We tried it: Wanbo Vali 1 projector test – it will be a family favorite!

With the release of the Wanbo Vali 1, the days of traditional LCD projectors are numbered.

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Short

What is this?

Innovative gimbal-based Full HD projector with 200-degree rotating stand and built-in Android TV system

What do you know?

Automatic image adjustment, ceiling and wall projection, Netflix streaming, Google Assistant control and 12W sound system

What does it cost?

Under 80 HUF including shipping costs

Who is it good for?

For home theater enthusiasts, streaming enthusiasts, and casual gamers looking for flexible placement

 

Wanbo Vali 1 introduction – or what is this article about?

Anyone who reads my reviews knows that I really like Wanbo projectors. They improve year after year, we get the obligatory new products from them year after year, and somehow they are always a small step ahead of the competition. That is, they were, because in the last six months or so, there has been a new trend that I waited in vain for to appear under the Wanbo umbrella. Until now, because they have remedied this lag with the Wanbo Vali 1.

And this is nothing more than the family of higher-performance gimbal projectors, which Wanbo has now joined, let's finally add it!

Projectors have always been problematic in terms of placement and adjustment. That is, adjusting the projector's light to the wall. Lame little rotating or folding legs were placed on the bottom of the projectors, which in most cases did not allow the correct tilt angle to be set. In such cases, tricks came into play, books and boxes stacked under the projectors, which allowed us to direct the projector's light to the right place.

Then a miracle happened, someone had the idea of ​​placing the projector on a large base that could be used to adjust the angle of the projector. What would happen? Well, the idea was followed by action, and a new category of projectors was born, the family of gimbal projectors.

Today, not only in the premium segment, but also among the very cheap machines, costing only 20-30 thousand forints, we can find gimbal designs, with which we can even project in the bedroom above the bed! Only Wanbo, my favorite manufacturer, fell asleep a little, so we had to wait quite a long time for their first gimbal solution, which became the Wanbo T2 Ultra in the mid-range. The subject of my current test is the Wanbo Vali 2, which is larger and more powerful than the T1 Ultra, and is at least one class above the T2 Ultra in the field.

The Wanbo Vali 1, as the article will reveal, has a few surprises in store for us. Some of the testers available online claim that this is the PERFECT LCD projector for home cinema. We are now investigating whether this is the case!

Let's begin!

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Wanbo Vali 1 exterior – a design that pleases the eye?

The design of the Wanbo Vali 1 reveals at first glance that this is not a traditional projector. The device white, matte-finished housing As usual from Wanbo, it reflects a modern, minimalist aesthetic that can easily be integrated into any interior design style. The Dimensions 254 × 188,8 × 227,6 mm and the 2,8 kg weight I wouldn't call it compact, but it's not too big either. Let's just say that we're talking about a digestible, manageable size device.

The most striking part, of course, is the 200-degree gimbal-based tripodThis solution is of course not just an aesthetic element, but also ensures the most important functionality of the Vali 1 (and all similar gimbal projectors), namely the 360 degree projection angle. The stand is massive, very stable, the four rubber feet ensure a secure grip on any surface, it doesn't slip, it doesn't want to fall off the table. Of course, it also needs the almost 3 kilo weight, but something for something!

The front of the Wanbo Vali 1 is dominated by two colors. In the middle is a matte white that matches the rest of the casing, while a black decorative strip runs around it, creating an elegant contrast. On the left side is the optics consisting of three-element aspherical glass lenses, while on the right side the ToF sensor camera and the infrared receiver. These elements are responsible for the operation of the device. for its automatic adjustment functions – for autofocus, keystone correction and obstacle avoidance.

It doesn't seem like a big deal, but it's important to point out that there's a protective cap in front of the optics, which hasn't been a common accessory on Wanbo cameras before. I always missed it, since it's a cheap thing, but it's supposed to protect the optics from dust and dirt. So this is good news, it's not so much that the cap falls out of place easily, so it can be easily removed. Anyway, let's just say that at least it's there!

A connection options were placed on the back cover, where a HDMI input, one USB-A port and one 3,5 mm jack output is available, meaning we get the bare minimum. There is also a power button, a reset button and an additional infrared receiver. The placement of the connectors is practical, although due to the limited number of inputs, an HDMI switch may be needed when using multiple sources.

