CZUR StarryHub Review: A Smart Projector with AI Intelligence and Much More

I reviewed the CZUR Fancy Pro scanner some time ago and was impressed. So I was excited when the company reached out about an Indiegogo campaign for their newest product, the StarryHub AI projector. As they explain, “This revolutionary device combines a high-resolution projector and camera, offering an unparalleled immersive and interactive experience.” Let’s take a look.

I was impressed when an early production sample arrived; the StarryHub is unlike any projector I have seen. A 2200ANSI high-brightness LED projector; the compact StarryHub incorporates an integrated AI camera, has a 6-mic array, and includes a professional speaker.

In addition, the CZUR StarryHub has a powerful, open Android system built in, includes an innovative touchpad for control, and much more. It is a powerful device that is ideal for work presentations, video conference calls, immersive gaming, or just kicking back and enjoying a movie on the weekend.

The StarryHub projector has a powerful lamp that can deliver up to 2200 ANSI Lumens. It is bright enough that movies, games, or apps can be projected on screens up to 150″ in size; you can also simply project the image onto a wall, but it also has a camera on the back so you can use the StarryHub for video calls or online meetings.

This is a feature we’ve never seen on a projector, and it definitely makes the StarryHub stand out. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Inside the box, you’ll get the StarryHub main unit, a power adapter with interchangeable wall plugs so you can use it in most countries, the TouchBoard input device, and a quick user guide.

The StarryHub unit is a simple cube measuring 7.2″ by 7.2″ by 8.7″.On the front, there is a large projector lens.

On the back there is an Ethernet port, an HDMI port, a USB-A 2.0 port, a USB-A 3.0 port and the input for the power cable. There is also the aforementioned rear-facing camera for video conferencing.

On one side, there is a power button.

The other side has a grill that protects the built-in speaker.

The top of the device has a series of holes for the six microphone array. Three pogo plugs in a slightly recessed area on top connect to the included touchpad for charging. Magnets hold the touchpad in place when not in use.

The camera on the back allows you to do video chatting, online meetings, or streaming with ease.

To make your experience even more convenient and enjoyable, they have also designed a smart touchpad and keyboard that lets you easily control the StarryHub. You can use them as remote controls or as input devices for typing or drawing.

CZUR StarryHub Features Include:

• A camera with auto-focus, a 12-degree wide-angle view, and the ability to automatically convert audio to editable word files.
• Support for Android, iPhone, Mac, and Windows devices
• Ability to connect up to 4 devices at the same time
• Six built-in speakers and microphones
• HDMI port, LAN, USB3.0, USB2.0, and DC ports for easy connectivity
• 2200 ANSI Lumens, ensuring clear images even during daytime use
• 0.47″ DMD, 1920*1080 Native, supporting 4K resolution
• Eco-friendly LED light source with a 25,000-hour lifespan, enabling 10 years of 6-hour daily usage;
• Automatic focus and correction
• Whisper-quiet operation at just <24dB, making it virtually noiseless and heat-free
• Unique 0.8 golden projection ratio, creating an 80″ screen from only 1.45m away, perfect for 60-150″ displays
• Convenient built-in adjustable stand for optimal viewing angles

Let’s dig into some of the more unique features that make the Starry Hub stand out.

The StarryHub can be used like a normal projector; you can plug an HDMI cable in, fire up a video and enjoy it, or you can connect a device wirelessly and stream content. But that’s only the beginning.

The StarryHub incorporates an open Android system, which means you can install apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu content onto a large screen or wall for movie night. This is especially important since some streaming apps don’t allow content to be sent to projectors.

Having Android built into the projector allows any DRM issues to be entirely avoided.

StarryHub comes pre-installed with Teams, Zoom, and Skype, but because it includes an open Android system, you can download everything from games to productivity apps. When you do, the StarryHub essentially becomes the largest Android tablet you’ve ever seen.

And while any projector can provide an immersive big-screen experience, the StarryHub’s auto-focus technology and diffused light projection create an experience that the company describes as “more eye-friendly.”

CZUR StarryHub Split Screen Projection

StarryHub is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Linux, ChromeOS, and other systems. That means it supports a range of streaming protocols, including Miracast, AirPlay, Chromecast, and DLNA.

A few years ago, smart projectors began supporting Screen Casting from computers and mobile devices, but StarryHub takes this technology to a new level.

