Looking to create a cinema-like experience at home without dedicating an entire room to a projector setup? Ultra short throw (UST) projectors have revolutionized home theater by letting you place the projector just inches from your wall. Today, we're comparing two leading options: the Hisense PL2 4K ($2,198) and the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 ($3,448).
Before diving into the specifics, let's understand what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit 10-15 feet from the screen, UST projectors use advanced lens systems to create large images from just a few inches away. This means you can place them in a TV console and still get a massive 100-inch or larger picture.
Both these projectors launched in late 2022, and they represent different approaches to solving the same problem: creating a big-screen experience in modern homes.
The Epson LS800 dominates here with 4000 lumens - think of this as enough light to clearly see the image even with some windows uncovered. The Hisense PL2, while not dim at 2700 lumens, works best in more controlled lighting. Having tested both, I can say the Epson maintains punchy colors even with modest ambient light, while the Hisense prefers dimmer conditions to show its best.
Here's where things get interesting. The Hisense uses DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology with a single imaging chip, while Epson employs their 3LCD system with three separate LCD panels - one each for red, green, and blue. The practical difference? The Hisense offers deeper blacks and slightly sharper images, while the Epson provides more consistent color accuracy without the occasional "rainbow effect" (brief color flashes) that some viewers notice with DLP projectors.
Both projectors handle gaming well, but the Epson edges ahead with a faster response time (input lag of 16.7ms compared to the Hisense's 20ms). For context, anything under 30ms is considered good for gaming, and you'd only notice this difference in fast-paced competitive games.
The Hisense PL2 comes with Google TV built-in, offering a familiar, modern streaming experience. You get access to all major streaming services and voice control through Google Assistant. The Epson runs Android TV, which is similar but slightly less polished in my experience. Both offer three HDMI ports, with one supporting eARC for modern sound systems.
One of the most significant advantages of these UST projectors is their space efficiency. The Hisense needs about 12 inches from the wall for a 100-inch image, while the Epson requires slightly less at about 10 inches. Both units are substantial - the Epson weighs notably more at 27.6 pounds compared to the Hisense's 18.7 pounds.
While you can project onto a white wall, I strongly recommend pairing either projector with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen. These specialized screens, which cost $500-1500, dramatically improve image quality by rejecting ambient light from above while reflecting the projector's light back to viewers.
Both projectors use laser light sources rated for around 20,000 hours - that's about 10 years of watching 5 hours daily. Unlike traditional lamp projectors, you won't need to replace bulbs, and brightness remains consistent throughout their lifespan.
At $2,198, the Hisense PL2 represents excellent value, especially if you're setting up a dedicated home theater room. The Epson LS800 at $3,448 commands a premium but justifies it with superior brightness and versatility in varied lighting conditions.
For bright living rooms with large windows, the Epson's extra brightness makes it the clear choice. It maintains vibrant images even during daytime viewing, though you'll still want to manage ambient light for the best experience.
In a controlled environment, the Hisense's superior contrast and HDR handling make it particularly compelling. Its lower price point also leaves more budget for other home theater components like audio equipment or a quality screen.
The Epson's brightness and robust built-in audio (featuring a Yamaha sound system) make it more adaptable to different situations. Whether you're watching movies, sports, or gaming, it handles varied content types well without requiring perfect lighting conditions.
Consider these key factors:
Both projectors represent current technology well, but we're seeing new models emerging with even higher brightness levels and improved gaming features. However, these units should remain competitive for years to come, thanks to their robust specifications and laser light sources.
The Hisense PL2 offers exceptional value for those with controlled lighting conditions and a focus on movie watching. Its HDR handling and contrast make it particularly suited to cinematic content.
The Epson LS800 justifies its higher price with class-leading brightness and versatility. It's the better choice for multi-purpose rooms or situations where ambient light control isn't perfect.
Both represent significant improvements over previous generations, particularly in terms of smart features and ease of setup. Whichever you choose, pair it with a quality ALR screen for the best possible image quality.
Remember, the best projector is the one that fits your specific needs and environment. Consider your room conditions, primary use cases, and budget when making your final decision.