A ventilation system special attention was paid to its design. On the right side is the air intake grille held in place by a magnet, this is a replaceable HEPA filter has been installed (we also get a spare HEPA filter in the package!). On the left side we find the outgoing air This solution not only provides efficient cooling, but also ensures that dust does not get inside the device, on the cooling fins and the fan.

Az power supply connector is located in the stand, which is a brilliant solution to say the least. In most of the competition's machines, the connector is usually located on the back of the projector, and this solution made it quite difficult to rotate the projector on the stand. I should note here that this was the case with the recently released Wanbo T2 Ultra as well, it seems that the engineers listened to user feedback.

At the end, there remained remote controller, which is compact, black in color, with a standard Android TV design. Although the device is white, the color choice of the remote control slightly breaks the uniformity of the design. The remote control can be stored in the gimbal stand, which is a practical solution to avoid losing it. The microphone installation allows you to use Google Assistant, which makes navigation and content search much easier.

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Wanbo Vali 1 inside – knowledge is power!

The specifications of the Wanbo Vali 1 show that the manufacturer did not make any compromises, but created a truly usable device. Full HD projector sought to create. The native 1920 × 1080 pixel resolution, the 900 ANSI lumen with brightness that is particularly remarkable in this price range, and especially in the category of gimbal projectors.

A projection parameters outstanding flexibility The device can project image sizes of 40-130 inches with a projection distance of 1,2-3,9 meters. This 1,35:1 throw ratiot means, which results in a distance of about 100 meters required for a 3-inch image. The 3000:1 contrast ratio It promises decent black levels, at least considering we're talking about LCD technology. This obviously can't compete with DLP or laser solutions.

A hardware platform az Android TV 11 is based on an operating system that Skyworth Leap-L1 TV stick was incorporated in the form of. The 1 GB RAM and 8 GB internal storage may seem modest (it is quite sufficient for FHD resolution), but the Widevine L1 certification in possession of Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and YouTube available in full HD resolution. The dual-band WiFi (2,4/5 GHz) and Bluetooth 5.0 connection ensures modern wireless connectivity.

 

Used at Wanbo ASA 3.0 automatic calibration system is one of the most valuable features of Wanbo Vali 1. This includes autofocus, keystone correction (vertically and horizontally ±30°), obstacle avoidance and screen alignmentThe system works with the built-in ToF camera and image processing, so when the projection angle or distance is changed, the optimal image quality is automatically adjusted. This is especially important for with gimbal function used together.

I'll be curious to see how these automatic functions will perform, because even in the Wanbo family I had different experiences testing each type!

A sound system two 6W full-range speaker consists of, which 500 cubic centimeters of sound space were given a place. The With DSP amplifier combined solution 12 W total power which is particularly strong for a projector of this size. Six voice mode (movies, sports, music, etc.), and even custom EQ setting is also available. Cooling 28 dB noise level extremely low, which guarantees quiet operation.

A light source life a critical parameter for all projectors, at least for lamp solutions, because one of the big advantages of LED is that it doesn't want to die quickly. The Wanbo Vali 1 LED-based lighting are designed for tens of thousands of hours of operation, which will last for decades with conventional use. energy consumption It ranges between 93-106W at maximum brightness, which I feel is a completely acceptable value. cooling system It is based on a large 10 cm diameter fan, complemented by a smaller upper unit for efficient air circulation.

A few thoughts on cooling: Wanbo has always prided itself on its fully enclosed, dust-free, maintenance-free cooling system. However, this machine does not mention this in the specifications. Another worrying fact is that Wanbo has not felt the need to build a replaceable HEPA filter into its projectors so far. The question we have to ask is: Does the Wanbo Vali 1 not have a closed, dust-free projection system?

Although I haven't disassembled the machine, it's clear that the cooling is done with heat pipe liquid cooling. This is practical because the heat absorbing part and the heat emitting part can be placed further apart, since the heat absorbed is transported to the heat emitter by the pipes. This is important for a projector because the heat generated by the LED light source can be led outside the enclosure of the closed, dust-free projection system. This means that the Wanbo Vali 1 will most likely still come with a closed system, and the HEPA filter protects the device against dirt on the fan and heat emitter.

A projector modes we find among Standard, Vivid, Soft and User settings, while the color temperature It can be set between Cool, Warm, Standard and custom values. The Game mode deserves special attention, which reduces the input delay to around 40-55 milliseconds, which is fine for casual gamers, although less ideal for competitive use.

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Wanbo Vali 1 in practice – the tests don't lie!

