A mug of iced Spanish latte, a bucket of white-cheddar popcorn, bluetooth headphones, and my iPad or Macbook, that’s my kind of weekend afternoon just to relax while binge watching a new series or movies. And while it is a great way to relax, there is still a different feel watching on a bigger screen.
That’s why when I received my first home cinema projector, the LUMOS RAY Smart, I got so excited since it will definitely upgrade my watching experience at home to a whole new level.
For starters, there are five things that I like so much about the LUMOS RAY Smart:
- Operating System – running on Android 6.0 with preinstalled apps
- Video Quality – clear video quality
- Sound Quality – good audio quality from built-in speaker
- Connectivity – many options to project videos
- Portability – small form factor, easy to mount
If you want to understand further, let me dive in briefly on specific aspects.
LUMOS RAY SMART SPECIFICATIONS
Here’s a quick look at LUMOS RAY Smart specifications that you really need to know:
- Android Operating System (for the LUMOS RAY Smart)
- 3,000 lumens
- 1080p supported, 720p native
- 30 inches to 150 inches screen (1.5m : 50-inches projection)
- Bluetooth
- Wifi
- HDMI
- AV
- USB
- TF Card
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack
- 2 Dolby Speakers (built-in)
Android Operating System
With Android 6.0 preinstalled in the LUMOS RAY Smart, this home cinema projector has access to applications you can use for viewing videos and listening music.
Apps like Netflix and YouTube come built-in every new LUMOS RAY Smart device. Obviously, with these two apps alone, many users can maximize the watch time on this cinema projector. Take note that you DON’T NEED to upgrade the Netflix installed on LUMOS RAY Smart.
And since my LUMOS RAY Smart is running on Android, I just logged into my Google account and installed the apps that I needed.
I installed NBA and Discovery Plus, since these apps do not support casting of videos (for propriety issues of course). On top of that, I also installed VLC app for watching videos on my USB and TF card.
Ease of Use
Another thing about the LUMOS RAY Smart is its ease-of-use. Straight out of the box, I just turned on the device, used the remote control, and easily browse through the apps and got into watching Netflix. Simply put it like having a big Android tablet, only, interface is accessed using remote control.
It might take you some time though putting in your password (especially for complicated ones). But in my case, I used my bluetooth keyboard to make it easier. Yes, you read it right, bluetooth keyboard. Not only it is capable to connect bluetooth to a sound device, but also to a keyboard. While the remote control on its own is easy to use, it is just nice to know that I have other input options as well.
Video Quality
Clear video quality, if I were to describe it briefly.
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting it to be that clear at first. But when I actually watched my first video, I have to say that the 3,000 lumens is a sweet spot for a big screen projection for a home cinema set-up.
At first, I tried watching around 3 o’clock in the afternoon in a not-so-dark room,. I am surprised that the LUMOS RAY Smart was able to produce very visible video quality. To think that I projected the video on a light pinkish-colored wall. The vividness and clarity of video is at its best when I watched in the evening in a pitch black room. I have yet to try projecting it on a white wall, I may be wrong, but it might add more to the quality.
As for the resolution, the LUMOS RAY Smart natively projects 720p resolution and it also supports 1080p projection. At a minimum distance of 1.5m, the LUMOS RAY Smart can project already a very clear 50-inch screen. In my case, I have tested a 75-inch projection. Watching with that size in the comforts of own room – what a delight!
Connectivity
Another good thing about the LUMOS RAY is that has different connections, whether wired or wired, there is always an option. For videos, you can connect via WIFI (for casting), HDMI and VGA for wired projection either from laptop, mobile phone, tablet or even console. There’s also bluetooth connection for another wireless option to connect audio and keyboard. I haven’t tried if mouse is possible to connect via bluetooth.
Input Slots
Also available are the USB and TF slots which are good for other ways to get your videos projected on a bigger screen. So far, what I tried is the using the USB and it works great. I have yet to try via TF card.
Audio
As for the audio, the built-in Dolby speakers work perfectly fine. At a high volume, the sound is still audible and dialogues are very much understandable. I’ve also tried using a wireless bluetooth speaker. I just don’t know how to set it up using a home entertainment sound system. All I have now is just a soundbar. which in a small room is a perfect combo already with the LUMOS RAY Smart home cinema projector. I also tried using my bluetooth headset. So. imagine how my home movie experiences are.
Form Factor
Its small factor is a plus for me. Since I always have the option to bring it anywhere I want. May it be on a staycation, sleepover with friends or relatives or even just for outdoor backyard fun with family, it is definitely a great thing to have. The LUMOS RAY Smart also has a slick design that makes it nice to look at. It is also easy to carry around with the handle. Though I have to say that a bag or lens cover might have been a great addition, just to protect the lens.
It occupies only a small space. Whether you want it mounted on the wall, ceiling, tripod or simply put it on top of a table, the compact size of the LUMOS RAY Smart makes it easy to use.
Price
There are two versions of this home cinema projector, the LUMOS RAY Regular (Php 8,999) and LUMOS RAY Smart (Php 11,999).
What I have is the LUMOS RAY Smart which has preinstalled Netflix, YouTube and other applications.
You can purchase the LUMOS RAY Smart directly on this site
Product Support
Every purchase of Lumos Ray comes with 1-year local warranty. Currently, LUMOS RAY only ships locally in Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore. You can email support@lumosprojector.ph or via FB Messenger Chat, should you have any technical questions”
VERDICT
Given the video quality, portability and operating system of the LUMOS RAY Smart, this is a great addition to your home entertainment system. Especially for film buffs like me, a LUMOS RAY Smart home cinema projector can elevate your viewing experience at home.
I can’t wait to partner this with a great sound system and a relaxing reclining chair.
Just my kind of movie day.
