The Projector Podcast

On this week’s episode of The Projector Podcast Jeremy Glowacki interviews Nikki Kahl about her recent review of the Soundcore Nebula P1. In her hands-on testing, Nikki found the $800 P1 to be a capable 1080p portable lifestyle projector that prioritizes flexibility, including detachable speakers for audio, and ease-of-use over absolute image fidelity. It runs Google TV for integrated streaming and includes a suite of smart features such as autofocus, keystone correction, and obstacle avoidance, all aimed at simplifying setup in casual viewing environments.At the heart of the Nebula P1 is a Texas Instruments 0.23-inch DMD DLP imaging chip paired with an LED light engine rated for up to 25,000 hours of operation. Soundcore lists a brightness of 650 ANSI lumens with a published contrast ratio of 400:1. Soundcore specifies color coverage of up to 124 percent of the Rec. 709 color space. Frame interpolation via MEMC is included for smoothing fast-moving content, such as sports, and a low blue light mode is available for viewers who prefer reduced eye strain during extended viewing sessions.Article Link: https://www.projectorcentral.com/soundcore-nebula-p1-smart-projector-review.htm

This week, veteran AV writer and reviewer Al Griffin joins us from Buffalo, NY to discuss his recent review of the Hisense PT1. Earning the coveted Highly Recommended badge, the $3,000 ultra-short throw “laser TV” projector features an RGB laser light engine, 4K detail from four-way pixel shifting and extended color gamut, supporting screen sizes from 80 to 150 inches with a 0.2 throw ratio. That means it can beam a 100-inch images with the lens positioned 17 inches out from the projection screen. But, that’s just scratching the surface of our extensive look at the Hisense PT1. Article Link: https://www.projectorcentral.com/hisense-pt1-4k-triple-laser-ust-projector-review.htm

This week, Sammie Prescott joins us from Colorado Springs to discuss his recent review of the Epson Lifestudio Grand Plus ultra-short throw laser projector. Earning our Highly Recommended badge, Epson’s new flagship Lifestudio UST succeeds its smaller sibling The Grand, which Sammie reviewed back in November, and replaces the LS800, which we reviewed in December of 2022. Featuring Google TV with Gemini AI, the Grand Plus launched this month with the promise to serve as a step up in performance as a standalone UST for $3,800. Article Link: https://www.projectorcentral.com/epson-lifestudio-grand-plus-ust-projector-re.htm

Freelance writer and editor Brian Nadel joins us from New York to discuss his most recent review of the ViewSonic LSD400HD-ST. This $1,250 1080P DLP laser projector comes with a 0.5:1 throw-ratio lens that allows it to be mounted between a presenter, museum viewer, or digital golfer and the screen without casting shadows. With its more than four thousand ANSI lumens of brightness, low latency and HDR playback modes, and a Golf setting, the LSD400HD is ready for anything from a simulation wall or classroom lesson to a museum exhibit or digital tee time. Article Link: https://www.projectorcentral.com/viewsonic-lsd400hd-st-laser-projector-review.htm

This week, Sammie Prescott joins us to discuss his recent review of the Optoma UHZ68 4K HDR laser projector.When it was released in November of last year, the UHZ68 promised high brightness along with features such as Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support for movies or gaming. With 4,500 ISO lumens and a competitive price point for a projector of this brightness, was it exactly what users have been looking for to illuminate larger screens? How did it perform in hands-on testing? What were its quirks?Article Link: https://www.projectorcentral.com/optoma-uhz68-4k-hdr-laser-projector-review.htm

Freelance writer and editor Brian Nadel joins us to discuss his most recent Projector Central review of the XGIMI Titan dual-laser DLP projector. The 6,500-lumen Titan marks the initial entry into what XGIMI calls “commercial-grade performance” for home cinema and light commercial environments. This new model follows on the heels of more than 10 years of portable lifestyle and ultra-short-throw projector launches from the Chinese brand. As Brian writes in his review, the $3,999 Titan's design is the culmination of a decade of technological projector advances with 4K-enhanced HD imaging and dual-laser illumination, High Dynamic Range decoding, and the ability to use Bluetooth and optical audio connections. All of this, he says, makes the $3,999 XGIMI Titan a potential steal for home or work.Article Link: https://www.projectorcentral.com/XGIMI-titan-dual-laser-4k-projector-review.htm

On this week’s episode, veteran AV writer and reviewer Al Griffin joins us from Buffalo, New York to discuss his recent career twist and unique perspective from 25-plus years in industry, his new products insights from the still relatively recent CES show in Las Vegas, hopes and dreams for his next gig, and more. As former senior editor at TechRadar, where he developed the site’s display testing program, and former editor in chief of Sound & Vision magazine, Al is one of the most respected writers and editors in the business. It’s an honor and privilege to invite him on his first podcast.

