Hisense PL2 Ultra Short Throw Projector review

Have you ever wanted a true cinematic experience on a wall-sized screen without rearranging your entire living room?

First impressions of the Hisense PL2, Ultra Short Throw Home Theater Laser Projector, 80” – 150”, 4K UHD, 2,700 Lumens, 3000:1 Contrast, Dolby Vision & Atmos, 3D, Google TV, WIFI 6E

I unboxed the Hisense PL2 with a mixture of excitement and curiosity, because ultra short throw (UST) projectors promise big results in small spaces. The unit feels solid and thoughtfully designed, and it immediately gave me the sense that Hisense focused on ease of placement and a cinematic presentation.

I was pleased the package included the minimal accessories I needed to start: the remote, power cable, and a quick start guide. The projector’s finish and build quality suggest it’s meant for living-room use rather than a portable toy.

Key specifications at a glance

I like to have a clear spec sheet in front of me, so I made a compact breakdown of the PL2’s headline features. This helps me when comparing projectors or planning a setup.

Feature	Specification
Product name	Hisense PL2, Ultra Short Throw Home Theater Laser Projector, 80” – 150”, 4K UHD, 2,700 Lumens, 3000:1 Contrast, Dolby Vision & Atmos, 3D, Google TV, WIFI 6E
Projection technology	DLP with X-Fusion laser light
Projection size	80″ – 150″ (Ultra Short Throw)
Resolution	4K UHD (via DLP, 4K AI Upscaler)
Brightness	2,700 lumens
Contrast ratio	3000:1
Color	Pure Colour, 1.07+ billion colors
HDR support	Dolby Vision + multiple HDR formats
Audio	Dolby Atmos support
Smart OS	Google TV
Connectivity	WiFi 6E, Bluetooth
Additional	3D support
Laser life	25,000+ hours (X-Fusion)

I used that table as a reference while testing, and it’s a useful snapshot if you want to compare to other projectors quickly.

Setup and installation

Setting up the PL2 took less time than I expected, largely thanks to the ultra short throw design and Google TV guiding the process. I appreciated that I didn’t need a ceiling mount or long throw distance to get an impressively large image.

Even so, I took a few minutes to plan placement. Because it’s UST, you place the projector close to the wall or screen; for 80″ to 150″ sizes the required distance is minimal, and I could easily get a clean 100″ image with the unit sitting on a low console. I recommend planning where cables will run and considering a low-profile shelf if you want a tidy look.

Placement and projection size considerations

I found the PL2’s flexibility in screen size very helpful. In a smaller room the 80″ setting looked huge and immersive without overwhelming the space; in a dedicated home theater, dialing it up toward 120″–150″ delivered that full-cinema feel.

If you plan to use a reflective screen versus a bare wall, test both. A high-gain UST screen can tighten blacks and enhance color pop, while a neutral, properly painted wall keeps things simple. Also remember ambient light: even with 2,700 lumens, controlling light will always improve perceived contrast.

Connections and ports

Physically connecting sources was straightforward. The projector includes the expected HDMI inputs and wireless connectivity for streaming. I connected both a 4K Blu-ray player and a games console, and switching sources was seamless via Google TV or the remote.

I encourage running the initial firmware update if prompted; Hisense occasionally refines processing and streaming stability through updates. Keep the remote handy during setup; it’s intuitive and includes shortcuts to Google TV functions.

Picture quality

This is the part I most wanted to test. The PL2’s picture is the product’s strongest selling point, and I spent a lot of time viewing different content types to judge how it performs in real-world use.

4K AI Upscaler and DLP performance

The 4K AI Upscaler impressed me with how it handled lower-resolution content. The DLP engine’s micro-mirror control delivers sharp images, and the upscaler does a good job enhancing detail in 1080p sources and streaming content. I watched older Blu-rays and streamed shows, and the processed images had more definition and less softness than I expected.

I noticed that the upscaler sometimes subtly enhanced edges and textures, which is great for making older content feel more modern. For native 4K content from a UHD Blu-ray or high-quality streaming, the sharpness and detail were very convincing for a projector in this class.

