By: CE Critic
Hisense has unveiled the 110UX Championship Edition TV. This limited-edition behemoth of a screen, launched in partnership with the NBA, is designed to bring the courtside experience into the living room, albeit at a price point that matches the exclusivity of courtside seats.
Specs That Impress:
- Display: 110-inch Mini-LED with ULED X technology
- Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)
- Peak Brightness: 10,000 nits
- Dimming Zones: Over 40,000
- HDR Support: Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HLG
- Processor: Hi-View Engine X AI chip
- Audio: CineStage X Surround sound system with 4.2.2 channels
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, 4 x HDMI ports
- Smart TV Platform: Google TV
- Special Features: NBA-branded design elements, limited-edition numbered plaque, "Club 100" membership, "Victory" collector's book by Victor Solomon
Availability and Price:
The Hisense 110UX Championship Edition TV is available in limited quantities at select retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy, with a suggested retail price of $19,999.
A Fusion of Technology and Fandom:
This isn't just a television; it's a statement piece for die-hard NBA fans. Beyond its sheer size and impressive display technology, the Championship Edition differentiates itself with exclusive NBA-themed features. These include a custom startup screen showcasing iconic NBA imagery, a platinum-inscribed bezel commemorating the "NBA Championship Edition," and a numbered plaque highlighting the limited-edition status of each unit.
Hisense sweetens the deal further by including a membership to the exclusive "Club 100," granting access to unique benefits and experiences, although the specifics of these perks remain under wraps. Additionally, buyers will receive "Victory," a collector's book curated by renowned designer Victor Solomon, which delves into the rich history and symbolism of the NBA's coveted trophies.
Picture Perfect for Basketball?
While the 110UX Championship Edition doesn't offer a dedicated "Basketball" picture mode, its underlying technology ensures a stunning visual experience for any sport. The Mini-LED panel, coupled with Hisense's ULED X technology, delivers exceptional brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. With over 40,000 dimming zones, the TV can achieve deep blacks and vibrant colors simultaneously, even in brightly lit environments. This makes it ideal for watching daytime games or enjoying the action in rooms with ample natural light.
The Hi-View Engine X chipset, powered by AI, further enhances picture quality by optimizing contrast, depth, and clarity in real-time. While OLED technology typically boasts superior contrast, the 110UX compensates with its extraordinary brightness, making it a compelling choice for larger spaces where ambient light might wash out an OLED screen.
Beyond the Court:
To assess the 110UX Championship Edition's performance beyond the basketball court, we put it through its paces with a variety of content, including streaming services, 4K Blu-ray discs, and live television broadcasts.
Streaming and Live TV:
Streaming services like Prime Video and Disney+ showcased the TV's ability to handle 4K content with vibrant colors and impressive detail. However, the limitations of current streaming resolutions for live sports were apparent, with some content appearing less sharp than expected due to upscaling from lower resolutions. This highlights an industry-wide challenge rather than a deficiency in the TV itself.
Live television broadcasts, often limited to 720p resolution, presented a similar challenge. While the picture quality was generally good, the sheer size of the screen magnified any resolution limitations, resulting in a slightly softer image compared to native 4K content.
4K Blu-ray and IMAX Enhanced:
The true potential of the 110UX Championship Edition shone through when playing 4K Blu-ray discs. Movies like "Top Gun: Maverick" displayed stunning clarity, with fine details and textures rendered with remarkable precision. The IMAX Enhanced mode, available for compatible content, further elevated the viewing experience by optimizing both picture and sound quality for a more immersive cinematic presentation.
Sound That Matches the Scale:
The CineStage X Surround sound system complements the impressive visuals with a powerful and immersive audio experience. With 4.2.2 channels, the system delivers clear dialogue, dynamic sound effects, and a wide soundstage, enveloping viewers in the action.
Smart Features and User Experience:
The 110UX Championship Edition runs on Google TV, providing access to a vast library of streaming apps, personalized recommendations, and voice control functionality. While navigation through the interface occasionally exhibited minor slowdowns, the overall experience was smooth and intuitive.
The included remote control features a convenient backlight that activates with a simple tap, making it easy to use in dimly lit environments. The TV also supports hands-free voice commands, allowing users to control various functions without reaching for the remote.
A Courtside Experience at Home:
The Hisense 110UX Championship Edition TV is undoubtedly a luxury item, aimed at passionate NBA fans with the means to indulge in a truly immersive basketball viewing experience. Its combination of cutting-edge display technology, exclusive NBA-themed features, and impressive audio capabilities creates a unique offering that transcends the typical television purchase.
While the price tag may seem exorbitant to some, it's important to consider the value proposition beyond the hardware itself. The limited-edition status, collector's items, and exclusive club membership contribute to a sense of prestige and exclusivity that resonates with avid collectors and dedicated fans.
For those who crave the ultimate home theater experience and bleed NBA basketball, the Hisense 110UX Championship Edition TV might just be the perfect way to bring the excitement of the court into their living room.