On this week’s episode, Nikki Kahl joins us from Los Angeles to discuss her recent review of the Hisense MP2 Portable Lifestyle Projector. In her hands-on testing, Nikki assessed the ability of the $1,000 MP2 to deliver bright 4K imagery from its RGB laser light source, testing the compact projector’s setup tools, color performance, gaming capabilities, and what she calls a refined feature set.Article Link: https://www.projectorcentral.com/hisense-mp2-pro-smart-4k-portable-projector-review.htm

On this week’s episode, Nikki Kahl joins us from Los Angeles, where she serves as a digital publishing designer and projector reviewer for ProjectorCentral.Today, we will discuss her recent ProjectorCentral review of the Epson Flex Plus Smart Portable Lifestyle Projector. In her hands-on testing, Nikki assessed the ability of the Epson Flex Plus to deliver vibrant 4K imagery, strong color performance, and a robust Bose audio system in a compact lifestyle design.Kahl says that the stylish projector’s auto setup, Google TV integration, and Projection Studio App enable fun and easy ways for families and social gatherings to interact. Despite its higher input lag for gaming and its single HDMI limit, she says she still believes that the EF-72 is an excellent fit for anyone seeking a plug-and-play projector with style.But that, of course, is just scratching the surface of Nikki’s extensive review of the Epson Flex Plus EF-72 Smart Portable Lifestyle Projector.Article Link: https://www.projectorcentral.com/epson-lifestudio-flex-plus-ef-72-projector-review.htm

On this week’s episode, Petro Shimonishi joins us from Panasonic Projector & Display Americas where she is director of new business development and the office of business transformation. Today, we are going to learn a little bit about Petro’s 20 years of experience in networked A/V and IT Hardware & Software, but she’s mainly here to discuss Panasonic’s expanded partnership with Igloo Vision to create TAA-compliant immersive training rooms for defense operations. These spaces have become critical to training defense professionals in realistic, yet low-risk environments. It’s a heady topic for the holiday season, but hey why not mix it up, right?

On this week’s podcast, Sammie Prescott joins us from Colorado Springs to discuss his recent review of the Valerion VisionMaster Max projector. Earning our Highly Recommended badge, this long-awaited 4K DLP projector is the flagship model in the VisionMaster lifestyle projector lineup, offering the highest level of performance in the series. Building on the features and strengths of its smaller siblings, the $5,000 Max introduces standout features such as an iris, motorized vertical lens shift, and enhanced contrast performance. Following the strong showing of the VisionMaster Pro 2, as noted in our review in March 2025, the Max has been positioned to surpass the Pro 2's performance, further fueling excitement for its release. How did it measure up? Sammie Prescott offers his hands-on expert insights into his experience testing the Valerion VisionMaster Max.Article Link: https://www.projectorcentral.com/valerion-visionmaster-max-projector-review.htm

On this week’s podcast, Jeff Boccaccio joins us from DPL Labs, the independent test laboratory he founded almost two decades ago to test and verify high-speed digital signaling devices such as HDMI. DPL Labs’ facility in Ormond Beach, FL offers the most precise and critically accurate digital video product performance testing currently offered. Employing an exhaustive, multi-element testing regime, DPL Labs puts all manufacturer-submitted products through an electronic torture test. For those products that excel above and beyond the minimum DPL Labs requirements, DPL Labs awards their prestigious “DPL Labs 48G certification label.” This label assures you of a product that will exceed your expectations in both performance and long-term reliability.In today’s conversation, we will explore a little bit more about the history of DPL Labs testing methods, Jeff’s personal background, the evolution of HDMI, and specifically what Jeff has uncovered over the past 18 months involving interoperability challenges between projectors, AVRs, video processors, active optical cables (AOC), and system accessories such as switches, extenders, and distribution devices.Link: www.dpllabs.com

