Affordable Laser Projector With Dolby Vision - Xgimi Horizon Ultra

Meet the new Xgimi Horizon Ultra. This is a true 4K projector and the first of it's kind that has Dolby Vision! Dolby Vision is an absolute game changer for a long throw projector. Take a look at why that is along with tests to see exactly how good this Xgimi Horizon Ultra is.
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First to do it! 0:00
True 4K: 0:42
Color Accuracy: 1:04
Dolby Vision is a GAME CHANGER: 2:28
Dual Light Source Benefits: 3:45
Color Accuracy Technology: 4:25
Ease of Setup: 5:10
Painted Walls? No Problem! 6:00
Lights on or off? 6:19
Built-in Android and Connections: 7:25
Audio Quality and Noise: 8:25
Gaming Mode: 9:18
How Did I like it?: 9:40
#dolbyvision #horizonultra #xgimi
Disclosure: This channel is viewer-supported. When you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission. The projector was given to me by Xgimi for my honest feedback. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own.

[@Toid]

💸5% OFF: HUYET2COME1 US Xgimi Horizon Ultra: shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=2404941&u=3287187&m=111657&urllink=&afftrack= UK Xgimi Horizon Ultra: shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=2404940&u=3287187&m=111657&urllink=&afftrack= DE Xgimi Horizon Ultra: shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=2404939&u=3287187&m=111657&urllink=&afftrack= FR Xgimi Horizon Ultra: shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=2404938&u=3287187&m=111657&urllink=&afftrack= Get the Calibration Settings: toidsdiyaudio.com/2023/08/31/horizon-ultra-review/

[@donjaun540]

Wow what a great product and fantastic review. I can sense by how passionate your review is that this must be an incredible projector.

[@johnminassian4887]

It's awesome that creative new companies are pushing the projection technology forward. It's time to replace my Sony 1080P projector. I like the native 4k picture via LCOS better than DLP....so I'm going to stay with Sony and pay the premium. But the Xgimi is definitely heading in the right direction.

[@Mr.Editz....]

Hi. Just wondering if you have to give the projector back after you make the review video?

[@crackyflipside]

That price point is extremely interesting!

[@Toid]

Agreed. The competition at this price point is really going to have to step it up to remain competitive.

[@woodyssoundup]

Great review, man! This is a very exciting product and looks to be a very capable performer! I reached out to them to see if I could get my hands on one but they left me on read… 😂 Looks great tho, excited to see it in person, hopefully at CEDIA or CES

[@Toid]

Not sure where you’re at, but if you close by you can always come check it out

[@danrussell9357]

Liked the video - Thanks for reviewing interesting tech.

[@Chris-is-awesome]

Might be interesting to look on a good black friday sale lol always trying to save a little. I can feel it almost ready to get a xgmi. They continue to push every year towards xgmi.

[@AJ.Maz77]

I’m traveling overseas from the US to Europe and will stay in Europe for about a year. Do you think this projector is too big for carry on luggage? I wanna get one with me since Airbnb TVs usually small size.

[@camel40420]

Are your results from a fully calibrated beamer or out of the box? Just wondering. Edit: guess I should I have finished watching the video. Lol

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Looks really nice! ... How's the heat output?

[@Toid]

Interestingly enough, it seems to use a bunch of radiators similar to what you would see on an old computer system. If you’re standing directly behind the projector, it gets very hot. I almost put that in the review, but I also was thinking, how many people really sit directly behind the projector. So it does put out some heat.

[@scsongs-vb8cx]

Looks fantastic and nice review! I have the xgimi pro and definitely notice rainbow effects. I read a review on this ultra model saying they saw no sign of that, perhaps due to the dual laser/LED lights, interested to know if that was your experience too?

[@Toid]

That’s a great question. I have not experienced a rainbow effect in any way on this unit.

[@scsongs-vb8cx]

@@Toid great hear that, thanks!

[@2wilbster]

I so want this! This looks amazing! The video you showed was of this actual projector?

[@Toid]

If you’re talking about the video clips those are of the actual projector playing in the theater room.

[@Weve_Got_This]

Awesome. This is my fourth video I've seen on this projector today. What would happen if you point it at a 2.35:1 screen? Would it auto adjust to put your picture as big as possible and keep the black bars on the Velvet above and below screen or would it focus on a 16 by 9 picture and then you would have white screen edges?

[@Toid]

Technically you could use the optical zoom it if you want, but you will still loose some of the image. In general it will just show whatever aspect ratio you are sending it on the scree. I will say, I am a huge fan of this projector at this price range. I am sure you saw that. Feel free to check out the calibration settings I linked in the description of the video.

