Tag Archives: projector

Short Throw Projectors, Short Throw Projector Lenses, and the Pros and Cons of a Short Throw Projector

There are two major types of short throw projectors – that of short throw and that of ultra short throw.

Short throw projectors are projectors that typically have a throw ratio of between 0.4 and 1.0 whereas ultra short throw typically have a projector throw ratio of between 0.15 to 0.4.  They’re a little bit different in design.

What is projector throw ratio?

The projector throw ratio is the distance from the projector divided by the horizontal size of the screen.  For example, if a projector is 100” from the screen and the screen size is 40” then the throw ratio of this projector is 2.5. 

Separately if a projector is just 50” from the screen size is 100” then this projector has a throw ratio of 0.5 making it a short throw projector.

How is projector short throw achieved?

For short-throw projectors, the short throw project uses a lens design that allows a much larger image.  This is similar to a camera’s “wide angle lens” where a short focus distance allows a larger field of view.  The same is true for projectors.  Generally speaking short-throw optics are more expensive to produce because the lenses need to be larger, the curvature greater, and the precision higher. 

What are the benefits of a short throw lens?

A short throw lens allows the projector to be closer to the screen compared to a standard-throw projector.  In other words, for a fixed distance the image is much larger on a short throw projector.  This is very useful when one’s space is limited, and where one wants to avoid walking in front of the projected image – such as in a ceiling mounted classroom environment.

What are the negatives of a short throw lens?

Generally speaking, there are three downsides to a short throw projectors.  One the brightness of a short throw system is typically lower than its standard throw counterpart – sometimes up to 20% less.  Two the short throw lens is more expensive – adding additional cost to the entire projector.  Third a short throw lens is typically larger than a standard throw lens, making the projector larger.

What is an Ultra-Short throw Projector?

An ultra short throw projector is a projector featuring a throw ratio of less than 0.40.  Today current technology allows for the manufacturing of ultra-short throw projectors up to 0.15 throw ratio.  Meaning one can project a 100” width (~115” screen size!) at just 15” from the screen!  This is typically the throw ratio found in the latest “projection TVs”.  The ultra-short-throw projector is a little bit different from the standard short throw projector as typically the ultra-short throw relies on a mirror and lens system to achieve such ultra short throws.

What are the benefits of an ultra short throw projector?

An ultra-short throw projector allows the projector to be very close to the screen compared to a standard-throw projector.  In other words, one can usually mount the projector right up against the wall without fear of having the image blocked by someone walking by.  Additionally with a little bit of room the projected image can become very large (dark areas needed!).

 What are the negatives of an ultra-short-throw projector?

Generally speaking, there are four downsides to ultra-short throw projectors.  One the brightness of an ultra-short throw system is typically lower than its standard throw counterpart – sometimes up to 35% less.  Two the ultra-short throw lens sets are quite expensive – adding additional cost to the entire projector.  Third an ultra-short-throw lens is typically larger than a standard throw lens, making the projector larger.  Finally, an ultra-short-throw lens is very sensitive to image distortion.  Care must be taken in lens-set production and lens-set installation.  With bad designs sustained vibration or thermal warping can permanently distort the image as some competitors have experienced in the recent past.

AAXA Technologies announces the release of the P8 Mini Projector

AAXA Technologies releases the ultra-tiny P8 Mini Projector.

AAXA Technologies is pleased to announce the AAXA P8 Mini Projector. The AAXA P8 Mini Projector is a powerful next-generation solid-state mini projector that fits in a pocket. The AAXA P8 Mini HD Projector incorporates a compact 4th generation Texas Instruments DLP imager mated to an Android 10.0 operating system supporting wireless screen mirroring, Bluetooth connectivity, and video streaming. With highly efficient Luminus 30,000-hour LEDs, the P8 produces a bright 430 Lumens and is capable of delivering a brilliant 100” projected image.

Tiny Form Factor, Big Power

The AAXA P8 weighs in at just 8.8 ounces and measures 3.9” X 3.4” X 1.4” making the P8 a true pocket projector. Despite its tiny size, the P8 delivers a big 430 Lumens of LED brightness – more than single-panel LCD projectors many times its weight and size.

