The first projector with Roku TV built in is here, and that’s a concept I can get behind. The Aurzen D1R Cube delivers Roku’s familiar interface in a compact 4-pound case, so you don’t have to rely on a streaming dongle to enjoy the platform’s free channels, search and device ecosystem all in one easy-to-carry package.
Roku TV on the big, portable screen experience
Prospective buyers who had been ogling Roku’s simple-to-use UI have in the past usually found themselves needing to plug in an extra stick. Roku TV at the system level means faster boot-to-stream, a single remote and tighter control over settings and CEC behavior. You also receive a catalog of content from the Roku Channel, which now carries 100,000+ movies and TV episodes (including more than 500 free live channels) as well as its robust universal search function that covers popular streaming services.
Roku’s potential audience is part of the story. Company filings in recent quarters have indicated more than 80 million active accounts, and time spent on the platform is increasing as cord-cutting accelerates. That scale has helped ensure speedy app updates, wide service support and a UI that many households already know.
Key specs: a tiny cube that projects a huge screen
Aurzen lists the D1R Cube as a 1080p projector, designed for 40-inch to 150-inch projection with an output of 330 ANSI lumens. In practical terms, a dark or dim room is best; you get washed-out highlights in bright daylight. By contrast, a lot of the micro portable LED projectors in this price range fall between 250 and 500 ANSI lumens on the brightness scale, while playroom-quality living room ones can easily exceed 1,000.
Focus and keystone correction are handled automatically to expedite setup — useful if you’re moving it from a wall in the living room to one in a bedroom or den. As is the case with any auto-keystone system, aggressive angle correction can rob an image of effective resolution, so you’ll find that positioning closer to center throw achieves the sharpest picture.
The 4-pound cube is wall-powered; there’s no internal battery. I/O is simple: HDMI and USB for sources, as well as a 3.5mm jack for wired audio. A flip-out kickstand lets you tilt the image upward, while a 1/4-inch threaded mount fits tripods so that you can position it more carefully.
Ecosystem perks and audio options for seamless use
The D1R Cube will also pair with Roku’s wireless speakers, soundbars, and subwoofers for bigger sound without the hassle of connecting cables because, in addition to being a source in itself via its remote control or voice assistant (both Google Assistant and Bixby), you can have it pass through music from whatever is on your TV screen.
Wireless audio also gets the benefit of Roku’s proprietary link system to ensure stable sync, which can be a nice plus over Bluetooth when lip-sync is a problem.
In terms of onboard audio, you’re looking at dual 5W speakers (10W total) with Dolby Audio certification. That’ll do for a bedroom or dorm, but an inexpensive soundbar or external set will transport the backyard-movie-night experience more comfortably. There’s also voice control using the Roku mobile app, while the projector is compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri, so hands-free control can be maintained across smart homes that mix platforms.
The projector makes use of Roku’s smart home relationships, too. And if you’re using compatible cameras or lights, the same interface can be used to watch feeds and control devices; a small but welcome nicety when you’ve sprawled into place on the couch and don’t feel like having to shuffle apps.
Where it stands against rivals in portable projectors
Most portable projectors in the mainstream bracket are powered by Android TV or Google TV. That could be a model like Xgimi’s MoGo series or Anker’s Nebula line, which include Chromecast and Google Assistant, or BenQ’s GV series, with an emphasis on portability. Aurzen’s play is different: make it affordable, make setup a snap and lean on Roku’s simplicity and free channels to reduce friction for casual viewing.
The trade-offs are what you would expect. With a brightness of 330 ANSI lumens, the D1R Cube was designed for nighttime viewing or light-controlled rooms, and 1080p is just not going to come close to some other 4K-class units that cost several times as much. But for movie nights, dorm rooms, game-day watch parties or on-the-go viewers who prefer the familiar streaming interface? That’s a compelling offer.
Price, bundles, and buying advice for prospective buyers
The Aurzen Roku TV Smart Projector D1R Cube sells for $249.99 in the US. There is also an optional 120-inch rollable screen and a vertical stand, which cost $26.99 and $46.99 each, that may make installation easier for you if you don’t have a dedicated spot to project onto.
If you are deliberating over making a purchase, be sure to take into consideration the condition of your room first. For lights-on watching or regular daytime use, you’ll need more brightness — and a bigger budget. If your room is dark and you appreciate a dongle-free, OS-agnostic device, this is the cleanest Roku-first projector solution to date.
