The Hisense C2 Ultra projector promises a high-end cinema experience at home. Its triple-laser technology (3,000 lumens) and motorized optical zoom enable Ultra HD 4K images to be projected with a diameter of up to 7.6 meters. The integrated JBL audio system and HDR compatibility ensure a highly immersive viewing experience. Integrating Smart TV and gaming functions, the Hisense C2 Ultra is designed to be versatile, appealing to families, movie buffs and gamers alike. Priced at €2,990, will this new Hisense projector shake up the competition?
Included accessories
The Hisense C2 Ultra comes with its own power supply and a remote control with two AAA batteries. Note that the projector is attached to its pedestal, which also houses the power port and woofer. It is therefore impossible to separate these two elements. Under the base, in the center, there’s a screw thread (¼”) allowing you to mount the projector on a floor stand or ceiling bracket.
Presentation
Building on the success of the Hisense C1, the Chinese brand is back in the spotlight with its new premium model, the Hisense C2 Ultra. This compact projector promises to push back the boundaries of home projection by combining portability, 4K image quality and advanced features.
The Hisense C2 Ultra is a long-throw projector that uses DLP XPR technology with a triple laser light source to project in Ultra HD 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels). It can display an image measuring between 65 and 300 inches across (1.65 to 7.6m) with a projection distance of between 1.3 and 10m. Its motorized optical zoom makes it easy to adjust the size of the picture, without moving the projector and without loss of resolution. Its brightness of 3,000 ANSI lumens ensures clear, bright images, even in partially lit environments. Its native contrast, announced at 2,000:1, should enable it to deliver deep blacks and bright whites.
The Hisense C2 Ultra supports multiple HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG. As a result, it promises to deliver a picture with rich contrast and plenty of detail. It also features the Filmmaker mode and is IMAX Enhanced certified, guaranteeing an authentic cinematographic experience. Finally, this projector supports 3D video, just like the Hisense PX3 Pro.
Gamers will appreciate this projector’s DLP Turbo mode, which reduces response time to just 12 ms. The Hisense C2 Ultra can also display 4K images at up to 60Hz and Full HD images at up to 240Hz, ensuring optimum image smoothness for gaming. Its Xbox certification makes it a particularly suitable choice for gaming consoles, and its dedicated menu provides quick access to essential video game settings.
The chassis of the Hisense C2 Ultra projector sits on a mobile base. It can be tilted up to 135° (for ceiling projection, for example) and rotates 360°. Like the C1, the C2 Ultra features fully automated picture adjustment, making installation a breeze.
The integrated JBL audio system features two 10W drivers and a 20W subwoofer. The subwoofer is housed directly in the projector’s base, which provides a decent load volume for intense bass. Compatible with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio and DTS:X formats, the projector aims to deliver an immersive sound experience…
In terms of connectors, the C2 Ultra is equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports (one of which is eARC compatible), two USB 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port (RJ45), an S/PDIF optical audio output and a mini-jack audio output. It supports WiFi 6E for fast, stable wireless Internet connections, and Bluetooth for connecting external devices.
Key specifications
- Image resolution: Ultra HD (3,840 x 2,160)
- Image size: 65″ to 300″ (1.64 to 7.6m)
- Throw distance: 1.3 m to 10 m
- Optical zoom: 1.6x
- Brightness: 3,000 lumens
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR 10, HLG
- IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker Mode
- Xbox certified, 60Hz 4K, 240Hz FHD
- Automatic image adjustments
- 40-watt JBL sound (Dolby Atmos & DTS:X)
Quick and easy installation
We tested this projector at the Son-Vidéo.com store in Nantes, on one of the auditorium’s white walls, then in the store’s cinema room on a Lumene Capitol HD 240C projection screen.
Whether you want to project onto a living room wall or a projection screen, the Hisense C2 Ultra projector is easy to set up. Simply place it on a piece of furniture or a table, point it towards the projection area and switch it on to automatically adjust the image.
It can therefore adjust the size of the picture in the event of an obstacle (a frame on the wall, for example), correct its proportions and even position it precisely within the limits of a screen. Focusing is also automatic. Naturally, all these settings can also be done manually, if desired, via the “Projector” section of the menu.
