Formovie Theater UST 4K laser projector hands-on evaluation: Great photo quality at a high cost

Like a lot of ultra-short toss (UST) projectors, the Theater is relatively big. At 55 x 34.92 x 10.75 cm (217 x 13.7 x 4.2 in), it uses up a fair bit of area. Compared to other UST projectors, however, the Theater is reasonably compact. For contrast, the Xgimi Aura is 606 x 40.1 x 14.0 cm (239 x 15.8 x 5.5 in); the Theater is approximately 60% the size of the Xgimi. Thinking about UST projectors should sit near the wall onto which they forecast, a deep rack or counter is required for the setup. If area is an issue, the Theater might minimize a few of that stress and anxiety as its rack can be significantly much shorter than one required for a lot of rivals.

The Theater weighs in at 9.8 kg (216 pounds), which has to do with 1 kg lighter than the Xgimi Aura and on the lighter side of other UST projectors.

Like many other projectors at this cost point, the Theater is constructed out of plastic. It feels sturdy and largely built with a robust general quality. The shell feels thick and durable. All stated, I do not have anything to grumble about with regard to the projector’s case. It’s a reliable device that ought to last rather a long period of time.

The Formovie Theater can predict 4K images at approximately 2800 ANSI lumens. Compared to the Xgimi Aura, the light in the Theater is 17% more vibrant, though it’s challenging to see a discernable distinction at these levels. Like all projectors, the Theater still experiences contrast and forecasting a brilliant adequate image. It works well in dark environments or during the night, however even the smallest little bit of sunshine through a slit in the blinds can rinse the image. The surface area onto which the image is predicted can likewise make a distinction; a devoted projector screen or flat wall is more effective as any texture reveals through relatively quickly.

The DLP projector utilizes a 0.47- inch XP digital micromirror gadget (DMD) from Texas Instruments (TI). Per TI, the micromirror selection is just 1920 x1080, however it moves through 4 1080 p images at 240 Hz. The resulting image is 3840 x2160 at 60 Hz. In my experience, the projector is extremely crisp, especially provided the size of the images the Theater produces (as much as 150 inches). Even at the bigger end, the photo stays clear (mainly). There are some cautions.

The most significant defect I discovered is that the predicted image gets blurred along the edges. No matter how I focused the image, the edges constantly had a smudgy quality to them. This was no matter the surface area behind the image; the border (especially along the leading edge) was never ever as crisp as the center of the image.

Another concern I experienced handled keystone correction. The Theater offers 4- or 8-point keystone correction, and while it works well, there was a bend along the top-right border that I might never ever correct. This is regardless of establishing the Theater in 4 various environments, changing the leg heights through the side knob, and adjusting keystone correction for half an hour each time; that bend continued. This might be a problem with my specific system, so I will not fault Formovie here, however it is something to keep an eye out for.

The greatest strength of the Theater is its broad color protection and outstanding color recreation. Formovie declares the projector covers 107% of the BT.2020 color range, though I can not objectively determine that claim. What I can state is that colors look exceptional, a minimum of after some calibration. Out of package, the Theater looks a bit rinsed and fades compared to the Xgimi Aura. After taking some time to change color levels, gamma, and the like, the projector looks excellent. Of specific note are vibrant scenes with high contrast (believe animations and computer game, see the images above); these sort of scenes look gorgeous.

Formovie even more declares the Theater supports HDR10+, however I do not believe that’s precise. Requirement HDR10 material looked rinsed and contrast was doing not have, even in dark environments, so while the projector might technically support HDR10+, I believe the experience is doing not have compared to HDR10+ material on a TELEVISION. This is a recognized drawback to projectors, as contrast is usually lower due to the nature of forecasted images compared to a backlit television.

Overall, the photo quality is outstanding, however there are some little however irritating peculiarities. While these might not trouble many people, when you see them, they’ll scold you through your film.

The Theater has 2 15 Watt Bowers & & Wilkins-branded speakers. The speakers get extremely loud (approximately 90 dB from about 6 feet away) however stay clear at max volume. There is no discernable rattle or distortion. Bass is really complete, though highs are a little weak. Sound leans a little bass-heavy, however the general noise profile is great and makes for an abundant film experience. The projector is Dolby Atmos-certified if you wish to utilize an external noise setup, though the speakers suffice by themselves.

The Theater runs Android 11 television and supports all the anticipated apps with one vital exception: Netflix. Other streaming services (e.g., Disney+, Hulu, YouTube) work perfectly, and some easy video games (like Crossy Road) are readily available. Formovie advises utilizing an external streaming stick like a Fire Television Stick for Netflix, although there are other techniques to get the app packed onto the projector. (As a fascinating aside, Xgimi supplies directions for side-loading Netflix on the Aura and its other wise projectors).

Like other UST projectors, the Theater consists of a preventative system to shut down the laser if it finds a body close by to avoid eye damage. This system isn’t switched on by default, so moms and dads ought to allow this setting when they initially established the projector. Focus and keystone change are manual, which is great considering that the Theater isn’t meant to be moved when its established. It likewise has a Chromecast developed into it, and streaming to this Chromecast is problem-free.

The Formovie Theater includes whatever you ‘d require for a high-end house theater experience other than the seats and popcorn. It provides outstanding image quality with wonderful color depth and an abundant noise experience, all in a reasonably little bundle. There are simply a couple of sticking points that keep me from advising it, however.

For one, the variety of little inconveniences (like the blurred edges, the unequal leading border, and the absence of Netflix assistance) amount to a rather discouraging experience. These might be concerns with my evaluation system, however at this rate point (US$3499 since press time), I ‘d anticipate more polish.

Is the Formovie Theater worth its expense? Presently, no. If you can capture it on sale for under US$ 3,000, it’s a quite darn great projector.

That about summarize my experience with the Formovie Theater: rough around the edges. The item strikes some high notes however mostly feels incomplete. There are other 4K UST projectors from heavy players like LG and Samsung at or listed below this rate point, and they do not have these little quibbles impeding them. Maybe the greatest hazard to the Formovie Theater is from competing Xgimi. The Aura has practically whatever the Theater has, albeit with smaller sized color protection and a bigger shell. It’s US$500 less expensive than the Theater ($1000 more affordable with a voucher readily available at the time of composing), and I do not believe the benefits the Theater has actually warrant the increased expense.