Grandma Reviews the Cinemango 100 Projector

Published August 25, 2020

After sampling the TOUMEI projector, I opted for something a little bigger and less expensive. This go ‘round I purchased the Cinemango 100 projector made by Vankyo. I consider this a no-frills yet functional projector. It doesn’t have wifi, Bluetooth, or the ability to use it as a mini-computer. It reminds me of the old-fashioned projectors we used to have in school (back in the day). This is smaller than those monsters, but I believe operates basically the same way.

The Cinemango 100 Package

This is what you get when you purchase the projector.

• Projector
• Carrying case
• Remote
• HDMI cable
• Power cord
• AV cable

The projector weighs in at 3.08 lb (1.4kg) and has dimensions of 9.25” x 7.09” x 3.66” tall or 235 x 180 x 93 mm).

Simple and Straightforward

Setup is simple. Insert the adjustment peg for adjusting the height of the projector, attach the power cord, put batteries in the remote, remove the camera guard and turn it on. Once on, select an input source.

Vankyo's Cinemango 100 (Amazon affiliate link) has several input sources. It’s part of the reason why I selected this projector. It has 2 HDMI slots, 2 USB slots, VGA, AV, headphone jack, and an SD card slot. It is just what I was looking for. You see, this projector is an anniversary gift for hubby. His current TV setup uses both cable (must-have for a sports fan) and the Amazon Fire TV stick. As such, he requires 2 HDMI slots to maintain his ability to watch from both sources. The other slots are a bonus.

Uncomplicated Unless I Complicate Things

This is a simple plug and play projector. It is not to be used as a computer. The instructions specifically state, no Docs, Word, PowerPoint, etc. If you plug in a USB keyboard expecting to use it as a means of inserting text, you’ll be disappointed. Ditto goes for attaching a Smartphone.

Just for grins, I plugged in my iPhone to test it out. I got nothing, nada, zip. Actually, I kind of expected the projector to say, “Read the instructions. I’m an old-school projector. Don’t try anything fancy!”

This is definitely the projector for those who are not technologically inclined. There’s no need to configure and update apps. It’s pretty much impossible to incorrectly configure it (unless you attempt to put a USB device in the HDMI slot or visa versa).

Projector Controls

You can control the projector by either the remote control or the buttons located on the top of the device. The only function you cannot adjust using the remote is focusing the display. For that, you must use the dials on the top of the projector. There are 2 dials, one for focusing the picture and the other (Keystone dial) for adjusting the angle of the screen.

The Display

With the ability to project screen images up to 220”, the Cinemango would be great for outdoor movie night. What I did find, however, was the larger the screen display, the less vibrant the color. We projected it on a 120” screen (Amazon affiliate link) in the living room and although the images were clear and the text sharp, the picture wasn’t vibrant.

In an attempt to adjust the color, I accessed the picture configuration screen and played around with the Picture Mode and Color Temperature, but it still didn’t seem very vibrant.

However, once we set the projector up in my husband’s office, which is a smaller room than the living room, the picture became clearer and more vibrant. In his office, the projection size is about 76”, much smaller than the 120” livingroom screen.

NOTE: I’ve found it displays nicely on light-colored walls with flat paint. A movie screen is not absolutely necessary.

Audio on the Cinemango 100

I thought it to be odd that the speaker is located on the bottom of the projector. Although it’s an odd location (in my opinion) it doesn’t hinder the sound from permeating the room. The quality isn’t like a Bose speaker (few speakers are), but it is clear and more than adequate for enjoyable movie watching.

However, if you want a more full-bodied sound, you need to attach a wired speaker as the device is not Bluetooth enabled. Either that or use a device like the Amazon Fire Stick and connect your Bluetooth speaker to the Fire Stick. Just remember, you’ll only be able to listen via Bluetooth speaker when using the connected Bluetooth-enabled media source. If, for example, your movies are stored on an SD card, Bluetooth connectivity will not work.

Other Features

As with most projectors and TVs for that matter, the projector gives you the ability to adjust the picture, adjust the sound, set the timer and, select language among other functions. The only settings I’ve toyed with are Picture Mode, Color Temperature and Sound Mode. Since I’m satisfied with the display, there’s no sense in me experimenting any further. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. :)

A Few Observations

• The fan sounds loud when you turn the projector on. However, once you play a movie or sporting event, the sound of the fan gets lost in the background


• Depending on your setup, it might be worth investing in a tripod stand. If you have one or decide to buy one, make sure to also get a sturdy shelf/tray. The size and weight of this projector are too much for the standard tripod connector. It needs a shelf to support the weight.

Conclusion

I’m very happy with this Vankyo projector. At first, I was going to send it back because I wasn’t thrilled with the vibrancy. But once I put it in my husband’s office (after all it is his gift), it seems to have come to life. In my experience, it does best when the screen isn’t too large. As with all projectors, the darker the room, the more vibrant the picture.

Last Modified: 13 August 2023

Comments

• Mary December 9, 2020, 11:19 pm
  

  Have you found that you can adjust the image size? the projector seems to have that option in the controls (100%-75%) but when I adjust it nothing changes. Am I missing something?

  Thanks!

• Felicia December 10, 2020, 7:58 am
  

  Adjusting the image size is all about moving the projector closer or further away. You’d be amazed at how much of a difference moving the projector an inch or two makes.

  My hubby, who doesn’t care where or how I arrange furniture, has been meticulous about the placement of his projector to maximize the image size. 😀

• Amy C September 14, 2020, 12:09 am
  

  So glad I found this review, as I am thinking of getting one of these projectors as well as the fire stick! Hope you are still enjoying it and haven’t encountered any issues yet. Do you have a 4K fire stick or one of the older ones? I’m curious if there will be any compatibility issues with the newer 4K Fire Sticks. Thanks!

• Felicia September 14, 2020, 7:44 am
  

  Hi Amy,

  We’re still enjoying the projector. We actually have the 4K and older versions of the fire stick. Both work well with it. No compatibility issues so far. We’re very happy with it.

• Larry August 25, 2020, 6:17 pm
  

  Great product easy to use. I Love it.

• Felicia August 25, 2020, 8:57 pm
  

  Happy Anniversary!