Audio T Verdict
The Hisense C2 Ultra combines the scale of a home cinema projector with the convenience of a compact smart display that can be repositioned far more easily than a conventional fixed installation.
Its Pure Triple Colour Laser system, 4K resolution and 3,000-lumen brightness produce a vivid and detailed picture, while Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG and IMAX Enhanced support help it make the most of modern films, streaming services and games.
The 1.67x optical zoom is a particularly valuable feature, allowing the image size to be adjusted without relying entirely on digital scaling. A wide 0.9–1.5:1 throw range and integrated gimbal also provide considerably more positioning freedom than most compact projectors.
VIDAA U7 provides built-in streaming applications, AirPlay 2 and content sharing, while the JBL 2.1-channel speaker system is powerful enough for straightforward everyday use without immediately requiring a separate sound system.
It is not an ultra-short-throw projector and it still performs best with a suitable screen, controlled lighting and careful physical alignment, but for flexible big-screen entertainment across films, sport and gaming, the C2 Ultra is an impressively complete package.
Hisense C2 Ultra 4K TriChroma Smart Laser Projector
The Hisense C2 Ultra, model C2TUK-Ultra, is a compact 4K smart laser projector designed for flexible big-screen viewing at home.
It combines Pure Triple Colour Laser illumination, DLP projection, a 65-inch to 300-inch image range, 1.67x optical zoom and a gimbal capable of directing the picture towards a wall, screen or ceiling.
Built-in VIDAA U7 streaming, JBL 2.1-channel sound and automatic picture setup allow the C2 Ultra to operate as a self-contained entertainment system, while HDMI 2.1, eARC, optical audio and network connections support more advanced home cinema installations.
Projector Screen Not Included
The C2 Ultra can project onto a suitable plain wall, but a properly selected projector screen will normally provide better brightness, contrast, colour consistency and surface uniformity.
The screen size, material and gain should be chosen according to the room, seating distance, ambient light and intended projector position.
Mains Power Is Required
The C2 Ultra is compact enough to move between rooms, but it does not contain a rechargeable battery.
It must be connected to a suitable mains socket using the supplied power cable whenever it is being used.
4K Ultra HD Resolution
The projector supports a maximum display resolution of 3840 × 2160 pixels for compatible 4K Ultra HD material.
This provides the detail required for large projected images, where weaknesses in lower-resolution content become considerably more visible than they would on a smaller television.
Ultra HD upscaling can also improve the presentation of lower-resolution television, streaming and disc content, although it cannot restore picture information that was absent from the original source.
Pure Triple Colour Laser
The C2 Ultra uses separate red, green and blue laser illumination rather than generating its complete colour range from a single blue laser and phosphor wheel.
Hisense calls this Pure Triple Colour Laser or TriChroma technology.
The system is designed to produce a particularly wide colour range with strong saturation and subtle tonal variation across films, games and animated material.
MCL38 Laser System
Hisense’s MCL38 laser system uses 28 laser chips to generate the projector’s light output.
The laser engine is intended to provide consistent brightness and colour performance without requiring the regular lamp replacements associated with traditional projector designs.
Hisense quotes a light-source life of up to 25,000 hours, measured to the point where luminance has fallen to approximately half of its original level.
Laser Life Is Not the Same as a Warranty Period
The quoted light-source life is an estimated operating figure rather than a guarantee that every projector component will operate for that number of hours.
Operating temperature, ventilation, brightness settings and usage patterns can all affect long-term performance.
3,000-Lumen Brightness
Hisense UK specifies a brightness figure of 3,000 lumens.
This allows the C2 Ultra to produce a bright and colourful picture at sensible screen sizes, including in rooms where complete blackout is impractical.
Ambient light will still reduce perceived contrast and black depth, particularly when very large images are used.
A Darker Room Still Produces the Best Picture
No projector can project black light. Dark areas of the image depend on the screen remaining dark, so uncontrolled daylight and room lighting will make blacks appear greyer.
Reducing ambient light or using an appropriate screen will improve contrast, colour and perceived sharpness.
65-Inch to 300-Inch Projection
The C2 Ultra supports projected image sizes from approximately 65 inches to 300 inches diagonally.
