PRODUCTS
34 MAY / JUNE 2022 popularmechanics.co.za
PRODUCTS
EPSON
EH-LS500B
HOME PROJECTOR
Sometimes bigger can be better, much better, especially
when we’re talking about TV screen size. Or, more specifically
in this case, the display area of Epson’s EH-LS500B Android
TV Edition home projector.
What’s particularly special about this device is that it can
be placed very close to the wall on to which it’s projecting
its image. And that image can be a massive 65 to 130 inches
in size, projected in ultra-high-def 4K resolution. When you
compare the price of this device to televisions with the same
dimensions and resolution, you’ll agree that it’ll be money
well spent.
And, because it’s an Android TV, you can stream shows,
games, movies, news and sports, effortlessly. It’s very simple
to set up. Hook up your device to one of three HDMI inputs,
enjoy immersive sound from the two 10 W built-in speakers,
and control the projector using either its remote, or via the
iProjection app on your smartphone. There’s even a nifty
hidden compartment at the front, where you can secretly
stash your streaming device.
It boasts a brightness output of 4 000 lumens, and an
incredible contrast ratio of 2 500 000:1 – for viewers this
means vivid, clear content, deep blacks, and crisp, well-
defined shadows.
You won’t require a black screen permanently set up on
your wall to use this device. Rather, it’s discreet and stylish,
and will blend in easily with your home decor. And, if you
need more convincing, the laser light source is so durable
you could watch content every day for 10 years in Eco mode- that’s around 20 000 hours of viewing.
RRP R49 999
epson.co.za
SNAP SHIPS
With interchangeable pieces, and an armada of
spacecraft project options, Snap Ships is a modular
building system of toy models that will keep young
and old alike entertained for hours. Prompting
creativity and imagination is what these models
are all about – gain added insight and find helpful
build instructions by downloading the interactive
iOS or Android apps, and learn more about the
different ships, and the colourful characters that
feature in the collection.
As the name suggests, the components snap
together, ultimately forming spacecraft, bombers,
drones, robots and more that move, function and
deploy projectiles. The included separation tool
helps you to break pieces apart, so you can try
out different configurations with the same set.
In the words of one of our young reviewers: ‘The
Snap Ships range of toys is sturdily built and packaged,
and well suited to kids six to eight years old. I spent
more than an hour trying different arrangements
with the parts in my kit, as each model can be built in
multiple ways. It’s great to be able to build different
models using the same kit.’
RRP from R180
toykingdom.co.za/snap-ships