Aurzen D1R Cube Projector Review: Roku Simplicity Meets Portable Projection
The Aurzen D1R Cube offers a compelling blend of portability and smart features, but its unique Roku OS integration presents both advantages and drawbacks for potential buyers. This 1080p projector distinguishes itself with a compact design and a sealed optical engine, aiming to deliver a hassle-free viewing experience.
A Compact Design for On-the-Go Entertainment
Many projectors today are cube-shaped, but despite its name, the D1R Cube isn’t one of them. Measuring 7.8 by 4.6 by 7.4 inches (HWD) and weighing just 4 pounds, the D1R Cube is remarkably portable. It’s easily moved from room to room or packed into a backpack, requiring only a power cord – a welcome change from projectors needing bulky power bricks.
Under the Hood: 1080p Clarity and a Sealed Light Engine
Like most 1080p (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) single-chip LCD projectors, the D1R Cube utilizes a white LED light source shining through a 5,760-by-1,080-pixel LCD. This process creates 1,920 by 1,080 red/green/blue pixels by adding a filter to each cell. A key benefit of this technology is the elimination of “rainbow artifacts,” a common issue with DLP models that display colors sequentially. Notably, the D1R Cube features a sealed optical light engine, a feature rarely found in single-chip LCD projectors, which prevents dust from accumulating on the LCD and requiring cleaning.
Roku OS: A Double-Edged Sword
The initial setup of the D1R Cube differs from most current projectors due to its exclusive use of the Roku OS. Similar to early Android TV versions, users are required to create a Roku account before accessing the projector’s features. While this may frustrate users eager to quickly connect a device via HDMI or stream from their phone, the Roku setup prioritizes account creation. As one analyst noted, Google TV has evolved to allow users to skip account setup, a feature currently absent in the D1R Cube’s Roku implementation.
Familiar Interface, Potential Quirks
The Roku interface is well-established, appearing in various devices like TVs and streaming sticks. For less tech-savvy users, Roku OS is consistently praised for its simplicity and accessibility, as highlighted in a recent review of the Roku Streaming Stick Plus. However, experienced smart TV projector users may find Roku’s quirks inconvenient. Unlike many projectors with dedicated Input buttons or menu options, the D1R Cube treats HDMI inputs as another app tile, requiring users to scroll through a list of streaming apps to access external sources.
Connectivity Options and Wireless Performance
The D1R Cube offers Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming, alongside an HDMI port and a USB port for local file playback. It also supports MiraCast for Android devices and AirPlay for iOS. AirPlay requires both devices to be on the same network, while MiraCast theoretically allows direct streaming from Android phones without a network connection. However, testing revealed that MiraCast performed reliably only when the projector was connected to Wi-Fi. When attempting to use MiraCast with the router disabled, the image consistently broke up, and the phone reported an unstable connection. As of this writing, Aurzen has not confirmed whether this behavior is intentional.
Image Quality and Keystone Correction
Like other single-chip LCD projectors, the D1R Cube’s lens offset means the projector will block the viewer’s sightline if positioned directly in front of them. The recommended setup involves placing the projector at coffee-table height or lower and utilizing the automatic keystone correction to square off the image. While effective, digital keystone correction can slightly reduce brightness. The autofocus feature, tested alongside manual adjustments, proved to be fast and accurate.
Audio Performance and Connectivity
The D1R Cube’s onboard audio system, featuring two 5-watt speakers and Dolby audio, provides adequate sound quality for casual viewing in a family room. Users can also connect external audio systems via Bluetooth, a 3.5mm audio-out port, or the HDMI port’s ARC support. However, a dedicated Bluetooth speaker mode appears to be missing. Despite assurances from an Aurzen representative, attempts to stream audio solely through Bluetooth were unsuccessful, with the phone connecting but no sound outputting from the projector. Aurzen has yet to offer a solution to this issue.
