The XGIMI HORIZON Ultra isn’t just another projector.

It’s a significant leap forward in home theater technology, offering a remarkable blend of high brightness, stunning visual fidelity, and intelligent features that truly redefine what a smart projector can do.

This flagship model from XGIMI aims to bridge the gap between traditional lamp-based projectors and the nascent laser TV market, delivering an immersive cinematic experience right in your living room with its dual-light laser and LED hybrid system.

Its focus on ease of use, sophisticated image correction, and robust sound integration makes it a compelling choice for anyone looking to elevate their viewing experience without the complexities often associated with high-end setups.

Feature/Product	XGIMI HORIZON Ultra	Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800	Formovie Theater	BenQ TK860i	LG HU810PW	AWOL Vision LTV-3500	Hisense PX1-PRO
Projection Technology	Dual Light Laser + LED	3-Chip 3LCD UST Laser	ALPD 4.0 Laser UST	DLP Lamp	Dual Laser RGB	Tri-Chroma Laser UST	Tri-Chroma Laser UST
Resolution	4K UHD 3840 x 2160	4K PRO-UHD Pixel Shifting	4K UHD 3840 x 2160	4K UHD 3840 x 2160	4K UHD 3840 x 2160	4K UHD 3840 x 2160	4K UHD 3840 x 2160
Brightness ANSI Lumens	2300	4000	2800	3300	2700	3500	2000
HDR Support	HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision	HDR10, HLG	HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision	HDR10, HLG	HDR10, HLG	HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision	HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
Smart TV OS	Android TV 11	Android TV	Android TV	Android TV	webOS	Android TV	Android TV
Built-in Audio	Harman Kardon Dolby Audio, DTS-HD	Yamaha 2.1 Ch	Harman Kardon Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD	treVolo 2.1 Ch	LG Dolby Atmos	N/A External Recommended	Harman Kardon Dolby Atmos
Throw Ratio	Standard Throw 1.2-1.5:1	Ultra-Short Throw 0.16:1	Ultra-Short Throw 0.233:1	Standard Throw 1.13-1.47:1	Standard Throw 1.3-1.56:1	Ultra-Short Throw 0.25:1	Ultra-Short Throw 0.252:1

Table of Contents

The Revolutionary Dual Light Laser + LED Technology

The XGIMI HORIZON Ultra stands out from the crowd primarily due to its groundbreaking Dual Light Technology. This isn’t just a marketing buzzword. it’s a significant engineering achievement that combines the best aspects of two distinct light sources: laser and LED.

Understanding Dual Light: Laser Meets LED

Historically, projectors have relied on either lamps, LEDs, or lasers. Each has its pros and cons. Lamps offer high brightness but have limited lifespan and color accuracy degradation over time. LEDs boast long lifespans, instant on/off, and good color, but often struggle with peak brightness for larger screens. Lasers, on the other hand, deliver incredible brightness, sharpness, and a wide color gamut, but can be expensive and sometimes exhibit “speckle” effects.

The XGIMI HORIZON Ultra’s Dual Light system intelligently merges these two.

Laser for Brightness and Sharpness: The laser component provides the raw power, delivering exceptional brightness and pinpoint sharpness, especially for static elements and crisp outlines. This ensures that the image pops even in moderately lit environments.

The synergy between these two light sources allows the HORIZON Ultra to achieve a balanced performance that surpasses many single-source projectors.

You get the punch and clarity of laser projection without sacrificing the natural, expansive color volume often associated with high-quality LED light engines.

Benefits of the Hybrid Light Source

This innovative approach translates into several tangible benefits for the user:

Exceptional Brightness: At 2300 ISO Lumens which XGIMI converts to a comparable ANSI lumen figure often around 2300-2500 ANSI Lumens for direct comparison, the HORIZON Ultra is bright enough for many living room scenarios, even with some ambient light present. This is a considerable upgrade from previous XGIMI models and many standard throw LED projectors.
Vibrant and Accurate Colors: The combination of laser and LED allows the HORIZON Ultra to achieve a DCI-P3 color gamut coverage that’s comparable to or even exceeds many dedicated home theater projectors. This means you’re seeing colors as the filmmakers intended, with impressive depth and nuance.
Long Lifespan: Like LED and pure laser projectors, the Dual Light engine boasts an extended lifespan, typically 25,000 hours or more. This eliminates the need for expensive lamp replacements and ensures consistent performance over many years.
Improved Contrast: While not an absolute black level champion like some high-end dedicated home cinema projectors, the Dual Light system contributes to better dynamic contrast compared to standard LED-only projectors, bringing out more detail in both bright and dark scenes.
Reduced Speckle: A common issue with single-laser projectors can be “laser speckle,” which manifests as a subtle shimmering or graininess in the image. The integration of the LED light source effectively mitigates this, leading to a smoother, more cinematic picture.

