Splay Monitor & Projector: Worth the Hype? (A Deep Dive Review)
For years, I’ve been captivated by advancements in display technology and the pursuit of superior image quality. Traditionally, I haven’t been a fan of home projectors. They often fall short of the visual fidelity offered by good TVs and monitors, and require a dedicated setup. A dark room and a large, blank wall are typically essential for a projector to perform optimally – a significant challenge in smaller, densely furnished homes. However, a projector can offer a space-efficient alternative to a large-screen TV or provide a unique outdoor viewing experience. The key is finding a projector that simplifies the “right space” requirement. Enter the Splay, a device aiming to redefine portable displays.
Introducing the Splay: A Collapsible Monitor and Projector Hybrid
Crowdfunded in 2021 by Arovia, the Splay is billed as the “first fully collapsible monitor and projector.” Essentially, it’s a portable projector featuring an integrated fabric screen that functions as a sizable portable monitor – 24.5 or 34.5 inches diagonally, depending on the model. Alternatively, you can detach the fabric screen and utilize the Splay as an ultra-short-throw projector, projecting an image up to 80 inches diagonally onto a wall. While it’s a fascinating concept, the question remains: does it deliver on its promises?
Currently priced at $1,300, the Splay has experienced periods of being sold out, but Arovia representatives have confirmed restocking plans for this month. At its core, the Splay is still a projector, and therefore won’t compete directly with high-end LCD-LED or OLED monitors in terms of pure image quality.
How Does the Splay Work? A Look Under the Hood
Arovia’s patented technology is central to the Splay’s functionality. The device features a housing with a sliding mechanism, a collapsible screen constructed from flexible, wrinkle-resistant silicone or rubber materials with optical enhancements, and multiple collapsible members supporting the screen. This allows the entire unit to fold into a remarkably compact case.
Arovia envisions the Splay being used in a variety of scenarios, including mobile workspaces, gaming, and professional applications like trade shows and presentations. The portability and all-in-one nature of the device are key selling points.
Portability and Design: Compact When Collapsed, Awkward When Extended
The Splay’s lightweight materials and bendable arms allow it to collapse into a surprisingly small case measuring just 4x4 inches and weighing 2.5 pounds. This is where the Splay truly shines. However, when fully extended, the device becomes somewhat unwieldy. Care is needed to avoid poking or tearing the fabric screen during setup.
Despite its bulk when extended, the accessibility of a large display from such a portable package is undeniably advantageous. It offers a unique solution for situations where a traditional monitor or TV isn’t practical.
Splay as a Monitor: A Novel Approach with Compromises
The Splay isn’t your typical “portable monitor.” It connects to PCs, iOS, Android devices, and gaming consoles via HDMI (or an adapter) and is powered via USB-C, allowing for operation without a wall outlet. However, its size and shape make it unsuitable for typical portable monitor use cases like coffee shops or small home offices.
Compared to conventional portable monitors, the Splay is considerably bulkier. This is partly due to the larger screen size (around 14 inches) but primarily because of the significant depth of the monitor’s rear section – protruding approximately 19 to 21 inches from the front of the display.
The control center, housing the power button, sharpness adjustment, brightness controls, and integrated speakers, is located far back (about 6.25 inches) even before connecting cables. A tripod (a small tabletop version is included) is essential for proper height and adjustability.
The Splay’s cumbersome size and shape make it less convenient to transport and position than traditional portable monitors. Once set up, I found myself hesitant to pack it away or move it to another room. Despite these drawbacks, the Splay represents a unique attempt to bring a monitor-sized display to more diverse locations.
Image Quality as a Monitor
Arovia claims a maximum brightness of 760 nits. In well-lit or sunny rooms, the display remained sufficiently bright, even when positioned perpendicular to a window. Colors were somewhat washed out compared to a standard computer monitor, but acceptable for secondary display purposes. Close inspection reveals a subtle fabric texture within the image.
However, the Splay struggles significantly with text clarity. The lower pixel density and projector technology result in a noticeably soft image, making extended reading a strain. With a resolution of 1920x1080, the 24.5-inch display has a pixel density of only 89.9 pixels per inch.
Given the availability of more portable and easier-to-set-up 24-inch monitors with superior image quality, the Splay’s value proposition hinges on its dual functionality as a projector.
Splay as a Projector: Where It Truly Shines
Transforming the Splay into a projector involves unzipping the fabric shroud and releasing the device from its four-armed holster. Once deployed, it functions as an ultra-short-throw pico projector with automatic keystone correction, ensuring a rectangular image even when positioned at an angle.
Arovia states the projector can achieve up to 285 lumens and project an image up to 80 inches diagonally. This is where the Splay’s value becomes apparent. Unlike many projectors, the Splay remains practical in confined spaces. The integrated screen eliminates the need to find a suitable projection surface.
The Advantage of an All-in-One Solution
The Splay’s portability and self-contained design address a common barrier to projector adoption: the need for a dedicated setup and a suitable projection surface. It’s a truly all-in-one solution.
Who is the Splay For? Niche Appeal and B2B Focus
The Splay is a niche product with a premium price tag. It’s not surprising that Arovia’s website currently emphasizes business-to-business (B2B) applications, such as sports coaches and analysts using it to review footage and data. It’s similar to the growing trend of large-screen tablets on wheels used by businesses and public sector organizations.
However, the Splay’s unique properties also suggest potential for personal projectors. While it’s a subpar “portable monitor,” its duality significantly enhances its value as a projector. The Splay has demonstrated that projectors can be more compact and versatile than I previously thought, though obstacles to regular projector use still remain.
Final Verdict: A Promising Concept with Room for Improvement
The Splay Monitor & Projector is an innovative device that attempts to bridge the gap between portable monitors and projectors. While it doesn’t excel as a traditional portable monitor due to its bulk and image quality limitations, its unique combination of features and portability makes it a compelling option for specific use cases. The automatic keystone correction and integrated screen are particularly noteworthy. If you frequently need a portable display and occasionally require a projector, the Splay is worth considering. However, be prepared to pay a premium for its versatility and accept some compromises in image quality. The future of portable displays may well include more hybrid devices like the Splay, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile viewing and presentation. Keep an eye on GearTech for further updates on this evolving technology.
- Pros: Highly portable, all-in-one design, integrated screen, automatic keystone correction.
- Cons: Expensive, bulky as a monitor, subpar text clarity, color accuracy could be improved.