Our impressions of the Hisense C2 Ultra
Design and ergonomics
Relatively compact in design for a long-throw projector, the Hisense C2 Ultra differs from the C1 by the adoption of a 360° swivel base that also allows the projector to be tilted up and down. The chassis and base are made from a high-quality composite material, with the various components fitting together perfectly. The weight is substantial (6.3kg), but this does not prevent the projector from being moved easily if required. The C2 Ultra’s smooth tilting and turning movements are an indication of its durability.
The front of the projector features a glossy front panel, housing the lens, the sensors for automatic image adjustment and the presence detector. The latter momentarily switches off the lasers if someone happens to stand in front of the projector, to avoid any risk of blinding. Two logos adorn the lower section: Sound by JBL and IMAX Enhanced. The connectors are located on the back of the unit, above a large ventilation grille.
Apart from the on/standby button on the back of the base, the Hisense C2 Ultra has no control interface. It is therefore controlled exclusively using its remote control. The latter features an attractive brushed-metal finish and all the buttons needed for menu navigation, plus volume control and direct access buttons for the main streaming services. Unfortunately, key backlighting is lacking on this model. It also lacks the solar and USB-C charging that we appreciated on the Hisense PX3-Pro remote control. Finally, you need to point the remote precisely in the direction of the projector, otherwise the control signal won’t reach it, which is pretty inconvenient.
Once switched on, this projector remains very quiet, the slight operating noise being largely covered by the soundtrack of the films, TV series and video games we watched.
Quick settings and premium image quality
Whether you’re projecting onto a wall or a screen, the automatic settings are fast and efficient. Keystone correction and focusing are almost instantaneous, and the projector effortlessly manages to frame the image between the black edges of the screen. Compared to the C1, there has been a real improvement in adjustment speed and precision.
However, while these digital correction technologies are very practical in demanding environments, they should be used with moderation. Pixel compression affects image quality. To get the best visual results, it’s best to align the projector as closely as possible with the screen.
The second thing that literally jumps out at you when you switch on the projector is the precision of the image and the intensity of the colors. Like the C1, the C2 Ultra benefits from high-quality lenses that preserve the sharpness of 4K UHD content. As a result, the picture is bursting with details.
As for the Tri-Chroma laser lamp, it once again demonstrates its ability to produce colors that are both vivid and nuanced. Its high peak luminosity (3,000 lumens) ensures a perfectly legible image in a partially lit room.
But it’s in a dark room or home theater with a dedicated screen that C2 reveals the full richness of HDR content. Whether via streaming services or from a 4K UHD Blu-ray player, we enjoyed highly realistic colors and exceptional image dynamics, enough to make the market leaders pale in comparison!
Overall, the C2 Ultra’s Dynamic Tone Mapping does a very good job, although in very bright scenes there is sometimes a little clipping in the highlights, which lose nuance and detail.
It’s also a shame that the contrast is a bit low compared to the market leaders (JVC, Sony), with black levels that could be deeper. This is not critical for full-screen (16:9) viewing, but is more noticeable with films and series that are letter-boxed. During very bright scenes, the bars at the top and bottom of the screen are not black, but gray, which somewhat detracts from the overall dynamics of the picture.
During this test, the Filmmaker and IMAX modes, as well as Cinema Day and Cinema Night modes, seemed to be the most balanced for HDR10/HDR10+ content. As with the PX3-Pro, we noted a slight color drift towards red (sometimes accentuated by our camera’s sensor), which can be corrected by setting the color temperature to “standard” instead of “very warm”.
Those who wish to do so can, of course, calibrate the projector to obtain an image that perfectly complies with current standards. The Hisense C2 Ultra’s menus offer a wide range of settings for gamma, brightness, contrast, sharpness and color (hue, brightness and saturation for each of the three primary colors). Adaptive contrast, noise reduction and motion compensation can also be set to different levels. The latter is still just as effective at smoothing tracking shots without distorting the cinematic character of the picture (Film mode). It also works wonders on sports programs.
