Bright laser projector impresses with great picture quality: Dangbei MP1 Max review
Picture wow, sound poor.
With the MP1 Max, Dangbei offers a new projector that promises a bright image thanks to triple laser and LED, which is also automatically optimized by AI. Our Dangbei MP1 Max review reveals how well the projector performed in practice and what its strengths and weaknesses are.Marcus Schwarten (translated by DeepL / Marcus Schwarten) Published 🇩🇪
Dangbei MP1 Max review conclusion: amazing picture, but poor sound
Great picture, but weak sound - these are the two most important points we noticed during the Dangbei MP1 Max test in practice. Thanks to the triple laser and LED, the projector delivers a remarkable brightness, which is particularly enjoyable in a darkened room.
Other criteria such as color and contrast are also subjectively suitable and can be adjusted to suit personal taste. Users benefit from automatic image alignment and optimization. The Dangbei MP1 Max also scores points in the test thanks to its Google TV and Netflix certification.
The main criticism is the rather weak sound from the two integrated speakers. In any case, we recommend an external audio solution that can be connected to the projector in various ways. The cooling system's own noise could be a little quieter, but ist at an average level. So you shouldn't sit too close to it.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
The recommended retail price for the Dangbei MP1 Max is $1,999. It is already available for less in some shops. It is sold on Amazon, for example.
Dangbei has recently launched the MP1 Max, a 4K laser projector in a still quite handy format. We tested the projector over a longer period of time and in various scenarios. Our Dangbei MP1 Max review shows what the device can do and who it is suitable for.
Data sheet Dangbei MP1 Max
| Resolution: | 4K / UHD (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) |
| Projection ratio: | 1.2:1 |
| Light source: | triple laser + LED |
| Brightness: | 3,100 ISO lumens |
| Operating system: | Google TV |
| Connectivity: | 2x HDMI 2.1, USB 2.0, Audio (3.5 mm), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| RRP: | 1,999 euros |
| available at | Amazon |
Equipment and furnishings: Laser projector with AI optimization
In addition to a 0.47" DMD chip with DLP display technology, Dangbei also installs a triple laser + LED hybrid solution in its MP1 Max. This ensures a lush 3,100 ISO lumens image brightness. Before we evaluate the image quality in our review of the Dangbei MP1 Max, we would first like to look at other aspects of the laser projector, such as the scope of delivery.
In addition to the projector itself, this also includes a handy Bluetooth remote control. Unfortunately, it's not illuminated, which is really annoying in a darkened home theater setup. It's a shame that Dangbei decided against integrated lighting here, as this would have made everyday use much easier.
There is no control unit on the projector itself. In addition to the somewhat clunky power supply unit, a polystyrene transport and storage bag is also included, which didn't leave a particularly good impression.
Dangbei relies on Google TV with Netflix certification as its operating system. In addition to the option of installing numerous apps (several are already pre-installed), Google TV also offers a number of other advantages.
In addition to simple setup, for which a smartphone can also be used as an option, the Google Assistant is one of the features. A button on the remote control can be used to search for content by voice, which mostly worked well in the test. Smartphones and tablets can be mirrored via Google Cast.
All of this is packed into a device that weighs 5.6 kg and measures around 25 x 30 x 23 cm in height, width and depth. Two HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC), one USB 2.0 (Type-A) and a 3.5 mm audio jack are built into the back of the device. The power connection is located in the base of the device, which makes it easier to move the projector on the gimbal. Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax) and Bluetooth 5.2/BLE are used for wireless communication.
Picture quality: Bright thanks to triple laser and LED
In our test setup, the Dangbei MP1 Max produced a 220 cm wide and 130 cm high image (in 16:9 format, alternatively 4:3) from a distance of approx. 270 cm from the screen, which corresponds to a diagonal of around 100 inches. There is a digital zoom, but no optical zoom. The manufacturer specifies a maximum of 300 inches, but with a throw ratio of 1.2;1, this requires a distance of (too) many meters. Dangbei recommends 80 to 150 inches.
When setting up the Dangbei MP1 Max, users benefit from the flexible stand with integrated gimbal and various assistance functions. The stand allows the projector to be rotated 360 degrees horizontally and tilted 135 degrees (at least without cables connected). The image adjusts itself automatically via InstanPro AI. In addition to automatic keystone correction, autofocus, screen adjustment, obstacle avoidance and AI brightness adjustment are also at work.
With its manufacturer's specification of 3,100 ISO lumens, the Dangbei MP1 Max delivers high image brightness. In a darkened environment, this ensures impressive picture quality, which is also due to the powerful color (110% BT.2020) and support for HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG. If desired, the picture can be adjusted to your own taste with many parameters. MEMC ensures smooth output.
If the Dangbei MP1 Max is used in daylight, the picture quality suffers visibly. However, if the sun is not shining directly onto the projection surface, the 100-inch image was still quite clear in the test. So you can also watch the football and the like during the day if your own expectations and the ambient brightness are not too high. However, outdoor use in summer is only recommended in shady areas and more towards dusk or in the dark.
The Dangbei MP1 Max is not the ideal partner for ambitious gaming. There is a gaming mode for lower latency and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). However, VRR and Adaptive Sync are missing.
Sound quality: Integrated speakers with weak sound
Dangbei installs two speakers with 12 W each in the MP1 Max. We were not really convinced by them in the practical test. The sound is quite dull. Here, for example, the projector cannot compete with the sound of the more expensive Nebula X1 - and certainly not with its external sound system.
The internal solution is sufficient for quickly watching the news (if you want to do this on a projector). Especially as it offers various levels for improving voice reproduction. However, if you want to enjoy a movie with the Dangbei MP1 Max, we think you should definitely opt for an external sound solution.
There are several connection options thanks to Bluetooth 5.2, a 3.5 mm jack connection and HDMI 2.1 eARC - but no (optical) digital audio output. The projector can handle DTS Virtual:X, DTS-HD, Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus.
Energy and volume: Less than 200 Wh per hour
Unfortunately, the Dangbei MP1 Max does not have an integrated battery. If it did, it would be easier to use on the move. However, due to its weight of a good 5.5 kg, this is not one of the projector's primary strengths anyway - even if it can be transported reasonably safely in the supplied case.
We measured the power consumption of the Dangbei MP1 Max in the test at around 190 W at standard brightness, which corresponds to the manufacturer's specifications. Thanks to the relatively manageable consumption, which can be even lower with automatic brightness adjustment, the MP1 Max can also be connected to a smaller Power station when there is no power socket nearby.
For the standard mode, the manufacturer specifies a volume of just 24 dB (measured from a distance of 1 m). Measured from a distance of 50 cm, it is easily audible at standard brightness with up to just under 50 dB. Logically, it becomes a little quieter at 1 m, but is still very audible and louder than the manufacturer's specification. Here, too, it cannot quite compete with the more expensive Nebula X1 with liquid cooling system, although it is significantly quieter in automatic and eco mode, but then also less bright.
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was given to the author by the manufacturer free of charge for the purposes of review. There was no third-party influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. We never accept compensation or payment in return for our reviews. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
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