This allows it to operate as a television-sized display in a smaller room or create a much larger cinema-style image where sufficient projection distance and wall space are available.
The largest quoted size should not automatically be treated as the best choice. Image brightness, viewing distance, source quality and screen surface should all be considered.
Measure the Room Before Ordering
Confirm the required image width, projector-to-screen distance and viewing position before choosing a screen or furniture layout.
The projector’s throw ratio and optical zoom provide flexibility, but they cannot overcome a room that is physically too short or narrow for the intended image.
1.67x Optical Zoom
The optical zoom allows the projected image size to be adjusted without moving the projector over the full range that would otherwise be required.
Hisense specifies a flexible throw-ratio range of approximately 0.9–1.5:1 when the optical zoom is used.
Unlike digital zoom, optical adjustment changes the lens configuration without discarding picture information or reducing the active pixel area.
Use Optical Adjustment First
For the strongest image quality, begin by positioning the projector physically and using its optical zoom.
Digital geometric correction should be reserved for final alignment rather than used as a substitute for sensible placement.
Not an Ultra-Short-Throw Projector
The C2 Ultra is a conventional short-to-standard-throw projector with a variable 0.9–1.5:1 throw ratio.
It cannot sit immediately beneath the screen in the same way as a Hisense PX3 PRO ultra-short-throw projector.
A clear projection path must be maintained between the C2 Ultra and the screen, so people or objects passing through that path will interrupt the image.
Integrated Gimbal Stand
The projector is integrated into a smooth gimbal mechanism that provides 360 degrees of horizontal adjustment and 135 degrees of vertical movement.
This allows the image to be directed towards a conventional screen, a suitable wall or the ceiling without placing the projector at a permanently fixed angle.
The gimbal also makes it easier to move the unit between rooms or alter the projection position for different uses.
Ceiling Projection Is Not Ceiling Mounting
The gimbal allows the projector to direct an image onto a ceiling while the unit remains securely supported on furniture.
Do not suspend or ceiling-mount the projector unless a suitable manufacturer-approved mounting method is available and professionally installed.
Automatic Focus
Automatic focus helps the projector produce a clear image after it has been moved or its projection angle has changed.
Manual focus adjustment is also available where the automatic result requires fine tuning.
Focus should be checked across the complete image rather than judged only from the centre of the screen.
Automatic Keystone Correction
Automatic keystone correction helps reshape the picture when the projector is not positioned perfectly square to the screen.
Manual geometric adjustment remains available for further correction.
Keystone processing is convenient, but the strongest picture quality will normally be achieved when the projector is physically aligned as accurately as possible before digital correction is applied.
Automatic Screen Fit
Automatic screen fitting can detect the available display area and resize the picture to fit within it.
This is useful when moving the projector between rooms or using a fixed screen whose exact position cannot be matched through furniture placement alone.
For a permanent cinema installation, careful manual alignment may provide a more precise final result.
Automatic Obstacle Avoidance
The projector can identify certain objects within the intended image area and adjust the projected picture to avoid them.
This can be useful in multipurpose rooms where switches, shelves or wall decorations cannot be moved.
A clear, flat and unobstructed screen surface remains preferable wherever possible.
No Lens Shift
The C2 Ultra does not provide conventional optical lens shift.
Vertical and horizontal positioning therefore relies on the integrated gimbal, physical placement, optical zoom and digital geometric correction.
This distinction should be considered when planning a permanent installation where the projector cannot sit close to the centre line of the screen.
Dolby Vision
Dolby Vision uses dynamic metadata to describe how compatible HDR content should be displayed from scene to scene or frame to frame.
This can preserve more highlight detail and tonal variation than a fixed HDR presentation when the source, application and projector mode all support Dolby Vision.
Available picture quality will still depend on the original master, streaming bitrate and room conditions.
HDR10+, HDR and HLG
The C2 Ultra also supports HDR10+, standard HDR formats and Hybrid Log-Gamma.
HDR10+ provides dynamic metadata for compatible content, while HLG is commonly used for suitable broadcast and streaming material.
The projector automatically adapts its processing according to the supported format received from the connected source or streaming service.
