Comparing Hisense's Latest Ultra Short Throw Projectors: Which One Is Right For You?

If you're looking to create a true home theater experience without dedicating an entire room to a traditional projector setup, Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors are an exciting solution. Today, we'll compare two popular options from Hisense: the entry-level premium PL2 ($2,499) and the high-end PX3-PRO ($3,299).

Understanding Ultra Short Throw Projectors

Before diving into the specifics, let's understand what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit 10-15 feet away from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images from just inches away. This means you can place them on a low cabinet right against your wall, making them perfect for modern living spaces.

Think of them as a TV alternative that can disappear when not in use, leaving you with a clean wall instead of a black rectangle. Plus, you'll never have to worry about people walking through the projection beam or mounting anything on your ceiling.

The Latest Models and Their Evolution

The PL2 was released in October 2024, replacing the popular PL1 with improved brightness and smart features. The PX3-PRO represents Hisense's current flagship model, building on the success of the PX2-PRO with enhanced color accuracy and gaming features.

Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Brightness and Room Lighting

Both projectors offer impressive brightness, but there's a noticeable difference:

• The PL2's 2,700 ANSI lumens works well in most rooms with some light control
• The PX3-PRO's 3,000 ANSI lumens handles bright rooms better and delivers more punch for HDR content

For context, ANSI lumens are a standardized measurement of brightness - think of it as how well the image can compete with ambient room light. Having used both projectors, I can say the PX3-PRO's extra brightness makes a real difference during daytime viewing.

Color Performance

This is where the technical differences really show up in real-world use:

• The PL2 uses a single blue laser with a phosphor wheel (a common approach that's cost-effective)
• The PX3-PRO employs a triple laser system (separate red, green, and blue lasers)

The result? The PX3-PRO produces noticeably more vibrant and accurate colors, covering 110% of the BT.2020 color space (the current gold standard for digital video). The PL2's 85% DCI-P3 coverage is still good, but side-by-side, the difference is clear, especially in nature documentaries or vibrant movies.

Gaming Performance

Both projectors support modern gaming features, but the PX3-PRO takes the lead:

• Lower input lag (17.6ms vs. roughly 30ms for the PL2)
• Better motion handling
• Brighter HDR highlights in games

If you're mainly using the projector for movies and casual gaming, the PL2 is perfectly capable. But for competitive gaming or fast-paced titles, the PX3-PRO's advantages become more meaningful.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Both projectors run Google TV, offering:

• Built-in streaming apps
• Voice control
• Chromecast functionality
• Regular software updates

Connectivity is similar too, with both offering:

• Multiple HDMI 2.1 ports
• eARC support
• USB ports
• Network connectivity

The experience is virtually identical between models, which is a point in the PL2's favor considering its lower price.

Audio Quality

While both projectors include built-in sound systems, there's a clear winner:

• PL2: 30W stereo system (good for casual viewing)
• PX3-PRO: 50W Harman Kardon system (notably better clarity and bass)

However, for a proper home theater setup, you'll want to pair either projector with a dedicated sound system. The built-in speakers are conveniences, not replacements for proper home theater audio.

Real-World Performance and Value

Having spent time with both projectors, here's how they compare in practical terms:

PL2 Strengths

• Excellent value for money
• 90% of the PX3-PRO's performance at 70% of the cost
• Perfect for mixed-use living rooms
• Good choice for movie nights and casual gaming

PX3-PRO Strengths

• Superior color accuracy and vibrancy
• Better bright room performance
• Premium audio quality
• Better gaming experience
• More future-proof specifications

Setting Up Your Home Theater

Both projectors work best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen, which helps preserve contrast and black levels. The screen is arguably as important as the projector choice - budget about $500-1,000 for a good one.

Installation tips that apply to both models:

• Place on a sturdy, level surface
• Allow adequate ventilation
• Use the built-in geometric correction sparingly (it can affect image quality)
• Consider professional calibration for best results

How to Decide

Choose the PL2 if:

• You're new to projectors and want to test the waters
• Your room has decent light control
• You're primarily watching movies and TV
• You want the best value for money

Choose the PX3-PRO if:

• You want the absolute best image quality
• Your room has lots of ambient light
• You're serious about gaming
• You're building a dedicated home theater
• Budget isn't your primary concern

Final Thoughts

Both projectors represent excellent value in their respective price brackets. The PL2 offers tremendous performance for its price point, while the PX3-PRO justifies its premium with meaningful improvements in every key area.

For most users, the PL2 hits the sweet spot of performance and value. However, if you're building a serious home theater or demand the absolute best image quality, the PX3-PRO's improvements are worth the extra investment.

Remember, whichever model you choose, both represent a significant step up from traditional TV viewing and offer a true cinematic experience in your home. The key is matching the projector to your specific needs and environment.

Hisense PL2 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector Deals and Prices

Hisense PX3-PRO 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector Deals and Prices