Even in the age of 4K TVs and streaming, there is something magical about a true home theatre experience that only a projector can provide. While projectors have long been an expensive offering, they are slowly becoming something more people can dive into and enjoy. This is where the HP CC200 Projector comes into the picture. This $260 offering has all the features expected in a compact, well-featured design that home theatre lovers will enjoy.
The HP CC200 Projector is a compact, well-designed device that feels as at home in an office as it does in the media room. With a size of 5.04 x 5.35 x 8 in and weighing only around 1.38 kg (3 pounds), this is a projector that is both designed to be portable and look clean in any situation. The simple grey and white colour scheme manages to both impress and never feel outlandish.
On the back of the unit, you will find all the needed ports to get the HP CC200 Projector up and running. You will find two USB ports, a power port, an HDMI port, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, giving you all the needed connectivity to get things up and running with ease. If you have used any of the recent Google Home or Amazon Echo devices, the fabric and plastic design of the projector will feel very familiar and will blend seamlessly with other devices you may already own.
When you first open the HP CC200 Projector, you will see the device, power adapter, and power cord along with the remote control complete with batteries. There is also a quick start guide for the projector that will help get you started, although HP has made using the device very user-friendly.
While the projector is built to be easy to use, the CC200 Projector does lack some of the more advanced features found on more expensive offerings. The CC200 does not have autofocus, a focus knob, or automatic keystone, and the only way to focus the projector is with the remote. While this is by no means a dealbreaker, you will need to ensure you have a suitable placement, or you could be disappointed by the results.
The HP CC200 Projector has a 1.2:1 throw-ratio lens that will project a screen of 80 inches from 7 feet away. The projector also does not have adjustable feet, so you will need to make sure it is at a suitable height for the screen you have in mind. Also, you will need to ensure the projector is directly in front of the screen in mind. Any angle will lead to a distorted image that cannot be adjusted due to the lack of keystone adjustment.
“The HP CC200 Projector is a compact, well-designed device that feels as at home in an office as it does in the media room.”
Now with the issues out of the way, let’s dive into what makes the HP CC200 Projector an interesting offering, especially for a 1080P experience. The projector uses an LED technology for its display and will allow for 20,000 hours of use before it needs to be changed. The projector offers 200 lumens of brightness and boasts a FHD resolution of 1920 x 1080, and a display ratio of 16:9, making it ideal for movie nights with family and friends.
On the sound front, the HP CC200 Projector is loud enough for a small get-together but will be lacking in a bigger setting. The dual 3W speakers deliver a clear full sound but can get a bit distorted at higher volumes. It also offers a range of sound options, including sport, user-defined, standard, music, or movie, so you should be able to find a mode that fits most uses, although there is the ability to tweak the high tone levels and bass levels as you see fit.
The CC200 also uses diffuse reflection technology that will help reduce the harsh blue light found on many projectors. In testing, I found the image comfortable enough to enjoy for longer periods of time, and, for the price, was one of the easier to watch offerings I have tested in a while.
Gaming is also possible on the device, even if you will be limited to 1080P. I tested the CC200 with an Xbox One X and found it very playable. The projector delivered a signal that was responsive enough to even dive into Dark Souls 3 without any issue. The simple setup makes the projector a great option for family game nights or just when you want to enjoy some group gaming, offering a large screen experience at a fraction of the price.
Even with the gripes, the HP CC200 Projector is amazing for the price. It delivers a solid 1080P experience that is ideal for an office or home theatre setting. The lack of adjustments makes it hard to recommend for anyone with an unorthodox setting, but for everyone else looking for a projector that offers tremendous value, you can’t go wrong with the HP CC200.