This Dual Light technology positions the HORIZON Ultra as a versatile projector, capable of delivering a compelling visual experience for a wide range of content, from HDR movies and sports to gaming and casual TV watching.

It’s a pragmatic solution that offers high-end performance without the complexity or cost of some ultra-premium laser options.

Unpacking the 4K UHD Visual Experience

When you’re investing in a flagship projector like the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra, a crystal-clear, detailed image is paramount. The HORIZON Ultra delivers a true 4K UHD 3840 x 2160 resolution, ensuring that every pixel counts towards a truly immersive visual experience.

True 4K vs. Pixel Shifting

It’s important to differentiate between “native 4K” and “pixel shifting 4K.” While the HORIZON Ultra utilizes pixel shifting technology to achieve its 4K resolution, it’s a highly effective implementation. VANKYO Leisure 470

Pixel shifting involves rapidly shifting a lower-resolution imaging chip like 1080p or 2716×1528 multiple times per frame to project four distinct pixels for every single native pixel on the chip. This creates the perception of a much higher resolution on screen, effectively reproducing a 4K image.
The XGIMI HORIZON Ultra, similar to many other acclaimed 4K DLP projectors, uses a 0.47-inch DMD Digital Micromirror Device chip from Texas Instruments, which inherently has a native resolution of 1920×1080. It then shifts these pixels four times extremely rapidly to produce a 4K image. For the vast majority of viewers, this approach delivers a visual experience virtually indistinguishable from native 4K, especially at typical viewing distances. The sharpness, detail, and lack of visible pixel structure are remarkable.

HDR and Dolby Vision: A Cinematic Edge

Modern cinematic content and streaming services heavily rely on High Dynamic Range HDR to deliver richer, more detailed visuals. The HORIZON Ultra goes beyond standard HDR10 and HLG by including Dolby Vision support, a significant differentiator in the projector market.

HDR10: The most common HDR standard, providing expanded contrast and color.
HLG Hybrid Log-Gamma: Primarily used for broadcast HDR content.
Dolby Vision: This is where the magic happens. Dolby Vision is an advanced HDR format that uses dynamic metadata. This means that instead of static metadata for an entire movie, Dolby Vision processes HDR information on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis.
- Enhanced Brightness and Contrast: Dolby Vision can optimize the image for your specific display’s capabilities, pushing the boundaries of brightness and black levels within each scene, resulting in more impactful highlights and deeper shadows.
- More Accurate Colors: By fine-tuning the image dynamically, Dolby Vision ensures that colors are rendered with greater precision and vibrancy.
- Greater Detail: The dynamic optimization often reveals subtle details that might be lost in less sophisticated HDR formats, particularly in very bright or very dark areas of the image.

The inclusion of Dolby Vision in the HORIZON Ultra is a major advantage for movie enthusiasts, ensuring that you’re getting the best possible visual experience from compatible content on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+. It truly elevates the cinematic feel.

Image Processing and Upscaling

Beyond the raw resolution and HDR capabilities, the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra features advanced image processing to ensure a clean, smooth, and detailed picture regardless of the input source.

X-VUE 2.0 Image Engine: This proprietary image engine works behind the scenes to optimize clarity, color, and motion. It dynamically analyzes the content and applies enhancements in real-time.
Upscaling for Lower Resolutions: While 4K content is becoming more common, much of what we watch is still 1080p or even lower. The HORIZON Ultra’s powerful processor upscales these lower-resolution signals to fit its 4K display, doing an impressive job of adding perceived detail and reducing artifacts, making standard HD content look much better on a large screen.
MEMC Motion Estimation Motion Compensation: For fast-moving content like sports or action movies, MEMC can smooth out motion blur and judder by inserting interpolated frames. While some purists prefer to turn this off for film content as it can create a “soap opera effect”, it’s a valuable feature for sports fans looking for fluid, artifact-free motion. The HORIZON Ultra allows users to adjust the intensity of MEMC or turn it off entirely based on their preference.

In essence, the HORIZON Ultra’s visual prowess is a combination of its high-resolution pixel-shifting, superior HDR support with Dolby Vision, and intelligent image processing, all working together to create a stunning, immersive picture on a large scale.

The Power of Intelligent Screen Adaption 3.0 ISA 3.0

One of the most frustrating aspects of setting up a projector traditionally is getting the image perfectly aligned, focused, and free of distortions. This is where XGIMI’s Intelligent Screen Adaption ISA Technology truly shines, and with the HORIZON Ultra, it’s evolved to ISA 3.0, offering an unprecedented level of automation and precision.

What is ISA 3.0?

ISA 3.0 is a suite of advanced algorithms and sensors that work in tandem to automatically optimize the projected image within seconds of setup or movement.

It leverages a high-resolution camera and sophisticated software to analyze the projection surface and environmental factors.

