I’m sure like me you’ve got preconceived ideas about the quality of projectors – but they’re likely to date back 10 or 15 years when projectors were seen as fun and unique rather than a viable alternative to traditional TV screens.

Fast forward to 2024 and projectors have come a long way – a really long way in fact.

When presented with the opportunity to get hands-on with the Hisense C1 4K TriChroma Laser Mini Projector, I had some reservations and fairly low expectations. But I was keen to find out if today’s projectors had come into a class of their own and become good enough to truly rival other home theatre set-ups and systems.

The short answer – yes.

The Hisense C1 is a game-changer in the home entertainment category and here’s why:

Design

When unboxing the Hisense C1, I am immediately impressed by its sleek and modern design that’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to set up in different rooms or even take on the go to a friend’s place or holiday home.

The metallic finish is premium, while the build quality feels robust and durable.

The front and sides have ventilation for ample and smooth airflow that helps reduce fan noise, while four adjustable feet help get the unit angled as required.

Ease of use

The Hisense C1 is incredibly user-friendly. The set-up process is straightforward with clear instructions and an intuitive interface.

Equipped with high accuracy dual CMOS module, ToF Laser Rader, ALS high sensitivity light sensor, powered and calibrated by neuro-network NPU, Hisense’s AutoMagic AI system fully automates focus, keystone alignment and screen alignment, as well as obstacle avoidance. If the projector is accidentally nudged out of position, the calibration screen pops up and re-aligns the screen in just a few seconds.

In addition, the projector offers a range of connectivity options including HDMI, USB and wireless streaming capabilities, making it versatile and adaptable to various devices.

The included remote control is well-designed with easy access to all of the essential functions. There are also controls on the top of the unit to easily power on/off, play or pause, and adjust volume.

Picture quality

This is where the Hisense C1 truly shines. The projector provides an immersive visual experience whether watching movies, streaming shows or playing video games, offering a screen size from 65-inch up to a whopping 300-inch (although the latter requires the C1 to be eight metres away from the wall or screen). Thanks to the Digital Lens Focus feature, the image promises to be crisp and clear, regardless of size.

4K resolution combines with Hisense’s TriChroma laser technology to deliver sharp, vibrant and lifelike images. With an impressive colour space of 110% BT.2020, colour accuracy is outstanding with deep blacks and vivid colours that are unmatched by any TV on the market.

One of the standout features is the projector’s ability to maintain image quality even in rooms filled with moderate natural light or when ambient lighting is in use. Of course, images are at their best in darker settings but the Hisense C1 performs admirably in less than ideal lighting conditions thanks to its high brightness levels boasting true 1600 ANSI lumens.

The Hisense C1 is also the world’s first mini projector to incorporate Dolby Vision, alongside HDR10 and HLG, to further elevate the visual experience.

Sound quality

The Hisense C1 is also certified by Dolby Atmos and powered by JBL’s Audio Solution.

The 200W built-in speakers are surprisingly powerful for a projector of its size. They deliver clear and balanced audio that fills a room, supported by punchy bass and clear treble, removing the need for external speakers.

Smarts

The Hisense C1 is equipped with numerous smart features including direct access to popular streaming apps such as Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Kayo, Foxtel, Stan and iView to name a few.

If you’ve used a Hisense TV before, you’ll be familiar with the company’s proprietary VIDAA U operating system. The interface is smooth and responsive for easy browsing and content selection. It’s also possible to set up profiles to receive personalised recommendations based on viewing habits.

The inclusion of Amazon Alexa built-in to control the projector via voice (without the need for additional hardware) is a welcome addition and further enhances the user experience. The Hisense C1 is also compatible with Apple AirPlay to stream content from iPhone, iPad and Mac.

Conclusion

While the Hisense C1 packs a lot of features and technology, with an RRP of $3,499, it isn’t exactly a budget-friendly option but certainly worth the investment for those who want a premium home cinema experience without having a TV screen on the wall or on stand 24/7.

The Hisense C1 offers stunning 4K visuals, impressive brightness, rich colours and sound quality in a compact and stylish package. Importantly, the projector has a lifespan of 25,000 hours – equivalent to 8.5 years if used eight hours per day, seven days a week. That’s a big tick from me.