If you want to have a small home theater at home using a projector or projector instead of a TV screen to get the feel of a real movie theater, how much budget do you think you’ll need?
If it was in the era before the year 2000, I understand that it might cost hundreds of thousands of baht or close to hundreds of thousands of baht. But over the years, with the development of modern technology, owning a home theater projector has become quite accessible. But in most cases, it may still require tens of thousands of baht (about 2-30,000 baht).
Nowadays, a number of manufacturers are offering home theater projectors at incredibly affordable prices, that is, less than 10,000 baht. For example, the Wanbo X5 from a Chinese manufacturer is sold in Priced at only 8,990 baht, it will be interesting to see how well it will meet the needs of use in this budget?
Features and design
According to the manufacturer, Wanbo X5 is the brand’s latest projector with flagship innovations. In order to be ready to convey sharpness and natural colors. Including sound quality from the built-in speakers with an output power of 5Wx2
In terms of image system, Wanbo The colors of the picture are more realistic and natural. Including technology to project images through all glass-coated lenses.
Wanbo Uses include an automatic focus adjustment system with an AI system that automatically focuses when activated (AI Auto Focus).
The projection system has a highly sensitive lens that can automatically adjust focus and maintain a sharp image even if the unit is moved. There is also a system to help correct distorted images automatically (Auto Keystone correction) to make it easier to find the placement position.
Wanbo Both 16:9 and 4:3 models come with 1GB of memory and 16GB of built-in storage. Connect to the network via Wi-Fi 6 wireless (dual band).
Wanbo X5 runs on the Android 9 operating system, supports streaming in various formats and can also download apps. You can use it more later. In addition to streaming, the projector can play multimedia files including documents from the USB 2.0 input or receive video and audio signals via the HDMI and AV IN outputs.
In addition, the machine is also designed with Wanbo’s innovative dual vortex cooling channels and intelligent temperature control system. Can dissipate heat and reduce noise while the machine is working. Comes with a dust filter that can be removed for easy cleaning.
Wanbo X5 is now available for purchase at 8,990 baht. Can be ordered at Shopee / Lazada / TikTok and Nocnoc
Usage and connection
First of all, we have to admit that the Wanbo X5 is an affordable projector that looks as beautiful in real life as it does in the pictures we see. Pearl white body The design is simple, elegant and modern. Friendly appearance The top of the device has a number of control buttons. But ready to be operated from a distance with an infrared remote control that is beautifully designed and more convenient to use than the buttons on the machine.
There is a foldable stand under the base of the projector. When unfolded, the elevation angle can be adjusted to 2 levels. The projector’s elevation angle can be adjusted up to 12 degrees. The unit is quite compact. The device’s body proportions are approximately 265mm x 235mm x 119mm, weight approximately 3,020 grams, and can be moved or carried fairly easily.
When it comes to the Wanbo X5’s physical layout, we found there aren’t many options. This is because the unit must only be placed on a table, shelf, or flat surface. Although the unit supports ceiling-mounted projection, it requires separate accessories and professional installation.
In addition, when looking up the machine with the stand, it was found that it could only be adjusted in two levels. The flexibility of installation is still inferior to a projector like the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF 12, both in terms of the feet that adjust the angle of elevation much more finely. Mounting points for ceiling installation Or that projecting onto the ceiling is much more convenient because there are no various connectors on the back of the unit.
In addition, we found that when projecting on an 80-inch screen, to place the unit as perpendicular to the screen as possible, we needed to place the unit approximately 3.20 meters away from the screen. That means that in a general bedroom that is not very spacious, it might There are some limitations in placement if you want to project on a large screen.
Initially, we found that the autofocus adjustment system can be done quickly in only 2-3 seconds and is accurate. As for keystone adjustment, we found that when adjusting in manual mode, it is more convenient and satisfying, especially when the projected image has more. The distortion is quite large due to the limited placement.
In actual use, it was found that the cooling fan was able to dissipate heat well. But the fan sound is not as quiet as you think. (Approximately turn on the air fan at full power.) If used only as a monitor and recording sound, the fan sound may be heard through the microphone. But if it is watching content with the sound turned on at the general loudness level. The sound of the speakers is enough to drown out the sound of the fan.
