When it comes to creating a true home theater experience without dedicating an entire room to a traditional projector setup, Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors have become the go-to solution. Today, we're comparing two compelling options: the Hisense PL2 ($2,199) and the Formovie C3 ($1,899), both released in late 2023.
Before diving into the specifics, let's understand what makes UST projectors special. 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 with limited space or who don't want a projector hanging from their ceiling.
One of the most crucial factors in projector performance is brightness, measured in ANSI lumens (a standardized measurement of light output). The Hisense PL2 leads with 2700 ANSI lumens, while the Formovie C3 offers 2200 ANSI lumens.
In real-world use, this difference is noticeable, particularly in rooms with ambient light. The PL2's extra brightness means you can enjoy watching during the day without completely darkening your room. Having tested both, I've found the PL2 maintains vibrant colors even with some lights on, while the C3 performs best in controlled lighting conditions.
Both projectors support 4K resolution through a technology called pixel-shifting, which rapidly moves the image to create a 4K-equivalent picture from a lower-resolution chip. However, there are some key differences in HDR (High Dynamic Range) support:
The difference in smart features between these projectors is significant. The Hisense PL2 comes with Google TV built-in, offering access to thousands of apps and streaming services. This integration means you can start watching Netflix, Disney+, or other services without additional devices.
The Formovie C3 uses FengOS, which is primarily designed for the Chinese market. While it works fine, most Western users will want to connect a streaming device like an Apple TV, Roku, or Fire TV Stick. Both projectors offer multiple HDMI ports, with the PL2 including eARC support for advanced audio setups.
Both projectors need about 12-15 inches from the wall to create a 100-inch image. Here's what you should know about placement:
While you can project onto a white wall, I strongly recommend using a proper ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen designed for UST projectors. These screens improve contrast and color vibrancy significantly, though they add $500-1000 to your total cost.
Both projectors use laser light sources rated for approximately 25,000 hours of use. That's about 17 years of watching 4 hours daily, making either a solid long-term investment. The laser light sources don't require replacement like traditional projector bulbs, which helps justify the higher initial cost.
Both projectors support gaming, but the PL2 has a slight edge with lower input lag in game mode. For casual gaming, either will work well, but competitive gamers might prefer the PL2's quicker response times.
For movie enthusiasts, both projectors excel, but in different ways:
The higher brightness of the PL2 makes it better for group viewing during sporting events, where you might not want to completely darken the room. Both projectors handle motion well, but the PL2's additional brightness gives it an edge for sports viewing parties.
Choose the Hisense PL2 if:
Choose the Formovie C3 if:
Both projectors represent excellent value in the UST market, which has seen significant improvements in picture quality and features over the past few years. The Hisense PL2 offers a more polished, complete package that's easier to live with, while the Formovie C3 delivers impressive picture quality at a lower price point.
For most users, I'd recommend the PL2 if the budget allows, simply because its higher brightness and integrated features make it more versatile. However, the C3's lower price point makes it an excellent choice for dedicated home theater rooms where ambient light control isn't an issue.
Remember that whichever projector you choose, investing in a quality ALR screen will significantly improve your viewing experience. Both projectors represent how far UST technology has come, offering a compelling alternative to traditional TVs for those seeking a true cinema experience at home.
| Hisense PL2 ($2,199) | Formovie C3 ($1,899) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for rooms with ambient light or daytime viewing | |
| 2,700 ANSI lumens (good for moderate ambient light) | 2,200 ANSI lumens (best in controlled lighting) |
| HDR Support - Determines contrast and color quality for movies/streaming | |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ (superior processing) | HDR10, HDR10+ (good but more basic) |
| Smart Platform - Affects how easily you can access streaming content | |
| Google TV (full streaming apps, no extras needed) | FengOS (requires external streaming device) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall needed for screen size | |
| 0.22:1 (12.7" for 100" screen) | 0.23:1 (13.2" for 100" screen) |
| Screen Size Range - Flexibility for different room sizes | |
| 80"-150" (ideal for most homes) | 80"-200" (more flexible for larger spaces) |
| Operating Noise - Important for quiet scenes and overall enjoyment | |
| 28dB (very quiet) | 32dB (noticeable but not disruptive) |
| Built-in Audio - Determines if separate speakers needed | |
| 30W x 2 with Dolby Atmos (good enough standalone) | 15W x 2 (adequate but basic) |
| Laser Life - Long-term ownership cost consideration | |
| 25,000 hours (17 years at 4hrs/day) | 25,000 hours (17 years at 4hrs/day) |
| Gaming Features - Important for console gamers | |
| ALLM, low input lag (good for gaming) | Basic gaming support (casual gaming only) |
| Color Gamut - Determines color accuracy and vibrancy | |
| 85% DCI-P3 (excellent color range) | 110% Rec.709 (good but narrower range) |
The Hisense PL2 ($2,199) is better suited for bright rooms with its 2700 ANSI lumens compared to the Formovie C3's ($1,899) 2200 ANSI lumens. The higher brightness makes the PL2 more versatile for daytime viewing.
Yes, both the Hisense PL2 and Formovie C3 work best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen specifically designed for UST projectors. While you can project on a white wall, an ALR screen significantly improves picture quality.
The Hisense PL2 offers a more complete streaming solution with built-in Google TV and native apps. The Formovie C3 requires an external streaming device, making it less convenient for streaming content.
Both projectors need about 12-13 inches from the wall for a 100-inch image. The Hisense PL2 has a slightly better throw ratio of 0.22:1 compared to the Formovie C3's 0.23:1.
The Hisense PL2 is better for gaming with its ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and lower input lag. The Formovie C3 is suitable for casual gaming but not optimal for competitive play.
Both the Hisense PL2 and Formovie C3 use laser light sources rated for 25,000 hours, approximately 17 years of use at 4 hours per day. Neither requires lamp replacement.
The Hisense PL2 has better built-in audio with 30W x 2 speakers and Dolby Atmos support. The Formovie C3 has basic 15W x 2 speakers, likely requiring external speakers for the best experience.
The Hisense PL2 offers superior HDR with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ support. The Formovie C3 supports HDR10 and HDR10+ but lacks Dolby Vision processing.
Both projectors excel in dedicated theater rooms, but the Formovie C3 offers better value for controlled lighting environments. The Hisense PL2 provides more features but at a higher cost.
The Hisense PL2 projects from 80" to 150", while the Formovie C3 can go larger, from 80" to 200". Both are suitable for most home theater applications.
Yes, both the Hisense PL2 and Formovie C3 support 4K resolution through pixel-shifting technology, providing sharp, detailed images at ultra-high definition.
The Formovie C3 offers better pure value at $1,899, but requires additional equipment for streaming. The Hisense PL2 at $2,199 provides a more complete solution with better features and brightness.
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 - 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
