There are tons of projectors on the market, from portable battery-powered options the size of a soda can to hulking home theatre monstrosities intended for a permanent installation. While once 1080p projectors retailed for high costs, now a slew of budget projectors populate the market. But merely because a projector features full 1080p resolution doesn’t mean it performs well. The Crenova BL-76 is easily one of the most affordable native 1080p projectors you can buy. Moreover, it’s a bright projector capable of producing a lush image.
Crenova BL-76 Build Quality, Specs, and More
While most projectors, and even TVs for that matter, are black, grey, or maybe white, the Crenova BL-76 instead opts for a red plastic casing. And while this adds nothing to performance, it’s nevertheless an eye-catching design. Despite its size, it’s a fairly lightweight projector, though it nevertheless feels sturdy. On the back, you’ll find a pair of HDMI inputs, a VGA input, dual USB headers, an RCA mini-jack connector, YPbPr mini-jack port, and a 3.5mm audio out port. Many budget projectors throw around the term 1080p, but the Crenova BL-76 is true native 1080p rather than simply supporting 1080p full HD and in reality outputting a different resolution. A pair of stereo speakers pump out adequate sounds. Sure, it’s totally fine in a pinch, but don’t expect audiophile-quality performance.
Crenova claims that the BL-76 achieves 700 ANSI lumens, and there’s a 5000:1 contrast ratio. You can project an image up to 200-inches. On the top of the projector, there’s a manual focus wheel as well as a ±15 degree manual vertical keystone wheel.
Crenova BL-76 native 1080p projector specs:
- 2x HDMI inputs
- 1x VGA input
- 2x USB inputs
- 1X RCA
- 1X YPbPr
- 1x 3.5mm audio out jack
- Native 1080p
- 5000:1 contrast ratio
- 6000 lux (700 ANSI)
- Stereo speakers
- Up to 200-inch image
Crenova Native 1080p Projector Performance and Review
Ease of use is top-notch. Simply plug in the BL-76, hook up a device with one of its plentiful inputs, and power it on. The software interface is simple which makes getting started a breeze. You’ve got a few different picture settings including vivid and standard, as well as pre-set sound options.
I’m completely shocked by the performance of the Crenova BL-76. Generally, projectors require dark settings. Ambient light creates a washed-out picture. Although this holds true for the BL-76, it’s able to maintain a vivid image even with a moderate amount of ambient light. In complete darkness, the Crenova dominates. I watched a few movies streaming on services such as Netflix as well as using a Blu-Ray player. The colors in “Suspiria” truly popped. Gaming works extremely well. I experienced little to no lag. Since it’s not a short-throw projector, you will need to have your unit sitting about 10-12 feet back from the screen to achieve a 100- to a 120-inch image. With its USB port, I was able to power a Roku Stick connected through one of the two HDMI ports for a self-contained streaming experience. That’s a major plus, especially for a quick, portable movie night.
Manual focus and keystone correction works great. Don’t expect the ease of use found with manual keystoning or focus, but this projector slides in at a fraction of the price. Audio quality is decent, though nothing to write home about. Of course, that’s about on par with virtually any other projector on the market. You’ll want to use external speakers or a soundbar. Overall, the Crenova BL-76 is a phenomenal projector. Particularly for the price, it dominates many budget projectors in its category. As an alternative, you might consider the Vankyo V630, but the BL-76 boasts even more competitive pricing albeit without a few premium features found on the V630.
Should You Buy the Crenova BL-76?
If you’re in the market for a bright projector with a crisp 1080p image that won’t break the bank, the Crenova BL-76 is an excellent purchase. Despite its somewhat limited menu, lack of auto-focus, and its manual keystone, the Crenova BL-76 delivers true 1080p resolution at a competitive price. I’m flabbergasted at its performance and ability to maintain a reasonably bright image even with a modest amount of ambient lighting. Connectivity is great, and this projector is suitable for a variety of purposes including movie and TV show watching as well as gaming. Ultimately, it’s one of the best budget projectors available.
Crenova BL-76
200
Pros
- 1080p full HD
- 6000 lux
- 2 x HDMI inpurt
- VGA inpur
- USB connectivity
Cons
- Lumens not listed
- YPbrPr input without component to mini jack
- No auto focus
- No auto keystone
Recent Comments