Episode One is a small, budget projector that delivers the features you'd expect, but it has weaknesses in brightness and audio.
Episode One Projector review
A small projector simply saves space. They're great to have in dorms, apartments, and other smaller or shared living spaces.
The Episode One is made by Formovie, who's been making projectors since 2016.
Episode One Projector - Design
Out of the box, you get the projector, remote (batteries not included), power cable, and user manual.
The Episode One has 150 ISO lumens, making it not-so-bright compared to other laser-based projectors I've seen. It's a fair trade-off when considering the One's price tag.
Episode One Projector review: Three ports and power fit neatly on the back.
Like other smart projectors, the One offers autofocus, auto keystone adjustment for corner correction, and obstacle detection and avoidance. The One also has only one 1 USB-A port, an HDMI port, and an audio jack.
The projector can fit in your hands, weighing in at around 3 pounds. You can easily bring it to a friend's place or an event, carrying it in a tote bag.
Episode One Projector review: Fits in the hand quite easily!
Additionally, the Episode One utilizes Google TV to give a smart TV experience, allowing you access to all your favorite streaming services without needing to use up your singular HDMI port for a streaming stick/hub.
Episode One Projector - Specs
| Product Detail | Spec |
|---|---|
| OS | Google TV |
| Brightness | 150 ISO Lumens |
| Dimensions | 122mm x 141mm x 175mm |
| Projection Size | 40-inch ~ 120-inch |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Audio | Dolby Audio |
| Weight | 1.25 kg |
| Auto Focus | Yes |
| Keystone Correction | Yes |
Episode One Projector - Use
As mentioned, the One has its advantages in being small, light, and easy to set up with built-in smart features from more expensive projectors.
In my experience, a small projector doesn't have a lot of height, though, so a stand and some angling may be needed to get a good projection on your wall.
As with most other 120-inch projections, you'll need around 10 feet to use its full potential.
I kept my Episode One on top of my dresser ~11 feet away from the wall, using a repurposed laptop stand to angle it downward onto the opposing wall.
The listening experience was my biggest gripe. The tinniness of the audio and lack of bass are too much to ignore on a day-to-day basis, and it was simply easier to connect a Bluetooth speaker and keep it on while I was using the projector.
Episode One Projector review: Projection quality is nothing to complain about.
I've previously recommended a soundbar or dedicated speaker for other projectors, but unfortunately, Episode One simply needs one to provide a palatable audiovisual experience.
The 150 ISO lumens also don't hold up too well during the day, so turning off the lights and shutting the blinds is the way to go with the One.
Episode One Projector - A budget projector, for better or for worse
Nothing else detracts from the experience in a major way; navigation, setup, and use are solid. The remote has a speech dictation button for searches, and I'm impressed that many software features in more expensive projectors are packed into the One without much detriment.
Episode One Projector review: How 150 ISO lumens perform under a light.
Being cheaper, it has its drawbacks, but there are other projectors in the same price range who can still bring reliable sound and brightness, albeit at greater size.
Episode One Projector Pros
- Portable and compact
- Budget price with diverse features
Episode One Projector Cons
- Severely tinny audio
- Limited lumens for daytime use
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
Where to buy the Episode One Projector
The Episode One Projector is available on Amazon and the Formovie store, currently on sale for $199.99 (original price is $249.99) on both websites.