Hisense C2 Ultra Review
Ever since we saw the new 4K laser projectors of the C2 series in action at the Hisense booth at this year’s IFA, we couldn’t wait to put the top model C2 Ultra through its paces in our test lab, as it had impressed us there with excellent peak brightness and its easy alignment. We found the question of how it would perform in our brightness measurements particularly exciting.
Whether it could meet our expectations and how the smart 4K mini projector, which offers fourfold HDR support including Dolby Vision, an integrated 2.1 sound system, an HDMI eARC interface, and the smart TV user interface VIDAA U7.6 with numerous streaming apps like Netflix or Prime Video, otherwise fared in our practical test, you will find out on the following pages.
The Hisense C2 Ultra is the top model of the C2 series of 4K mini projectors, which also includes the C2 and the C2 Pro. The C2 Ultra relies on DLP technology with an RGB laser light source, generating the primary colors red, green, and blue through three separate lasers, providing outstanding color gamut coverage. Another advantage of laser projection over projectors with conventional lamps is the fact that the laser light source promises a higher operating life of up to 25,000 hours. With an average use of two hours per day, the test candidate should thus last approximately 34 years.
Design and Initial Setup
The Hisense C2 Ultra stands out with its harmonious design that combines angular and round shapes. The high-quality metal housing is mounted on a base that houses the integrated subwoofer. On the base, also made of metal, a wave design symbolizes the propagation of sound waves. Beyond such aesthetic aspects, the design also convinces with functionality, as the clever swivel/tilt head enables all-round projection.
Through it, the C2 Ultra can be rotated 90 degrees upward and 45 degrees downward and tilted up to 135 degrees, so that it effortlessly covers all vertical angles. As soon as the projector has been moved, the image automatically adjusts within a few seconds thanks to keystone correction and autofocus. After the projector has been placed or installed at the desired location, the menu also offers the option to adjust the projection via manual geometric correction. In addition, the C2 Ultra allows a 0.9 to 1.5 times optical zoom.
The flexibility of the mini projector in terms of positioning becomes apparent right from the first setup or installation, which is possible on a table, ceiling, or wall. The size of the projected image is also flexible and depends on the chosen distance: the greater the distance of the C2 Ultra to the screen, the larger the diagonal becomes. Hisense specifies possible image diagonals ranging from 65 inches (165 centimeters) to 300 inches (762 centimeters).
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Since the distance between the projector and the screen in the latter case is more than nine meters, most private users are likely to reach spatial limits here. With its compact dimensions and associated mobility, the C2 Ultra can, for example, be taken to the clubhouse to project images in XXL format onto the screen there. After the first switch-on, a setup assistant starts, guiding the user through various setup steps such as language selection and network integration. The latter is possible wirelessly via WLAN, with support for the Wi-Fi 6E (IEEE 802.11ax) standard.
PROS
Peak brightness, color gamut coverage, HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ & Dolby Vision, HDMI 2.1 (ALLM & eARC), Bluetooth remote control
CONS
No Dolby Atmos, no power switch
Technical Specifications
Manufacturer: Hisense
Model: C2 Ultra
Dimensions (W × H × D in mm): 247 × 286 × 247
Weight (in kg): 6.3
Display
- Technology: DLP with RGB Laser
- Brightness (in lumens): 3,000
- Diagonal (in inches/cm): 65–300 inches / 165–762 cm
- Lifespan of light source (in hours): 25,000 hours
- Resolution: 3,840 × 2,160 (via PixelShift)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Supported Resolutions:
- HD Ready: ✔
- Full HD: ✔
- Ultra HD: ✔
- 3D: ✔
HDR Formats Supported: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Hardware
- Speakers/Subwoofer/Total Power (in watts): 2 / ✔ / 40
- Operation without Remote Control: ✔
- Power Switch: ✘
Special Features
- Smart TV: (VIDAA U7.6)
- Multichannel Audio: Dolby Digital, DTS-HD, DTS Virtual:X
Connections
- Video: HDMI 2.1, HDMI 2.0
- Audio:
- Headphone Jack (3.5 mm)
- Optical S/PDIF
- Data: 2 × USB 3.0, LAN
Multimedia Formats
- Video: AVI, FLV, M4V, MKV, MOV, MP4, MPG, VOB, WMV
- Music: FLAC, M4A, MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA
- Images: BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG
Operation and Connections
Except for a standby button located on the base, the C2 Ultra does not have any local control buttons, which is not a major drawback since the package includes a compact Bluetooth remote control that allows convenient operation from any location in the room. It also has an integrated microphone to receive voice commands via the VIDAA Voice assistant.
The Hisense proprietary operating system VIDAA U7.6 serves as the user interface. The associated home screen is clearly designed and prominently presents streaming content. The installed apps are compactly arranged in a row and can be rearranged according to personal preferences. Additionally, connected devices such as the game console on HDMI 1 can be added as shortcuts.
Networking Check
VoD Services & Media Libraries
- Apple TV+: ✔
- DAZN: ✔
- Discovery+: ✘
- Disney+: ✔
- Dyn: ✘
- Magenta TV: ✘
- Netflix: ✔
- Paramount+: ✔
- Prime Video: ✔
- Rakuten TV: ✔
- WOW: ✔
“More than 2,000 nits: Highest peak brightness of all home cinema projectors in the price range up to approximately $ that we have ever tested”
Available streaming apps include Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, AppleTV+, Rakuten TV, and DAZN. Those who want to use the projector to receive classic linear TV channels can do so via various live TV streaming apps like Zattoo, Joyn, and RTL+.
