The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is priced at Rs 5,999.

Amazon introduced the first Fire TV Stick in India in 2017. At the time, smart TVs were expensive, few brands manufactured them and the adoption of over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms was relatively low. In such a market, a streaming device that could be plugged into any TV with an HDMI port to access streaming apps as well as games was a compelling proposition.

However, things have changed a lot in 2024. On the one hand, the number of OTT platforms has increased significantly, offering a wide range of exclusive content. On the other hand, smart TVs have become relatively cheaper, with many new brands entering the market and making it more accessible to the masses. According to the report “India Internet Report 2023” conducted by Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Kantar, a massive 707 million users are on OTT platforms in India. The total number of streaming platforms has also increased to 57, according to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

This situation would seem to make third-party streaming devices less useful, but then the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K made its debut. Priced at Rs 5,999, it supports 4K resolution content (2160p) as well as HDR10+, Dolby Vision, etc. It also offers the entire Amazon Appstore library with over 12,000 apps.

Over the past two weeks, I have been using this streaming device to find out if what it has to offer is good enough in this era when it is competing not only with other streaming devices but also with the growing number of smart TVs that offer the same experience integrated into the television.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Design and Remote Control

The basic design of the original Fire TV Stick hasn’t seen many upgrades over the years, and the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K continues that tradition. It’s a matte black rectangular device (now with curved edges) with the Fire TV logo on top and an HDMI port on the front. If you can’t easily plug in the HDMI port, an HDMI extender gives you more flexibility.

New Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: Remote

There is a Micro-USB port on the side for power. Depending on your TV, you may be able to power the device using the USB port if it provides enough power. My TV couldn’t do that, so the charger that came in the box came in handy and allowed me to power it by plugging it into a power outlet.

The remote control has also been slightly improved over the previous Fire Stick 4K released in 2019. It now has dedicated app buttons for Prime Video, Netflix, and Amazon Music. A fourth button gives you direct access to installed apps. A Live TV button and a dedicated Alexa button have replaced the previous voice control button. The functionality is the same, but Alexa feels much better.

In a previous review, Gadgets 360 noted that at best the virtual assistant would just pop up an app if the content you searched for wasn’t from Prime Video, but now it can show title cards for Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, Jio Cinema, and YouTube (these are the apps I use a lot.) Other than that, the rest of the remote is standard.

When it comes to installation and usage, Fire TV is very easy to use. The installation process, including OS-based updates, took about 15 minutes. All you have to do is plug it into your TV, connect it to a power source, and follow the on-screen instructions. It’s a plug-and-forget device.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: Interface

It runs on Fire OS, and the user interface isn’t too different from the standard Android TV experience. You get the same tile-based layout and horizontal scrolling interface showcasing your shows, movies, and apps. There’s a Home, Search, and Live TV section, along with an easily accessible App Library. The Settings icon is also conveniently located at the top, and the placement makes it easier to switch between since there’s no Settings button on the remote.

Amazon also has a great recommendation algorithm that suggests content across various OTT platforms, even if you don’t have them installed. It shows your recently watched shows, Netflix recommendations, free movies and TV shows, and categories by genre. However, being an Amazon product, the content is biased. For example, only Prime Video content is shown as 4K on the home screen. For other content, you have to click on the content tile to find out more.

You can jump directly to Prime Video content from the Featured section on the home screen, but other apps require a description screen first, and Prime Video takes up the top half of the page where recommended content is displayed.

However, I watch quite a few shows and movies on Prime Video, so I’ve never found it an inconvenience. The integration makes it easy to discover new content to watch and play it instantly. If you’re not a fan of the Prime Video library, you might be better off with the Mi TV Stick or the default Android TV/Google TV.

Overall, the interface is snappy, responsive, and extremely reliable even over extended periods of use. I rarely encountered any glitches or issues.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: Performance

Now, let’s look at the performance. On paper, this is Amazon’s most powerful streaming device available in India. It supports up to Wi-Fi 6 (both 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands) and Bluetooth 5.0. It also has HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos audio support to go with 4K Ultra-HD video quality support. The device comes with 8GB of inbuilt storage.

