One of many largest drawbacks with utilizing a projector for watching films is that you could solely decently use it in a darkish room; through the evenings, when you’ll be able to flip off all of the lights, or within the mornings when you have heavy drapes that may cowl your home windows. Properly, not anymore. LUMOS has lately launched a projector designed to be used even through the daytime, and so they aptly name it the LUMOS Daystar.
On this evaluate, let’s see if the LUMOS Daystar projector is certainly vivid sufficient that it may well decently venture content material even through the daytime.
OUT OF THE BOX
 |
| THE LUMOS DAYSTAR, UNBOXED |
The LUMOS DAYSTAR is available in a reasonably hefty field measuring 34.5 x 31.5 x 19.5 cm and weighing about 2.5 kilos. The scale is a bit intimidating, however the unit itself is smaller with a dimension of 32 x 25 x 10 cm.
The bundle comprises a distant management, an influence wire, a protecting lens cap, a readable instruction handbook, and the projector. In contrast to different LUMOS projector variations—just like the LUMOS RAY and LUMOS FLOAT—it doesn’t embrace a feminine RCA to AV 3.5mm jack cable (for exterior audio system) nor an HDMI wire (to attach laptops).
However just like the earlier LUMOS projectors I’ve, the bundle is closely and securely padded, so you’ll be able to relaxation simple about dealing with issues throughout transport.
LUMOS DAYSTAR SPECS & PRICING
 |
| THE DAYSTAR PROJECTOR CAN BE USED DURING THE DAY |
Most LUMOS projectors have two variations—a common and a good one. The previous is an easy projector with out Wi-Fi and no apps, and the latter has built-in connectivity and apps that you could immediately use. LUMOS DAYSTAR is a bit distinctive on this side; it solely has one model—a sensible one—which suggests it has web connectivity and apps you should use to look at content material on the web. It additionally is available in one coloration—silver.
LUMOS DAYSTAR might be bought immediately from the LUMOS official web site for a reduced value of ₱15,999.00.
Right here’s LUMOS DAYSTAR’s full specs:
MOVIE SESSION: THE LUMOS DAYSTAR HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE
 |
| FRIYAY MOVIE SESSION WITH THE WIFE |
As is our customized, we examined out the LUMOS DAYSTAR projector throughout our weekly Friyay Session with the spouse. Listed here are my observations:
THE BUILD
 |
| THE LUMOS FLOAT COMPARED TO THE DAYSTAR |
The construct truly feels very strong. The LUMOS DAYSTAR, weighing 2.5 kilos, is kind of heavy. Should you’re searching for a compact venture that you could deliver with you, this isn’t it. This projector is one thing you’ll be able to truly set up in a everlasting location, say in a front room or bed room, and even in a devoted residence theater room.
It doesn’t have an adjustable metallic brace much like these in LUMOS FLOAT, however what it has is an easy backside screw situated on the center entrance a part of the unit, which you’ll regulate to tilt it upwards if the floor you’re putting it on is a bit low. I discover this to be a tad restricted, although, once I place the unit on a typical one-meter desk, so I needed to put one thing increased out entrance to tilt it additional up.
The DAYSTAR can truly be mounted on a typical projector mount, which you’ll connect to 4 backside screws.
TURNING IT ON FOR THE FIRST TIME
 |
| THE DAYSTAR AUTO-TUNING ON START-UP |
The LUMOS DAYSTAR is a darling for first-time use. Upon urgent the energy button, the projected picture shortly adjusted by itself—tuning each focus and horizontal and vertical keystone orientations robotically to an ideal rectangle. No extra fussing for focus and orientation; you’ll be able to immediately begin watching. Transfer the unit, and it additionally robotically adjusts its projection. Tremendous candy.
I then related the DAYSTAR to our residence’s wi-fi and proceeded to replace its time and date settings. I often simply set it on Computerized Date & Time, letting it hook up with the interweb for the right time. All the time make sure the projector’s time is appropriate for all of the apps to work easily.
THE REMOTE CONTROL
 |
| INTUITIVE REMOTE CONTROL |
The distant management appears to be like elegant and has a premium really feel. As with the 2 earlier LUMOS projectors I’ve tried, it’s mild, intuitive, simple to recollect, and responsive. I don’t even need to immediately level the distant management on the unit for it to work—which is a bent with projectors, since customers are inclined to level it in the direction of the display as an alternative.
THE INTERFACE
 |
| THE INTERFACE IS A BIT TOO CLUTTERED FOR ME |
The LUMOS DAYSTAR runs on an Android 9 OS utilizing a Whale TV Launcher. It has the same interface to LUMOS FLOAT. It’s divided into six class tabs—Search, House, Apps, Video, Music, and Settings.