The core components of ISA 3.0 include:

Auto Keystone Correction: Projectors are rarely perfectly perpendicular to the screen. Keystone correction digitally adjusts the image to make it rectangular, even if the projector is placed at an angle. ISA 3.0 performs this automatically and continuously.
Auto Focus: Ensures the image is always sharp and clear, regardless of distance changes or projector movement. No more fiddling with manual focus rings.
Intelligent Screen Alignment: This feature automatically detects the edges of your projection screen if you’re using one and scales the image to perfectly fit within those boundaries, eliminating overscan or underscan.
Obstacle Avoidance: If there’s a picture frame, a plant, or any other object in the path of the projection, ISA 3.0 will intelligently scale down the image or shift it slightly to avoid projecting onto the obstacle, ensuring a clean picture.
Intelligent Ambient Light Adaptation: ISA 3.0 can detect the ambient light levels in the room and dynamically adjust the projector’s brightness and color temperature to maintain optimal image quality and reduce eye strain. This means your picture looks great whether it’s day or night.
Wall Color Adaptation: A significant upgrade in ISA 3.0 is its ability to detect the color of the wall you’re projecting on. If you’re projecting onto a non-white wall e.g., beige, light blue, the system will automatically adjust the color balance of the projected image to compensate for the wall’s tint, aiming to deliver a more accurate color reproduction. This is a must for those without a dedicated screen.

Real-World Impact and Ease of Use

The real beauty of ISA 3.0 is its hands-free operation.

Setup in Seconds: Imagine taking your projector out of the box, plugging it in, and having a perfectly aligned, focused, and optimized image on your wall within a few seconds. This is the promise of ISA 3.0. For portable use or frequent repositioning, this feature is invaluable.
No More Manual Tweaks: Gone are the days of manually adjusting focus, keystone, and screen alignment settings. ISA 3.0 handles it all, allowing you to focus on enjoying your content.
Dynamic Adjustments: If someone walks in front of the projector, slightly bumping it, ISA 3.0 can detect the movement and re-align the image almost instantly, minimizing interruptions.
Versatility: This technology makes the HORIZON Ultra incredibly versatile, equally at home in a dedicated theater room where it can still auto-align to a fixed screen or a living room where it might be moved frequently.

While purists may prefer to fine-tune every setting manually for a permanent installation, for anyone seeking convenience, flexibility, and a consistently excellent image without the hassle, ISA 3.0 is a killer feature that genuinely sets the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra apart from much of the competition. KODAK LUMA 150

It lowers the barrier to entry for high-quality projection, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Integrated Harman Kardon Audio with Dolby Audio & DTS-HD

While a dedicated home theater sound system will always offer the ultimate audio experience, the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra understands that not everyone has the space or budget for a complex multi-speaker setup. That’s why it features a surprisingly robust and high-quality integrated audio system tuned by Harman Kardon, complete with support for Dolby Audio and DTS-HD.

Harman Kardon: A Mark of Quality Audio

Harman Kardon is a well-respected name in the audio world, known for producing premium sound systems.

Their involvement with the HORIZON Ultra means that the internal speakers are not just an afterthought but a carefully engineered component designed to deliver clear, balanced, and impactful sound.

Key aspects of the integrated audio:

Custom-Designed Speakers: The HORIZON Ultra houses dual 12W speakers, specifically designed to maximize audio performance within the projector’s chassis. These aren’t tiny, tinny drivers. they’re capable of producing a surprising amount of volume and clarity.
Passive Bass Radiators: To enhance bass response and give audio more depth, the system likely incorporates passive bass radiators. These work in conjunction with the main drivers to move more air and produce lower frequencies more effectively, without needing a separate subwoofer.
Tuning and Optimization: Harman Kardon’s expertise ensures that the audio profile is balanced across the frequency range, preventing harsh highs or muddy mids. Dialogue is clear, and sound effects have presence.

Dolby Audio and DTS-HD Support

Support for these prominent audio codecs further enhances the cinematic experience:

Dolby Audio: This encompasses various Dolby technologies, including Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus. It’s widely used in streaming content and ensures that the projector can decode and play back multi-channel audio tracks, even if it’s downmixing them to stereo for the built-in speakers. The result is a more dynamic and spatially aware sound than basic stereo.
DTS-HD: This refers to high-resolution DTS audio codecs, including DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. While these are primarily found on Blu-ray discs, their inclusion ensures that the projector can handle premium audio formats, again often downmixing them to the internal speakers but retaining the quality.