Brightness and HDR handling (2,700 lumens, Dolby Vision)

With 2,700 lumens, the PL2 sits in a sweet spot for UST home theater use. In a dimmed room the HDR highlights popped nicely, especially with Dolby Vision content. Bright specular highlights—like sunlight or reflective surfaces—retained detail without blooming badly.

That said, ambient light still affects perceived contrast. I tested daytime viewing with curtains partially open and found colors stayed lively, but blacks became noticeably grayer compared to a dark room. If you plan daytime viewing, consider a high-gain ALR (ambient light rejecting) screen for the best results.

Colour performance (Pure Colour, 1.07 billion colors)

I enjoyed how natural skin tones and greens looked. The Pure Colour engine with its 1.07 billion color palette produces nuanced and lifelike tones—grass had the right variety of greens, and animated films were vibrant without looking oversaturated.

I did some side-by-side comparisons with a well-calibrated TV and found that while the projector doesn’t quite hit the absolute color calibration level of top-tier cinema projectors, it’s very close for living-room use. I recommend running the built-in picture modes and, if you’re particular, dialing in manual adjustments for color temperature and saturation.

Contrast and black levels (3000:1)

Contrast sits around the 3000:1 mark, which translates into decent perceived depth in darker scenes. In controlled lighting the PL2 produced pleasing shadow detail and separation between dark tones.

Because it’s a laser UST DLP, black levels are not as inky as a high-end LCoS or OLED screen, but the combination of Dolby Vision and the projector’s tone mapping gave a satisfying, cinematic look. If you prioritize absolute blacks above everything, a dedicated projector with higher native contrast or a dedicated dark room screen may appeal more; for most viewers, the PL2’s contrast is excellent.

3D support

I tested 3D playback from a compatible disc and player. The projector handled the format cleanly, and depth perception was solid when the content and glasses matched. 3D is a niche feature for many these days, but it’s great to have it available if you have a library of 3D titles or enjoy immersive content.

I will note that active or passive 3D compatibility depends on the glasses and source; check which glasses are required if 3D is a major reason you’re buying.

Sound and audio

When I first powered on the PL2, I appreciated that Hisense included Dolby Atmos support, which helps the setup feel more complete for casual viewers.

Built-in speakers and Dolby Atmos

The built-in speakers deliver surprisingly good sound for a projector. They won’t replace a proper AV receiver and speaker system, but for evenings when I didn’t want to power up separate audio gear, the integrated audio was clear and provided decent dialog intelligibility.

Dolby Atmos support helps with spatial rendering via supported apps on Google TV, but the physical speaker arrangement inside a projector is limited. I would describe the PL2’s Atmos experience as virtualized and useful, not a replacement for a multi-channel surround setup with ceiling or upward-firing drivers.

External audio setups and ARC/eARC

For full cinematic audio, I recommend pairing the PL2 with a soundbar or AV receiver. I used an eARC-compatible soundbar connected through my TV and via HDMI passthrough; the result was a dramatic improvement. If you plan to use a separate audio system, confirm your chosen soundbar/receiver’s connectivity aligns with how you’ll feed sources to the projector and TV.

If you use streaming apps directly on the projector via Google TV, audio pass-through options may be limited by the projector’s HDMI and ARC/eARC configuration—so test your preferred setup before finalizing purchases.

Smart features and user interface

Google TV is one of the PL2’s major conveniences. I found it to be a polished, familiar platform that kept me in apps without relying on external boxes for most streaming needs.

Google TV experience

I enjoy Google TV’s interface; it’s clean, easy to navigate, and integrates well with my streaming subscriptions. Setting up profiles and recommendations worked smoothly, and voice search via the remote made it simple to find content quickly.

I did prefer plugging in a 4K Blu-ray player and console for the best possible image on some titles, but for streaming series and apps, Google TV on the projector is excellent.

Connectivity: WiFi 6E and Bluetooth

WiFi 6E provides more reliable wireless bandwidth, particularly useful for 4K streams and multi-device households. I experienced stable streaming with minimal buffering, even when other devices used the network.

