The Hisense C1 is the Chinese manufacturer’s first projector that doesn’t have an ultra-short throw distance. This all-in-one model combines compactness, cutting-edge technologies and ease of use to project an ultra realistic 4K HDR image. Once it is installed and turned on, all you have to do is make yourself comfortable, as it automatically adjusts the image. Sold for €1,990, does the Hisense C1 surpass the Xgimi Horizon Ultra that was recently presented at IFA?
Hisense C1: accessories
The Hisense C1 projector comes with an RF remote control (batteries included) and its mains power adapter. Everything is packaged inside an elegant cardboard box that highlights the premium aspect of the projector.
Hisense C1: presentation
The Hisense C1 is a short-throw projector that doesn’t have to be placed far from the screen to project a large UHD 4K HDR image. It is possible to achieve a picture measuring between 1.6m and 7.6m across by placing it between 1.8m and 4.2m from the wall or projection screen. Its compact design allows it to be carried from one room to another or into the garden, or even taken on vacation. Moreover, its automatic picture settings (screen alignment, keystone correction, and focus) make it easy to install.
The Hisense C1 projector uses a DLP XPR chip and a TriChroma (triple RGB laser) laser light source. These technologies can also be found on the brand’s more high-end models, such as the Hisense PX2-PRO ultra-short throw projector as well as the Hisense 100L9HD and Hisense 120L9HA laser TVs.
Thanks to this light source, the C1 covers the entire BT.2020 color space used in the production of UHD 4K content. This results in an accurate and realistic image, with rich, natural colors. Its brightness of 1,600 lumens means it should be used in the dark. It is possible, if you wish, to use the projector where there is ambient lighting, but this will result in a loss of contrast and slightly dull hues.
This Hisense projector is compatible with the majority of high dynamic range image formats (HDR10, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision). This way, it manages to display more detail and nuances in dark and bright zones than a standard projector.
In addition, the Hisense C1 is equipped with an audio system developed in collaboration with JBL. As a result, it is a stand-alone projector capable of reproducing the image and sound of any video content. With its optical and mini-jack audio outputs as well as Bluetooth, it can be easily connected to a receiver or soundbar to extend the soundstage and enhance viewer immersion.
Unlike Hisense laser TVs, the Hisense C1 doesn’t feature a DTT tuner. However, it does have a wide range of features such as access to the main streaming services, network (DLNA) and USB multimedia playback, and wireless screen mirroring from a PC, tablet or smartphone. Furthermore, it features two HDMI inputs to connect a UHD 4K Blu-ray player and a video game console.
Hisense C1: key specifications
- UHD 4K DLP
- Triple RGB laser (Trichroma)
- 1,600 lumens
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- Wide color space (110% BT2020)
- Automatic alignment, keystone correction and focus
- JBL audio section (Dolby Atmos/DTS)
- Apple TV+, Disney+, Netflix, Prime Video…
Hisense C1: configuration
During our review, we paired the Hisense C1 with a Lumene Majestic HD 240C motorized projection screen. For the sources, we used a Magnetar UDP800 4K Blu-ray player and a PlayStation 4, connected to the projector with an Audioquest Cinnamon HDMI cable. The Hisense C1’s USB 3.0 port was used to connect an external hard drive to play 4K HDR films with Dolby and DTS soundtracks.
The WiFi connection to the local network was provided by a Netgear Orbi RBK852 WiFi system to maximize bandwidth for 4K UHD streaming.
To achieve a 2.5m (100”) picture, we had to place the projector on a coffee table, approximately 2.8m from the screen. Because the C1 doesn’t have a zoom, the size of the image depends entirely on its distance from the screen.
In order to test the automatic picture settings, we intentionally shifted the projector to the left of the screen’s axis. Once it was turned on, the C1 immediately made the necessary corrections to straighten the image outline and bring it within the limits of the screen, before adjusting the focus. The result was good, but not perfect. We had to manually adjust the image and move the corners so that they fit the screen perfectly. This automation, already used on certain Philips, Samsung, Viewsonic and Xgimi picoprojectors, is not yet fully mature, but is making progress with each new generation of devices.
Be careful, however, not to overuse these digital correction technologies, which work by compressing pixels and therefore reduce image quality. Ideally, it’s always best to align the projector as closely as possible to the screen to ensure the best picture. But it has to be said, these image adjustment features are extremely useful when dealing with a restrictive viewing environment.
