When it comes to creating a massive home entertainment display, we're living in exciting times. Today we'll compare two fascinating approaches: the Sony BRAVIA XR X90L 98" ($9,998) and the Hisense L9H TriChroma Laser TV 100" ($3,999). Both were released in 2023 and represent the latest in their respective technologies.
Let's talk about what makes these two approaches different. Traditional TVs have come a long way - we're now seeing 98-inch screens that would have been unthinkable a few years ago. Meanwhile, Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors have evolved from dim, maintenance-heavy devices into sophisticated entertainment centers that can sit just inches from your wall.
The Sony X90L uses Full Array Local Dimming (FALD), which means the LED backlight is divided into zones that can brighten or dim independently. This technology has improved dramatically in recent years, with better processing reducing the "blooming" effect (where bright objects create a halo in dark scenes) that used to plague LED TVs.
The Hisense L9H takes a different approach, using three separate lasers (red, green, and blue) to create its image. This TriChroma technology is relatively new - previous laser projectors often used a blue laser with a color wheel, which couldn't produce as wide a range of colors. The included ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen is specially designed to reflect the projector's light while absorbing light from other angles, helping maintain image quality in bright rooms.
In bright rooms, the Sony X90L is the clear winner. Its LED panel can maintain consistent brightness regardless of ambient light. I've seen it perform beautifully even in sunlit rooms where most displays would wash out completely.
The Hisense L9H produces an impressive 3000 ANSI lumens (a standardized measure of brightness), which is quite good for a projector. However, even with its special screen, it still performs best in controlled lighting. That said, it handles ambient light better than traditional projectors - you don't need complete darkness to enjoy it.
Both displays offer excellent color reproduction, but in different ways. The Sony uses Quantum Dots (tiny semiconductor particles that produce very pure colors) combined with their XR Processor to deliver accurate, vivid images. The Hisense's triple laser system actually produces a wider range of colors - up to 107% of the BT.2020 color space (the standard used for ultra-high-definition TV).
In practice, both look fantastic, but the Sony has an edge in HDR (High Dynamic Range) content thanks to its ability to get both brighter and darker in the same scene.
For sports and gaming fans, this is crucial. The Sony X90L excels here, with excellent motion processing that keeps fast action smooth without looking artificial. The Hisense does a good job too, but can't quite match the Sony's performance. For gaming, the Sony's input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the result) is slightly better.
The Sony follows traditional TV mounting - it's heavy (about 100 pounds) but installs like any other TV. You'll need a sturdy wall mount or a very solid entertainment center.
The Hisense requires more planning but offers more flexibility. The projector unit sits on a cabinet below your screen, projecting upward at an extreme angle. This means you don't need to mount anything from your ceiling, and you can potentially move it more easily. However, you do need to carefully align the projector with the included screen.
For dedicated home theaters, both options shine but for different reasons. The Sony X90L delivers consistent, reference-quality performance that home theater enthusiasts will appreciate. Its superior HDR handling makes it excellent for movie watching, and it needs no special consideration for room layout.
The Hisense L9H offers a more traditional "projector" experience with its larger size, but without the usual projector compromises. Its 40W built-in Dolby Atmos speakers are surprisingly good, though serious home theater setups will still want separate audio.
The price difference is substantial - you could buy two Hisense systems for less than one Sony TV. The Hisense includes its screen in the price, while the Sony requires no additional purchases.
Long-term considerations favor the Sony slightly. LED TVs typically last 10+ years with no maintenance. The Hisense's laser light source is rated for 25,000 hours (about 8 years of 8-hour daily use), though it may dim gradually over time.
Choose the Sony X90L if:
Choose the Hisense L9H if:
The choice often comes down to your room and usage. In my experience, the Sony is the safer choice for most users - it's essentially a super-sized version of what people already know and love. The Hisense offers an intriguing alternative that can work brilliantly in the right setting, especially if you're looking to maximize screen size per dollar.
Remember that both technologies have improved significantly in recent years. The Sony's local dimming and processing are far better than previous generations, while the Hisense's triple laser system and ALR screen technology have made UST projectors viable for everyday use, not just dedicated theater rooms.
