Ever dreamed of turning any blank wall into your own private cinema? The Xming Episode One from Formovie promises just that, packing smart TV features into a pint-sized projector. We gave it a whirl to see whether it can really take over from your living room TV or if it’s best suited as a travel companion. Spoiler alert: it’s seriously impressive for its size, but there are a few trade-offs to consider.
Design and Portability
Right out of the box, you’ll notice how ridiculously compact the Episode One is. Measuring just 122 x 141 x 175 mm and tipping the scales at about 1.2 kg, it’s roughly the size of a thick paperback novel. Whether you’re hopping between rooms, heading outdoors for movie night under the stars, or packing for a weekend away, this lightweight unit is a breeze to tote around.
Formovie didn’t sacrifice stability or style to keep it small. The sleek, minimalist chassis blends seamlessly into any decor, and the anti-slip pad on the bottom keeps it anchored on smooth surfaces. Need a little extra height or angle? There’s a standard tripod screw on the base, so you can mount it on any photo tripod or stand for the perfect projection angle.
Connectivity and Google TV Integration
Under the hood, the Xming Episode One is surprisingly well-equipped. You’ll find an HDMI 2.1 port for hooking up gaming consoles and streaming sticks, a USB 2.0 port for media playback, and a 3.5 mm audio jack for wired speakers or headphones. Wireless enthusiasts get dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, letting you stream content or pair external speakers with ease.
What really sets the Episode One apart is the built-in Google TV interface. Think of having a smart TV experience without the TV. Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, Apple TV+, and dozens of other apps come preloaded, and the native Netflix support is a rare treat in this price bracket. You can also cast your device screen with Chromecast or use the Google Assistant voice remote to launch apps, adjust volume, or control smart home devices hands-free.
Image Quality and Technical Performance
At its core, the Xming Episode One rocks a native Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, delivering crisp, detailed images on screens ranging from 40″ up to 100″—and it can even push to 120″ if you’re in a dark room. The LCD projection tech sidesteps the dreaded rainbow effect you often get with DLP models, so your eyes are in for a smooth, flicker-free ride.
That said, brightness is the one area where this projector shows its budget roots. In a well-lit living room or during daytime, the image can look a bit washed out and lose some contrast. Crank the lights down and the 1500:1 contrast ratio does a commendable job, bringing out solid blacks and punchy colors. The Episode One also supports HDR10, though it skips HDR10+ and Dolby Vision—so while highlights and shadows pop better than SDR, don’t expect the same dynamic range you’d get on a high-end TV.
Audio, Competition, and Extras
For built-in sound, you get a pair of 3 W speakers tuned with Dolby Audio certification. They deliver surprisingly clear dialogue and balanced mids for casual viewing in small spaces. But if you’re hosting an action movie night or playing concerts, you’ll likely want to boost things with a Bluetooth speaker or wired soundbar via the headphone jack.
On the competition front, rivals like the Xgimi MoGo 2 Pro, Yaber T2, and Xiaomi Smart Projector L1 each have their own strengths—often in DLP brightness or ultra-portable form factors. The Episode One stands out thanks to LCD smoothness and that rare, built-in Netflix support. Sure, the MoGo 3 Pro is more compact and loaded with apps, but it also costs significantly more.
Pricing and Availability
The Formovie Xming Episode One lands at around $220 (roughly €200), making it an enticing choice if you want smart features in a truly portable package. You can pick one up from major online retailers or direct from Formovie’s website. Shipping times vary by region, but you won’t have to wait long to unbox movie magic.
All told, the Xming Episode One is a fantastic pick for anyone who values portability and built-in streaming over raw lumens. If you binge in a dedicated, dimly lit space and don’t mind supplementing audio, this little projector could easily slide into your entertainment setup—TV replacement? Absolutely, under the right conditions.