Android 10.0 Onboard

The AAXA P8 features a native Android 10.0 operating system that allows users to stream video content, mirror smartphones both wired and wirelessly, view and edit presentations and documents, and supports both WIFI (2.4ghz/5.0ghz) and Bluetooth connectivity. (Note: DMCA content including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus content is not sharable wirelessly).

With AAXA’s P8 pico projector, what you see is what you get—a tiny projector that excels at integrating streaming entertainment and apps but ultimately falls a bit short on image quality and brightness. In fact, its $249 price is the most intriguing part of this mighty mite.

Brian nadel, Projector Central

If you want streaming and you can do without a battery to keep costs down, the AAXA P8 is actually a decent option, since it offers comparable features to the Luma 350, plus a small step up in resolution, for less. That combination keeps it in the running as a more-than-reasonable budget palmtop projector.

m. david stone, pc mag

Buy AAXA P8 Mini Smart Projector at Amazon ($249): https://www.amazon.com/AAXA-Technologies-Projector-Bluetooth-Smartphone/dp/B09VMP72WG/?encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=zCON2&pf_rd_p=bbb6bbd8-d236-47cb-b42f-734cb0cacc1f&pf_rd_r=ZZHN559FK3RG6BK0XSP4&pd_rd_r=108a6281-4458-45ef-923b-565e77a3c4b7&pd_rd_wg=swnbn&ref=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mi

Buy AAXA P8 Mini Smart Projector at Walmart ($249): http://www.walmart.com/ip/AAXA-Technologies-P8-Smart-LED-DLP-Mini-Projector-WiFi-Bluetooth-Android-10-0-Wireless-Smartphone-Mirroring-USBC-HDMI-Input-Built-in-Netflix-YouTube-/697689842

1080P Portable Projector Comparison: AAXA M7 Vs. Wemax Dice

March 11, 2022, LED Technology    aaxa tech, wemax, mini projector, outdoor projector, pico projector, portable projector

As we slowly approach the summertime fun, what’s more entertaining for those warm outdoor nights than a battery-powered projector? Today we’re going to discuss two of the hottest portable, battery-powered projectors on the market – AAXA’s M7 Pico Projector and the Wemax Dice Portable Projector.  

For today’s breakdown, I’ve decided to cover three main categories – portability, resolution/image quality, and price.

*Scroll down for shop links for the two mini projectors.

Portability

To kick things off, we’ll do a rundown of the projector’s specs relative to portability; The AAXA M7 Pico weighs in at only 3 lbs with the dimensions, 1.85″ x 7.30″ x 6.40″. Whereas the Wemax Dice projector weighs in at 4.8 lbs with the dimensions 6.10″ x 4.90″ x 6.30″. Another factor we have to consider is the projector’s shape. While the Wemax Dice does one up the M7 by implementing a built-in carrying handle, the M7 is a lot more sleek and ready to be placed in any luggage, backpack, or carrying case. The large, boxy build of the Dice makes it a lot more difficult to pack this thing up. When it comes to portability, the M7 capitalizes on weight and shape making it our clear winner for this category. 

 

Image Quality

The AAXA M7 offers a native resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p full HD) with a maximum supported resolution of 3840×2160 (4K UHD), a contrast ratio of 2000:1, and a brightness of 1200 LED Lumen. Similarly, the Wemax Dice offers a native resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p full HD) with 4K support and a brightness of 700 ANSI Lumens however, it only offers a 350:1 contrast ratio. While the native resolution for both projectors is the same, the significantly better contrast ratio the M7 offers gives it a slight edge over the Wemax Dice. Regardless of the specs, what better way to measure this than doing your own eye test and comparing the image qualities for yourself! 

Price 

Lastly, we have price; The AAXA M7 Pico Projector is listed at $488 MSRP while the Wemax Dice Portable Projector is listed at $699.99 MSRP. One main feature the Wemax Dice offers that the M7 does not is the onboard Android operating system. Although a quick and easy fix for those getting the M7 is plugging in your favorite streaming device, since it is compatible with (but not limited to) any Roku, Amazon, or Apple TV, of your preference. Nonetheless, when it comes to price, while the Wemax Dice does offer the ‘smart’ projector functionality with its Android OS, I personally don’t think it is worth the extra $200+ dollars. My winner of this category is the AAXA M7 Pico Projector.

