The LUMOS AURO Projector launched back in 2020 was quite a value buy if you’ve gotten the non-smart version and paired it with a Google Chromecast or Apple TV. Fast forward 4 years, and LUMOS has released a version two of their best selling projector – the LUMOS AURO V2. It retails for S$498, and is now officially Netflix and YouTube certified, and comes with other smart features like fully automatic screen correction.
Unboxing
In the box, you will receive the following items:
- LUMOS AURO V2 Projector
- Remote control
- HDMI Cable
- Power Cable
- User manual
Design and build quality
Given it is a V2 product, it is natural to draw comparisons to the original version. For starters, the new LUMOS AURO V2 has a whole new design that looks more modern with its rounded cuboid shape in a silver colour. It is also noticeably smaller which takes up less space on any countertop. It is also lighter at around 2kg.
Build quality of the LUMOS AURO V2 feels good too. You have four rubber feet on the bottom of the projector, along with a passive radiator, and 1/4-inch tripod screw mount. You can top up S$55 to get the RIZE stand, which can be adjusted up to 120cm in height. While the legs kept the overall footprint small, the pole extended to the highest height didn’t really felt too stable. Personally, I’d spend that S$55 on a decent quality tripod instead to put the LUMOS AURO V2 at a height. One big oversight by LUMOS is that the power cable is just too short at just 1.4m. It should be at least 2.0m long for people to put it at a height.
There is also an adjustable screw feet for tilting the projector up. As for ports, they are not as many as compared the V1. You have just one HDMI 1.4, two USB 2.0, and a 3.5mm headphone jack – but more than sufficient for daily use. The USB provides 5V of power so you can still hook up a Chromecast to it.
The LUMOS AURO V2 comes with a nice remote that now has three shortcut buttons to quickly access streaming apps of Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video. There also also buttons at the top to adjust the focus manually as there is no longer a focus wheel on the projector.
Projection quality and user experience
LUMOS AURO V2 offers native 1080p resolution with up to 6000 lumens of brightness. I can’t exactly measure the brightness but it is enough for night time viewing, and decent enough in daylight (as long no direct sun). Projection quality is comparable to the other projectors from LUMOS. Colours are accurate and vibrant enough. You can get around a 50″ screen with just putting the LUMOS AURO V2 1.5m away from the wall. You can have a rough gauge of the video quality of the LUMOS AURO V2 in daytime viewing.
Projection size adjustments
If the projection is too big, at 1080p the image might not feel as sharp. Thankfully, you can adjust the size of the projection via the software. You simply scroll to select the amount of zoom you want and the image remains focused.
Automatic keystone correction and auto-focus
New features added to the LUMOS AURO V2 are Automatic keystone correction and auto-focus which was something that the AURO didn’t have. Automatic keystone means that the projector will automatically correct the shape into a proper rectangle if you have it at an angle or tilt. The automatic keystone performance seems to be affected by the distance to the wall. I found it to be quick and accurate if it is not too far (< 2-metres). Anything more and the LUMOS AURO V2 can sometimes fail to correct the shape.
There are manual keystone controls as well which allows for quite minute adjustments that really help to achieve that uniformed rectangle projection. Keystone adjustments for the LUMOS AURO V2 is something you’d likely only perform once and not touch it again since the LUMOS AURO V2 isn’t exactly going to be used as a portable projector. There is a default setting to automatically correct when motion is detected, but can be turned off if you find it annoying.
The auto-focus feature works with much better reliability. In fact, it is good that I don’t have to press the focus controls buttons on the remote control. Gone are the days of rotating the knob on the V1 AURO.
Official Netflix and YouTube certification
That’s the big headline feature of the LUMOS AURO V2. If you watch content regularly on these two apps then this is a huge win for you. Apart from the two streaming apps, Amazon Prime Video is also pre-downloaded on the projector. You can download other apps from the app store but it isn’t a Google Play store so I wasn’t able to find other big apps such as Disney+.
As LUMOS promises, the user experience with both Netflix and YouTube is much better on the AURO V2.The apps load fast, and the overall UI feels more smooth and responsive.
In terms of general UI, the home page is pretty clean and showcases trending Netflix and YouTube shows on the top row of cards. The interface that resembles a typical Android based operating system.
Phone Mirroring
Another advertised improvement of the LUMOS AURO V2 is the better reliability with screen mirroring. LUMOS mentions no third-party apps but this isn’t really the case as AirPlay requires the download of the MagiCast app via the “ScreenCast Assistant” app. It’s doesn’t seem like you are using a third-party app, but the experience does feel like it. In order to have the LUMOS AURO V2 appear as an AirPlay destination, you have to open the “ScreenCast Assistant” app. You cannot find the LUMOS AURO V2 if you are at the home page of the projector.
Having said that, the experience of the AirPlay is much more reliable as there is much less lag time between both devices.
Speakers and fan noise
Audio quality of the LUMOS AURO V2 is pretty good, are powerful enough to get very loud. It doesn’t get too deep for satisfying thumping low end, but still feels full enough for an entertaining watching experience. As the subwoofer is located at the bottom, sound quality is slightly better using the LUMOS AURO V2 on a tripod mount rather on placing it on a surface. Fan noise is audible when idle, but isn’t too obvious once your movies/shows are playing.
Conclusion
The new LUMOS AURO V2 adds useful features that is makes it a stronger plug-and-play projector for the general public due to its official certification for Netflix and YouTube. It truly enhances the user experience when watching from these apps. There are also nice quality of life features such as auto-focus, auto-keystone, and more reliable screen mirroring. With all these welcomed additions, the price has also increased by S$100 (smart V1 vs smart V2). If are a heavy Netflix and YouTube user and want the most convenient way of watching on the big screen, the LUMOS AURO V2 is essentially designed for you at S$498.