Stepping into the other side of home entertainment, Roku has officially launched its first smart projector, the Aurzen Roku TV Smart Projector D1R Cube. As expected, the device will carry Roku’s popular streaming ecosystem, bringing its content to users in an even larger image format than can be found today.
D1R Cube Core Features
Baseline, the projector offers 330 ANSI lumens brightness and 1080p resolution supported by auto-focus and keystone correction with the ability to project from 40 to 150 inches. Additionally, the D1R Cube comes with support for HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi 2.4 and 5 Ghz and Bluetooth 5.2, as well as built-in dual 5W speakers and a 3.5 mm audio output connection.
Roku also describes the projector as being suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, however, no IP rating has been specified yet.
Perhaps because of these more flexible characteristics, Roku has opted to position the projector as an auxiliary entertainment option, good for more causal viewing experiences vs. being installed in a dedicated home theater setup.
Growing Role of Projection and Multipurpose AV Spaces
Projectors remain a dominant force in the home entertainment landscape, with many advocates of the technology declaring it the better option for dedicated theater spaces over the increasingly sized flatscreen TVs hitting the market.
However, while dedicated home theater installs still command high-end attention, many clients are now favoring media spaces that serve multiple purposes and can adapt to different use cases.
These spaces often bounce between being movie hubs, gaming centers, study areas and even home offices in some cases, with the spaces needing to switch on command.
Smaller, More Affordable Large-Screen Solutions
Despite this, flatscreen TVs have continued to draw a significant amount of attention from consumers due to their low cost, simple maintenance and operation and relative size in relation to these other metrics.
That hasn’t stopped other manufacturers from attempting to develop projection systems that are more affordable and easier to deploy. For example, TCL’s Projector A1, which offers 1080p and auto focus, supports screen sizes up to 120 inches at a modest price point.
Roku’s Position in the Entertainment Landscape
Long having sourced its streaming OS to other manufacturers, Roku has more recently taken hardware development into it own hands, with the company coming out with its own branded televisions in 2023 and continuing to update the line-up to this day.
The company also recently announced its own low-cost, ad-free streaming service, again positioning itself as a more salient, budget option in the home entertainment landscape as consumers have increasingly gravitated toward cheaper streaming options.
Simplicity over Performance
Rather than defining itself by cost or performance, Roku is positioning the D1R Cube as a herald of “simplicity” in home entertainment.
The device uses the same remote as a Roku TV in addition to being integratable with the same. Additionally, similar features found on Roku’s TVs including wireless speaker compatibility and private listening via Bluetooth are built in at the outset.
Additionally, the projector can receive wireless updates, matching its update cycle with that of Roku TVs.
Roku’s entrance into the projector space is likely to lower friction for consumers interested in large-screen projection without the trade-offs of installation complexity.
However, while Roku’s strengths lie in content access, smart home integration and user experience, integrators and tech-savvy home theater customers will likely still prefer higher brightness, 4K or laser light engines and more customizable optical systems in their projectors.
Implications for Integrators and Specifiers
In the case of the D1R Cube for integrators, the lynchpin is in expectations. The product’s integration with wireless speakers and Roku’s smart home features may help simplify system design, but careful anticipation of performance limits will be necessary.
For those interested, the product is available for purchase now across U.S. markets.
