The rise of XXL televisions and the success of projectors are evidence of the growing popularity of very large 4K HDR images. Part of this trend, Chinese TV and video projector manufacturers are among the most innovative players on the market today. This is a win-win situation for users, with images enhanced by TVs and projectors that are at the crossroads of every multimedia domain: series, cinema and gaming.
Images that are ever larger…
XXL televisions are becoming the norm for most manufacturers, answering a growing demand from users who want to enjoy a large picture at home. 75” (189cm), 85” (2.14m) and even 98” (2.5m) models are now commonplace. Recently, TCL even presented a 115” (almost 3 meters) TV at IFA and the Paris Audio Video Show: the TCL 115 XMQLED98.
As the preferred technology of movie lovers to enjoy a very large image, projection is also becoming more widespread, with ultra-short throw video projectors as the main ambassadors. These ultra-bright and connected models, designed to be placed at the foot of a white wall or projection screen, are progressively replacing televisions in our living rooms. First introduced by Chinese (Hisense, Xiaomi) and Korean (Samsung and LG) brands, ultra short throw projection has now won over the biggest names in traditional video projection, such as Epson, Optoma, BenQ and Viewsonic. German photography specialist Leica is even responsible for one of the most impressive ultra-short-throw projectors tested this year: the Leica Cine 1.
Compact video projectors are also becoming increasingly popular, especially with a young, connected and nomadic audience. These all-in-one devices automatically adjust the image to project onto any flat surface, wall or ceiling. The most powerful models, such as the Hisense C1 and Xgimi Horizon Ultra, project in 4K Dolby Vision with absolutely remarkable picture quality. Some are even equipped with a rechargeable battery so they can be used from anywhere!
Nevertheless, we haven’t heard the last from classic projectors just yet. For example, the BenQ W4000i is one of the most popular models of its generation with its high-quality lens, 4K HDR compatibility and Android TV interface inside a chassis that is more compact than that of its predecessors.
… and brighter
In order to satisfy the needs of large 4K HDR image enthusiasts, manufacturers are constantly innovating. The race for brightness is their new focus for improving the display of HDR content, with major technological evolutions. The QD-OLED panels of Samsung S95C and Sony A95L TVs; the OLED Meta panels used for LG OLED G3, Philips OLED 908 and Panasonic MZ2000 TVs; the new mini LED technology developed by TCL for its TCL XMQLED98 range: all these innovations push the boundaries of the display of HDR content, which has never looked so realistic.
As for video projection, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are being applied to a growing number of devices, much to the delight of home theater enthusiasts. Here too, the technological battle is being waged on the lumen front. This is reflected in the rise of LED and laser light sources, which are both more efficient and more environmentally friendly, to the detriment of conventional lamps.
Each brand is searching for the perfect formula to increase both the brightness and the color coverage of their projectors. There’s no shortage of innovations, and Chinese manufacturers are very inventive in this field. Hisense, for example, has impressed customers for several years with its Tri-Chroma laser TVs (triple laser lamps), and intends to do the same with its latest product, the compact Hisense C1 projector. Another major innovation comes from projection specialist Xgimi, with the hybrid laser + RGB LED system implemented on the Xgimi Horizon Ultra.
The rise of Chinese manufacturers
Long associated with cheap products, China’s leading brands are now making their mark in the field of technological innovation. TCL, a precursor in the creation of Mini LED backlighting, made waves at IFA with televisions reaching 5000 nits. The manufacturer also boasts an exclusive partnership with Dolby for the development of FlexConnect wireless Dolby Atmos on its devices.
- Read: China: the new hub of high-quality audio and video
Hisense and Xgimi stand out in when it comes to video projection. The former is a leader in the laser TV market, with Tri-Chroma laser technology as its standard-bearer. Hisense is also the only manufacturer to feature an 8K ultra-short throw projector in its catalog (Hisense 120LX). Leica has taken this into account, forging an exclusive partnership with Hisense to design the Leica Cine 1 projector.
Xgimi has mastered every step in the design and manufacture of its projectors. Specialized in compact models, the Chinese brand has no reason to envy its traditional competitors. It is among the first companies to provide Dolby Vision compatibility on its flagship model, the Xgimi Horizon Ultra.
TVs and projectors: where multimedia worlds meet
Integration, transversality and simplicity are increasingly characteristic of TVs and projectors. Once confined to the role of a simple display in the living area of the home, they are now at the crossroads of multimedia universes, and must be able to be used anywhere in the home, and even outside. We use them for TV programs and streaming, as well as movies and series on Blu-ray and DVD. They can also be used to play video games on a big screen. They need to be compatible with 4K HDR formats and 120Hz 4K games on consoles, and even 144Hz 4K for PCs.
We also want them to be easy to use, despite the multiplication of their functions and integrated services. Manufacturers have understood this, providing intuitive interfaces and support for voice control. The integration of streaming and cloud gaming services is another step in this direction. And so are the technologies that allow you to wirelessly connect TVs, soundbars and surround speakers (Samsung Q-Symphony, LG WOW Orchestra, DTS Play-Fi, Dolby Atmos Flex Connect).
The same goes for projectors, which frequently feature streaming services and a video game mode to make the picture smoother. Automatic settings are also added to compact projectors, which are operational in just a few seconds. Fewer devices to connect, fewer cables and more content and services on a single model: the user has everything to gain.
What will the TVs and projectors of tomorrow be like?
The current trend is towards greater immersion and functionality, with larger 4K HDR images and a multitude of integrated services. But the aesthetic aspect of TVs and video projectors is also an important criterion. The development of Lifestyle ranges from Samsung and LG attests to this, turning the TV set into a decorative object. This also explains the success of ultra-short-throw projectors, which are much more discreet in the living room than XXL TVs, while we await large-format transparent OLED TVs and rollable TVs.
Users also want to enjoy a great picture anywhere and on any occasion. On the patio with the increasingly popular outdoor TVs, in the bathroom with mirror TVs, but also in the garden and on the go with portable projectors and the battery-powered TVs that LG has already announced…