IMAX Enhanced
IMAX Enhanced certification identifies compatibility with suitably mastered picture and sound material.
Compatible films and programmes can use the projector’s large image, HDR capability and wide colour performance to create a more cinema-like presentation.
An IMAX Enhanced badge does not mean that every film, application or HDMI source will automatically use the format.
Filmmaker Mode
Filmmaker Mode is designed to reduce unnecessary picture processing and present compatible material closer to the creative intent of the filmmakers.
It may disable or reduce motion smoothing and other enhancement systems that can make films appear unnaturally like live video.
Personal preference, room brightness and the quality of the source should still determine the final picture setting.
Wide Colour Gamut
The triple-laser system is designed to reproduce a wider range of colours than many conventional lamp or single-laser projectors.
This is especially visible with richly graded HDR films, animation, nature documentaries and modern games.
Accurate colour reproduction still requires an appropriate picture mode and, for the highest performance, professional calibration within the intended room.
VIDAA U7 Smart Platform
The integrated VIDAA U7 interface allows the C2 Ultra to access compatible streaming applications without requiring a separate media player.
Hisense UK currently lists major services including Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and Disney+.
Application availability, subscription requirements, supported picture formats and service features may change over time.
Confirm Essential Applications
Streaming services can alter their device support, available resolutions and subscription tiers.
Confirm that any essential application and feature is currently available before relying on the projector as the only source in the system.
AirPlay 2
AirPlay 2 allows compatible Apple devices and applications to send supported content to the projector through the home network.
The precise behaviour and available resolution depend on the application, source device, content protection and network connection.
A stable wired or wireless network is required.
Screen and Content Sharing
The projector supports screen sharing and compatible DMP or DMR content-sharing functions.
This can be useful for displaying photographs, supported videos and other material from compatible devices on a much larger image.
Protected streaming content may restrict screen mirroring and may need to be played through the projector’s own application or a connected HDMI source.
Designed for Xbox
The C2 Ultra carries Hisense’s Designed for Xbox positioning and can automatically prioritise a compatible game signal.
ALLM support allows a suitable console to request the projector’s lower-latency gaming mode automatically.
Hisense UK specifies game-mode input lag of up to 60ms, so highly competitive players should compare its response directly with a dedicated low-latency gaming display.
High-Frame-Rate Input Support
Hisense technical information lists support for 4K signals at up to 60Hz and lower-resolution signals at up to 120Hz or 240Hz.
The available resolution and refresh rate depend on the source device, HDMI settings, cable and selected projector mode.
A high input refresh rate does not necessarily mean the projected image panel refreshes or displays every mode in exactly the same manner as a gaming monitor.
Motion Processing
MEMC motion processing can generate additional frames to make fast camera movement, sport and other action appear smoother.
Some viewers prefer this treatment for sport but find it unnatural with films and drama.
The motion setting can be adjusted or disabled according to the content and personal preference.
JBL 2.1-Channel Sound
The built-in JBL audio system combines two 10W speaker channels with a dedicated 20W subwoofer.
This provides a total quoted output of 40W and gives the C2 Ultra greater bass weight than a basic compact projector speaker system.
The integrated audio is suitable for casual television, gaming and films without additional equipment, while a separate soundbar or surround system can provide greater scale, channel separation and low-frequency impact.
Integrated Subwoofer
A dedicated subwoofer is built into the projector’s base and gimbal structure.
It supports the main speakers by reproducing lower-frequency effects, music and dialogue weight.
The built-in subwoofer should not be confused with the output and extension available from a larger external home cinema subwoofer.
DTS Virtual:X and DTS-HD
DTS Virtual:X processing is designed to create a broader and more enveloping presentation from the projector’s built-in speaker system.
DTS-HD support is also included for compatible audio material.
The C2 Ultra is not specified as having an internal Dolby Atmos speaker system.
HDMI eARC
The first HDMI 2.1 input includes eARC, allowing compatible audio to be passed from the projector to a suitable soundbar, AV receiver or audio system.
This provides a practical upgrade path when the projector’s internal JBL speakers are no longer sufficient.
The source, projector and audio system must all be configured correctly for eARC operation.
