If you run a small business then you’ll be acutely aware that it’s critical to look after every single customer, and if you want to do a great job in that department then it’s worth considering a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool like Bigin by Zoho CRM.
CRM tools offer more flexibility and a broader range of features than everyday office software and email clients, so they’re tempting for small businesses who want extra control without the pricing or high-end features of enterprise CRM software.
There are two paid tiers for Bigin by Zoho CRM as well as a free one (Image credit: Zoho)
Plans and pricing
Impressively, you can use Bigin by Zoho CRM for free – although the free tier is limited to 500 records, a single pipeline and three workflows, so it’s pretty restrictive.
Zoho’s Express product costs $7 per user per month if you pay annually, and that massively beefs up the feature set: you get proper email integration, web forms, customizable dashboards and integration with other Zoho tools and third-party software alongside ten workflows, three pipelines and 50,000 records.
The Premier option adds advanced workflows based on date and time triggers, advanced automation, multiple currency support and more records, pipelines, workflows and custom fields. If you pay annually, it costs $12 per user per month.
Bigin by Zoho CRM comes packed with features geared at small businesses (Image credit: Zoho)
Features
Zoho knows that lots of its customers may not have used CRM software in the past, so there’s a big focus on ease of use.
Templates tailored for a variety of industries make it easy to get started with Bigin by Zoho CRM (Image credit: Zoho)
The app uses templates designed for different industries, so if you work in real estate, software, insurance or loads of other areas then you can instantly select an interface that’s geared to your needs. The interface itself is great: clear, straightforward, and without overwhelming features.
Those templates can be customized, and you can build your own pipelines that reflect how customers flow through your business. It’s easy to build multiple pipelines for different operations in your company – think one for sales and another for customer service – and the pipelines function as timelines, so you can quickly and easily see every interaction that a customer’s had with your company.
You can click on items in the timeline to open specific modules, so you’re able to quickly get more information about what’s happened to each customer, and built-in communication tools mean you can make phone calls and send emails from within the app.
It’s easy to automate everyday tasks with Bigin by Zoho CRM, and you can use email alerts, tasks that start when certain conditions are triggered and scheduling.
Bigin by Zoho CRM has iOS and Android app that offer much of the same functionality as the desktop tool, and you can use the software to create no-code web forms that allow potential customers to easily make contact with your business. No matter the platform, you’ll get real-time notifications about your pipeline progress, support ticket updates and incoming communications.
When it comes to record-keeping, you’ve got plenty of options: you can create custom files and viewing rules to ensure that your database remains relevant and accurate, and dynamic lookup fields, fast searching and advanced filtering make it easy to zip through data. Similarly, your activities are kept in check with follow-up tasks, scheduling, filtering and a complete log of what you’ve completed and what needs doing.
You can create a list of products, import product data, apply discounts and use bulk actions to manage your inventory, and pre-built dashboards are an ideal option for monitoring your entire business, with a straightforward interface, loads of data, plenty of visualization options and KPI monitoring.
Bigin by Zoho CRM integrates with Zoho's other software as well as with third-party software from Microsoft, Google and others (Image credit: Zoho)
Bigin by Zoho CRM is an impressive tool in isolation, and it integrates with Zoho’s other apps and third-party software from Microsoft, Google, Zoom, and dozens more. API access is also available with Bigin by Zoho CRM’s pricier access tiers.
While Bigin by Zoho CRM has plenty of impressive features for small-business CRM, it’s worth remembering that the company’s full Zoho CRM product goes further in terms of functionality. You’ll get sales forecasting, lead scoring, advanced email tools and far more control over product customization with the full-fat product. You can also benefit from more powerful analytics options, marketing campaign options, collaboration features and inventory management utilities.
There’s no doubt that Zoho CRM has more features, but most of those will only be useful for larger businesses, and it’s several times more expensive than Bigin by Zoho CRM.
