The XGIMI HORIZON 30 Series is a new family of 4K RGB triple laser projectors that succeeds the company's popular HORIZON 20 lineup. The series includes three models: the HORIZON 30 Pro, HORIZON 30 Max, and HORIZON 30 Ultra Max. All three combine an RGB triple-laser light source with a 4K 120Hz display, XGIMI's Dual Intelligent Iris system, 110 percent of the BT.2020 color gamut, and support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and IMAX Enhanced content.
The three models share nearly identical feature sets, and the primary differences are brightness and rated native contrast. The HORIZON 30 Pro is rated at 4,800 ISO lumens, the HORIZON 30 Max at 5,300 ISO lumens, and the flagship HORIZON 30 Ultra Max at 6,000 ISO lumens. Rated native contrast also increases with each step up, from 8,000:1 on the Pro to 10,000:1 on the Ultra Max.
The HORIZON 30 Pro has an MSRP of $2,499, while the HORIZON 30 Max is priced at $2,999 and the HORIZON 30 Ultra Max sells for $3,499. At those prices, the HORIZON 30 Series delivers a combination of brightness, triple-laser color, and true 4K 120Hz display capability that has been hard to find in an all-in-one projector with a built-in streaming platform.
Every model in the HORIZON 30 Series uses XGIMI's X-Master RGB triple-laser engine paired with a 0.47-inch DMD. Because all three projectors use the same RGB laser architecture, buyers do not have to sacrifice color gamut coverage when choosing a less expensive model when choosing the Pro or Max. The difference between the models comes down to light-source brightness, along with the higher native contrast that comes with it.
RGB laser projectors can produce visible speckle and color fringing, and XGIMI has addressed both concerns. The HORIZON 30 Series carries SGS A+ certifications for low speckle and low color fringing.
To improve black levels, the series uses a Dual Iris system with an aperture range of f/2.0 to f/7.0 and five steps of manual iris control. A Dynamic Iris Engine adjusts iris behavior frame by frame, while Dynamic Black Level Enhancement (DBLE) preserves shadow detail in dark scenes. XGIMI measures native contrast at f/7.0 with all dynamic processing disabled, and the Ultra Max is rated at up to 100,000:1 dynamic contrast with DBLE enabled.
XGIMI's X-Vision AI image processor provides real-time detail reconstruction and dynamic HDR optimization. The series also supports Filmmaker Mode and ISF calibration with ISF Day and ISF Night modes, and all three models support 3D playback.
One of the most significant upgrades in the HORIZON 30 Series is its ability to accept and display 4K content at 120Hz from a compatible gaming console or PC. The higher refresh rate and low input lag should appeal to gamers. XGIMI states the HORIZON 30 Series input lag is just 1.9 milliseconds at 4K 120Hz and 1 millisecond at 1080p 240Hz. The series supports VRR, ALLM, and AMD FreeSync, and it includes gaming features such as a Black Equalizer, a virtual crosshair, and genre-specific picture modes for FPS, RTS, RPG, and sports titles.
The higher refresh rate also benefits movie viewing. Because 120 is an exact multiple of 24, the projector can display each frame of 24fps film content five times, producing an even 5:5 cadence without the judder associated with 3:2 pulldown. XGIMI claims that the faster refresh rate, combined with its Anti-RBE technology, significantly reduces the rainbow artifacts that some viewers notice with single-chip DLP projectors.
The HORIZON 30 Series offers more placement flexibility than most lifestyle projectors. Each model has a 1.2 to 1.5:1 throw ratio with optical zoom, along with vertical lens shift of plus or minus 130 percent and horizontal lens shift of plus or minus 50 percent. As with most projectors, maximum shift on one axis requires the other axis to be centered. Lens memory allows users to switch between screen formats without readjusting the image.
Like its predecessor, the HORIZON 30 sits in an integrated rotating stand that turns 360 degrees horizontally and tilts 135 degrees vertically, so it can project onto a wall or ceiling without a separate mount. XGIMI's intelligent setup features include uninterrupted auto keystone correction, autofocus, obstacle avoidance, screen alignment, and wall color adaptation.
The projectors run Google TV, include a backlit remote, and have a 24-watt Harman Kardon speaker system with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio support. One of the two projector's HDMI 2.1 inputs supports eARC for passing audio from a gaming console or its internal streaming services to a soundbar or AV receiver.
Pricing and Availability
The HORIZON 30 Series is available for pre-order on XGIMI's online store and at authorized retailers like ProjectorScreen.com. Pre-order pricing runs through November 10. XGIMI is offering the HORIZON 30 Pro for $1,899, the HORIZON 30 Max for $2,499, and the HORIZON 30 Ultra Max for $2,999. This means customers who act early can save up to $600. Eligible pre-orders also include a choice of an XGIMI floor stand or ceiling mount, along with two pairs of 3D glasses.
HORIZON 30 Pro
At $2,499 MSRP, the HORIZON 30 Pro is the entry point into the series. It is rated at 4,800 ISO lumens with a native contrast ratio of 8,000:1, and XGIMI positions it for everyday home cinema use in dim to moderately lit rooms. Since the Pro uses the same RGB laser engine, Dual Iris, 4K 120Hz capability, and lens flexibility as its more expensive siblings, it may offer the best value in the lineup, especially at its $1,899 pre-order price.
HORIZON 30 Max
The HORIZON 30 Max ($2,999 MSRP) raises brightness to 5,300 ISO lumens and native contrast to 9,000:1. XGIMI recommends it for larger rooms and brighter environments. The additional 500 lumens over the Pro should be useful for viewers who plan to use a larger screen, watch a lot of HDR content, or project in a room with some ambient light. Pre-order and save $500.
HORIZON 30 Ultra Max
The flagship HORIZON 30 Ultra Max ($3,499 MSRP) is rated at 6,000 ISO lumens with a native contrast ratio of 10,000:1, the highest figures in the series. XGIMI designed it for bright rooms and large screens, and the projector supports image sizes up to 300 inches. Despite its high brightness, XGIMI rates the Ultra Max at 28 dB or less at one meter, and the unit weighs 11.9 pounds. Pre-order and save $500.
With the HORIZON 30 Series, XGIMI has brought RGB laser color, a dual iris, and true 4K 120Hz display capability to its entire lifestyle lineup. For viewers who want a bright, flexible, all-in-one projector for a living room or media room, the HORIZON 30 Pro, Max, and Ultra Max offer compelling new options across three price points.