I’ve been using the device with my Redmi Fire TV for over two weeks now and am pleased with its solid performance. Whether I was watching an episode of Shogun, enjoying the comedy drama Laapataa Ladies, or binge-watching the anime Spy x Family, the video quality was crisp and bright, with easy distinction between light and dark areas. Even dark scenes were bright and comfortable to watch. To my surprise, the OS performance on the Fire TV Stick 4K was faster than the built-in Fire OS.

However, keep in mind that 4K video support requires a fast internet connection, and an unstable or slow connection may slow down the video stream. Additionally, the overall video quality will vary depending on the TV you’re using. Needless to say, a premium TV that supports 4K will offer better visuals than one that doesn’t.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: Review

As I said above, the goal of this review was to understand whether the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K really has enough features to be worth buying. After using it, my answer is yes.

Even in a world where smart TVs can be had for under Rs 15,000, not all are created equal. Some have poor memory and some offer sub-par OS experiences. With many people still using older, non-smart TVs, Amazon’s streaming device fills a gap in the need to replace trusty TV hardware due to software flaws.

The Fire TV Stick 4K is a solid performer in terms of OS interface, performance, and picture quality. But beyond that, what this device really offers is reliability. I’ve experienced glitches with my Redmi Smart TV and my parents’ Sony Bravia, but I’ve never experienced even minor issues with this device. From navigating between different apps to watching shows and movies, it was a seamless experience. In my opinion, a good streaming device should be something you don’t notice while watching TV, and the Fire TV Stick 4K delivered exactly that.

If you don’t own a smart TV, or you’re annoyed that yours is a few years old and starting to slow down, the Fire TV Stick might be a good way to extend the life of your TV without compromising your viewing experience.

The post Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Review: A Trusted Choice appeared first on Review Products.

Projectors are frequently the first option in large rooms designed specifically for home theater because they can be enormous, detailed, and optimized for an actual home theatre experience. However, they can also be compact, portable, adaptable, and a way to increase your productivity or enjoyment while on the road. In the home entertainment and productivity area, the latter use case is particularly intriguing, and companies like ViewSonic have significantly impacted promoting a market that is frequently undervalued and ignored.

The ViewSonic M1 Pro, which has an Indian retail price of Rs. 68,999, is one of the projector and monitor specialist’s most recent offerings in the portable projector market. The M1 Pro promises much for the money with a projection resolution of 1280×720 pixels. This novel design allows the projector to stand freely and project in various directions and an integrated sound system. Is this the top portable projector on the market at the moment? Learn more from this review.

The ViewSonic M1 Pro can project images up to 150 inches with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels.

The features and design of the ViewSonic M1 Pro

The ViewSonic M1 Pro is the spiritual and physical successor to the ViewSonic M1, and it maintains the exact positioning by providing entirely wireless use due to its integrated battery. The Pro version also receives a boost in resolution, a more robust speaker system, and an overall improved form factor, albeit all of this also comes at a hefty price rise.

Review of the ViewSonic M2e portable LED projector

On the other hand, because it has a built-in battery and weighs 0.95kg, it is considerably more portable than the ViewSonic M2e. The M2e is less mobile and adaptable than the M1 Pro, while it is more appropriately categorized as a home theater projector with some versatility in how and where you may use it. Because of this, the M1 Pro fills a somewhat intriguing niche and promises to do an excellent job of fulfilling its rather specific function.

The ViewSonic M1 Pro is more petite and thick compared to other projectors, but it doesn’t make it a little thing. It is also far more attractive to look at and hold than the M1, thanks to the exterior’s fabric wrapping and other subtle design features. On the projector itself, there are three controls for volume and playback control for approved sources. The Harman Kardon branding is located at the back, directly over the cleverly installed rear-facing two-driver 6W speaker system.

When the M1 Pro is turned off, the swiveling stand, which also serves as the lens shield, may be opened or closed to reveal the battery’s status. When turned on, a small light shines through the fabric covering to indicate that the ViewSonic M1 Pro is operational. Additional lights also indicate the battery life of the device. On either side of the projector are vents for exhaust and a dial for lens focus.

The ViewSonic M1 Review

On the left side of the projector, under a magnetic flap, are all the ports and sockets for the ViewSonic M1 Pro; more on that in the following section. When the M1 Pro is upright, you can adjust the projection to any reasonable angle, and the device will automatically adjust it to the optimal screen ratio and angles. The ViewSonic M1 Pro can project images up to 150 inches across at a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels.

