Films in the can (but there are negatives)

Capsule projector spices up BBQs and camping trips, it’s just not so great for Netflix

WITH ANDY O’DONOGHUE Nebula Capsule II Projector

From €640 More info: seenebula.com

I’ve missed the cinema over the last 16 months. It’s not just the repeated delays to the new Bond film and others, but I have missed sitting in the dark, immersed in the story as drama unfolds on screen. Not being able to go to the cinema, many people have upped their game in terms of home cinema and audio experience.

The Nebula Capsule II is designed as a compact home cinema projector – but it’s portable enough to pop in your bag and bring with you. Its maximum projection screen size is

254cm (100in) – remarkable as its cylindrical body is just 15cm tall, and 8cm across, not much bigger than a can of cola. It also has a built-in battery and an 8W speaker, making it feasible to use outside or at family events or BBQs.

Packed with the Capsule is a remote control, two AA batteries, and a mains power adapter.

While the device can be controlled by app or remote control, there are manual buttons on the case for navigation,

SMALL PACKAGE: But Capsule’s projection screen size is 100in volume and power, so no fiddling with apps if you’re outside.

There are good connection options, including a 3.5mm jack, a HDMI input and USB-C and A ports. The Capsule is easy to set up, and you have a few options as Android TV is built-in. Apart from the manual buttons, you can download the Nebula Connect app or use the included remote.

While the Capsule can project up to a 100in screen, placing it 1.5m to 2m away from the screen gives you a decent big-screen effect. That sort of range also allows the brightness to be effective enough to bring out the best of the 720p HD image given the 200 ANSI Lumens rating. If you’re not using the mains power adapter, the battery will provide enough juice for three hours’ viewing, probably enough for outside.

The Capsule has a discrete tripod mount underneath to raise it from ground or table level for a better viewing angle.

First impressions are impressive, and the built in auto-focus is excellent, and will even sense if you move the projector, correcting itself almost immediately.

Given that it’s powered by Android TV, accessing content via YouTube or Netflix just requires using the appropriate app, and there are many more available on the platform.

HD videos from YouTube look great. The built in 8W speaker is fine for casual viewing and the bass has received an upgrade since the previous version. For Netflix though, you would be more likely to run a cable from the auxiliary port to a home speaker system for punchier sound.

The interface, or how you use the speaker was refreshingly easy. It’s Chromecast compatible, so you can cast from the apps on your phone, and you can even use your voice via Google assistant. It is not the perfect home projector system though, and while there’s much more tech in this second version

POP IT IN YOUR BAG LIKE A CAN OF COLA AND OFF YOU GO

Capsule, its predecessor can still be bought for about 40% less.

Also, it really does require a dark room, and ambient light will dilute the clarity of the image projected. It has to be perfectly level.

However, the Capsule II is also a really likeable device. Family or club BBQ goers could watch videos filmed that day, or look at match highlights. It could be a boon for families on holiday and games could be projected on to hotel room walls or even the roof of tents.

This version is pricey, but its portability and ease of use make it attractive enough for a closer look.