(UPDATED) Nebula Cosmos 4K SE - Projectors got smarter
Here’s the video about my new home cinema projector and how (or if) it’s worked out for me.
When I bought my refurb model it seemed like a good deal (relatively speaking) at £900 rather than the £1300 of a new one. However currently the new ones are being discounted to £1000, so now I'd probably pay the extra for an unused one. Affiliate links are on YouTube!
In other news...
It’s been quite the week. Unseen to all, a runaway unattended parked car rolled down the hill, crossed the road, proceeded diagonally across the neighbour’s lawn, only to be stopped when it hit a car, my car which was parked 'safely' on my drive. While my car only suffered light damage it's a load of unwanted admin and time to sort it out. This has convinced me that driverless cars are a bad idea.
As for the health stuff, Liver Biopsy 2 (electric boogaloo) unfortunately proved to be another bust. This one had been CT guided to be more accurate and as a result had taken a lot longer.
The health team must have assumed that after a few days of freedom I'd be pining for more hospital appointments and so they sent me (and my liver) to get another MRI on Wednesday. I’m getting so used to these that I briefly nodded off in the tunnel. Although every time they squeeze me into one of these devices I’m reminded of David Banner’s mishap. Nil by mouth made him particularly hangry.
I don’t know what’s next, but I’ve pretty much had it with biopsies now, if the doctors suggest that they'd like another try I’ll likely opt to just take my chances instead, like everyone else who doesn't get weekly medical checks has to.
In amongst all that nonsense, I’ve finally got this video finished. Unfortunately it turned out my wireless mic receiver managed to wobble a fraction loose from the Sony camera MI hot-shoe for some scenes. So if you think the audio isn’t great in places, that’s because the audio isn’t great in places. I must remember to set the mic to also record a local backup in future.
Take care and have a good weekend.
UPDATE: There are now two versions of this video.
The full verbose 38 minute one is embedded and linked above
Alternatively a more matter-of-fact 18-ish minute version can now be found here:
https://youtu.be/K0CxT7mYZo8
It’s your choice which one to watch (if any), however I’ll only be posting the short version to the Youtube subscriber feed with the long version linked in the video description.
Update 2 - shaved another 15 secs off the short version and made a few fixes to timings in places. Uploaded the new one and swapped the link out.
Comments (56)
'Version Longue' 😁 À la française
Yes it’s a nod to DVDs like ‘The Big Blue’ which were sold in the UK with a ‘Version Longue’ on the box. Just one of those odd things that stuck in the mind.
I know I said on the last video that my projector hadn't been turned on in years, but that's because it's only 1080, so why would I watch that over the 4k TV. I didn't realize 4k laser projectors had gotten so affordable though, and now have a HiSense C3 Pro on the way to replace my old BenQ!
Totally off topic... is that a Casio G-Shock? If I had a better internet connection, I'd be able to watch in a higher resolution and probably read the text on it!
It is - I have no use for another watch, but I treated myself when I was at rock bottom.
When I had a projector mounted up high I had to flip it upside down because the optics are asymmetrical and it keeps the plane of focus parallel to the screen. They don’t seem to have allowed for that with this case design.
If I may make a suggestion regarding your new set (no? ...oh.. oh okay), if you got a couple of those cheap long mirrors made to hang on your closet door, and put them on each end of your shelves, facing inward so they reflect what's on the shelves, it might help to make the background feel less narrow with the illusion of extended shelves. Obviously if you look at it for a moment, you'll see the illusion, but generally maybe it would help?
I’ve found mirrors in the background to be problematic. The neon sign of a cassette has a mirrored background and came out of storage to use in the room. I used it in one video, saw it didn’t look good in the edit and swapped it for the boombox one you see in this video …just as I had previously in the other studio.
Rather than use eARC, could you use a cheap (but decent) Bluetooth adapter plugged into the stereo system? That would eliminate a lot of redundancy and simplify the setup
Not if I want to send audio off to a pair of stereo HomePods…or AirPods, using Airplay.
In all honesty, I was more surprised to learn you still had *some* interest in new tech (however mildly). 😅 Aside from that, Sony should hire you as a writer for the next Final Destination movie with all these gruesome stories you seem to keep in the back of your mind.
Late to the party, as I was out and about this weekend. I watched both the long and short versions to see what had changed. I really enjoyed the longer one. It had a bit of an Oddcast vibe, which I liked. I did wonder, though, why you gave those self-declared purists and their overly fussy comments quite so much room in the video. Those sorts of armchair opinions will show up either way. The shorter version is a good edit and probably the one I'd rewatch if I needed a quick refresher on home cinema basics. I'm not very familiar with cinema projectors, though I occasionally use one at work and at a club I'm part of. Unfamiliar in the sense that I wouldn't really know what to look for if I were buying one myself. Your video works really well as an introduction, not just to what's currently available, but also to what kind of space and setup is needed. What gives me pause, though, is all the "smart" Apple/Google-style fluff that seems to come built in. I'd honestly prefer a projector to be as dumb as possible (regarding internet connectivity). That might be an unusual and unrealistic preference these days, but I haven't owned a TV in over 15 years. In my mind, all a projector (or TV) needs is a decent set of ports and a simple way to switch between them. Other than that, I hope your run of bad luck is over soon. A damaged car on top of countless (and so far inconclusive) medical examinations... sounds like you're not getting a break.