The SEARCH tab is for looking out something on YouTube. HOME lists down well-liked TV apps, plus people who you latterly used. APPS has all the favored apps, and in case you click on the final arrow, all of the apps put in on the system. VIDEO has classes you’ll be able to select that search by YouTube when you click on them. Equally, the MUSIC tab additionally performs this manner, and likewise on YouTube. And eventually, the SETTINGS is the place you’ll be able to tinker with stuff like Community, Bluetooth, Projection, Language, Date, System, and Software.
I’m probably not a fan of this interface, discovering it to be too flashy and cluttered for my style—although I can see how this sort of interface can enchantment to sure markets.
CUSTOMIZING THE INTERFACE
 |
| I LIKE THIS CUSTOMIZED LAYOUT BETTER |
I attempted trying by the settings and might’t discover any choice to customise the DAYSTAR interface.
My earlier answer to this, which I used on my LUMOS FLOAT projector, was to put in a special launcher. So, off I went to the Google Play Retailer—which is already pre-installed on the DAYSTAR—and downloaded the Projectivity Launcher. It downloaded however failed to put in. It appears some third-party apps might not be appropriate with the LUMOS DAYSTAR.
I attempted DAYSTAR’S default App Retailer and located a lone launcher, TVLauncher—lastly, a easy, customizable, and uncluttered structure! Sadly, it may well’t override the default Whale TV Launcher. It reverts to the previous interface upon resetting the system or once you flip it on the following time. The one possibility for now’s to click on on the Launcher app after turning the DAYSTAR on.
TV APPS
 |
| EXPLORING THE APPS ON THE DAYSTAR |
The LUMOS DAYSTAR comes with pre-installed apps. Among the pre-installed ones are YouTube and Netflix. Among the different apps, like for Disney+, Fb, and Spotify, would set up upon clicking on them.
 |
| WATCHING NETFLIX ON THE LUMOS DAYSTAR |
One of the vital apps for viewing films and TV sequence, Netflix, works flawlessly. Upon signing in, I used to be in a position to proceed the unique Evangelion sequence I used to be watching on my cellphone with out a hitch.
 |
| BROWSING THROUGH YOUTUBE ON THE DAYSTAR |
I encountered an issue on YouTube utilizing the LUMOS DAYSTAR. Upon clicking on the YouTube icon, it directed me to a “YouTube will not be supported on this system” error. I attempted updating the YouTube app utilizing the Google Play Retailer, however once more, I can’t set up something from the Play Retailer. I turned to the default App Retailer and located a YouTube replace. I put in and opened it, however acquired the identical error.
I contacted LUMOS help, and so they shortly suggested me on a repair for the YouTube problem with a brand new replace patch. Merely join the LUMOS DAYSTAR to the Web, and restart it twice inside 10 minutes. The excellent news is that periodic software program patches are robotically pushed for the projector. You solely must restart the projector for the replace to take impact—fully hassle-free.
I adopted their directions, and, lo and behold, I lastly acquired YouTube to work.
The DAYSTAR claims it may well venture decently through the daytime, so there’s a WPS Workplace app bundled with it. That is good for individuals who want to use it as a presentation device at school and work.
There are additionally mirroring apps like Miracast out there. I shortly tried it and located it to be simple to make use of and lag-free. Excellent if you wish to theatrify your gaming expertise!
THE PORTS
 |
| LUMOS DAYSTAR’S PORTS |
The LUMOS DAYSTAR has 4 ports situated on its again portion—an HDMI port, a 3.5 mm headphone audio port, a USB port, and an RJ45 Web port for a sooner LAN Ethernet connection. The IR sensor can be situated on the again plate.
Earlier LUMOS projector variations have a separate AV port for exterior audio system; it has since been eliminated on the DAYSTAR model since you’ll be able to truly use the headphone audio port to do the identical factor.
The HDMI ports can join not solely your laptop computer for work, but additionally your PlayStation or Nintendo Change gaming consoles if you need a larger-than-life gaming expertise.
Plugging a thumb drive into the USB port, I examined varied movies encoded in various codecs utilizing the inventory video participant and located that it may well play well-liked MP4 and MKV movies encoded in H264 and H265 codecs. AV1s, that are extra space environment friendly, are nonetheless not supported on LUMOS projectors.
I downloaded VLC and MX Participant, that are each out there on the inventory App Retailer, and acquired the identical outcome. I retained the VLC participant, although, because it has a quantity booster for low-volume movies and an audio delay function to sync for Bluetooth latency—it’s when the lips don’t sync with the dialogue, for non-tech discuss.
SOUND QUALITY
 |
| PRETTY GOOD SOUND FOR THE DAYSTAR |
The LUMOS DAYSTAR has two 3W audio system (4Ω3W x 2) that the LUMOS RAY and the LUMOS FLOAT have. These units of audio system sound nice on the LUMOS RAY however sound tinier on the LUMOS FLOAT.
