
Review: Dangbei MP1 Max projector ups image size, brightness and colour to a new level
The MP1 Max takes a different tack to the DBOX by offering a hybrid Triple Laser/LED lens. This means you can pump up the size of an image to an incredible 300ins wide, while enjoying a brightness level that I've not see before at the price bracket.
So, before we get into the tech jargon, here's what we are looking at. The MP1 Max is a sleek projector that comes with its own built-in stand capable of pointing the image pretty much anywhere you want (even on the ceiling). Because it's relatively compact, you can take it to your friends and neighbours easily enough, and it even comes with its own hard carrying case.
And you're going to want to show this off! The 4K HDR projector can deliver 3100 ISO Lumens, which means you're not going to have to pull down all the blinds in a room to see it. The brightness is excellent, and it's this, as well as the vibrant colours, that gives the MP1 its edge.
So the picture quality is superb, but what I was most surprised about was the quality of the in-built Dolby Audio speakers. They're 12W but with a larger acoustic chamber than other Dangbai projectors. This seemed to make a real difference to my ears. And that's just as well, because you are a little limited when it comes to external options (more of which later).
Setting up the device is quick and simple. The MP1 uses Google TV as its operating system and has licensed Netflix integration, and so you get a smooth experience whatever your streaming options. One thing to note, though, is BBC iPlayer is still sadly lacking from the Google store so you'll have to connect to another peice of hardware to play EastEnders at supersize!
The Bluetooth remote is nicely designed and has specific buttons for YouTube, Netflix and Amazon. This same Bluetooth means you can also connect to wireless speakers. I tested this out and didn't experience any lag, which I found was an issue with the DBOX02.
Dangbei's InstanPro AI Image Setup Technology is among the best in the business and had just been upgraded, offering automated focus, real-time Keystone correction, screen fit, obstacle avoidance, and AI brightness adjustment. It makes it all super easy, not that taking manual control is particularly difficult. Although the automated settings were so good I never really felt the need to fiddle too much.
It's worth noting the Keystone correction is dealt with by software and not hardware, meaning there is some light bleed that might turn off the purist. To be honest, after a couple of minutes you won't even notice it.
For TV and movies, the MP1 smashes it out of the park. The quality is stunning and thanks to all those ISO Lumens, it shines no matter how light it is in the room. It also handles gaming with ease thanks to the 240Hz refresh rate. It's fast and reactive, and you can't beat playing Mario on a massive screen.
There is a high-performance mode, but I wouldn't recommend it as the fans immediately go crazy and everything else seems to go to pot (or at least feels like it).
Which brings me on to a couple of little caveats. Under normal use I wouldn't call the fans whisper quiet. If you're watching a blockbuster you won't notice, but quieter fare might well suffer. You get two HDMI ports to play with, as well as a headphone jack and USB-A, but no optical audio. I found this a little puzzling as this could be a deal breaker for the true home cinephile. Also, it does support 3D and while I have no way of testing this feature, other users say they have found it to be a little underwhelming.
Another thing to note is the lifespan has been quoted to me as being more than 20,000 hours. Let feels like plenty, but is down from the 30,000 range boasted by the DBOX02. So if you're using it for a couple of hours a day it will last way over 20 years.
So it is the flagship but it's missing a couple of high-end features in return, I guess, for portability. It's a comprimise I can live with. The MP1 Max is the best and brightest Dangbei yet, and delivers a powerful viewing experience - no matter where you are.

