TCL’s First Projector Seems to Be Priced Just Right for Outdoor Hijinx

This year, we’ve seen a rise in portable projectors, from LG’s cute CineBeam Qube to the Nebula Mars 3; being able to whip out a 100-inch plus screen for an impromptu movie at a moment’s notice is undeniably appealing. TCL, a brand known for making some decent budget TVs, is launching its first portable projector.

The TCL Projector A1 is a 1080p indoor and outdoor front projector that can produce a screen from 45 to 120 inches, assuming you’ve got the wall space. Its 360 ISO Lumens brightness should make it a bright enough picture when the sun is down. It also comes with an HDMI input, allowing you to connect a game console and enjoy a round of Mario Kart projected onto the side of your garage or empty den wall.

For $500, the TCL Projector A1 offers solid value as a TV alternative. Its built-in Google TV lets you stream all your favorite content, provided you’re connected to Wi-Fi. Even better, it features one-touch auto-keystoning and auto-focus, saving you the hassle of manually adjusting the screen to get a clear, perfectly rectangular image.

©TCL

When you’re not watching Monday Night Football on the deck, the A1 doubles as a portable Bluetooth speaker for listening to music. It even has an LED light array that syncs to your beats. While it may not replace your favorite portable speaker, it’s a handy option in a pinch.

Weighing just under 6 pounds and resembling a small cooler, the Projector A1 doesn’t seem to take up much space and travels well thanks to its little built-in handle. Though portable, it’s not completely wireless, so you’ll need to ensure you’re within an outlet’s reach. If you’re looking for something that’ll last you a few hours without being plugged in, consider the Nebula Capsule or the Kodak Luma 150 Mini.

The TCL Projector A1 should be available now for $500 (check back if the product page isn’t updated yet). While the price does seem attractive, we’ll want to see it in action to see if the picture quality, brightness, and sound are comparable to more expensive options. TCL has managed to find that delicate balance between price and quality when it comes to its TVs, so I’ll be curious to see how the budget TV maker does as a budget projector maker.