Aurzen D1R Cube Roku TV projector
ZDNET's key takeaways
- The built-in Roku TV interface makes this projector easy for kids and parents
- The bright 1080p image works well even in rooms with some daylight
- The value is strong, though zoom settings reset and audio is basic.
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I wanted Aurzen's D1R Cube Roku TV projector for one specific thing: outdoor movie nights. I have a backyard patio and a fireplace, complete with a cozy couch for my family to sit on outside. The only thing missing from this setup is a bright, loud projector.
I can picture us huddled under a blanket, watching an old favorite like Jaws beneath the stars. The only problem? Currently, where I live, it's 5 degrees Fahrenheit outside, with three feet of snow. My backyard cinema dream will have to wait until next summer.
Also:ย Finally, a portable 4K projector worthy of replacing my TV – and it supports Dolby Vision
In the meantime, I figured I could still get the projector and set it up somewhere to see how well it works and sounds. That's when an idea hit me… my child's bedroom. I could put it in there to test, and honestly, it might be the second-best use case for it.
She doesn't have a TV in her room, and I've intentionally kept it that way. This projector might be a good alternative, though. It's more special, more fun, and less like another screen bolted to the wall. When it's on, it's an in-home theater. When it's off, it disappears.
Fast, familiar, and bright
The interface is exactly what you'd expect from a Roku TV, which also means there's no learning curve, especially important when a kid will be the primary user, at least for now. I have four Roku TVs in my home, so my daughter is already familiar with Roku and how to use the remote. That means she can find and open Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube Kids without needing me to play tech support.
No external streaming stick. No guessing which HDMI input does what. No need to redownload my…