Review Of The Jireno Cube4 Portable Projector

Shillington When Jireno designed their new projector, they took a completely different approach. At first sight, the Cube4’s only nods to portability are a bright orange strap and a well-padded carrying case. However, when I read the specifications, I noticed that this projector is equipped with automatic focus and the new 6D automatic keystone correction system. These functions could be incredibly useful when fitted to a projector designed to be carried from place to place.

Description

This projector weighs in at 4.8 pounds. It is 12.5 inches wide, 7.5 inches deep, and 7.2 inches high. The Cube4’s outer shell is composed of aluminum with a power button centered at the top. Shillington The lens, an infrared port, and a sensor used in conjunction with keystone correction and automatic focus are featured at the front of this projector. Warm air, pushed by a pair of fans, exits from the grill positioned below. Cooler air is sucked inside the device through the large rear grill, brushing past a pair of hidden five-watt speakers. An HMDI port, USB port, Type-C port, infrared port, and an audio jack are located above. This projector enjoys a native resolution of 1920 x 1080P and supports 4K. It is rated at 500 ANSI lumens with a contrast ratio of 3000:1. My package included the projector, user guide, AC adaptor, a bright orange strap, remote, and the optional carrying case.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Jireno Model: Cube4 Dimensions: 12.5 x 19 x 18.3 centimeters (5 x 7.5 x 7.2 inches) Weight: 2.2 kilograms (4.8 pounds) Input power: AC 100 - 240V Projection method: Front/rear/desk Display technology: LCD Light engine: LED Brightness: 500 ANSI Lumens Native resolution: 1920 x 1080p (4K supported) Contrast: 3000:1 Bluetooth 5: Yes Operating System: JI-OS (Based on Android 9) Chipset: Amlogic T972 Rom: 16GB Ram: 2GB Battery: Not applicable Wi-fi: 2.4/5Ghz Interfaces: HDMI, USB, Type-C, audio jack, and DC input Correction: 6D auto and 4-Point keystone Focus adjustment: Auto and manual Lamp life: 30000 hours Aspect ratio: 16:9 and 4:3 Screen size: 30 - 200 inches Noise Level: ˂30db Speakers: Two (5 watts)

The Manufacturer

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Brightness

The brightness of projectors is calculated in either LUX or ANSI lumens. According to Jireno, the Cube4 is capable of outputting 500 ANSI lumens. This is sufficient for operations in low light conditions.

Resolution

Native resolution refers to the projector’s fixed horizontal and vertical pixel count. The Cube4 has a native resolution of 1920 x 1080p and supports 4K.
Shillington The picture quality you see on the screen is partially determined by the media being played. A movie streamed at 1024 x768p is projected at the same resolution. The native resolution of the projector also determines picture quality. While the Cube4 can play a 4K movie, its output is downscaled to Full High Definition (1920 x 1080p).

Contrast

Contrast refers to the ratio of the light reflected from a completely white image and a completely black image. The higher the contrast ratio, the more detail you can see on the projected image. The Cube4’s contrast ratio is 3000:1, which means a projected white image is 3000 times brighter than a projected black image.

Keystone Correction and Focus

The keystone effect is the apparent distortion of an image caused by projecting it onto an angled surface. The best method of dealing with this problem is to ensure the projector is pointed as directly at its screen as possible. Shillington Shillington The Cube4 can correct this distortion digitally via the internal LCD panels of the projector. This projector is fitted with 6D Keystone Correction, which automatically attempts to correct the image when the projector is turned on or its position adjusted. While this is cutting-edge technology, the results are not always perfect. Happily, Jireno has also included an effective 4-point keystone correction procedure. The Cube4’s automatic focus system performs exceptionally well. Focus can also be adjusted by grabbing the remote and tapping one of the two focus buttons.

The JI-OS Operating System

JI-OS is based on Android 9. It controls the projector’s operation and includes the ability to download and use a variety of Android applications. While this system works, I find that Android streaming applications such as Netflix are more cumbersome than those used in conjunction with Roku or Fire TV streaming sticks.

Sound Quality and Noise Level

The Cube4 is equipped with a pair of five-watt speakers that produce excellent sound. I was impressed. Shillington I was also able to pair my 300W Bluetooth JBL soundbar using Bluetooth. The noise emitted from the projector’s fans is limited to a modest 30db.

Positioning the Projector

If this projector is utilized as a home unit, it would be best to mount it from the ceiling or attach it to a sturdy mini-tripod and place it on a table. If the Cube4 is expected to be used in various locations, it should be mounted to a large telescopic tripod. When positioned approximately eight feet from my dining room wall, the Cube4’s projected image filled my 100-inch screen.

Power Requirements

Power requirements differ from region to region. This projector is powered by a 120VAC input in the US and Canada. When using this device in areas beyond the reach of an extension cord, I recommend connecting it to a 300W portable power supply in the 300Wa range.

Image Quality Tests

I streamed a Netflix movie during a cloudy day with the bright dining room lights on. The projected image was faded and barely noticeable. Shillington Once the overhead lights were switched off, the picture brightened considerably but not enough to be of any use. I closed the heavy drapes covering the dining room window. At this point, the movie was watchable, although the colors remained somewhat faded. As the sun dropped behind my neighbor’s house, the room dimmed enough so that the projected movie became enjoyable. Once the sun was entirely below the horizon, the image was as bright and clear as would be found in a movie theater. The contrast provided by the Cube4 is quite acceptable, although, in dark scenes, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate background shades. That is normal with projectors in this price range.

Operational Tests

I turned the projector on and waited as the device’s software loaded. Shillington The final screen, which displayed a set of streaming applications, was automatically focused. The automatic keystone correction worked perfectly because this projector had been previously set up in the general area. I used my remote to select and load the Prime application. Then I watched a movie. After the movie was finished, I pushed the remote’s settings button for two seconds. I then selected the source option from the settings menu, asking the projector to connect to the Roku streaming stick I had previously attached to the projector. Then I used my Roku remote to stream Netflix. This projector coordinates very well with Roku and Fire TV streaming sticks. For example, I pressed the Cube4 remote’s settings button while using the Roku stick to view a movie. In this case, the settings menu temporarily overlaid the Roku screen, allowing me to adjust the projector. Then I could back out of the settings menu and continue to watch my movie.

Overall Assessment

The Cube4 is exceptionally versatile. While it was designed as a portable projector, its specifications match those of more expensive home projectors. This unit provides a bright enough output to provide a good image in low-light conditions and a cinema-quality experience after the sun has set. Contrast is acceptable, and its Full High-Definition native resolution looks great on a 100-inch screen. This device features automatic focus and automatic keystone correction, although it is still a work in progress. The Cube4 is fitted with an Android-based operating system that allows the downloading and use of streaming applications such as Netflix, Prime, and Tubi. This system also plays well with both Roku and Fire TV streaming sticks. If you are searching for an excellent portable projector that is easy to set up and projects a bright image with FHD resolution, the Jireno Cube4 is worthy of a very close look. This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. © 2022 Walter Shillington

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