LG – PF50KA 1080p Wireless Smart DLP Portable Projector – White

The LG PF50KA CineBeam projector is an incredible projector that anyone could find useful; however, it is very suited to those who have already or are considering cutting the cable TV/satellite subscription cord of which I am one. In addition, this projector has quite a few nice surprises that makes what at first seems like a high price point into a true value prospect.
This review will occur in 3 parts – Tech Specs, Usage Impressions, and pros/cons:
Tech Specs
Even though each of you can read the tech specs from the product description page, let me point out a few key specs that I find to be key to this projector and its value proposition. First – this is a FULL HD projector with a 1920X1080 resolution. Second, this projector is a LED RGB driven projector with a lamp life of up to 30,000 hours – which equates to 3750 days with 8 hours of usage per day assuming you made it to the full lamp life – that is over 10 years! Second, this projector is equipped with LG Smart TV content that is built on LG WebOS – which is a Linux kernel-based multitasking operating system for smart devices – such as TVs and projectors and allows the projector to act as a streaming device, which means it does have WiFi and well as Bluetooth. Third, as this is cool for the cord-cutters – it has a Digital TV tuner built-in – which means that one can connect an antenna and get local over-the-air channels for your tv viewing pleasure, without having to get another device to tune the stations for you. The fourth and final key feature for me is that this projector has a 12,000 mAh battery- yes you read that correctly it has a battery – that provides up to 2.5 hours of projection without needing a power cord.
Now for the other tech specs – it has, in addition to the Digital TV Turner it has 2 HDMI, 1 USB Type A (for use as a DivX, MP3, presentation file, and Photo source), a USB Type C (allows FHD video transfer and display from compatible devices, as well as laptop/mobile device charging, all at the same time over a single cable), LAN connector, and audio out via a 3.5mm connector (see pictures for a look at the connector panel). The backplane also has a power switch (switching to on puts the projector in standby mode) and DC power connector ports as well as a security lock port.
The top of the unit has channel and volume controls, the Focus Ring and a power toggle button on the top. The bottom of the unit has an adjustable leg and a standard ¼” Tripod mounting hole.
Usage Impressions
My wife and I have been using a projector as our TV for about 1.5 years and we’ll likely never buy another TV because we find it to be the best viewing option for the money. Thus, this projector is very appealing for the capabilities discussed above. I have found this projector to be a high-value device and very useful. I currently have this device set up in my office with it projecting a 91-92” diagonal screen with a projection distance of 10 feet, 8 inches. The 600 Lumens rating for this projector means that the room needs to be lightly lit or dark for the screen to not be slightly washed out (see images accompanying this review for a darkened room vs a lit room). The picture is clear and shows no projection issues and the system has both an auto keystone and manual keystone correction capabilities.
Since this projector has Smart TV functions, I tested these out via a WiFi connection and these were enabled without issues. Installation of the Hulu app was done with ease. I will state that the number of apps available are limited and having more would increase its value. YouTube, Hulu, and Netflix are the most notable apps.
The projector has a variety of audio connection capabilities in addition to a built-in 1W+1W speaker. The speaker is a little light and on the tinny side. However, the projector does have Bluetooth capabilities that I was able to test with a sound bar that I own, and it worked great.
One key thing to know about this projector is that there are no controls on the projector itself. So, you must either have the remote or you can use your smartphone – but this must be set up beforehand to be used.
On a final note, I will state that this projector is a high quality and sturdy device that was accidentally tested as the power cord was tripped on and the projector took a fall to the floor while it was on and no issues have been noted as a result.
Pros: Features/Capabilities (TV tuner, Battery), Portability, Quality, Performance
Cons: Built-in speaker, lack of interface on the projector, limited app availability

LG has developed a fantastic portable projector here.
The initial setup is a breeze, I plugged in the unit to let it charge, then fired it up. It walks you through the process of connecting it to a wireless network, and setting up the tuner should you want to use it. A neat feature is that it uses a voice to read you the menu options you are on, for use by anyone who is visually impaired.
The navigation and focus buttons on the top are very easy to use for adjusting the picture and volume. The device also has a little center pad on the bottom that can be screwed in or out to adjust elevation and angle. The built in menu system is intuitive but very basic – you can see the inputs and apps along the bottom of the screen and you select the app or input you want to use. I was able to setup my Netflix account, as well as browse Youtube via the built in apps and they worked just fine. I did find that you need to make sure the remote is pointed directly at the projector for it to work reliably – but it was very simple to navigate.
As for hook up to external devices, I plugged my laptop into the HDMI port, and it worked just as you would hope. My favorite part though was when I took my chromecast, and roku stick, and plugged them into the HDMI/USB port. I was concerned if it would power the device or not – and it did! I was able to stream from my phone, my tablet, or my chrome browser right to the device – just like I would my TV. The fact that I can hook up a smart stick to it, really makes it a go anywhere device for me as I can stream anything that I normally would to my TV right off of my phone or tablet!
The most important thing here is Picture Quality – and it is fantastic. I have included two pictures of it in use – The first is just it projecting onto a kitchen wall in a dim but reasonably lit room, and you can see it has deep colors and is full 1080p. Second I brought it into my basement, and projected it onto the wall – I hope the picture does it justice because even at that size it looked great –
It produces decent sound – the volume is respectable, but its speakers are small, and do not produce any sort of bass. I was pleased with how well it performed on its own, and in a small setting would be just fine, but it is not going to produce a deep movie quality sound. – I was able to pair it to my bluetooth speaker though just fine, and was unable to notice any delay or lag between the sound and the picture.
I could not be happier with the picture quality that this device puts out all the way up to that size. This portable projector by far exceeded my expectations, and I look forward to using it at work, as well as at home for outdoor movies!

