing solutions that combine cutting-edge features with practical applications.