On this week’s podcast, David Jeon joins us from Harman’s Embedded Audio division where he is a senior director of engineering. On the surface, our guest today might seem like an odd choice for a podcast focused video projectors. That is until you learn that his role entails integrating high-performance sound into partner brands’ products, such as projectors. The result of Harman Embedded Audio’s many months of work with such well-known brands as XGIMI, Hisense, Yaber, and Dangbei are successful lifestyle projector models featuring high-performance audio systems marketed as Sound by JBL or Sound by Harman/Kardon. David Jeon explains more about how these partnerships come together, the unique challenges of the collaborations, and what to look for in current and future video projector audio systems.

On this week’s podcast, Brian Nadel joins us to discuss his most recent ProjectorCentral review of the Panasonic PT-VMZ82. Regardless of whether it is meant to augment services at a house of worship, lessons at school, or presentations in a business conference room, the Panasonic PT-VMZ82 is described by our guest today as a versatile projector that can put a bright and vivid image on the screen even while lacking some of the amenities that its peers offer. Article Link: https://www.projectorcentral.com/panasonic-pt-vmz82-wuxga-large-venue-projector.htm

On this week’s podcast, Michael Hamilton joins us from St. Petersburg, FL, where he is South manager and a technical writer for AVPro Global. With headquarters in South Dakota, the AVPro Global brand includes AVPro Edge audio distribution products, but also AudioControl amplifiers, Bullet Train HDMI and USB cables, RTI control systems, Murideo AV testing and troubleshooting tools, ThenAudio processors, and ProControl control systems and remotes. But it is at the company’s South Headquarters in Florida where Michael and ProjectorCentral Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Glowacki connected recently for the Imaging Science Foundation’s TV and projector calibration training workshop. A veteran calibrator and ISF trainer, Michael, along with his colleague Loel Wheeler, and madVR’s Jason Dustal, taught the course that Jeremy took to learn more about the calibration process for projectors. In the podcast, Jeremy shares details about the class, and Michael discusses his career path from semi-pro hockey to AV retail to professional calibrator, as well as his long history with ISF and how AVPro became the new permanent home of its training classes.Web Link:AVPro Global’s ISF Workshop Detailswww.avproglobal.com

On this week’s podcast, Sammie Prescott joins us to discuss his most recent ProjectorCentral review of the Sony Bravia Projector 7, also known as the VPL-XW5100 in custom install channels. Featuring a more refined set of features and improved performance, the Bravia Projector 7 is priced at $9,999.99 MSRP. It sits just below the Bravia Projector 8 and above the entry-level XW5000, giving potential buyers more options to suit their needs. Two details worth mentioning are aspect ratio scaling and inclusion of Sony's XR Processor. Aspect ratios scaling allows a 16:9 image to be scaled down so it fits properly within a cinemascope screen, while the XR Processor supports advanced features such as XR Dynamic Tone Mapping, XR Deep Black, XR Triluminos Pro, XR Clear Image, and Enhanced Brightness. Also, for gamers it offers the lowest input latency in its class at just 11ms when running 4K at 120Hz, along with support for ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Alas, fans of 3D movies need not apply. There is no 3D support in the Projector 7.Article Link:Sony Bravia Projector 7 Written Reviewhttps://www.projectorcentral.com/sony-bravia-projector-7-vpl-xw5100es-review.htm

On this week’s podcast freelance writer and editor Brian Nadel joins us once again from Westchester, NY, to discuss his most recent ProjectorCentral review of the Christie 4K 1600-JS. This medium to large-venue projector, showcased at ISE and InfoComm earlier in the year, is the first model in Christie’s Jazz Series. It employs a single-chip DLP using Texas Instruments new 0.8-inch HEP (High Efficiency Pixel) DMD for improved color and contrast, while producing 14,000 ANSI lumens of brightness. It’s in a form factor that’s about 20 percent smaller than any of Christie’s prior models, so it’s also lighter and more efficient. Article Links:Christie 4K 1600-JS Reviewhttps://www.projectorcentral.com/christie-4k-1600-js-large-venue-projector-review.htmBarco i600-4K15 Reviewhttps://www.projectorcentral.com/barco-i600-4K15-laser-projector-review.htm

