We’re big fans of Xgimi, the Chinese projector brand that has become known as something of a pioneer in the industry for the way it keeps pushing out increasingly capable and bright models at not-so-expensive price points.
The company was once known for its cheap and cheerful portable projectors, but in the last couple of years it has become a serious player in the home theatre arena, with models like the Horizon 20 and the Titan Noir ultra-short-throw projectors delivering cinema-grade picture quality and eye-searing brightness.
So we were very excited to see that Xgimi has decided to refresh the Horizon lineup with three all-new RGB-triple laser models. The Xgimi Horizon 30 series consists of three projectors - the Horizon 30 Pro, the Horizon 30 Max and the Horizon 30 Ultra Max, and they all boast extremely impressive specifications.
Xgimi’s promise is that the Horizon 30 models will enable a “big-screen experience without the need for a dedicated home cinema space.” That’s because all three models are rather compact and portable, and they deliver 4K resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate that will ensure the “smooth, natural motion” that console gamers really appreciate.
The company said that compared to the Horizon 20 series, the Horizon 30 models provide an “upgraded viewing experience with vivid images in rooms with ambient light, greater depth in dark scenes and smoother motion for fast-moving content.”
Each model comes with a Dual Intelligent Iris system that’s able to adjust its light output on a scene-by-scene basis, and like their predecessors, they all support Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG, as well as IMAX Enhanced. Meanwhile, gamers will pleased to read that in addition to the 4K/120Hz visuals, they also support variable refresh rates and auto low-latency mode for “faster, more responsive” gaming experiences.
The pictures are huge too, with Xgimi promising that they can all project a maximum image size of up to 300-inches, though we’d imagine that you might be able to get a sharper picture if you don’t go quite that big.
The Horizon 30 models are big on simplified set up too, with features including an optical zoom, automatic keystone correction, lens shift, autofocus, obstacle avoidance and screen alignment all available. The projector is very flexible too, thanks to its built-in gimbal stand, which allows it to be moved horizontally and vertically according to your requirements.
You’ll find Google TV is onboard once you power the thing up, so that means you’ll have all of the big streaming applications like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ etc, as well as thousands more available to download via Google Play. As for the sound system, this consists of two 12-watt Harman Kardon speakers.
The differences between the three models come down to brightness and native contrast. The range-topping Horizon 30 Ultra Max is an absolute beast, outputting an incredible 10,000 ISO lumens and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. The Horizon 30 Max emits 5,300 ISO lumens and has 9,000:1 native contrast, while the Horizon 30 Pro drops to a still very bright 4,800 ISO lumens and an 8,000:1 native contrast ratio.
As for the cost, you’ll find that the prices are all very palatable, with the Horizon 30 Ultra Max being the most expensive at €2,999 (around £2,270 at today’s exchange rate), the Horizon 30 Max priced at €2,499 (£1,890) and the Horizon 30 Pro costing €1,999 (£1,439).
Mind you, those are just the pre-order prices, valid from now until October 31, and only from Xgimi’s website. Once they go on sale more widely in November, the prices will go up a tad, to €3,299 (£2,650), €2,799 (£2,360) and €2,499 (£1,890), respectively. So if you want one, you’d better move fast.
