First off; I’ve only used the projector once. I will update this review as time goes on and I use it more.
-Background: This is my first projector so I did quite a bit of research trying to find something that worked for me. Once I started researching I ended up going down the rabbit hole so to speak. There’s so many things to keep in mind when buying one (lumens, bulb life, throwback distance, number of connection ports, connectivity to external speakers, whether or not the bulb is replaceable, etc. I learned all this while researching and reading other people’s reviews so take your time and do some reading too).
I first bought an Epson projector because it’s a “brand” name. It was beautiful and easy to navigate. I didn’t even have to read the instructions BUT I returned it because it turned out to be a pain to try and attach external speakers to it.
-What I was looking for: A simple projector to watch movies outdoors with the family (we have two nieces ages 6 and 4). I didn’t want something super expensive because I knew that we would only use it a few times a year, hence it made no sense to me to spend a ton of money on a projector AND external speakers. I just wanted something fun for the girls (let’s face it, what do kids know about great movie/sound quality?)
We’re not picky people so I wasn’t looking for movie theater quality picture and sound. All I wanted was something fun to share with the family.
-What I found: If you’re looking for movie theater quality picture and sound you’re going to HAVE to spend thousands of dollars on a projector and external speakers. If that’s not a problem for you, then go for it. If you’re just looking to have some fun with the family find something that won’t break the bank BUT remember that you get what pay for. So if you buy one of those $99 projectors, don’t expect greatness.
-Pros: GREAT family projector.
Picture is clear and crisp. Easy to navigate once you figure out how to do it ; )
Giant screen if you have the room to move your projector back so you get the screen size you want. We played an hour and forty movie for the girls and when it was over the projector was not hot. Not even warm to the touch. We did not notice the noise from the fan at all but keep in mind that we were outdoors and not sitting next to it. I did try it indoors first to figure out how to use it and even then I did not think the fan was very loud.
-Cons: Despite what the product description says, the projector speakers ARE NOT LOUD. You are going to need external speakers.
The instructions for the projector are written weird. It’s really hard to understand them but after playing around for a few minutes I had it down. It’s not rocket science so don’t let that deter you from getting this projector.
BOTTOM LINE: So far I’m totally happy with this projector. I recommend it if like us, you’re looking to have fun with your family. Our first outdoor movie night went great.
For sound I bought a 25ft long audio/video cable and connected that to the headphone jack of the projector and then I connected the other end to one of those Costco square portable black speakers and that worked for us. I also tried it with the computer speakers we have and that worked too (indoors, when I was trying to figure out what to use for sound).
I already had a VGA cable to connect my iPad/iPhone to the projector via their included HDMI cable and stream Disney+ for the movie we saw.
Again, I’m very happy with this purchase and I recommend it.
I will update my review as we get more use out of it.
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