The projection lamp’s brightness is up to 600 lumens, and its lifespan is up to 30,000 hours. The size of the projection is determined by how far away from the wall or screen you place the ViewSonic M1 projector because its focal length is fixed. Digital zoom can be adjusted between 0.8X and 1.0X for minor modifications, although this is solely for optimization and not for altering the screen size.

The focus adjusting dial is located on the side of the ViewSonic M1 Pro, while controls for volume and playback control are located at the top.

ViewSonic advises a throw distance of at least 0.94m, which provides a projection size of 40 inches, going up to a height of 150 inches from a throw distance of 3.52m. Still, anything over 100 inches will likely result in a sharp drop in projection quality and sharpness. Despite this, you can get a strong projection even from up close.

Along with the ViewSonic M1 Pro, the sales package also includes:

• A sizable charging brick that plugs into the DC 19V socket.
• A USB Type-C to Type-C cable for connectivity to source devices.
• Remote control for using the built-in Android UI and controlling essential functions like volume and source.
• A hard-shell carrying case for the whole thing.

Features and connectivity for the ViewSonic M1 Pro

For a gadget of its size, the ViewSonic M1 Pro’s connectivity features are unique. There are two USB Type-C connectors, one USB Type-A port, an HDMI port, and sockets for power and wired headphone and speaker connectivity. Additionally, there are wireless connectivity possibilities, such as screen mirroring via WiFi and audio communication via Bluetooth 4.2 to compatible headphones and speakers.

The ViewSonic M1 Pro has a projection resolution of 1280×720 pixels, but the system can accept input resolutions up to 1920×1080 pixels; these resolutions will then be upscaled or downscaled as required. USB Type-C is the most practical connecting choice, which can handle audio and video via a single cable. However, many people will undoubtedly find HDMI connectivity to be helpful.

The ViewSonic M1 Pro boasts a 12,000mAh battery that can power the projector directly but functions like a power bank. This was a little annoying in my instance as the projector’s battery was quickly depleted while it was also charging my laptop with a USB Type-C cable. This problem could only be resolved by connecting it to DC power, which naturally never occurs when using an HDMI cable with a compatible source device like the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen).

The ViewSonic M1 Pro has many connectivity options, including USB Type-C, HDMI, and WiFi.

The M1 Pro offers a simple Android-based user interface, like some of the other ViewSonic projectors I’ve reviewed. This is used for simple tasks, including connecting to some source devices, like USB drives, to access media content through the file explorer and to access and change system settings and preferences.

The ViewSonic M1 Pro has 16GB of internal storage, 12GB of which are available for apps and data. Since remote control is used for navigation and control, apps could be more detailed and functional. For instance, the pre-installed Netflix software is challenging to use and understand.

Using an app for Android or iOS directly supporting AirPlay screen mirroring, you can also use screen mirroring from compatible devices. Some programs, such as YouTube and Disney+ Hotstar, as well as fundamental productivity features, worked fine on my iPhone. With the curtains pulled, the projector was sufficiently bright throughout the day, making project images or data convenient. The ViewSonic M1 Pro can also be used entirely wirelessly due to wireless source connectivity and battery power.

The casting options on apps like Netflix and Prime Video didn’t function for me and thus couldn’t be used to project directly. A small streaming box like the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) or a laptop or desktop computer like the Mac Mini can be used as the source device to handle the actual UI, apps, or content.

Battery life and performance of the ViewSonic M1 Pro

The placement and feature set of the ViewSonic M1 Pro make it a distinctive product with little immediate competition. Due to the superior projection resolution, it is significantly more suitable for entertainment than the ViewSonic M1 in terms of functionality. It may be utilized with various source devices because of the numerous connectivity choices.

However, given the size of the projection itself, the ViewSonic M1 Pro is still constrained by its 1280×720-pixel resolution. Smaller projection sizes generally looked good, even with material playing, and you tend to overlook some defects simply because this is a projection. Larger projection sizes, however, make the resolution’s inherent flaws more noticeable. This didn’t matter if I was projecting my laptop screen, but it affected how well movies and TV shows looked.

A Harman Kardon-tuned 6W speaker system is included with the ViewSonic M1 Pro.

