Hisense 100L10E Laser TV Review-Special Features

Hisense 100L10E Laser TV Review - Special Features: Laser Light Engine, 4K DLP, Ambient Light Rejecting Screen, Smart TV Features, Harmon Kardon Sound System, HDMI ARC

Hisense rated its Laser light engine at 3,000 lumens for 25,000 hours which equal years of worry-free operation. The 100L10E uses Hisense’s Dual Color Laser system which utilizes two lasers—one blue and the other red—with a green phosphor wheel.

Since both red and blue primaries are generated by lasers, the color gamut is wider and the 100L10E can deliver more than 95% of DCI/P3 color gamut. Hisense claims a peak light output of 3000 lumens and a native contrast ratio greater than 1500:1. While many projectors offer preset lamp/laser brightness modes, the 100L10E does not. The unit’s Laser Light Level setting adjusted independently for each picture preset mode.

The Hisense 100L100E utilizes a Texas Instruments DLP (0.66” DMD) chip to reproduce perceived 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) resolution. I use the term “perceived” because a 4K DLP chip does not actually have 8.3 million mirrors, so the projector utilizes pixel (mirror) shifting to deliver the perceived sharpness of native 4K.

The 0.66" DLP chip has a native resolution of 2716x1528 (4.15 million) micromirrors. The response time of these micromirrors is so fast that each one can be quickly wiggled back and forth to form two separate pixels on the screen. This approach works very well because it is very difficult to see a difference in resolution when comparing a 4K DLP projector to a native 4K LCD/LCoS model.

Since the 100L10E is a single-chip DLP projector, you will never have any convergence issues that could occur with a 3LCD projector, so the image will remain sharp throughout the life of the projector without periodical adjustment. The projector can also accept signals up to 4K@60P via two 18Gbps HDMI/HDCP 2.2 Compatible Input (HDMI #1&2).

Also like all other DLP projectors, the L100L10E has a sealed light path to protect the optics from the dreaded “dust blob.” Having a sealed light path prevents particles of dust from settling inside the light path and obstructing the projected image.

The 100LE, like most Hisense Laser TV models, is bundled with an ambient light rejecting screen designed specifically for ultra-short throw projectors. The screen is 100” and uses StarBright CLR material which allows viewing during the day or in higher ambient light. The ALR screen as a real plus because it helps maintain good contrast and rich saturated colors under less than optimal lighting conditions.

Unlike earlier ALR UST screens which were fixed, the included screen is shipped disassembled. One of the benefits of a Hisense Laser TV is that is much easier for someone to maneuver it into an upstairs apartment than it would be for an 85” or 100 flat panel.

Since the unit was calibrated by Jason in Florida and then shipped to me in San Diego to simplify shipping Hisense sent the model minus the screen. For this review I utilized my Elite Screen CineWhite Starling tab-tensioned 100” screen in my office/lab. Since I have good light control in my space ambient light was not an issue.

While I did not get the opportunity to test the ALR screen in my home, I have seen it at various tradeshows as well as at Art’s home. It appears to do a great job improving black level and contrast in rooms with moderate ambient light.

Voice Control

The 100L10E utilizes the same smart platform originally created for the Hisense flat panel lineup. Since Hisense Laser TVs are made by a manufacturer with years of smart TV experience, the interface is smooth and well thought out. Below are a few notable features that make a Hisense Laser TV like the 100L10E a viable solution for a large Smart TV.

It is equipped with voice control remote which has a built-in microphone to control a wide variety of compatible Smart devices via Amazon Alexa Assistant. You just press and hold the mic button in the center of the remote control to activate Alexa. You can use your voice to operate the 100L10E. In addition to the projector, Amazon Alexa also allows voice control for several 3rd party items like a set-top box, lights, door locks, curtains, etc.

Built-in TV Tuner and Streaming Apps

As mentioned earlier the Hisense 100L10E is designed to be a viable alternative to a flat panel TV, so Hisense Laser TV units have an onboard TV tuner. This is great for customers who are looking to replace their flat panel TV with a projector. On the back, with the other connectors, you’ll find the standard 75-ohm coaxial connector used by TV antennas. You can also plug in the coaxial cable signal from a set-top box, although most of today’s boxes will offer the best performance from HDMI.

You can also access many of the other popular streaming services including YouTube, Netflix, Vudu, Fandango Now, and Amazon Prime Video.

Wireless Connectivity and Media Playback

In addition to a wired network connection, the L100L10E allows wireless networking as well. This is great for users who want to move the projector from room to room while still accessing the unit’s internal apps and services.

The projector has a built-in media player that can access files via its USB inputs. There are two USB inputs that can be used to play all types of media (Videos, MP3, Photos, etc.). You can also wirelessly stream video, photos, and music from a compatible Android mobile device using AnyView Cast.

The 100L10E includes one of the best / biggest sounds I’ve encountered yet on any TV or projector. When reviewing projector, I usually utilize my own surround sound system. This is because most sound systems built into projectors are substandard. For a truly immersive theater experience, you need big sound to go with the big picture.

The front of 100L10E cabinet holds Harmon Kardon multi-driver array powered by a total of 40 watts, plus there is a separate wireless 60-watt powered subwoofer for a total of 100watts. The subwoofer is wirelessly paired to the projector via Bluetooth.

Hisense 100L10E also has dbx-tv® sound processing which include three audio features:

• Total Sonics – Increases bass, boosting mid-range for a fuller sound.
• Total Surround – Provides a surround sound effect. While very little seemed to come from behind me, the feature does a good job widening the soundstage.
• Total Volume. Minimizes large swings in volume like what occurs during loud commercials. It reduces the dynamics, but it is sometimes is necessary (apartment dwellers with neighbors).

While the 100L10E is no match for my 5.1.4 Atmos system, I found the projector had just enough volume and punch to be a satisfying listening experience.