When it comes to creating a home theater without dedicating half your room to a long projector throw distance, ultra short throw (UST) projectors are a game-changer. Today, we're comparing the Hisense PL2 ($2,499) and NexiGo Aurora Pro ($2,449), two compelling options in the mid-range UST market.
Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors use sophisticated optics to create large images from just inches away. This technology has revolutionized home theater setups, especially for those with limited space or who don't want a projector mounted on their ceiling.
These projectors typically sit in a console below your screen, projecting upward at an extreme angle. The special lenses and mirrors inside transform what would be a distorted image into a perfectly rectangular picture.
The biggest technical difference between these projectors lies in their light engines. The Hisense PL2 uses a single blue laser with a phosphor wheel (think of it like a color filter that spins really fast), while the Aurora Pro employs three separate lasers (red, green, and blue).
This difference in light sources has a major impact on color reproduction. The Aurora Pro's triple laser system can produce an impressive 107% of the BT.2020 color space - that's actually wider than what most 4K TVs can display. The PL2, while still good, covers about 85% of the smaller DCI-P3 color space. In practical terms, this means the Aurora Pro can show more vibrant and accurate colors, especially noticeable in nature documentaries or animated films.
The PL2 edges out with slightly higher brightness (2700 vs 2400 ANSI lumens), making it better suited for rooms with some ambient light. However, the Aurora Pro's superior contrast ratio (3909:1 native) means it produces deeper blacks and better shadow detail - crucial for movie watching in a properly darkened room.
Released in late 2023, the Hisense PL2 comes with a fully-featured Google TV system, similar to what you'd find on a high-end smart TV. This means built-in access to Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming services without needing external devices.
The Aurora Pro, launched in early 2024, takes a different approach with a more basic Android TV implementation. While functional, you'll likely want to add a streaming stick or box for the best experience. This isn't necessarily a negative - dedicated streaming devices often provide better performance and more frequent updates than built-in smart systems.
Both projectors support gaming at 4K/60Hz, but the Aurora Pro has a slight edge with lower input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen). It can handle 1080p at 240Hz, making it particularly appealing for competitive gamers who prioritize responsiveness over resolution.
The PL2's Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) automatically switches to game mode when it detects a console, which is a nice quality-of-life feature. Both support current-gen gaming consoles well, though neither can display true 4K/120Hz (they accept the signal but display at 60Hz).
For dedicated home theater use, several factors come into play:
Both projectors need about 12 inches of space from the wall to create a 100-inch image. The PL2 has a slight advantage with automatic geometry correction using your smartphone, while the Aurora Pro requires manual adjustment.
The Aurora Pro includes a more powerful 60W speaker system compared to the PL2's 30W setup. However, in a proper home theater, you'll want to use an external audio system regardless. Both support eARC for easy connection to a sound system.
Both projectors support HDR10 and Dolby Vision, but the Aurora Pro's superior contrast ratio makes HDR content more impactful. You'll notice this especially in movies with lots of dark scenes.
Priced similarly around $2,500, these projectors target the same market segment but with different priorities. The Hisense brand offers more established support and a track record of reliable firmware updates. NexiGo, while newer to the market, has packed more advanced image technology into their projector.
The laser light sources in both projectors should last around 25,000 hours - that's about 8 years of watching 8 hours daily. Neither requires lamp replacement like traditional projectors.
Choose the Hisense PL2 if:
Choose the NexiGo Aurora Pro if:
Both projectors represent excellent value in the UST market, but they target slightly different users. The PL2 is the more polished, mainstream option that's easier to live with as a TV replacement. The Aurora Pro offers superior image quality for enthusiasts willing to work around its fewer convenience features.
For my home theater setup, I'd lean toward the Aurora Pro's superior contrast and color performance, as I already have external streaming devices and prefer watching in a dark room. However, for a bright living room or multi-use space, the PL2's higher brightness and better smart features make it the more practical choice.
Remember, either projector will provide an impressive big-screen experience that was unimaginable at this price point just a few years ago. The choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs and viewing environment.
| Hisense PL2 4K UST ($2,499) | NexiGo Aurora Pro 4K UST ($2,449) |
|---|---|
| Light Engine Technology - Determines color accuracy and vibrancy | |
| Single laser + phosphor (good for casual viewing) | Triple RGB laser (superior for movie enthusiasts) |
| Color Gamut - Affects how rich and accurate colors appear | |
| 85% DCI-P3 (good but limited) | 107% BT.2020 (exceptional, best-in-class) |
| Brightness - Critical for rooms with ambient light | |
| 2,700 ANSI lumens (better for bright rooms) | 2,400 ANSI lumens (requires more light control) |
| Contrast Ratio - Impacts black levels and image depth | |
| 3,000:1 native (good) | 3,909:1 native (excellent for movie watching) |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of streaming content | |
| Full Google TV (excellent built-in streaming) | Basic Android TV (external streaming device recommended) |
| Gaming Features - Important for console gamers | |
| 4K@60Hz, Auto Low Latency Mode | 4K@60Hz, 1080p@240Hz, lower input lag |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality | |
| 30W stereo (adequate for casual use) | 60W quad speakers (better but still recommend external) |
| Brand Support - Affects long-term reliability | |
| Established brand, regular updates | Newer brand, less proven support |
The NexiGo Aurora Pro is superior for dark room viewing due to its higher contrast ratio (3909:1) and triple laser system. While the Hisense PL2 performs well, its single laser system doesn't achieve the same deep blacks and color accuracy that home theater enthusiasts prefer.
The Hisense PL2 with its 2,700 ANSI lumens outperforms the NexiGo Aurora Pro (2,400 ANSI lumens) in bright environments. The higher brightness makes it better suited for rooms with ambient light or daytime viewing.
The Hisense PL2 offers a more complete smart TV experience with full Google TV integration and native streaming apps. The Aurora Pro has basic Android TV functionality, but you'll likely want to add an external streaming device.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro offers superior gaming performance with lower input lag and support for 1080p@240Hz. While the Hisense PL2 is still good for gaming with its Auto Low Latency Mode, competitive gamers will prefer the Aurora Pro.
Both projectors work best with ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens specifically designed for UST projectors. These screens help maintain picture quality and reject ceiling light, though they add to the total cost.
Both the Hisense PL2 and NexiGo Aurora Pro use laser light sources rated for approximately 25,000 hours, equating to over 8 years of use at 8 hours per day.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro delivers superior color accuracy with its triple laser system covering 107% of BT.2020, while the Hisense PL2 covers 85% of DCI-P3, which is good but not as comprehensive.
Both projectors require about 12 inches of distance from the wall to project a 100-inch image, making them ideal for placement on a credenza or media cabinet.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro features a more powerful 60W quad-speaker system compared to the Hisense PL2's 30W stereo setup, though for proper home theater use, external speakers are recommended for both.
Yes, both support 4K streaming, but the Hisense PL2 offers a more streamlined experience with built-in apps, while the Aurora Pro works better with an external streaming device.
The Hisense PL2 performs better for sports due to its higher brightness and motion handling, making it easier to follow fast action in varying light conditions.
For dedicated home theater use, the NexiGo Aurora Pro offers better value with superior contrast and color performance, while the Hisense PL2 is better value for multi-purpose rooms where versatility matters more than absolute picture quality.
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 - projectorreviews.com - thesmarthomehookup.com - nexigo.com - projectorscreen.com - avsforum.com - rtings.com - projectorcentral.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - avsforum.com - avsforum.com