It’s helpful that the ViewSonic M1 Pro boots up quickly and is ready to use after a few seconds of turning the cover stand and positioning it. Additionally, connectivity is fast and dependable, especially with USB Type-C, which starts working immediately after being plugged in. Even HDMI is very immediate, and using AirPlay to connect wirelessly with compatible iOS devices proved easy and quick. Thanks to fast and accurate keystone correction, you may set it up at any angle for convenience. However, the projector performs best when directed horizontally at the projection screen or wall.

The ViewSonic M1 Pro’s exhaust fan mechanism continuously expels hot air on either side of the projector when it is in regular use, and closeup listeners can hear the fan humming. However, it isn’t deafening, and if you stand about a meter away from it, the sound will completely disappear. Despite not sounding like much, the 6W speaker system is loud enough and well-tuned to be heard clearly from a similar distance.

At home, I used a white wall and a white ViewSonic M1 Pro projector to create a projection roughly the size of a 55-inch television at a distance of 1.4 meters. Even though I was seated directly behind the projector and near the wall, I liked the view and the size of the projection. To have the most excellent viewing experience, however, the light level had to be decreased, and the focus had to be manually adjusted.

Watching cricket matches and Star Wars: Visions episodes on Disney+ Hotstar was primarily enjoyable, and the darker the room, the better it appeared. The projector is bright enough to block out glimmering daylight, and the image is clear enough to see once the focus is set just right.

A remote is provided with the ViewSonic M1 Pro, which is required to operate the gadget.

The animated episodes of Visions’ helped a little with this because of their softer edges, but the projector is still somewhat capable in this area. There were sporadic visual problems, but they are tolerable when compared to the significantly smaller screen of your smartphone or laptop.

It’s essential to keep in mind that this kind of projector isn’t intended to be used regularly; instead, think of it as something you can bring along on vacation to use as entertainment in your hotel room or for productivity, like quickly projecting presentations and spreadsheets from your laptop onto a conference room screen. Given that the latter will more closely resemble the resolution and display ratio of a standard laptop or tablet screen, it is undeniably much superior to the latter.

Although the ViewSonic M1 Pro’s 12,000mAh battery seems large, the projection uses much energy. As a result, I could only use the M1 Pro for around an hour under usual use; however, if you choose “Eco” mode, your usage time may increase slightly. This might be useful in some circumstances, but the projector will need to be connected for all practical purposes.

Verdict

The commitment of ViewSonic to the projector market is rather outstanding, and the firm is one of the few to provide specialized projectors like the ViewSonic M1 Pro and the M1 and M2e projectors that came before it. The M1 Pro is unrivaled in variety and usability – if this is what you’re looking for. However, it fits a pretty specialized use case and is likely pricey, given that you can purchase a great 65-inch TV for the same amount.

The ViewSonic M1 Pro is worthwhile even for the occasional movie or TV show on the fly, even though it is better suited for productivity use cases. Additionally, the built-in battery gives you more flexibility when using it, and a broad range of networking choices let you link it to virtually any contemporary source device wirelessly or with cords. I recommend the ViewSonic M1 Pro if you’re searching for anything like this and have the money for it.

Rs. 68,999 was the cost (at the time of this review).

Ratings:

• Nine designs
• 7 for performance

VFM: 6

General: 7

Pros:

• Lens stand and cover that is portable and practical
• good choices for connectivity
• reasonable performance
• Exceptional audio for a portable projector.
• Battery-powered use is possible.

Cons:

• Expensive
• constant optical zoom
• Basic internal UI
• shows with low-quality and large projection sizes

The post ViewSonic M1 Pro Portable Projector Review: Multipurpose Champ appeared first on Review Products.

TVs can be expensive or affordable, and if you’re shopping in the latter category, you’ll likely give Xiaomi a look. Of course, it might sound a bit strange to call a television that costs over Rs. 60,000 ‘affordable’, but everything is relative, and there’s a huge market for big-screen, feature-rich televisions that don’t cost too much. The latest in that list is the Xiaomi X Series (2023) television range, which now comes in a 65-inch size option, which is priced at Rs. 61,999 in India.

With a 65-inch Ultra-HD (3840×2160-pixel) screen, support for Dolby Vision HDR, 30W speakers, and the Google TV user interface alongside Xiaomi’s Patchwall on top of Android TV OS, this is a well-equipped big screen television that costs less that Rs. 1,000 per diagonal inch of screen size. Is this the best reasonably-priced 65-inch TV you can buy right now? Find out in this review.

