After a couple of years, Hisense is updating its Laser TV ultra-short throw (UST) projector line, unveiling a new model— the L9Q— at CES 2025. Although we saw new projectors within the Laser Cinema series last year, this model marks a significant redesign.
The L9Q features an advanced optical light engine that offers a variable focus range, accommodating screen sizes from 100 to 150 inches diagonally. Hisense is releasing the L9Q in five configurations, including Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) screens in sizes of 100, 110, 120, 136, and 150 inches. This expansion provides a broader selection compared to 2023’s L9H, which was limited to just 100 and 120 inches. There is speculation that the L9Q might be sold separately without a screen, similar to the L9H, which is available for around $3,000, although no official statement from Hisense has confirmed this possibility yet.
The throw ratio has also been reduced from 0.25:1 in the L9H to 0.18:1 in the L9Q. This means that the new projector can be positioned closer to the wall, which is advantageous. With a traditional 0.25:1 projector setup, achieving a 150-inch image would require a distance of around 2.5 feet from the wall. With the new 0.18:1 throw ratio, the L9Q will encroach less into the room, making it easier to manage larger screen sizes. The projector is equipped with a new motorized focus mechanism and specific image settings tailored for various screen sizes, ensuring a sharp image during setup. Additionally, it includes automatic screen alignment to ensure that the image displays correctly on the screen. However, it is still advisable to carefully consider placement, as the added processing might influence input lag and could introduce visual artifacts.
Hisense has enhanced the TriChroma RGB laser light engine with a notable 33% increase in brightness output—from 3,000 lumens in the L9H to 4,000 lumens in the L9Q—combined with a native contrast ratio of 3,000:1. While UST projectors may not match the brightness of mini-LED TVs, this increase in lumens adds significant visual vibrancy in environments with uncontrolled ambient light.
Where UST projectors excel compared to televisions is in their ability to cover the BT.2020 color space. The L9Q showcases an impressive coverage of 110%, which offers future-proofing benefits, considering most current content adheres to the DCI-P3 standard. The transition to BT.2020 is anticipated at some stage, although it remains a few years away.
The L9Q will continue to feature a built-in Harman Kardon sound system, now boasting a powerful 6.2.2 channel setup with 116 watts of output, an upgrade from the previous 40 watts. It will also run on the Google TV operating system.
Visually, the L9Q presents a fresh and appealing design, swapping the L9H’s curved profile for a sleek rectangular shape, accented by a graceful semicircle indentation on top housing the lens. The front displays a metallic grille, with the back portion styled in black, giving the projector a luxurious aesthetic that is sure to impress.