[@Weve_Got_This]

@Toid thank you. I've been thinking about the JVC in X Series because of the lens memory settings. This projector and this price and Laser may convince me to think about it but I still wanted the large cinescope screen. Now I don't know what to do

[@Toid]

@@Weve_Got_This you’ll never go wrong with a JVC. They are great projectors, and I would never tell anyone not to buy one. But this is just an incredible value. Especially when you add in the fact that it has Dolby Vision and the laser.

[@alanclark5532]

I was sitting on the fence with this projector, now im not, great video cheers.

[@Toid]

Glad to hear it helped!

[@nobodyimportant2294]

I probably missed it but how did it measure for REC 2020? And thanks for another great/entertaining video 👍🏻

[@Toid]

I appreciate it. I didn’t test rec2020 since it wasn’t able to do over 100% of DCI-P3. But I could probably get it for you sometime.

[@michaelhutcheson5897]

I have a question, can you sit this on a flat surface higher than the screen and project on to a screen that is slightly lower than the projector? I have. bookcase that I want to sit the projector on, but the top of the screen will be about 1 foot below the projector, will I have to tilt the projector to point downwards? Thanks

[@Toid]

You might need to take it downwards. What I would probably do is flip the projector upside down. And then it’s acting more like it’s being hung from the ceiling and the lens is actually closer to the screen. The cool thing about the xgimi is once you flip it it detects that internally and automatically changes the orientation of everything. I can’t tell you for sure if you’re gonna have to tilt it, but I believe you might.

[@fp30e]

Just to be clear, it won't play convert all your file inputs (DVDs etc) into Dolby Vision. The film has to be a Dolby Vision file in the first place. basically, the Blacks are totally Black (not grey) and quality of the image should be really good. But keeping in mind, it will only be as good as the master it was taken from. I don't like the sliding down panel on the front, which looks like its also the on/off button. I don't like the box it is in. But this video does look like a sales pitch, as there are suddenly a lot of videos appearing on-line about this projector. Great video though, Thank you very much.

[@Thelangster5]

I know when it comes to projection a lot of people always say that it's better to have an acoustically transparent screen and put your LCR behind it, but would to be possible to have an LCR on top and bottom of the screen in a bi-amp configuration on your receiver and then have the phantom centers for each of those three channels coincide in the middle of the display? Kind of like whenever you have a stereo pair with the phantom center for your left and right channel?

[@Toid]

I’m not aware of anything that would process in that manner. Having said that, many people do run their speakers below the screen tilted up. It’s not the best, but definitely a great way to do it if that is it only option.

[@ChainedByThresh]

What type of screen do you use ? for this projector

[@DigitalPlaygroundTV]

Hi, I have a Epson 3800 which is very good but of course I have been looking to upgrade to either a UST Laser proyector or something else, Do you think this could be the one to buy?

[@Toid]

This would definitely have more colors and be more vibrant. It probably won’t be as good for contrast. But overall, I do believe it would be a pretty nice upgrade.

[@user-vs1ol9pk6u]

Hi@@Toid after a lot of testing I think I'll returning the C1 because is definitive dim for my taste, I ordered a JMGO N1 Ultra which has 4000 lumens (don't think its that bright) but definitely much more than the 1600 from the C1, so after I get it tomorrow I'll compare both and return 1 of them.

[@kabibrian]

Appreciate your depth and intricate knowledge in audio visual tech. Hard not to watch any of your reviews once out. You make stuff pretty easy to understand You said keystone comes off on game mode so 1. How do i address that considering im ceiling mounting it? 2. If you dont have game mode on what latency will we have to contend with ?

[@Toid]

You can still use it ceiling mounted. It just means that you’re going to want to get it as directly on as you can and use as little Keystone as possible. In general, that’s really what you should be doing either way. I don’t think you’ll have an issue with it as long as you pay attention while setting it up.

[@tu12tlequin24]

Hi, i was wondering what model jvc you have given you seem to be happy with the switch. I also wonder how noticeable the difference between the two, on a dolby vision film, the black levels are? I have an older jvc myself and looking at upgrades at the moment, so your hands on experience is much appreciated.

[@Toid]

I have the DLA-RS46u. The contrast is better on the JVC and I like the JVC 3D better. So darker movies and 3D I prefer the JVC. Everything else, I prefer the Xgimi. The black floor is similar. I didn’t measure the actual nits though.