Connected to a PlayStation 5, the C2 Ultra offers appreciable picture smoothness and responsiveness, in both 60Hz 4K and 120Hz Full HD. When playing Gran Turismo 7, our racing car sped along with no latency whatsoever. Note, however, that activation of the Turbo DLP mode, designed to reach 240Hz in Full HD, disables the keystone correction! If the projector isn’t positioned perfectly in front of the screen, you’ll end up with a distorted image!
Smart TV features
This Hisense projector incorporates the proprietary Vidaa interface, which is as smooth and responsive as ever. The vast majority of TV streaming and replay services (Disney+, Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video, YouTube, Paramount+, etc.) can be accessed directly from the home menu, with the option of installing multiple apps and games via the dedicated store.
What’s more, the Hisense C2 Ultra handles most video file formats thanks to its integrated media player, whether in HD or 4K HDR. Folder browsing is fast via an external hard drive connected to one of the USB ports or through the local network. Furthermore, Dolby and DTS audio formats are supported, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Dynamic, punchy sound
The Hisense C2 Ultra is equipped with a high-performance JBL audio system, with two 10W drivers and a 20W subwoofer built into its base. The system delivers a clear, dynamic sound with punchy bass, capable of effectively filling a medium-sized room.
Despite Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility, spatialization is limited to stereo effects. Nevertheless, the overall sound quality remains impressive for a projector of this size, offering a satisfying acoustic experience without the need for an external audio system. Those wishing to do so can, however, use the projector’s HDMI eARC port or optical audio output to connect a wireless soundbar or home theater, and enjoy even more immersive sound.
Hisense C2 Ultra vs Hisense C1
The Hisense C2 Ultra represents a significant evolution from the C1. Brightness rises from 1,600 to 3,000 ANSI lumens, for a more vivid image, even in bright environments. The C2 Ultra features an optical zoom, absent on the C1, making it easier to adjust the image without loss of picture quality. Its swiveling and tilting stand, with its base incorporating a 20-watt subwoofer, makes installation easier and enhances audio quality. It also benefits from the IMAX Enhanced label, with DTS:X at its heart. The Hisense C2 Ultra also has the Xbox certification, with input lag reduced to 12 ms, making it more suitable for gaming. Finally, it retains the C1’s TriChroma technology, while improving its color coverage. However, all these improvements are reflected in the C2’s price, which is almost twice that of the C1, while the latter retains its excellent value for money.
Hisense C2 Ultra vs BenQ W4000i
The Hisense C2 Ultra and BenQ W4000i share a number of similarities, despite their different approaches. Each features a powerful RGB light source (3,000-lumen laser on the Hisense, 3,200-lumen 4LED on the BenQ), with a focus on realistic, nuanced colors (110% of BT.2020 for the C2, 100% of DCI-P3 for the W4000i). The C2 Ultra stands out for its more powerful optical zoom, 360° tilt and swivel stand, automatic settings, gaming functions and integrated audio section, making it even more versatile.
The W4000i boasts a more refined cinematographic image, distinguished by its high-quality lenses and colorimetric precision (factory calibration), making it ideal for home theaters.
Who is the Hisense C2 Ultra designed for?
The highly versatile Hisense C2 Ultra projector will appeal to families looking for a high-quality home theater experience, as well as movie lovers who want to enjoy a precise, immersive image. It will also appeal to gamers thanks to its advanced gaming features and Xbox certification.
Conclusion
Characterized by its image precision, high brightness of 3,000 lumens and extensive color coverage, the Hisense C2 Ultra offers an immersive, dynamic visual experience. Its JBL audio system, automatic settings, gaming features and HDR compatibility make it a versatile projector, equally suited to watching films or playing video games.
Discerning cinema fans will point to its somewhat low contrast, with blacks that deserve more depth. However, this small flaw quickly fades away in the face of its many qualities. The Hisense C2 Ultra is therefore an excellent choice for those looking for a high-performance, all-in-one 4K premium laser projector that’s easy to install, not only in a living room, but also in a multimedia room or even a home theater.
We liked
- The image sharpness and dynamism
- The vivid, bright colors
- The fluidity during fast scenes and with video games
- The zoom and automatic settings
- The power of the JBL audio system
We would have liked
- Better contrast with deeper blacks
- More immersive sound
- A backlit remote control
- A control interface on the projector