Thanks to the advanced wireless transmission technology built into it, StarryHub can simultaneously mirror content from 4four different smart devices — like computers, tablets, and smartphones — simultaneously.

That means, for example, half the screen can show images from a recent trip while the kids can use another part of the screen to entertain themselves with their favorite game.

Or, consider this, you can watch a movie on 2/3s of the screen while using the remaining third to Google information about the actors. I’m honestly not sure how often I’ll use this feature, but it is cool tech that speaks to just how advanced this system is.

Integrated AI HD Camera & AI Pickup

What really caught my eye when the StarryHub was first brought to my attention was the integrated 1080P FHD camera on the back and the AI six-microphone circular array on the top.

• The 1080P FHD AI Camera offers a 120-degree ultra-wide-angle view and captures whoever is sitting behind the device. That makes for a more seamless video conference experience. And, thanks to proprietary AI technology, the camera offers superb clarity and intelligent distortion correction; it can even “touch up” images in real-time.
• The six AI Microphone array offers 360-degree omnidirectional sound and is able to capture voices from up to 8-10 meters away. Automatic echo cancellation and intelligent noise suppression keep environmental noise to a minimum to further improve voice clarity.
• The 10W professional speakers built into the StarryHub are powerful enough to let you enjoy videos while also delivering clearer vocals during conference calls.

In other words, the StarryHub replaces the need to purchase a projector, a camera, a speaker, and a good-quality microphone.

One small device takes care of all of that functionality in a smart, AI-powered device. I honestly wish I had this during the year when we were locked down and working remotely 100% of the time.

CZUR StarryHub’s Smart TouchBoard

The CZUR StarryHub’s Smart TouchBoard is the final innovation that makes the projector stand out. A small device about the size of a smartphone, it sits on top of the StarryHub for charging and is at your fingertips when you go to use the projector.

As the company explains,

Our innovative TouchBoard, included as seamlessly combines touch control, gesture operation, and a full keyboard that automatically lights up for swift input. Enjoy efficient operation on any interface with this 3-in-1 solution.

For added convenience, when the TouchBoard is placed on top of the StarryHub, the projector automatically enters sleep mode, turns off the screen, and begins recharging the TouchBoard. Embedded magnets help properly align the TouchBoard with the Pogo plugs and keep it in place.

When you need to use the StarryHub again, you only need to pick up the TouchBoard, and the projector wakes up and illuminates the display.

I’ll be honest and admit there was a learning curve for me while using the TouchBoard. It is fairly self-explanatory when put into keyboard mode, but it took me some time to become comfortable with the touch control functionality. Once I did get the knack of it, however, I understood why this is an incredible innovation that is, itself, worth attention.

The CZUR StarryHub is an innovative product that takes traditional projectors to a new level. The autofocus delivers a crisp, clean image. The wireless mirroring from a range of different devices means almost anyone can make use of it. The rear-facing camera, AI microphone array, and 10W speaker mean the unit is self-contained and ready for a day of conference calls.

The split screen feature means that multiple people can enjoy different activities simultaneously on the 150′ image. The TouchBoard gives a level of control over the StarryHub that can’t be achieved with standard remotes while keeping the main device’s lines as clean and uncomplicated as possible.

As the company notes,

StarryHub stands unrivaled in every aspect. Its all-in-one design saves money and simplifies setup. StarryHub is perfect for home entertainment, outdoor camping, home office, and even sharing in company conference rooms.

The StarryHub is currently available for pre-order on Indiegogo at a steep discount over the expected selling price of $1499. At the time of this post, you can still get one for just $699. You can also order a wireless keyboard, carry bag, and wireless connector on the project page.

The StarryHub is so powerful and can be used in so many different ways that I’m still learning about it. So far, however, I like what I see. Check out the project page and order yours at a huge discount before the campaign ends.

The CZUR StarryHub sells for $699; it is available for backing on Indiegogo, with shipping beginning in August.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Small but powerful; Sharp 4K output with autofocus; Open Android on board for downloading apps; Connect mobile devices via a cable or wirelessly; TouchBoard offers complete control; Microphone array with AI picks up voices clearly; 10W speaker gets fairly loud; The AI camera is ideal for video chats and presentations; Portable

What Needs Improvement: The learning curve was somewhat steep for me because there are so many features!