[@vapormodel]

​@@ToidDont get me wrong i want it ... But how is the black floor similar I've read on some sights and forums it's been tested and rated at 400:1 contrast is that even possible how? And if it's not those numbers why aren't the contrast numbers stated anywhere on the product pages

[@Toid]

@@vapormodel I don’t know how they tested that. But they are testing the SDR contrast not the HDR contrast. Once I calibrated this projector, the SDR contrast was closer to 1000 to 1. I’d have to retest it to give you the exact number. Having said that the SDR contrast is the weakest link on this projector. Unfortunately, I can’t test the HDR contrast which should’ve been higher. This particular projector wouldn’t allow me to put it in HDR mode with my equipment. So I can’t tell you for sure what the HDR contrast is.

[@vapormodel]

Yeah my thoughts exactly where did they get those numbers anyway thanks for the reply def gonna get one and see... Have you checked out the 4550i from Benq heard its a killer too

[@Toid]

@@vapormodel I need to get my hands on one. I am getting my hands on an ultra short throw projector soon. I’m gonna try to have a second video out the test and ultra short throw on just a traditional acoustically transparent screen versus a CLR or ALR screen. See what the performance differences are, if there are any.

[@defaultHandle1110]

It dies slowly over time right ? Max distance to 120” screen ? How long does it last ?

[@paulvail7926]

This is a pixel shifter. There is not a native consumer 4K DLP chip on the market yet. XGimi lists this as the .47" chip, which means it is using XPR technology just like we've been seeing for a number of years. The first native consumer 4K projectors will likely come on UST models using a .94" chip from Texas Instruments. I believe Hisense may have demoed a prototype late last year or earlier this year using that chip... or just talked about it. The native 4K chip will be interesting because it should support 8K upscaling as well as 4K/120 and maybe 4K/240 inputs. I'm in the 99%+ range that this one is definitely not a projector that is using some new tech to get 4K. Just the same .47" model which has been around for a while now.

[@Toid]

It’s interesting that you say that. Because I was also under the impression that this particular chip was only a pixel shift as well. So much so that I asked Xgimi to clarify. They told me that it was not a pixel shift. But some of me now wonders if there was just a language barrier and they didn’t understand what I was asking. Either way, I’ll probably edit that post out of the video as to not cause any more confusion

[@uncola6028]

damn it toid. ok I ordered this projector too. will return my nomvdic when it arrives

[@Toid]

Yeah, I would definitely take this over the Nomvdic….actually now that I think about it, I already did 😂🤣

[@tbob2224]

Yeah, very different use case. I think the L500 is interesting, is only 2lbs and was only $650, could probably run it off a battery bank for quite a while considering it's only pulling about 45w, and has a wider color gamut. The Horizon Ultra uses about 3-4x the power, larger, and 4x the weight and of course much brighter and sharper; better for a fixed location use. I think both are very good at the price point but I would probably lean towards the Hisense C1 over the Horizon Ultra at a similar price but more accurate, wider gamut, much better contrast; downside is the fixed lens.

[@eddiedass]

Is this a native 4k projector WITHOUT Pixel Shifting technology?

[@Xstream718]

Nope!

[@joseballinas]

I need one just like that but in a short throw version

[@Toid]

I do love the UST. Make sure to subscribe, I’ll have a review of one that will be brand new to the market. Based solely off the supposed specs, it’s very intriguing

[@akn_9220]

Does it have HDMI 2.1? And can it top 1080/120hz for gaming?

[@Toid]

It does do 1080P 120 Hz and 4K 60 Hz.

[@akn_9220]

@@Toid thank you

[@vagomaniac]

Do you think the black level is better than the benq 3550? The contrast seems better as well as the depth of the image. I mean other reviewers also say that it has nice black levels for a DLP. Skin tones don’t look so natural though. Your review was the best so far nice job!

[@Toid]

The skin tones didn’t look as natural until after I calibrated it. But once I calibrated it, I got it to a delta error of about 1.8. That means the skin tones are perfect once you calibrate it. You’re welcome to start with my calibration settings which I linked in the description of the video. It actually has a really good black level. I didn’t test the exact nits, but I am very happy with it. It definitely offers a lot more colors in vibrancy then the 3550. And that’s really where this projector excels.

[@vagomaniac]

@@Toid Yes this light source offers more color lumens. I guess like the LCD projectors. I’m concerned about the placement, though, I need to ceiling mount it and the screen is not very high on the wall so the projector must be hanging upside down and really low from what I can see. I don’t like Keystone correction because it leaves a lit frame around image. Any advice ? I will absolutely use your numbers since I have a bad cave type of room.