You could find more features elsewhere, too. Freshsales CRM is another small business option that has more extensive marketing options than Bigin by Zoho CRM – but it costs at least $15 per user per month. Salesforce Essentials ties into the market-leading Salesforce system, and it’s a better option for more complex businesses. It costs $25 per user per month, so it’s pricier than Zoho, and it’s a suitable alternative if you’re already familiar with Salesforce products.
Final verdict
Bigin by Zoho CRM doesn’t have the power or features of full-power CRM products, but that’s not necessarily a problem unless you need CRM software for a sophisticated business with loads of product stacks or if you want enterprise-level power.
Instead, Bigin by Zoho CRM functions as an entry-level CRM tool for smaller companies that want the power and control that everyday office software can’t provide – and it does a tremendous job.
It’s got a straightforward interface, slick tools for creating and navigating multiple business pipelines, and a chronological interface that makes it easy to see how customers are interacting with your business. It’s pretty easy to manage products, records and data in every area of the app, and it’s more affordable than its key rivals.
You’ll want to pay more for a different product if you want more power or extra marketing options, but Bigin by Zoho CRM is a superb choice if you need small business CRM or if you want to dip your corporate toes into the water and start to streamline your organization.
JumpCloud was founded in 2012 to provide an alternative to Microsoft Active Directory. However, through feedback from customers, they discovered a need for a comprehensive solution that could manage user access in Linux to Amazon Web Services (AWS) and serve as an alternative to AD for accessing cloud infrastructure, Mac, and Windows machines. As a result, JumpCloud has continued to innovate and expand its offerings, providing businesses with a secure and efficient way to manage their IT resources.
One of the key benefits of using JumpCloud is its ability to streamline user access. Whether you need to provision, de-provision, or modify user accounts, JumpCloud makes it easy to manage user access across all your resources, including cloud infrastructure and Mac and Windows machines. With JumpCloud, you can ensure your users have the access they need to do their jobs without compromising security.
Another advantage of JumpCloud is its focus on security. With JumpCloud, you can implement strong authentication and authorization policies that help keep your data and resources safe from unauthorized access. Plus, JumpCloud's cloud-based architecture means you always have the latest security updates and patches without needing manual intervention.
Finally, JumpCloud can help you simplify your IT infrastructure by consolidating your user management tools into a single, unified platform. This can save you time and money on IT management while also improving the overall efficiency of your organization.
If you're looking for a way to enhance security, streamline user access, and simplify your IT infrastructure, JumpCloud is an excellent choice. With its powerful tools and expertise, JumpCloud can help you achieve your goals and take your business to the next level.
(Image credit: JumpCloud)
Plans and pricing
JumpCloud offers various tiers of plans, including a free option and the ability to customize a plan for your company's specific needs. While there is a free trial available for paid tiers, the duration is not specified.
Interestingly, JumpCloud Free includes "All Premium features" and the full platform at no cost with a company email. However, it can only be utilized by up to 10 users and 10 devices, and live chat support is only available for the first 10 days.
The SSO Package is the most affordable paid tier, costing $8.50 per user per month. If paid annually, the cost drops to $7 per user per month. It includes Core Cloud Directory, MFA, and Web SSO. There are also two optional extras: Device Management and Telemetry for $5 per user per month and Premium Support for $3 per user per month on a monthly basis.
The Core Directory Package costs $13 per user per month, or $11 per user per month when paid annually. It includes Access Management and Logging, which provides Directory Insights. However, Premium Support is an additional $3 per user per month.
Next is the JumpCloud Platform, which costs $17 per user per month or $15 per user per month when paid annually. It includes all of the features of the lower tiers, plus Device Management and Telemetry. Optional Premium Support is also available for an extra fee.
The top-tier option is PlatformPlus, which costs $20 per user per month or $18 per user per month when paid annually. It adds Zero Trust, Conditional Access Policies, and Device Trust to the feature set. Unlike the other tiers, it includes Premium Support, making it the better overall value.