Beyond the Built-in Speakers: Connectivity Options

While the Harman Kardon speakers are impressive for a projector, XGIMI also provides ample connectivity for external audio solutions:

HDMI eARC: This is a crucial feature for a home theater setup. The HDMI 2.1 port with eARC enhanced Audio Return Channel allows you to send high-quality, uncompressed audio formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X from the projector’s internal apps directly to a compatible AV receiver or soundbar using a single HDMI cable. This simplifies wiring and ensures the best possible audio fidelity for external systems.
Optical Audio Out SPDIF: For older soundbars or receivers that don’t support HDMI eARC, the optical output provides a reliable digital audio connection.
3.5mm Headphone Jack: A convenient option for private listening with wired headphones or connecting to smaller external speakers.
Bluetooth: The HORIZON Ultra can connect to Bluetooth headphones or speakers, offering wireless audio flexibility. This is great for late-night viewing or when you want to avoid disturbing others.

The Value Proposition of Integrated Audio

The high-quality integrated Harman Kardon audio system with Dolby Audio and DTS-HD support is a significant selling point for the HORIZON Ultra.

Immediate Enjoyment: You don’t need external speakers to get a good audio experience right out of the box. This makes the projector a true all-in-one entertainment solution.
Portability: For outdoor movie nights, impromptu gaming sessions, or moving the projector between rooms, the strong built-in audio is incredibly convenient, eliminating the need to haul extra speakers.
Stepping Stone: For those new to home theater, the built-in speakers provide a great starting point. As your setup evolves, you can easily upgrade to a full surround sound system or high-end soundbar via eARC.

Ultimately, the HORIZON Ultra’s audio capabilities punch well above their weight for an integrated projector system, contributing significantly to its overall premium feel and user-friendliness.

Android TV 11: Smart Features and App Ecosystem

The XGIMI HORIZON Ultra isn’t just a projector. it’s a full-fledged smart TV thanks to its integrated Android TV 11 operating system. This provides access to a vast ecosystem of apps, streaming services, and smart home functionalities, making it the central hub of your entertainment. TP-Link Deco M4

A Familiar and Intuitive Interface

For anyone who has used an Android TV device or a smart TV with Android TV like Sony or Philips TVs, the interface will feel instantly familiar.

Clean Layout: The home screen is organized into rows, showcasing your installed apps, recommended content from streaming services, and inputs. It’s designed for easy navigation with a remote control.
Google Assistant Integration: Built-in Google Assistant allows for voice control. You can search for movies, open apps, control smart home devices, get weather updates, and much more, all just by speaking into the remote.
Personalized Recommendations: Android TV learns your viewing habits and provides personalized recommendations for shows and movies across your subscribed services, helping you discover new content.

The Vast App Ecosystem

The biggest advantage of Android TV is its access to the Google Play Store. This means you can download and install a huge variety of streaming apps, games, and utility apps directly onto the projector.

Streaming Services: Access all your favorites, including:
- Netflix with native 4K and Dolby Vision support
- Disney+
- Amazon Prime Video
- Hulu
- YouTube including YouTube TV
- Max formerly HBO Max
- Peacock
- And many more niche streaming platforms.
Gaming: While not a dedicated gaming console, you can download casual Android games, or even use cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW with a compatible controller for a larger-than-life gaming experience.
Media Players: Install VLC, Plex, or Kodi for playing local media files from a USB drive or network-attached storage NAS.
Fitness Apps, News Apps, etc.: The possibilities are broad, extending beyond just video content.

Key Android TV 11 Features

Android TV 11 brings several enhancements that improve performance and user experience:

Improved Performance and Stability: Often includes optimizations for smoother navigation and faster app loading.
Enhanced Privacy Controls: Gives users more granular control over app permissions, particularly concerning microphone and location access.
Low Latency Mode Auto Low Latency Mode – ALLM: While not exclusively an Android TV feature, if the projector supports it, Android TV can signal to the display to switch to a low-latency mode when a game is detected, reducing input lag.
One-Time Permissions: Grant apps access to your microphone or location for a single use, rather than permanently.
Better Notifications: More streamlined and less intrusive notification management.

Built-in Chromecast

Another major convenience of Android TV is the integrated Chromecast functionality. This allows you to “cast” content directly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer using the Chrome browser to the projector.

Seamless Sharing: Easily share photos, videos, web pages, and podcast from your mobile device to the big screen.
Companion Control: Use your phone as a remote control or for queuing up content.

Things to Consider

App Optimization: While most major streaming apps work well, occasional apps might not be perfectly optimized for the projector’s hardware or display resolution, though this is rare for primary services.
Storage: Like any smart device, internal storage for apps can fill up. XGIMI projectors typically come with sufficient storage, but heavy users might want to monitor it.
Updates: Android TV receives updates, bringing new features and security patches, ensuring the projector stays current over time.

In summary, the Android TV 11 integration transforms the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra from a mere display device into a comprehensive smart entertainment system, offering unparalleled convenience, a vast content library, and seamless smart home integration.

Connectivity and Gaming Features

For a device positioned as a premium home entertainment hub, the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra needs robust connectivity options.

It delivers with a sensible array of ports and wireless capabilities, alongside features designed to appeal to gamers.

