Asus H1 Projector
Bringing the big screen home
PROJECTORS AREN’T THE most famous products in Asus’s lineup, but the H1’s lack of lineage has proven not to be a barrier to excellence. And with projectors becoming a more accessible display option for many homes, where they are now actually replacing more traditional flatscreen displays, there’s never been a better time to consider the upgrade. If this is you, then the H1 definitely deserves a space on your shortlist.
Being almost plug-and-play, setting up the H1 is straightforward. For a more permanent solution, you would require a decent wall- or ceiling-mounting, but the H1 will fit most rooms thanks to its allblack modern design which will match with most other home theater kit from amps to speakers and streaming devices.
For the best image, you’ll also want to install a projector screen, however, the H1 works well enough on a plain wall. There’s also an option to optimize the color profile for your setup using the H1’s setting menu. Once the process of altering the color options and changing the device driving the projector from 60Hz to 120Hz, setup is complete but for the power and a connection via an HDMI cable. The most difficult part of the setup was getting the projector balanced and in the right position.
Of course, when setting up a projector, you should take into account where ambient light enters the room, avoiding strong direct lighting. Preferably, the room should have blackout blinds or curtains and, though no one wants to live in a cave, a dark room is the best way to get the maximum brightness and contrast from these devices. With 3,000 lumens of brightness, the H1 stands up well in lighter conditions though.
On top of the projector, there are some physical sliders and media controls, the latter of which is also available on the remote. What the remote doesn’t offer is the zoom and focus functionality, which is controlled by two sliders near the lens that offer precise tuning to get the picture size and quality looking as good as possible.
Once up and running, there is something about a projector that hits the nostalgic senses. From the film-like grain that offers a more authentic feel than you get from your TV when watching a movie, to the fact that you can scale the image all the way up to 200 inches, it’s a very cinematic experience. You won’t get OLED-quality performance, but watching Netflix on the Asus H1 is a joy. With plenty of color adjustments and pre-set scenarios, it is easy to get a bright, bold, and clear Full HD image.
Playing games through the projector is enjoyable too, with the 120Hz refresh rate providing a smooth experience. It’s also compatible with the PS5 and Xbox Series X or S and, though we wouldn’t recommend the H1 for competitive gaming, for casual open-world games it offers a truly atmospheric experience.
For those looking to shift away from a TV, this projector would make an ideal addition to your living room, spare room, or the tech bunker in the basement. For around $1,000, though, it’s pricey and something that requires a decent amount of consideration and planning.
The Asus H1 is a solid projector with a crisp and bold Full HD display and a 120Hz refresh rate that works very well for gaming. One disappointment is the built-in 10W speaker, meaning you’ll want to hook the H1 up to a surround-sound system if possible.
VERDICT
8
Asus H1 Projector
SHINING BRIGHT Strong 3000 lumens lens; 120Hz refresh rate; up to 200 inches projection size.
DARK AND DINGY Bulky product; no native 4K; poor built-in speaker; pricey.
$1,099, www.asus.com