(Image credit: JumpCloud)
Features
JumpCloud is an excellent platform with many helpful features to support its service. With its basic features available on all tiers, including Cloud Directory, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and the JumpCloud Protect Authenticator App, you can rest assured that your security needs are being met. What's more, JumpCloud also provides Single Sign-On (SSO) and User Lifecycle Management to complete the essentials.
But that's not all. Higher tiers offer even more advanced features to help you manage your devices and systems more efficiently. You can take your operations to the next level with options like Device Management, Mobile Device Management (MDM), System Insights, and Patch Management.
JumpCloud also offers services to help you easily migrate your data and minimize downtime during the transition. So whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, JumpCloud has the tools and expertise to help you succeed.
(Image credit: JumpCloud)
Support
If you need support, there are several ways to get it. Although there is a general phone number, it is not listed for support. However, there is a Help Center that offers many options to get support. Sometimes, a direct phone conversation can resolve the issue more quickly. Standard Support is included on all tiers.
The most direct method is via chat, but initially, you will chat with a chatbot. If you need to speak with a live support engineer, you will require Premium Support. There are also self-help options available, which are more comprehensive and better done than most. You can find articles grouped around topics such as "RADIUS-as-a-service" and "G Suite Integration," for example.
Final verdict
When it comes to cloud-based software solutions, JumpCloud's platform for a cloud directory is one that we find particularly powerful. Their solution offers several security features, including SSO, MDM, and MFA, all from a single platform. We appreciate the flexibility of their pricing plans, ranging from a free option to higher-tier programs that allow for custom configurations to meet specific needs and budgets. However, we do have some concerns to note.
For example, the cost per user can be pretty expensive for upper-tier plans. Additionally, it's worth remembering that premium support is only available with the top goal. Considering these factors, we recommend carefully considering the options available through JumpCloud to ensure you choose the plan that best aligns with your organization's needs.
Whether you're looking to secure your cloud directory or streamline your authentication processes, JumpCloud's platform offers a robust set of features that can help you achieve your goals.
• Original review date: April 2022
• Remains a current top model in JVC’s lineup
• Launch price: $15,999 / £15,800 / AU$25,000
• Target price now: $13,999 / £15,800 / AU$25,000
The JVC DLA-NZ8 rightfully retains its place as the best premium projector option in our best 4K projectors guide since no new long throw projectors have arrived that can match its performance. With advanced HDR and 8K support, this laser-based D-ILA model represents the state of the projector art, and has a price tag match. The DLA-NZ8 has gone down in price in the US since we first reviewed it, and can now be had for $13,999. That’s not cheap, but if you’re looking for the best projector for a bespoke home theater, the DLA-NZ8 is still king. The rest of this review remains as previously published.
One-minute review
The JVC DLA-NZ8 is the latest native 4K projector from the company, and unlike previous lamp-based generations it uses a BLU-Escent laser light source. This results in brighter images, greater consistency and a longer lifespan without compromising the black levels or increasing the fan noise. As a result, this excellent projector builds on JVC’s existing strengths, expanding them in some areas and adding a host of new cutting-edge features in others.
The native 4K images are detailed and precise, while the addition of 8K/e-shiftX processing helps make good content look even better. The overall picture accuracy is impressive, the SDR images are superb, and the HDR performance remains class-leading thanks to JVC's dynamic tone mapping and Theatre Optimiser feature. There's even support for HDR10+, plus 3D pictures that are bright, punchy and free of crosstalk.
In terms of other features, there are two HDMI 2.1 inputs with support for 8K/60p and 4K/120p. This will be welcome news for gamers, as will an input lag of 38ms. An added benefit of HDMI 2.1 is that the projector is also much faster at locking onto video signals. There’s an effective remote, intuitive menu system, and flexible installation – although whether stand or ceiling mounting, bear in mind that this beamer is big and heavy.
The NZ8 is also very expensive, although the pricing of JVC’s new line-up is intended to reflect the comparative cost of 4K laser projectors from Sony. Interestingly the NZ8 currently has no direct competitor, so if you want uncompromising performance, peerless HDR tone mapping, comprehensive features and a high degree of future-proofing performance, this remarkable projector is in a class of its own.
