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When Formovie introduced its Theater projector (Formovie Cinema Edge), it turned heads in the tech world by delivering a triple-laser, 150-inch ultra-short-throw (UST) image with Dolby Vision for $3,000. For a brand relatively unknown at the time, it was a remarkable feat to combine premium features at a price point typically reserved for more established competitors.

While the Theater helped solidify Formovie’s presence in the projector market, its $3,000 price tag was still a barrier for many buyers. Enter the Formovie Cinema Edge—a more budget-friendly option at $1,800. This new model maintains key features like a laser light engine, sharp 4K visuals, and integrated Google TV, all housed in a compact design. However, it also sacrifices some of the premium perks of its predecessor, such as a triple-laser engine and Dolby Vision. With fierce competition from brands like Hisense, Epson, and Optoma, can the Cinema Edge carve out its place in the mid-range projector market?

Key Features of the Formovie Cinema Edge

Formovie is the result of a collaboration between Xiaomi and Appotronics, a company known for manufacturing laser engines for high-end brands like Barco. The brand now offers a range of projectors, including the $2,400 Theater, $3,000 Theater Premium, and the more affordable Cinema Edge. For those on a tighter budget, there’s even a $199 Episode One Google TV projector.

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The Cinema Edge is notably more compact than its premium sibling, featuring a square design and a dark gray exterior that blends seamlessly into most living spaces. Its ultra-short-throw capability allows it to project a 120-inch image from just 13 inches away. This makes it an excellent choice for smaller spaces where traditional long-throw projectors might not be practical.

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The projector is equipped with dual 15W speakers, but audiophiles will likely want to connect an external sound system to take full advantage of its Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD capabilities. The inclusion of Google TV makes streaming convenient, with access to popular apps like Netflix. However, the internal processor feels sluggish at times, making navigation and settings adjustments less fluid than on some competing models.

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Another design choice worth noting is the three-foot configuration, as opposed to the more stable four-foot design found in other projectors. This can make leveling the device a bit tricky, particularly for users unfamiliar with setting up ultra-short-throw projectors. Digital keystone correction is available but should be used sparingly, as it can degrade image quality and increase latency, especially for gaming.

Picture Quality: Strengths and Limitations

The Formovie Cinema Edge employs Texas Instruments’ DLP technology, using fast-switch pixel-shifting to create a sharp 4K image from a native 1080p resolution. Its laser light engine produces up to 2,100 lumens of brightness, which, while adequate for dimly lit rooms, falls short of competitors like the 2,400-lumen Hisense PX2-Pro or the 3,600-lumen Epson LS650.

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For casual viewing, the Cinema Edge delivers solid 4K detail, with impressive clarity in sci-fi shows like Silo and The Expanse. Its strong contrast enhances darker scenes in films like Joker and The Batman, offering a cinematic experience in controlled lighting conditions. However, the single-laser design means it lacks the vibrant colors and wider BT.2020 color gamut of triple-laser projectors like the Formovie Theater.

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Color accuracy is decent out of the box, but the lack of Dolby Vision limits its HDR capabilities. Highlights can appear overblown, and shadow details are sometimes lost, particularly in darker scenes. While there are advanced picture customization options, users seeking the rich, vibrant colors of more premium models may find the Cinema Edge lacking.

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Motion handling is another area where the Cinema Edge shows its limitations. The default motion smoothing setting (labeled MJC) can produce a soap opera effect, though turning it off may result in occasional artifacts during fast-moving scenes. A low motion smoothing setting offers a reasonable compromise, especially for action-packed content.

Audio Performance: Decent but Not Exceptional

The built-in 15W stereo speakers provide clear dialogue and decent overall sound quality, but the lack of bass and limited soundstage make the audio feel underwhelming. While the speakers suffice for casual viewing, they don’t do justice to the projector’s Dolby Atmos support.

For users seeking an immersive audio experience, adding a soundbar or external speakers is highly recommended. The HDMI 2.1 eARC port makes it easy to connect high-quality audio systems, enhancing both movies and gaming sessions.

Ease of Setup and Connectivity

Setting up the Cinema Edge can be a mixed bag. The three-foot design complicates leveling, requiring patience to achieve a perfectly aligned image. Although digital keystone adjustments can help, they are best avoided due to their impact on resolution and latency.

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On the plus side, the Cinema Edge offers a robust set of connectivity options. With three HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC), two USB-C ports, an Ethernet port, and both 3.5mm and optical audio outputs, it accommodates a wide range of devices. The inclusion of Wi-Fi and Google TV ensures easy access to streaming services, although the laggy interface may frustrate some users.

The remote control is straightforward and uses standard batteries, a practical choice compared to rechargeable remotes. Additionally, the projector includes a safety sensor that dims the laser output if someone gets too close, a thoughtful feature for households with children or pets.

Comparing the Cinema Edge to Rivals

In the competitive mid-range projector market, the Formovie Cinema Edge faces stiff competition from models like the Hisense PX2-Pro and Epson LS650. The PX2-Pro, priced at $2,000, offers a triple-laser engine, higher brightness, and Dolby Vision support, making it a more attractive option for those prioritizing picture quality. Similarly, the $1,800 Epson LS650 delivers nearly double the brightness of the Cinema Edge, providing a better viewing experience in well-lit environments.

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While the Cinema Edge holds its own in terms of design and convenience, its performance falls short of these rivals. The absence of advanced HDR formats and lower brightness levels make it less appealing for users seeking a truly cinematic experience.

Conclusion

The Formovie Cinema Edge is a solid mid-range projector with a compact design, sharp 4K visuals, and convenient features like Google TV. However, it makes notable compromises in brightness, color rendering, and HDR performance to maintain its $1,800 price point.

While it may appeal to users looking for a versatile and space-saving projector, the Cinema Edge struggles to compete with similarly priced models that offer superior picture quality and features. For buyers willing to spend a bit more, options like the Hisense PX2-Pro provide a more compelling combination of performance and value.

Ultimately, the Cinema Edge serves as a reminder that even promising brands like Formovie must continuously innovate to stay ahead in the ever-evolving projector market.

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