The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max: A 4K Projector with a Dual Personality
The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max is a 4K projector that offers a unique blend of features, catering to both casual users and tech enthusiasts. With a claimed 5,700 ISO lumen brightness, it's one of the brightest room-to-room models on the market. However, its menus can be tricky to navigate, and some settings require a bit of technical know-how to optimize.
Design: A Portable Light Cannon
The Horizon 20 Max boasts a near-cube design with a permanently attached gimbal mount, making it compact and portable. Its dimensions (9.8 x 11.7 x 7.5 inches) and weight (11.9 pounds) are comparable to its competitors, offering a balance between portability and performance.
Image Quality: Turn On and Watch, or Tweak to Taste
The projector's image quality is impressive, with six predefined picture modes for SDR, including a High Power mode that delivers the highest brightness. However, this mode has a noticeable green tint and increased fan noise. The remaining modes offer a wide range of settings for customization, ensuring acceptable image quality straight out of the box.
Menu Quirks and Auto-Adjustment Features
The Horizon 20 Max's menus can be a bit confusing, especially when it comes to adjusting settings. The auto-adjustment features, while convenient, can lower brightness and introduce artifacts. However, for manual setup, the projector offers a 1.25x zoom lens and lens shift, allowing for precise image positioning without distorting the picture.
Audio and Gaming Performance
The Harman Kardon audio system provides decent volume and quality for most purposes. Gamers will appreciate the shorter lag times, with measurements of 10ms for 4K/60Hz input and even lower times for 1080p resolutions. However, finding the optimal settings can be a trial-and-error process.
Conclusion: A Powerful Projector with Room for Improvement
The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max is a powerful projector with a bright display and impressive audio capabilities. While its menus could be more user-friendly, and some settings require technical expertise, it remains a strong contender in the premium class of projectors.