Price and availability
JVC’s new NZ series of laser-powered projectors include all the features found on the previous lamp-based generation, but add HDMI 2.1 inputs capable of handling 8K/60p and 4K/120p, 8K/e-shiftX with an actual resolution of 8K, improved optics, and support for HDR10+.
The new range is headlined by the DLA-NZ9, which is also called the DLA-RS4100 in some markets. This flagship projector will set you back an eye-watering £24,999/$25,999, but is state of the art, with a claimed brightness of 3,000 Lumens, a native contrast of 100,000:1, and a 100mm all-glass lens with ultra-high contrast optics.
The DLA-NZ8 (DLA-RS3100) reviewed here costs £15,800/$15,999, and is largely the same as the NZ9 but hits 2,500 Lumens, has a contrast of 80,000:1, and smaller 65mm all-glass lens. However it does have the same improved optical path, and other features found on the high-end model.
Finally, there's the DLA-NZ7 (DLA-RS2100), which retails for a slightly more reasonable £11,500/$10,999. This projector is similar to the NZ8 but doesn’t use upgraded optics, with a brightness of 2,200 Lumens, and contrast of 40,000:1. It also lacks the wide colour gamut filter found on the more expensive models, and uses the same bi-directional 8K/e-shift found on the earlier DLA-NX9, rather than the new four-directional 8K/e-shiftX employed on the NZ8 and NZ9.
(Image credit: JVC)
Design
65mm all-glass lens
2 x HDMI 2.1 inputs
Backlit remote control
The JVC DLA-NZ8 looks identical to the previous generation, with the same matte black chassis and fantastic level of build quality. The only difference is at the rear, where there are slightly larger air vents and no removable dust filter. Despite its size, the design cleverly builds curves into the shape of the chassis to help offset the projector’s overall bulk.
It’s worth pointing out that the NZ8 is huge – measuring 500 x 234 x 505mm (WxHxD), and weighing in at a back-breaking 23.1kg. So it’s not the kind of beamer you whip out for movie night or to watch the big game. This is a serious product that’s designed for permanent installation in a dedicated home cinema, using either a stand or ceiling mount.
The new model contains the same 17-element, 15-group all-glass 65mm lens that was introduced on JVC’s previous generation of 4K projectors. However, it has been upgraded to improve the contrast performance by adding an inside coating designed to suppress any reflected light. This upgrade explains how the brighter NZ8 can have the same contrast ratio as the previous DLA-N7.
One of the biggest upgrades on this new generation of 4K projectors is the inclusion of HDMI 2.1 inputs, with JVC being the first manufacturer to do so. These 48Gbps ports accept both 8K/60p and 4K/120p, plus they support HDCP 2.3, 3D and high dynamic range – specifically HDR10, HLG, and HDR10+, with the latter also being a new addition. An unexpected benefit of HDMI 2.1 is that the NZ8 locks onto video signals faster than previous JVCs, which were painfully slow.
The provided remote is identical to the previous generation, which is welcome news because it's an excellent controller. It's comfortable to hold and easy to use with one hand, laying out all the buttons in a sensible manner. There's a dedicated backlight, which works really well because it illuminates the actual writing on the buttons, making them easy to read in the dark.
Features
BLU-Escent laser light source
Native 4K D-ILA chipset
8K/e-shiftX image processing
HDR Dynamic tone mapping
The JVC DLA-NZ8 uses the company’s BLU-Escent laser diode light source that was first introduced on the ultra-expensive DLA-Z1. As a result, the NZ8 has increased brightness, greater consistency, and a 20,000-hour lifespan. In practical terms that means you could watch a film a day for the next 20 years without worrying about dimming or having to change the lamp.
