Hisense 116″ TriChroma Laser TV: A Home Theater Revolution (or a Wall-Sized Gimmick?)
The Hisense 116″ TriChroma Laser TV isn’t just a big screen; it’s a statement. A statement that says, “I’m serious about home theater,” and possibly, “I have a lot of disposable income.” We’ve spent the last few weeks living with this behemoth, and it’s safe to say it’s been an experience. But is it worth the hype (and the price tag)? Let’s dive in.
The star of the show, naturally, is that massive 116-inch screen. Utilizing Hisense’s TriChroma laser light source, it promises vibrant colors and incredible brightness. And, for the most part, it delivers. Colors are indeed punchy and well-saturated, making everything from nature documentaries to blockbuster films pop. Black levels, while not OLED-deep, are respectable thanks to the ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen. However, this screen, while helpful in brighter rooms, also introduces some texture and graininess that are visible in certain content, especially close up.
Performance is generally strong. The integrated processing handles upscaling with aplomb, making even 1080p content watchable, though the limitations of the source material are, naturally, amplified by the screen size. Motion handling is also solid, minimizing blur in fast-paced action scenes. However, there can be some noticeable artifacting around fast-moving objects when processing is set too aggressively, requiring some fine-tuning.
The design is… imposing. The UST (Ultra Short Throw) projector itself is sleek and relatively compact considering the size of the screen it’s projecting onto. The included soundbar is a welcome addition, providing a decent audio experience right out of the box. Build quality feels premium, with solid materials and a reassuring heft. That said, the sheer size of the screen presents installation challenges. You’ll need a dedicated wall and a professional installer is highly recommended.
Features-wise, the Hisense 116″ is well-equipped. It runs Google TV, offering access to a vast library of streaming apps. There are plenty of HDMI ports for connecting your various devices. The included remote is functional, if not particularly inspiring. One minor niggle: the menu system can feel a bit sluggish at times, especially when navigating through settings.
The value proposition is where things get tricky. This is an incredibly expensive piece of technology. While the image quality is impressive, it’s not necessarily leaps and bounds ahead of smaller, similarly priced OLED TVs. You’re paying a significant premium for the sheer size and the unique UST projector setup. Whether that premium is justified depends entirely on your budget and priorities. It’s certainly a luxury item, not a necessity.
In the end, the Hisense 116″ TriChroma Laser TV is a technological marvel, but one that comes with a hefty price tag. It’s best suited for dedicated home theater enthusiasts with deep pockets who prioritize a massive screen size above all else. If you’re looking for the ultimate in immersive viewing, and you have the space (and the budget) to accommodate it, then this could be the TV of your dreams.
Where to Buy:
Hisense 116-inch TriChroma LED Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 80%
- Design: 96%
- Performance: 95%
- Quality: 94%
- Popularity: 90%
Top Pros
- ✅ Image quality is captivating, especially with vibrant and well-saturated colors.
- ✅ The ALR screen effectively minimizes the effect of ambient lighting.
- ✅ The integrated soundbar provides surprisingly good audio performance.
Key Cons
- ❌ The sheer size poses significant installation challenges requiring professional help.
- ❌ The price tag places it firmly in the ultra-premium, luxury product category.
- ❌ ALR screen texture introduces graininess, noticeable in certain content, especially close up.
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