Hisense C1: impressions
Design
Hisense clearly put a lot of thought into the design of this projector! The Hisense C1 boasts an attractive blue-gray metal chassis. It is perforated on both sides to ensure that the internal components, which can be seen through these small holes, are properly cooled.
The upper two-thirds of the front panel boast an attractive brushed-metal finish. Here you’ll find the projection lens, surrounded by a chrome ring, the autofocus sensor and the motion detector. The latter momentarily deactivates the projector’s lasers when someone steps in front of it to prevent blinding them. The lower part of the front panel features a protective grille for the drivers, embellished with the “Sound by JBL” logo.
A simple control interface is built into the device’s top panel. It includes an on/standby button, a play/pause button and two buttons to control the volume. The connectors are all located at the bottom of the projector’s rear panel.
The projector sits on four height-adjustable feet. A ¼” mounting hole is also present to mount the Hisense C1 onto a compatible bracket, or even a photo/video tripod.
While we were impressed by the Hisense C1 projector’s look, we found the design of the RF remote control to be somewhat lackluster. Its plain appearance and plastic finish stand in stark contrast to the premium-looking projector. It makes up for this, however, with its backlit buttons, intuitive handling and functionalities. In particular, it features direct access keys to the main streaming services, as well as presets for picture mode (P. Mode) and sound mode (S. Mode).
Lastly, we found this projector to be incredibly quiet, with a maximum of 34.5 dB measured at 50cm from the unit during this test!
Image settings
Designed to be very simple to use, the Hisense C1 doesn’t just automatically adjust the picture size, geometry and focus. It also offers several presets that allow you to quickly adjust the picture according to your preferences.
To get the most out of your movies, we recommend the Cinema / HDR (Day/Night) and Filmmaker modes, which remain as true to the original content as possible by deactivating the image processing. However, the default color temperature setting for Filmmaker mode is very warm. Personally, we prefer to set this parameter to standard for more natural hues. For Dolby Vision HDR video content, you can choose between bright, dark and Dolby Vision Gaming settings.
Purists will be able to peruse the advanced image settings at their leisure to adjust not only the laser luminance level, the brightness and contrast, but also the gamma and color gamut.
Smart TV
The Hisense C1 laser projector features the 6th version of the proprietary Vidaa U interface. Intuitive and responsive, it is directly accessible using the dedicated button on the remote control (house icon). The main menu displays the icons of the various installed apps in a row.
The most popular streaming services are all present, including Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+ and Prime Video. It is also possible to enjoy such as Molotov.TV, RakutenTV and Plex. By scrolling down this page, you gain access to new and popular releases for each service. The Vidaa interface was smooth and very responsive, providing quick access to different services, without any latency.
HD streaming
Whether we were watching rally racing on RedBull TV or the Hunter × Hunter anime on MyTF1, the quality of the picture projected by the Hisense C1 was very good. The upscaling was effective and the image precision was sufficient for easy viewing on a 2.5m screen. For this type of content, it is best to opt for the standard picture mode, as it enhances smoothness and boosts the brightness. Ideally, even if the picture is visible with ambient lighting, the room needs to be dark in order to achieve satisfactory contrast and vivid colors.
4K HDR streaming
With the series The Rings of Power in 4K HDR Dolby Vision, the Hisense C1 revealed the full extent of its talent. The picture was incredibly precise and sharp. The hues were rich and exceptionally nuanced. HDR management was excellent, with the projector adapting the image in real time according to the dynamic metadata of the projected content. The only criticism we have is that the blacks sometimes lacked depth.
USB video playback
The Hisense C1’s USB connectors allows it to read a wide range of files in the most commonly used formats. During this review, we were able to play several movies and series saved on an external hard drive without any difficulty for HD and 4K HDR content. H264/AVC and H265/HEVC formats are supported, as well as Dolby soundtracks, including Atmos and DTS.
With the animated film Coco in 4K HDR10 (H265/MKV), we witnessed a true spectacle. In Miguel’s village, the image was ultra-precise and detailed, with superbly rendered textures which seemed palpable. Whether it was Grandma Coco’s wrinkled skin, her woolen shawl or the earthen walls of her bedroom, we couldn’t help but admire the work of the illustrators and colorists. In the world of the dead, the images shone brightly. The multicolored lanterns and colorful costumes were a visual delight. The HDR-encoded images were packed with detail and nuance, and the lighting effects were beautifully rendered.
