When it comes to creating a massive display for your home entertainment, two exciting options have emerged: ultra short throw (UST) projectors and extra-large LCD TVs. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Hisense L9H TriChroma Laser TV 100" UST Projector ($3,999) and the LG 98" Class UT90 Series 4K UHD Smart TV ($2,499), two cutting-edge solutions released in the past year.
Both devices aim to give you a cinema-like experience at home, but they take very different approaches. The Hisense L9H uses three separate colored lasers (red, green, and blue) to project an image onto a special screen from just inches away. Think of it like three perfectly aligned flashlights combining to create a vibrant picture. Meanwhile, the LG UT90 uses traditional LCD technology with LED backlighting, similar to smaller TVs but scaled up significantly.
Before we dive deeper, let's talk about where these displays work best. The Hisense projector needs some thought about room setup - you'll want to control ambient light (though it handles it better than traditional projectors), and you need space for both the projector unit and the included screen. The LG TV is more flexible but remember - at 98 inches, it's massive. You'll need a sturdy wall or stand and enough viewing distance to take it all in properly.
The L9H projector outputs 3000 ANSI lumens, which is quite bright for a projector. In real-world use, this means you can watch with some lights on, though direct sunlight will still wash out the image. The LG TV typically performs better in bright rooms, as it's designed specifically for that environment.
Here's where things get interesting. The L9H's TriChroma laser system can reproduce 107% of the BT.2020 color space - that's actually wider than what most content is mastered in. In practical terms, colors look incredibly vivid and natural. The LG TV offers good color performance but can't quite match this range. However, it does provide better black levels in dark scenes when viewed in a dark room.
Both displays offer 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), but they handle motion differently. The LG UT90 includes advanced processing that helps smooth out fast motion, while the L9H relies more on its pure pixel-shifting technology. For gaming, both support high refresh rates, though the TV generally offers lower input lag.
The installation experience differs significantly between these units. The L9H requires careful alignment of both the projector and screen - it's doable yourself but many opt for professional installation. The screen installation is particularly important as it affects image quality significantly.
The LG TV is more straightforward but presents its own challenges - at 143.5 pounds, you'll definitely want professional mounting help. However, once it's up, there's no alignment or adjustment needed.
The L9H's laser light source is rated for 25,000 hours - that's about 8 years if used 8 hours daily. The screen requires occasional dusting but is otherwise maintenance-free. The LG TV should last longer with normal use and requires no special maintenance beyond occasional cleaning.
Interestingly, the projector typically uses less power than the TV during operation, though exact usage varies based on brightness settings and content.
Looking at pure dollars-per-inch, the LG UT90 wins at about $25.5 per inch versus $40 per inch for the Hisense L9H. However, this simplistic comparison doesn't tell the whole story. The projector offers slightly larger size and potentially superior color performance, plus the included ALR (ambient light rejecting) screen adds significant value.
In actual use, both displays excel but in different ways. The L9H creates a more theater-like experience - there's something special about projected images that TVs can't quite match. The LG offers exceptional brightness and consistency, making it more versatile for different types of content and lighting conditions.
Both handle gaming well, though the LG TV typically offers lower input lag (around 12-15ms versus 30-35ms for the projector). For casual gaming, either works great, but competitive gamers might prefer the TV.
Sports look fantastic on both, but the TV handles bright daytime viewing better - important for Sunday afternoon games. The projector still performs well but requires more light control for optimal viewing.
For dedicated home theaters, the L9H offers some unique advantages. Its ultra-short throw design means you won't have shadows when people walk through the room (unlike traditional projectors), and the laser light source means no lamp replacements. The TV can work well too, but some enthusiasts feel it doesn't quite deliver the same "cinema" feel.
Choose the Hisense L9H if:
Choose the LG UT90 if:
The good news is that both options offer excellent performance and value - you're mainly choosing between different types of premium experiences rather than picking a clear winner.
Remember that the Hisense L9H and LG UT90 represent the latest in their respective technologies, and both have seen significant improvements over previous generations. The L9H's laser system offers better color and brightness than earlier UST projectors, while the LG brings previously unheard-of scale to LCD technology at a relatively affordable price point.
| Hisense L9H TriChroma ($3,999) | LG 98" UT90 ($2,499) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Determines image quality fundamentals | |
| Laser UST Projector with ALR screen | Direct LED LCD Panel |
| Size - Impacts viewing immersion and room requirements | |
| 100" diagonal (requires wall space for screen) | 98" diagonal (requires sturdy mounting) |
| Brightness - Critical for daytime viewing and ambient light | |
| 3,000 ANSI lumens (good for moderate lighting) | 600+ nits (excellent in any lighting) |
| Color Gamut - Affects color richness and realism | |
| 107% BT.2020 (exceptional color range) | ~90% DCI-P3 (good but more limited) |
| Installation Complexity - Consider setup costs | |
| Complex (professional setup recommended) | Standard TV mount (still needs pro due to size) |
| Maintenance - Long term ownership costs | |
| 25,000 hour laser life, screen cleaning needed | No maintenance required, longer lifespan |
| Gaming Performance - Important for interactive content | |
| 30-35ms input lag (good for casual gaming) | 12-15ms input lag (excellent for all gaming) |
| Daily Usability - Practical considerations | |
| Requires some warm-up, can be hidden when off | Instant on, always visible |
| Value per Inch - Pure size economics | |
| $40 per diagonal inch | $25.5 per diagonal inch |
The Hisense L9H TriChroma ($3,999) offers a more cinema-like experience with its 100" projected image and superior color range. While the LG UT90 ($2,499) is excellent, the L9H better recreates the traditional theater experience, especially in controlled lighting.
The LG UT90 requires standard TV mounting but needs professional help due to its 143.5-pound weight. The Hisense L9H requires more complex installation, including screen mounting and precise projector alignment - professional installation is strongly recommended.
The LG UT90 offers superior gaming performance with 12-15ms input lag, while the Hisense L9H has 30-35ms input lag. Both support 4K gaming, but competitive gamers should choose the LG.
The Hisense L9H has a 25,000-hour laser life and requires occasional screen maintenance. The LG UT90 has no specific maintenance requirements and typically lasts longer.
The Hisense L9H works best with some light control and requires wall space for the screen. The LG UT90 is more flexible with room conditions but needs sturdy wall mounting and adequate viewing distance.
The Hisense L9H costs $3,999 including the screen, while the LG UT90 is $2,499. However, both may require professional installation, which adds to the total cost.
The Hisense L9H provides a more cinematic experience with its larger size and superior color, making it ideal for movie watching. The LG UT90 still offers excellent movie viewing but feels more like a traditional TV experience.
The LG UT90 is better suited for typical living room use, handling varying light conditions better. The Hisense L9H can work in living rooms but performs best with some light control.
For dedicated home theaters, the Hisense L9H offers better value despite its higher price, due to its superior color and more theater-like experience. The LG UT90 is a better value for mixed-use spaces where versatility is important.
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: projectorreviews.com - shop.hisense-usa.com - projectorcentral.com - hometheaterhifi.com - shop.hisense-usa.com - projectorcentral.com - 2001audiovideo.com - projektoren-datenbank.com - content.syndigo.com - rtings.com - shopjetson.com - abt.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - pcrichard.com - lg.com - rcwilley.com - lg.com - elechid.com - lg.com