The NZ8 uses the same three-chip 4K D-ILA device as JVC’s previous generation, but also includes 8K/e-shiftX processing. When first introduced this feature shifted pixels in two directions to increase the perceived resolution, which the NZ7 still does, but the NZ8 and NZ9 employ an upgraded technology that shifts the pixels in four directions to display a full 8K resolution.
When it comes to HDR the NZ8 sports a number of class-leading features such as Auto Tone Mapping, which reads static metadata and immediately adjusts the tone mapping. There’s also Frame Adapt HDR, which analyses a signal and changes the tone mapping dynamically, while the Theatre Optimiser tweaks the HDR delivery to match your screen’s size and gain.
The NZ8 includes motorised focus, zoom and shift controls, which makes installation a doddle, and there are also lens memories for different screen aspect ratios. The menu system has been tweaked, and now has six settings for the Frame Adapt HDR features, while the Theatre Optimiser allows you to specify if your screen uses a 16:9 or 2.35:1 aspect ratio.
The laser light source has three LD Power options (low, mid, and high), along with two Dynamic CTRL settings that dynamically adjust the brightness of the laser. The laser is surprisingly quiet in operation, even in the brighter mid option, and the high mode isn’t significantly louder, making it a viable choice for those looking for a punchier HDR image or using a very large screen.
(Image credit: JVC)
Performance
HDR10/HLG/HDR10+ support
Wide colour gamut filter
3D with optional emitter and glasses
The JVC DLA-NZ8 delivers the kind of gorgeous film-like imagery for which the company is justly famous. The native 4K D-ILA chipset and 65mm all-glass ensure pictures so clear and detailed that even the most demanding pixel-peepers will be happy. The overall uniformity and geometry of the projected images are equally as precise, so all the basics are covered.
The colour accuracy is also exceptional, with a beautifully natural reproduction that hits all the industry standards right out of the box. The light path has been improved for greater contrast, and when combined with those deep blacks the benefits of a JVC projector are there for all to see, while the increased brightness of the laser light source produces images that really pop.
This projector is equally impressive with motion handling, producing buttery smooth pictures that are free of blurring and unwanted artefacts. The processing is also superb, taking lower quality content and upscaling it to the NZ8’s 4K capabilities, while the 8K/e-shiftX device is a revelation, shifting pixels in four directions to create images with a perceived resolution of 8K.
This projector is a stellar performer with SDR (standard dynamic range) content, but it’s with HDR (high dynamic range) that the JVCs are in a class of their own. Aside from having the necessary latitude from deep blacks to bright highlights, their cutting-edge tone mapping analyses the HDR content in real time, rendering it perfectly to match the increased brightness and wider colours.
These class-leading HDR capabilities are perfectly demonstrated in the film Allied, during the scene here Brad Pitt is watching an air raid. The combination of unrivalled contrast and flawless tone-mapping produce deep blacks in the night sky, and amazing shadow detail. The HDR also picks out the bright tracer fire and flak, allowing both to be highlighted against the darkness.
The NZ8 uses a filter to create a wider colour gamut, and this is perfectly demonstrated in The Greatest Showman, where the detailed 4K image pops with wonderfully saturated primaries. The HDR uses its increased dynamic range to great effect, bringing out all the details in the brightly lit scenes under the big top spotlights, and ensuring the specular highlights are never clipped.
The HDR is frequently breathtaking, retaining all the detail in the shadows and delivering bright pictures that are never blown out. The HDR images are clearly superior to SDR with saturated colours and a punchier dynamic range, while HDR10+ support allows the JVC to take advantage of the format’s added tone mapping information, ensuring content is perfectly displayed.
This added capability is expertly demonstrated in the film 1917, which includes HDR10+ dynamic metadata. The Oscar-winning 4K photography from Roger Deakins is beautifully reproduced by the NZ8, with every shot looking great, but it’s the nighttime scenes lit only by flares that really show what this projector can do with deep blacks and detailed shadows.