Two HDMI 2.1 Inputs
Two HDMI 2.1 connections are provided for compatible games consoles, Blu-ray players, media streamers and other video sources.
HDMI 1 includes eARC and ALLM, while HDMI 2 provides a second HDMI 2.1 source connection.
HDMI cable bandwidth and certification should be matched to the intended signal resolution and refresh rate.
Use Suitable HDMI Cables
Long HDMI cable runs can become unreliable at higher data rates.
A certified active or optical HDMI cable may be required when the source equipment is positioned a significant distance from the projector.
Optical Digital Audio Output
An optical S/PDIF output allows compatible digital audio to be sent to a soundbar, DAC, AV receiver or other suitable audio system.
Optical connections do not provide the same bandwidth or control functions as HDMI eARC.
The connected source and projector may need to be configured to output a compatible audio format.
Headphone Output
A headphone output is provided for private listening or connection to compatible analogue audio equipment.
Listening volume should be reduced before connecting headphones and then raised gradually.
Continued use at excessive volume may cause hearing damage.
Two USB 3.0 Connections
Two USB 3.0 ports support compatible storage devices and local media playback.
The integrated media player supports selected video, audio and picture formats.
Compatibility can depend on the storage format, file container, codec, bitrate and copy protection used by the content.
Ethernet and Dual-Band Wi-Fi
An RJ45 Ethernet connection provides a wired network option for streaming, software services and content sharing.
Dual-band Wi-Fi supports compatible 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks using IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards.
A wired connection is generally preferable where practical, particularly for high-bitrate 4K streaming.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth allows the projector to communicate with compatible wireless devices.
Available audio routing and device profiles can depend on the connected equipment and the projector’s current software.
Bluetooth may introduce greater delay than a wired audio connection, which should be considered when synchronising sound with the projected image.
Local Media Player
The integrated media player supports compatible video, audio and picture files from suitable USB or network storage.
Listed codecs include HEVC, H.264, MPEG, VP9, VC1 and related formats, while supported audio formats include FLAC, AAC, WMA and OPUS.
Support for a codec does not guarantee that every file using it will play, particularly at unusually high bitrates or with unsupported container settings.
Compact Integrated Design
The projector measures approximately 247mm wide, 247mm high and 286mm deep.
Its net weight is approximately 6.3kg, including the integrated gimbal structure.
The compact dimensions make it easier to move than a conventional installation projector, but it still requires a secure and properly ventilated supporting surface.
Gunmetal Grey Finish
The C2 Ultra is finished in gunmetal grey with a rounded, integrated projector and gimbal design.
Its appearance is intended to suit visible installation within a living room rather than requiring the unit to be concealed.
Space must still be allowed around the casing for ventilation and cable connections.
Ventilation Requirements
Hisense instructs users to leave at least 20cm of free space around the sides and at least 5cm behind the projector for air circulation.
Ventilation openings must not be covered by curtains, tablecloths, papers or other objects.
Restricted airflow can cause overheating, reduced performance or premature component failure.
Do Not Enclose the Projector Tightly
A cabinet or shelf must provide adequate clearance and unrestricted airflow around the ventilation openings.
Do not place the projector immediately beside equipment that generates substantial heat.
Laser Safety
The C2 Ultra is classified as a Class 1 laser product and RG2 light source under the standards quoted by Hisense.
Do not look directly into the lens while the projector is operating, and do not place objects immediately in front of the lens.
The projector must not be dismantled or modified by the user.
Never Look Directly into the Lens
The projected laser light can damage the eyes.
Children should be supervised around the projector, and the unit should be placed where it cannot be pulled down, climbed on or knocked from its support.
Indoor Tabletop Use
Hisense describes the projector as intended for tabletop use within a home or office environment.
It should not be used in locations with excessive humidity or dust, and it must be kept away from rain, dripping water and open containers of liquid.
If the projector is moved from a cold environment into a warmer room, allow time for any condensation to evaporate before switching it on.
Hisense C2 Ultra or C2TUK-Pro?
