#blackviewmax1

Of course, the rapid development of chips significantly expands the capabilities of modern digital gadgets. As a consequence, leading companies are constantly expanding the functionality of their devices. Of course, smartphones top this list. Today, the choice of the optimal smartphone directly depends on its functionality. For example, the improvement of LEDs and laser LEDs has allowed engineers to actively use them as light sources for projectors. As a result, in 2009 Samsung introduced the first smartphone with a projector function.

Samsung Galaxy Beam

At CES 2009, Samsung introduced the first W7900 model with a projector. The integrated projection module provided 480 x 320 resolution with Lumen Output up to 10 ANSI lm. In 2010, the company introduced the first smartphone in the Galaxy Beam series. The nominal brightness of the built-in DLP projector in the Galaxy Beam GT-I8520 also reached 15 ANSI lm. Of course, such a low brightness could not provide acceptable image quality. In 2012, the company offered an improved Samsung Galaxy Beam 1 or GT-I8530 model. Its projector also had a brightness of 15 ANSI lm at nHD resolution (640 x 360). This model provided a fairly clear 50" image. But already in 2014 the company introduced the Samsung Galaxy Beam 2 or SM-G3858 model with a brightness of 20 ANSI lm at 800 x 480 resolution. Of course, these features do not correspond to the home theater, but significantly surpass the specs of previous models. In 2017, the company announced the Samsung Galaxy Beam 3 with built-in qHD laser projector and support up to 1080 x 1920 resolution. But, of course, qHD is not a typo from "QHD resolution". As known, QHD is an abbreviation of Quad HD, which, in turn, corresponds to WQHD (2560 x 1440) resolution. qHD is an abbreviation of Quarter HD and corresponds to 960 x 540 resolution. Today, many budget smartphones use it. Unfortunately, in recent years, Samsung has reduced its activity in this segment.

Moviphone

At CES 2018 Wireless Mobi Solution, Inc. (WMS, San Diego, CA) introduced its Moviphone smartphone with a built-in projector. This laser pico projector delivers 1280 x 720 resolution (HD or 720p) on a 100” screen with brightness up to 50 ANSI lm. In addition, the 3700 mAh battery provides just over 3 hours of projector time. A special app provides control and testing. It showed real brightness in the range of 30-60 ANSI lm at 1280 x 720 resolution. Of course, these are quite high values for a digital gadget. This model uses: - a powerful eight-core MT6750 processor; - 4 GB of RAM; - slot for expanding memory up to 128 GB; - two cameras with resolutions of 13 and 8 megapixels, respectively. Movi Smartphone comes with the latest Android 7.0 Nougat. Moreover, model can project 3D movies. Additionally, model supports MediaTek Sense ID technology for biometrics fingerprint powered. Unfortunately, the company only offers a Limited Warranty. Today, eBay offers Moviphone for $ 599.00.

Blackview Max 1

As known, Blackview first introduced the Max 1 with an integrated laser projector at Global Sources Hong Kong 2018. As known, this projector uses Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology. Probably, this model can claim the status of the first smartphone with the function of supporting a full-fledged projector. In any case, today Max 1 provides maximum image quality in this mode. In addition, the model supports almost all the basic functions of a modern projector. Max 1 provides a 70-inch picture with 1920 x 1080 resolution at a distance of about two meters. Of course, the package includes a tripod. The battery charge provides up to five hours playback, depending on the brightness. In addition, in projector mode, the smartphone provides some settings, including brightness, color inversion mode, etc. Additionally, in this mode the smartphone automatically turns off the display to reduce energy consumption. Moreover,The projection quality on a white surface (wall, ceiling or table) corresponds to a fairly high level. In addition, the projector supports autofocus and auto keystone correction ± 30 °. Unfortunately, the brightness of 50 ANSI lm does not provide high gradations of gray. Therefore, the image quality depends significantly on the ambient light and requires dimming the room. However, this is quite normal for a pico model. PROS - many accessories; - stylish design; - convenient tripod; - good specs. CONS - glossy glass body - user interface is not optimal; - no 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth still on 4.1. Today, this model leads the majority of top listings in this segment and costs from $ 440.

