Chinese brand Dangbei is updating one of its most popular smart 4K projectors, which was originally called the Mars Pro 2 and was said to be the world’s first GTV laser projector with official Netflix.
Strangely, the Mars Pro 2 was later rebranded as the DBox02 when it launched internationally. What’s even stranger, though, is that the “updated” model slaps on the “Pro” monicker, despite being more affordable than the original.
The new Dangbei DBox02 Pro looks a lot like the original DBox02, but its chassis has a few more curves and there’s an integrated gimbal stand that isn’t included with the older model. There’s also a new light source that’s based on Dangbei’s “LaserVibe” technology.
We don’t really know what LaserVibe actually does, but it seems to be a single laser light source combined with a colourwheel, so the light is most likely passed through filters and lenses on its way to the projection surface.
In any case, what we do know is that the LaserVibe light source reaches a maximum of around 2,000 ISO lumens, making the DBox02 Pro less bright than the original DBox02, which could hit 2,450 ISO lumens. On the other hand, the DBox02 Pro can throw up a much bigger image of up to 300-inches, crushing the maximum 200-inch image size of the original DBox02. But be mindful that you’ll need to set the projector back around 8.5 metres to get that enormous bigger-than-cinema screen picture. You’ll also need a huge wall or other surface to shine it onto. Dangbei advises that the best picture quality can be achieved if you limit the size to just 100-inches.
Dangbei said the DBox02 covers 108% of the Rec.709 colour gamut and supports HDR10+ and HLG, with the promise of “exceptional detail and colour fidelity” in any kind of lighting conditions. The laser will automatically adjust the brightness with the assistance of its ambient light sensors, so you should be able to get a decent image even in daytime.
Like the original DBox02, the DBox02 Pro comes with an array of AI-powered setup tools, including auto keystone correction, autofocus, fit-to-screen and obstacle avoidance features, and unlike that earlier model, it’s more flexible in terms of placement, thanks to the integrated gimbal that swivels 360 degrees horizontally and 120 degrees vertically.
There’s an integrated 24-watt speaker system – twice as powerful as the original model – and it supports Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital and Digital Plus, as well as DTS:HD and DTS Virtual:X technologies. Once again, the projector has fully licensed Netflix on board, as well as other streaming apps such as Amazon Prime Video and YouTube, and there are two HDMI 2.1 ports, plus Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6 for connectivity.
The HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K gaming at 120Hz or FullHD gaming at 240Hz, which should ensure some very responsive console play, while the MEMC technology helps to minimise blurring.
All in all, if you’re willing to sacrifice the higher brightness, the Dangbei DBox02 Pro appears to be a very decent upgrade over the original model, and it’s cheaper too. Dangbei is asking for $1,599 on its website, making it around $300 more affordable than the standard DBox02.