Essential Ports for Every Setup

The HORIZON Ultra provides the necessary physical connections to integrate seamlessly into various home entertainment ecosystems:

HDMI 2.1 Ports x2: This is the star of the show.
- One HDMI 2.1 port is equipped with eARC enhanced Audio Return Channel. This allows high-bandwidth audio signals including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X from the projector’s internal apps to be sent to a compatible AV receiver or soundbar with a single cable, simplifying your audio setup.
- HDMI 2.1 is also crucial for higher refresh rates and potentially higher resolutions from external sources, though the HORIZON Ultra’s primary benefit from it would be the eARC and possibly lower input lag modes.
USB-A Ports x2: These are versatile for:
- Connecting external storage devices USB drives, external hard drives to play local media files movies, photos, podcast.
- Connecting peripherals like a USB keyboard and mouse for easier navigation or text input within Android TV.
- Potentially for firmware updates.
Optical Audio Out SPDIF: Provides a digital audio output for connecting to older soundbars or audio receivers that may not support HDMI eARC. It’s a reliable way to get digital audio out.
3.5mm Audio Jack: A standard headphone jack for private listening with wired headphones or for connecting to small, powered external speakers.
Ethernet Port RJ45: For a stable, wired internet connection. While Wi-Fi is convenient, an Ethernet connection often provides better bandwidth and lower latency, which is beneficial for 4K streaming and online gaming.

Wireless Connectivity: Freedom and Flexibility

Beyond the physical ports, the HORIZON Ultra boasts strong wireless capabilities: Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12

Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax: This is the latest generation of Wi-Fi, offering several advantages:
- Faster Speeds: Crucial for streaming high-bandwidth 4K content with less buffering.
- Improved Efficiency: Better performance in congested network environments with many devices.
- Lower Latency: Beneficial for online gaming and responsive smart features.
Bluetooth 5.2:
- Connect wireless headphones for private listening.
- Pair with Bluetooth speakers for a more expansive sound without cables.
- Connect game controllers for Android TV gaming or cloud gaming.
- Generally provides a more stable connection, longer range, and lower power consumption compared to older Bluetooth versions.

Gaming Features: Low Latency and Picture Modes

While not marketed as a dedicated “gaming projector” in the same vein as some high-refresh-rate models, the HORIZON Ultra offers features that make it a very capable gaming display for most users:

Low Input Lag: XGIMI has made significant strides in reducing input lag on their projectors. The HORIZON Ultra aims for a low input lag, often quoted in the 30-40ms range for 4K@60Hz. While not as low as dedicated gaming monitors or TVs which can be under 10ms, this is perfectly acceptable for console gaming PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC gaming for most non-competitive titles. This ensures that your controller inputs translate quickly to on-screen action.
Game Mode: The projector likely includes a dedicated “Game Mode” or picture preset. This mode typically bypasses most of the image processing like MEMC to minimize input lag, prioritizing responsiveness over picture enhancements that add delay.
4K@60Hz Support: Capable of displaying 4K content at 60 frames per second, which is the standard for most modern console games and PC gaming at high resolutions.
HDR Gaming: With its excellent HDR support including Dolby Vision, games that feature HDR will look stunning, with expanded contrast and vibrant colors that add depth and realism to the gaming world.

For the casual gamer, the HORIZON Ultra offers a fantastic, immersive experience on a massive screen, with responsive gameplay and stunning visuals.

While competitive esports players might still opt for specialized low-latency monitors, for the average console or PC gamer, the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra provides a very compelling large-screen gaming solution.

Design, Build Quality, and Portability

The XGIMI HORIZON Ultra doesn’t just perform well. it looks the part.

XGIMI has consistently focused on aesthetics and premium build quality, and the HORIZON Ultra is no exception.

It blends seamlessly into modern living spaces while offering a level of portability uncommon for its performance tier.

Premium and Thoughtful Design

Sleek, Modern Aesthetics: The HORIZON Ultra sports a clean, minimalist design with a premium finish. It typically features a combination of metallic elements, soft-touch fabrics, and high-quality plastics, giving it a sophisticated look that won’t look out of place on a bookshelf or coffee table. XGIMI often employs a “Lunar Grey” or similar muted color palette, which helps it integrate rather than stand out garishly.
Hidden Lens and Ventilation: The projector’s lens is often subtly integrated or protected when not in use, adding to its sleek appearance and preventing dust accumulation. Efficient ventilation systems are designed to keep the projector cool without being overly noisy, and they are usually well-integrated into the design.
Compact Footprint: While not a pico projector, the HORIZON Ultra is remarkably compact for a 4K, 2300 ISO Lumen device. Its dimensions are designed to be relatively unobtrusive in a living room environment. This smaller footprint contributes to its overall portability.