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Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
I ditched £500 consoles for £15 ‘virtual Xbox' that works on ANY telly… It's great cheap alternative for gaming-mad kids
There's an even CHEAPER option for 30p a day if you're happy to put up with one downside, The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach reveals PLAY SMART I ditched £500 consoles for £15 'virtual Xbox' that works on ANY telly… It's great cheap alternative for gaming-mad kids Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BUYING a console can be pricey – and that's even before you start paying for games on top. But I'm obsessed with a cheaper alternative that costs just 50p a day - a 'virtual' console. 11 I'm playing Xbox games on the TV in my living room WITHOUT an Xbox – or any console plugged in at all Credit: Sean Keach 11 I don't need my Nintendo or PS5 to play console games Credit: Sean Keach It works instantly, and you don't need to buy a physical console or any games. You'll be able to keep the family entertained on the cheap – and you can ditch it for free any time if you get bored. It's called Xbox Cloud Gaming. It's a bit like Netflix but for computer games. Normally, you'd need to buy a £350 to £500 console (or even more), lug it home, plug it into the telly, buy games and stick them in the disc tray, and then pay a monthly subscription just to get online. I'm tired just writing it. Instead, you can sign up for Xbox Cloud Gaming, launch an app, and away you go. It's a literal game-changer, and it's the perfect option for Brits on a budget. What you need to get going is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This is a monthly subscription that costs £14.99 a month and gets you several Xbox-related perks. But the main one here is access to Xbox Cloud Gaming. This lets you play a vast library of over 350 video games without paying a penny extra. The Sun tries new Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart before it's out HOW DOES A 'CLOUD' CONSOLE WORK? Normally, video games need a console with a powerful graphics card inside to create the visuals you see on your TV screen. Regular TV doesn't require that, because telly isn't interactive, so it can be created in advance and shown to you. But video games don't know what you'll do next – they're interactive – so the visuals need to be rendered as you're playing. This is very intensive work, which is why you've been paying money for powerful consoles. It's these powerful bits of hardware in that machine that make it so expensive. 11 Fortnite is just one of the hundreds of games you can enjoy on Xbox Cloud Gaming Credit: Sean Keach 11 The visuals are sent to you over the internet, rather than being rendered by a pricey console in your living room Credit: Sean Keach Now in 2025, internet speeds are so fast that tech companies like Xbox can render the visuals far away on their own powerful machines – and then beam them back to you. You're basically streaming them like Netflix. All of this happens in a flash: it's so instantaneous, you feel like you're just playing a regular game on a console in your living room. But you don't need a console at all. And because it's Xbox sorting the visuals out on their powerful machines, the graphics can look incredible. HOW MUCH DO CONSOLES COST THESE DAYS? Here are prices for the latest video game consoles at Currys... Sony PlayStation 5 Pro with Disc Drive – £759 Sony PlayStation 5 Pro – £699 Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Slim – £479 Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Slim – £429 Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB – £499 Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB (Digital) – £449 Microsoft Xbox Series S 1TB – £349 Microsoft Xbox Series S 512GB – £299 Nintendo Switch 2 – £395.99 Nintendo Switch OLED – £309 These are the prices gamers are paying for the newest machines. Picture Credit: Xbox HOW TO GET STARTED To play, you'll need a couple of things. First, you'll need a compatible TV device. Lots of modern Samsung and LG TVs support Xbox Cloud Gaming. But it's also available on Amazon Fire TV Sticks, which is what I'm using. That way, you can use it on basically on TV with an HDMI port. That's pretty much any telly bought in the last 20 years. 11 I used an Amazon Fire TV Stick – but lots of modern TVs support the Xbox app too Credit: Sean Keach 11 The Fire TV Stick just plugs into the back of your telly – it's usually for TV apps, but it's great for gaming too Credit: Sean Keach I tried it with an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, but it'll also work with a Fire TV Stick 4K or Fire TV Cube. Then just download the Xbox Cloud Gaming app. You'll also need a joypad. You can use an official Xbox one, but loads of regular wired or Bluetooth controllers will also work. SMART TVS THAT SUPPORT XBOX CLOUD GAMING Here's the official list… Samsung: 2020 and newer Samsung smart TV models with software version 1300 and higher. LG: Most 2022 LG OLED TVs and 2023+ LG Smart TVs will run the Xbox app, allowing you to play cloud-based Xbox games. Supported devices include: Select LG TVs and smart monitors with webOS 24 or newer versions 2024 and newer smart TVs Select 2022 and 2023 TV models which have been updated to software version 23.20.01 or higher 2022 OLED