When I first turned on the Wanbo Vali 1, it automatic setup process was what convinced me right away. People, it works! The device completes the full calibration in about 8-15 seconds: the ToF camera assesses the environment, the auto focus sets, then the keystone correction automatically compensates for distortions. This process works even if the projector is moved later - the system automatically detects the change in position and recalibrates itself. The with gimbal function combined, this is a really straightforward and convenient solution, I simply rotate the Wanbo Vali 1 towards the ceiling and in a few seconds I get a perfect, square image.

The screen alignment also works really well. If I rotate the projector so that only part of the image is on the screen and the rest is on the wall next to it, the projector detects this and squeezes the image as much as possible to keep it on the screen. What I especially liked about this is that most projectors I've had recently were unable to detect the thin black frame of my new screen, but this didn't seem to be a problem for the Vali 1!

One thing that didn't work, or only wanted to work sometimes, was obstacle avoidance. This is the thing that if you project onto a wall and, for example, a clock or something else gets in the picture, the projector moves and resizes the projected image so that the object on the wall gets in the projected image. Well, during the test, obstacle avoidance worked about a quarter of the time or even less. Count on that!

A brightness (luminous flux) was a bit suspicious from the start. The Wanbo projector I am currently using also has a brightness of 900 ANSI lumens and seems slightly brighter than the Vali 1. I started searching the internet on the subject and it turned out that my eyes were probably not deceiving me. Projector Central's test measured an average value of 422 lumens, while other testers achieved results between 550-677 lumens. So this is not 900 ANSI, but based on my own experience I dare say that the projector in a dark room at 100 inch image size it still delivers EXCELLENT performance.

 

If you can't darken it properly, you may need to reduce the image size (move the projector closer to the screen) so that the 75-80 inch size will be the practical maximum. The Vivid mode By activating it, the brightness can be increased slightly, but in my opinion this resulted in a too sharp, almost unnatural image, I didn't like it.

A in terms of image quality Wanbo Vali 1 really has some pleasant surprises. The native 1080p resolution provides a reasonably sharp, detailed image that mostly stays in focus even at the corners. The color reproduction natural and balanced, although due to the limitations of LCD technology, the black they do not reach the level of DLP projectors. The 3000: 1 contrast ratio In practice, this means that details may be lost in dark scenes, but overall the camera provides a more than (very much!) acceptable experience. Standard and Soft modes Among them, Standard proved to be the most balanced for watching movies.

Az Android TV 11 system The use of the product has resulted in mixed experiences. On the positive side, the Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV and the like, plus YouTube available in full HD quality on Widevine L1 certificate thanks to. The Google Assistant voice control works well (I use it mostly for searching YouTube content). Chromecast function Of course, it allows for content transfer from mobile devices, which is not a problem for a device of this category, at most there may be a slight delay, but this is not bad either.

 

However, it is 1 GB RAM Unfortunately, its limitations are noticeable, the menu system is a bit slow, launching applications takes a long time, but the most annoying thing was that in many cases you had to press the button on the remote control twice for something to happen. I would like to note that this slowness is not a huge negative for me, since I mostly watch movies on the projector, and the speed does not deteriorate at all during projection.

A sound quality In terms of performance, the Vali 1 far exceeded my expectations. The two 6W speakers and that 500 cubic centimeters of sound space combination produces a surprisingly full, clear sound. The basses are exceptionally powerful for a device of this size, midrange is also clean, although the at higher frequencies but it lacks a bit of precision. The six sound modes Of these, Music proved to be the most versatile, while Movie mode is less ideal for dialogues, with the rumble being pushed to the fore, meaning that action movie fans may find it more appealing.

A Noise level of 28 dB really low – the fan is barely audible in quiet scenes. This is a serious positive, since in the case of projectors with a luminous flux similar to the Wanbo Vali 1, the high noise level of the cooling is often a problem. It is also important to note that the efficiency of the cooling system is clearly demonstrated by the fact that the machine sheds heat while operating - the fan does not even spin up, does not make noise, and does its job in complete silence.

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Wanbo Vali 1 summary – the conclusion is rather positive!

The Wanbo Vali 1 is a projector, in which case the 200 degree gimbal stand offers a level of flexibility that was unimaginable just a few years ago. The ceiling projection possibility and the automatic calibration together, creating an effortless and enjoyable user experience that significantly surpasses the capabilities of traditional or older projectors. The Android TV 11 installation and Netflix certificate This means that no separate streaming device is needed, which is another crazy big advantage compared to cheaper competitors!

