When it comes to creating a stunning home theater setup in 2024, Ultra Short Throw (UST) laser projectors have become increasingly popular. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of two leading options: the Formovie C3 ($1,899) and the Hisense PX3-PRO ($3,299).
Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images from just inches away from your wall. This technology has revolutionized home theater setups, especially for those who don't want a projector hanging from their ceiling or taking up space in the middle of the room.
The UST projector market has evolved significantly since 2021. The Hisense PX3-PRO introduced triple-laser technology to a more accessible price point, while newer entries like the Formovie C3 have made premium features available at mid-range prices. We've seen dramatic improvements in:
The PX3-PRO's triple laser system outputs 3000 lumens (a measure of light output), making it notably brighter than the C3's 2200 lumens. In real-world use, this means:
The C3, while less bright, still performs admirably in controlled lighting conditions. Its single laser system provides good color accuracy, though it can't match the PX3-PRO's wider color gamut (the range of colors it can display).
Both projectors use 4K resolution through pixel-shifting technology, which rapidly moves 1080p pixels to create a 4K image. While this might sound like a compromise, the results are impressive. However, there are differences:
The Hisense PX3-PRO comes with Google TV built-in, offering:
The Formovie C3 uses FengOS, which has limitations:
For optimal performance, consider:
The PX3-PRO's higher brightness makes it more flexible for different room conditions, while the C3 performs best in dedicated, light-controlled spaces.
Both projectors need:
The PX3-PRO features 50W Harman Kardon speakers that provide surprisingly good sound for built-in audio. The C3's 30W system is decent but less impressive. However, for a true home theater experience, I'd recommend an external sound system with either projector.
If you're a gamer, the PX3-PRO has several advantages:
The C3 can handle gaming but isn't optimized for it, making it better suited for casual gaming rather than competitive play.
Both projectors use laser light sources rated for 20,000+ hours, meaning:
The Formovie C3 offers excellent value at $1,899:
The Hisense PX3-PRO justifies its $3,299 price with:
Both projectors represent different sweet spots in the UST market. The C3 makes premium projection accessible to more users, while the PX3-PRO delivers a more complete, higher-performance package.
For my home theater, I'd personally choose the PX3-PRO despite the higher cost, mainly because of its superior brightness and color performance. However, the C3 remains an excellent choice for those prioritizing value, especially in dedicated theater rooms.
Remember that either projector will likely need a proper screen for the best results, so factor that into your budget. Also consider your room's specific requirements and how you'll primarily use the projector before making your final decision.
| Formovie C3 ($1,899) | Hisense PX3-PRO ($3,299) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for room versatility and HDR impact | |
| 2,200 ANSI lumens (best for controlled lighting) | 3,000 ANSI lumens (works well with ambient light) |
| Laser Type - Affects color accuracy and vibrancy | |
| Single laser (good colors, basic performance) | Triple laser (superior colors, worth upgrade for movie fans) |
| Smart Platform - Impacts everyday usability | |
| FengOS (limited, needs external streamer) | Google TV (full featured, no extra device needed) |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality matters unless using external speakers | |
| 30W dual speakers (adequate for casual use) | 50W Harman Kardon (impressive, could skip soundbar) |
| Gaming Features - Important for gamers wanting low lag | |
| Basic HDMI 2.0 (casual gaming ok) | HDMI 2.1, low input lag (excellent for serious gaming) |
| HDR Support - Affects movie and streaming quality | |
| HDR10 (basic HDR support) | HDR10+, Dolby Vision (noticeably better HDR) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines installation flexibility | |
| 0.23:1 (80"-200" from 22cm) | 0.23:1 (80"-150" from 22cm) |
| Operating System - Daily user experience | |
| Chinese-focused, limited apps | Full Google TV ecosystem, all major apps |
| Color Coverage - Important for movie accuracy | |
| 110% Rec.709 (good but basic) | 107% BT.2020 (exceptional, theater-level) |
| Longevity - Value over time | |
| 25,000 hour laser life (excellent) | 25,000 hour laser life (excellent) |
For a dedicated dark theater room, both the Formovie C3 ($1,899) and Hisense PX3-PRO ($3,299) perform well, but the PX3-PRO offers superior contrast and color accuracy that home theater enthusiasts will appreciate.
The Hisense PX3-PRO with 3,000 lumens handles ambient light significantly better than the Formovie C3 with 2,200 lumens. For rooms with windows or bright lighting, the PX3-PRO is worth the extra cost.
The Formovie C3 offers excellent value at $1,899, providing good picture quality and basic features. However, the Hisense PX3-PRO justifies its higher price with superior performance and features.
The Hisense PX3-PRO includes full Google TV support and doesn't require an external streamer. The Formovie C3 uses a Chinese-focused OS, so most users will want an external streaming device.
The Hisense PX3-PRO is significantly better for gaming, offering HDMI 2.1 support and lower input lag. The Formovie C3 works for casual gaming but isn't optimized for serious gamers.
The Formovie C3 can project up to 200 inches, while the Hisense PX3-PRO maxes out at 150 inches. However, optimal performance for both is typically around 100-120 inches.
While both can project onto a white wall, a proper ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen is recommended for optimal performance, especially with the Hisense PX3-PRO's superior brightness and color capabilities.
Both the Formovie C3 and Hisense PX3-PRO feature 25,000-hour laser light sources, providing approximately 10+ years of normal use without replacement.
The Hisense PX3-PRO has superior 50W Harman Kardon speakers that could suffice for casual viewing. The Formovie C3's 30W system is adequate, but for true home theater experience, external speakers are recommended for both.
The Hisense PX3-PRO offers superior HDR performance with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, while the Formovie C3 provides basic HDR10 support only.
Both projectors require similar setup as UST projectors, needing precise placement and alignment. The Hisense PX3-PRO offers better auto-alignment features, making installation slightly easier.
Both use 4K pixel-shifting technology, but the Hisense PX3-PRO provides noticeably better processing and detail than the Formovie C3, particularly with fast-moving content.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: youtube.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorcentral.com - rtings.com - formovie.com - projectorsg.com - projector.com.bd - formovie.in - avsforum.com - projector.my - aytexcel.com - nothingprojector.com - shop.hisense-usa.com - avsforum.com - youtube.com - projectorcentral.com - avsforum.com - youtube.com - projectorreviews.com - avsforum.com - projectorcentral.com - en.heimkinowelten.de - dreamediaav.com
