For gamers, the peak performance expected from the best gaming TVs so far has been a massive display with a 144Hz refresh rate. However, Hisense is redefining the standard with its new 98-inch 4K TV, the Hisense 98S57, launched in China. This TV boasts an unprecedented refresh rate of 264Hz, making it significantly faster than any current console can deliver. Alongside this, Hisense has introduced a brighter Laser TV, set to debut in Europe and likely to reach the US market later, as reported by Notebookcheck.
Affordable Giant Screen with High Performance:
The Hisense 98S57 is a remarkably affordable giant TV, priced at approximately $1,400 / £1,100 / AU$2,150. To maintain this price point while offering such a high refresh rate, some compromises were necessary. The TV’s brightness peaks at 1,000 nits, and it features 384 dimming zones, fewer than its flagship gaming TV counterpart, the Hisense 98UX. Additionally, the direct LED panel covers 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, compared to the 98% coverage in the 98UX.
Despite the impressive refresh rate, the practical benefits may be limited. According to HDTVtest, the two HDMI 2.1 ports on the TV max out at 144Hz. Therefore, PC gamers with high-performance GPUs may only partially utilize the 264Hz refresh rate, though it could minimize latency.
Hisense PL2 Laser TV: Key Features
In addition to the 98S57, Hisense is rolling out the PL2 Laser TV, a successor to the PL1 Laser TV. These laser TVs function as ultra-short throw projectors paired with specialist projector screens designed for specific sizes. The PL2 offers near-4K resolution at sizes up to 150 inches wide, an improvement over the previous model. Its lower throw ratio of 0.22 (compared to 0.25) allows it to be placed closer to the wall, ranging from 11.6cm for an 80-inch image to 45.7cm for a 120-inch image. With a peak brightness of 2,700 lumens, the light sources are expected to last over 250,000 hours.
Enhanced Features for an Immersive Experience:
The Hisense PL2 has several advanced features, including an improved refresh rate for 2K signals and support for HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision. Its built-in 30W speakers, which fire upwards, support Dolby Atmos, enhancing the audio experience.
The TV includes:
- Dedicated Sport and Game modes.
- 4 K upscaling.
- Compatibility with AirPlay 2 and HomeKit.
Popular smart TV apps such as Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Rakuten, Paramount+, and more are pre-installed.
Competitive Pricing and Availability:
The Hisense PL2 is set to launch in Europe this month at a price of €2,499, approximately $2,735 / £2,140 / AU$4,200. This pricing positions it competitively among the best ultra-short throw projectors. While a US launch date has not been confirmed, the PL1 laser TV reached the US market shortly after its European release. A similar timeline is anticipated for the PL2, possibly with more information revealed at CEDIA 2024 in September.
Hisense is pushing the boundaries of TV technology with its new releases. The 98S57 sets a new benchmark for refresh rates in affordable giant TVs, while the PL2 Laser TV offers advanced features and improved performance. As these models roll out across different markets, they are likely to attract both gamers and home theater enthusiasts looking for high-quality, cost-effective options.
