If you are looking for a big-screen home theater experience, but can’t afford a large screen 4K UHD TV or 4K UHD video projector, the JMGO O1 1080p LED UST projector might be the solution for you. Let’s check out how this projector works and what it offers.
What an Ultra Short Throw (UST) Projector Is
An Ultra-Short Throw Projector (aka UST) incorporates a specially constructed lens assembly that allows images to be displayed from a very short distance. This means instead of placing the projector behind the seating position on a table or ceiling you can place it on a table or shelf within a couple of feet from a screen or wall and project very large images without taking much more space than a large TV. This is also great for those that have small rooms.
How The JMGO O1 LED Projection System Works
The JMGO O1 employs a Tri-Color (aka RGB) LED light source which eliminates the need for a lamp that would have to be replaced on a periodic basis.
The way it works is that one LED emits red light, one green, and one blue. The red, green, and blue light travels through a lens and prism and is then bounced off of a DLP Chip and then to the screen.
One of the biggest advantages of UST projectors is that they can be partnered with special ALR screens which allow you to watch in rooms with a lot of ambient light. The image quality certainly improves as your room gets darker, but it’s a feature that makes UST projectors a better option for people (95% of the population) who don’t want a dedicated projector on their living room ceiling or can’t afford a dedicated home theater room in their home.
We’ve tested a number of ALR screens that will work well with any UST projector including the JMGO O1.
The LEDs in the JMGO O1 provide the light source, but the image information and resolution are provided by an image chip (or chips).
The JMG0 employs a .33-inch DLP imaging chip (aka DMD – Digital Micromirror Device) from Texas Instruments. The chip has 2.1 million pixels (the equivalent of 1080p resolution), which are actually very tiny tilting mirrors.
NOTE: Although the JMGO O1 can accept a 4K resolution input signal, it will be downscaled to 1080p resolution for screen display.
The JMGO O1 can display a 100-inch size image from a distance of only 10-inches. However, JMGO recommends the 80-inch size for the best quality. This means you can place the projector closer to the screen than 10-inches, saving some space.
JMGO O1 Features
In addition to projecting a 1080p resolution image, here is an overview of additional features that can enhance your home entertainment experience.
Light Output: 800 ANSI Lumens Max. This is lower than most home theater video projectors. The projector is best used in a darkened room (preferably with very little or no light leakage from window blinds or curtains and very low or no lights on).
Color Gamut: NTSC 120%
Contrast Ratio: 5,000:1 (Dynamic)
Refresh Rate: 60Hz with additional MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) processing.
Screen Size Range: 60 to 100-inches.
Projection Distance: 10-inches for 100-inch screen size (.25:1 throw ratio).
Focus: Automatic
Keystone Correction: Automatic or manual (4-point).
Digital Wall Calibration: If you don’t have a screen, the O1 will adjust to your wall color.
Gallery Mode: Display artwork screensavers from a selection of pre-installed images
Low Latency Mode: Optimizes game controller response time for gameplay.
Audio System: Dynaudio 2-channel stereo system with 2 full-range speakers (7 wpc). 760cc sound cavity.
Projector OS: The JMGO O1 features Luna OS with a built-in smart Android system, connecting you to several popular streaming apps. You can also check an external media streamer such as Roku or Fire TV stick.
Input Connections:
- HDMI: 1
- USB ver 2.0 : 2
- Ethernet/LAN: 1
Output Connections:
- HDMI:1 (ARC-enabled)
- Digital Optical: (1) This allows connection to a compatible external audio system.
Additional Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi
Bluetooth: Allows music streaming from compatible smartphones and tablets.
Control: Remote control and JMGO Mobile App (Android/iOS)
Note: Although Alexa integration is listed on some product information posted by JMGO, I was informed by a representative that this functionality has not been implemented as of the publication date of this article.
Fan Noise: N/A
Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.3 x 3.8-inches (31 x 24 x 10 cm)
Weight: 5 lbs (2.3kg)
Expected Lifespan: 45,000 use hours
Supplied Accessories:
- Power Cable
- Remote Control
- Instruction Manual
- Warranty Card
Our Thoughts
With 1080p resolution, portability, and very reasonable price the JMGO O1 makes a great first-time projector or for those that have a higher-end projector in their living or media room, it makes a great second projector to use in other rooms in the house.
Pricing and Availability
The JMGO O1 1080p UST LED Projector is available at a suggested price of $1,099.99 on Amazon but may be offered for a lower promotional price.
Note: This projector is named the O1 (letter O), not the number 01.
If you are looking for something a little more higher-end, check out our report on JMGO U2 4K UHD Laser Projector.