Hisense PL2 ($2,198) |
Epson LS800 ($3,448) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Most critical spec for daytime viewing | |
| 2,700 ANSI lumens (good for dim/dark rooms) | 4,000 ANSI lumens (excellent for bright rooms) |
| Projection Technology - Impacts color accuracy and potential rainbow effects | |
| DLP with single chip (sharper, deeper blacks) | 3LCD (no rainbow effect, better color accuracy) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall unit needs to be | |
| 0.22:1 (12" from wall for 100" image) | 0.16:1 (10" from wall for 100" image) |
| HDR Support - Affects contrast and color in high-quality content | |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG (superior HDR handling) | HDR10 only (good but less format support) |
| Smart Platform - Determines streaming experience | |
| Google TV (more refined, current interface) | Android TV (solid but slightly dated) |
| Gaming Performance - Critical for players wanting quick response | |
| 20ms input lag (good for casual gaming) | 16.7ms input lag (better for competitive gaming) |
| Built-in Audio - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 30W stereo speakers (adequate for casual use) | Yamaha 2.1 system (superior built-in sound) |
| Screen Size Range - Determines flexibility in room placement | |
| 80" to 150" (versatile range) | 80" to 150" (equivalent range) |
| Laser Life - Indicates long-term maintenance costs | |
| 25,000 hours (approximately 12 years typical use) | 20,000 hours (approximately 10 years typical use) |
| Color Coverage - Important for accurate color reproduction | |
| 85% DCI-P3 (excellent for movies) | Not specified (but known for good color accuracy) |
The Hisense PL2 ($2,198) is ideal for dedicated home theaters due to its superior HDR handling and excellent contrast in controlled lighting conditions. While the Epson LS800 ($3,448) is also capable, you're paying extra for brightness you won't need in a dark theater room.
The Epson LS800 offers 4,000 lumens compared to the Hisense PL2's 2,700 lumens. This makes the Epson significantly better for rooms with ambient light, while the Hisense PL2 performs best in controlled lighting.
The Hisense PL2 features Google TV, which offers a more modern and refined user experience compared to the Epson LS800's Android TV system. Both provide access to major streaming services, but Google TV's interface is more intuitive.
The Epson LS800 has a slight advantage with 16.7ms input lag compared to the Hisense PL2's 20ms. Both are good for gaming, but competitive gamers might prefer the Epson's faster response time.
The Hisense PL2 offers better value at $2,198, especially for dedicated home theater use. The Epson LS800 at $3,448 is worth the premium only if you need its extra brightness for bright room viewing.
Yes, both projectors perform best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen. While they can project on a white wall, an ALR screen significantly improves image quality by rejecting ambient light and enhancing contrast.
Both use laser light sources with excellent longevity. The Hisense PL2 is rated for 25,000 hours, while the Epson LS800 offers 20,000 hours - both providing about 10+ years of typical use without lamp replacement.
The Hisense PL2 offers 85% DCI-P3 coverage and superior HDR handling. The Epson LS800 uses 3LCD technology for consistent color accuracy without rainbow effects, though its specific color gamut isn't specified.
For a 100-inch image, the Hisense PL2 needs about 12 inches from the wall, while the Epson LS800 requires slightly less at 10 inches. Both are true ultra-short throw projectors suitable for furniture placement.
The Epson LS800 features a superior Yamaha 2.1 sound system, while the Hisense PL2 offers 30W stereo speakers. For serious home theater use, you'll want external speakers with either projector.
Both projectors support 4K resolution at 60Hz. The Hisense PL2 uses pixel-shifting technology, while the Epson LS800 uses 4K PRO-UHD enhancement. Both provide sharp, detailed 4K images.
For movie watching in a dedicated theater room, the Hisense PL2 has an advantage with better HDR support (including Dolby Vision) and contrast. However, if you're watching in a room with ambient light, the Epson LS800's superior brightness makes it a better choice.
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: avnirvana.com - crutchfield.com - projectorscreen.com - digitaltrends.com - newatlas.com - valueelectronics.com - youtube.com - shop.hisense-usa.com - ecoustics.com - techradar.com - danamic.org - projectorscreen.com - projectorcentral.com - epson.com - dreamediaav.com - dell.com - rtings.com - avsforum.com - audiogeneral.com - news.epson.com - projectorcentral.com