Although 3D is waning in popularity these days, there are still plenty of supporting Blu-rays, and the NZ8 displays them with pictures that are bright, accurate, and free of any ghosting. You’ll need to purchase the optional RF transmitter and glasses, but if you do decide to add them you’ll be rewarded with big screen 3D images that are probably superior to your local multiplex.
Finally, the NZ8 delivers a 38ms input lag with low latency turned on, which might not be as impressive as the sub-10 second measurements routinely delivered by TVs these days, but is good for a projector and results in some enjoyably responsive game play. Once you include the 4K/120p support and laser light source, the NZ8 makes for an excellent gaming projector.
Should I buy the JVC DLA-NZ8 4K laser projector?
Buy it if...
You want gorgeous 4K images with that elusive film-like quality The combination of a 4K chipset and all-glass lens produces fantastically pin-sharp images, while JVC’s justifiably famous deep blacks and superior contrast performance result in that all-important film-like quality, separating this projector from the competition.
You want class-leading HDR tone mapping The implementation of state-of-the-art dynamic tone mapping and a feature that optimises the overall performance for specific home cinema setups, produces stunningly detailed and impactful HDR images, making JVC’s projectors superior to any other manufacturer.
You want 8K/60p and 4K/120p support for next-gen gaming The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 supports 8K/60p and 4K/120p signals, while the addition of 8K/e-shiftX image processing ensures the NZ8 can also project an 8K image with no perceivable loss in resolution. So despite its hefty price tag, this projector will remain relevant for years to come.
Don’t buy it if…
You want something small or portable for occasional use The NZ8 is a serious home cinema projector, with a massive chassis and a high-end price tag. It’s designed for a dedicated room with a permanent installation using a stand or wall mount, and for the optimal performance you will need a proper screen as well.
You want a projector to use in a white room or during the day While the NZ8 is bright, it will struggle in a room with white walls, windows or any other light source. The darker the room the better the results, because any reflected light will wash-out JVC’s class-leading contrast performance.
You want really bright HDR like on a TV This really applies to all projectors, but none of them can get close to a TV in terms of their peak brightness for HDR. So if you’re looking for really bright specular highlights, you should be considering a big-screen TV rather than a projector.
• Original review date: March 2022
• Still a current model
• Launch price: $5,499 (about £4,000, AU$7,500)
• Target price now: $2,799
Time flies in the ultra short throw projector world. Take the Hisense L9G TriChroma Laser 4K TV, for instance. Our review of this model appeared just two years ago, and it’s already selling for about half its $5,499 list price in the US. That’s a great deal for a tri-laser UST projector that comes bundled with a 100-inch screen. The HIsense L9G is still a current model for Hisense, although it doesn’t appear to be available outside the US, where some retailers have it on clearance. Time may be running out for the Hisense L9G, but we still think enough of it to have it listed as the best option for most people in our best ultra short throw projectors guide. The rest of this review remains as previously published.
Two-minute review
The Hisense L9G is a revelation for the living room, but superior technology never comes cheap. This $5,499 (about £4000, AU$7500) projector packs in some primo features you’d expect out of the best projectors from its ultra-short-throw design, tri-color laser light engine, HDMI 2.1 ports with eARC, HDR support, an Android TV interface, and powerful 40W speakers.
A taste of the projector’s quality is on display right from the get go. It takes minutes to set up after getting it out of the box (though it’s an effort to get the box into the house), and the all-in-one nature of the projector simplifies the whole process. Most people will likely be able to just plunk it down in front of a bare wall and enjoy a monstrous, bright, vivid image.
Hisense isn’t selling this projector as a basic projector, though, but rather a laser TV. And in the pursuit of ensuring the premium picture quality to go with the price tag, Hisense includes an ambient-light-rejecting projector screen that’s meant to be permanently installed on your wall. This 100- or 120-inch (varies depending on the model of projector selected) will negate some of the minimalism of the setup by dominating a wall — it’s not a roll-up screen — but for those who demand the utmost from their image quality, it will reduce the impact of ambient light and cut down on any deformities in the wall shape that could impact the picture. Of course, for those who don’t care so much about the effects of ambient light or a little wall texture or who already own a quality projection screen, tough luck — the screen is included in the box and the price.
