Best options for small space tabletop home theatre without a TV?
January 27, 2019 11:51 AM Subscribe
We don't have or want a TV, but we do watch a lot of streaming on the 17" laptop. Illness means we do it even more now, and I'm exploring options for our small space. Do you have experience with tiny projectors and tabletop screens? Or...a screen magnifier?
Cancer came to our house. This new normal means a lot more down time. We live in 450sf. We just replaced our couch with a small sectional so Mr Origami can more comfortably have his head in my lap for extended periods. We watch Netflix and Amazon Prime on his old 17" Mac laptop, which sits on the coffee-table/trunk. Our space looks just like this, with the laptop actually sitting atop hand weights.
The laptop may be dying, and I've been thinking about alternatives that might involve a mini portable projector on the windowsill and a small projector screen that would either be tabletop (to sit on the coffee table/trunk) or stand just behind it (less ideal). This is a tiny space, so compact is essential, as is an easy setup and stow. Seeking mini projector and screen recommendations, and input from more knowledgable folks re what I'd need to know about things like "throw distance" and angle between projector and screen, and any adapters I'd need to connect the streaming device to projector that aren't typically provided.
The other tech in the house: an early iPad, iPhones 5S and 8, and a newer Macbook Pro. I imagine the latter two could stream to the projector, but hoping it can be the iPhone 8 just because my laptop wouldn't really have a good safe place to sit (it's also our household income driver, so not all that comfortable using it for this, but also because I may need to work while he's watching a show). For sound, we have a small wireless Bose bluetooth speaker, which can be wired and we've sometimes used it that way with the laptop.
Things to know:
* We have about a $300 budget for this.
* The links above are what I'm considering at the moment, but I'd love some other ideas, tested or not, but especially with IRL feedback. Here's another projector and another screen I've looked at.
* The distance in the picture from windowsill to the computer screen is nearly 5', and the max diagonal distance for a tabletop projector screen is about 2'.
The above is the most immediate interest, but bonus fun points if the projector is the kind that we could take with us to watch a show on the ceiling in the van with no available power source... I know some of them have a couple hours of battery power. This is the least important thing, but it's a fun thought. Thanks!
Cancer came to our house. This new normal means a lot more down time. We live in 450sf. We just replaced our couch with a small sectional so Mr Origami can more comfortably have his head in my lap for extended periods. We watch Netflix and Amazon Prime on his old 17" Mac laptop, which sits on the coffee-table/trunk. Our space looks just like this, with the laptop actually sitting atop hand weights.
The laptop may be dying, and I've been thinking about alternatives that might involve a mini portable projector on the windowsill and a small projector screen that would either be tabletop (to sit on the coffee table/trunk) or stand just behind it (less ideal). This is a tiny space, so compact is essential, as is an easy setup and stow. Seeking mini projector and screen recommendations, and input from more knowledgable folks re what I'd need to know about things like "throw distance" and angle between projector and screen, and any adapters I'd need to connect the streaming device to projector that aren't typically provided.
The other tech in the house: an early iPad, iPhones 5S and 8, and a newer Macbook Pro. I imagine the latter two could stream to the projector, but hoping it can be the iPhone 8 just because my laptop wouldn't really have a good safe place to sit (it's also our household income driver, so not all that comfortable using it for this, but also because I may need to work while he's watching a show). For sound, we have a small wireless Bose bluetooth speaker, which can be wired and we've sometimes used it that way with the laptop.
Things to know:
* We have about a $300 budget for this.
* The links above are what I'm considering at the moment, but I'd love some other ideas, tested or not, but especially with IRL feedback. Here's another projector and another screen I've looked at.
* The distance in the picture from windowsill to the computer screen is nearly 5', and the max diagonal distance for a tabletop projector screen is about 2'.
The above is the most immediate interest, but bonus fun points if the projector is the kind that we could take with us to watch a show on the ceiling in the van with no available power source... I know some of them have a couple hours of battery power. This is the least important thing, but it's a fun thought. Thanks!
Tiny projectors are only going to be watchable in a very dark room. You lose a lot of light by bouncing it off a screen which also bounces all the ambient light in the room. I think your best plan is what Kuanes laid out with the addition of maybe in the future when you have a bit more cash buying some sort of sound bar as most flat screen TVs have not great sound.
posted by Uncle at 12:07 PM on January 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by Uncle at 12:07 PM on January 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
I used a miniprojector rig for a year or so as my main TV setup (and I kinda collect them, because they're cool). They're fun, but mini projectors are very limited in terms of their light output. Which pretty much means they're good in the dark, but useless if you can't really darken the space.
