I finally found a 4K projector worthy of replacing my TV – and it's the brightest one I've tested
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- It affords sharp and vibrant image high quality that is effectively above its price ticket.
- New gimbal design is handy and straightforward to setup.
- Minimal port choice is perhaps an issue for some
extra shopping for decisions
The Xgimi Horizon S Max is likely one of the brightest projectors I’ve examined. It consists of my favourite design ingredient from the JMGO N-series of projectors, which makes it straightforward to plug, arrange, and play. I am additionally keen on the shape issue and performance; whereas it builds upon the bodily limitations of the predecessor, one software program hindrance will annoy you.
Or perhaps a number of, relying in your use case. With that being stated, I nonetheless just like the Horizon S Max, and this is why it is best to take into account it.
I like the brand new design
In contrast to the Horizon Extremely, the brand new Xgimi projector comes with a built-in rotating stand, so that you need not spend further on a stand to carry the projector. It is similar to the one you’ll find on the JMGO N1 Extremely and the newly-launched N1S Final. Personally, I like it as a result of it is very simple to regulate the display screen placement — each vertically (135 levels) and horizontally (360 levels). Additionally, the mounting system is stable and stays on the angle you set it until you join a heavy HDMI cable that pulls it down.
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The brand new Xgimi projector retains the sliding cowl on the entrance. Other than trying elegant, it protects the lens from attracting mud. On the again, you may discover two USB 2.0 ports and an HDMI (eARC) port. The port scenario sees a downgrade from the Horizon Extremely, which had one other HDMI port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and an ethernet port, along with those current on the Horizon S Max.
The shortage of a 3.5mm audio jack means I could not join my Marshall Stanmore 2 for sound, whereas one HDMI port means you’ll be able to both join a soundbar or a gaming console. Most rival projectors have a 3.5mm audio port and two HDMI ports. It is a minimal port choice alongside the ability button and warmth vents on the again.
Oh, so vivid!
The Xgimi Horizon S Max encompasses a twin mild supply that brings the brightness up from 2,300 lumens on the Horizon Extremely to three,100 lumens. The display screen dimension can broaden as much as 200 inches with a throw ratio of 1.2:1. In my expertise, I’ve discovered it brighter and extra detailed than the JMGO N1 Extremely and on par with the dearer N1S Final.
I’ve loved my time with the Horizon S Max. The keystone correction is faster and extra dependable than its predecessor. It is also faster at adjusting the image on any floor and autofocus.
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Nonetheless, I nonetheless pull the curtains if I energy it on in the course of the day, however it’s vivid sufficient to be seen in mild. The display screen is vibrant, colourful, and immersive. You may undoubtedly get pleasure from watching films on it. Once I had it projected on a pink wall, it did not have an effect on the image high quality — because of a brand new characteristic that adjusts the colour steadiness of the image primarily based on wall colour.
Just like the Horizon Extremely, the Horizon S Max comes with assist for MEMC, Dolby Imaginative and prescient, and a recreation mode for diminished latency. Watching Dolby Imaginative and prescient content material with various lighting is an immersive expertise and It is also elevated by the nice speaker setup, which sounds louder than anticipated.
Xgimi Horizon S Max ports
Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
I’ve my Stanmore 2 related to the JMGO N1S Final as a result of it would not get loud sufficient however the twin 12W drivers on the Horizon S Max are sufficient for a small room. So, you would not require an exterior speaker. However, I am disillusioned that there is no audio port for my speaker and I’ve to attach a soundbar by HDMI if I need to elevate the sound expertise.
In my expertise, navigating on the Android TV 11-based Horizon S Max software program was easy. However, there have been occasions once I observed a lag between distant enter and the UI. As for the distant, it is well-built, but it lacks fast motion buttons that permit one press to go to your favourite streaming apps.
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It took me just some minutes to pair the distant, arrange my Google accounts, and obtain my desired apps. Horizon S Max homes 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage onboard, which is powered by quad Cortex A55 cores. You additionally get built-in Chromecast assist, Bluetooth 5.1, and WiFi 5 for wi-fi connectivity.
One annoyance from final 12 months that continues to be is the absence of Netflix assist. You may’t run the native Netflix app on the Horizon S Max. That is stunning as a result of rivals like JMGO fastened this subject with the most recent N1S lineup. You may nonetheless run Netflix with a streaming stick, however the lack of Netflix assist may very well be a deal breaker for a lot of.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
At $1,900, the Xgimi Horizon S Max options higher picture high quality than its opponents. It rivals the $2,500+ JMGO N1S Final and it is higher than the similarly-priced JMGO N1 Extremely. I like the brand new design with an built-in gimbal-like stand. It makes the projector very handy to arrange and play. Nonetheless, the shortage of port choice and Netflix assist might counter that comfort.
Moreover, the Xgimi Horizon S Max affords wonderful picture high quality and sound. The person interface is manageable and I’ve loved watching films on it. So, if in case you have a price range of $2,000 and need a projector purely for its picture high quality, the Xgimi Horizon S Max is a simple suggestion.
Xgimi is providing a dongle and stand with the acquisition of the Horizon S Max as a part of its Black Friday sale. The free dongle solves the no-Netflix subject as a result of you should use the streaming service by plugging it into the projector.
