Formovie Xming Episode One Review – The most affordable mini projectors that is certified Google TV with Netflix on-board

The Xming Episode One from Formovie was launched in May 2024 and is one of the few portable projectors with Google TV and native Netflix support.

It is almost certainly the most affordable option on the market, with native Netflix support at $229. That works out to around £177, which is not only incredibly cheap for a projector with native Netflix but also one of the most affordable projectors I have ever reviewed.

Of course, a projector at this price point has some significant caveats. This is only capable of 150 ISO lumens, which is poor, but you need realistic expectations at this price point.

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Specification

Specification	Xming Episode One Smart Projector
Model	XMM2102
Item Dimensions	122*141*175mm
Weight	1.25 kg
Total Power	≤65W
Standby Power	<0.5W
Input	DC19V ⎓ 3.42A
Resolution	1920*1080
Ratio	1.2:1
Projection Size	40~120”
Focus	Auto Focus
Keystone Correction	Omni-directional auto-keystone correction
Storage	2G DDR/16G eMMC
System	Google TV
Bluetooth	BT 5.0
Wireless	Wi-Fi lEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz
Audio Effects	Dobly Audio
Speaker	2 x 3W Full-range
Noise	<30dB: ambient temperature <30 ° C, 1m distance <34dB: ambient temperature > 30 ° C, 1m distance
Storage Temperature/Humidity	-20 °C to 55 °C / ≤ 90%
Operating Temperature/Humidity	0 °C to 40 °C / 20% – 80%

Features

High-Resolution Visuals with Easy Adjustments

The Episode One delivers Full HD 1080p resolution, auto keystone correction, and autofocus, all in a lightweight, portable design. With vivid imagery and automatic adjustments, it is well-suited for both indoor and outdoor use, providing a straightforward entertainment setup.

Integrated Google TV and Netflix Support

This projector distinguishes itself with built-in Google TV and native Netflix support, enabling easy access to streaming without additional devices. Its 16GB internal storage accommodates essential media, while Google TV certification and Google Assistant integration enhance usability and flexibility. The Netflix certification ensures direct access to quality streaming content.

Visual Performance and Projection Quality

The Xming Episode One boasts a 1080p resolution, making it a dependable choice for users seeking high-quality visuals. With a throw ratio of 1.2±0.1:1, it’s suitable for smaller to medium-sized spaces, projecting an image size from 40 to 120 inches.

With a brightness level of 150 CIVA lumens and an NTSC colour gamut of 38%, it provides accurate colours. The projector’s contrast ratio ranges from a minimum of 1000:1 to a typical 1500:1, delivering clear, well-defined images.

Convenient Setup with Autofocus and Keystone Correction

Equipped with auto-focus and omnidirectional auto keystone correction, Episode One is designed for quick and straightforward setup, providing hassle-free use.

Smart OS with Integrated Streaming

Running on Google TV, the Xming Episode One offers advanced streaming options, including Google Assistant, Google Play access, and support for popular streaming services. Its native Netflix support allows for direct streaming, removing the need for external devices.

Wireless Screen Casting and Energy Efficiency

This projector also supports wireless screen casting, featuring Chromecast capability for casting content from smartphones or laptops to a larger screen. With a maximum power consumption of 65W and standby power of less than 0.5W, it’s an energy-conscious choice for film nights or presentations. The device operates with a MT9630 CPU, 2GB RAM, and 16GB storage on the Google TV platform.

Portable and Compact Design

The Xming Episode One projector combines portability and performance in a compact design. Ideal for presentations, movie screenings, and travel, it’s lightweight and measures just 6.9 x 4.8 x 5.6 inches, weighing approximately 1.2 kg (2.8 lbs). Its low noise output and power-efficient operation allow it to project up to a 120-inch screen without being intrusive.

Enclosed optics ensure a stable, bright projection, providing a convenient option for users that prioritises a blend of portability and high-quality performance.

Connectivity Options and Sound Quality

The Episode One projector includes versatile connectivity and audio options to enhance the viewing experience. It features two full-range 3W speakers with Dolby Audio support for a robust audio experience. Operating at a noise level of 30dB or less at a one-metre distance, it ensures quiet operation during use.

Connectivity Ports and Wireless Options

For connecting external devices, the projector offers HDMI 2.1 with ARC, USB 2.0, earphone, and DC ports. It supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi 5 for stable wireless connectivity, and with Bluetooth 5.0 and BLE support, it easily pairs with compatible devices, making streaming effortless.

Design and Build Quality

The Xming Episode One is crafted with portability in mind. Measuring just 17.53 cm x 12.19 cm x 14.22 cm and weighing 1.2 kg, it is easy to transport and can be conveniently set up in different locations, whether for indoor movie nights, outdoor gatherings, or presentations. Its lightweight build doesn’t compromise its durability, with a fully enclosed optical system that protects against dust and minimises overheating.

The projector’s design integrates practical features such as autofocus and omnidirectional keystone correction, which help users set up the device quickly and adjust the screen to different viewing angles. However, the device may struggle in extreme angles, where manual adjustments might be needed. The compact form factor and sleek aesthetics make it a versatile option for varied environments, but the device’s white casing might show signs of wear over time, especially when frequently transported.

One thing worth noting with this projector is that it lacks a built-in battery, which I think is understandable for a projector at this price point. What I do find particularly annoying is that it uses a DC barrel port for power rather than USB-C. So you will always have to use the stock charger, significantly reducing its appeal as a portable projector.

Set-Up

Setting up the Xming Episode One is a straightforward process, thanks to its Google TV certification. Upon first boot, you’re guided through the standard Google TV setup, which includes connecting to Wi-Fi, signing in to your Google account, and selecting your preferred streaming services.