Choose the C2 Ultra When
- Maximum brightness within the C2 range is important
- The integrated 20W subwoofer is useful
- More substantial built-in audio is required
- Designed for Xbox certification is a priority
- The larger and heavier cabinet is acceptable
Choose the C2TUK-Pro When
- A lower purchase price is preferable
- A slightly smaller and lighter cabinet is useful
- 2,600-lumen brightness meets the room requirements
- The dedicated integrated subwoofer is unnecessary
- The same broad gimbal and optical-zoom concept appeals
The Hisense C2TUK-Pro provides a similar 4K smart-projector concept with a 65-inch to 300-inch image range, optical zoom and gimbal adjustment.
Hisense C2 Ultra or PX3 PRO?
Choose the C2 Ultra When
- The projector may move between rooms
- Projection onto a wall or ceiling is useful
- A 65-inch to 300-inch range is required
- Optical zoom and flexible placement are priorities
- A clear throw path across the room is available
Choose the PX3 PRO When
- An ultra-short-throw installation is required
- The projector must sit close to the screen
- A fixed 80-inch to 150-inch cinema setup is preferred
- People must be able to walk through the room freely
- A dedicated screen and permanent installation are planned
The Hisense PX3 PRO is an ultra-short-throw laser cinema projector designed to sit close to a suitable screen.
Hisense Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Compact 4K smart laser projector
- UK model C2TUK-Ultra
- 3840 × 2160 maximum resolution
- DLP projection technology
- Pure Triple Colour Laser illumination
- Red, green and blue laser sources
- 3,000-lumen Hisense brightness rating
- 2,000:1 quoted contrast ratio
- Wide colour gamut
- 65-inch to 300-inch image range
- 1.67x optical zoom
- 0.9–1.5:1 optical throw range
- 360-degree horizontal gimbal movement
- 135-degree vertical gimbal movement
- Wall, screen and ceiling projection
- Automatic focus
- Manual focus adjustment
- Automatic keystone correction
- Manual geometric correction
- Automatic screen fitting
- Automatic obstacle avoidance
- Laser eye-protection system
- Up to 25,000-hour light-source rating
- Dolby Vision
- HDR10+
- HLG
- IMAX Enhanced
- Filmmaker Mode
- Ultra HD upscaling
- MEMC motion processing
- Designed for Xbox
- ALLM gaming support
- Game-mode input lag up to 60ms
- 4K signals up to 60Hz
- Lower-resolution high-frame-rate support
- VIDAA U7 smart platform
- Built-in streaming applications
- AirPlay 2
- Screen sharing
- DMP and DMR content sharing
- JBL 2.1-channel audio system
- Two 10W main speakers
- Integrated 20W subwoofer
- DTS Virtual:X
- DTS-HD
- Two HDMI 2.1 inputs
- HDMI eARC
- HDMI CEC
- Two USB 3.0 ports
- Optical S/PDIF output
- Headphone output
- RJ45 Ethernet
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Integrated local media player
- Gunmetal grey finish
- 6.3kg net weight
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full UK model number?
The official UK model number is C2TUK-Ultra.
Is the Hisense C2 Ultra a 4K projector?
Yes. It supports a maximum resolution of 3840 × 2160 pixels.
Does it use a lamp?
No. It uses separate red, green and blue laser illumination.
How bright is it?
Hisense UK specifies a brightness figure of 3,000 lumens.
Is the 3,000-lumen figure specified as ANSI lumens?
Hisense’s current UK product page describes it as 3,000 lumens without labelling the figure as ANSI lumens.
What is the contrast ratio?
Hisense specifies a contrast ratio of 2,000:1.
What screen sizes can it produce?
Hisense specifies an adjustable image range from approximately 65 inches to 300 inches diagonally.
Is a projector screen included?
No. A suitable screen must be purchased separately if required.
Can it project onto a plain wall?
Yes, provided the wall is flat, smooth and suitably coloured. A proper screen will normally provide more consistent picture quality.
Is it an ultra-short-throw projector?
No. It uses a variable 0.9–1.5:1 throw ratio and must be positioned further from the screen than an ultra-short-throw model.
Does it have optical zoom?
Yes. Hisense specifies a 1.67x optical zoom range.
Does it have lens shift?
No. Placement adjustment is provided through the gimbal, optical zoom and digital geometric correction.