TVs 2023 OLED, QNED, Nanocell, and UHD TVs 2025 U8s and U7s smart monitors Picture Credit: Samsung I used an Xbox joypad as I had one lying around. The only real blocker for this working for you is your internet connection. If you've got bad Wi-Fi, it's game over for you. Literally. Xbox recommends an internet download speed of 20Mbps. Millions of British homes can easily manage that. If you're not sure, go to or to check your speed. Then just sign into the app, activate your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, and away you go. IS IT ACTUALLY ANY GOOD? Xbox Cloud Gaming really is very impressive. It's absolutely packed with top games. Right now, some of the titles include: Fortnite Assassin's Creed Odyssey EA Sports FC 25 Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Far Cry 6 Forza Horizon 5 Grand Theft Auto 5 Halo Microsoft Flight Simulator Mortal Kombat 11 Sea of Thieves Spyro Reignited Trilogy Starfield But there are hundreds to choose from. 11 The Xbox Cloud Gaming website reveals the biggest hits you can enjoy Credit: Microsoft / Xbox HAVE KIDS? TRY THESE TITLES Here are The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach's pick of the best Family Friendly options on Xbox Cloud Gaming... Overcooked! 2 This bonkers co-op game sees you running a busy kitchen trying to create dishes to order – in very challenging environments. It's colourful, engaging, and requires fast thinking. But the learning curve is gradual, so it's easy to get started. You won't want to put the controller down. New Super Lucky's Tale This bright and playful platformer sees you controlling adventurous fox Lucky as he explores a selection of strange and unknown worlds. It's classic gaming fun with a whimsical cast of characters. We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie You'll love this 2023 remaster of the original 2005 action-puzzle game where you roll around as a tiny ball that collects objects to grow in size. It's mad, but relentlessly fun. Disney Dreamlight Valley This is a half-sim, half-adventure game set in the wonderful world of Disney. It's stuffed with iconic characters and places, so it's a must for any Disney-loving households. Picture Credit: Xbox Once you're set up, you can play pretty much straight away. I was into Halo: The Master Chief Collection, playing the iconic game series in seconds. This is one of Xbox's biggest franchises – a console staple. But my Xbox is nowhere to be seen. 11 I was able to play Fortnite online without issue Credit: Sean Keach Then I hopped into Fortnite, straight into an online match. Despite the fact that I was "cloud" gaming, I was able to enjoy multiplayer without any serious lag. And when I loaded up Call of Duty, the graphics were basically indistinguishable from the regular console version. Hardly a surprise, given that the visuals are being rendered on serious computers far away from my living room. I've bought loads of consoles over the years. And sometimes, I just won't touch them for months. Life gets in the way. XBOX GAME PASS ULTIMATE BENEFITS What does the £14.99 a month fee get you? Here's the full list… Hundreds of high-quality games on console, PC and cloud New games on day one Online console multiplayer Member deals, discounts, Perks and in-game benefits for free-to-play games EA Play membership Picture Credit: Xbox That means I've chucked a load of cash at a giant plastic brick that sits in the corner gathering dust. The beauty of Xbox Cloud Gaming is that this just doesn't happen. If you're bored with it, just cancel your membership. It's as easy as that. Then you can come back in four months or a year when there's something new that you want to play. And when you think about the quantity of games on offer here, it's hard to argue with the value for money. 11 It felt like playing on a regular console – but I didn't have any gaming machine plugged into my telly Credit: Sean Keach 11 I used an Xbox joypad to play, but you can other Bluetooth controllers too – so a cheaper option may work for you Credit: Sean Keach Also, this isn't just for TV. If you want to play these games on your iPhone or your laptop, it'll still work with the same subscription. You just need a joypad. The only real downside to all of this is that you need an internet connection. If your Wi-Fi is down, you won't be able to play. But other than that, your gameplay is effectively unlimited. If you don't want to invest in a console, this is your best option for top-tier gaming on a budget. A CHEAPER OPTION If you want to save even more money... There's an even cheaper option called Amazon Luna+. It works a lot like Xbox Cloud Gaming, but it has a smaller selection of games. Amazon says Luna+ offers more than 100 titles, whereas the Xbox Cloud Gaming library features more than 350 games. But Luna+ is significantly cheaper at £8.99 a month – that's only 30p a day. So if you're a hardcore gamer, you might still want Xbox Cloud Gaming for the bigger library (and the bonus perks that come with it). More games means you're less likely to get bored. But the best budget option is Luna+. It's hard to argue with £9 a month. You can get it on Fire TV devices, select Samsung and LG televisions, plus mobile devices via your web browser. Picture Credit: Amazon


Geeky Gadgets
a day ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Is tvOS 26 Beta 3 Worth It? New Features You Need To Know