The auto-focus and auto-keystone correction features work well, quickly adjusting the image when you move the projector. This is particularly useful for a portable device, as it allows for quick setup in various environments without manual adjustments.

The included remote control is well-designed and intuitive, featuring dedicated buttons for Netflix and YouTube, as well as Google Assistant. The voice control functionality works reliably, making it easy to search for content or control smart home devices.

One notable feature is the ability to use the projector while it’s charging, which is not always the case with portable projectors. This adds to its versatility, allowing for extended viewing sessions when a power source is available.

Connectivity

Ports

• HDMI 2.1 with ARC
• USB 2.0
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• DC power input

Wireless Capabilities

• Wi-Fi: Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) Wi-Fi 5
• Bluetooth: Version 5.0 with BLE support
• Chromecast: Built-in

Connectivity on the Xming Episode One includes an HDMI 2.1 port with ARC (Audio Return Channel), a USB 2.0 port, Bluetooth 5.0, and Wi-Fi 5 (2.4GHz and 5GHz). This combination offers flexibility in connecting external devices, such as game consoles, USB storage, and speakers.

The USB 2.0 port is limited in speed, potentially slowing down data transfer rates.

Google TV & Apps

The £450 Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air was the first projector to support native Netflix, but there are a growing number of options at different price points. But projectors with Netflix at this price point are few and far between.

Users can access an extensive range of streaming services and apps through Google TV, including popular platforms like Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. Chromecast functionality is included, allowing users to cast content from their mobile devices or laptops, while the projector’s Google Assistant support adds voice control for added convenience.

The interface is intuitive and familiar to users of Google’s ecosystem, with a responsive system powered by the MT9630 CPU, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of internal storage. The storage enables basic app installations and some media storage but may be limiting for users accustomed to downloading large amounts of content.

While Netflix integration is a major selling point, the app might occasionally face lag due to the processor’s capacity, especially if multiple apps are running simultaneously. For straightforward streaming, however, the system holds up well.

Image Quality and Performance

• Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
• Throw ratio: 1.2±0.1:1
• Projection size: 40 to 120 inches
• Brightness: 150 CIVA lumens
• Colour gamut: NTSC 38%
• Contrast ratio: 1000:1 (minimum), 1500:1 (typical)

The Xming Episode One offers a native resolution of 1920×1080 (Full HD), which is impressive for a projector of this size and price point. The image quality is generally good, with sharp text and vibrant colours in most scenarios.

It is rated with 150 CIVA lumens, which appears to be a new standard developed by the China Video Industry Association and claims to be more accurate than ANSI lumens. It is reported that CIVA lumens tend to give higher readings than ANSI lumens for the same projector, so this may actually be below 150 ANSI Lumens.

With a rated brightness of 500 ANSI lumens, the Episode One performs well in very dimly lit rooms but struggles in brighter environments. While this is typical for most portable projectors, this particular one has a lower ANSI lumen than standard, and this is the biggest caveat you have with a projector at this price point.

The contrast ratio is decent, providing good differentiation between light and dark areas of the image. However, in very dark scenes, some detail can be lost in the shadows.

The projector handles motion reasonably well for most content. Fast-paced action scenes in movies and sports broadcasts are displayed without significant blur or judder. However, very rapid movements can occasionally cause some motion artefacts, which is common for projectors in this class.

Image Quality in a Dark Room

Image Quality in Moderate Light

Image Quality in a Well-Lit Room

Sound Quality

Equipped with two full-frequency 3W speakers with Dolby Audio support, the projector provides acceptable sound quality for casual watching without external speakers. The built-in speakers deliver clear audio for dialogue-driven content, but they may lack depth for immersive movie soundscapes.

One advantage of the Xming Episode One is its quiet operation; with noise levels below 30dB in standard mode, it remains unobtrusive, even in quieter settings. However, for a full cinematic experience, pairing the projector with external speakers would enhance audio richness, particularly in larger rooms or outdoor settings.

Price and Alternative Options

The official RRP of the Xming Episode One is $/€299. They advertised a pre-order offer of $/€229, which was active in June. At the time of writing (29^th October), you can buy it for $229 from Formovie, and this includes free shipping to the UK. This works out at around £177.

There are various cheap mini/portable projectors on Amazon, including:

• ETOE Seal Google TV Projector is the best alternative option I can find, and it has very similar specs. The RRP is $250, and it is available on Amazon for £150. It has a relatively poor 300 ANSI Lumens and also lacks a battery, uses a DC barrel charger, has 2x3W speakers. It has native Netflix, but the main negative vs the Xming is the lack of autofocus.
• WiMiUS Mini Projector for £110 and claims to have 400 ANSI brightness, but this lacks native Netflix and seems to lack any OS at all, so you will need a streaming stick.
• The TOPTRO Mini Outdoor Projector is £190, it includes a battery and claims 12000 Lumen brightness (not ANSI and likely not accurate). It has built-in apps with Android but doesn’t appear to be Google-certified or have native Netflix.

Overall

If you have realistic expectations of what a £177 mini projector can achieve, then the Xming Episode One is excellent. If anything, it performed much better than the specs and price would indicate.

The negative aspects of this projector are shared with most other projectors at this budget price point. Primarily, it is the low-lumen output. While the specs don’t indicate impressive performance, and it certainly won’t compete with premium options, I was very impressed with how well it did in moderately and well-lit rooms.

I can accept the lack of a battery, but the lack of a USB-C is my biggest annoyance.

Beyond that, though, it is excellent. It is small, cheap, has decent enough image quality in low light and has an excellent range of built-in apps, especially the native Netflix support.  I can imagine this would be well suited for a child’s bedroom or for people living alternative lifestyles like van/boat lifers.