Bluetooth allowed me to pair headphones and other peripherals, which is handy for private viewing. The combination of WiFi 6E and Google TV makes the PL2 feel like a modern smart display rather than just a projector.

Gaming and performance

I spent several hours gaming on the PL2, and my impressions are positive for casual and single-player gamers.

Input lag and motion handling

I noticed responsive gameplay with reasonably low input lag for single-player and casual competitive play. Fast-paced racing and action games looked fluid, and the DLP engine’s motion handling reduced perceived blur. That said, if you’re a hardcore competitive gamer chasing the lowest possible latency, a dedicated gaming monitor or TV with ultra-low input lag might still be preferable.

I recommend enabling any “Game” picture mode the projector provides and testing with your console’s output settings to balance latency and image enhancements.

Use cases and room considerations

I mapped out scenarios where the PL2 works best and where it may not be ideal. That helped me set expectations and plan furniture and screen choices.

Small rooms and light control

The PL2 excels in constrained spaces thanks to the UST design. I could set up a near-wall projection in a living room without needing to mount the unit on the ceiling. However, while 2,700 lumens performs well in dim to moderately lit rooms, bright daylight will still wash scenes somewhat. Proper window treatments or an ALR screen help a lot.

Home theater setups and seating

In a dedicated theater room, the PL2 can serve as the focal point. If you plan a seating layout that’s farther back, you can easily project toward the larger end (120″–150″). For closer seating, stick to smaller sizes to keep pixel structure and image comfort optimal.

Consider speaker placement too—if you want full surround sound, plan for speaker cables or wireless solutions around the projector’s location.

Maintenance and longevity

I appreciated the low-maintenance aspects of a laser projector. Laser sources simplify upkeep compared to lamp-based models.

Laser life and reliability (25,000+ hours)

Hisense’s X-Fusion laser light is rated for 25,000+ hours, which means years of typical use without worrying about lamp replacements. That longevity makes the PL2 an attractive long-term investment compared with traditional lamp projectors.

In practical terms, even at a few hours a day, you’re looking at many years before brightness decay becomes a concern. The stable output also means color fidelity stays consistent over that lifespan.

Cleaning and firmware updates

I cleaned the front lens occasionally with a microfiber cloth and avoided canned air inside the unit. The projector’s top ventilation needs to stay clear, and I checked the vents to ensure dust didn’t accumulate.

Firmware updates arrived via the network; I recommend applying them when prompted to improve features and fix minor issues that sometimes surface after initial release.

Pros and cons

I always balance positives with trade-offs. Here’s how I weigh the PL2.

Pros:

• I get a huge cinematic image (80″–150″) in a small footprint thanks to UST.
• Pure Colour and the wide palette produce natural, vibrant colors.
• 4K AI Upscaler improves lower-resolution content noticeably.
• Dolby Vision and Atmos support enhance cinematic presentation.
• Google TV and WiFi 6E make streaming and connectivity modern and smooth.
• Long-lasting laser light (25,000+ hours) reduces maintenance.

Cons:

• Black levels are good but not as deep as the very best cinema projectors.
• Ambient light still impacts image quality; a proper screen helps.
• Built-in audio is useful but not a complete replacement for a dedicated sound system.
• For competitive gamers prioritizing ultra-low latency, a dedicated gaming display might be preferable.

I find these trade-offs reasonable for most home theater buyers who value a large, immersive image without a huge hardware commitment.

Comparisons and alternatives

I compared the PL2 in my head to a few categories: premium UST models, traditional long-throw projectors, and large OLED/LCD TVs.

Against higher-end UST models: the PL2 offers excellent value and many premium features like Dolby Vision and Google TV, though some premium models might have superior contrast or brighter HDR highlights.

Against long-throw projectors: UST’s convenience is the big win. If you have space for a long throw, you might get slightly better black performance elsewhere, but you’ll trade off installation complexity.