When we tried it out, we were quite impressed with the user-friendly menus and functionality. You don’t have to read the manual to use it. (For people who have played with something like this before) entering and exiting the various settings menus works reasonably quickly. Not so sluggish that you want to throw away the remote But it’s not as flashy as high-end smart TVs. Except in some menus in the app That requires changing the operation of the remote control to work like a mouse. Using it, it may cause you to wonder why it can’t be operated directly from the normal buttons on the remote.
The Wi-Fi 6 internet connection is fast, strong, and really works. Connect and play the app. Streaming to watch movies is convenient. What’s interesting is that Wanbo X5 alone can use apps. All popular streaming options are available, including YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, or HBO Max.
In addition to casting from Android devices or smartphones, we also found that Wanbo X5 also supports screen mirroring from iOS, iPadOS, or macOS devices (choose Eshare-6512). This means that we can use the device Projecting this model helps act as a teaching media. Use to present work or accompanying lectures wirelessly No need for complicated video cables to connect.
Image and sound
First of all, I must praise the built-in speakers that are included in this projector. The built-in speakers sound great for watching chat content, such as listening to AV Tech Guide live shows. The sound is loud, clear, and very lifelike. Or use it for general presentations and get good sound quality. But if you use it to watch movies or general video clips Adding external speakers may make the experience even more enjoyable.
Now coming to the images obtained from the Wanbo X5, it must be said that the feelings of the reviewers were mixed, both in the parts that were not impressed and in the parts that were impressed. First of all, although the projector itself can stream content directly, it still has some limitations.
We have tried using the main apps such as YouTube and Netflix that are directly on the projector. We found that on YouTube, the highest resolution was only 1080p, while the Netflix app on the device itself did not display content. HD or HDR means that people who use Netflix, if they use the built-in app to project directly, the image will not be as detailed as it should be.
Also, controlling playback with the remote isn’t as flexible as on devices like Apple TV 4K or on newer smart TVs. Some operations require using the remote control in mouse mode instead.
As for Picture Mode, we found that the Vivid picture mode produced a more interesting overall picture, while the Standard mode had colors seem a bit dull, especially when streaming from the app. directly into the projector
We tried connecting an external source, such as an Apple TV 4K box, to the Wanbo X5 via the HDMI input and tried streaming various content directly from the Apple TV 4K. Clearly improved And there are fewer restrictions on accessing content.
For example, when streaming from YouTube, we can choose to watch 4K (2160p) content at 2160p resolution, not to mention controlling it with a remote control that is much more convenient.
While streaming Netflix, which can access HD content (but doesn’t display HDR), helps the Wanbo X5 project onto an 80-inch screen with significantly more detail. Therefore, anyone who already has a good quality streaming box would like to try using it with this projector. Because it will allow the projector to release its full potential.
Another impressive part is that the Wanbo X5 is a budget projector that has bright enough images to be used as a home theater projector. It’s not as bright as the 3LCD laser projector Epson EpiqVision Mini EF 12 that we’ve reviewed before, though.
Who is Wanbo X5 suitable for?
This is a budget projector that is versatile in use. It can withstand a certain amount of light so it can be used in rooms with some light, such as presentations in conference rooms or seminars. On the other hand, it can be used as a projector for a small home theater within the house. You can get it in a budget without having to think too much.
For viewing content through various streaming systems, built-in streaming apps are quite comprehensive. It’s popular and considered usable. That is, it’s easy to watch and enjoy without having to invest any more. But to get even more enjoyment, anyone who already has a good streaming box should connect it to use with Wanbo X5. Now you can watch movies, watch concerts, or clips of your favorite shows. It will make this projector even more worthwhile.
Therefore, anyone who has ever thought that having a movie theater in their home that gives the feeling of a real movie theater is beyond their reach. We’d like to say that today the Wanbo X5 is now within your reach.
distribution
Wanbo X5 is now available for purchase at 8,990 baht. Can be ordered at Shopee / Lazada / TikTok and Nocnoc
Tags: multipurpose projector affordable price Watch movies big screen Connect WiFi stream movies
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