Robust Build Quality

Durable Materials: XGIMI uses high-quality, durable materials for the chassis, ensuring the projector can withstand everyday use and occasional transport. The construction feels solid and well-put-together, indicating a commitment to longevity.
Precision Engineering: The internal components, including the Dual Light engine and sophisticated ISA 3.0 sensors, are meticulously assembled. This precision engineering contributes to reliable performance and consistency over time.
Attention to Detail: Small details, like the feel of the buttons on the device itself if any, the magnetic lens cover if applicable, and the overall finish, all contribute to a premium user experience.

Enhanced Portability for its class

While it’s not a battery-powered projector meant for backpacking, the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra offers a significant degree of portability for a projector of its performance level.

Manageable Weight: It’s light enough typically around 6-7 kg or 13-15 lbs for one person to easily move from room to room, or even transport to a friend’s house for a movie night. This makes it a great option for those who want a large-screen experience without dedicating a single room.
Integrated Handle Potential Feature: Some XGIMI models include a recessed handle for easy carrying. While not always prominent, it speaks to the design philosophy of making the device user-friendly and movable.
Quick Setup with ISA 3.0: The ISA 3.0 technology is a massive enabler for portability. Because the projector automatically corrects keystone, focuses, and aligns the image, you don’t need to spend valuable time on manual adjustments every time you set it up in a new location. This “plug-and-play” aspect truly enhances its portable usability.
All-in-One Entertainment: With its built-in Android TV and Harman Kardon speakers, the HORIZON Ultra is a self-contained entertainment unit. You don’t necessarily need to bring extra streaming sticks or external speakers, further simplifying portable setups.

Considerations for Placement

Despite its portability, optimal placement for the HORIZON Ultra, as with any standard throw projector, will still be important:

Throw Distance: Being a standard throw projector, it will need a certain distance from the screen/wall to achieve the desired screen size. For a 100-inch image, it might need to be around 8-10 feet away, depending on its specific throw ratio.
Line of Sight: Ensure no obstructions are in the way of the projection path.
Surface Stability: Place it on a stable, flat surface to ensure the best possible image alignment and prevent accidental bumps.

In essence, the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra combines high-end performance with a design philosophy that prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and practical usability.

Its premium build quality and remarkable portability for a 4K projector make it a versatile choice for dynamic home entertainment. BenQ TH671ST

Longevity and Maintenance Considerations

Investing in a premium projector like the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra brings with it expectations of durability and consistent performance over time.

Thanks to its advanced light source and thoughtful design, the HORIZON Ultra offers excellent longevity and relatively low maintenance compared to traditional lamp-based projectors.

Extended Lifespan of the Dual Light Engine

The most significant factor contributing to the HORIZON Ultra’s longevity is its Dual Light Laser + LED light source.

25,000+ Hours of Operation: Unlike traditional lamps that typically last 2,000-4,000 hours before dimming significantly or failing, the laser and LED components are rated for 25,000 hours or more of operation.
- What does 25,000 hours mean? If you use the projector for 4 hours a day, every day, that’s over 17 years of viewing before the light source reaches 50% of its original brightness. For most users, this means the light source will likely outlast the other components of the projector or simply be superseded by newer technology before needing replacement.
Consistent Brightness and Color Over Time: Traditional lamps degrade in brightness and color accuracy over their lifespan. Laser and LED light sources, on the other hand, maintain a more consistent level of brightness and color performance throughout their operational life, ensuring that your viewing experience remains optimal for years.
No Lamp Replacements: This is a huge cost and convenience factor. You avoid the expense of purchasing replacement lamps which can range from $100-$500 and the hassle of installing them.

Low Maintenance Requirements

The design and light source technology of the HORIZON Ultra also translate into minimal maintenance:

Sealed Optical Engine Likely: Many modern projectors with laser/LED light sources feature sealed optical engines. This design prevents dust from entering the critical optical path the lens, mirrors, and light source, which can otherwise lead to dust blobs appearing on the projected image over time. This significantly reduces the need for internal cleaning.
No Filters to Clean or Replace: Unlike some lamp-based projectors that require regular cleaning or replacement of air filters to prevent overheating, the HORIZON Ultra’s efficient cooling system, coupled with its advanced light source, typically eliminates the need for user-serviceable filters. This further simplifies maintenance.
External Cleaning: The primary maintenance will be keeping the exterior of the projector clean.
- Lens Cleaning: Gently wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth specifically designed for optics and possibly a lens cleaning solution, sparingly to remove fingerprints or dust.
- Chassis Cleaning: A soft, dry cloth is usually sufficient to wipe down the exterior surfaces. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Ventilation Ports: Occasionally, you might use a can of compressed air to blow dust out of the ventilation grilles to ensure optimal airflow and cooling.

