Optoma GT3500HDR vs Hisense PL1: Which Ultra Short Throw Projector is Worth Your Investment?

[joe603]

Introduce​

Parameter	Optoma GT3500HDR​	Hisense PL1​
Picture​	​	​
Price​	$1499​	$1797.97​
Recommended Uses​	Home Entertainment, Home Cinema, Gaming, Business​	Education, Home Cinema, Gaming, Business​
Highlight​	Flexible Installation: Digital zoom, horizontal and vertical keystone correction, 4-corner adjustment Compact and Portable: 28% smaller design, lightweight for easy setup and transport Versatile Connectivity: 2x HDMI 2.0, USB-A, 3.5mm audio out, RS232, RJ45 What's in the Box: GT3500HDR Projector, AC Power Cord, Remote Control, Basic User Manual 4K HDR Input Compatible: 3800 lumens, Full HD 1080p resolution, 500,000:1 contrast ratio Duracore Laser Technology: Up to 30,000 hours lamp life, consistent brightness​	Filmmaker Mode: Immersive movie experience with detailed visuals Dolby Atmos: Immersive sound with clear dialogue and deep bass Google TV: Access to popular streaming platforms (Netflix, Prime Video, etc.) 4K UHD: Stunning visuals with brighter colors and sharper images Dolby Vision: Supports HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Vision for enhanced dark scene detail Built-In Alexa and Google Assistant: Hands-free control for settings, content selection, and app exploration​

Side-by-Side Comparison​

Display​

Parameter	Optoma GT3500HDR​	Hisense PL1​
Screen Size​	90 Inches - 120 Inches​	80 Inches - 120 Inches​
Throw Distance​	0.66 Feet - 1.31 Feet​	0.71 Feet - 1.41 Feet​
Contrast Ratio​	500000:1​	2,000,000:1​
Display Resolution​	1920 x 1080 Pixels​	3840 x 2160 Pixels​
Native Resolution​	1920 x 1080​	3840 x 2160​
Brightness​	3800 Lumen​	2200 ANSI lumens Lumen​
Display Type​	Laser​	Laser​
Picture Quality Enhancement​	-​	X-Fusion​

Features​

Parameter	Optoma GT3500HDR​	Hisense PL1​
Video Encoding​	HEVC Main 10​	Voice Control​
Lamp Wattage​	54 Watts​	-​
Light Source Life​	30000 Hours​	25000 Hours​
Controller Type​	Remote Control​	Remote Control, App Control, Button Control​
Control Method​	Remote​	App​
Mount Type​	Tabletop Mount​	Tabletop Mount​
Noteworthy Features​	4K HDR Input, DuraCore Laser Technology, Ultra Short Throw, Place and Play, Full HD 1080p​	Incredible Clarity and Contrast, X-Fusion Laser, DLP Technology by Texas Instruments, Digital Lens Focus, Ultra Short Throw​

Connectivity​

Parameter	Optoma GT3500HDR​	Hisense PL1​
Connectivity Technology​	USB, HDMI, 3.5mm Audio​	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI​
Hardware Connectivity​	USB, HDMI, 3.5mm Audio​	S/PDIF, Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, USB 3.0​
Compatible Devices​	PC, Gaming Console, Television, Tablet, Smartphone​	Laptop, Gaming Console, Tablet, Smartphone, Speaker​

Measurements​

Parameter	Optoma GT3500HDR​	Hisense PL1​
Dimensions L x W x H​	-​	20.9"L x 13.2"W x 4.7"H​
Item Weight​	8.6 Pounds​	17 Pounds​

Conclusion​

Product	PROS AND CONS​
Optoma GT3500HDR​	Pros: • True HD 1080P resolution delivers good video quality • Easy setup process • Works well in both well-lit and dark environments • Compatible with various devices (Mac, PC, Apple TV, Google Chromecast) • Customization options available • Plays Blu-rays and streaming services with great detail • Capable of playing 3D movies with compatible equipment • No noticeable light bleed around the image edges • Onboard speaker for basic sound needs, plus aux output for superior audio setups • Great for large screen experience without the bulk of a large TV Cons: • Video quality can be only acceptable in daylight • Heat exhaust can get very hot, requiring caution • Expectation management needed regarding 4K performance from a 1080P device • May require a silver screen for optimal image improvement Overall Impression: The Optoma 1080 ultra short throw projector is a solid choice for those seeking a large-screen experience without the constraints of a traditional projector setup. It excels in versatility and ease of use, providing satisfactory performance in both bright and dark environments. While it has some limitations regarding heat management and daylight performance, the overall value, especially for streaming and 3D content, makes it a commendable investment for a family room entertainment system.
Hisense PL1​	Pros • Great value for the price, especially for a short throw projector • Impressive image quality in dark rooms • Good color accuracy and fantastic contrast • Works well with standard screens, not limited to ambient light rejection screens • Android operating system functions smoothly Cons • Requires careful setup and calibration, not plug-and-play • Performance diminishes with ambient light due to lower lumen output • Built-in sound is average; external soundbar recommended for improved audio • Need to customize the projector's height and distance for optimal performance Overall Impression The PX1 projector is an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality projection in dark environments without breaking the bank. While it requires some setup and may not perform as well in well-lit rooms, its vibrant colors and contrast make it a standout option for media rooms. For users willing to invest time in calibration, the results will be rewarding.