I have been eagerly anticipating an upscale Android-powered projector for quite some time, and I am thrilled to say that I have found one that I absolutely adore. Known as the Cinema Edge, this 4K UHD projector is a product of Formovie, a Mi ecosystem company (a collaboration between Xiaomi and Appotronics). What sets it apart is that it is powered by Google TV, allowing for seamless streaming of all my favorite content directly onto the wall.
The Cinema Edge boasts an ultra short-throw ratio of only 0.23:1, with the capability to project an image of up to 150 inches while maintaining crystal-clear clarity. The colors are incredibly accurate, and the contrast levels are on point right out of the box. With a peak brightness of 2100 ISO lumens, it delivers excellent performance for day-time viewing and creates a truly immersive experience in dark settings. I have thoroughly enjoyed indulging in horror movie marathons on this device.
Other notable features include a 60Hz refresh rate, Dolby Audio and DTS-HD support through two 15W built-in speakers, a MediaTek MT9629 chipset with 2GB RAM, 32GB of storage, WiFi 6 connectivity, and multiple HDMI 2.1 ports. The included remote is a simple plastic clicker with Google Assistant functionality, as well as dedicated buttons for Netflix and YouTube.
Setting up the Cinema Edge is a breeze thanks to Google TV, providing access to Google Play for all your apps and services. The built-in keystone correction feature allows you to adjust the projection to suit any surface. While setting up this review unit, I had to improvise with various items to achieve the perfect height off the floor. Once everything was set up correctly, the viewing experience was flawless, making activities like watching NFL RedZone during the Witching Hour and enjoying college football Saturdays on YouTube TV truly enjoyable.
Numerous inputs on the back of the unit enable you to connect a variety of devices for projecting onto the wall, such as gaming consoles and computers. The unit includes 3 HDMI 2.1 ports (1 with eARC), 2 USB ports, a 3.5mm and optical audio output, and a LAN port. I predominantly use WiFi 6 for connectivity and paired the projector with dual studio speakers from Edifier via the 3.5mm jack for a more immersive audio experience.
To meet my screen requirements, Formovie generously provided a 100-inch wall-mounted screen with the Cinema Edge unit. While setting up the screen was a bit challenging for someone like me who lacks patience for such tasks, the end result was worth it. The screen effectively minimizes reflections from the projection and external light sources, ensuring a clear and vibrant display.
In terms of drawbacks, the performance of the Cinema Edge can occasionally feel sluggish, reminiscent of other Google TV boxes. However, once the device warms up, it functions smoothly. For me, investing in an Android device of this caliber means considering future-proofing, such as increased storage and RAM capacity.
If you are in the market for a premium big screen projector powered by Google TV for your entertainment room, I wholeheartedly recommend the Cinema Edge. It delivers exceptional performance and aesthetics, meeting all the requirements I have for a projector. At the moment, the units are on sale for $2199, reduced from the usual price of $2499. Additionally, the screens are currently discounted, with the wall-mounted unit priced at $999 (a $300 savings) and the floor rising model available for $2300 (a $400 discount). While these products may not be budget-friendly, they offer a significant upgrade to your home entertainment setup.
Feel free to ask any questions in the comments, and I will do my best to assist you.
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