The BlissLights USB Starport star projector is among the smallest star projectors we have ever reviewed and examined. In our BlissLights Sky Lite 2.0 Star Projector review earlier this yr, we concluded that the two.0 is a useful system that creates a enjoyable solution to see and create lights which might be similar to deep space imagery and stars, albeit not scientific.
BlissLights Starport USB star projector: Key specs
Measurement: 19D x 38W x 64H millimetres
Bulb Sort: Class 2 Laser
Rotation: No
Sleep timer: No
Speaker: No
Projection Floor: 30 x 30 ft / 10 x 10 m
It offers the consumer inventive management over the colours, lasers, pace and patterns because of its app performance and that is considerably paralleled within the USB Starport. We had been intrigued when testing the BlissLights Starport USB star projector. It did not appear to supply a lot in any respect in the best way of performance however nonetheless boasted over 6000 reviews on Amazon (opens in new tab) incomes it a decent 4.5 out of 5 stars, with most of the critiques raving about how good it’s. We needed to attempt it out for ourselves.
BlissLights Starport USB star projector: Design
- Tiny system
- Comes with a versatile gooseneck cable
- Easy enhancements can be welcomed
In the event you had been to see the BlissLights Starport USB star projector mendacity on a desk, you might be forgiven for considering it was a flash drive. That’s precisely the way it seems to be. Small, discrete, inoffensive. It is simply 2.5 inches (65mm) lengthy and weighs 2.4oz (68g). It comes with a gooseneck cable, extending it by 7.2 inches (185mm). There are not any buttons. One finish is the USB (2.0, kind A connector), and the opposite is the laser. To show it on, you plug it in, and to show it off, you pull it out.
We predict it might have been design concept to have a keyring attachment so you’ll be able to go away it along with your keys to take it out and about with you, to share with pals at their events/film nights, and many others. That may even function a word-of-mouth promotion for BlissLights to promote extra gadgets if extra folks see it in motion for themselves.
The system is made out of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), a fabric frequent in 3D printing and sometimes discovered to accommodate electronics. It has excessive resistance to impression and abrasion to guard the parts inside. We have dropped it (reasonably than thrown it) from varied heights, which had no detrimental impression in any respect.
The laser is Class 2, which is taken into account secure for regular operation, supplied you do not stare into the beam. It is not secure for youngsters or susceptible folks to be left with the system unattended because of this. The mannequin we’re testing is a blue laser, however additionally it is obtainable to buy in blue or pink.
BlissLights Starport USB star projector: Efficiency
- Lasers are very vibrant
- Makes use of subsequent to no energy
- Plug it into any USB system to energy it
We had been fairly nonchalant about making an attempt this system. In any case, it’s a plug-in laser pointer with only one laser output, no customization choices, single stable shade and no motion.
Nevertheless, after we might waited for it to go fully darkish, we plugged the USB 2.0 into an Anker power bank 325 (opens in new tab) and turned the ability on. We had been truly pleasantly stunned on the ambiance it instantly created throughout two entire rooms. The partitions and ceiling had been fully plagued by blue dots of various brightness, some vibrant, pinpoint and sharp, others slightly dimmer and fuzzier. The projection protection is as much as a considerable 30 x 30ft / 10 x 10m.
Within the daytime, the ensuing show is considerably lackluster however in fact, it is not meant for use when it is gentle. As a result of it is charged by USB, we examined it in a laptop computer, energy financial institution, and USB wall charger. The stick itself is limiting positioning-wise because it solely factors in a single course immediately from the USB system, however when you add the gooseneck cable you’ll be able to place it at whichever angle you please. The cable is not fairly robust sufficient to remain in place when holding the system with out help. We used a peg to pinch the cable collectively and hold it in place. If utilizing an influence financial institution you’ll be able to clearly additionally place this wherever you see match to regulate the place and angle of the laser beam accordingly.Â
We had some enjoyable shifting the ability financial institution with the laser pen hooked up to create some sluggish shutter pictures, in addition to teasing the cat…who cherished it.
With power prices nonetheless rising, we’re all considering of how to ‘change off’ the place doable. So it might appear to be counter-productive to have further issues plugged in simply to create a little bit of ambiance. Nevertheless, with the starport utilizing lower than 1mW of energy, the price to run it’s negligible. We do surprise why BlissLights did not simply go for it to be battery-powered, given even a small button battery would run the lasers for a whole bunch of hours!Â
BlissLights Starport USB star projector: Performance
- It might have been made to be extra purposeful
- Different gadgets provide extra options at a decrease value
- Does what it’s meant to and nothing extra
The strapline on the field reads ‘Transportable USB Star Projector’. In contrast with the likes of the Sega Toys Homestar Flux, or the National Geographic Astro Planetarium Star Projector, the variations are clear. By no means does this system provide a sensible illustration of the night time sky, so calling it a ‘star projector’ is not solely correct.Â
It does fill the room with a formidable show of blue (or inexperienced/pink relying on the mannequin) lasers. The first function is to create a cool surroundings to reinforce the ambiance in a room. Appropriate areas we are able to consider embrace events, video games rooms, music studios, house cinemas or spa rooms.
Given the affordability of reminiscence/storage, it might have been a bonus if this system might have been used as a flash drive/reminiscence stick to offer it an extra function.Â
We would additionally prefer to have a button on the aspect of it so we might flip the lasers on and off with out having to bodily unplug the system from the USB 2.0 energy supply. You might plug it into a wise plug and use voice activation to show the plug itself on or off to cease powering the system.
We might have additionally favored the flexibility to simply the brightness of the lasers. They’re very vibrant, so if it is a stress-free ambiance you are making an attempt to create, the brightness may be ‘a bit a lot’. You might make them seem dimmer through the use of a wipeable marker and drawing onto the glass itself or overlaying it with translucent tape.
Ought to I purchase the BlissLights Starport USB star projector?
This can be a easy plug-and-play system to reinforce the ambiance of a room. It lacks versatility and has minimal performance, however should you’re seeking to flood a spot with laser lights, this matches the invoice. It covers a big space with very vibrant factors of sunshine, and the value is cheap. It is best suited to these on a good finances or who aren’t fussed about shifting lasers or correct star projections. We think about this might be most loved by youthful space fans and players who wish to boost their room with some ambient lighting.
If the BlissLights Starport USB star projector is not for you
For gadgets that serve the same function — to create ambiance — that do enable some inventive management, contemplate the Encalife Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector that we reviewed beforehand.
For even higher performance, within the type of an inbuilt Bluetooth speaker, the Encalife Ambience Galaxy and Star Projector may be choice.
For a extra academic and scientific expertise, you’ll be able to’t go far incorrect with the Segatoys Homestar Flux or the marginally cheaper National Geographic Astro Planetarium. Take a look at our critiques of each gadgets to see which might be higher fitted to you.
If it is solely the actual night time sky that you just’re all in favour of, you may wish to take a learn of our round-ups of the best binoculars for stargazing, best cameras for astrophotography and the best telescopes for seeing planets.