4K HDR Blu-ray movies
After inserting the 4K Dolby Vision Blu-ray of Uncharted into the Magnetar UDP800, the picture quality went up a notch. This physical format is in fact the only one that guarantees a very high, constant bitrate for the transmission of 4K UHD images and multichannel HD digital sound. Even today, it remains the ideal medium for offering film and series lovers a picture that is completely in keeping with the director’s vision.
Once the movie was playing, we realized the true potential of the Hisense C1 projector, in terms of image sharpness and finesse, as well as colorimetry. The faces of the actors were sharp, the skin textures highly realistic and the colors both vivid and very nuanced. However, we still had reservations about the depth of black, which could be improved.
HD Blu-ray to 4K upscaling
We chose the movie Drive in Blu-ray HD format to test the quality of the Hisense C1’s 4K upscaling. Unsurprisingly, the projector carried out this task brilliantly, like the majority of ultra HD projectors on the market. The result was a fine balance between smoothness and precision, with a significant improvement in detail while preserving the naturalness of the image.
Video games
Gameplay was satisfactory with this projector as it is equipped with an efficient gaming mode that improves response time. A few laps around the Gran Turismo 7 track confirmed the smoothness of the image and the responsiveness, enabling us to brake hard without going off the track!
Audio section
The Hisense C1’s audio system is designed by JBL, with an integrated 2 x 10-watt stereo system. Without reaching the performance of a soundbar, let alone a home theater speaker pack, the C1’s drivers are highly satisfactory. It has to be said that the projector’s very low operating noise enables them to express themselves distinctly without having to turn the volume up really high. The result: a clear sound with texture and energy, without distortion, and dialogue that remains audible, even during action scenes.
The bass was timid (the term low-midrange would be more appropriate), but overall, the sound was balanced. The surround effects simply broaden the front soundstage when the projector is placed between the audience and the screen. If you want to install it to the side or behind you, you’ll probably have to use a separate sound system…
Ideally, we recommend pairing the projector with a soundbar or a wireless home theater system via HDMI ARC/eARC, or even a Bluetooth speaker via a wireless connection. In our case, pairing it with a Marshall Kilburn II speaker proved very effective, with no latency whatsoever, regardless of the content we were watching.
Hisense C1 compared to the Xgimi Horizon Ultra
The Hisense projector is superior to the Xgimi concerning image sharpness, 4K upscaling, color richness and black depth. The Xgimi Horizon Ultra makes up for this when it comes to HDR content, which is richer and more nuanced in the highlights. Its optical zoom also offers greater flexibility for placement. Finally, its handling of moving images is a notch above that of the Hisense C1, a valuable asset for sports. The two devices are on a par in terms of sound reproduction and connected features, with the exception of Netflix and USB playback. The Xgimi Horizon Ultra doesn’t natively integrate the streaming service, unlike the Hisense projector, and struggles with large-capacity hard drives, whereas the C1 handles them perfectly.
Hisense C1: who is it for?
This Hisense projector is aimed first and foremost at those looking to enjoy a very large picture without the constraints of a conventional projector. Just set it down, switch it on, and you’re ready to watch your favorite movies and TV series. It will also appeal to fans of precise 4K HDR images, with rich, nuanced colors, and lends itself well to advanced image customization, which will delight video projection purists.
Hisense C1: conclusion
The Hisense C1 is the Chinese manufacturer’s first foray outside the world of ultra-short throw projectors, a category it has perfectly mastered, and proves to be a very exciting 4K UHD projector. Its ease of use and silent operation will win over even the most video-projection-averse from the outset. Its image precision, rich colors and dual support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision content – very rare on the market – will delight movie fans. And with its Smart TV functions, it can easily replace your home TV. In this price range, the Hisense C1 is unquestionably one of the best UHD 4K projectors on the market, and should be a resounding success.
We liked
- The easy installation
- The image sharpness and precision
- The rich colors
- How quiet it was
- The HDR10+ and Dolby Vision compatibility
- The Smart TV features
We would have liked
- Deeper black
- An optical zoom