Xiaomi X Series (2023) 65-inch Ultra-HD Smart TV design and specifications

Xiaomi’s older X series televisions have been available in sizes ranging from 43 inches to 55 inches, all of which are Ultra-HD (3840×2160-pixel) televisions. The 2023 series adds a 65-inch option as well, although it’s worth pointing out here that this isn’t the first 65-inch TV from the company, but it’s new for this series. The TV I’ve received for review is the 65-inch option, which is priced at Rs. 61,999 in India.

Expectedly, the design is largely along the lines of earlier X series models, and is available in a single black colour option. The borders around the screen are slim and largely out of sight much of the time when the TV is in operation, while the bottom has a slightly thicker and more prominent border. The Xiaomi logo is at the centre, just above the module which has the indicator light and power button.

It isn’t a very slim TV, but it isn’t too thick either, and will look reasonably good when wall-mounted using a low-profile mounting kit. Unlike the X Pro series which was launched earlier this year, there is no hands-free voice assistant functionality, and so no microphone built into the TV itself. You can, of course, access Google Assistant through the remote, which has a microphone to accept voice commands.

You get three HDMI 2.1 ports (one supports eARC), two USB type-A ports, an Ethernet port, an Optical audio port, and sockets for AV, 3.5mm audio, and antenna on the Xiaomi X Series (2023) TV – all fairly standard for a TV in this price segment. The fact that this is a large television with the ports close to the centre at the back makes access to them a bit difficult when the TV is wall-mounted, so you’ll need to ensure you set everything up before putting it on the wall.

Stands for the TV are included in the sales package, but not a wall-mount kit. Xiaomi’s installation team can take care of assembly and installation regardless of which mode of installation you opt for, but you’ll need to confirm with the technician about which wall-mount kit is used and whether there will be an additional cost for it.

The Xiaomi X Series (2023) is available in various size options, going up to the 65-inch version that I had for review

Other specifications worth mentioning are 2GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage for apps and app data, a quad-core A55 processor to run the smart functionality and Android TV operating system, and a standard refresh rate of 60Hz. The TV supports the Dolby Vision and HDR10 formats, and relies on Bluetooth 5 and dual-band Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity. For sound, the Xiaomi X Series (2023) TV has a 30W speaker system with support for Dolby Audio, DTS:X, and DTS: Virtual X, as well as Dolby Atmos passthrough support on the eARC enabled HDMI port.

Xiaomi X Series (2023) 65-inch Ultra-HD Smart TV remote and features

The remote and feature set on Xiaomi’s larger televisions doesn’t really change much, and the 65-inch X Series (2023) television sticks to this formula. The lightweight remote is compatible with various Xiaomi and Redmi TVs in the range, easily replaceable, and largely uncomplicated. Software fixes have made up for the lack of buttons for some time now, and AAA batteries for the remote are included in the sales package.

The remote has hotkeys for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and YouTube, apart from the customary navigation pad and Android TV buttons, Google Assistant button, and volume button. Connectivity is only through Bluetooth, and the remote needs to be paired (through a quick and convenient pairing process) when the TV is first booted up.

Other features on the Xiaomi X Series (2023) TV include Chromecast built-in and auto low-latency mode (ALLM). The X Series (2023) is not quite as well-equipped as the X Pro launched earlier this year, but it’s a fair bit more affordable than the X Pro for models of the same size, and largely gets the core experience on point.

Xiaomi X Series (2023) 65-inch Ultra-HD Smart TV software and interface

Xiaomi has a pretty stable formula for its televisions which is arguably a bit too predictable, but I see it as a big benefit if you go by the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ philosophy. Much of that comes down to the software experience, and the X Series (2023) television range comes with the expected combination of Android TV with the Google TV user interface, apart from the ability to switch to Xiaomi’s own PatchWall UI.

The television runs Android TV 11 under the hood, but seems to struggle a bit with performance, when it comes to the UIs and smart TV functionality. Even with just a few basic apps loaded, I found the TV quite sluggish when navigating around the Google TV and PatchWall user interfaces. Rebooting the TV completely would improve things for a few hours (or maybe a day), but it would go back to being sluggish eventually.