Video Projectors have been around a very time, I remember using one back in the 80’s that was the size of a washing machine, had three large projector lenses for red, green and blue. The quality of those older systems were terrible, and it’s not really fair to compare. The point here is that projectors have been around for years, and are definitely here to stay. The LG PF50KA is a huge leap forward in quality and capability, and I’m blown away by it’s performance! I’m not going to bore you with all the technical details on this system, if you are like I am – you’ve already done your research which brought you to this projector. I hooked mine up quickly without any difficulty (I didn’t even consult the manual initially). I happen to have a projection screen, back from the day when I used it to show 35mm slides (I know, I’m old…). The screen surface is perfect for projecting on, and displays amazingly bright and crisp video reproduction. A screen like this is also recommended if you plan on using the projector during daylight hours. No projector will provide the same quality in daylight, in a bright room as a typical TV set would. That’s why movie theaters are dark! It’s in a dark room that this projector shines (no pun intended). Besides the insanely good picture quality, LG also packed it full of great features! There are full plethora of APPS built-in, which you’d expect (NetFlix, YouTube, Hulu, etc.). I found each of the apps to perform perfectly well, with no lag or hesitation. I also plugged my FireStick in one of the two HDMI ports on the back, and it performed like a champ too. HD video content was awesome, with little to no banding noticeable. A huge benefit that this projector has over my 65″ TV is that there are no viewing angle issues. You can sit anywhere in the room and see the same quality that you would sitting straight on. I really loved all of the ports provided in this projector, that allow you every conceivable way to input video. It even has a coaxial connector, which made me nostalgic since cable seems to be fading away in favor of streaming. I had a ball playing with this thing, trying out all of its cool features. I highly recommend taking the time to read the user’s guide, and trying out everything before you mount the projector permanently. Although you really shouldn’t mount this permanently anyhow since this mighty mini can run on it’s built-in battery for up to 2 1/2 hours! I’m definitely planning on taking this on vacation with us, which should be fun! It’s difficult to find any faults with the projector, since what’s most important to me is the quality of the picture displayed. It is superb! I will say that the remote control isn’t my favorite part of the projector. It took a bit of getting used to, and I really wish it was back lit. I don’t know why manufacturers don’t do this as a normal feature. The room is dark – how does one see the buttons? Seems like an obvious thing… The Setup initially on the projector is super simple, it walks you through step by step – and is completed in no time. I chuckled a little when it referred to the remote control included, and showed a graphic of a different remote control. LG needs to proof this, and clean that up along with its User’s Guide. The guide is just “okay”, I’ve struggled through much worse. I also wish there was more options in the Setup and Configurations menu. I suspect they don’t add more settings on purpose as this unit is targeted at the typical family buyer. The less things to ‘tweak’, the better off the end user will be. This is exactly what Apple does too by the way, with its own products. Ultimately I connected my XBox One S via an HDMI cable, connected wireless to my home WiFi, and Bluetooth sound out to my AV Receiver. I watched Planet Earth 4K Blu-Ray and cranked the audio. It was amazing! I also watched Soccer and Nascar live – and the video was crisp and fluid. Really, really nice! I plan on doing more reviews on this unit as time goes on. It’s capable of projecting up to 100 inches! I will have to clear a wall for that, but it’ll be worth it! For now my 70″ Da-Lite screen is just fine, actually it’s incredible. Family movie night is forever changed and upgraded! If you are considering a projector for the home, for movies, for displaying photos, for streaming videos, for playing Xbox or PS4 video games on – get this unit! You will not be disappointed! You can spend more money on other projectors, but this one is a steal at twice the cost! I’m very choosy when it comes to electronics, and I don’t hesitate returning something that doesn’t impress me. This one made the grade, and it’s definitely a keeper! Good job LG!

Quick Thoughts:
Beautiful picture from a small and portable projector. Feature rich with some shortfalls.
Pros:
– Small footprint
– tons of inputs
– built in hd OTA tuner
– 1080P sharpness
– colors pop
– visible in sunlit room (not direct sunlight)
– has smart apps built in
– webOs interface is excellent
– uses a dslr camera mount at the bottom ( was able to put on tripod
– built in speakers
– interface response is fast
Cons:
– remote is not backlit
– don’t lose remote because the on unit buttons are horrible
– very loud and audible during quite scenes or quite room
– no auto focus
– halo border around picture is distracting and tends to make picture look like a trapezoid (keystone correction)
– no way to adjust size of picture without moving projector
– right angle cord flat cord makes it hard to plug into recessed power box (can swap this portion with regular plug)
– voice recognition would of been awesome
– No lens cap or carrying case/pouch included
Overall Thoughts:
The LG PF50KA 1080P wireless smart DLP projector delivers crystal clear viewing on pretty much any surface you project it on.
Feature rich projector with youtube, netflix, hulu, to name a few included in the WebOs interface.
I used my windows 10 pc to extend my desktop without wire to the projector. Very cool feature not included in a lot of the home theater projectors I have seen.
I was able to use the projector in a sun lit room and the display was easily visible. The colors and sharpness could not be appreciated as much as when the room was darkened or viewing at night in a theater like atmosphere.
I took off one star for the very important shortfall. There is no picture shape adjustment other than ratio. I was unable to change image size without moving projector. So if you have a movie room with a fixed location for your projector it might not be an ideal location for the screen size. When you look at the LG website, the users have the projector sitting in front of them. That’s a little different than how most people setup projectors at home.
Gaming, music videos, movies, all look amazing.
It is great that you can use this as a stand alone unit. Also includes Bluetooth audio connectivity.
Can’t wait to watch a movie outside during a pool party.