The Breakdown
For movie enthusiasts looking to replicate a theater-like experience at home without splurging on high-end equipment, the Xming Episode One by Formovie presents itself as a perfect option. This projector offers an impressive array of features in a sleek, compact package, promising a powerful blend of portability, performance, and affordability. As the world’s first Netflix-certified LCD projector with Google TV integration, it combines practicality with quality, aiming to redefine home entertainment for the modern viewer.
Key Specifications
Before diving into its performance, let’s look at the essential specifications that make the Xming Episode One a noteworthy addition to the budget projector market:
- Brand: Xming
- Resolution: Full HD (1080p)
- Brightness: 150 CIVA lumens
- Projection Technology: LCD
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI 2.1, USB 2.0
- Audio: Two 3W speakers
- Operating System: Google TV
- Mounting Options: Tabletop, tripod
- Projection Size: 40–120 inches
- Ports: USB, HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio jack
- AM & Storage: 2GB RAM / 16GB storage
- Price: $299
Elegant, Compact Design with Portable Appeal
The Xming Episode One’s aesthetic is one of its most appealing aspects, featuring a dual-tone design with a modern, boxy shape softened by rounded corners. Its neutral gray color is accented with a bold orange grille and vents, giving it a sleek yet sporty look. Weighing only 1.2 kg (around 2.8 lbs), it’s as portable as it is stylish, making it easy to carry from room to room, or even take along to a friend’s place for a movie night.
Setting it up is straightforward: it can sit on a tabletop or be mounted on a tripod, giving you flexibility in terms of placement. One minor drawback is the lack of a built-in tilt mechanism, meaning you may need to prop it up with objects (like coasters or an earbuds case) to achieve the perfect angle when placed on a flat surface. A more versatile design with adjustable angles would have been ideal, but this small inconvenience is easily resolved with a bit of improvisation.
The projector’s ports are conveniently located on the back, including an HDMI 2.1 port, USB 2.0, and a 3.5mm audio jack, all easily accessible and spaced well enough for different cable types. Its unobtrusive design also makes it a stylish addition to any room, with many users likening its appearance to that of a designer Bluetooth speaker rather than a projector.
User-Friendly Setup and Google TV Integration
Initial Setup
The setup process for the Xming Episode One is refreshingly easy. After plugging in the projector, you can complete the setup through a few simple steps using an Android phone or, for iOS users, the Google Home app. The included Bluetooth remote has a familiar design, similar to that of the Amazon Fire TV remote, and is responsive and intuitive. However, a mute button is notably missing, which might be a drawback for users in busy households or shared spaces.
Once connected, the Google TV interface provides immediate access to a vast library of streaming services, including Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. This feature transforms the projector from a simple viewing device into a comprehensive streaming hub. You can download your favorite apps directly from the Google Play Store or simply log into pre-installed ones, making the entire setup quick and convenient.
Performance That Exceeds Expectations
Storage and Processing
Equipped with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, the Episode One offers enough capacity to download multiple streaming apps or a few media files for offline viewing. While the 2GB RAM is adequate for most operations, including Full HD streaming, occasional lags or stutters may occur during more intensive usage, such as navigating through multiple apps or handling high-definition content. For typical streaming or movie-watching scenarios, however, it performs smoothly, providing a solid user experience without any major performance issues.
Image Quality and Projection Range
The Xming Episode One delivers a Full HD resolution, projecting images that range from 40 to 120 inches. The optimal viewing size tends to be around 100 inches, where the picture remains crisp and well-defined. At larger sizes, the image clarity slightly diminishes, but for a projector at this price point, the visual fidelity is highly commendable. The LCD technology ensures vivid color reproduction with minimal rainbowing or color banding, making it suitable for both movies and sports.
However, the brightness is limited to 150 CIVA lumens, which means the projector is best suited for use in darker rooms. For daytime viewing or use in well-lit rooms, users may need to invest in blackout curtains or other methods of reducing ambient light to fully enjoy the projection. At night or in a dark room, however, the Xming Episode One truly shines, offering a cinematic experience that rivals more expensive projectors.
Audio Performance and Connectivity
The Xming Episode One is equipped with dual 3W speakers that produce clear audio, sufficient for small to medium-sized rooms. For users who prefer a richer audio experience, the projector can wirelessly connect to external speakers via Bluetooth, allowing for a more immersive sound setup with devices like a soundbar or home theater system.
Additionally, the projector supports Chromecast, enabling you to wirelessly cast content from your smartphone or tablet. Google Assistant is also integrated, allowing you to use voice commands to navigate the interface, adjust volume, or switch apps hands-free. This added convenience makes the Xming Episode One feel like a smart, all-in-one entertainment solution.
Limitations to Consider
While the Xming Episode One delivers an excellent movie-watching experience in the right conditions, it does come with a few limitations worth noting:
- Daytime Use: The 150-lumen brightness is limited for use in well-lit environments, which can restrict its usage during daylight hours. For those looking to use a projector in bright settings, a model with higher lumens or laser projection would be more appropriate.
- Tilt Mechanism: As mentioned, the absence of a built-in tilt adjustment can be inconvenient, especially for tabletop use. Adding this feature would have added even more value to the product.
- RAM Limitation: Although 2GB RAM suffices for regular streaming, users may notice minor delays or stuttering, especially when running multiple apps or high-resolution content.
- Remote Mute Button: The absence of a mute button on the remote is a minor but noticeable flaw, particularly for users in shared spaces where quickly muting audio may be necessary.
Ideal User for the Xming Episode One
The Xming Episode One is best for those for home viewers who primarily watch movies and series at night or in low-light settings. Its affordability and portability make it especially appealing for young professionals or students who want a cost-effective entertainment setup that doesn’t compromise on quality. Additionally, it’s an ideal choice for users who prioritize convenience and ease of use, with integrated Google TV, built-in speakers, and wireless casting options for an enjoyable, all-in-one streaming experience.
For users who plan to project during the daytime, however, a projector with higher brightness capabilities would be more appropriate. Additionally, for those looking to use a projector for gaming, especially in 4K, the Xming Episode One’s processing capabilities and brightness levels may not be sufficient; alternatives like the BenQ X3000i offer more gaming-optimized performance.
Our verdict:
The Xming Episode One reignites a love for at-home movie-watching with its balanced performance, affordability, and compact design. While it has some limitations, particularly regarding brightness and tilt adjustment, it remains a remarkable choice for casual home entertainment, offering a good mix of features for the price. With Google TV, Chromecast support, and a portable build, it makes an excellent addition to any entertainment setup, especially for users who enjoy movie nights at home.
For a budget projector, it exceeds expectations, delivering a user-friendly, immersive viewing experience. Just be mindful of its limitations in bright environments, as it performs best in dark settings. Overall, the Xming Episode One is a worthy companion for unwinding after a long day or for sharing favorite movies and shows with friends and family.