Your studio backdrop is looking suitably warmer! Love the look!
Thoroughly enjoyed your video. I'm considering upgrading my 'vintage' 55" OLED to a 65" and rotating my viewing area by 90˚ to give me more distance, so all talk of home cinema tech is interesting, and it's great as always just to listen to you talking things through. Sorry to hear about the car incident. Cars are a menace! I've been able to avoid driving since 2021. The house next-door to my mum's was struck by a speeding car (I think it was a BMW) and it literally took out the whole front wall of the house. I don't know if any projectors were harmed in the incident.
We just watched the shorter edit version and it was great! Lovely to see you so energetic and we learnt a lot. Enjoy the hole cinema!!
Getting ready to upgrade my backyard cinema, so paying close attention here. Let me say, what may not be an original thought, but your videos, on the other side of your medical adventure, have a great, renewed energy to them; you can feel it in the editing. So grand to have you back. Enjoy!
To add to the useless medical advice you didn't ask for ... I had to get a couple of MRI's after a car wreck, and the first time was one was miserable. But before the second one, I popped a couple of xanax and it felt like I was in there for maybe 2 mins - but it was 20 mins and I was done. Amazing difference, so if you got some xanax, give it a try if you're going to be back in the tube again.
It’s a prescription drug only in the UK. However the last MRI was fine, I managed to find a much more comfortable position than the previous one when the blood to my legs was getting cut off with a pillow thing.
Gotta say, that 95" Mario Kart footage has sold me on the bigger screen! I think you've made the right call with providing two versions of this video (I enjoyed both, but the shortened one didn't feel too "just the facts," your personality still shines through.) Hope you're able to finally get some answers on the health stuff, and that the car isn't too troublesome to get fixed!
1:55 - watch alert - someone spotted in the backyard, better see who it is Mat lol.
Firs thing i noticed - the studio looks great Mat! great lighting too, love the warm white.
That auto-fit feature is very impressive!
Yes, given the use case, absolutely worth giving up some fidelity for that feature.
Good solid video! I’ll be in the market for a projector in the next year or so and am contemplating a short throw laser projector and one of the ambient light rejection screens which apparently can help with a reasonable picture under normal living room light conditions.
Great video! I’ve never considered getting a projector as I don’t have anywhere to set it up “properly.” Seeing how easy and effective the auto setup is these days is very interesting. Off to do some measuring and calculating!
Wow - that auto adjust is a game changer!
On a Chromecast with Google TV the uptime resets whenever you power down the Chromecast. I'd wager that the Cosmos 4K SE works the same, so that Uptime menu item might not really be showing how long the previous user has used the projector. Thanks for a good video, and I am happy to read, see and hear that you are doing much better. Finally I appreciated your cat (Whiskers?) doing a cameo in the last video, very cute! :)
Next time I use it I’ll check the timer again
Thanks for sharing the health stuff… sorry it’s being such hell for you… and the car too! 🙁 Seem to see this a lot these days incredibly. Wonder if it’s because as cars get more modern, they do away with the old cable handbrake and have a button the size of a pinhead somewhere to set the parking brake. Almost feels like it’s not “if” driverless car hits yours, but rather when! Still looking good Mat! 😉 Regards
eh, modern cars will automatically electronically engage something similar to a cable handbrake once the engine is off, so its not really something that could be caused by a single button breaking unless it was someone doing something your not supposed to do a leaving the car running
That auto screen adjustment is really impressive. Thankfully my Beamer is in a fixed position because finding the exact optimal location and setting up the picture was a nightmare.
Happy to know you're in good health! Enjoy the Mario Kart World hype on the big screen, knockout races are so fun
Very interesting to see how projectors have moved on. I'm toying with the idea of buying a narrowboat and they don't really have space for big TVs, so a good projector would be the perfect space-saving solution. Something I would want to consider is heat, being LED do these modern projectors generally run much cooler?
I didn' reallty notice, it seemed warm but not hot. Next time I use it I'll check.
You’ve been in my thoughts these past weeks, hope the doctors can stop messing around and get you sorted out as soon as possible. All the best from California
It seems you’re having the similar health problems that I have. Keep your chin up!
