Hisense 100L5F LASER TV Review – Summary: Highlights, Value Proposition, Pros and Cons
The Hisense 100L5F is a 4K DLP projector that retails for $3,999. It utilizes a single DLP (0.47” DMD) chip to reproduce a perceived 4K UHD resolution. Its X-Fusion Laser engine is rated to deliver at 2,700 lumens for up to 25,000 hours.
Perhaps the biggest, or most obvious advantage, is that an ultra-short throw TV/projector sits directly below and only inches away from the screen. There is no need for ceiling mounting 10 feet or more away.
Since the 100L5F was built around the Android TV operating system used in many of their flat panel TVs, smart features are incorporated seamlessly, the menus are easy to navigate and well laid out.
The 100L5F is loaded with all the popular streaming apps like Netflix, HULU, Disney+, YouTube, and Fandango Now. Looking for access to local broadcast channels without a 3rd party set-top box, the 100L5F also has a built-in digital tuner.
The front of the 100L5F cabinet holds a dual driver array powered by a total of 30 watts, which delivers good sound quality. While the 100L5F has one of the best built audio systems I have heard from a video display this year, it also has an HDMI ARC (audio return channel) input which delivers the high quality, immersive sound from the projector’s internal streaming services to a 3rd party sound system.
Since the 100L5F was designed to be a replacement for a Smart flat panel TV, it has all the Smart features customers have come to expect from a Smart TV, like voice control. You can use the Smart remote, which has a built-in microphone to not only control basic projector features but also control a wide variety of compatible Smart devices via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
By utilizing a single laser vs a dual laser system, the smaller DLP chip, and a less elaborate sound system, Hisense 100L5F is half the price of the previous model. This makes 100L5F price competitive when compared against other manufacturers 4K Laser TV models including the Samsung LSP7T and Optoma CinemaX P2.
100L5F’s picture will be roughly 67% larger than a 77” TV. While “economy” 85” TVs are now available for less than $2,000, there just isn’t anything out there that’s 90” diagonal or larger anywhere near the price point of a laser TV like the 100L5F.
The flat panels above 90” that we see at trade shows still have a six-figure price tag attached to them. Even if a 100” flat panel were available and cheaper, good luck trying to carry it up several flights of stairs into a New York walkup apartment. Bottom line, if you want a seriously large TV, this Hisense 100” Laser TV, is still a bargain.
Great picture, smart features, good sound quality, and low maintenance make the Hisense 100L5F a compelling alternative to a large flat panel TV especially in a room where space is at a premium.
