The quest for the perfect big screen experience has never offered more choices. When you're looking at displays around 100 inches, you'll find yourself choosing between two very different technologies: traditional TVs that have grown impressively large, and ultra-short throw (UST) projectors that can create massive images from just inches away from your wall.
Today, we're comparing two popular options: the Hisense L9H TriChroma Laser TV ($4,499) and the TCL 98" Q6 Series QLED TV ($1,499). Both were released in 2023, and they represent the latest advances in their respective technologies.
The Hisense L9H uses three separate lasers (red, green, and blue) to create its image, bouncing light off a specialized screen that's designed to reject ambient light. Think of it like having a movie theater projector, but one that sits just a foot away from your wall instead of mounted on the ceiling. The specialized screen it comes with is crucial - it's not just a white surface, but rather a sophisticated material that helps the image look bright and vivid even with some lights on.
The TCL Q6, on the other hand, is a QLED TV - essentially an LCD TV with quantum dots (tiny particles that enhance color) and LED backlighting. It's a more straightforward approach: what you see is what you get, with no need for special screens or careful room setup.
The Hisense L9H really shines in a dedicated home theater setting. Its triple laser system produces incredibly rich colors - actually exceeding what most TVs can show. The image has a more film-like quality that movie buffs will appreciate. However, it needs some light control to look its best, even with its bright 3,000-lumen output.
The TCL Q6 has excellent brightness for a TV this size and performs better in bright rooms. The image is sharp and clear, with the distinct pixel structure you expect from a TV. While it can't match the Hisense's color range, most viewers will find it more than satisfactory for everyday viewing.
For gaming, the TCL has an advantage with its lower input lag and support for variable refresh rates up to 144Hz. The Hisense isn't bad for gaming, but its slightly higher input lag makes it better suited for casual rather than competitive gaming.
This is where things get interesting. The Hisense needs about a foot of space from the wall, plus room for a cabinet or stand to hold it. The included ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen must be properly mounted and aligned. The TCL just needs a strong wall or a very sturdy stand - it weighs about 120 pounds.
The Hisense's laser light source is rated for 25,000 hours - that's about 8 years if you watch 8 hours every day. After that, you might need service or replacement. The TCL, like most TVs, should last many years with no maintenance needed, though its brightness will gradually decrease over time.
For a dedicated home theater, the Hisense L9H has several advantages. The projected image has a more cinematic feel, and the triple laser system produces stunning HDR (High Dynamic Range) content. The included Dolby Atmos sound system is also superior to the TCL's audio.
However, the TCL Q6 can still create an impressive theater experience, especially if you add a good sound system. Its main advantage is consistency - the image looks the same every time you turn it on, with no need for alignment or adjustment.
Consider these questions:
Both technologies have made impressive advances in recent years. UST projectors like the Hisense have become bright enough for many living rooms, while TVs have grown large enough to rival projection systems. Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences rather than one technology being clearly superior.
Remember, while the price difference is significant, you're getting different experiences rather than just different sizes. The Hisense offers a more premium, theater-like experience, while the TCL provides excellent everyday performance with minimal fuss.
Whichever you choose, both represent impressive achievements in home entertainment technology and can provide years of enjoyment for your family and friends.
| Hisense L9H TriChroma Laser TV ($4,499) | TCL 98" Q6 Series QLED TV ($1,499) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Impacts image quality, maintenance, and room setup | |
| UST Laser Projector with ALR screen | QLED LCD Panel |
| Brightness - Critical for daytime viewing and HDR performance | |
| 3,000 ANSI lumens with ALR screen | 600+ nits (performs better in bright rooms) |
| Color Gamut - Determines how vivid and accurate colors appear | |
| 107% BT.2020 (exceptional color range) | ~90% DCI-P3 (good but not as wide) |
| Installation Requirements - Consider room layout and setup complexity | |
| Complex: Requires screen mounting, UST alignment, 12" from wall | Simple: Standard TV mount, 3" from wall |
| Maintenance - Long term ownership costs | |
| Laser rated for 25,000 hours, may need service after | No maintenance needed, typical TV lifespan |
| Gaming Performance - Important for responsive gameplay | |
| 30-35ms input lag at 4K/60Hz | Under 20ms input lag, supports VRR up to 144Hz |
| Room Flexibility - How well it works in different environments | |
| Best in controlled lighting, needs specific room layout | Works well in any room, just needs wall space |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality | |
| 40W Dolby Atmos (impressive for projector) | 30W 2.0 channel (basic TV audio) |
| Cost of Ownership - Total investment over time | |
| Higher initial cost, includes screen, potential service needs | Lower cost, no additional components needed |
| Image Size - Flexibility for different spaces | |
| Fixed 100" (other sizes available in different models) | Fixed 98" (no size flexibility) |
For a dedicated home theater, the Hisense L9H TriChroma Laser TV ($4,499) provides a more cinematic experience with superior color reproduction and contrast. However, if you can't control ambient light, the TCL 98" Q6 ($1,499) might be a better choice.
The TCL 98" Q6 performs better in bright rooms due to its QLED panel technology. While the Hisense L9H has high brightness (3,000 lumens), ambient light can still affect the projected image even with its ALR screen.
The Hisense L9H costs $4,499 including its specialized screen, while the TCL Q6 is priced at $1,499. However, the projector offers more flexibility in image size and a more premium viewing experience.
The TCL Q6 requires standard TV mounting, while the Hisense L9H needs more complex setup including screen installation and precise projector alignment. Both require professional installation for best results.
The Hisense L9H offers a more theater-like experience with its superior color range (107% BT.2020) and film-like image quality. It's particularly impressive with 4K HDR content in a light-controlled room.
The TCL Q6 is better for gaming with lower input lag and support for variable refresh rates up to 144Hz. The Hisense L9H is suitable for casual gaming but may not satisfy competitive gamers.
The Hisense L9H laser is rated for 25,000 hours (about 8-10 years of typical use) before potentially needing service. The TCL Q6 should last longer without maintenance, though brightness will gradually decrease over time.
The Hisense L9H requires its included ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen for optimal performance. The TCL Q6 is a complete display solution requiring no additional screen.
The Hisense L9H features a superior 40W Dolby Atmos system, while the TCL Q6 has basic 30W stereo speakers. However, for home theater use, external speakers or a soundbar is recommended for both.
The TCL Q6 is more versatile and can work in any room with adequate wall space. The Hisense L9H performs best in rooms with some light control and specific layout requirements for the projector unit.
The TCL Q6 handles fast motion well and performs better in bright daytime viewing conditions typical for sports watching. However, the Hisense L9H can provide a more immersive experience for evening sports viewing.
If budget is a primary concern, the TCL 98" Q6 offers excellent value at $1,499. While the Hisense L9H provides a more premium experience, its $4,499 price tag requires significant additional investment.
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 - tcl.com - walmart.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - greentoe.com - kitele.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - tcl.com - pcrichard.com - youtube.com