Apple's tvOS 26 Beta 3 brings a range of updates aimed at improving the Apple TV experience. With features like enhanced user profiles, aesthetic upgrades, and new app functionalities, this update focuses on creating a more intuitive and engaging platform for users. Below is a detailed look at the most notable changes and improvements in a new video from HotshotTek. Watch this video on YouTube. User Profiles: Streamlined and Tailored Managing multiple user profiles has become significantly more efficient with tvOS 26 Beta 3. A redesigned lock screen now allows for quicker and easier switching between accounts, making sure personalized app logins for services such as Netflix, Hulu, and others. This feature is particularly beneficial for households with diverse viewing preferences. Additionally, the upcoming integration with the Apple TV remote app on iPhone will enable automatic profile sign-ins, further simplifying the process and enhancing convenience. Liquid Glass Design: A Visual Upgrade Apple has introduced a new 'Liquid Glass' design for app icons, giving the Apple TV home screen a sleek and modern appearance. This design, exclusive to Apple TV 4K models, enhances the visual appeal of the interface. Updates to the Podcast app and the newly added Sing app reflect this refined aesthetic. The Liquid Glass design underscores Apple's commitment to delivering a premium visual experience that complements its hardware. Sing App: Karaoke Meets Innovation The new Sing app, integrated into the Apple Music app, transforms your Apple TV into a karaoke hub. By pairing your iPhone as a microphone, the app allows you to mute lyrics and sync them with your vocal tone, creating a more immersive and interactive experience. Users can also use their existing Apple Music playlists, making it easy to host karaoke sessions with friends and family. This feature highlights Apple's focus on blending entertainment with interactivity, offering a unique way to enjoy music. Apple TV App: A Cinematic Redesign The Apple TV app has undergone a visual overhaul, replacing square thumbnails with movie poster-style images. This change creates a more cinematic browsing experience, making it easier to discover new movies and TV shows. The updated layout also provides clearer insights into your favorite content, enhancing both navigation and usability. This redesign aligns with Apple's goal of making content discovery more engaging and visually appealing. Screen Saver Customization: More Control For fans of Apple TV's aerial screen savers, tvOS 26 Beta 3 introduces the ability to manually select and hide specific options. This added layer of customization allows users to tailor their screensaver experience to their preferences. However, a minor bug affecting screen saver previews has been reported during beta testing. While no new screen savers have been added in this update, the enhanced control over existing options adds a personalized touch to the feature. Audio Output: Consistent and Reliable A new feature in tvOS 26 Beta 3 allows users to set a default AirPlay speaker for audio output. This ensures consistent sound quality across your Apple TV experience, whether you're streaming a movie or listening to music. By eliminating the need to manually select your preferred speaker each time, this update enhances convenience and reliability, making it easier to enjoy your content without interruptions. FaceTime Translation: Bridging Language Gaps Real-time translation during FaceTime calls is now available in select languages, making communication more accessible for multilingual users. This feature demonstrates Apple's commitment to fostering global connectivity and inclusivity, allowing seamless conversations across language barriers. It is a practical addition for users who frequently communicate with friends, family, or colleagues in different languages. Remote App: Subtle Yet Significant Refinements The Apple TV remote app for iPhone and Apple Watch has received minor layout adjustments aimed at improving usability. These refinements make navigating the app more intuitive, ensuring a smoother user experience. The 'Find My Remote' feature remains a reliable tool for locating misplaced remotes, helping users spend less time searching and more time enjoying their content. These updates, while subtle, contribute to a more streamlined and efficient remote control experience. Additional Insights The beta version is stable and suitable for general use, with minimal bugs reported during testing. An official release is anticipated in the fall, likely coinciding with the launch of the next iPhone. Enhancing the Apple TV Experience tvOS 26 Beta 3 represents Apple's ongoing efforts to refine and enhance the Apple TV platform. From personalized user profiles and aesthetic upgrades to innovative features like karaoke integration and real-time translation, this update offers a range of improvements designed to make your interaction with Apple TV more engaging and efficient. Whether you're a casual viewer or a tech enthusiast, these updates provide practical enhancements that elevate your entertainment experience. Below are more guides on tvOS 26 Beta 3 from our extensive range of articles. Source & Image Credit: HotshotTek Filed Under: Apple, Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.