Results

In conclusion, both the AAXA M7 and Wemax Dice Projector are both extremely portable projectors that will give you all of your on-the-go entertainment needs. For those warm summer movie nights in the backyard or your on-the-spot business presentations, neither device will disappoint. For today’s breakdown, the AAXA M7 Pico Projector does have a slight edge over the Wemax Dice when it comes to portability, image quality, and price, so the clear winner of this comparison is the AAXA M7. Links to both projectors will be below this blog so go try them out and make the decision for yourself! 

Link: https://aaxatech.com/store/products/M7_pico_projector_store.html

Link:https://www.wemax.com/collections/portable-projector/products/wemax-dice-portable-smart-projector

Comparison Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS8aGilvNL4&t=10s

Kodak Luma 150 Vs. AAXA HP2 Portable Mini Projector Comparison

What features do you look for in a projector? Are you looking for something portable and ready for any occasion? Well if you are, then you’re in the right place. Today we’ll be discussing the Kodak Luma 150 portable projector and AAXA’s HP2 DLP Mini DLP Special FX Halloween Projector. Also before we start off do NOT let its title fool you, this AAXA product is way more than just a Halloween projector. You can use it to watch your favorite movies or share your necessary meeting presentations like any other portable projector, providing quality projection anywhere and anytime. 

For today’s breakdown, we decided to highlight three main categories – image quality, price, and portability.

*Scroll down for shop links of the two mini projectors.

Image Quality

The Kodak Luma 150 offers a native resolution of 840x360p and does not specify what its maximum support is, along with a contrast ratio of 1,500:1. While the AAXA HP2 offers a native resolution of 640x360p with a maximum supported resolution of 1080p full HD resolution along with a contrast ratio of 2,000:1.  On top of that, the Kodak Luma offers a brightness of 50 ANSI Lumens (converted to about 100-110 LED Lumens) while the AAXA HP2 is listed at 100 LED Lumens. All in all these projectors offer very similar key specs when it comes to image quality but see the images below to decide for yourself!

 

 

Portability

Next up  we have Portability; The Kodak Luma 150 weighs in at only 0.3 lbs with the dimensions, 0.87″ x 3.90″ x 3.90″. Whereas the AAXA HP2 projector weighs in at 0.31 lbs with the dimensions 2.75″ x 2.25″ x 2.5″. Once again when it comes to portability, you cannot go wrong with either projector. Both of these devices are extremely light, miniature, and can be used practically anywhere. 

 

Price 

Lastly, we have price; The Kodak Luma 150 is listed at $219.99 MSRP while the AAXA HP2 is listed at $129.99 MSRP. Luckily for those of you interested in AAXA’s HP2 I see it going for even cheaper on Best Buy right now for $20 off at a generous price of $109.99 which I will provide in a link below. Nonetheless when it comes to price, the HP2 offers an unbeatable price at over $90-$100 off (with the current discount).

 

Results

In conclusion, both the Kodak Luma 150 and AAXA’s HP2 DLP Mini DLP Special FX Halloween Projector are outstanding projectors that will get the job done. For key specs like image quality and portability, both these devices are second to none. The only thing the Kodak Luma 150 sacrifices is a little bit more money out of your pocket with the HP2 being over $90 cheaper at MSRP. Although, regardless of which mini projector you decide on they will both give you a bang for your buck. 

Link: Kodak Luma 150 $219.99

Link: AAXA HP2 $119.99

Link for Limited Time Discount Best Buy Deal: AAXA HP2 $109.99

AAXA P6X Pico Projector Vs. Yaber Y31 Mini Projector Comparison

Are you searching for a mini projector that is suitable for you? Something that is versatile and ready for any occasion? If so then you are in the right place, we have reviewed and compared two of the most frequently bought mini projectors on the market. AAXA’s P6X Pico Projector with 4-Hour Battery and 1000 LED Lumens, and the Yaber Y31 Native 1080P Projector. We broke this comparison down into three main categories –  portability, resolution, and brightness. 

