TVs have come a long way in terms of picture quality. Today’s sets are thinner, brighter, and smarter than ever. But when it comes to sound? Not so much. That’s where Hisense is hoping to shake things up in 2025 with some help from a surprising partner: French audio company Devialet.

The two companies are joining forces on a new lineup of TVs and sound systems designed to tackle the sound problem head-on. That includes two new MiniLED TVs, a full-blown home theater system, and a high-performance Laser TV—all of which will come with audio tuned by Devialet. It’s part of a larger move by Hisense to close the gap between stunning visuals and audio that can actually keep up.

First up are the U7Q PRO and U8Q MiniLED TVs. These sets already bring the goods on the picture side, with Hisense’s Mini-LED PRO backlighting and AI-powered processing for richer contrast and color. But what makes them stand out this year is the built-in audio system: we’re talking multi-channel surround sound (2.1.2 or 4.1.2) that’s been shaped by Devialet’s team of acoustic engineers.

That means if you're watching a movie or binging your favorite show, you should hear more detail, depth, and directional sound—without needing an external soundbar. And if you’re into gaming, both TVs support a 165Hz Game Mode Ultra for smooth, responsive gameplay.

Then there’s the HT SATURN, Hisense’s new take on the home theater sound system. It’s a 4.1.2 setup with four surround speakers, a separate subwoofer, and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The system also connects with compatible Hisense TVs through something called Hi-Concerto—basically a way to make the TV and the external speakers work together as one unified system.

That kind of setup is becoming more common (Samsung has a similar thing with Q-Symphony), but here, Devialet’s tuning is meant to make the difference. So whether you're watching an action movie or streaming a concert, the idea is to hear everything more clearly and with more space around you.

Finally, there’s the L9Q Laser TV. This one’s for folks who want a projector experience without going full cinephile. It uses ultra-short throw tech to project a 4K image at up to 5,000 lumens of brightness and a solid 5,000:1 contrast ratio. In simpler terms: it’s bright, it’s bold, and it doesn’t need a pitch-black room to look good.

But what really sets the L9Q apart is the sound system. It features a 6.2.2-channel layout and is fine-tuned by Devialet in partnership with the Opéra de Paris. It even comes with a visual design finish inspired by that collaboration. So yes, it’s a projector—but it’s also a full audio system built to deliver room-filling Dolby Atmos sound, all in one package.

This one’s not out just yet—it’s expected in the second half of 2025—but it’s already available for pre-order at ProjectorScreen.

Hisense isn’t the only brand teaming up with high-end audio companies. TCL has linked up with Bang & Olufsen. Philips has Bowers & Wilkins in its corner. It’s all part of a bigger trend: TV brands are finally realizing that sound matters just as much as picture quality—and that people are willing to pay for it.

With Devialet on board, Hisense is aiming to carve out a spot in that premium home entertainment space. The “Tuned by Devialet” badge isn’t just branding—it’s a way of saying, “Hey, we took audio seriously this time.”

If you're shopping for a new TV or home theater system, this partnership might give you a reason to keep Hisense on your radar, especially if you’ve always felt like built-in speakers just don’t cut it. Whether these systems live up to the promise will come down to how they actually perform once we test them, not just on paper. But on paper, at least, it looks like Hisense is making a real effort to raise the bar.

And maybe, just maybe, we’re finally seeing the beginning of the end for “great picture, meh sound” TVs.