The Dangbei DBOX02 4K projector is small, mighty, and budget-friendly.
This laser projector, called the Dangbei DBOX02, is a small yet powerful device that provides a lot of features at a relatively reasonable price. It features a stunning 4K resolution and a bright image, and is easy to set up with Google TV.
Though its name may not immediately convey it, this projector is the follow-up to the Dangbei Mars Pro. The Chinese manufacturer was forced to change the name due to its similarity to a competitor's product. Still, ntv.de took a deeper look at the 4K laser projector, priced at around €1,550, and found it to be a pleasure to use.
Compact and Lightweight
For a 4K projector, the DBOX02, also known as the Mars Pro 2, is extremely compact and lightweight. It measures 34 x 32 x 31 cm and weighs around 4 kg, making it easy to transport and set up quickly. The conical design of the Mars series with its matte or glossy black elements has mostly remained unchanged.
The Dangbei DBOX02 can stand sturdily on four rubber feet or be mounted on a tripod that's stable enough. For the test, it was placed on a metal stand provided by Dangbei. This stand allows the projector to be rotated and tilted up and down, which is convenient. Although the price of the gimbal stand isn't known for Germany, there are many alternatives from Dangbei and other manufacturers.
Powerful Features
The back of the projector has two USB-A ports (USB 2.0), an HDMI 2.1 input, and an HDMI eARC input. Additionally, it can be connected through an optical cable and features an Ethernet port.
The projector also has built-in Wi-Fi 6, making it simple to connect to the internet. It also supports Bluetooth 5.2, but curiously, it can only be used to play music through the two integrated speakers.
The DBOX02 is a Google TV model, which means it has an extensive selection of apps and allows you to stream content from smartphones and other devices using the built-in Chromecast function.
Quick and User-Friendly Setup
The setup is about as simple as it gets, taking just a few minutes when using the Google Home app. However, it's worth noting that an extensive update is also necessary, which took more than 15 minutes in the test.
Once the update is complete, apps like RTL are already installed. Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube come pre-installed, and their dedicated buttons on the comfortable remote control make them easy to access.
The projector can manage every aspect of the setup, including sharpening the image, correcting trapezoidal distortion, adjusting the image size to the projection surface, and avoiding obstacles on the wall with its laser light. During the test, no manual adjustments were necessary. The automatic protection function, which pauses the potentially harmful laser light when a person or animal approaches the projector, required manual activation.
For the test, ntv.de projected a recommended image size of 100 inches at a distance of 2.8 m onto a screen. It's capable of projecting up to 200 inches, while the smallest image diagonal is 60 inches.
The image quality is superb. It's extremely sharp, especially when in 4K. At the maximum resolution, it can only achieve a refresh rate of 60 Hz, but the MEMC technology makes fast movements nearly indiscernible.
At full HD resolution, the DBOX02 can display up to 240 Hz and supports 3D content. Gaming is quite enjoyable with this projector since it has a low latency mode when connected to a console or PC via HDMI. A PlayStation 5 was used for the test, and it put the projector's HDR capabilities to the test with "Resident Evil 4".
Very Bright, But Quiet and Efficient
Dangbei claims the DBOX02 is capable of reaching up to 2450 ISO-Lumen brightness, making it quite bright for its price range. Even in medium-lit rooms, movies can be watched with standard settings. However, the brightest projection must be manually set.
While there's an ultra-bright mode, it only makes the fan louder without noticeably increasing the brightness of the image. The same goes for the automatic brightness adjustment, which typically sets the image a bit too dark.
The projector is generally very quiet, even when viewed from up close. The two 12-watt speakers sound better than most TVs, but Dolby Audio should not be taken too seriously.
Contrasts and colors can also be impressive, as it supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. But the quality of the image depends upon the screen. Some projectors offer a better image, but they're rarely found at this price range.
Noticeably, this projector has a fairly low power consumption as well. With its standard settings, ntv.de recorded 143 watts, while eco mode only consumed 97 watts. When used in a room with moderate darkness, the projector needed 50 watts. The high-performance mode demanded 157 watts, while maximum brightness manually set amounted to 147 watts. In the standby mode, the power usage varied from 0.3 to almost 9 watts. All in all, it's quite a steal for a quality 4K laser projector like the Dangbei DBOX02, which has many amazing features. The DBOX02 offers a good value for its relatively affordable price of 1550 euros. Furthermore, it's hard to come across a similarly powerful and comprehensive DLP projector priced similarly and on the compact side.
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The Dangbei DBOX02, being a Google TV model, offers a vast collection of streaming apps, allowing users to enjoy content from various devices through the built-in Chromecast function. With the prevalence of streaming technology, this feature is a significant advantage for modern television viewing experiences.
Moreover, the DBOX02's compatibility with Bluetooth 5.2 allows users to play music through its integrated speakers, demonstrating the projector's integration with contemporary technology and entertainment trends.
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