Home cinemas are no longer reserved for the 1 per cent.
Projectors have become more affordable and accessible so that all budgets can experience the big screen experience from the comfort of their own home. In fact, these sleek and portable gadgets are an ideal solution to maximise space in compact living conditions, transforming any wall (or ceiling!) into a screen - with no bulky TV set necessary.
You would be mistaken to look at the Acer AOPEN Projector and dismiss it as a children's toy. While the gadget comes in a playful blue design, it is packing some solid tech within its boxy exterior.
We put the purse-friendly projector to the test. Here is what we thought.
Tech specs
Set-up
The setup, or lack thereof, simply requires plugging the device in. I was so surprised with just how easy the process was. Made all the more so if you are connecting it to a device like a laptop - it includes the right cables there in the box.
Design
The boxy blue projector is unmissable in its striking shade. But while playful on the exterior, it has a wealth of handy features that we will dive into below. The gadget comes complete with a carry handle, meaning the AOPEN Projector QH12a may just be your next travel essential.
Functionality
The resolution is good, ranging from HD 1280 x 720 native to a preferable 1920 x 1280 and the brightness of 5,500 LED lumens is solid, but it's not at the top end of 4k UHD, which is to be expected considering the modest £129.99 price tag. The contrast ratio is 1,000:1, which means image quality could be better - but the projector shines for its pure ease.
Plug in and go, and you have a wealth of apps to choose from with no set-up required. Much like a smart TV, it comes pre-loaded with YouTube, Disney+ and TED streaming apps as well as Amazon and Facebook. There is also an HDMI included that is compatible with all PCs, including Macs.
The widescreen aspect ratio 16:9 is made for films and TV, providing an immersive viewing experience, while the projection distance range of 1.08-3.10m is suitable for all size rooms.
The projector even has built-in speakers but you’ll want additional ones if you’re looking to create a cinematic surround sound set-up and there is a remote so you can control it without disturbing your comfortable position.
Verdict
Acer AOPEN Projector QH12a
With projectors becoming ever more affordable, home cinemas are no longer reserved for the one per cent. In fact, the portable gadgets are an ideal solution to maximise space in compact living conditions, transforming any wall — or ceiling! — into a screen, no bulky TV set necessary. A well-priced option is the Acer AOPEN Projector.
Don’t dismiss it as a children’s toy; it packs some solid tech within its playful blue design. The resolution is good, ranging from HD 1280 x 720 native to a preferable 1920 x 1280, but it’s not at the top end of 4k UHD, which is to be expected considering the modest price tag. The contrast ratio is 1,000:1, which means image quality could be better — but the projector shines for its pure ease. Plug in and go, and you have a wealth of apps to choose from with no set-up required, including YouTube, Disney+ and TED streaming.
The widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9 is made for films and TV, providing an immersive viewing experience, while the projection distance range of 1.08-3.10m is suitable for all size rooms. Complete with a carry handle, the AOPEN Projector QH12a may just be your next travel essential.
Buy now £129.99, Acer