At the same time, we should not ignore the limitations of the device. in terms of brightness There is a slight discrepancy between marketing and reality, instead of the advertised 900 ANSI lumens, the realistic values ​​are around 600-700 lumens. In practice, this means that in a bright environment only smaller projected image sizes can be used, the real for a home theater experience A darkened room is required. The 1 GB RAM This is also a serious limitation, resulting in extremely slow menu navigation and application launch.

A image quality Overall, I have an absolutely positive opinion of it, Full HD resolution provides a sharp, detailed image, the pixel grid is barely noticeable even at close range, and is not visible at all at normal viewing distance. The color reproduction natural, although the black people of course they are not outstanding, but this is not to the detriment of the projector, but of the LCD technology. The sound system a pleasant surprise – the 12W stereo (2 x 6 W) may be sufficient in most cases, but I might not be revealing a big secret by saying that for more serious home cinema experience, an external sound system is recommended. I must also highlight the quiet operation, which is a serious advantage in this price range.

In terms of price-performance ratio, the Wanbo Vali 1 is undeniably good, as although the current Under 80 HUF At a price (including shipping costs), it is not among the cheapest projectors, but the gimbal function and thanks to Andrioid TV and Widevine L1 certification, it is still a very competitive offer.

Ultimately, the Wanbo Vali 1 is an innovative but not flawless device that does not open up new horizons in terms of portable projectors in the world, but it is still welcome that we can now choose such a device from the Wanbo family!

If you liked the machine, click on the link below and use the coupon code BG1196d0 now ~77 000 forintYou can order it for only 100% in Banggood's birthday sale. Shipping is from EU warehouse!

 

Wanbo Vali 1 projector

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Wanbo Vali 1: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

1. Question: What brightness does the Wanbo Vali 1 actually produce? Answer: Although the manufacturer advertises 900 ANSI lumens, independent tests have measured values ​​between 422 and 677 lumens. The actual output is around 600 lumens, which is still adequate for a 100-inch projection in a darkened room.

2. Question: How loud is the Wanbo Vali 1 when operating? Answer: The projector is extremely quiet, producing only 28 dB of noise. The large 10 cm fan provides effective cooling with minimal noise, so the operating noise is barely audible during quiet movie scenes.

3. Question: Does Netflix work in full HD quality on the Wanbo Vali 1? Answer: Yes, thanks to the built-in Widevine L1 certification, Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and YouTube are all available in full 1080p resolution directly on the projector, without the need for a separate streaming device.

4. Question: From what distance can the Wanbo Vali 1 be used? Answer: The projector can produce an image size of 1,2-3,9 inches from a distance of 40-130 meters. Due to the 1,35:1 throw ratio, a distance of approximately 100 meters is required for a 3-inch image.

5. Question: How accurate are the automatic settings on the Wanbo Vali 1? Answer: The ASA 3.0 system works great – autofocus, keystone correction and obstacle avoidance are set up in 8-15 seconds. The gimbal automatically recalibrates after rotation, so you always get a perfect image.

6. Question: Is the Wanbo Vali 1 suitable for gaming? Answer: With 40-55ms input lag in Game mode, it is suitable for casual gaming, especially slower paced games. However, it is less ideal for competitive games or games that require quick reflexes due to the lag.

7. Question: Is the built-in sound system in the Wanbo Vali 1 sufficient? Answer: The combination of two 6W speakers and a 500 cubic centimeter sound space provides surprisingly strong bass and clear sound. It is sufficient for smaller rooms, but for a more serious home theater experience, an external sound system is recommended.

8. Question: What file formats can Wanbo Vali 1 play? Answer: The projector plays Full HD videos smoothly from USB, but 4K content may experience stuttering due to the 1GB RAM and weaker processor. It supports HEVC, VP9, ​​and AV1 codecs.

9. Question: Can the Wanbo Vali 1 be used in a bright room? Answer: Yes, to a limited extent – ​​in a bright environment, a 75-80 inch image size is the practical maximum. However, for a true home theater experience, a darkened environment is recommended, where up to 130 inch projection is possible.

10. Question: How much does the Wanbo Vali 1 currently cost in Hungary? Answer: The projector is currently available for under 80 thousand forints including shipping. The price-value ratio can be considered competitive in the market segment, taking into account the gimbal function, Android TV system and Netflix certification.