TCL takes its first steps into the projector market with three models designed for very different uses: the PlayCube, the Projector A1s and the Projector C1. In France, the brand is still best known for its TVs, which offer particularly competitive value for money, notably the TCL C8 range. With this new family of projectors, TCL transposes its expertise into the world of home and portable projection, focusing on Google TV, automatic calibration functions and formats suitable for both living room and portable use.
TCL PlayCube: a portable projector with a built-in battery
The TCL PlayCube stands out for its compact size and swivel design, designed for use on the move. Weighing just 1.36 kg and measuring 95 mm high and wide by 145 mm deep, it’s easy to move from room to room.
This model uses 0.33-inch DMD technology with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Its brightness reaches 750 ISO lumens, and the image can extend from 30 to 150 inches diagonally, or 76 cm to 3.8 m. TCL also announces an integrated 66 Wh battery with up to 2 hours 30 minutes of battery life.
The PlayCube features Google TV with a Netflix certification, 16 GB storage, and GoogleCast and AirPlay compatibility. Smart features include real-time autofocus, automatic keystone correction, automatic framing and obstacle avoidance.
This TCL PlayCube projector can be pre-ordered now for €799, with availability announced for the end of May.
TCL Projector A1s: a versatile model for the living room
The TCL Projector A1s adopts a classic compact format for home installation. Its chassis incorporates a carrying handle and two Dolby Digital+ compatible 8 W drivers.
This projector uses a 4.45″ LCD matrix with Full HD resolution. Its advertised brightness of 600 ISO lumens enables it to display an image from 45 to 150 inches (1.14 to 3.8 m diagonal). The 1.25:1 projection ratio makes it ideal for installation in living rooms or bedrooms.
The Google TV system provides access to Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube and Google Assistant. This model also features GoogleCast and AirPlay 2 for easy streaming of content from a smartphone or computer. TCL adds several automatic functions such as real-time autofocus, keystone correction and automatic brightness adjustment.
Priced at €399, the TCL A1s will also be available at the end of May.
TCL Projector C1: a compact, widescreen projector
The TCL Projector C1 is aimed at users looking for a compact projector for large-screen sessions. TCL boasts an image size of up to 120 inches (3 m diagonal) and 4K playback support.
This model uses 3-inch LCD technology with Full HD resolution and a brightness of 230 ISO lumens. The advertised contrast ratio reaches 1,500:1 and the LED light source is rated for 10,000 hours.
Like the other models in the range, the TCL C1 features Google TV, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1 and a host of automatic functions, including autofocus, keystone correction and obstacle avoidance. Measuring 138.4 x 145.2 x 230.7 mm, it remains relatively compact despite being designed for more stationary use.
The TCL C1 is the most affordable of TCL’s three projectors, priced at €299, with availability scheduled for the end of May.
PlayCube vs A1s vs C1 comparison table
| TCL PlayCube | TCL Projector A1s | TCL Projector C1 | |
| Display technology | 0.33″ DMD | 4.45″ LCD | 3.0″ LCD |
| Resolution | Full HD 1920 x 1080 | Full HD 1920 x 1080 | Full HD 1920 x 1080 |
| Brightness | 750 ISO lumens | 600 ISO lumens | 230 ISO lumens |
| Image size | 30 to 150 inches | 45 to 150 inches | 40 to 120 inches |
| System | Google TV | Google TV | Google TV |
| Storage | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Drivers | 5 W | 2 x 8 W | 8 W |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Automatic functions | Autofocus, keystone, screen adjustment, obstacle avoidance | Autofocus, keystone, screen adjustment, obstacle avoidance | Autofocus, keystone, screen adjustment, obstacle avoidance |
| Special features | Built-in battery | 16 W stereo audio | 4K playback compatibility |
| Dimensions | 95 x 95 x 145 mm | 191.3 x 128.1 x 262.6 mm | 138.4 x 145.2 x 230.7 mm |
| Price | €799 | €399 | €299 |
Summary
With these three projectors, TCL covers a wide range of complementary uses. The PlayCube focuses on mobility, thanks to its integrated battery and compact size. The Projector A1s focuses on versatility, with a more powerful audio section and a picture size of up to 150 inches. Finally, the Projector C1 is a compact model for large-screen entertainment, with support for 4K content.
