Episode One Mini Projector: Can a 300 ANSI 1080P Portable Projector truly deliver a home theater experience?

dino_spored

New member
When it comes to projectors, the market is saturated with options that often promise the world but fail to deliver when it matters most. Enter the Xming Episode One Mini Projector—a device that claims to blend portability, stunning visuals, and smart technology into a compact package. But does it actually live up to these claims?

At first glance, the idea of a projector that supports 4K and runs on Google TV sounds appealing, especially for those who value a streamlined setup. However, with so many gadgets vying for our attention, we need to ask: Is this mini projector genuinely worth your investment, or is it just another flashy device that will end up collecting dust?

Join me as we unpack the features, performance, and potential pitfalls of the Episode One, exploring whether it can truly elevate your home viewing experience or if it's just another overhyped gadget in a crowded market. Let’s dive in.

Spec​

Parameter
Episode One Mini Projector Portable Projector​
Picture​
EpisodeOneMiniProjectorPortableProjector.jpg
Reference Price​
$198​
Recommended Uses​
Education, Home Cinema, Gaming, Business​
Built-In Media​
Power Cord, Warranty Card​
Highlight​
✨【Ultra-Compact Design】The Xming Episode One Smart Projector is designed for portability and convenience with its compact dimensions of 122x141x175mm and a lightweight build of just 1.25 kg. Easily take it from room to room or on the go for versatile use.
✨【Stunning Full HD Projection】Experience crystal-clear images with a high resolution of 1920x1080, supporting a versatile projection size range from 40 to 120 inches. The 1.2:1 throw ratio ensures flexible placement options for your home theater setup.
✨【Smart and Intuitive】Running on Google TV, this projector offers a seamless streaming experience with access to a wide array of apps and content. Effortlessly browse and watch your favorite shows and movies directly on the big screen.
✨【Advanced Image Correction】Featuring auto-focus and omni-directional auto-keystone correction, the Xming Episode One delivers perfectly aligned and sharp images, regardless of where you place the projector.
✨【Efficient and Quiet Operation】With a total power consumption of just ≤65W and standby power below 0.5W, it is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Enjoy a quiet viewing experience with noise levels as low as <30dB at temperatures under 30°C.
Screen Size​
50 Inches - 120 Inches​
Throw Distance​
1.3 Meters - 3 Meters​
Contrast Ratio​
1500:1 Pixels​
Maximum Resolution​
1920 x 1080 Pixels​
Native Resolution​
1920 x 1080​
Brightness​
300 lumen​
Display Type​
LCD​
Picture Enhancement​
NTSC 38% Color Gamut​
Video Encoding​
H.265 or VP9​
Controller Type​
Button Control​
Control Method​
Remote​
Wattage​
65 watts​
Connectivity Technology​
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI
Hardware Connectivity​
USB, Bluetooth 5​
Compatible Devices​
Laptop, Smartphone, TV Stick​
Other Features​
Dust-Proof, Portable, Digital Keystone Correction, Auto Focus, 3d-Ready​
L x W x H​
4.8"L x 5.6"W x 6.9"H​
Item Weight​
1.25 Kilograms​

System Experience​

I just received this projector about half an hour ago, and I have to say, the setup process was surprisingly straightforward. I was really impressed with how quickly it booted up and how intuitive the interface felt, especially with Google TV integrated right out of the box. It allowed me to dive straight into my favorite streaming apps without any hassle. The only minor hiccup was my initial expectation for a stand; I thought one was included based on the promotional images, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Still, the compact design of the projector itself fits perfectly in my space, which is a plus.

Viewing Experience​

As for the picture quality, I'm really enjoying what I'm seeing so far. The colors appear vibrant and realistic—not overly saturated, which can sometimes be a turn-off for me. Although it's not 4K, I can confidently say that the clarity is impressive, especially for the price point. I do wish the brightness was a bit higher, though; 300 lumens feels a little limiting, especially if there's any ambient light in the room. I can only imagine how much better it could be if it had a bit more lumens to work with.

Other Experience​

One thing that stands out for me is how silently the projector runs. I really appreciate that I can focus on the content without being distracted by fan noise. The auto-focus and auto keystone features have been seamless, making adjustments a breeze. I also love that it supports various apps, including VLC, which I rely on for streaming from my NAS. It feels like a well-rounded media experience, and I'm eager to connect it to my ROG Ally to see how that enhances the performance.

Conclusion​

Pros:
There are definitely some highlights worth mentioning. The price is phenomenal for the value you're getting—around $210 for a projector that includes Google TV is hard to beat. The build quality feels robust, and the sleek, modern design fits right into my decor. Additionally, having quick access to my favorite streaming services and the option to improve sound quality with Bluetooth speakers is a major plus.

Cons:
On the downside, the sound could be more powerful. While the built-in speakers do a decent job, they don't deliver much bass and can be a bit quiet for my taste, especially in larger rooms. The brightness is another concern; even a little ambient light can wash out the image, which is something I wish had been addressed with a brighter lamp. And of course, the absence of a stand was a bit disappointing since I had anticipated that it would be included.

Overall Evaluation:
Overall, I'm really pleased with this projector. Despite a few drawbacks, it has exceeded my expectations in terms of functionality and ease of use. The picture quality is solid, and the integration with Google TV has made streaming a breeze. I'm excited to see how my experience evolves over the next week, especially when I connect it to my gaming setup. I can definitely see this becoming a staple in my entertainment setup, and I’m looking forward to sharing more updates as I dive deeper into using it.
 

Astro51450

New member
¡La integración con Android TV es una maravilla! Si ya usabas Chromecast, te va a encantar. La calidad de imagen es impresionante y el sonido también está de lujo; puedes incluso conectarle una bocina Bluetooth y mejorar aún más la experiencia. Mi única queja sería el brillo de la lámpara; cualquier luz pequeña puede afectar la imagen, pero bueno, por el precio que pagas, se puede pasar. En general, es una compra buenísima. ¡No te lo pienses!
 
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