On this week’s episode of the Projector Podcast Jeremy Glowacki, editor in chief of ProjectorCentral, interviews Nikki Kahl about her recent review of the Anker Nebula X1 triple laser 4K DLP projector. Nikki says that the X1 offers the “best of both worlds,” with home theater performance and portability. She notes that combined with optional Bluetooth satellite speakers, the X1 is a portable home theater, not just a portable projector, making it a standout against its competition. It offers an immersive 4K with Dolby Vision experience, low input lag, Google TV, and auto features that make setup a breeze. The X1 is a premium projector for those who want a home theater experience in a portable package.Article Link: https://www.projectorcentral.com/anker-nebula-x1-smart-4k-portable-projector-review.htm

On this week’s podcast freelance writer and editor Brian Nadel joins us once again from Westchester, NY, to discuss his most recent ProjectorCentral review of the Fujifilm FP-ZUH6000. This ultra-short-throw projector is a uniquely designed model, but only unique if you aren’t familiar with its predecessor models the FP-Z6000 and FP-Z8000. Today we will discuss Brian’s insights from his review, finding out what’s new with this model and what makes it still special when compared to ultra-short-throw projector competitors in the commercial AV market.Article Links: https://www.projectorcentral.com/fujifilm-fp-zuh6000-ust-laser-projector-review.htmhttps://www.projectorcentral.com/viewSonic-pa504w-classroom-projector-review.htm

On this week’s episode of the Projector Podcast Jeremy Glowacki, editor in chief of ProjectorCentral, interviews freelance writer and editor Brian Nadel about his two most recent ProjectorCentral reviews. During their conversation, Nadel compares and contrasts the somewhat similar Sharp XP-P721Q-W and Epson PowerLite L890E business and education market-focused projectors. Toward the end of the podcast, Nadel provides some highlights of his “bake off” review of wireless streaming projector dongles from the Google TV, IOGear, Unitek, and ViewSonic, explaining why the Google TV product earned his Editor’s Choice vote.Article Links: https://www.projectorcentral.com/sharp-xp721q-w-4k-commercial-grade-review.htm https://www.projectorcentral.com/epson-powerlite-l890e-laser-projector-review.htm https://www.projectorcentral.com/casting-a-wider-wireless-net.htm

On this week’s episode, Sammie Prescott joins us from Colorado Springs to discuss his recent review of the Epson QS 100 ISF-certified HDR ultra-short-throw laser projector. Manufactured in response to specific feature design and pricing requests from custom integrators and available since April First, the 4,999-dollar QS100 builds off of what CI dealers told Epson they felt were shortcoming of the company’s direct-to-consumer-focused LS800 UST projector. The new QS100 will live alongside the LS800 UST, building upon its foundation and adding advanced features such as IP control, panel alignment, calibration controls, and more.Article Links: https://www.projectorcentral.com/epson-qs100-ust-laser-projector-review.htm

On this week’s episode, freelance writer and editor Brian Nadel joins us from Westchester, NY, to discuss his two most recent ProjectorCentral reviews, offering us the opportunity to compare and contrast seemingly similar projectors from two different brands. Today, we will discuss Brian’s insights from testing and experiencing the business and education market-focused Sharp XP-M401H-W 1080p Laser Projector and InFocus Nemesis II IN1028SL 1080p Conference Room Projector. Article Links:https://www.projectorcentral.com/sharp-xp-m401h-w-1080p-dlp-laser-projector-review.htmhttps://www.projectorcentral.com/infocus-nemesis-II-IN1028SL-projector-review.htm

Today, we will discuss Nikki’s recent ProjectorCentral review of the Yaber T2 Plus Keith Haring Special Edition portable projector. Kahl writes that this projector’s unique design, which was inspired by the 1980s street art legend, is a conversation starter, and that its excellent JBL speakers are impressive. It has competitive features like AI-powered automatic focus, keystone correction, intelligent screen alignment, intelligent obstacle avoidance, screen mirroring, and Google TV via an included dongle. Beyond these superlatives, however, the T2 begs a bit of grace when it comes to brightness performance. Currently selling on Amazon for $280, the TFT LCD 1080p projector’s brightness, even in its brightest mode, measured significantly below its advertised 450 ANSI lumens claim. Beyond my quick summary here, there’s still a lot to discuss about the Yaber T2 Plus Keith Haring Special Edition.https://www.projectorcentral.com/yaber-t2-plus-keith-haring-se-projector-review.htm