Conclusion

As known, companies have been developing projectors with LED semiconductor light sources, including LEDs and laser LEDs for more than 10 years. But LED projectors make the image too pale due to low brightness. Of course, laser models can easily provide almost any brightness. For example, the Christie 4K D4KLH60 provides from 5,000 to 60,000 lm using 3-chip DLP technology and 1 to 12 laser modules as the light source. But they are very expensive, mainly because of the green laser LEDs. Of course, companies have found a solution to this problem. For example, some Casio projectors with hybrid light sources use a blue laser instead of a green laser LED that shines on a green phosphor. In this case, the blue laser simultaneously forms blue and green. But such projectors use a rotating color wheel. Finally, a few years ago, manufacturers were able to offer fairly bright LED projectors (1000 ANSI lm). But the lack of Full HD matrices has become a new obstacle. Then they suddenly appeared in LG. From this point on, the LED projector segment began to grow rapidly. Its leaders began models LG PF1000U (1000 lm, 1920x1080) and PF1500G (1500 lm, 1920x1080). In fact, the LG PF1000U can be positioned as the first Ultra Short Throw (UST) Full HD home theater projector.

LG PF1000UW

LG PF1000U can be classified by functionality as a portable 80" flat panel TV. It weighs under 5 lbs. Its ultra short throw of 0.31:1 (D:W) provides high contrast full HD 1080p images up to 100" diagonal. More precisely, 100"@15 inch (from back side to screen). Moreover, projector has a built-in VHF and UHF TV tuner and some smart TV apps like Netflix, VUDU, and YouTube. This model provides excellent picture quality when viewing in a darkened room at screen ut to 100". Of course, the relatively low brightness limits its capabilities in terms of screen size. Picture quality corresponds to a very high level at 60" diagonal, it solid and engaging at 80", and at 100" the contrast starts to decrease. According to the company, the model provides the declared quality for 60"-100" diagonal and this corresponds to reality. But, of course, external lighting significantly reduces contrast. In this case, a high-quality image requires darkening the room or reducing the size of the screen. Additionally, the image has almost no DLP rainbow artifacts. Of course, all these factors ensured the model enormous popularity. In 2017, the company released the LG PF1000UA and the LG PF1000UW projectors. White LG PF1000UA with connecting to the game console, BluRay player, laptop or other devices using an HDMI cable supports Bluetooth Sound Out. LG PF1000UW with LG's exclusive Smart TV platform supports devices running Android and Windows OS (Android Ice Cream Sandwich, Jellybean, and KitKat and Windows versions 7 / 8 / 8.1). In fact, the significant expansion of Smart-features was its main difference and advantage compared to LG PF1000U.

Features

The design of the projector provides a compartment with a recess for the lens and a reflective mirror that reliably protects them from accidental mechanical damage. Model provides exellent Full HD resolution. Enough large sizes can also be considered an advantage. Controversial, but popular trend of miniaturization requires a powerful fan for efficient cooling. Of, course, it usually has a fairly high noise level that significantly reduces the viewing comfort in the maximum brightness mode, especially in a small room. LG slightly increased the size and successfully solved this problem. Its noise level does not exceed of 21 dB in Eco mode. For comparison, projectors with similar specs have a noise level of about 30 dB. Audio also corresponds to a high level. The projector has two 3 W speakers and provides three ways of connecting to the external devices, including traditional wired 3.5mm jack, fiber optic output and Bluetooth wireless technology. Lens with ultra-short focus (throw ratio 0.31:1 (D:W)) provides Image Size of 152 - 254 cm at throw distance 0.4 - 0.7 m (100"@15 inch). Screen Share function supports wireless image transmission with sound via WiDi (Intel) and Miracast (Android) protocols when connected to the PCs, smartphones or tablets. Moreover, additional Magic Mobile Connection and Magic Zoom functions, and the new Magic Remote control also greatly expand the model functionality. For example, Magic Zoom enlarges the image on the screen without losing quality, and Magic Mobile Connection provides access to mobile apps.

PROS & CONS