[@Toid]

@@vagomaniac I have a vaulted ceiling in my theater so I also need to hang it low. When I did is I set it up as a table 1st to see how far back I wanted to go with the projector. And then I used it this mount to hang it. amzn.to/44DofZg It’s not my favorite mount I’ve ever used, but it works perfectly for this application

[@vagomaniac]

@@Toid Thank you so much mate.

[@Toid]

@@vagomaniac any time.

[@keteflips]

The integrated Android its powerful enough to 4K with high bitrate?

[@Toid]

It can do 4K with a high bitrate, but like I said, I would rather use my Nvidia Shield. 2019 Pro. That might just be personal preference. But for Netflix and Plex, I had to use it to display Dolby Vision on those apps.

[@jasper8176]

im curious how this stack against Hisense c1 both are Dolby vision projectors

[@Toid]

I haven’t had the pleasure to review the Hisense C1. I did see it at CES, but that’s definitely not the best environment to get an accurate assessment. What I can say though is I’ve been very impressed with this projector. And I don’t think you would be disappointed if you bought this. Very easy to set up and for the price, I haven’t seen anything better.

[@bingdong8571]

Low latency dolby vision?

[@Toid]

You are pretty limited to the apps that offer Dolby Vision on the Xgimi itself. I personally use the Nvidia shield Pro as a Plex server to direct stream my Dolby Vision and that does support LLDV.

[@user-zl9qk1sg2f]

Any rainbow effects

[@Toid]

With this dual light technology, it appears that it is less likely to see it. I haven’t seen it at all.

[@user-zl9qk1sg2f]

@@Toid thanks

[@FishBaitBlue]

I’ve only come across ONE review that is critical (fairly) of this projector. Every other one is just praise praise praise from smaller reviewers I’m unfamiliar with. Highly suspect.

[@sandeepgogga]

Got one last week, unfortunately it came defective maybe missing a bulb. Support is terrible

[@Toid]

Oh my! That’s terrible! Sorry to hear that

[@sanjayarnalkar1449]

Lazer + led Get it… Is the lazer triple …?

[@Toid]

It’s a single laser

[@escalona8764]

Omg so affordable damn. It's so cheap I will eat projector instead. I'll live in the projector that's how cheap it is

[@donjaun540]

Any suggestions on a pull down screen. 😊

[@bingdong8571]

Just dont tell the other youtube reviewers or all you will here is JVC JVC JVC. They all have jvc projectors also. Its ridiculous! Bang for BUCK! NOT BANG!

[@Toid]

Like I said, I have a JVC and this has replaced it. Really great for the price. It is much more vibrant and accurate colors. I really enjoy this.

[@bingdong8571]

@@Toid that is the new best deal for projectors if it's native 4k and bright enough for hdr! That's amazing at under 2 grand.

[@Toid]

@@bingdong8571 I completely agree. It's pretty amazing what you can get now for your money. This projector is definitely going to change the landscape of what other projectors are going to need to offer to stay competitive.

[@justinbeamon6624]

​@@bingdong8571Not native 4k. Despite what the manufacturer says there is no single DLP in existence with native 4k resolution. It's all pixel shift.

[@petersvenn1511]

To bad its a DLP, i see rainboweffects... and need a little lensshift from position a have, to the projectorscreen... ill stick with my epson 9400, til i can afford an 83"oled... :/ (Dont use keyustone! 🤯)

[@vishalmuleypatil]

250$ means affordable

[@Toid]

Affordable is relative. I am definitely covered projectors as cheap as $60 and as much as $5000. This one what it offers usually don’t get that until you spend a significant amount more. Although it may not fit your affordability criteria, it’s actually pretty amazing for the price.

[@nunocampos1805]

This projector absolutely pixel shifts when doing 4k.

[@Toid]

I asked Xgimi this specifically, and their engineers told me it was a true 4K projector, and not a pixel shift. Having said that, I was under the impression that the specific chip used could not do true 4K, but rather XPR. In this case I relied on the information the manufacturer specifically stated to me and relayed that.

[@nunocampos1805]

@@Toid I figured that is why you mentioned it, but like you said in your reply, there is no native 4k 0.47 dmd chip. But I see why Xgimi would think that. With the xpr doing 4 way pixel shift you can in theory have on the screen the full amount of pixels as a native 4k chip, but it is still not native 4k.

[@TheMeefive]

"It only costs $1699" Ok , next video.

[@RagnarCrumpets]

Bought one 😁