This projector is definitely for the dedicated cinephile.
However, as good as its picture performance is, the projector stumbles in a couple of places. For one with its attempts to adjust brightness on a shot-by-shot basis for some content, overcorrecting in a way that makes the lighting quite jarring. Its motion smoothing can also be trouble as it helps reduce panning judder sometimes but introduces some far more glaring motion artifacts for everything else on screen. Fortunately, the Hisense L9G has a ton of available settings to adjust these features and many more, effectively letting users dial in the display however they like. There’s also Filmmaker Mode to leave the settings in the professional’s hands.
There’s no denying the breathtaking quality of the Hisense L9G, but it’s a projector that takes a commitment to make sense for would-be buyers. It’s definitely less of a commitment than a 100-inch TV, though, as even the affordable models are multiple times the price of the L9G.
Price and availability
The Hisense L9G is available for $5,499 (about £4000, AU$7500) in a 100-inch setup and $5,999 (about £4400, AU$8000) in a 120-inch setup.
Compared to its competitors, the expense of the projector and screen combo is far higher. For example, the Xgimi Aura is also quite stunning at less than half the price, but not as bright or capable in daylight. Meanwhile longer-throw projectors like the premium Optoma UHZ50 (at half the price) or the Epson LS12000 (at $4000) can deliver premium pictures, a bit more flexibility in setups with some added complication, and more refresh rate options for gamers.
(Image credit: Mark Knapp)
Design and features
Compact, complete kit
Projection screen included
Mighty audio capabilities
At roughly 24 x 6.1 x 13.6” and weighing just 24.7 pounds, the Hisense L9G has packed a stunning amount of technology into a compact little package hardly bigger than a couple of shoeboxes. It’s a hair wider and taller but not as deep as the Xgimi Aura we recently tested, yet it’s every bit as lovely to look at and then some.
The unit looks a bit like a beefy, narrow soundbar, and you wouldn’t be foolish to think of it like one. It’s packing in its own set of Dolby Atmos-capable speakers with a combined 40W output that’s more than ample enough for a group movie night in a 200 or even 300-sq.-ft room. Despite the size of the unit, it seems to have next to no trouble keeping itself running cool with minimal fan noise.
The projector has a dark, somewhat-futuristic design that remains fairly subtle. It could fit well enough into a discreet setup, though it would be harder to hide the 100-inch, ALR (ambient light rejecting) projection screen that Hisense includes with the intention of it being a permanently installed feature.
Inside its meager frame, the Hisense L9G is packing a three-laser light source. This uses independent red, green, and blue lasers to create a bright and colorful picture, as much as 107% of the wide Rec.2020 color space, as light doesn’t need to be filtered out (thus reducing brightness) to create different colors. The laser light source also promises a longer lifespan than traditional projector bulbs, as long as 25,000 hours in this case.
Given the projector’s 3,000 lumen output and concentrated beam close to the projector lens, Hisense has built in a pair of proximity sensors that dim the display very quickly when anything gets close and will turn the lights off entirely if it continues to detect anything. It’s fairly sensitive, responding quickly to our presence in most cases, but it seems to be motion based, allowing the lights to come back on if we’re still, so it won’t protect your eyes if you’re calmly peering down into the lens. Curiously, it almost looks like the top of the projector has a slide cover to go over the lens when it’s not in use, but it’s just a non-moving part, and this leaves the lens-cover glass exposed to gather dust.
(Image credit: Mark Knapp)
The system features Android TV and a Wi-Fi 5 or Gigabit Ethernet connection. Unfortunately, like a lot of implementations of Android TV by somewhat less popular brands, Netflix isn’t supported. The operating system’s performance occasionally hitches, too, but it’s largely usable.
Hisense has also included three HDMI ports, two of which support HDMI 2.1 and one offering eARC, offering ample options for high-quality video and audio signals. Bluetooth allows for connections to and from the system, allowing for external speakers or using the projector as a speaker. Optical audio and WiSA connections are also available.
