Is Hisense’s latest ultra short throw projector a true TV replacement?
View online review whf.cm/HisensePL1
Hisense is at the forefront of the UST revolution, having been developing ultra-short-throw models for more than six years now. The PL1 is the latest model in Hisense’s line of Ultra Short Throw Laser Cinema Projectors (not to be confused with its separate line of Laser TVs, which act in a similar fashion) of aiming to be a replacement for your TV.
In order to be a successful UST, the PL1 has to tick every box we look out for in both the best projectors and the best TVs, which is no easy task. Thankfully, the PL1 not only steps up to the task, but ticks a number of other boxes too.
Looking at alternatives near this price, it’s not easy to find a UST to match the PL1’s specification. Even last year’s Award-winning LG Cinebeam HU715Q, since discontinued, was a chunk more expensive at £2999. Samsung’s The Premiere LSP9T is one of our only other points of reference and that, too, is much more expensive at £3999.
Tasteful design language
Structurally, the Hisense PL1 starts on a strong foot. It’s much smaller than other UST projectors we have seen before, being roughly akin to a home printer in stature. This means it will be unobtrusive in your home and easy to manoeuvre during set-up. Aesthetically, the Hisense impresses too, which is more important than you may think. Remember, this box will sit in direct view when you are using it, so it is important that it’s not an eyesore. Thankfully, Hisense’s tasteful design language on the PL1 is understated enough to blend into most living room environments as well as having enough subtle design elements (mesh front grille, triangular cutout side vents) to give it a bit of character.
Anyone familiar with a Hisense TV is likely to feel right at home on the PL1. For starters, it uses the exact same VIDAA operating system, which also includes practically every streaming app we could hope for; including Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. You can also stream wirelessly from your smartphone using device pairing or Apple AirPlay 2 if you are using an iPhone. On the subject of phones, there is a comprehensive VIDAA app that you can use to control the projector, which is a nice touch.
This unit uses Hisense’s X-Fusion Laser Technology, which we assume is merely brandi