Against big-screen TVs: The PL2 gives a much larger image for less money than an equivalent diagonal TV. TVs still outclass projectors in bright rooms and for absolute black levels, but if you want a cinematic scale, the PL2 is compelling.

I recommend checking hands-on reviews and picture comparisons for the exact alternative models you’re considering, because room conditions and personal preferences matter a lot.

Price and value

Price varies by region and retail deals, but I viewed the PL2 as strong value for what it offers. The combination of UST convenience, laser longevity, Dolby Vision/Atmos, and Google TV bundled into one projector makes it attractive compared to buying separate components to reach similar screen sizes.

I calculated that, for the price, you’re effectively getting a large-screen experience and modern smart features without a significant recurring maintenance cost (no lamps to replace). If you want the full cinematic package, factor in a good screen and sound system, but if you want a near-all-in-one living-room upgrade, the PL2 does a lot of the heavy lifting.

Final verdict

I enjoyed my time with the Hisense PL2. I felt like it strikes a smart balance between image quality, convenience, and modern connectivity. For someone who wants a true home-theater feel without redoing a room or installing ceiling mounts, this projector is a terrific option.

If I had to summarize my feelings in one line: I appreciated how the PL2 made a large, cinematic image accessible, colorful, and relatively easy to live with day-to-day. It’s not perfect for the most demanding color-critical or competitive gamer use cases, but for movies, TV shows, and casual gaming it performs very well.

Frequently Asked Questions (from my testing perspective)

I answered common questions I heard while using the projector. These are practical points I wish I’d known before setting it up.

• Q: How close does the PL2 need to be to the wall for a 100″ image? A: Very close—UST projectors are designed to sit just inches from the wall or screen. Check the included placement guide for exact measurements; in my living room a small cabinet near the wall worked perfectly.

• Q: Is the built-in audio sufficient? A: It’s fine for casual viewing, but I preferred hooking up a soundbar or AV receiver for movies. The integrated audio is a good fallback.

• Q: Do I need a special screen? A: You can use a painted wall, but an ALR or UST-optimized screen improves contrast and ambient light performance considerably. If you plan daytime viewing, I recommend a screen.

• Q: How loud is the projector in operation? A: Fan noise was noticeable but not intrusive during movies for me; in quiet scenes it’s audible but not distracting. If you’re sensitive to noise, try installing with some distance from listening positions.

• Q: Is the 4K AI Upscaler effective? A: Yes—lower-resolution content gains better edge definition and perceived detail. Native 4K still looks best, but the upscaler is a meaningful enhancement.

• Q: Will it fit in a small living room? A: Absolutely. The UST form factor is ideal for small to medium rooms where ceiling mounting isn’t practical.

• Q: Can I stream apps directly from the projector? A: Yes, Google TV provides direct streaming from most major services.

• Q: What about firmware updates and support? A: Hisense pushes occasional firmware updates. Keep the projector connected to WiFi to stay up to date.

Practical tips from my experience

I want to share a few practical tips that helped me get the best out of the PL2.

• Calibrate basic picture settings: The default picture mode is a good starting point, but take time to set color temperature to ‘Warm’ if available and adjust gamma to your room’s lighting. Small tweaks make a big difference.

• Use a quality UST screen if you plan to watch in moderate ambient light: It’s the single best upgrade after placement for better blacks and contrast.

• Positioning matters: Because it sits so close to the wall, make sure you have enough clearance for ventilation and that the top of the projector isn’t blocked to keep it cool.

• Keep firmware current: Install updates to improve app stability and processing features.

• Test multiple picture modes for gaming and movies: Different modes balance motion processing and input lag differently.

Closing thoughts

I liked how the Hisense PL2 combined a flexible projection size, color performance, longevity, and smart features into a single unit. I felt it made it easy to create a cinematic environment without the infrastructure headaches of traditional projectors. For my living room and movie nights, it was a satisfying upgrade and one I’d confidently recommend to friends who want a big-screen experience with modern conveniences.

If you’d like, I can help you choose the best screen or recommend soundbars that pair well with this projector based on room size and budget.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.