Hm, the thing that sticks out to me with these two is the price. The original was at a pretty decent price point that made it competitive with other 1080p projectors (at that time). Well, the problem is that this is now only
slightly cheaper than an
entry-level 4K projector from Optoma. While that sounds like one to avoid, it actually
reviews quite well.
If I'm looking for a good 1080p projector, I find it hard to ignore the more budget-oriented units like the
Optoma HD143X or its more expensive cousin, the
HD27e. Sure, it doesn't have horizontal keystone correction, but both of the aforementioned projectors are less than half the price. To note, the HD27e doesn't even have vertical keystone correction, which is odd since it costs more than the HD143X, which does have it. Although, since keystone correction alters the image to compensate for the off-angle projection, a picky viewer might prefer a straighter shot over keystone correction anyway.
Agreed. The initial $700 price was really good per the feature set, especially since 4K & Faux-4K projectors are out these days in the ~$1,350 range. The 1,500-lumen H2-Aurora is currently going for $1,250 shipped & is still only 1080p resolution. There are some still some benefits to the XGIMI, however:
1. It's LED. Instant-on, doesn't get hot, no bulb to replace, etc. Side note, I'm not a fan of either of the currently-available 1080p LED models from LG. imo the XGIMI is a zillion times better than both the UST & the regular model.
2. You can throw the picture sideways. I don't know of any other projector that lets you do that (maybe someone can chime in with a conventional brand that has that feature). Really cool feature because you don't need a ceiling mount (i.e. can mount it on the left or right side of the room), especially if you're doing Kinect games or DDR or don't have easy ceiling access or whatever.
3. It's AIO, which adds to the portability (...ish. It's about shoebox-sized & note, no battery option). I'd still personally go with an external player (mostly due to the Chinese-language conversion issues) over the built-in Android system for most stuff, however. But the speaker is pretty decent (equivalent to a soundbar), so if you want to move it into a different room or use it outside, it's pretty convenient. And their mounting systems are really good - I've installed the wall-mount, which has a bowl (tripod-style for tilting & aiming it) & they have a ceiling mount & floor stand available as well.
4. The X factor...don't know how best to explain it. This projector is VERY approachable. Turns on quick, does automatic autofocus after boot, crystal-clear picture (like LED TV-equivalent), goes to a huge screen size easily, etc. It's like using a smartphone over like a wall-mounted rotary landline, or like driving an electric car vs. a gas-powered car. It's hard to explain, but it's a very nice perk...it's just kind of a low-friction device to operate. There's no mental barrier to using it. I know a lot of people who have projectors, but still just use their TV's because all you have to do is pretty a button on the remote control & it's "on", you know? That's partly why I think that console & PC gaming still rules over VR (aside from the cost)...modern VR, like the Vive with Lighthouses, is absolutely incredible, but you can simply flunk down on the couch to play Xbox or whatever & not have to wear a headset or get wired in.
Granted, the Optoma HD143X is a light canon - 3,000 lumens for $500 is no joke - so that's something to consider, especially if you plan on doing movies outside (which is awesome and is something I would HIGHLY recommend, lol). Everything just keeps getting smaller, better, and cheaper! Speaking of that, my current portable projector is the Aaxa P300 Neo:
https://www.amazon.com/AAXA-P300-Neo-Video-Projector/dp/B074QK249C/
Normally $300, but goes on sale for $250 shipped on a regular basis. Palm-size, 720p, 420 lumens (which looks a LOT brighter than it should; I've read that LED lumens are perceived as either 1.3x or 1.6x as bright as regular bulb-based lumens), and has a 2.5-hour battery, so if you want to go to the beach or camping or whatever, you can watch a full-length movie on it without having to plug it in. For the record, I like the Aaxa P300 Neo waaaaaaaay better than the LG PH300.
Anyway...yeah $1,250 is kinda nuts for a 1080p projector these days. BUT, you get your money's worth. tbh, if I were building a dedicated home theater today, I'd have a hard time choosing between an H2-Aurora & a 4K projector.
Facebook
Twitter