*Scroll down for shop links of the two mini projectors.

Portability

Starting off we have Portability; The P6X Pico Projector weighs in at only 1.81 lbs with the dimensions, 6.25″ x 6.2″ x 1.85″. Whereas the Yaber 31 projector weighs in at 5.70 lb with the dimensions 12″ x 9″ x 4.10″. If portability is something you are searching for, then the P6X Pico Projector is your best bet.  Along with its compact size, it also offers battery power, unlike the Yaber Y31.

Resolution

Right up next we have resolution; AAXA’s P6X portable projector’s native resolution starts at 1280×800p, although it can even reach a max resolution of up to 1920×1080p.  The Yaber Y31 projector’s native resolution is 1920×1080P and it is unclear if it is able to go any higher. While the Y31 does beat the P6X’s native resolution, the P6X can still match the Y31 when utilizing its max resolution capability. When it comes to clarity, these two projectors are both safe options.  If a quality image is what you’re searching for, neither of these devices will disappoint.  

Brightness

Last on our list, we have brightness; the P6X Pico Projector offers up to 1100 LED Lumens while plugged in and only sacrifices 100 Lumens to run on Battery mode (1000 Lumens). The Yaber Y31 is said to offer 8000 Lux on their company website but these two measurements are not the same scale. In terms of brightness, both the P6X and Y31 are comparable with the P6X just barely coming out ahead. 

Results

In conclusion, both the AAXA P6X Pico and Yaber’s Y31 are outstanding projectors that will get the job done. Although, if ease of use, convenience, and portability, are what you’re searching for then the P6X is your best bet. Something the P6X offers that the Y31 does not is battery power functionality along with a smaller and more compact frame. Although, regardless of which mini projector you decide on, they are each relatively within the same price range and will both give you a bang for your buck. 

Link: AAXA P6X Pico Projector $359

Link: Yaber Y31 $279.99

Best Projectors for Camping and Outdoor Movies 2021

So, you love hiking and you are a movie lover, what’s more ideal than watching a movie with your family and friends by the campfire? The idea is brilliant yet you might be hesitant to host an outdoor movie night during your trip since the gears you need might add extra weight. The good news is that in 2021, we have seen new portable projectors which are lightweight enough for a fantastic movie night under the stars! Below are the 4 best portable projectors for outdoor movies that we like

  1. XGIMI Halo True 1080p Portable Projector ($799)
Halo

At 1080P Native Full HD Resolution and 800 ANSI Lumens brightness, the XGIMI Halo portable projector is perfect for streaming content and watching movies while camping. The XGIMI Halo Projector is also equipped with 10W Harman Kardon Speakers that would be decent for an indoor movie night. The battery of the XGIMI Halo Projector is advertised to last for 2 hours at maximum. Equipped with Android TV, the XGIMI is capable of providing various streaming apps to the viewers such as Hulu, YouTube, Disney +, HBO Max, and so on. However, this smart feature will not come in handy if you camping in a location where wifi is not available.

Cons: expensive ($799), bulky (4.47 x 5.71 x 6.75 inches), and heavy (3.53lbs)

AAXA Tech M77 Mini Projector Full HD 10180p 20" DIsplay

Like the XGIMI Halo Projector, the new movie projector by AAXA Technologies called M7 Mini Portable Projector is also equipped with Native 1080 Full HD Resolution and it is also 4K FPS Ready. The AAXA M7 also has a better battery life at 3-hour runtime in ECO Mode, and a better brightness at 1200 LED Lumen (650 LED Lumens on battery). At half the price of the XGIMI Halo Projector, the AAXA M7 Projector is smaller (7.3″ x 6.4″ x 1.85”) and lighter (2.99”). The price of the AAXA M7 Mini Projector is fantastic for what it offers. However, the AAXA M7 Projector has less competitive speakers (4 Watts) and no wireless mirroring technologies nor smart features. Hence, you might want to load your movie to a media player such as a flash drive, USB Stick, MicroSD/ TF Card and connect it to the M7 Mini Projector. The AAXA M7 Mini Projector is compatible with HDMI devices such as laptop or Nintendo Switch.

