Hisense reengineers essential features in its 2025 TV lineup, addressing long-standing issues that Sony and Panasonic have persistently encountered over the years.
Blast from the Future: Hisense's 2025 TV Lineup Revealed with a Game-Changing Feature
Get ready, tech enthusiasts, because Hisense has unleashed a jaw-dropping lineup for 2025, and it's giving competitors a serious run for their money. The revolution starts with their upcoming Mini LED models, the U8Q and the U7Q, set to replace the mighty U8N and U7N, respectively. But, the real showstopper is a feature that's been long overdue in the world of TVs—a game-changing three HDMI 2.1 sockets.
Yes, you read that right! In select markets, including the UK, Hisense's flagship U8Q (ready to hit the UK shores soon) and the UXQ (not launching in the UK) will boast this incredible upgrade. That's right, three full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports that can handle up to 4K/165Hz signals for supreme gaming performance. Say goodbye to the headaches of making difficult choices between devices when gaming, and welcome a new era of connectivity!
While the U8Q hasn't been launched in the UK yet, Hisense has confirmed its inclusion of three HDMI 2.1 ports on its US site. So, it's safe to assume that this feature will not be left behind when the U8Q makes its way to our side of the pond.
This move becomes even more significant when we consider that TVs from industry giants such as Hisense, TCL, Sony, Panasonic, and Philips are accustomed to packing just two HDMI 2.1 sockets. While these reputable brands have consistently produced five-star TVs, serious gamers can no longer ignore the limitations that come with having only two HDMI 2.1 sockets.
The problem stems from the fact that the latest generation game consoles, including the recently launched Nintendo Switch 2, include support for 4K/120Hz gaming with ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) via HDMI 2.1. Owners of more than one console and an HDMI eARC-enabled audio system would have to choose their preferred devices, forgoing support for the others if they wanted to experience 4K/120Hz gaming.
Thankfully, Hisense is driving change in the industry by upgrading to the new Pentonic 800 chipset. This enhancement will not only address the issue of limited HDMI 2.1 ports but is expected to boost both the picture and sound quality as well. A full review will help us delve deeper into the improvement in picture and sound once the U8Q hits the market.
Something interesting to note is that the third HDMI 2.1 port introduced by Hisense is a full-bandwidth port, designed to cater to all gamers regardless of their preferred console or PC. However, there's a slight catch: the other three HDMI 2.1 sockets have been replaced by a single USB-C port.
This swap may seem puzzling at first, but it could be indicative of a new connectivity feature on the horizon. Hisense has shown support for General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI), a Chinese-developed competitor to HDMI 2.1, that utilizes a standard USB-C connection and is capable of supporting higher bandwidth signals alongside power delivery and data transfer—making it a versatile all-purpose connector for video, charging, and data.
Hisense's decision to replace HDMI sockets with a USB-C port could be a strategic move to lay the groundwork for future GPMI integration. Regardless, the extra HDMI 2.1 ports on Hisense TVs is a step we hope more manufacturers adopt sooner rather than later, since it addresses a long-standing issue among serious gamers.
It's worth mentioning that Sony, Panasonic, and Philips have confirmed that their respective 2025 TV ranges will be limited to two HDMI 2.1 sockets. With Hisense currently leading the pack by offering three or even four HDMI 2.1 ports, it seems they are already at an advantage for gamers. However, the final verdict will, of course, depend on the picture performance across different brands.
Stay tuned for our full review on the U8Q to find out if Hisense's bold moves in the connectivity department translate into a standout TV. In the meantime, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to catch the latest developments in the world of hi-fi, home cinema, and tech!
Sources:1. Tom's Guide2. HDMI 2.1 Frequently Asked Questions3. Digital Trends4. GPMI (General Purpose Media Interface)
- Hisense's upcoming U8Q Mini LED model will offer a game-changing feature with three HDMI 2.1 sockets, providing supreme gaming connectivity.
- Tech enthusiasts can look forward to a full review of the U8Q to delve deeper into its improved picture and sound quality.
- Following Hisense's lead, it's hoped that other brands like Sony, TCL, Panasonic, and Philips will soon follow suit and offer more than two HDMI 2.1 sockets on their TVs.
- The extra HDMI 2.1 ports on Hisense TVs could be the first step towards future integration of General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI), a versatile USB-C connector for video, charging, and data.
- Subscribe to our newsletter to catch the latest developments in hi-fi, home cinema, gadgets, smart-home devices, and technology.
- It remains to be seen if other brands can match the TV performance of Hisense, but their lead in HDMI 2.1 port count places them at an advantage for serious gamers.