One feature the projector lacks is flexibility. The lens has a fixed focal length. Too close to the wall or too far, and it starts to get blurry. While there’s some wiggle room, it’ll lose focus if moved too far or too close to the wall. This isn’t your ‘40-inches one day and 300-inches the next’ type of projector. It’s more portable than a 100-inch TV, but it’s meant to serve as a 100-inch TV. This makes the ideal distance from the wall for the 100-inch model about 11 inches, though we find it plenty sharp as close as about 8 inches from the wall.
Four adjustable legs on the bottom of the projector and an eight-point digital geometric correction can help properly square up the image, however, and that geometric correction can be done manually or automatically with a phone camera (in browser, even, so no app download necessary).
(Image credit: Mark Knapp)
Picture quality
Big, bright 4K picture
Vivid color (107% Rec.2020)
Great out of the box with ample tuning options
There’s not much to gripe about with the Hisense L9G. This projector is using exceptionally capable technology and putting it to work. Even without the ALR projection screen, the Hisense L9G can create such a bright picture that we’re comfortable watching just about anything in our living room in the middle of the day. If it’s sunny, we might stick to cartoons, but with shades drawn or overcast weather, the L9G doesn’t struggle one bit to present a satisfying image.
For movie nights or game nights, the picture is a delight. The project manages exceptionally vivid colors alongside a rich contrast that makes scenes all the more dramatic. It’s all the more impressive how much shadow detail remains in the image. Even watching in daytime, the detail in dark clothing and characters' hair is largely visible.
All of this is coming through at a crisp 4K. Dune and Nightmare Alley blown up to the proportions the L9G is capable of makes for a movie theater-like experience with the benefit of pausing. Cartoons are lively with their colors. And the Japanese countryside in Ghost of Tsushima is stunning. The input lag is low enough even to tackle bosses without much trouble.
As good as the picture is, not everything is effortless perfection. The projector falls into some of the same pitfalls as TVs. Its attempts to smooth out motion can lead to a lot of buggy movements from characters and elements on screen, and brightness can shift dramatically as the projector tries to enhance the picture from shot to shot. The motion smoothing seems to help with judder for panning images at least.
These issues are generally just a little distracting out of the box, and you aren't stuck with them. Hisense offers a boatload of settings options, allowing for many different motion smoothing levels, lighting control, color adjustments, and the ever handy Filmmaker Mode. Settings can be saved for different input sources as well, letting users create a special profile perhaps for a 4K Blu-ray player and a separate profile for a game console or two.
Should you buy the Hisense L9G Laser 4K TV?
Should you buy the Hisense L9G Laser 4K TV?
(Image credit: Mark Knapp)
Buy it if...
You want a supreme home theater in a box The Hisense L9G includes everything you need to get an incredibly enjoyable video setup with the projector, its speakers, its smart TV platform, and the projection screen all in the box.
You want a big, big picture There’s no going small with the Hisense L9G. It’s built to deliver either a 100- or 120-inch image. While you can go a little smaller, it’ll get blurry before you get smaller than most TVs.
You want a finely tunable picture While the size can’t change, the Hisense L9G has a wide color gamut and tons of options for tailoring the visual presentation to your liking.
Don't buy it if...
You want a projector for many different setups The fixed focal length is a major limitation for the L9G. While it’s light enough to move from room to room, you’re always going to need to position it similarly and find ample space for its image.
You’re an elite gamer The Hisense L9G is dazzling for games where visuals are a priority, but this is a 60Hz display that won’t satisfy competitive gamers looking for the fastest speeds. Some other projectors boast 120Hz and even 240Hz refresh rates, and they even cost less.
You don’t want the projector screen The Hisense L9G absolutely doesn’t need the screen to get a brilliant experience, but it’s included in the box and the price. A big ALR screen doesn’t come cheap, so you might find better value elsewhere.
