When you're looking to create a theater-like experience at home, both the Hisense L9H TriChroma Laser TV ($3,999) and LG 98" QNED TV ($3,999) offer impressive solutions, though they take very different approaches. Released in late 2023, these represent the latest in their respective technologies, and I've had the opportunity to evaluate both in various settings. Let's dive into what makes each unique and who they're best suited for.
The Hisense L9H uses ultra-short throw (UST) projection technology, which means it can sit just inches from your wall while creating a massive 100-inch image. Unlike traditional projectors that need to be mounted far back in a room, UST projectors use sophisticated optics to "throw" the image upward at an extreme angle. The TriChroma laser system uses three separate laser light sources (red, green, and blue) to create incredibly vibrant colors - covering 107% of the BT.2020 color space, which is actually wider than what most content is even mastered in.
The LG QNED technology combines quantum dots (the 'Q') with NanoCell technology (the 'N') to enhance the color and contrast of traditional LED-LCD displays. Think of it as LG's answer to Samsung's QLED, but with some unique tweaks. This particular model uses a VA (Vertical Alignment) panel, which typically offers better contrast than IPS panels but slightly narrower viewing angles.
Setting up the Hisense L9H requires more planning than a traditional TV. You'll need to precisely position it to align with the included ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen. This screen isn't just any white surface - it's specially designed to reject ambient light from above while reflecting the projector's light back to viewers. The result is a much better picture in bright rooms compared to traditional projectors, though still not quite as bright as a TV.
The LG QNED installation is more straightforward but requires serious consideration of wall strength - at 143.5 pounds, this isn't something you casually hang up. Professional installation is highly recommended, and you'll want to ensure your wall can support this weight securely.
The L9H outputs 3,000 ANSI lumens, which is quite bright for a projector. However, the QNED TV can get significantly brighter, especially for HDR highlights. In a controlled lighting environment, both can look spectacular, but the QNED maintains its picture quality more consistently across different lighting conditions.
Both devices handle color differently:
Motion handling is another key difference. The QNED's native 120Hz refresh rate handles fast motion more smoothly, while the L9H is limited to 60Hz but includes motion processing to help compensate.
For gamers, these displays offer different advantages. The LG QNED supports:
The Hisense L9H provides:
In a dedicated home theater room, both devices can excel but in different ways. The L9H's ability to produce a truly massive image with excellent color accuracy makes it particularly compelling for movie enthusiasts. The included ALR screen helps maintain picture quality even with some ambient light, though complete light control will always provide the best experience.
The QNED TV offers superior HDR performance and doesn't require any special consideration for room lighting. Its built-in smart features and tuner also make it more convenient for everyday viewing.
Both products represent significant investments at around $4,000, but their value propositions differ:
Choose the Hisense L9H if:
Choose the LG QNED if:
Both products represent significant advances over their predecessors. The L9H's triple laser system offers superior color accuracy compared to earlier single-laser UST projectors, while the QNED's advanced local dimming and quantum dot technology provide better contrast and color than previous LED-LCD displays.
Both the Hisense L9H and LG QNED represent excellent choices for different viewing scenarios. The L9H offers an unmatched large-screen experience that's perfect for dedicated home theaters, while the QNED provides superior versatility and consistency for everyday viewing. Your choice should ultimately depend on your room environment, viewing habits, and whether you prioritize maximum image size or versatility.
The technology in both devices continues to evolve, with each generation bringing improvements in brightness, color accuracy, and smart features. While both are premium options today, they demonstrate how home entertainment continues to advance, offering increasingly impressive viewing experiences for discerning users.
| Hisense L9H TriChroma Laser TV $3,999 | LG 98" QNED TV $3,999 |
|---|---|
| Display Type - Determines fundamental viewing experience and room requirements | |
| UST Laser Projector with included ALR screen | Direct LED LCD with Quantum Dots |
| Brightness - Critical for visibility in varied lighting conditions | |
| 3,000 ANSI lumens (good for moderate lighting) | 1,000+ nits (excellent for bright rooms) |
| Screen Size - Impacts viewing immersion and room requirements | |
| 100" (adjustable placement, requires wall space) | 98" (fixed size, permanent installation) |
| HDR Support - Affects contrast and color in high-quality content | |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG (good but limited by max brightness) | HDR10, HLG (superior HDR performance due to higher brightness) |
| Gaming Features - Important for responsive gaming experience | |
| 60Hz, ~30ms input lag (adequate for casual gaming) | 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, <10ms lag (excellent for competitive gaming) |
| Color Gamut - Determines color richness and accuracy | |
| 107% BT.2020 (exceptional color range) | 90% DCI-P3 (very good but more standard) |
| Installation Requirements - Consider room setup and flexibility | |
| Precise positioning needed, 15" from wall, ALR screen installation | Standard wall mount, extremely heavy (143.5 lbs) |
| Ongoing Maintenance - Impacts long-term ownership costs | |
| Laser rated for 25,000 hours, occasional cleaning needed | No maintenance required, typical TV lifespan |
| Smart Features - Affects everyday usability | |
| Google TV with basic voice control | webOS 24 with extensive AI features and voice assistants |
| Room Light Tolerance - Critical for everyday viewing conditions | |
| Requires some light control, ALR screen helps | Excellent in any lighting condition |
The Hisense L9H TriChroma Laser TV is generally better for dedicated home theaters due to its superior color gamut and theater-like projection experience. However, if your theater has ambient light issues, the LG 98" QNED might be preferable.
Both the Hisense L9H and LG QNED are priced at $3,999, making cost a non-factor in the decision process.
The LG 98" QNED performs significantly better in bright rooms due to its high brightness capabilities. While the Hisense L9H includes an ALR screen, it still works best in controlled lighting conditions.
Yes, both require professional installation. The LG QNED needs secure mounting due to its 143.5-pound weight, while the Hisense L9H requires precise alignment and screen installation for optimal performance.
The LG QNED is superior for gaming with its 120Hz refresh rate, VRR support, and lower input lag. The Hisense L9H is limited to 60Hz and has higher input lag, making it better suited for casual gaming.
The Hisense L9H laser engine is rated for 25,000 hours, while the LG QNED typically lasts longer with no specific maintenance requirements or light source replacement needed.
The Hisense L9H offers better aesthetics when not in use, as only the screen remains visible. The LG QNED is always visible due to its traditional TV form factor.
The LG QNED offers more comprehensive smart features with webOS 24, while the Hisense L9H uses Google TV, which is simpler but still capable for most users.
Yes, both support Dolby Atmos, but the Hisense L9H includes a more powerful built-in audio system. However, for a true home theater experience, external speakers are recommended for both.
The LG QNED offers superior HDR performance due to its higher peak brightness and better contrast capabilities compared to the Hisense L9H projector.
For the 100-inch Hisense L9H and 98-inch LG QNED, the ideal viewing distance is between 10-15 feet, though the projector offers more flexibility in viewing distance comfort.
Neither is designed for outdoor use, but the LG QNED would perform better in semi-outdoor conditions due to its higher brightness and weather resistance. The Hisense L9H projector should never be used outdoors.
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 - bestbuy.com - greentoe.com - pcrichard.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - ecdcom.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - displayspecifications.com - techradar.com - youtube.com - kitele.com - youtube.com
