Do You need a laser TV? Given the high cost of the technology, the answer to that question will almost probably depend on how much cash you have on hand, but those of you with large home theater budgets may be wondering whether laser TV designs are worthwhile investing in.
The term “laser TV” is somewhat misleading because it actually refers to an ultra-short throw projector that uses a fixed-size projection onto a specially designed ALR screen to combine the benefits of TV and projector technologies into a single piece of gear.
Although they are typically more expensive, laser TVs do provide adequately scaled images that go well beyond what is possible on conventional LCD or OLED screens.
There aren’t many competitors in the laser TV industry, but Hisense stands out with its 120-inch L5F Laser Series. Epson has also been introducing its own models. What you need know about the technology and the models that are available should you decide to install one in your home is provided below.
How do laser TVs work?
Calling them ‘laser TVs’ is technically incorrect. They use an ALR (ambient light reflection) projection screen to effectively reflect light back towards the viewer and are based on ultra-short throw projection technology.
Hisense and Epson use the term laser TV for a variety of reasons, including marketing, but also because they include built-in speakers, a smart platform, and a TV tuner.
As more projectors incorporate built-in audio and comprehensive smart platforms – something that wasn’t the norm even a few years ago – this distinction is beginning to blur, and there’s little reason for the ‘laser TV’ branding in our minds.
But that doesn’t mean they’re not good! The ability to place ultra-short throw laser projection almost flush against a wall or screen without figuring out an ideal distance and placement elsewhere in the room is extremely useful (as with short-throw or long-throw projectors).
Laser projection is slightly more expensive than DLP or LCD lamp technology, but it provides a crisper image and generally higher brightness, making it a better choice for daytime viewing or for those who do not have a light-proof home cinema room.
How much do laser televisions cost?
Retail prices for laser TVs are roughly equivalent to those of high-end ultra-short throw projectors (which makes sense given that they are nearly identical!). That means you can find models for as little as $3,500 and as much as $7,000.
Hisense laser TVs
There are a few Hisense TV models available, with subtle regional variations.
In comparison to today’s enormous 75-inch TVs, the largest Hisense L5 laser TV is 100 inches, while the lesser variant is 88 inches.
Both of them are 4K HDR variants with 2x15W Dolby Atmos speakers. They support HDR10 and HLG but not Dolby Vision or HDR10+, which are rarely found on projectors. You receive wide color gamut, 10 bit color depth, and respectable 70-degree viewing angles, albeit the most recent 100-inch L5 has a narrower 36-degree viewing angle. Both are supported by Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Freeview Play on the Vidaa U smart platform. However, you won’t receive eARC or HDMI 2.1.
The 100-inch “Laser” model, which is a step down, provides 4K HDR as well, but not Dolby Atmos audio, and can occasionally only display 8 bit color depth. To make up for this, it does include a wireless 60W subwoofer. It appears that the projection distance is 19 cm from the screen.
Epson laser TVs
Right now if you’re looking for an Epson laser TV, you’re looking at the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 Laser Projection TV. As with Hisense’s largest model, it projects a 4K image onto a 120-inch ALR screen, with 10-bit HDR color depth.
Do You need a laser TV?
If you can’t decide between a laser TV (basically an ultra-short throw projector) and an LED-LCD TV, there are enough laser TVs available that they’re worth your consideration.
Given the distinct light emission and display technologies that they use, comparing the two is somewhat like comparing apples and oranges, but in reality, most high-end 4K LED-LCD TVs will be just as bright and vivid as this laser TV and cost a lot less. Additionally, since light bulbs don’t need to be changed every 25,000 hours, they’re likely to support more HDR formats (the Hisense L5F only supports HLG and HDR10).
Hisense laser TVs are marketed as being more adaptable than LED-LCD TVs because they don’t require large pieces of furniture to be placed on them. They can also offer a slightly larger screen size. However, they also give up one of the key benefits of projectors, namely the flexibility to store the “screen” when not in use, so you should carefully consider what your particular home theater demands are.
In the end, both offer benefits and drawbacks, so which one you choose should depend on how much space you want to fill and how much you’re prepared to spend on new AV equipment.
