Hisense has officially introduced its new PL2 Laser Cinema ultra-short throw (UST) projector to the U.S. market, following its initial release in the U.K. in August. As part of Hisense’s growing lineup of home theater solutions, the Hisense PL2 is designed to deliver an accessible yet powerful projection experience, aiming at home theater enthusiasts seeking an efficient blend of style and function.
The UST projector, priced at $2,497.97, offers an option for those who want high-end features without the hefty price tags found in competing models, such as AWOL Vision’s LTV-3500 Pro or even Hisense’s own PX3-Pro.
The Hisense PL2 stands out for its advanced laser technology, powered by the company’s X-Fusion laser light source, which supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10. This combination helps deliver vibrant colors and detailed contrast, with 2,700 ANSI lumens of brightness—an improvement from its predecessor, the PL1, which featured 2,200 lumens. This increased brightness is beneficial for environments where ambient light might otherwise wash out images, making the PL2 a more versatile option for various room conditions.
The projector's 4K resolution, coupled with AI-driven upscaling for lower-resolution content, ensures that images maintain their sharpness across a range of content. The device is capable of displaying over one billion colors, with a wide 85% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut, a standard used in the film industry. This color accuracy is essential for viewers looking for an authentic cinematic experience, as it replicates the colors filmmakers intended.
In addition to vibrant visuals, the PL2's adjustable projection size is one of its standout features. Users can customize the screen size between 80 and 150 inches, making it adaptable to various room sizes and viewing preferences. The projector has an ultra-short throw ratio of 0.22:1, meaning it can achieve a 120-inch image with the projector placed just 12 inches from the screen, and a 150-inch image from only 18 inches away.
The Hisense PL2 is equipped with 30-watt top-firing speakers featuring Dolby Atmos, and although the built-in speakers offer a reasonable audio solution, Hisense acknowledges that pairing the projector with a soundbar or home theater sound system would further improve the auditory experience, especially for more demanding viewers.
The inclusion of Dolby Atmos support suggests that even though it’s a projector, it is capable of delivering spatial audio, which can add depth and dimension to the viewing experience.
Running on the Google Smart TV OS, the Hisense PL2 provides users with immediate access to popular streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, all without requiring an external streaming device. This built-in functionality simplifies the setup process and adds to the projector’s appeal for users seeking convenience in their home entertainment systems.
The projector also offers various connectivity options, including three HDMI ports (two of which are high-speed, and one eARC). This enables users to connect a range of devices, such as Apple TV, Blu-ray players, or gaming consoles. Moreover, the PL2’s ALLM (auto low-latency mode) and MEMC (motion estimation, motion compensation) features help ensure smoother playback for gaming and action-packed scenes.
Hisense has designed the PL2 to be compatible with other smart home ecosystems as well, with support for Control4, Apple HomeKit, and AirPlay 2, enabling users to integrate the projector into their wider smart home setups. For those who enjoy a more immersive experience, the projector also supports active 3D viewing, though this feature may require additional accessories such as compatible 3D glasses.
The projector’s inclusion of Filmmaker Mode also ensures that films are displayed as the director intended, preserving the original aspect ratio, colors, and frame rates. This feature, along with its ability to upscale lower-resolution content, makes the PL2 an appealing choice for those looking to replicate a cinema-like experience in their home.
The Hisense PL2 Laser Cinema UST projector is available now for $2,497.97 at ProjectorScreen.