TCL is following up on the apparent success of its affordable C1 projector that debuted last year with an upgraded model that cranks up both the brightness and the audio output to deliver better pictures and beefier sound.
The new model is called the TCL C2R Full HD LCD projector, and it’s capable of beaming images of up to 350 ISO lumens onto any surface. With its compact body and light weight, plus its integrated 285-degree gimbal stand, it’s clearly targeted at consumers who want to be able to watch big-screen movies in flexible locations.
It’s a significant upgrade from the C1, which had a brightness rating of just 230 lumens. TCL said the newer model features TCL CSOT’s LTPS LED technology, which has higher light transmittance and a dual-thermal design that supports longer optical component lifespans. It also features an optimised light engine and a triple-glass lens, the company said.
The C2R should be able to take some punishment, for it features an IPX5-rated and dust-sealed light engine to protect the sensitive innards responsible for picture generation. It can also project bigger pictures, with TCL specifying anywhere between 40-inches and 150-inches at the maximum, up from just 120-inches on the C1 projector. While the images are only Full HD, it can still playback 4K content. Pictures boast a contrast ratio of 2,000:1, and there are auto keystone correction, auto focus and auto object avoidance features on board to make it easier to set things up.
In terms of sound, the TCL C2R projector comes with an integrated 10-watt Dolby Audio speaker, which improves on the 8-watt speaker system found in the original model. TCL said it has a maximum sound output of 85 dB, with rating and bass output measured at just 80Hz. There’s an integrated cooling fan too, and this is rated at under 30 dB of noise, so it shouldn’t disturb viewers so long as they crank the volume up a notch. Users can get even more sound by hooking up an external speaker over Bluetooth 5.2, or by using headphones that connect directly through the audio jack on the back of the device.
The device is on sale in the U.S. now through Amazon and other retailers, where it’s priced at just $239 (around £178). It runs the Roku OS platform, which means you’ll find all of the major streaming applications on board. Users can also connect the TCL C2R to a smartphone using Apple AirPlay 2 or Android Screen Mirroring, and other options include a USB port, which allows users to insert a thumb-drive to watch movies they might have saved.
Finally, TCL said another neat new feature is the new HDMI port, which can be used to connect laptops and other devices and project an external monitor onto any wall. The TCL C2R Full HD LCD projector is not yet listed in the U.K. or Europe, but we do think that’s likely to happen, given that the C1 model was launched globally.
