Although TVs get most of the hype, UST (Ultra Short Throw) video projectors are becoming a popular solution for those seeking really big-screen entertainment even with limited space.
There are several brands and models available from Hisense, LG, BenQ, Epson, Samsung, and Vava. Now, XGIMI has decided to throw its hat into the ring with the Aura 4K UST Laser Projector.
What an Ultra Short Throw (UST) Projector Is
For those that aren’t familiar with newer video projector technologies, an Ultra Throw Projector (aka UST) has a specially constructed lens assembly that allows images to be displayed from a very short distance. This means instead of placing the projector behind the seating position on a table or ceiling you can place it on a table or shelf within a couple of feet from a screen or wall and project very large images. This is great for those that have small rooms. Needless to say, this option is becoming popular with a growing number of consumers.
How the XGIMI Aura Does 4K
The XGIMI employs a .47-inch 1080p resolution DLP imaging chip (aka DMD – Digital Micromirror Device) from Texas Instruments. The chip contains 2.1 million pixels (very tiny mirrors). However, for the projector to display 4K, 8.3 million pixels are required. To achieve this the pixels on the 1080p chip are shifted both vertically and horizontally at 240Hz (240 times per second). Since the 240Hz “pixel shifting” is so fast, the viewer perceives the image as being 4K.
How The Laser Projection System Works
The XGIMI Aura employs a laser light source, which eliminates the need for a lamp that would have to be replaced on a periodic basis.
According to XGIMI, they are using an Advanced Laser Phosphor Display (ALDP) system. In this system, a single laser emits blue light. The blue light is then split in two. One beam continues through the rest of the DLP light engine, while the other strikes a rotating phosphor wheel which creates green and yellow light beams.
The resultant blue, red, and green light beams then travel through the rest of the light engine, where the colors are combined as needed, reflected off the DLP chip, and projected through the lens onto the screen.
XGIMI Aura Features
Now that you know how the XGIMI Aura works, here is an overview of features that can enhance your home entertainment experience.
Light Output: 2400 ANSI Lumens Max
Color Gamut: 1.07 Billions Colors (90% Rec709, 80% DCI-P3)
HDR Compatibility: HDR10
Refresh Rate: 60Hz with additional MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) processing.
Projection Distance: 11.7 inches required for a 120-inch image, 17.3 includes required for a 150-inch image. The Aura can project images from 80-to-100 inches by changing the projector distance.
Keystone Correction: 8 Points
Audio System – Harman Kardon 4 channel speaker system with 15 watts per channel.
Surround Sound Formats – DTS Studio Sound, DTS-HD, Dolby Audio
Control: Voice remote with Google Assistant
Smart TV OS: Android ver 10.0 (2GB RAM, 32GB Storage) and Chromecast Built-in – Access provided to over 5,000 streaming apps including Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and a lot more that can be accessed directly on the projector or cast from compatible smartphones.
3D: Requires LCD Active Shutter Glasses (additional purchase). Although the 3D option has been discontinued in TVs, there are still a number of video projectors that include this feature and the XGIMI Aura is one of them.
Input Connections:
- HDMI ver 2.0 (3 – 1 supports HDMI-ARC)
- USB ver 2.0 (3)
- Ethernet/LAN (1)
Output Connections:
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack (1)
- Digital Optical: (1) This Allows connection to a compatible external audio system.
Additional Connectivity:
- Mini USB Debug/Service Only (1)
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth ver 5.0 – Allows music streaming from compatible smartphones and tablets.
Startup Time: 12 Second Fast Boot
Fan Noise: Less than 30dB
Dimensions: 606 x 401 x 139.5 mm or 23.86 x 15.79 x 5.49 inches
Weight: 32.91 pounds
Expected Lifespan: 25,000 use hours
Pricing and Availability
The XGIMI Aura 4K UST Laser Projector is available at a suggested price of $2499 at xgimi.com.
NOTE: A screen and 3D glasses are not included.
Related reading: Best UST Projectors, Best UST Screens
