True Full HD projector with built-in apps and media player
$349; www.amazon.com/Philips-NeoPix-Projector-Built-Player/dp/B08HZ59WLM/
When the pandemic hit last March, American families were forced to get creative to stay entertained during the lockdowns. Movie projectors became a viable option for many families, especially the budget-friendly models. Projecting a movie onto a large white screen at family gatherings, outdoor neighborhood block parties (modeled after drive-in movie theaters), backyard BBQs or even in the man cave became a prime source of entertainment for many. In fact our neighborhood organized a movie night at the park last summer, when they showed the movie “Spies in Disguise” and the kids loved it.
Enter Philips and its new line of budget-friendly movie projectors, offering HD viewing, numerous connectivity options, and movie streaming channels (whether via the Philips OS or Android TV). The new NeoPix Ultra 2 home projector (model NPX642/INT) is the perfect combination of budget friendly price, plus great options.
The Ultra 2 delivers entertainment for movie nights or video game sessions at 720p HD up to 80-inches and True Full HD at up to 65 inches respectively. It uses a lamp-free LED light engine optimized to last more than 30,000 hours. In layman’s terms, that means you won’t need to replace it for 20 years, even if it’s used 4 hours per day.
It also comes equipped with the Philips OS with preloaded apps like Netflix and Youtube. Philips is promising brand new features and extra apps via Wi-Fi, so time will tell how much they’ll support their OS. Worst case, you can pop an Amazon Firestick or a Roku stick into the HDMI port to add additional streaming channels.
The Ultra 2 features dual band Wi-Fi connectivity, which brings you the speed you need to stream all of your content. There is also an impressively robust built-in speaker system (2 x 5 watts) that delivers ample theater sound with equalization and surround sound.
There is also a 3.5 audio jack that will allow you to connect any headphones or external powered speakers, including sound bars.
If you want to display home movies or photos from your last vacation, you can access the integrated Media Player: Browse, watch all of your videos, listen to your own music mix or share your latest holiday photos. With numerous input options (HDMI, USB, VGA and MICROSD), you can connect multimedia devices such as set top boxes, PC, MAC, gaming consoles and as well as third-party devices like Fire Stick or Apple TV.
What I like about the Ultra 2 is you can place it anywhere in the room. The keystone correction combined with focus technology and four-corner correction allow you to fine-tune images to your needs and place your projector at any distance.
Ultra 2 by the Numbers:
Display technology: LCD
Light source: LED
LED lifetime: Up to 30.000 hours
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixel
Projection distance: 80 cm – 200 cm / 24″- 60″
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Throw ratio: 1,31:1
Contrast ratio: 3000:1
Focus adjustment: Manual
Keystone correction: Digital
Integrated media player: Yes
In summary, the NeoPix Ultra 2 is a budget-friendly movie projector that will add hours of entertainment to any household. Kids will love it to watch movies outside while camping or night swimming; adults will love it for movie nights in the living room or the mancave. To see all of the Philips projectors, visit https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-so/projectors.