North Wales Live
2 days ago
- North Wales Live
Review: Dangbei MP1 Max projector ups image size, brightness and colour to a new level
Dangbei has upped the brightness and colour with its latest projector, which is now the flagship of its range, having taken over from the already excellent DBOX02. The MP1 Max takes a different tack to the DBOX by offering a hybrid Triple Laser/LED lens. This means you can pump up the size of an image to an incredible 300ins wide, while enjoying a brightness level that I've not see before at the price bracket. So, before we get into the tech jargon, here's what we are looking at. The MP1 Max is a sleek projector that comes with its own built-in stand capable of pointing the image pretty much anywhere you want (even on the ceiling). Because it's relatively compact, you can take it to your friends and neighbours easily enough, and it even comes with its own hard carrying case. And you're going to want to show this off! The 4K HDR projector can deliver 3100 ISO Lumens, which means you're not going to have to pull down all the blinds in a room to see it. The brightness is excellent, and it's this, as well as the vibrant colours, that gives the MP1 its edge. So the picture quality is superb, but what I was most surprised about was the quality of the in-built Dolby Audio speakers. They're 12W but with a larger acoustic chamber than other Dangbai projectors. This seemed to make a real difference to my ears. And that's just as well, because you are a little limited when it comes to external options (more of which later). Setting up the device is quick and simple. The MP1 uses Google TV as its operating system and has licensed Netflix integration, and so you get a smooth experience whatever your streaming options. One thing to note, though, is BBC iPlayer is still sadly lacking from the Google store so you'll have to connect to another peice of hardware to play EastEnders at supersize! The Bluetooth remote is nicely designed and has specific buttons for YouTube, Netflix and Amazon. This same Bluetooth means you can also connect to wireless speakers. I tested this out and didn't experience any lag, which I found was an issue with the DBOX02. Dangbei's InstanPro AI Image Setup Technology is among the best in the business and had just been upgraded, offering automated focus, real-time Keystone correction, screen fit, obstacle avoidance, and AI brightness adjustment. It makes it all super easy, not that taking manual control is particularly difficult. Although the automated settings were so good I never really felt the need to fiddle too much. It's worth noting the Keystone correction is dealt with by software and not hardware, meaning there is some light bleed that might turn off the purist. To be honest, after a couple of minutes you won't even notice it. For TV and movies, the MP1 smashes it out of the park. The quality is stunning and thanks to all those ISO Lumens, it shines no matter how light it is in the room. It also handles gaming with ease thanks to the 240Hz refresh rate. It's fast and reactive, and you can't beat playing Mario on a massive screen. There is a high-performance mode, but I wouldn't recommend it as the fans immediately go crazy and everything else seems to go to pot (or at least feels like it). Which brings me on to a couple of little caveats. Under normal use I wouldn't call the fans whisper quiet. If you're watching a blockbuster you won't notice, but quieter fare might well suffer. You get two HDMI ports to play with, as well as a headphone jack and USB-A, but no optical audio. I found this a little puzzling as this could be a deal breaker for the true home cinephile. Also, it does support 3D and while I have no way of testing this feature, other users say they have found it to be a little underwhelming. Another thing to note is the lifespan has been quoted to me as being more than 20,000 hours. Let feels like plenty, but is down from the 30,000 range boasted by the DBOX02. So if you're using it for a couple of hours a day it will last way over 20 years. So it is the flagship but it's missing a couple of high-end features in return, I guess, for portability. It's a comprimise I can live with. The MP1 Max is the best and brightest Dangbei yet, and delivers a powerful viewing experience - no matter where you are.