Dangbei Neo 1080P DLP Smart Projector Review - PAGE 1

Dangbei Neo 1080P DLP Projector Introduction

The Dangbei Neo is a DLP projector officially licensed for Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video, featuring a resolution of 1080P and a 540 ANSI lumen rating, and two 6W Dolby Digital speakers for audio. The LED has a 30,000 hour lifespan, and the cooling system is rated for under 22dB at 25ºC (or 77ºF). Supported connections include USB2.0, HDMI input, LAN, and SPDIF output.

Users can mirror their Android devices directly to the Neo projector, while Apple users will need to download the HomeShare app (or similar) to cast their displays. The Neo itself uses a Linux system rather than Android for increased efficiency, and features 1GB DDR3 and 8GB eMMC v5.1 storage. The Dangbei Neo is typically offered at $599.99 USD, but can be found discounted on Amazon for $509.00 USD.

Dangbei Neo 1080P DLP Projector Closer Look

The front of the packaging showcases the projector along with confirmation of Dolby Audio, Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video support. The side panels highlight the Full HD 1080P, Auto Keystone, Auto Focus, and WiFi 2.4G/5G features. The user manual is available upon opening the box, with the bundled accessories in the next layer comprising of the power brick, removable power cable, and the remote controller.

The Dangbei Neo has a single power button on the top, but you’ll want to use the remote control for everything else. The front of the projector has an offset projection lens, alongside an array of sensors for the Auto Keystone and Auto Focus features. The side of the projector contains the dual Dolby Audio speakers rated at 6W each.

The rear of the Dangbei Neo offers all of the main connections: DC power input, SPDIF audio output, LAN input, HDMI/ARC input, and two USB 2.0 ports. The vents at the rear serve to exhaust heat while pulling air from the front and sides of the projector. The bottom of the projector has four rubber feet that screw on, as well as a recessed ¼” screw mount for attaching the projector to a tripod, wall/ceiling mount, or any similar stand.

Dangbei Neo 1080P DLP Projector Features

Information Courtesy of Dangbei

Dangbei Neo 1080P DLP Projector Setup and Experience

The Dangbei Neo is extremely easy to set up. Put the batteries in the remote, power up the projector, then connect it to the internet and check for any required updates for features like Auto Keystone and Auto Focus. The Dangbei sensor is always scanning, so if you accidentally move the projector it will auto correct itself. I opted to mount the Dangbei Neo on a tripod that can expand from 19” up to 74”, with pan and tilt capabilities.

Initial setup:

Updates, Settings, Auto-Keystone, Auto-focus:

Media:

After setting the Dangbei Neo into position, you can quickly launch your favorite apps from your phone by scanning the QR code to easily sign in. I can see the Open browser being a useful tool as well, and will test if the Neo is compatible with USB keyboards. The large variety of media I tested was all reproduced very crisply, and with super vivid colors. The remote seems to have limited range since it uses RF instead of IR, so don’t mount the projector too far away from where you might be using the remote to control it.

Dangbei Neo 1080P DLP Projector Conclusion

The Dangbei Neo has great capabilities! The image brightness is great as long as you’re in a low-light environment, and the Auto Focus and Auto Keystone features provide quality of life when you choose not to permanently mount the projector to any single spot. The Neo's sound system similarly delivered audio well, and the cooling system was quiet during operation.

If you want a projector that is flexible enough to be used in both portable and permanent installation applications, then the Dangbei Neo is a great choice for the price.