Laser does a great job of providing solid, value-packed options for a range of devices, including projectors.
The Movie and Gaming Projector is a relatively straightforward option that feels like it’s aimed not only towards the cheaper end of the market, but also for those looking for an additional option besides their TV. This could be a projector for the kids’ bedroom or simply a bigger screen for presentations and office spaces.
While it lacks overall brightness and any sort of smart functionality, it does provide some decent value, justifying its A$99.95 price point.
Design & Inputs
The projector is relatively small and easy to set up. In the box, you’ll also find a remote, a 1-metre power cable and a quick-start guide.
The only real gripe I have with the design out of the box is the lack of any adjustable or tiltable feet to prop this up on an angle. There is a thread underneath to screw this onto a projector or camera mount/ tripod, but on a flat surface, the bottom of the image will most likely be cut off if it’s not leaning off the edge of something.
The projector itself has all the necessary controls on board, but the remote is a nice inclusion. Finally, you’ll also find two adjustable wheels on top of the projector, one for adjusting focus and one for keystone. Out of the box, it only really takes a few seconds to adjust and get the best picture, depending on the projector’s distance from the wall.
Around the back of the projector, you’ll find all your inputs, including HDMI, USB-A, a 3.5mm audio input and a 3.5mm AV input, the latter of which feels like an odd addition. Overall, thanks to its 1.2kg weight, it’s small and light enough to move between rooms, and easy enough to set up on most occasions.
Picture & Features
The 100-inch, 1280 x 720 HD screen is decent enough for most casual viewing, but at 150ANSI lumens, there are a few things to consider. 150ANSI lumens simply isn’t that bright, even if it’s perfectly acceptable in a pitch-black room.
This means that any sort of light leakage from things like the sides of windows or even slightly open doors will diminish the image quality. While most projectors at this price provide this sort of brightness, it’s worth keeping in mind, depending on your viewing environment.
The colours are punchy enough, and the motion is decent, even for things like sports and movies. General contrast wasn’t bad either, although this will always depend on your viewing screen or wall colour. It’s also worth noting that this will need to sit around 3 metres away from the intended wall or screen to view the image at the full 100-inch size.
It’s a common issue that most projectors feel loud or hot at some point, but I must say, this ran surprisingly cool and quiet. I briefly tried this for gaming as well, and found the input delay to be great, although I couldn’t exactly find the millisecond response time anywhere on Laser’s website or within the packaging and guides.
The projector is relatively basic when it comes to features, lacking any sort of smart operating system or apps of any kind. It does include, however, a wired screen-sharing feature, which works like a charm. Simply select the option from the projector’s main menu, plug in a data-enabled USB cable of your choosing (in my case, USB-A to USB-C), and it simply works.
Mirroring your phone isn’t the most convenient option, as your viewing experience will be compromised by incoming notifications, texts and calls, but it’s certainly better than nothing. At the very least, I would recommend a laptop or HDMI streaming device like a Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV Stick if you have one lying around.
Audio
The included dual speakers are average at best and no better than a phone speaker. They sound incredibly tinny, and I wouldn’t really recommend them unless you’re out of options.
Thankfully, there’s a Bluetooth out option which allows you to connect any wireless Bluetooth-enabled speaker for a much richer and immersive audio experience.
And if that fails, or you don’t have access to a Bluetooth speaker, the included 3.5mm audio port will work for any wired speaker.
Verdict & Value
The Laser Movie and Gaming Projector might feel bare-bones and basic at times, but I would still argue it’s a fine option for most casual viewing environments, provided the room is nice and dark.
The wired phone mirroring feature is easy enough to set up and use, and the projector is light enough to take between rooms.
While I would also avoid the built-in dual speakers, connecting a speaker to this is also a breeze, making it a versatile option that provides value for money, particularly at this price tag.
THREE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Decent image for casual viewing; Light and easy to set up
Lowlights: Lacklustre audio; No adjustable feet or stand
Manufacturer: Laser
Price: A$99.95
Available: Now available via Harvey Norman, The Good Guys and via Laser’s official website.
Review based on unit supplied by Laser.