Software Updates and Support

Firmware Updates: XGIMI regularly releases firmware updates for its projectors. These updates can bring:
- Performance Improvements: Optimizations for brightness, color, and image processing.
- Bug Fixes: Addressing any software glitches.
- New Features: Occasionally, adding new functionalities or improving existing ones.
- Security Patches: Ensuring the Android TV system remains secure.
- These updates are usually delivered over Wi-Fi, making them easy to install.
Customer Support: While you hope not to need it, access to reliable customer support for troubleshooting and warranty inquiries is important for long-term ownership. XGIMI has established support channels for its global customer base.

In essence, the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra is designed for a set-it-and-forget-it experience.

Its long-lasting light source and minimal maintenance requirements mean you can enjoy years of high-quality projection without the recurring costs or hassles associated with older projector technologies.

This makes it a smart long-term investment for a home entertainment system.

The XGIMI Ecosystem and Value Proposition

The XGIMI HORIZON Ultra isn’t just a standalone device.

It’s a flagship product within a growing ecosystem of smart projectors that XGIMI has cultivated.

This ecosystem, combined with the HORIZON Ultra’s feature set, solidifies its value proposition in a competitive market. Hisense C1

XGIMI’s Brand Philosophy

XGIMI has positioned itself as a leader in the “smart projector” space, focusing on:

User Experience UX: Prioritizing ease of setup, automatic corrections, and intuitive interfaces.
Integration: Seamlessly combining projection, smart TV capabilities, and quality audio.
Innovation: Consistently introducing new technologies, like their Dual Light engine and advanced ISA systems.
Design: Creating visually appealing products that blend into modern homes.

This philosophy is evident in the HORIZON Ultra, which aims to simplify the home theater experience without compromising on performance.

Complementary XGIMI Products Indirectly

While the HORIZON Ultra is an all-in-one, XGIMI also offers other products that complement a projector setup, though not strictly necessary:

XGIMI Projector Stands/Tripods: For optimal positioning and flexibility in various rooms.
XGIMI Portable Power Stations: For outdoor movie nights or off-grid use with a projector. While not direct XGIMI products, compatible power stations enhance portability.
XGIMI Screen Solutions: While the HORIZON Ultra’s wall color adaptation is great, dedicated ALR Ambient Light Rejecting or fixed screens will always provide the best possible image quality, especially in brighter rooms. XGIMI may offer or recommend screens optimized for its projectors.

Value Proposition: Why Choose the HORIZON Ultra?

Considering its price point, the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra offers a compelling value proposition by striking a strong balance across several critical factors:

Performance vs. Price: It delivers high-end 4K resolution with superb HDR including Dolby Vision and impressive brightness, approaching the quality of much more expensive dedicated home theater projectors or laser TVs, but often at a more accessible price.
All-in-One Convenience: The combination of powerful projection, integrated Harman Kardon audio, and Android TV 11 means you essentially get a full home entertainment system in one compact device. This saves you the cost and complexity of buying separate soundbars, streaming boxes, and potentially even an AV receiver.
Unrivaled Ease of Use: ISA 3.0 is perhaps its strongest differentiator. The automatic keystone, focus, screen alignment, obstacle avoidance, and wall color adaptation dramatically reduce setup time and frustration. This makes it ideal for everyday use in a living room, not just a dark dedicated theater.
Longevity and Low Maintenance: The 25,000+ hour Dual Light source eliminates lamp replacements and ensures consistent performance for well over a decade for most users, making it a cost-effective long-term investment.
Future-Proofing: HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and Android TV 11 keep the projector current with modern connectivity standards and access to new apps and services.

Who is it For?

The XGIMI HORIZON Ultra is ideally suited for:

Home Theater Enthusiasts who want a high-quality 4K HDR experience without the complexity or extreme cost of high-end custom installations.
Casual Viewers who desire a large, immersive screen for movies, sports, and gaming but prioritize ease of use and versatility in a living room setting.
Families looking for an all-in-one entertainment solution that can be easily moved or adapted to different viewing environments.
Anyone upgrading from an older lamp-based projector looking for a significant leap in image quality, brightness, and smart features with zero lamp worries.

In conclusion, the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra represents a mature and highly refined smart projector.

It combines innovative light source technology with industry-leading intelligent setup features and a robust smart TV platform, all packaged in a premium design.

Its value lies in delivering a truly premium and hassle-free large-screen entertainment experience that is accessible to a broad audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra?

The XGIMI HORIZON Ultra is XGIMI’s flagship smart projector, offering 4K UHD resolution, a unique Dual Light Laser + LED illumination system, integrated Harman Kardon audio, and Android TV 11, designed for premium home entertainment. TP-Link Deco X5000

What is Dual Light Laser + LED Technology?

Dual Light Technology combines the high brightness and sharpness of a laser light source with the wide color gamut and accuracy of an LED light source, aiming to deliver a balanced image with vibrant colors and excellent clarity.

What is the brightness of the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra?