Apart from the Google TV user interface, you can also use PatchWall on the Xiaomi X Series (2023) TV

This seems to apply only to the user interface itself; on platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube (all known for their performance reliability), there were no performance issues with anything playing. Some apps such as JioCinema did have occasional issues of lag and stutter, but at no point was the TV troublesome, once content was actually streaming.

Wall Mount or on a Stand? What You Need to Know Before Setting Up Your New TV

The Google TV user interface was introduced on the Xiaomi X Pro series earlier in 2023, and makes its way to the X Series (2023) as well. As mentioned in numerous earlier reviews, it’s a considerable upgrade over the earlier stock Android TV UI. PatchWall, on the other hand, remains largely familiar, with many of its classic features such as curated categories and recommendations present on the X Series (2023) as well.

Xiaomi X Series (2023) 65-inch Ultra-HD Smart TV performance

Xiaomi’s brand image, coupled with the fact that it’s a well-established and leading player in the smartphone segment, has made it naturally interesting to buyers of TVs in this price segment. At Rs. 61,999 for the 65-inch variant, it’s also quite competitively priced as compared to much of the competition in the segment, especially when you consider the features and specifications on offer, such as support for Dolby Vision, 30W of sound output, and the Google TV user interface.

The X Series (2023) has some minor performance-affecting differences as compared to the X Pro, but you’re unlikely to really notice these in practical use. Key features and specifications are all in place, and the performance more than matched up to most of the televisions I’ve used in this price segment. I’ve usually reviewed 55-inch TVs at this price, so getting a 65-inch option at under Rs. 65,000 is somewhat of a novelty for me.

With plenty of Ultra-HD and high dynamic range content available to stream from various platforms, there’s lots to work with on the Xiaomi X Series (2023) television if you buy one of the larger screen sizes. I watched a range of content from various streaming platforms, including episodes of Star Wars Visions and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 on Disney+ Hotstar, Strange Planet (Review) on Apple TV+, episodes of Barry on JioCinema, and assorted sports and YouTube content.

Ultra-HD Dolby Vision content looks best on the TV, although the bump in brightness with HDR isn’t significant

The 65-inch screen size comes with its own impact, but this can also potentially create challenges in the picture quality for lower-resolution content. While the differences between Ultra-HD and even full-HD content are a bit more pronounced on larger screens, the actual drawbacks are handled to a reasonable extent by the Xiaomi X Series (2023) TV thanks to acceptable upscaling. Of course, you’ll want to stick to Ultra-HD content as much as possible for the optimal level of performance, and the Xiaomi X Series (2023) manages to do decently for the price when it comes to that.

Dolby Vision: What Is It, and How Does It Make Your Movies and TV Shows Better?

Support for Dolby Vision high dynamic range (but not the HDR10+ format) means that you’ll get slightly better performance with compatible content from platforms such as Netflix and Apple TV+. That said, the actual Dolby Vision effect isn’t quite as pronounced on the Xiaomi X Series (2023) as on high-end quantum-dot and OLED televisions, but you’ll still see a decent increase in the brightness and colour vibrance.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 looked good on the TV, thanks to support for the Dolby Vision format for the title. The colourful and over-the-top set pieces of Knowhere (the Guardians’ city-spaceship headquarters) looked punchy and sharp for the most part. That said, very bright colours and certain skin tones appeared a bit oversaturated.

Peak brightness was also somewhat of a concern on the Xiaomi X Series (2023) television, with HDR content not really offering much of a bump over standard dynamic range content. Fortunately, I didn’t need to do too much to darken the room for the picture to be visible; if you’re in front of the TV or just off by a small angle, you won’t have any trouble watching even with bright daylight in the room.

That said, you do need to be in front of the TV for the ideal viewing experience, and the further away from the centre you are, the more reflective the screen of the Xiaomi X Series (2023) television gets. Additionally, darkening the room as much as you can will definitely help in making the picture and colours appear as good as they can.

Ultra-HD content obviously appeared the sharpest and nicest to watch, including the deliberately hazy They Cloned Tyrone which still looked sharp despite the tone of the film itself. However, low-light scenes were sometimes difficult to watch, thanks to the fairly average black levels and noticeable grey tinge of the TV. Lower resolution content – such as episodes of Barry – looked alright, and I definitely didn’t have any trouble watching these.