On this week’s episode Sammie Prescott joins us from Colorado Springs to discuss his recent review of the Epson QL 7000. This flagship model in Epson’s relatively new Q series was designed to fill a gap in the market for high-lumen output projectors at a more accessible price point. The Q Series was built with direct feedback from the luxury-home-focused custom integrators who wanted to meet the needs multipurpose rooms with higher ambient lighting. Article Link: https://www.projectorcentral.com/epson-ql7000-4k-laser-projector-review.htm

On this week’s episode, Brian Nadel joins us from Westchester, NY, to discuss his ProjectorCentral review of the Barco 1600-4K15 DLP laser projector. As a regular contributor, Brian provides in-depth reviews of projectors primarily geared toward schools, businesses, and houses of worship. Today we will discuss his insights from testing and experiencing the commercial-focused Barco 1600-4K15, which he says sets the pace for medium- to large-venue projectors by combining innovative projection technologies from the past five years with a unique touchscreen dashboard that puts everything at your fingertips.Article Link: https://www.projectorcentral.com/barco-i600-4K15-laser-projector-review.htm

On this week’s episode, Nikki Kahl joins us from Los Angeles, CA, where she serves as a digital publishing designer and projector reviewer for ProjectorCentral. Kahl’s expertise in technology and visual storytelling informs her in-depth projector reviews, which are home entertainment- and gaming-centric. Outside of her excellent work with ProjectorCentral, she is also a writer, illustrator, and filmmaker. She also enjoys creating dark fantasy art and is writing a novel, The Neverland Wars, an eerie reimagining of Peter Pan’s legend.Today, we will learn more about Kahl’s background and projector review process and discuss her most recent review of the Philips GamePix 900, which she calls a no-nonsense gaming projector designed for serious players, offering low input lag, high refresh rate capabilities, and an immersive 4K experience. All at an aggressive list price of $1,000 US.Article Link: https://www.projectorcentral.com/philips-gamepix-900-4k-gaming-projector-review.htm This episode is brought to you by Elite Screens. Visit elitescreens.com for more!

On this week’s podcast, Sammie Prescott joins us from Colorado Springs, where he is a QA software engineer, ISF Level III professional calibrator, and a frequent projector and projection screen reviewer at ProjectorCentral. This week we will discuss his most recent Projector Central review of the VisionMaster Pro 2, from AWOL’s sister brand Valerion. This projector has generated significant buzz and excitement in the market as one of the higher-tier models in the Valerion lifestyle projector lineup. In his review, Sammie writes that Valerion has crafted an impressive unit that stands out by delivering a lot of performance at the appealing price of $2,999. The VisionMaster Pro 2 offers 3,000 ISO lumen brightness from its RGB triple-laser light source, impressive contrast, dynamic tone mapping, excellent gaming performance, and more. Sammie notes that this outstanding price-to-performance ratio makes it easy to see why the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 has garnered so much enthusiasm.Review and Event Links:https://www.projectorcentral.com/valerion-visionmaster-pro-2-projector-review.htmhttps://www.thescreeningroomav.com/thegreat2025projectorshootout

On this week’s podcast, Brian Nadel joins us from Westchester, New York, where he is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in technology reporting and reviewing. As a regular Projector Central contributor, Brian provides in-depth reviews of projectors primarily geared toward schools, businesses, and houses of worship. This week we will discuss his most recent review of the Ricoh UHL3660 4K DLP Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector, which is most notable for its high brightness as a UST. We will find out what he liked about the projector, what applications it is best suited for, and even some of its limitations. But because this is literally the first podcast for us together, we will also get to know a little more about Brian himself and how he came to being such a valuable and knowledgeable reviewer at Projector Central.Referenced Article: www.projectorcentral.com/ricoh-uhl3660-ust-projector-review.htm