On the DAYSTAR, it truly sounds louder. This is perhaps because of the bigger construct of the unit. It’s sufficient for a small room, even with ambient noise, with no need a separate exterior wired or Bluetooth speaker. For a quiet room, it sounds thunderous.
The stereospatial sound, nonetheless, leans extra to the proper—most likely because of the place of the audio system contained in the unit. Should you’re not a hi-fi audio nut, the sound high quality is greater than ample. However if you need a extra cinematic expertise, it’s simple sufficient to attach the DAYSTAR to your favourite audio system—be they wired or wi-fi—and revel in a theater-like expertise inside your room.
I related mine to a pair of 18-watt Edifier MR3 powered monitor audio system, popped some popcorn, and I’m set.
BLUETOOTH CONNECTION
 |
| CONNECTING TO THE DAYSTAR’S BLUETOOTH |
Sporting a Bluetooth 4.0 connection, utilizing Bluetooth gadgets on the LUMOS DAYSTAR offered no points. I related my audio system and headphones to it simply, and it simply remembered them and reconnected upon disconnecting and reconnecting.
LUMOS PROJECTORS, nonetheless, nonetheless can not join two Bluetooth gadgets concurrently. My spouse and I nonetheless can’t watch a film collectively utilizing two separate headphones. This could have been notably helpful when viewing films late at night time, together with your toddler sleeping beside you.
Audio latency is expectedly current when utilizing headphones on films. Once more, this may be mounted by merely adjusting the audio delay in your chosen media participant. Should you’re watching on Netflix or YouTube, nonetheless, there’s actually no repair because it has its personal media participant. Or, you’ll be able to merely activate the subtitles so your eyes are glued extra to the subtitles than the character who’s speaking, lol.
PICTURE QUALITY
 |
| CLEAR, CRISP, AND VIBRANT DISPLAY |
The image high quality is the place the LUMOS DAYSTAR actually shines. Whereas there’s no literature indicating its lumens ranges, the handbook merely says that it is appropriate for daylight utilization—just a few websites declare it to be within the 1,000+ ANSI lumens vary—it has a 5000:1 distinction ratio, native 1080p decision, and a most projection dimension of 200 inches.
Its projection brightness is definitely obvious upon use.
 |
| USING THE DAYSTAR INDOORS DURING THE DAY |
I attempted it indoors through the day with the home windows open, and the image high quality is obvious and respectable—each for viewing films and displays. This could be good not just for residence use but additionally for workplace and faculty displays and even viewing shows at reside occasions and business areas, like, say, a café.
 |
| USING THE DAYSTAR OUTDOORS DURING THE DAY |
I additionally tried it outdoor throughout daytime on a coated space beside a condominium’s poolside space—to the cheers of children on their swim break—and located the image high quality to nonetheless be respectable, although already markedly missing in distinction because of the vivid setting. Properly, it was most likely an excessive case of utilizing the projector outdoor, lol.
 |
| USING THE DAYSTAR DURING THE EVENINGS |
For indoor, nighttime use, the LUMOS DAYSTAR is a star. The projected image high quality was simply amazingly vivid and crisp. And that’s on a projected wall with grey paint—sorry, we don’t have an open white wall massive sufficient to venture to, lol.
Once more, as with earlier LUMOS PROJECTORS, even decrease decision movies (720p, 480p) nonetheless look clear and crisp utilizing the DAYSTAR.
Its LED lamp life is predicted to final for 30,000 to 50,000 viewing hours. That’s about 4 to 6 years of continuous steady use—thrice the lifespan of atypical projectors.
IMPROVEMENTS & WISHLIST
 |
| NEED BETTER TILTING MECHANISM |
There are solely a few issues I want the LUMOS DAYSTAR might enhance upon.
First, the tilt-screw for tilting the unit up might do with a greater design. Possibly the same brace to the one used on the LUMOS FLOAT, however sturdier. To be honest, the DAYSTAR is actually designed for use in a everlasting location.
And second, the interface; I perceive how being flashy sells, however there are individuals like me who like issues easy and clear. An choice to allow interface customization and even using third-party launchers can simply repair that.
And that brings us to the Google Play Retailer set up problem, which, little doubt, can be addressed in future updates.
AFTER-SALES SUPPORT
The LUMOS DAYSTAR has a full one-year guarantee from the date of buy. They’ve native help within the Philippines, and it’s possible you’ll contact them at help@lumosprojector.ph or by their FB Messenger Chat through their Fb Web page.
FINAL THOUGHTS
 |
| WATCHING OUR FAVORITE SHOW, THE AMAZING RACE, ON THE LUMOS DAYSTAR |
After testing and utilizing the LUMOS DAYSTAR for a few weeks, I returned the LUMOS FLOAT in its field and set the DAYSTAR as my go-to projector—even with its bigger dimension and heavier weight. I like how vivid, clear, crisp, and enormous its projected movies are. It’s the closest to a cinema expertise I’ve had inside our residence to this point.
