Philips has become the latest company to launch a new ultra short-throw projector model, with the new Philips Screeneo UL5 boasting a triple laser light source that delivers up to 550 lumens of brightness and a picture that maxes out at 120-inches wide.
The company has taken the differentiated route of launching the Screenoe UL5 on the Indiegogo platform, where users will be able to pre-order it soon, according to a report by NotebookCheck.
As to why you might want to pre-order, that depends on whether or not you’re in the market for a powerful but highly portable video projection unit or not.
The Philips Screeneo UL5 smart projector builds on older models such as the Screeneo S4 and Screeneo U5, which were both launched last year. On its product page, Philips notes that the newer device offers 1080p Full HD resolution with support for HDR10 content, and a massive maximum image size of 120 inches (300 cm).
Philips said it delivers an ultra-short throw ratio of 0:23:1, which means the device only has to be placed 20 inches, or 50 cm away from the wall to achieve that maximum projection size. The projector’s triple RGB (red, blue and green) laser light source can hit up to 55 lumens of brightness, which is a decent level for truly portable projectors, though clearly the image quality will be far superior when there is minimal daylight seeping into the room. It also promises vivid colour reproduction with its 108% coverage of the Rec.2020 colour space.
Other features on the Philips Screeneo UL5 include the Android-based LuminOS platform. This is basically just Philips’ customized version of Android TV, which provides access to the usual video streaming apps such as Netflix, Disney and Amazon Prime, as well as the Google Play Store to download yet more apps. There’s a built-in autofocus tool for easy setup, dual-band Wi-Fi for connectivity, and a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports, plus USB outlets.
Of course, portability is an important factor too, and Philips doesn’t disappoint. The rectangular-shaped device is said to measure 94mm x 86.6 mm x 206mm and weigh approximately 2.2lbs, or around 1 kg. While too big to be slipped into a pocket, it can easily be thrown in a shoulder bag or handbag and carried from location to location.
Philips hasn’t yet revealed when the Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign will launch, nor has it said how much the Screeneo UL5 will cost. However, the company insists it will be available at an “affordable price”, with users who sign up to receive notifications promised a significant 40% discount when it first goes on sale.