Given your viewing distance - you're both very close to the screen - a 24" TV is probably about perfect. I'm seeing them from Best Buy right now for $70-130, depending if you want it to have built-in smart features. Since a Roku or Amazon Fire stick will cost you about that much, it's a wash. Something like this Sharp 24" Roku TV seems like a good solution for reasonable money ($130).
If you still want a picoprojector for watching shows in your van, eBay is probably a good place to hunt for them - I've got a 3M SPR1000, which was their short-lived projector + roku stick from a few years ago, and it's remarkably good for what it is. Looks like they're about $100 on eBay. Lots of other options out there around that price point, although if you want it to have smart features, that usually costs more. That'll be controllable via the Roku app from your iPhone (I've done it with mine). Battery life is decent - maybe a couple hours?
posted by Making You Bored For Science at 12:16 PM on January 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
Given your viewing distance - you're both very close to the screen - a 24" TV is probably about perfect. I'm seeing them from Best Buy right now for $70-130, depending if you want it to have built-in smart features. Since a Roku or Amazon Fire stick will cost you about that much, it's a wash. Something like this Sharp 24" Roku TV seems like a good solution for reasonable money ($130).
If you still want a picoprojector for watching shows in your van, eBay is probably a good place to hunt for them - I've got a 3M SPR1000, which was their short-lived projector + roku stick from a few years ago, and it's remarkably good for what it is. Looks like they're about $100 on eBay. Lots of other options out there around that price point, although if you want it to have smart features, that usually costs more. That'll be controllable via the Roku app from your iPhone (I've done it with mine). Battery life is decent - maybe a couple hours?
posted by Making You Bored For Science at 12:16 PM on January 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
It might be time to reframe your thoughts about not wanting a TV, if you're now watching lots of TV. A Roku set like the Sharp linked above will only show you the services you select. You never have to see Fox on your menu. You don't have to see any channels you don't want. One cord, one remote and an app if you want it.
Good thoughts to Mr Origami.
posted by sageleaf at 1:02 PM on January 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
Good thoughts to Mr Origami.
posted by sageleaf at 1:02 PM on January 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
You could also get a smaller computer monitor with HDMI imports for a Roku or whatever streaming device if space is super tight. My office has a 22” monitor with my Apple TV and some external Edifier speakers.
posted by Crystalinne at 1:08 PM on January 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Crystalinne at 1:08 PM on January 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
Get a TV. I've been talking up the TCL 4K Roku TVs to everyone I know since we replaced our old primary TV at Christmas. We were already Roku fans (aside from the user interface, which I really like, the remote is way more usable to me than the Fire or Apple remotes) and use the sticks on other TVs. The 40" we bought I can pick up and move under one arm, I think it might weigh less than most of my laptops, and it's got good feet, nicer and sturdier than some of our other televisions.
We own and have owned projectors; you will not be able to buy a mini that will have enough lumens to use with any light at all in the room. They are hot, make fan noise, and even the large expensive ones have shit audio that require some kind of speaker/soundbar situation. They are fiddly to focus, and screens are honestly not as location-adaptable as TV surfaces will be.
TVs are not evil, and all of them work as computer monitors now so just think of it as a new external monitor.
posted by Lyn Never at 1:09 PM on January 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
We own and have owned projectors; you will not be able to buy a mini that will have enough lumens to use with any light at all in the room. They are hot, make fan noise, and even the large expensive ones have shit audio that require some kind of speaker/soundbar situation. They are fiddly to focus, and screens are honestly not as location-adaptable as TV surfaces will be.
TVs are not evil, and all of them work as computer monitors now so just think of it as a new external monitor.
posted by Lyn Never at 1:09 PM on January 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Ok I should have been clearer. We cannot have a TV. We are in 450sf and have no place for a TV. Our setup is as shown in the photo, with no wall space, no furniture or other options. Please just take my word for it that a TV is not an option. Crystalline’s suggestion would be an option if we had any place at all to store an extra monitor. As it is we are trying to reduce our piles. It sounds like the 17” laptop better just hold out for a while. Still open to all feedback that addresses my specific question, thank you all for trying!
posted by AnOrigamiLife at 1:34 PM on January 27, 2019
posted by AnOrigamiLife at 1:34 PM on January 27, 2019
Would a TV work if it could be folded up against the ceiling when not in use? Here's one example of a TV mount that allows that. However, I can see that it could end up with a TV mounted too high for comfortable viewing.
posted by ShooBoo at 2:15 PM on January 27, 2019
posted by ShooBoo at 2:15 PM on January 27, 2019
It sounds like the 17” laptop better just hold out for a while.