The XGIMI HORIZON Ultra boasts a brightness of 2300 ISO Lumens, which is comparable to approximately 2300-2500 ANSI Lumens, making it suitable for viewing even with some ambient light.

Does the HORIZON Ultra support 4K resolution?

Yes, the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra supports true 4K UHD 3840 x 2160 resolution using advanced pixel-shifting technology.

What HDR formats does it support?

The HORIZON Ultra supports HDR10, HLG, and crucially, Dolby Vision, which offers dynamic metadata for enhanced scene-by-scene optimization of brightness, contrast, and color.

ISA 3.0 Intelligent Screen Adaption 3.0 is XGIMI’s advanced automatic setup technology that includes auto keystone correction, auto focus, intelligent screen alignment, obstacle avoidance, intelligent ambient light adaptation, and wall color adaptation.

How quickly does ISA 3.0 work?

ISA 3.0 can typically complete its automatic setup keystone, focus, alignment within a few seconds, making setup incredibly fast and convenient.

Can the HORIZON Ultra project onto a colored wall?

Yes, a key feature of ISA 3.0 is its Wall Color Adaptation, which automatically adjusts the color balance of the projected image to compensate for the wall’s tint, aiming for more accurate colors.

What kind of audio system does it have?

The HORIZON Ultra features a premium integrated audio system tuned by Harman Kardon, consisting of dual 12W speakers, and supports Dolby Audio and DTS-HD.

Does it support Dolby Atmos?

Yes, the projector can decode Dolby Atmos audio tracks and send them to a compatible external audio system via its HDMI eARC port.

The internal speakers will downmix to stereo but still benefit from Dolby Audio processing. BenQ GV30

What smart TV operating system does the HORIZON Ultra use?

It runs on Android TV 11, providing access to a vast array of streaming apps, games, and smart home features through the Google Play Store.

Can I download Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video?

Yes, you can download all major streaming applications like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, and Max directly from the Google Play Store on Android TV 11.

Does it have Chromecast built-in?

Yes, the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra has built-in Chromecast, allowing you to cast content wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

What connectivity ports does it offer?

It includes two HDMI 2.1 ports one with eARC, two USB-A ports, an optical audio out SPDIF, a 3.5mm audio jack, and an Ethernet port RJ45.

Does it support Wi-Fi 6?

Yes, it supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax for faster, more stable wireless internet connectivity.

What Bluetooth version does it have?

It features Bluetooth 5.2 for connecting wireless headphones, speakers, and game controllers.

Is the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra good for gaming?

Yes, it’s capable for gaming, offering low input lag typically 30-40ms at 4K@60Hz and a dedicated Game Mode, making it suitable for console and PC gaming for most users.

What is the lifespan of the light source?

The Dual Light Laser + LED light source has an impressive lifespan of 25,000 hours or more, virtually eliminating the need for lamp replacements.

Does it require much maintenance?

No, due to its long-lasting light source and likely sealed optical engine, it requires minimal maintenance beyond occasional cleaning of the lens and exterior. BenQ X3000i

Is it portable?

While not a small pico projector, the HORIZON Ultra is relatively compact and light for a 4K projector of its performance, and its ISA 3.0 technology makes it incredibly easy to set up in different locations, enhancing its portability.

Can I mount it to the ceiling?

Yes, the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra typically supports ceiling mounting, and the Android TV interface allows for image inversion for proper projection.

Does it come with a remote control?

Yes, it comes with a Bluetooth remote control, usually with built-in microphone for Google Assistant voice commands.

How big of a screen can it project?

The XGIMI HORIZON Ultra can project a screen size up to 200 inches or more, though optimal viewing experiences typically range from 80-150 inches depending on ambient light and room size.

Does it have auto focus?

Yes, it has automatic real-time autofocus as part of its ISA 3.0 system, ensuring the image is always sharp.

Can I connect a soundbar to it?

Yes, you can connect a soundbar via HDMI eARC, optical audio out, or Bluetooth.

Is it bright enough for daytime viewing?

While it performs best in a darker room, its 2300 ISO Lumens brightness makes it capable of providing a viewable image in moderately lit rooms, especially on an ALR Ambient Light Rejecting screen.

What is the throw ratio?

The HORIZON Ultra is a standard throw projector, typically with a throw ratio around 1.2-1.5:1, meaning it needs a certain distance from the wall/screen to achieve a large image.

Does it have a battery?

No, the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra is not battery-powered and requires a consistent power outlet for operation.

Can I connect external gaming consoles?

Yes, you can connect gaming consoles like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, or Nintendo Switch via its HDMI ports. BenQ HT4550i

Is it suitable for a dedicated home theater room?

Absolutely, its 4K resolution, excellent HDR capabilities, and robust feature set make it a strong contender for a dedicated home theater environment, especially when paired with a good screen and external audio system.

XGIMI HORIZON Ultra