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Choosing the right outdoor projector for summer gatherings can be a bit of a challenge. Bright sunlight often detracts from the image quality during daytime use, and while certain projectors perform adequately in the early evening, the illumination can still make the picture seem a bit washed out, as it’s never completely dark outside.
This is where high brightness comes into play, and when Anker unveiled its new Nebula X1 portable 4K projector, boasting an impressive 3,500 ANSI lumens, my interest was piqued. Anker has a well-established reputation in the realm of portable projectors, and the preceding model, the Nebula Mars 3, although decent, only provided a brightness of 1,000 lumens, which limited its outdoor effectiveness.
Another standout feature of the Nebula X1 is its wireless speakers, part of an optional accessory kit, which are designed to deliver an enhanced audio experience. As summer approaches in the UK, I was eager to check out the Nebula X1 firsthand.
A bold, bright image
The demonstration of the Anker Nebula X1 showcased its superior brightness. I attended a demo held in a chic screening room at London’s Soho Hotel. Although the session was brief, it effectively highlighted the projector’s capabilities, particularly with its vibrant visuals of nature scenes featuring forests and wildlife.
The lively greens of the trees were striking, and the contrast levels were impressive, enhancing the depth of the imagery. The differentiation between a leopard’s golden coat and its dark spots also contributed to the visual depth. The picture displayed crisp details and a natural sharpness, making textures appear realistic.
Although the demonstration did not take place outdoors or utilize Dolby Vision HDR content—one of the features the Nebula X1 supports—it was evident that the projector would likely hold up well in bright viewing conditions.
Wireless speakers add more
The compact wireless speakers designed for the Nebula X1 were surprisingly powerful. Although the projector can connect to high-quality soundbars, these speakers feature a 40W amplifier and utilize multiple drivers to create a sophisticated surround sound experience, with the X1 itself acting as a subwoofer. This setup was showcased during the demo with a Dolby Atmos video.
The sound quality exceeded expectations. Positioned a few rows away from the projector, I experienced surround effects, like the subtle chirping of birds and the sound of rainfall, which felt as if they were emanating from above and behind me. The system also delivered strong bass with thunderous elements in the audio stream, ensuring clarity across a variety of soundscapes.
Given their small form factor, the output produced by the speakers during the demo was even more impressive. They could very well elevate the quality of outdoor movie experiences significantly.
The party projector to beat, but at a cost
The accessory kit for the X1 includes a pair of wireless microphones, initially used during the presentation I attended. Their primary function is aimed at facilitating karaoke, which adds to the projector’s appeal for summer gatherings.
However, the Nebula X1 is not exclusively for outdoor use or summer festivities, making it a worthwhile addition to home entertainment systems even beyond the warmer months.
That being said, potential buyers should be aware of the investment required. The Nebula X1 is positioned in the premium range, retailing at $2,999 / £2,199 (approximately AU$4,695) for the projector alone, and $999 / £499 (around AU$1,564) for the accessory bundle. Thus, the complete set totals around $3,998 / £2,698 (approximately AU$6,260). A promotional package priced at $3,298 in the US is available until June 20th, following the X1’s launch on May 20th.
This pricing places the X1 alongside high-end models like the Hisense PX3 Pro ultra-short-throw projector and premium 65-inch OLED TVs. Nevertheless, the optional speakers and features like Dolby Vision HDR support help the X1 carve out its unique market space.
While a full review is pending, my initial impressions suggest that the Nebula X1 could serve as a versatile projector well-suited for both outdoor celebrations and indoor movie nights. We will have to await further testing to fully assess its performance.
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www.techradar.com