Installed directly at the foot of a wall or screen, the Hisense PX3-Pro 4K projector can project a very large image measuring 2 to 3.8m across. Its bright triple RGB laser lamp, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision compatibility, smart TV functions and 50-watt Harman Kardon soundbar ensure a complete home theater experience. Priced at €3,290, this ultra-short-throw projector aims to transform your living room into a cinema! But does it keep this promise?
Included accessories
The Hisense PX3-Pro comes with a power cable and a brand-new premium remote control. The latter features a solar sensor on the front, at the bottom, for recharging. It can also be charged using a USB-C cable (charger and cable not supplied).
The top part features quick access buttons to popular streaming services. Underneath the directional keys are the volume control and brightness setting buttons. Unfortunately, the backlighting isn’t very bright on this new remote control.
Introducing the Hisense PX3-Pro
The Hisense PX3-Pro is an ultra-short-throw 4K UHD projector. It must therefore be positioned at the foot of a wall (12 to 46cm away) or projection screen to project a very large image, measuring between 2m and 3.8m (80″ to 150″).
The Hisense PX3-Pro can make do with a white wall for projection. However, we recommend combining it with an ultra-short-throw screen (anti-glare screen), also known as an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen, to make the most of its qualities. This effectively reduces light pollution on the screen when projecting in daylight, ensuring better contrast and more intense colors.
Like all Hisense projectors, the PX3-Pro incorporates DLP XPR projection technology. Here, it is combined with a very bright TriChroma laser lamp (triple RGB laser, 3,000 lumens) using LPU (Laser Processing Unit) technology developed by Hisense. This offers extremely precise control of light, significantly improving image quality in terms of color, brightness and clarity.
According to the manufacturer, the PX3-Pro covers 110% of the BT.2020 color space. That’s enough to outperform any TV on the market in this respect, promising an extremely realistic image, with rich, natural colors.
Moreover, the Hisense PX3-Pro handles HDR10/HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision high dynamic range images, which promises more detail and nuance in both the darkest and brightest areas of the picture. It is also IMAX Enhanced certified, ensuring a cinematographic picture that remains true to the directors’ intentions. Lastly, note that this projector supports 3D video content.
The Hisense PX3-Pro is equipped with several front-mounted drivers. Developed in partnership with Harman Kardon, its on-board audio system delivers 50 watts of power (2 x 15 watts + 2 x 10 watts) and features virtual surround sound.
Those wishing to enjoy even greater sound immersion can invest in an additional audio system, such as an Atmos soundbar or AV receiver plus a speaker pack. All they need to do is use the HDMI ARC/eARC connection of the HDMI 3 port.
The Hisense PX3-Pro has three HDMI inputs. The first two, in HDMI 2.1 standard, support 4K definition up to 60 Hz and Full HD definition up to 240 Hz. Combined with low input lag (30 ms in 4K 60 Hz and 20 ms in FHD 120 Hz), a dedicated gaming mode and ALLM support, this enables this projector to boast XBOX certification.
The third HDMI connector (HDMI 2.0 standard) is ARC/eARC-compatible, so you can send soundtracks, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, to any HDMI-compatible soundbar or AV receiver.
The manufacturer has also equipped it with two USB multimedia ports and smart TV features thanks to the proprietary Vidaa U interface. Users can access the most popular streaming services: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, YouTube, TF1+, Canal+, Paramount+ and Molotov.TV.
Unlike the manufacturer’s Laser TVs, the Hisense PX3-Pro doesn’t have a TV tuner. The brand’s catalog includes a version of this projector equipped with a DTTV tuner under the reference Hisense PX3. However, it doesn’t appear to be available on the French market.
Key specifications
- Image size: 80″ to 150″ (2m to 3.8m)
- Resolution: 4K Ultra HD
- Projection technology: DLP Triple Laser
- Brightness: 3,000 Lumens
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
- Ultra HD 4K upscaling
- XBOX certified, ALLM compatible
- 60Hz 4K and FHD 120Hz/240Hz gaming
- Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, etc.
- 3 HDMI ports (ARC/eARC)
- Multimedia player (USB/network)
- Harman Kardon soundbar (Dolby Atmos)
Installation
We tested the Hisense PX3-Pro in the 4K TV and ultra-short-throw projector area of Son-Vidéo.com’s Nantes store. The projector was installed on a NorStone Esse TV stand, opposite a Lumene Eden Extra Bright screen. We paired it with a Sony UBP-X800M2 4K Blu-ray player via an Audioquest Forest 48 HDMI cable for Blu-ray and UHD 4K Blu-ray movie playback. We also connected the Hisense PX3-Pro projector to the Internet with an SVD Pro Cat 6a double-shielded Ethernet cable to take advantage of streaming services.