One thing, (btw, enjoyed the video), it seems to me you’re enjoying being whole again and able to produce these videos. Perhaps that’s why you delved a little deeper into the profundity of projectors. Maybe it was me, but when you were in the middle of your struggles at the first of the year, one could almost feel the discomfort you had to endure to film all the necessary shots. It’s so obvious the perturbation of presenting is gone… and that makes me happy. Oh, and one suggestion to add to your ‘Rockford Pad’: a cat door for Bees Knees, I miss the little guy.
As a 4K projector owner already, I really enjoyed that. Thank you. Nice to see what else is available now. Mind you, I can’t seem get my Switch 2 looking quite right on mine. The HDR seems to be giving everything quite a foggy look, which does at least put me in mind of the N64 days. All the best.
Unlike a few who think this video is too long and too detailed, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although not a potential buyer, I am fascinated by projector tech, so I found your video informative, the workarounds interesting and, as always, well presented.
So good to see that your amazing energy have come back with a revenge and it’s absolutely marinating the whole video! Just pure joy! 😄 I like the frequent change of camera position throughout the video. It keeps the pace up. I dont think the video is to long. Its perfect. I do miss info about the hdr-experience. To me good hdr is a quite important part of a great movie experience. 🍺😁👌🏻
• Dye-No-Mite! There's the portable 8-track players, the orange telephone, and the 'On Air' sign. The universe has re-aligned 🧡. Also, the nice angled camera placement echoes Studio One. • That's a very nice chilling-out chair that you have there. • No kidding about loo breaks. Don't you have to go into the house and all the way up the stairs? 😣 The Mrs probably wouldn't approve of a portable john in the back garden. • Check out 'Trippy Everything' for all your trippy video projecting needs. https://youtu.be/R2PiVXjanws • *Chortles* the 'Rockford Files' mobile home reference really tickled me. • Magic Mic.... 🤔😆 • You'll have Swiss Cheese Liver at this rate. • Say it ain't so - the Little Green Techmoan Machine (AKA Honda E) didn't get a crunch, did it? 🤕 How many shrubs, trees, and street lamps did the car hit before it got to your place? As always, you've created an entertaining video venture. Please take care and dodge those pesky errant automobiles 🤍.
Yes unfortunately it was the Honda E. No one would really know anything had happened until they looked closely at the panel gaps and the angle of the front wing. It also took out a couple of parking sensors on the bumper, so it needs fixing. As for object avoidance, the unmanned (unpersonned?) car did a stirling job of missing everything, with the one exception at the end. Oh yes and the one loo is upstairs in the house, much to everyone’s chagrin.
The shed looks amazing!! Is there any place for the puppets in there?
Would love to see them part of the backdrop, as a throwback
Laughed out loud at the observation ‘I’m not them - which I’m very glad about.’ Amazing how such innocuous videos can generate such fury from certain corners of the internet!
I have to admit, I got a good chuckle (or two) out of the "driverless cars" bit.
4:00 a.m. and I get an alert from the IPad at my bedside stand--Flippin' 'eck! Oh, hang on--it's a new Techmoan video. Good thing I was already (kinda) awake already. While home cinema projectors aren't really my thing, it's still interesting to see how you're getting on with your setup so it's good to see that it's working out well for you. However, I doubt that The Missus will cotton to the idea of sitting on a folding chair to watch movies.🤔 You may need to get another shed with another projector and screen for that--perhaps they could stack it on top of the current one.😉
Mannix!
I’m not sure cars driven by humans are much better. A month or so ago my parents suffered a neighbour from across the road (a good 40m) reversing into their front wall and taking out 2 trees in the front garden and writing off their car, whilst narrowly missing their house.
I presume it's the old automatic problem where they accidentally press the accelerator instead of the brake and then when it's not stopping just press it more. I blame Crocs.
Ooh, wasn't expecting a video so soon, will look forward to watching it this evening. That's annoying about the car, you assume when your car is on your drive it's safe. Maybe have a look online for car portable force fields on eBay? They're bound to have invented them by now. I guess a lot of people might have odd looking livers but we'd never know unless they checked, I suppose it's good they're being determined and cautious to make sure?
It's one of those annoying what if things. If I was out, or if there was another car on the road to block the path (as there normally would be) - but also if my car wasn't there to stop it the hill gets much steeper further down and I think their car would have ended up in someones front room.
I had to have a muscle biopsy years ago, first attempt they tried to do using local anaesthetic; even though they screened my view of my leg I could still feel what was going on, my imagination's too good for my own good, ended up going white as a sheet and came close to vomiting. They tried two more times but same problem, ended up having to get me back in and do it under general instead. Went from a 1cm scar, that would have healed over time, to a 3" one that I've still got. At least the dip in my muscle eventually filled in, that took years.
Ooh, just noticed, bought yourself a Switch 2, too!
Have you asked the doctors what makes a biopsy so challenging to get right?
They told me at the time - my liver is 'very vascular' - so covered in veins in the area they want to test. As a result it seems it's an especially risky procedure as if they nick one of those it's a big problem. Hence why I'm rather reluctant to continue pushing my luck.