Does it have automatic focus?
Yes. Automatic and manual focus adjustment are supported.
Does it have automatic keystone correction?
Yes. Automatic and manual geometric correction are supported.
Can it avoid objects on the wall?
Automatic obstacle avoidance can adjust the image around certain detected objects, although a clear projection surface remains preferable.
Can it project onto a ceiling?
Yes. The integrated gimbal allows the projector to be tilted upwards towards a suitable ceiling.
Can the projector itself be ceiling-mounted?
The supplied instructions describe it as a tabletop device. Do not suspend it without an appropriate manufacturer-approved mounting solution.
How far can the gimbal move?
It provides 360 degrees of horizontal adjustment and 135 degrees of vertical movement.
Does it support Dolby Vision?
Yes. Dolby Vision is supported with compatible content and sources.
Does it support HDR10+?
Yes. HDR10+ and HLG are also supported.
Is it IMAX Enhanced?
Yes. The C2 Ultra carries IMAX Enhanced certification.
Does it have Filmmaker Mode?
Yes. Filmmaker Mode is listed within Hisense’s C2 Ultra technical information.
Does it support 3D films?
No. Hisense’s current UK product specification lists 3D technology as unsupported.
Which smart platform does it use?
It uses the VIDAA U7 smart interface.
Which streaming services are available?
Hisense UK currently lists Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+ and FIFA+ among its important applications. Availability may change.
Does it support AirPlay 2?
Yes. AirPlay 2 support is included.
Can I mirror a phone or tablet?
Screen-sharing and compatible content-sharing functions are provided, subject to device and application support.
Does it have built-in speakers?
Yes. It has two 10W JBL speaker channels and a dedicated 20W subwoofer.
What is the total audio output?
The quoted total output is 40W across its 2.1-channel speaker system.
Does it support Dolby Atmos?
No. Hisense’s UK specification lists the internal Dolby Atmos system as unsupported.
Does it support DTS?
Yes. DTS Virtual:X and DTS-HD are supported.
Can it connect to a soundbar?
Yes. HDMI eARC, optical digital audio, headphone and compatible Bluetooth connections provide several audio options.
How many HDMI inputs does it have?
It has two HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Which HDMI input has eARC?
HDMI 1 supports eARC and ALLM.
Does it have USB connections?
Yes. Two USB 3.0 ports are provided.
Does it have Ethernet?
Yes. One RJ45 Ethernet connection is provided.
Does it support Wi-Fi 6E?
Hisense’s current UK specification lists dual-band IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi rather than Wi-Fi 6E.
Does it have Bluetooth?
Yes. Bluetooth connectivity is included.
Does it have a light sensor?
No. Hisense’s current UK specification lists the light sensor as unsupported.
Is it good for gaming?
It includes Designed for Xbox positioning, ALLM and a dedicated Game Mode. Hisense quotes input lag of up to 60ms.
Can it display 4K at 120Hz?
Hisense specifies 4K input at up to 60Hz. Higher frame rates are listed at lower resolutions.
Does it contain a rechargeable battery?
No. The projector requires mains power.
How long does the laser light source last?
Hisense quotes up to approximately 25,000 hours to 50% luminance under its stated test conditions.
How much space should be left for ventilation?
Hisense instructs users to leave at least 20cm around the sides and at least 5cm behind the unit.
Is it safe to look into the lens?
No. Never look directly into the lens while the projector is operating.
Can it be used outdoors?
It is intended primarily for indoor home or office use. It must be protected from moisture, rain, dust and unsuitable temperatures.
How large is the projector?
It measures approximately 247mm wide, 247mm high and 286mm deep.
How much does it weigh?
The net weight is approximately 6.3kg.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist projector demonstrations
- Room and screen-size planning
- Throw-distance calculations
- Projector screen recommendations
- Picture setup and calibration advice
- Gaming source and HDMI guidance
- Streaming and network setup assistance
- Soundbar and AV receiver matching
- Surround sound system design
- Subwoofer integration advice
- Long-run HDMI cable guidance
- Home cinema installation support
- Part-exchange options on suitable equipment
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss matching the Hisense C2 Ultra with the right screen, sources and sound system for your room.