I’m seeking an insight on a Bluetooth projector that could possibly be used as an alternative to a rarely used TV for a living space and/or outdoors for watching events such as big sports games during summer barbecues. Any suggestions? — Neil Ewing
Answer
If you mean casting something from a phone, tablet or laptop wirelessly to the projector, you can mirror your phone through many Wi-Fi-connected projectors. (You can also connect most devices to a projector using cables, if you’re willing to go down that route.)
Before I give you a recommendation, I’ll be honest: unless you’re a dedicated audiovisual enthusiast or a habitual host of outdoor parties or sports events, I’d avoid a projector altogether. Don’t get me wrong — at their peak, and in the right environment, projectors are the best you can get. But if you’re going to spend under €1,000, as most people would, for your ordinary living room or back garden, it’s always going to be a weaker picture than a similarly priced 4K HDR TV.
Having said that, in my experience, Epson projectors offer a pretty good bang for your buck, although forget about 4K in this wireless segment unless you’re willing to spend well over €1,000. Epson’s EH-TW740 (€599 from Harvey Norman) is a solid full HD projector. If you’re looking for something cheaper, try a Philips NeoPix Ultra 2 (€339).
Recommendation: Epson’s EH-TW740 (€599 from Harvey Norman)
Question
I am looking to purchase a Qled TV and have my eye on the Samsung QE43Q60TAUXXU. The screen size needs to be a maximum of 43-inch as I won’t be able to fit in a larger one. My budget is between €600 and €700. Are there other models of that screen size that you would recommend? — John O’Neill
Answer
You generally won’t go wrong with Samsung — that’s an excellent choice in that price range. But if you’re looking for an alternative, Sony’s XH81 (€669 from Harvey Norman and other retailers) is also good, although the screen on Samsung’s model is very slightly better.
On the screen size, one word of caution. You may already have thought of this (and forgive me if you have), but do bear in mind that just because you can ‘fit’ in a 43-inch television, that doesn’t mean you can comfortably locate it there. What I mean is that you should always have at least two to three inches either side of the television to get in behind it when needs be. (Some TVs even have ports or switches on the side, which you sometimes need to access.) So if your space can squeeze in a 43-inch model, I’d get a 40-inch one instead.
Question
I read with interest last Saturday’s column about connecting a smart speaker to an older hi-fi system. I have an Amazon Echo and an old Sony system that continues to have terrific sound output. I’m interested in the lead linking the Echo and the hi-fi. What is it called and where would I be able to get it? — Tom Kelly
Answer
It depends on the vintage of your hi-fi and whether it is separates or an all-in-one mini stack. But mostly, a common 3.5mm connection lead will do. Plug one end into the Echo and the other into your hi-fi’s ‘aux’ port. (If you don’t have an aux port, any of the other ports, such as ‘tuner’ or ‘cassette’, will do.) You may need a small adapter to put on the end of your lead for the hi-fi connection. You can get all of this in an electronics shop or, online, from Amazon for under €10.
While Huawei’s mid-range Bluetooth speaker doesn’t have smart features such as Alexa or Google voice control, it has just about the best sound quality that you’ll get from something of this size. Engineered by Devialet, it’s powered by two 3.5-inch sub-woofers and six 1.5-inch tweeters, backed up by 65 watts of amplification power.
While some instant cameras aspire to more control with screens and onboard memory, Fujifilm’s new Instax mini 40 is basic. Put the film in, point it, shoot, get the print. There’s nothing to recharge, with the device taking normal AA batteries. The prints are small, at 2.4 by 1.8 inches. Replacements cost €20 for 20 shots or €40 for 50.
