## XGIMI HORIZON S Max Review: Experience IMAX at Home
In the constantly changing landscape of home entertainment, projectors are increasingly favored over conventional televisions, providing a cinematic experience right within your home. XGIMI, recognized for its cutting-edge projectors, has launched the **HORIZON S Max**, a 4K projector that aims to enhance home viewing with **IMAX Enhanced certification** and an array of premium features. This review will explore the specifications, performance, and overall user experience of the XGIMI HORIZON S Max, assessing whether it truly delivers on its promise of bringing IMAX into your living space.
### Essential Specifications
| **Specification** | **Details** |
|——————-|————-|
| **Product Type** | Home Projector |
| **Light Technology** | Dual Light 2.0 (Tri-color laser + LED) |
| **Brightness Level** | 3100 ISO Lumens |
| **Resolution** | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| **Compatible Formats** | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced |
| **Throw Ratio** | 1.2:1 |
| **Screen Size** | 40” – 200” |
| **Audio System** | 2 x 12W Harman/Kardon |
| **Operating Platform** | Android TV 11.0 |
| **Cost** | $1,899 |
### Design and Construction
The HORIZON S Max showcases a modern, sleek design ideal for fitting into contemporary living environments. It incorporates **eco-friendly PU leather** alongside **flow cover fabric**, enhancing its premium aesthetic. A notable design feature is its **adjustable gimbal mechanism**, allowing effortless positioning of the projector without additional stands or mounts, making it particularly advantageous for limited spaces.
Nonetheless, XGIMI made a significant design compromise by omitting **optical zoom**. Unlike previous models that enabled users to modify image size without sacrificing quality, the HORIZON S Max is limited to **digital zoom**, which may reduce image clarity. This choice was made to keep the projector compact, yet it might disappoint those who prioritize image fidelity over size.
### Connectivity Options
Regarding connectivity, the HORIZON S Max provides a satisfactory array of options, featuring **HDMI (with eARC support)**, **USB ports**, and **Bluetooth 5.1**. However, it does not offer **Wi-Fi 6** or **Bluetooth 5.2**, which are becoming the norm in premium devices. While these shortcomings do not severely affect the overall experience, they are notable for users who value future readiness in their technology.
### Image Performance
The HORIZON S Max excels in image quality, showcasing stunning visuals thanks to its **4K resolution**, **HDR10**, **Dolby Vision**, and the prestigious **IMAX Enhanced certification**. Its **Dual Light 2.0** system, combining a tri-color laser with LED technology, boosts brightness and color precision, ensuring vibrant images even in ambient light conditions. With **3100 ISO lumens**, the projector provides a 30% increase in brightness over earlier models, maintaining vividness even during daylight hours.
The IMAX Enhanced certification represents a pioneering feature in home projectors, transforming the viewing of IMAX content on the HORIZON S Max into an immersive experience with exceptional detail and clarity, rivaling top-tier home theater configurations. Whether indulging in a blockbuster film or streaming a favorite series, the HORIZON S Max offers an unparalleled cinematic experience.
### Audio Performance
Teaming up with **Harman/Kardon**, XGIMI equips the HORIZON S Max with two **12W speakers**, resulting in a remarkable audio experience. The sound quality is immersive and robust, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer not to purchase a separate audio system. Whether enjoying a movie or listening to music, the built-in speakers provide clear, powerful sound that enhances the projector’s impressive visuals.
For enthusiasts seeking a more powerful audio setup, the projector’s **eARC support** facilitates seamless connectivity to external sound systems, ensuring that audiophiles can maximize their home theater experience.
### Software: Android TV 11.0
A significant disappointment with the HORIZON S Max lies in its software. Despite its premium status, XGIMI continues to use **Android TV 11.0**, which feels outdated when compared to the more current **Google TV** interface. The Android TV experience lacks fluidity, and the interface is slow
