 |
| The TCL Projector C1 (pictured) is now available in the UK. |
Move over, expensive home cinema setups. TCL is shaking up the UK’s projector market with the launch of its budget-friendly C1 Smart Home Cinema Projector, bringing a portable, feature-packed big-screen experience to British living rooms and bedrooms.
Arriving on shelves at major retailers like Currys for £249.99, the C1 promises a genuine 1080p HD picture and smart TV convenience in a compact, battery-powered package. It lands alongside the uniquely designed, twistable TCL PlayCube, marking a concerted push by the electronics giant into the UK's growing home entertainment space.
What Does the TCL C1 Projector Offer?
Having first launched in the US several months ago (where it's currently listed at $199.99 on Amazon), the C1 is now ready for its European debut. So, what are UK buyers getting for their money?
Picture & Performance: At its heart, the C1 is an LCD projector with a native 1080p resolution and support for 4K content input. Its fully sealed optical engine is rated for 230 ISO lumens of brightness. This means it's best suited for use in dimly lit or dark rooms to achieve a vibrant image. It can project a screen size from a cosy 40 inches up to a cinematic 120 inches, with a 1,200:1 contrast ratio.
Where it aims to win over casual users is with its auto setup technology. The projector features automatic focus, keystone correction, screen fit, and even obstacle avoidance, theoretically allowing you to go from box to big screen in minutes with minimal manual tinkering.
Smart Features & Sound: The C1 runs on the popular Google TV platform. This gives users instant access to thousands of apps like Disney+, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, along with handy tools like Google Assistant voice control and Chromecast built-in for wireless streaming from phones and tablets. Notably, it is also Netflix-certified, ensuring a smooth streaming experience from the world's biggest subscription service.
For audio, there’s an integrated 8W speaker with Dolby Audio support. While serious audiophiles will likely want to connect a soundbar or external speakers via Bluetooth or the 3.5 mm jack, the built-in solution is handy for its portability.
Design & Portability: This is designed as a go-anywhere projector. It houses a 60Wh battery, an integrated adjustable stand, and weighs just 1.8 kg (3.9 lbs), making it easy to move from the living room to the garden (after sunset). Connectivity is solid for the price, including HDMI, USB-A, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.1.
For more detailed specifications, you can check out the official product page on the TCL UK website.
A Strategic UK Launch
The UK release is part of TCL's broader strategy to expand its visual products in Europe. As noted in a recent Forbes article covering TCL's UK projector range launch, the company is aiming to offer compelling alternatives at various price points. The C1 sits at the affordable end, targeting first-time projector buyers and those seeking a flexible, secondary screen.
"The C1’s combination of Google TV, portability, and aggressive pricing makes it a compelling option for anyone dipping their toes into the projector world without breaking the bank," the article suggests.
Availability and Alternatives
The TCL C1 Smart Home Cinema Projector is available to purchase now in the UK from Currys and other selected retailers. As of now, TCL has not announced release dates for other European countries.
If you're ready to transform your wall into a cinema screen, you can find the TCL C1 projector on Amazon to check current pricing and availability.
The Bottom Line: The TCL C1 isn't a high-brightness powerhouse for well-lit rooms, but for its price, it packages a convincing smart, portable, and user-friendly home cinema experience. Its arrival gives UK consumers a new, wallet-friendly ticket to big-screen entertainment.
 |
| The TCL Projector C1. |