Simply place the Hisense PX3-Pro on the floor or on a piece of furniture, parallel to the projection surface, and switch it on to immediately enjoy a very large image. Picture size can be adjusted by moving the projector closer to or further away from the wall. The further back the projector is moved, the larger and higher the projected image becomes.
A more meticulous configuration is required to ensure that the image fits perfectly into the frame when projecting onto a fixed screen. First, the lens must be centered in relation to the screen. Then adjust the height and horizontality of the projector using the screw feet, before adjusting the spacing to suit the image size. You can then use the keystone correction to fine-tune the image (nine points of correction) before focusing, remote control in hand.
Our impressions
Premium design
The aesthetics of the Hisense PX3-Pro are inspired by the industrial design of its predecessor, but with a more premium look. Its chassis features an attractive brushed metal finish on the top and front panels. The latter appears to be slimmer thanks to its multi-part design. The matte gray acoustic grille, with the Hisense logo at its center, is flanked by two rounded chrome acoustic horns. It features a brushed metal frame and rests on four height-adjustable feet. We were impressed!
The remote control that accompanies this projector loses a few shortcut keys in its upper section, in favor of a real numeric keypad in its lower central section. It also features a battery that can be recharged via USB-C or the integrated solar panel. An excellent idea! Unfortunately, however, the backlighting of the keys is very weak on this new model.
All the functions of a Smart TV
The projector’s proprietary Vidaa interface is a pleasure to use, as smooth and responsive as ever to the slightest press on the remote control. The most popular streaming services are listed on the home menu. You can also download additional apps and video games for children.
What’s more, the Hisense PX3-Pro plays the majority of video file formats via its integrated media player, in both HD and 4K HDR. Folder browsing is fast, whether from an external hard drive connected to one of its USB ports, or via the local network. It also supports Dolby and DTS audio formats.
Custom settings
The Hisense PX3-Pro offers a number of preset image modes, as well as the ability to customize many picture parameters: brightness, contrast, saturation and sharpness can be fine-tuned. It is possible to set adaptive contrast (based on ambient light), motion compensation (MEMC), noise reduction and color temperature to various levels.
You can also decide to let the projector choose the image and sound settings according to the content being projected by activating the automatic mode. In the middle of the day, in a bright room, for example, the projector increases its brightness to ensure that the image is perfectly legible.
What image quality does the Hisense PX3-Pro offer?
Out of the box, the Hisense PX3-Pro’s colorimetry drifts slightly towards red in Filmmaker mode, though less markedly than the PX2-Pro. Images regain a more natural appearance by switching the color temperature from “very warm” (default) to “standard”. Hues retain their intensity while appearing more accurate and realistic, without excessive saturation.
As with any projector or TV, the most discerning users can have this projector calibrated by a professional. The Hisense PX3-Pro offers all the options for this, ensuring a perfectly calibrated image tailored to your viewing conditions.
We achieved the finest image quality by using the Lumene Eden Extra Bright ultra-short-throw screen and eliminating all sources of light pollution in the room. As always in projection, it’s in the dark that images reveal their full richness. In these conditions, the laser power can be lowered (5 or 6 out of 10).
If you project during the day in a brightly lit room onto a white screen, the contrast will inevitably be attenuated, with less legibility in the brightest and darkest areas of the image. On the other hand, you can enjoy a superb spectacle on an ALR screen by adjusting the laser to its maximum power (10).
Once again, the Spears Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark Blu-ray test and demonstration videos allowed us to gauge the capabilities of this projector. DLP projection technology with 4K XPR function proved as accurate as ever. Images were perfectly sharp and precisely contoured.
Colors were both rich and nuanced, allowing us to enjoy all the subtlety of HDR-encoded images (see visuals below).
Contrast was also very satisfactory, with blacks deep enough to contrast well with the lights on buildings in aerial shots of Los Angeles at night. As for MEMC motion compensation, it once again proved to be highly effective, combining smoothness and sharpness, which will delight sports fans.
On UHD 4K HDR films and series, this Hisense projector graced us with images that were both precisely contoured and richly detailed. With the 4K UHD Blu-ray of Alita, Battle Angel, whether it was in the apartment of Dr. Daisuke Ido (Christoph Waltz), the Kansas Bar room or the Motorball arena, we took full advantage of the richness of the scenery and the metallic reflections on the cybernetic implants of the various protagonists.