You can buy a brand new, well-rated 15.6" PC for $229 new. I know very little about the refurb marketplace but I would be looking to get a second-hand 17" in my budget if possible.
posted by DarlingBri at 2:15 PM on January 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
You can buy a brand new, well-rated 15.6" PC for $229 new. I know very little about the refurb marketplace but I would be looking to get a second-hand 17" in my budget if possible.
posted by DarlingBri at 2:15 PM on January 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
My old roommate and I used to use a projector in our place because we didn’t want to buy a tv. Our cream colored painted wall was fine to watch it on but it was better when we got a screen (or maybe it was just a big window screen? I can’t remember. We had two projectors. One was mine from work that cost around $90 from amazon and was total trash. We found ourselves looking at the laptop it was hooked up to more often than the actual screen. The other was from her moms old office when they got rid of a bunch of equipment. That worked better but again you needed all the lights off, curtains completely closed etc. Unless you have a really nice ceiling mounted projector and a drop down screen of some kind I’d really advise against spending your money on it. I’d talk to friends and see if anyone has an old laptop and computer monitor you could use instead.
posted by raccoon409 at 2:18 PM on January 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by raccoon409 at 2:18 PM on January 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
Could you mount an appropriately-sized TV inside the lid of your trunk?
posted by Tawita at 3:04 PM on January 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by Tawita at 3:04 PM on January 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
I have a small projector and it's really fun! Not sure why it's getting so much hate.
Some notes:
- Don't get a crappy projector. The one you're looking at doesn't look that great. If you can up your budget to $360, then the Anker Nebula Mars II is $360 after a discount code (see Wirecutter review here). With a 5' throw distance, looks like you'll get a 50~60 in screen.
- Most pico projectors have a low light level (lumens) so blocking off all the windows will be really helpful in getting a good image.
posted by suedehead at 3:50 PM on January 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
Some notes:
- Don't get a crappy projector. The one you're looking at doesn't look that great. If you can up your budget to $360, then the Anker Nebula Mars II is $360 after a discount code (see Wirecutter review here). With a 5' throw distance, looks like you'll get a 50~60 in screen.
- Most pico projectors have a low light level (lumens) so blocking off all the windows will be really helpful in getting a good image.
posted by suedehead at 3:50 PM on January 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
Also: I went through a projector buying research session recently. Avoid buying the really cheap (~$200) projectors that have really really good Amazon reviews. They’re often fake/paid for reviews, and you can check them at sites like reviewmeta.com.
posted by suedehead at 9:05 PM on January 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by suedehead at 9:05 PM on January 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
I've been looking into projectors off and on for a couple years too! From the advice I've heard, I'd say get a regular sized projector, not a mini one. Spring for a nice projector, and jury rig a passable screen. Get a nice, white, rolling vinyl window shade of the right width and length from your ceiling to the top of the coffee table, for example, mount it on the ceiling, then get some clips to clip the bottom to those hand weights that you mentioned in order to keep it taut. Or get a plain white sheet and some wooden dowels. Whatever fits your crafting/making expertise. Point is, your picture quality will depend much more on the projector than on the screen, so apportion your budget accordingly.
posted by eviemath at 6:03 AM on January 28, 2019
posted by eviemath at 6:03 AM on January 28, 2019
Have you looked at portable televisions? I just did a search. Looks like within your budget, about the size of a laptop screen. I have no idea as to quality, etc.
Also they measure television size on the diagonal, so a small 24 inch is not that big.
We bought a Sharp Roku 45 inch and stream to that from our phones. It has Bluetooth, WiFi and only needs an electric plug.
posted by Sunday Morning at 6:15 AM on January 28, 2019
Also they measure television size on the diagonal, so a small 24 inch is not that big.
We bought a Sharp Roku 45 inch and stream to that from our phones. It has Bluetooth, WiFi and only needs an electric plug.
posted by Sunday Morning at 6:15 AM on January 28, 2019
I own a Miroir 300A travel projector and it’s fantastic, and works just fine in low-ish light.
You can log into Amazon/Hulu/Netflix, and even download offline content right to the projector, as well as play content off of a usb stick or via HDMI inputs. $350, so a little outside your budget but worth it if you can... also maybe worth checking eBay.
A friend of mine has another miroir that was a little cheaper, with a swiveling feature and it is also fine, but the $300A is a lot better in my opinion.
posted by wowenthusiast at 3:18 PM on January 28, 2019
You can log into Amazon/Hulu/Netflix, and even download offline content right to the projector, as well as play content off of a usb stick or via HDMI inputs. $350, so a little outside your budget but worth it if you can... also maybe worth checking eBay.
A friend of mine has another miroir that was a little cheaper, with a swiveling feature and it is also fine, but the $300A is a lot better in my opinion.
posted by wowenthusiast at 3:18 PM on January 28, 2019
This thread is closed to new comments.
I understand that you're drawn to a projector for *reasons* but I'd just buy a TV at this point...
posted by kuanes at 11:56 AM on January 27, 2019 [10 favorites]