Cons: not “smart”, no horizontal keystone (it has 40-degree vertical keystone)

The AAXA P7 Mini Projector is probably one of the most popular projectors in its category. Measures just 4.7″ x 4.4″ x 2.7″ and 1.48 lbs – the P7 projector fits nicely in your laptop bag or briefcase for business travel and outdoor camping.  This is the most compact projector in our list that has native 1080P Full HD Resolution for an outdoor movie. The AAXA P7 Mini projector has multiple inputs: USB, USB, USB—C for Mirroring, HDMI, Composite AV, and TFCard/ MicroSD. The AAXA P7 projector is cheaper than the AAXA M7 Projector for a reason: its battery lasts only 90-minute and its brightness is also lower (600 LED Lumen).

Cons: not “smart”, no horizontal keystone (it has 40-degree vertical keystone)

 Creativity  Scene 3

Weighing just 104lbs, the Anker Nebula Capsule is the smallest truly portable projector for an outdoor movie in our least. The Anker Nebula Capsule is also slightly more affordable than the other projectors as it costs only $299.99 on Amazon. Notice that its native resolution is quite humble at 480P and its image brightness is just 100 Lumen. Regardless, the Anker Nebula Capsule has various connections: HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

Cons: low brightness, low resolution

4 Reasons Why You Need a Mini Projector for Christmas 2021

Christmas is just around the corner, and it is the happiest time in the year with everything merry and bright. If you are shopping for Christmas sweater parties or family potlucks, check various mini projectors out there. A mini portable projector could add more than a little pinch of magic to your Christmas this year. Below are the top four applications of projectors for Christmas 2021.

Projection-Mapping

source: https://www.videomappingsoftware.com/blog/christmas-projection-mapping/

Projection mapping has been there for years and it is only getting better every year. In every neighborhood, there is always one household with a dazzling light show for holidays. By using a projector, you can easily transform your house into a magical castle. And better yet, sometimes you do not need a big projector – a small projector with a battery like the AAXA M7 could do the job just fine. Check out this How-To: Projection Mapping 101 tutorial video by VanOaks Props

Digital Decorations

Digital Decorations have gained popularity over the last few years. Companies like AtmosFX or Spectral Illusions offer a wide variety of special effects for holiday decorations. If you have been putting holographic ghosts and wraiths on your window every Halloween, consider projecting a Christmas tree, Santa Clause, or Elves for Christmas decorations!

source: https://atmosfx.com/products/christmas-carolers

Or if “window projection” is too mainstream and you are looking for something new and unique, try the Fake Fireplace Projection or Magical Christmas Village – they are magical!

Home Movie Time

Christmas is the perfect time for family and friends to gather around, have delicious food, and watch movies together. Why not celebrate this special time of the year with a bigger screen? Most projectors could achieve a big 100” – 150” screen within a humble throw distance.

Native 4K Ultra HD Projectors for Home Movie:

AAXA 4K1 Mini Projector (Best Budget 4K Projector)

XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K Projector

BenQ HT3550 4K Home Theater Projector

Streaming Content Anywhere, Anytime

Are you traveling this Christmas? The good news is that nowadays, battery-powered projectors do not require a power source to operate, meaning that you can bring your portable project anywhere and watch movies anytime you want. A mini projector like the AAXA P6X weighs about just 2lbs and it fits easily into your backpack, and its battery can last up to 4 hours, which is more than sufficient for any long movies you want to watch on your next vacation to Hawaii.  

4 Projectors To Look Out For This Black Friday!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2021: how to find the best deals - The Verge

With Thanksgiving next week, this brings in some crazy deals for Black Friday! Here are 4 projectors with insane deals this Black Friday!