That said, don’t expect it to look stunning; there were points where details seemed washed out, and the show effectively appeared a bit older than it actually is. You probably won’t mind this once in a while, but if most of your viewing is full-HD or lower resolution content such as this, you shouldn’t really be considering a 65-inch Ultra-HD TV in the first place.

Xiaomi tends to be very good with sound quality on its TVs, and that is the case on the X Series (2023) as well. Although not quite as loud as the X Pro TV series, the X Series comes with a box speaker system providing 30W of sound output. There is no support for Dolby Atmos from the speaker system, but in most cases, this isn’t something you’ll miss either.

The TV is loud, clear, and audible even at moderate volumes with plenty of room to go higher if you like. The uniformity in volume increments is excellent, and I didn’t experience too many unpleasant volume spikes. Usefully, there is Dolby Atmos passthrough, so you’ll be able to connect to a compatible soundbar or speaker system and get the benefit of Atmos, if you want.

Verdict

Although the frequent releases and somewhat overlapping product range might seem confusing for many, Xiaomi’s diversity in the sensibly-priced big screen segment is perhaps its biggest strength. The Xiaomi X Series (2023) adds to the company’s capable portfolio, this time adding a 65-inch option while sticking to the current-generation and no-frills approach of the X series.

The issues with this TV aren’t significant, save for a somewhat sluggish user interface and hassles with black levels which make dark content a bit difficult to watch. In all other ways, you get a TV that more than matches up to its price, providing a value-for-money experience that lets you enjoy the benefits of a massive TV without breaking the bank. Consider the X Pro TV series if you want a few more features and HDR10+ compatibility, but otherwise the X Series (2023) is a solid option, especially if you want the 65-inch screen size.

The post Xiaomi X Series (2023) 65-inch Ultra-HD Smart TV (L65M8-A2IN) Review: Big Size, Not So Big Price appeared first on Review Products.

Introduction

A home theater system can turn your living room into a cinematic experience, bringing the visuals and sounds of the big screen directly into your home. Whether you’re a movie buff or a music lover, investing in a high-quality home theater system can take your entertainment to new heights. To help you create an attractive audio-visual setup, we have put together a list of the top 10 home theater systems. This article provides detailed reviews, ratings, prices and other essential information to help you choose the best home theater system for your needs. From audio performance and connectivity options to design and affordability, we’ve considered all the important factors.

Sonos Arc

Review: The Sonos Arc is a premium soundbar that delivers immersive sound, voice control and compatibility with popular streaming services, delivering a cinematic audio experience.

Rating: 9.5/10

Price: Starting at $799.00

Bose Lifestyle 650

Review: The Bose Lifestyle 650 is a complete home theater system that combines sleek design, powerful audio performance and advanced connectivity options, creating an immersive entertainment experience.

Rating: 9.4/10

Price: Starting at $3,999.00

Yamaha YHT-5950U

Review: The Yamaha YHT-5950U is a versatile home theater system that offers excellent sound quality, 4K compatibility, and easy setup, making it a top choice for immersive home audio.

Rating: 9.3/10

Price: Starting at $699.95

Sony STR-DN1080

Review: The Sony STR-DN1080 is a feature-rich AV receiver that delivers powerful sound, 4K support, and advanced connectivity options, providing a dynamic home theater experience.

Rating: 9.2/10

Price: Starting at $598.00

Klipsch Reference Theater Pack

Review: The Klipsch Reference Theater Pack is a compact and affordable home theater system that delivers impressive sound quality, deep bass, and a stylish design that’s perfect for small spaces.

Rating: 9.1/10

Price: Starting at $999.00

JBL Bar 5.1

Review: The JBL Bar 5.1 is a versatile soundbar system that offers immersive audio, wireless surround speakers and a detachable soundbar, offering flexibility and convenience.

Rating: 9.0/10

Price: Starting at $499.95

Denon AVR-X4500H

Review: The Denon AVR-X4500H is a high-end AV receiver that offers exceptional sound quality, extensive connectivity options and support for multiple audio formats, which caters to audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.

Rating: 8.9/10

Price: Starting at $1,199.00

LG SK9Y

Review: The LG SK9Y is a soundbar system with Dolby Atmos support, wireless subwoofer, and Google Assistant integration that delivers immersive sound and smart home compatibility.

