Choosing Between Hisense's Ultra Short Throw 4K Projectors: PX2-PRO vs PL2

When it comes to creating a theater-like experience at home, ultra short throw (UST) projectors have revolutionized what's possible. Today, we're comparing two compelling options from Hisense: the premium PX2-PRO TriChroma ($2,998) and the more affordable PL2 ($1,398). Both promise to transform your living space with massive 4K images from just inches away from your wall.

Understanding UST Projector Technology

Before diving into specifics, let's understand what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need significant distance, UST projectors use advanced optical engineering to create large images from incredibly short distances - typically 4-15 inches from your wall. This means no more ceiling mounts or dealing with people walking through the projection beam.

The technology has matured significantly since these models' releases. The PX2-PRO launched in mid-2023 with Hisense's latest TriChroma laser system, while the PL2 hit the market earlier with more conventional single-laser technology.

Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Color Performance and Light Sources

The most significant difference between these projectors lies in their light sources. The PX2-PRO uses a TriChroma laser system - essentially three separate lasers (red, green, and blue) working together to create colors. This allows it to reproduce an impressive 107% of the BT.2020 color space, which is currently the gold standard for digital color. To put this in perspective, many high-end TVs struggle to reach even 90% of this space.

The PL2 takes a more traditional approach, using a blue laser with a phosphor wheel to create other colors. While still capable of excellent image quality, it covers about 85% of the DCI-P3 color space - good, but not at the same level as its premium sibling.

Brightness and Room Lighting

Interestingly, the PL2 edges out its more expensive sibling in raw brightness, offering 2700 ANSI lumens compared to the PX2-PRO's 2400. However, numbers don't tell the whole story. The TriChroma system in the PX2-PRO often appears brighter to the human eye because of its superior color purity and contrast.

Both projectors perform admirably in moderately lit rooms, but for the best experience, you'll want to control ambient light. This is true for any projector, even these bright ones.

Contrast and Black Levels

The PX2-PRO boasts a 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, while the PL2 offers 2,000,000:1. In real-world use, both deliver impressive black levels for projectors, though neither quite matches OLED TV levels of pure black. The PX2-PRO has a slight edge in shadow detail and contrast, particularly noticeable in darker scenes.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Operating Systems

The newer PX2-PRO comes with Google TV, offering a modern, intuitive interface with access to virtually every streaming service. The platform provides personalized recommendations and seamless integration with other Google services.

The PL2 uses a more basic smart TV system with fewer apps and features. While functional, it's not as polished or comprehensive as Google TV.

Gaming Performance

Both projectors support gaming, with the PX2-PRO offering slightly better input lag (around 30-35ms) in game mode. They both include auto low-latency mode (ALLM), which automatically switches to game mode when it detects a console. While not as responsive as gaming monitors, they're perfectly suitable for casual gaming.

Installation and Setup

Both projectors feature automatic geometric correction, which uses your smartphone's camera to align the image perfectly with your screen or wall. The PX2-PRO has a slightly more refined version of this system, but both work well.

The PL2 offers a slightly larger maximum image size (150 inches vs 130 inches), though most users will likely stick to 100-120 inches for optimal brightness and clarity.

Audio Capabilities

Both projectors include built-in 30W stereo speaker systems with Dolby Atmos support. While adequate for casual viewing, neither replaces a proper home theater audio system. The PX2-PRO has slightly better sound separation and clarity, but the difference isn't dramatic.

Value Proposition

The PL2 at $1,398 represents excellent value for those wanting to enter the world of UST projection. It delivers 90% of the performance of its premium sibling at less than half the price.

The PX2-PRO at $2,998 justifies its premium price through superior color accuracy, better smart features, and slightly better overall image quality. Whether these improvements are worth the price difference depends entirely on your priorities and budget.

Real-World Performance

In actual use, both projectors impress. The PX2-PRO's superior color accuracy is most noticeable in content like nature documentaries or animated films. For standard TV viewing and most movies, the PL2 performs admirably, and many users might not notice the difference without a side-by-side comparison.

How to Decide

Choose the PX2-PRO if:

• Color accuracy is crucial to you
• You want the best possible image quality
• You'll benefit from the superior smart TV platform
• Budget isn't a primary concern

Choose the PL2 if:

• You want excellent value for money
• You're new to UST projection
• You're primarily watching standard TV content
• Basic smart features meet your needs

Final Thoughts

Both projectors represent different sweet spots in the market. The PL2 offers tremendous value and performance that will satisfy most users. The PX2-PRO pushes the boundaries of what's possible with UST projection, particularly in color accuracy and overall image quality.

For most users, the PL2's value proposition makes it the smarter choice. However, if you're building a dedicated home theater or demand the absolute best image quality, the PX2-PRO's premium features justify its higher price tag.

Remember, whichever you choose, proper room setup (including ambient light control and screen selection) will have a bigger impact on your viewing experience than the difference between these projectors.

Hisense PX2-PRO TriChroma 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Cinema Projector with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, & Google TV Deals and Prices

Hisense PL2 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector Deals and Prices