Hisense Shows 8K Laser TV and More
Hisense had a busy booth at CES 2022 where they showed off their line of Laser TVs, including a new 8K Laser TV prototype. Also on display were their line of ULED 8K Mini-LED series TVs and their most recent image process SoC. Google TV and ATSC 3.0 Tuners are also new and standard on all ULED TV series.
TVs
For the first time in 2022, Hisense will implement miniLED technology into its new premium U9H line to deliver improved contrast, more dimming zones, and brighter images. While the company revealed many details of its 2022 4K TV line, it did not say much about its plans for 8K.
Last May, Hisense launched its first 8K TV in the US, the 75U800GR. Notable specifications include peak luminance of up to 1000 nits, a 120 Hz refresh rate panel, a customizable screen layout, and a Roku player. Only the 75” model was offered in 2021, priced at $3,199 but can now be purchased at Walmart or Amazon for $2,699. At www.rtings.com, the 75U800GR got an 8.0pt picture quality rating the same level as Samsung Q800A and Q900A and much better than LG., said Hisense.
At CES 2022, Hisense showed an 85” 8K TV, the 85U9H but did not provide many details on performance or availability (See video here.). However, it was recognized as a CES 2022 Innovation Award Honoree. A 65” version is also available in other markets. Still, it will not come to the US this year.
Hisense also highlighted their new processing SoC called the Hi-View HV8107 – apparently its first self-developed image processing chip. It uses AI processing to upconvert content to 8K resolution and more. We are planning a separate article on this.
Hisense announced a full range of 4K TV series. At the top will be the UH9 quantum dot series. It will use miniLED zone dimming with over 1280 zones, 2000 nits of peak luminance, and 120 Hz refresh panels. These features represent a significant upgrade from last year’s U9G model with 1000 nits and 240 zones. The new series supports Dolby Vision IQ, HDMI 2.1, VRR, AMD FreeSync, eARC, WiSA, Dolby Atmos, and HDMI ALLM. It also has an ATSC 3.0 tuner and an upgraded audio package. Resolution is 4K.
The UH8 quantum dot series also features a miniLED backlight that offers 1500 nits of peak luminance with a 120 Hz panel. Additional features include IMAX enhanced Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Vision IQ, and HDR10+. There is Dolby Atmos, eARC, and WiSA support for audio enhancements. Next-gen gaming features include ultra-high-speed HDMI, auto-low-latency mode, variable refresh rate, Freesync, and Game Mode Pro.
Also included is a newly integrated NEXTGEN TV ATSC 3.0 tuner. There are in-bezel microphones with far-field voice capability, embedded Google Assistant, and Works with Alexa functionality for interaction with the TV.
For the step-down U7H series, Hisense seems to have dropped the miniLED backlight but keeps the 120 Hz panels and ultra-high-speed HDMI, likely to support popular gaming features like Game Mode Pro with ALLM and VRR support. It also retains IMAX enhanced, Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR 10/10+/adaptive, Quantum Dot, FreeSync, ATSC 3.0 tuner Dolby Atmos, eARC, and WiSA. Sizes will range from 55 to 85-inches, with prices starting at $799.99 MSRP.
The entry-level U6H series will highlight Quantum Dot, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR 10/10+/adaptive, Filmmaker Mode, 60Hz panels, Dolby Atmos, eARC, ultra-high-speed HDMI, Game Mode Plus, VRR, plus the new far-field voice control and integrated Google Assistant. There is no ATSC 3.0 tuner in this series. Screen sizes will range from 50 to 75-inches, with prices starting at $579.99 MSRP.
In addition to its ULED lineup, Hisense offers the A7H, A6H, and A4H Series.
Laser TVs
Hisense has been promoting their ultra-short-throw laser TVs for some time and used CES 2022 to show their 4K models as well as a prototype of an 8K resolution version. A 120” L9G Pro Trichroma laser TV and a 100” version were displayed. They even showed two blended together to create a vast aspect ratio display. They have offered Laser TVs with 1, 2, or 3 lasers with TriChroma representing the three-laser version which they claim can reach out to cover the whole BT2020 color gamut. The 120L9G Trichroma Laser TV will sell for $5,999 while the 100” version will go for $5,499. They both offer 3000 ANSI lumens. A 90” version may come to the US in 2022 as well with smaller screen sizes in 2023. All Laser TVs ship with an ambient light rejecting screen tailored to the short-throw projection angle.
They also showed a prototype of what will become a 120” 8K resolution Laser TV in a dark room. It was demonstrated in a more conventional longer throw (maybe 8 feet) but will be reduced to the ultra-short throw form factor when commercialized. Timing and availability were not disclosed, but this looks like an early prototype, but Hisense confirms they plan to mass produce this in 2022. It will launch in China first, so we may need to wait until 2023 before it reaches the US.
The 8K projector uses a 4K resolution DLP chipset and an image shifting technology to create additional pixels in a time-sequential method. Some companies do this with a two-times image shift (and call it near 8K resolution), and others with a 4X image shift. Hisense did not disclose which method they will use, but it is a 3-laser solution with 4000 ANSI lumens of light output.
Like UHD is not 4K a Laser Short Throw Projector is not a TV
The Laser TVs include a full suite of TV features including apps and more, so functionaly, I think it is a smartTV