Content offered on streaming platforms was equally good with this Hisense projector. On Prime Video, Gladiator, available in UHD HDR10+, was impressive, with superb costume details and intense colors.
When it comes to upscaling HD sources to UHD 4K, the Hisense PX3-Pro proved highly effective. No artifacts, exaggerated edges or sharpness were noticeable when watching The Good, the Bad and the Ugly on TV replay. The image was very close to native 4K definition, with plenty of detail, while retaining its cinematic smoothness.
The result was even more convincing with Skyfall on HD Blu-ray, whether in the motorcycle chase scene at the start of the film, in the MI6 offices in London or in James Bond’s childhood home in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
For the purposes of this test, we deactivated the Clarity > Super Resolution function, which can sometimes distort the image by adding noise.
For sports programs, the standard picture mode combined with MEMC picture smoothing technology is a better choice than the sport mode, with its garish colors. This allows you to enjoy a smooth, legible image during the day in a well-lit room (laser power at maximum). The colors were still a little too saturated for our taste, but this can easily be corrected.
Audio immersion
Designed by Harman Kardon, the Hisense PX3-Pro’s stereo audio system features two midbass drivers positioned behind the front acoustic grille. Two tweeters accompany them, positioned at the left and right of the front panel. They are housed in a lenticular acoustic horn designed to optimize high-frequency dispersion. This widens the soundstage and guarantees a balanced listening experience for every audience member, wherever they are seated.
On movie soundtracks, the Cinema mode offered nice stereo width and preserved dialogue clarity. Surround effects were effectively diffused on both sides of the screen, and even slightly upwards on Dolby Atmos content. Bass was satisfactory, with good impact, but it lacked some depth.
The drivers easily handled the fifty watts of power provided by the built-in amplification, allowing us to push the volume quite high, without fear of saturation or distortion.
Hisense PX3-Pro vs Hisense PX2-Pro
The Hisense PX3-Pro marks several major advances over the Hisense PX2-Pro, starting with its higher brightness (3,000 lumens vs. 2,400 lumens), ensuring a more legible image during the day.
Movie buffs will appreciate HDR10+ support, in addition to the PX2-Pro’s HDR10 and Dolby Vision. This is accompanied by finer HDR management than on the PX2-Pro, in particular.
Its XBOX certification is reflected in its dual ALLM-compatible HDMI 2.1 connectors supporting 4K 60Hz and FHD 240Hz gaming, with a gaming mode offering low input lag.
In terms of sound, the PX3-Pro is both more impactful and clearer than the PX2-Pro, while retaining the impressive amplitude appreciated on the latter.
Who is this 4K projector for?
The Hisense PX3-Pro is designed for those who want to enjoy a very large image in a living room, bedroom or even a private home theater, without the installation constraints of a huge TV or standard projector. Ideally, it should be combined with an ultra-short projection screen (anti-glare), to maximize contrast and obtain beautiful colors.
Our opinion on the Hisense PX3-Pro
Offering a 4K UHD projection solution as an alternative to conventional projectors, and also capable of replacing the TV in the living room, this Hisense UST projector delivers superb image quality. It’s with 4K HDR10+ and Dolby Vision content that the Hisense PX3-Pro will show you the full extent of its talents, but it also offers a very good picture with HD sources, with a special mention for the upscaling of HD Blu-rays, which is very satisfactory. The Filmmaker and IMAX Enhanced modes, as well as the numerous settings available to personalize the image, are also a serious asset.
Ultra-comprehensive, smooth and responsive, the integrated Vidaa smart TV interface is another of this projector’s strengths, as is its highly versatile multimedia player, which is Dolby and DTS compatible.
In terms of sound, although the audio section doesn’t offer any real immersive 3D surround sound, it does offer good stereo width with a certain vertical dimension. We also appreciate the clarity of dialogue, preserved even at high volume, and the impact of the bass. Enough to enjoy your favorite films without feeling frustrated.
Last but not least, while the new remote control’s USB-C and solar charging is a good idea, we weren’t impressed by the key backlighting.
We liked
- The premium design
- The HDR10+ and Dolby Vision picture
- The HD to 4K upscaling
- The sound clarity and impact
- The Smart TV functions
- The rechargeable remote control
We would have liked
- Better-adjusted factory calibration
- Deeper bass
- Un meilleur rétroéclairage de la télécommande
