Formovie Episode One Hardware Review: Projection Heaven?

At Droid Gamers, we've seen our fair share of gadgets, but the Formovie Episode One projector caught our eye as a unique addition. Designed to cater to mobile gamers looking to enjoy their games on a larger screen, this budget-friendly projector promises a lot for its price point, and we're here to see if it delivers.

Right out of the box, you get the projector itself, a remote (though batteries aren't included), a power cable, and a manual. While it may not have the robust feel of pricier models, its lighter weight – coming in at just three pounds – makes it highly portable. This is a significant advantage for anyone looking to take their projector on the go.

On the connectivity front, the Episode One keeps things simple with a single USB-A port, an HDMI port, and an audio jack. While this might not satisfy those with more extensive setup needs, it's perfectly adequate for most users and aligns well with the projector's budget positioning.

When it comes to performance, the Episode One performs admirably for its cost. With a brightness of 150 ISO lumens, it's not the powerhouse of laser-based projectors, but it holds up well in darker environments. Our tests showed it struggled in bright sunlight, but in dimmer settings, it displayed films, TV shows, and streamed games with clarity.

For the best viewing experience, we found it necessary to position the projector at least 10 feet away from the screen. The sound output from the built-in speaker was functional but on the tinny side, suggesting that pairing it with an external speaker would enhance your audio experience significantly.

The user interface of the Episode One is one of its strengths. It's straightforward to set up and navigate, which is a refreshing change from some of the more complex and expensive projectors we've encountered. This simplicity is a major plus for users who want an easy-to-use system without the bells and whistles.

Overall, the Formovie Episode One is an excellent entry-level projector. While it doesn't excel in any one area, it's a reliable all-rounder that should meet the needs of most casual users perfectly. If you're looking to dip your toes into the world of projectors without breaking the bank, the Episode One is a solid choice.

*Bonus Offer: Purchase an Episode One projector before May 27th and receive a Netflix gift card worth $15/€15. Click here to take advantage of this offer.*