Chinese electronics manufacturer Xiaomi has introduced their Mi Laser projector, which features Advanced Laser Display (ALPD) technology capable of outputting up to a 150-inch projected screen in Full HD resolution. The Mi Laser projector can be placed as close as 20-inches to the projection surface, thanks to it’s ultra-short throw capabilities. .
The projector offers a host of features, including a glass dust cover, motorized focus, up to 8-point keystone correction, and 16GB of eMMC high-speed flash storage. The Mi Laser projector has a full range stereo speaker system with a total 30 watts output, and supports Dolby audio. In addition, the projector comes with a Bluetooth remote control, has smart temperature control, and auto-shutdown feature with a sensor on top of the projector. The sensor detects if someone is too close to the laser and will automatically shut off.
The Mi Laser projector also comes with a Google Assistant enabled remote control. The Mi Laser projector runs Android TV, provides access to Google Play apps and supports Google Cast for accessing content. It also supports HDR videos and offers three brightness levels: standard, movie, and dynamic. The minimum picture size is 80-inches, and there’s both 60 and 120Hz refresh rates. There are three HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB ports, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility. It also has four speakers that support Dolby audio.
Xiaomi is offering this projector in the US exclusively through Walmart at an MSRP of $1,999.
Display market analyst firm PMA Research provides market data on the display industry, including end-user surveys. Their most recent Worldwide Home theater survey found that the use of ultra-short throw projectors as the main TV has really gained in popularity in China. This trend has not taken off in the United States, so it will be interesting to see how Walmart fares with this offering over the holiday season.