The range of connections is found in the classic way at the back and includes two HDMI inputs, one of which supports the 2.1 specifications Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC). Additionally, there is a LAN socket, two USB 3.0 ports, an analog 3.5 mm jack, and a digital optical S/PDIF connection.
In Practice
When playing a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray with HDR, we measured an average power consumption of 140.7 watts, while our measurements for standby resulted in a value of 0.5 watts. A disadvantage of some projectors compared to TV sets is the sometimes high operating noise, but with regard to the Hisense C2 Ultra, we can give the all-clear here: Our sound level measurement taken from one meter away from the projector resulted in an acceptable value of 36 decibels. Thus, the operating noise was perceptible during silent film passages but not too disturbing.
Our Picture Settings (SDR/HDR)
Mode: Filmmaker Mode
Advanced Settings
- Color
- White Balance: 2-Point
- R-Offset: 0 / +1
- G-Offset: 0 / 0
- B-Offset: 0 / +1
- R-Gain: 0 / 0
- G-Gain: 0 / 0
- B-Gain: 0 / 0
All other settings are at factory default.
Measurements
Power Consumption in Watts
Power Consumption
- Standby: Average: 0.5 W
- Operation: Average: 140.7 W
Annual Costs: Approximately $36.00 (converted from €34.15, assuming 365 days of average use).
At a price of 32.0 ct / kWh. The calculated costs refer to 365 days of mixed operation with an average use of 195 minutes/day
Picture and Sound Quality
The C2 Ultra displays content in 4K resolution, which is achieved via pixel shift. For lower-resolution content, an upscaler is on board that scales it up to four times Full HD resolution. The Hisense C2 Ultra offers a brightness of 3,000 ANSI lumens, which in practice meant that we obtained a good picture with high detail richness and successful contrast representation even in bright environments.
This is hardly surprising in view of our picture measurements, as these yielded an absolute top value of 2,014 nits for the C2 Ultra’s peak brightness, which is by far the highest luminance value we have ever measured for a home cinema projector in the price range up to approximately $. It is thus also suitable for use in rooms that are not fully darkened, to project sports events such as football matches or Formula 1 races onto the screen. In these, the frame interpolation MEMC also pays off, which inserts additional frames to reduce blurring on the screen and thus make movements appear clearer.
For an optimal picture experience, however, a darkened home cinema is indispensable. In addition, image optimizers like MEMC should be deactivated for film playback. It’s convenient that the “Filmmaker Mode” is among the picture modes available, which automatically makes the appropriate picture settings.
34.6 °C
The primary colors red, green, and blue, which are needed to produce all other colors, are generated by the test candidate through three separate lasers. This ensures first-class coverage of the BT.2020 color space, surpassing most current TV sets in terms of color representation. In addition to the lifelike colors, the HDR contrast representation also convinced in the practical test.
Here it pays off that the C2 Ultra is one of the few projectors that can handle all four relevant HDR formats with HDR10, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. After installing the latest software, the C2 Ultra also supports the display of 3D Blu-rays and is thus one of the few output devices for the three-dimensional niche medium that still has some fans.
For the sound, Hisense collaborated with audio specialists from JBL, and this is certainly audible. Of the total 40 watts of output power of the 2.1 sound system, 20 watts go to the 1.2-liter subwoofer integrated into the base, which reaches low frequencies down to 50 Hertz. In practice, this provided a surprisingly engaging sound experience that effortlessly fills medium-sized rooms. In terms of 3D surround sound, Dolby Atmos was omitted, and instead, DTS Virtual:X support was implemented. The virtual 3D sound is quite impressive considering the structural limitations, but of course, it does not match the precision of a native setup, so connecting an external sound system is recommended for more demanding scenarios.
Conclusion
The Hisense C2 Ultra achieves a solid 9.5 out of 10 points in our practical test and thus secures the top rating of “very good”. The smart 4K laser projector offered excellent picture quality in the practical test, where both the color representation and the peak brightness could convince, the latter even being classified as a game-changer with a record value of 2,014 nits in the price range up to approximately $. No projector we have tested from this price segment has even come close to this value, which ensures that the C2 Ultra can compete with the brightness of top models in the OLED and QLED TV sector. In addition, the equipment with four supported HDR standards including Dolby Vision, the integrated 2.1 sound system, and the VIDAA U7.6 operating system, which in turn provides numerous smart TV functions such as apps for the most popular streaming services Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, can be seen. The Hisense C2 Ultra is available at a price of approximately $, making the compact home cinema projector an affordable alternative to large-sized TV sets.
Rating Summary
| Criteria | Weight (%) | Hisense C2 Ultra Score (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Picture Quality | 50% | 96% |
| Ease of Use | 20% | 94% |
| Features | 20% | 90% |
| Remote Control | 5% | 92% |
| Power Consumption | 5% | 92% |
Bonus: +1.0% for Dolby Vision support
Price-to-Performance Index: 26.31
Overall Rating: 95.0% (Very Good) | 9.5/10
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What you've been waiting for! Hisense C2 Ultra
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