It's a game changer, it's not a game changer. I'll circle back to this statement later in my review.
Last year I purchased the Dangbei Mars 1080p and it has been stellar. The Mars 1080p was already light years better than all the projectors from BENQ , Optoma, Epson, all the big names of yesteryears. So once this DBOX02 was announced, I was looking foward to getting it due to two things. 4K resolution and even greater brightness (2450 iso lumens which equated to be about 3000 ansi lumens)
Unboxing: It came well packaged. Good amount of impact protection surrounded the box. Another small win is that it comes with aaa batteries for the remote--nice to see.
Form factor is immediately familiar to previous owners of Mars 1080p and Mars Pro 4k, it's the same black cube shape nice and clean and modern--looks great in any room decor.
Side note--I wonder why they initially marketed as Mars Pro 4k 2 for many months before launch but now they seem to be pushing the name "DBOX02" now? Even the packaging still says "Mars Pro 2". Anyone know the answer to this?
Setting up: Just like my Dangbei Mars 1080p, setting up was a breeze. What used to take 30 minutes of set up tuning for older Epsons, BenQ's now takes only 6 minutes with the DBOX02. Just plug into power, turn it on, and follow the on screen directions to do keystone correction, focus tuning, and wifi. Keystone correction is fantastic--it allows you lots of options on projector placement (I placed it well off centered on the side of my room and everything is still squared up). My screen size is 120"
Unexpected surprise: Did not realize how much I was going to love built-in Google TV. The software is head and shoulders better than the linux based stuff in last year's Dangbei models. This means you don't need a media player stick or dongle hanging from the backside. You no longer need a firestick because it is has built in Netflix, Prime, Youtube, and 1000s more apps.
Viewing experience/image quality: When it comes to projector owners-- AMbient light anxiety is a THING. Projector users constantly worry about using their machines in the daytime in fear of a washed out dull image that's not bright enough to power through ambient lighting. Included in my sample pics are some sample views that I took from my couch seating position--notice anything? I took the pics in the daytime with my blinds up--you can see full afternoon daylight coming through the windows. 2450 ANSI lumens means daytime watching is not only possible, it is enjoyable. Every one of my sample pics was taken in the daytime. It is impressive. And I was not dissapointed with the 4k functionality--as soon as I viewed 4k content, I can say that this sub $2k projector is worth it's purchase price--sharp, rich colors and contrast. But remember in the beginning of this review when I said it is a game changer, it's not a game changer? Let me explain. When it comes to image quality, this DBOX02 is a BEAST--it punches well about it's pricepoint and can hold it's own against some projectors that were $1k or even $2k MORE. This ALPD laser powered image is stellar. So why do I say, It's a game changer, it's not a game changer? It is not the projector's fault, it is all the streaming content provider's fault. Even now in 2024, there is limited 4k UHD streaming content unless you pay $$. Netflix basic plan is only 720p, amazon prime had just a handful of free movies in UHD so I'm stuck showing off what this projector can do by replaying Top Gun Maverick over and over again, youtube is mostly 1080p. So due to the lack of 4k streaming content, most 'free' content streaming will look just as good on last year's Mars 1080p as it does on this DBOX02. It's only if you 'pay' and subscribe to a premium streaming service with much more 4k content that you will then have a huge smile on your face and experience what this machine can really do.
Sound: Fantastic--they did not skimp. Dolby audio and dtshd . But do yourself a favor and sync a soundbar and powered sub to get the movie theater experience because the sound although it is good, it is also directional dependent on projector placement.
Anything I would like to see?
In many of the advertisement and pre launch videos, it shows a gimbal style tilting projector stand, I wish that was included-- Also wish there was a handle to carry the projector rather than fully smooth sides.
Conclusion: as 4k and hdr content becomes more abundant, DBOX02 is a fantastic way to stay under $2k for a gigantic theater sized image capable of doing breathtaking night time images and enjoyable daytime ambient light viewing with built in google tv so you don't need to buy piggyback media sticks. solid 5 stars
| Brand | Dangbei |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | SHENZHEN DANGS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO LTD. |
| Model | DBOX02 |
| Model Name | DBOX02 |
| Hardware interface | HDMI, 3.5mm Audio, USB 2.0 |
| Special features | Auto Obstacle Avoidance, Auto Screen Alignment, Smart Eye Protection, Ultra Short Throw, 3d-Ready |
| Mounting Hardware | AC Cord x 1, Power Adapter 180W (18V/10A) x 1, Remote Control x 1, Dangbei DBOX02 4K Projector x 1, Instruction Manual x 1 |
| Display Technology | DLP |
| Standing screen display size | 200 Inches |
| Display type | Laser |
| Display Resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 Pixels |
| Wattage | 12 watts |
| Batteries included | No |
| Batteries Required | No |
| Connector Type | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI, 3.5mm Jack |
| Form Factor | Desktop |
| Manufacturer | SHENZHEN DANGS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO LTD. |
| Item model number | DBOX02 |
| Product Dimensions | 23.6 x 20.14 x 16.33 cm; 4 kg |
| ASIN | B0D17LQ4PR |