Rating: 8.8/10

Price: Starting at $849.00

Samsung HW-Q70T

Review: The Samsung HW-Q70T is a soundbar system with acoustic beam technology, powerful audio performance and compatibility with Samsung QLED TVs, providing an immersive home theater experience.

Rating: 8.7/10

Price: Starting at $799.99

Vizio SB36512-F6

Review: The Vizio SB36512-F6 is an affordable soundbar system with Dolby Atmos support, wireless subwoofer, and dedicated surround speakers that deliver immersive sound at a budget-friendly price.

Rating: 8.6/10

Price: Starting at $399.99

Conclusion

Investing in the best home theater system can turn your entertainment space into a cinema-like experience. The top 10 home theater systems mentioned in this article offer a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you prioritize audio performance, design, or connectivity options, these systems deliver impressive sound quality and an immersive experience. Consider your needs, read detailed reviews, compare prices, and create the ultimate home theater setup that will bring your movies, music, and games to life.

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Introduction

Portable projectors have revolutionized the way we enjoy movies, presentations and multimedia content on the go. Whether you’re hosting a backyard movie night, giving a business presentation, or simply want to project your favorite shows onto the big screen, having a reliable portable projector is a must. To help you find the right portable projector for your needs, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 portable projectors. This article provides detailed reviews, ratings, prices and other necessary information to help you make an informed decision. From image quality and portability to connectivity options and battery life, we’ve got all the major aspects covered.

Anchor Nebula Capsule II

Review: The Anker Nebula Capsule II offers excellent image quality, built-in speakers, Android TV support, and a compact design, making it a versatile and feature-packed portable projector.

Rating: 9.5/10

Price: Starting at $579.99

Epson EF-100

Review: The Epson EF-100 is a compact laser projector with impressive image quality, built-in speakers and easy setup, making it a great choice for both home entertainment and business presentations.

Rating: 9.4/10

Price: Starting at $799.99

ViewSonic M1

Review: The ViewSonic M1 offers a bright and vibrant display, built-in battery, Harman Kardon speakers and a stylish design that makes for a great viewing experience on the go.

Rating: 9.3/10

Price: Starting at $299.99

LG Cinebeam PH30N

Review: The LG Cinebeam PH30N is a portable projector with impressive battery life, wireless connectivity options, and a compact form factor that offers convenience and flexibility.

Rating: 9.2/10

Price: Starting at $399.99

Optoma ML750ST

Review: The Optoma ML750ST offers short-throw projection, high brightness, and multiple connectivity options, making it a versatile portable projector for both indoor and outdoor use.

Rating: 9.1/10

Price: Starting at $579.00

AAXA P7 Mini Projector

Review: The AAXA P7 Mini Projector has a compact size, long battery life, and ample connectivity options, making it an excellent choice for portable entertainment and presentations.

Rating: 9.0/10

Price: Starting at $379.99

Nebula Mars II Pro

Review: The Nebula Mars II Pro offers bright and vibrant image quality, powerful speakers, Android TV support, and a portable design that caters to movie enthusiasts and casual users alike.

Rating: 8.9/10

Price: Starting at $549.99

BenQ GV1

Review: The BenQ GV1 is a stylish and portable projector with wireless connectivity, built-in speakers and customizable projection modes, offering flexibility and convenience.

Rating: 8.8/10

Price: Starting at $349.00

Sony MP-CD1

Review: The Sony MP-CD1 is a highly portable projector with excellent image quality, a thin and light design, and versatile connectivity options, making it the perfect companion for entertainment on the go.

Rating: 8.7/10

Price: Starting at $399.99

Philips Picopix Micro 2

Review: The Philips Picopix Micro 2 is a compact and affordable portable projector with wireless connectivity, a built-in battery, and user-friendly features that deliver convenience and versatility.

Rating: 8.6/10

Price: Starting at $249.99

Conclusion

Choosing the right portable projector can enhance your entertainment and presentation experiences. The top 10 portable projectors mentioned in this article offer a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you prioritize image quality, portability, connectivity options, or battery life, these projectors deliver impressive performance. Consider your needs, read detailed reviews, compare prices, and find the right portable projector that will bring your favorite content to life, no matter where you go.

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