Hisense L5G 4K Smart Laser TV Review - Summary

OVERVIEW

The Hisense L5G is a 4K ultra-short-throw DLP projector that supports 4K@60Hz video playback and sells with a screen in two sizes at $4,499 MSRP for the 120-inch version and $3,999 MSRP for the 100-inch version. The L5G's X-Fusion Laser Engine is rated to deliver 2,700 lumens for a minimum of 25,000 hours.

The L5G is a smart projector with menus and controls tightly integrated into an easy-to-use, unified experience. This Laser TV's menus are easy to navigate and well laid out.

The L5G comes with a built-in 30-watt Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital sound system that produces big sound, sometimes a little too big resulting in the lower frequencies clipping. Once adjusted the built-in sound system provides decent sound quality equivalent to an entry-level sound bar and can also function as a Bluetooth speaker.

The L5G's Operating System (OS) is powered by Android TV. This incredibly versatile and popular OS provides access to 700,000+ movies and shows across your favorite apps. Android provides access to all the top apps and games, allowing users to watch, play, and listen to 5000+ apps from Google Play.

The L5G is loaded with all the popular streaming apps such as Hulu, YouTube, Disney+, and more but no Netflix. The L5G even has a built-in Digital Tuner providing access to local broadcast channels.

Regarding inputs and connections, the L5G supports an enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) HDMI connection, which delivers high-quality sound from the projector to an external sound system. The L5G is designed to be a viable alternative to a flat-panel TV, so Hisense included an onboard TV Tuner. Other connections include a Standard 75-ohm Coaxial Connector, three HDMI Inputs, USB 2.0 and 3.0 Ports, Digital and Analog Audio Out, and an RJ-45 Port.

Hisense has continued expanding its design language with each new addition to its Laser TV line of projectors. With the L5G. Hisense has built on the approach used for projectors such as the PX1 and PX1-PRO. Looking at the projector from the front you will see a vertically flat cloth speaker cover with a small Hisense logo to the left. When you look at the projector from any other angle, you can see more design influences from the more rounded ultra-short-throw projectors such as the Hisense L9G. The L5G is another beautifully designed projector that will easily compliment almost any living room or home theater environment.

The L5G exceeds its manufacturer's estimated light output but just barely. The projector's increased light output is a welcome boost allowing the L5G to perform better in spaces with uncontrolled light sources. The L5G and its matched Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) screen should provide the best possible results in a variety of living rooms at night or during the day.

The color performance of the X-Fusion Laser Light Source is not equivalent to the Hisense TriChroma projectors. I didn’t expect it to be as it does not use an RGB laser light source. However, Hisense has built a Laser TV with good color performance out of the box. My one big complaint is the extremely warm tones of all of the projector's preset color modes. Darker images appear to have a slight blue or green cast and brighter images are, in my opinion, too warm even when the projector's color temperature is on the coolest setting.

Black levels on the L5G, while decent for a DLP projector, display blacks more like very dark grays. Hisense has continued to work at improving black levels and detail performance in the darkest and the brightest areas of the picture. The included ALR screen helps improve the perceived contrast in the projected image. That being said the contrast performance on this Hisense projector is not as good as the PX1-PR0 and L9G. Certainly better than most DLP just not at the top of what Hisense offers.

If you are looking for an alternative to a flat-panel television capable of providing good color performance in a space with uncontrolled ambient light, then the L5G would be an excellent choice. When placed inches from the wall while projecting a 100-inch or 120-inch image on the included ALR screen, a satisfying experience is guaranteed when playing or watching your favorite games, movies, or TV shows. 

If you want to learn more about the Hisense L5G or other Hisense home video projectors, go to www.hisense.com. For more information about this and other Hisense products, check out our articles and reviews at www.projectorreviews.com