The Philips Screeneo U4 is an Ultra Short Throw Projector designed for indoor use, offering a versatile and user-friendly experience for media playback and presentation. Its primary function is to project images onto a surface from a very short distance, making it suitable for various room sizes and setups.
Function Description
The Screeneo U4 serves as a compact and portable projection system capable of displaying video and audio content. It features an integrated media player, allowing users to play files directly from internal memory or a connected USB storage device. The projector supports a wide range of video and audio formats, enhancing its utility as a standalone entertainment hub.
Beyond its core projection capabilities, the Screeneo U4 doubles as a Bluetooth speaker. Equipped with Dual Bluetooth 5.0 technology, it can connect to up to two Bluetooth speakers or headphones simultaneously. This feature allows users to output audio from their Bluetooth playback devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, through the projector's internal speakers or connected external audio systems. The projector's internal speakers are automatically deactivated when external speakers or headphones are connected, ensuring seamless audio routing.
The device offers multiple input options, including two HDMI ports (one with ARC support) and a USB-A port. This connectivity allows for a variety of playback devices to be connected, such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, camcorders, digital cameras, PCs, and smart sticks like Amazon Fire Stick or Roku Stick. The HDMI ARC port is particularly useful for connecting to compatible audio systems, enabling 5.1 surround sound when paired with a home cinema system.
Usage Features
Setting up the Screeneo U4 is designed to be straightforward. Users begin by placing the projector on a flat surface in front of the projection surface. The device offers automatic and manual adjustments for image focus and shape (keystone correction), ensuring a clear and rectangular image regardless of placement. The projection distance is remarkably short, ranging from 4 cm to 30.5 cm, to create screen sizes from 32" to 80". A digital zooming function further allows users to reduce the screen size by up to 50%.
The projector's user interface is primarily navigated using the supplied remote control. This remote provides access to the home screen, settings menu, and various playback controls. Key functions on the remote include power on/off, input source selection, focus adjustment, volume control, brightness mode toggling, and picture preset selection.
For initial setup, the projector guides users through selecting a display language, adjusting the projector's position for optimal screen shape and size, and setting the date and time. These steps ensure the device is configured correctly for immediate use.
When operating as a Bluetooth speaker, the projector can be easily put into pairing mode by pressing and holding specific buttons on the device. Its power LED indicates the pairing status (blinking blue for searching, solid blue for connected). The projector automatically attempts to reconnect with previously paired devices, simplifying subsequent use. Users can also disconnect or unpair Bluetooth devices as needed.
The integrated media player's interface is navigated using the remote control's navigation buttons. Users can browse folders and select media files from internal memory or USB storage. During playback, controls for pausing, fast-forwarding/rewinding, and volume adjustment are readily available. The control bar and more options menu can be accessed temporarily during playback for further adjustments.
The Screeneo U4 also includes several image and color settings to customize the viewing experience. Users can choose from predefined picture presets (Standard, User) or adjust individual color values like brightness, contrast, saturation, hue, and sharpness. HDR brightness can be set, and sound effects can be selected (Music, Cinema). Color temperature options (Warm, Cold, Standard, User) allow for fine-tuning the image's color balance. The projector also supports 2D/3D input signal formats.
Additional settings include menu position adjustment, image calibration, and the ability to turn off the projection screen without turning off the projector itself. A sleep timer can be set to automatically turn off the projector after a specified period.
Maintenance Features
Maintenance of the Screeneo U4 focuses on cleaning and software updates to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
For cleaning the projector's surfaces, a soft, lint-free cloth is recommended. Users are advised against using liquid, gaseous, or easily flammable cleansers (sprays, abrasives, polishes, alcohol) and should prevent any moisture from reaching the interior of the product. Gentle wiping is emphasized to avoid scratching the surfaces.
Cleaning the lens requires particular care. A soft brush or lens cleaning paper should be used, and liquid cleaning agents are strictly prohibited to prevent damage to the lens's coating film.
Software updates are crucial for accessing the latest features and support. The projector's software can be updated via a USB flash drive. Users need to download the update package from the Philips support website, copy the update file to the root directory of a USB flash drive, and then connect it to the projector. The settings menu provides an option for "Firmware Upgrade," which initiates the update process. It is critical not to turn off the projector or remove the USB flash drive during a software update to prevent damage.
The projector also includes a "Factory Reset" option in the settings menu, which restores the product to its default settings. This can be useful for troubleshooting or preparing the device for a new setup. After a factory reset, the projector will restart and prompt the user to set it up as new.
Regular checks of the software version and serial number are also possible through the settings menu.
Safety information emphasizes proper handling and placement of the projector, avoiding damp environments, direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and vibrations. It also highlights the importance of adequate ventilation and warns against looking directly into the projector lens due to the high-power LED. Battery safety for the remote control is also detailed, including instructions for proper insertion, replacement, and removal when not in use for extended periods.