Whichever you choose, both the Sony X90L and Hisense L9H represent the current state of the art in their respective categories, and either can form the centerpiece of an impressive home entertainment system.
| Sony BRAVIA XR X90L 98" ($9,998) | Hisense L9H TriChroma 100" ($3,999) |
|---|---|
| Display Technology - Determines fundamental performance characteristics | |
| LED TV with Full Array Local Dimming | Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector with ALR Screen |
| Size - Physical screen dimensions impact immersion | |
| 98" fixed panel (97.5" viewable) | 100" with included ALR screen |
| Brightness - Critical for daytime viewing and HDR impact | |
| Superior LED brightness, excellent in any lighting | 3,000 ANSI lumens (good but requires some light control) |
| Color Range - Affects vibrancy and realism | |
| Premium Quantum Dot color (95% DCI-P3) | 107% BT.2020 (wider range, more vivid) |
| Gaming Performance - Important for responsive gameplay | |
| 4K/120Hz, VRR, ~11ms input lag | 4K/60Hz, ~30ms input lag |
| Installation Requirements - Consider your room setup | |
| Wall mount or stand, standard TV setup | Requires furniture placement and screen installation |
| Room Flexibility - How well it works in different environments | |
| Excellent in any lighting, fixed position | Needs some light control, more placement options |
| Longevity - Long-term ownership considerations | |
| 100,000+ hours LED lifespan, no maintenance | 25,000 hours laser life, may dim over time |
| Value Proposition - Cost vs. Performance | |
| Premium price, superior versatility | Better price/size ratio, more setup complexity |
For dedicated home theaters, both the Sony X90L ($9,998) and Hisense L9H ($3,999) can excel. The Sony offers superior HDR performance and consistent quality in any lighting, while the Hisense provides a more cinema-like experience with its larger projected image. For traditional home theaters with controlled lighting, the Hisense L9H offers excellent value.
Both displays offer similar sizes - 98" for the Sony X90L and 100" for the Hisense L9H. For optimal viewing, sit between 10-15 feet away. At these sizes, you'll get a truly cinematic experience with either option.
The Sony X90L significantly outperforms in bright rooms. While the Hisense L9H offers good brightness for a projector (3000 ANSI lumens) and includes an ALR screen, it still performs best with some light control.
For gaming, the Sony X90L is clearly superior. It offers 4K/120Hz support, better input lag, and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) compatibility. The Hisense L9H is adequate for casual gaming but isn't optimized for competitive play.
The Sony X90L LED TV typically lasts longer with no maintenance required. The Hisense L9H laser system is rated for 25,000 hours, which is still about 8-10 years of normal use, but may gradually dim over time.
The Sony X90L requires standard TV mounting. The Hisense L9H needs more setup with screen installation and projector alignment, but doesn't require ceiling mounting like traditional projectors.
Both offer excellent movie-watching experiences. The Sony X90L provides better HDR performance and consistent quality, while the Hisense L9H offers a more theater-like experience with slightly larger screen and superior color range.
The Sony X90L handles motion better and maintains brightness in any lighting, making it superior for sports viewing. The Hisense L9H is good but may struggle with fast motion in bright rooms.
The Hisense L9H includes 40W Dolby Atmos speakers, while the Sony X90L has standard TV speakers. However, for proper home theater use, you'll want a separate sound system with either display.
At $3,999 including the screen, the Hisense L9H offers better value per inch of screen size. The Sony X90L costs more at $9,998 but provides superior versatility and performance.
The Sony X90L requires a sturdy wall mount rated for its 100-pound weight. The Hisense L9H needs wall space for the screen but the projector sits on furniture below, potentially offering more placement flexibility.
While both can be DIY installed, the Hisense L9H requires more precise setup for optimal performance. The Sony X90L is simpler to install but may need help due to its size and weight.
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: avsforum.com - valueelectronics.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - electronics.sony.com - stewartappliance.com - rcwilley.com - rtings.com - abt.com - pcrichard.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - avsforum.com - projectorreviews.com - shop.hisense-usa.com - projectorcentral.com - hometheaterhifi.com - shop.hisense-usa.com - projectorcentral.com - 2001audiovideo.com - projektoren-datenbank.com - content.syndigo.com