BenQ TK800M

$999.00 was $1,499.00

The BenQ TK800M is a fantastic projector that sports 4K PROJECTION TECHNOLOGY, DLP Technology, HIGH CONTRAST RATIO, Packed with 3000 Lumens of brightness, and an all-glass 4k-optimized lens Array. For $500 off, this is the perfect gift for someone looking for a high-end full-sized projector!

Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12

Front Zoom. Epson - EpiqVision™ Mini EF12 Smart Streaming Laser Projector with HDR and Android TV - Black and Copper.
$799.99 was $999.99

The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 is a smart projector with Stunning Picture Quality up to 150, Sound by Yamaha, Built-In Android TV, Elegant Compact Design, Epson MicroLaser™ Array Projection Technology, Advanced Scene Adaption Color Correction, 3-Chip Projector Design, Auto Picture Skew & Focus Correction, and Chromecast Built-In. This is easily one of the best smart projectors out on the market to this date! For $200 off, this is for sure a steal!

ONOAYO 5G WiFi Projector 9500L 

$254.98 was $559.99

The Onoayo 9500L is a well-known projector on amazon and it’s on sale for $254.98! This projector has 5.0 Bidirectional Bluetooth & 5G WiFi Projector, Native 1080P & 12000:1 Contrast Ratio, 4-Point Keystone Correction & ZOOM Function & Backpack Included. A great addition for an on-road projector for wireless usage!

LG PF50KA

Front Zoom. LG - PF50KA 1080p Wireless Smart DLP Portable Projector - White.
$529.99 was $649.99

The LG PF50KA is a classic take on standard projectors, but this time making them smart! Only weighing 2.2 lbs, Wireless capability, DLP image technology, 600 Lumens of brightness, 100,00:1 contrast ratio, 1080p native resolution, dual HDMI inputs, and 2.5 hours battery life. This is the perfect projector for outdoor home theaters when paired with a projector screen!

Halloween Projector: AAXA HP2 Halloween Projector

Want to try something new for Halloween this year that is fun and creative at the same time? Well, AAXA Technologies AAXA HP2 Halloween Projector, is the perfect little cat-shaped projector for Halloween. This bluetooth projector is great with pairing with different types of bluetooth audio devices, allowing for easy bluetooth connection. Partnering with Spectral Illusions, the HP2 includes 5 Halloween movies featuring: Phantom Wraith, Blow the Man Down, Ghost of Prudence Primm, Electric Specters, and Phantom of the Park with more available for download at Spectralillusions.com.  

Turn your yard into a frightening haunt with a specially designed Semi-Transparent Mesh Screen that is suitable for LED light sources, making your scary projections more realistic in comparison to normal screens. Mesh Screen not included with the HP2. You can purchase the AAXA Semi-Transparent Screen separately.

Check out the Review and Unboxing video on the HP2.

AAXA Technologies’ HP1 Halloween Projector!

AAXA Technologies just released their latest projector, and just in time for Halloween! Their new HP 1 Halloween Projector is a great addition for people who like to go all out on their Halloween decorations. This week we’re going to give you the insider scoop on the HP 1!

AAXA Technologies has teamed up with digital effects studio, Spectral Illusions, to create this terrifyingly cool projector. The HP 1 sports a sleek design, rechargeable 4-hour long battery, 100 LED Lumens, HDMI input Mirroring, USB-C Mirroring, and Bluetooth speaker functionality! Most projectors nowadays are equipped with standard 2W speakers that don’t do the job. The speaker on the HP 1 is a 10W speaker with Bluetooth 5.0 and 24-hour runtime fully charged!

This has to be one of the best projectors for Halloween because it comes preloaded with five of Spectral Illusions’ scary digital effects! Using the projector and their Semi-Transparent Mesh Screens, you can make your windows, hallways, and pathways spooky! What makes this even better is that you can also mirror your compatible devices and use your own designs/ effects as well.

Five (5) Preloaded Scary Videos - From Phantom Wraith, Blow the Man Down, Ghost of Prudence Primm, Electric Specters, and the Phantom of the Park

Here’s a link to Spectral Illusions’ where you can see some of their amazing work: https://www.spectralillusions.com/

Here are a couple of links to where you can get the HP1:
AAXA
Amazon