The temperatures are still too fresh for the terrace cinema, but Xgimi, the Chinese large-scale manufacturer of video projectors, is already reporting with suitable innovations. We took a look at the new Mogo 2 Pro mini projector, a model that is suitable for outpatient use in terms of its size: With its height of 16 centimetres, it is as compact as a networkable kitchen speaker, but advertises a thoroughly respectable interior.
These include its smart TV functions: The small projector works with the Android TV operating system and thus opens up all conceivable streaming services. Only Apple TV+ is missing, there are suitable apps for all other important platforms. The media libraries of the TV stations are also included. And where Google is on board, the Assistant, the voice control of the house, is also part of the equipment.
The toddler connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi. Because the device supports Chromecast, moving images from the tablet or smartphone can also take the wireless transmission path. Blu-ray players or TV receivers dock via an HDMI cable, and the projector has the appropriate input socket on its back. A USB port can even be used to record memory sticks.
Brightness is not enough for the big cinema
The sound to the picture is reproduced by a built-in loudspeaker with quite usable volume. Headphones can be connected via a jack socket, and Bluetooth radio also invites wireless models or additional speaker cabinets to play along. A small remote control controls all important functions. An external plug-in power supply supplies the projector with power via a USB-C interface.
Xgimi recommends image sizes up to a diagonal dimension of 3 meters. We found somewhat more modest dimensions to make more sense, because the image brightness, the manufacturer calls the value 400 Iso lumens, is not sufficient for the really big cinema, not even in completely darkened rooms. We liked the automatic functions for setting up the optical system: A correction of trapezoidal image distortions works quickly and flawlessly, the same applies to the autofocus.
Depictions with quite sharp contours
To protect the eyes, the device immediately dims the brightness as soon as its built-in sensor identifies a shadow in the projection field. The projector uses a DLP chip to generate images, which reflects the light from an LED source with many tiny mirrors on its surface. Full HD resolution with 1920 × 1080 is supposed to support this element, but this is only possible with a special trick. This model has the smallest available DLP version with 0.23 inches, and it actually only manages a quarter of the HD pixels.
Consequently, the projection system works with pixel shifting, i.e. with sequential shifting of the image grid by one pixel up, down, right and left. That's why we didn't have any strict expectations about the display of our test image, which mercilessly detects resolution limits with tiny checkerboard patterns
Another aspect also made this test illusory, because digital keystone correction also costs resolution. Can HD images still look enjoyable under such circumstances, which are quite typical for projectors of this class? Our test videos showed: You can do it. From a realistic viewing distance, the little Mogo was able to depict with quite sharp contours and a respectable color gamut. Because the projector supports the frame rates 50 and 60 Hertz equally, we registered smooth, jerk-free motion sequences. You can hardly expect more from a projector of this caliber. So its price of 600 euros is also okay.