Projector for the Cali

[OooOooTheMonkey]

Hi everyone. I’ve run a search on the forum for the Nebula as looking to get a protector for this year’s trips. A lot of the posts are quite old. What’s the general consensus these days? Nebula still the best choice? Which model Nebula is best? Might need to be used in the daytime if it’s rainy so need one that’s bright enough. Do I need a screen or can I use the van’s blind? Also, I presume these things can download, have their own speaker etc?

Thanks!!

 

[Ghostbuster]

If I had the spare cash my choice would be the Benq GV50

 

[California Rob]

having already owned a nebula and screen and used it inside the van if i had my time again i wouldn't bother a laptop/ipad would have been a much better solution. its like installing a 40 inch tv in your home toilet. If the urge is to much get one with the keystone feature. i currently use a Microsoft surface pro and a bracket that attach to the headrest legs.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

The cheapest nebula works well for us as allows direct charging from USB socket, or, power bank if using outside..handy if battery needs recharging partway through a film.
The more expensive models tend need charging via 3 pin plug so need access to inverter socket; Often good deals on Amazon refurbished.

No real need for a screen in Cali, just results in more gear to cart around / move about. Just use the sliding door blind as a screen.

 

[MyrtleMoo]

having already owned a nebula and screen and used it inside the van if i had my time again i wouldn't bother a laptop/ipad would have been a much better solution. its like installing a 40 inch tv in your home toilet. If the urge is to much get one with the keystone feature. i currently use a Microsoft surface pro and a bracket that attach to the headrest legs.

And in contrast, we used the ipad for a while and then went for the nebula and a screen and the difference is huge for us - though we'd only really use it if settling down for the night as it would be faff otherwise. A bit more hassle to setup and storing stuff is always a pain, plus we have only used it so far over the dark winter months so might have very different opinions in the long bright evenings of summer.

Wife is very happy with it, and it makes a huge difference when watching anything with subtitles!

For storing the screen, I just use some rubber straps and lash it to the back of the (folded down) headrests. For hanging the screen, you can get some very expensive 3D printed end caps, but I just went for the cheap option of a couple of decent clamp/clips and some cord (clamped to the metal edge of the bed frame). We've only ever tried using it when the seats are turned round, and that was one hassle of the ipad - figuring out where to put it so it was reasonably central for us both.

So far so good for us, though won't be everyone's thing. We also found it useful in the cabin on a recent overnight DFDS trip, paired with my phone with downloaded media.

 

[MyrtleMoo]

Do I need a screen or can I use the van’s blind? Also, I presume these things can download, have their own speaker etc?

Oh, one point on this. We tried using the van's blind and that seemed to work pretty well, plus very easy to setup - so definitely worth trying before going all-in on a screen. What didn't work for us was it being on the side of the van, since we preferred to watch when lying on the downstairs bed. With a dedicated screen in the centre below the upper bed edge, the nebula does a reasonable job of keystone correction when placed on the cooker top - though you will get the right side of the image appearing fuzzier than the left. Yes it does have a built-in speaker and we've found the sound to be excellent for an all-in package like this.

The one main gripe I have though (unless I'm missing something) is that you can't download to it - despite it having storage. Apps like Netflix just won't support it on the device, so we've largely used it paired with my phone and a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Perfectly workable, just a shame as it could have been so much easier.

 

[dspuk]

Hi everyone. I’ve run a search on the forum for the Nebula as looking to get a protector for this year’s trips. A lot of the posts are quite old. What’s the general consensus these days? Nebula still the best choice? Which model Nebula is best? Might need to be used in the daytime if it’s rainy so need one that’s bright enough. Do I need a screen or can I use the van’s blind? Also, I presume these things can download, have their own speaker etc?

Thanks!!

We went through all of this with the Nebula a screen and the 3D printed brackets.

TBH, after using a few times, if just us, we use the laptop or iPad, or read.

With the daughter and fam kids, we use the Nebula and project onto the sliding door pull down screen.

 

[Boops]

I bought the Nebula after reading all the reviews here. Unfortunately, I was never able to get any of the apps to work. I did manage to download a film, but it wouldn’t play.

I also couldn’t connect to camp WiFi or my phone’s hotspot, which was really frustrating. At that point, I felt like I either had a faulty unit or that it was just useless. I probably wasted too much time trying to get the apps to work.

However, I’ve since started using it with connected to my iPhone, iPad, or laptop via a USB-C to HDMI connector, and it works really well. I download files from Netflix, and they play perfectly. That said, it doesn’t work with Sky or NOW TV due to their higher level of digital protection.

Overall, I think the Nebula is good when connected to an external device but not very good when trying to watch anything on the installed Disney+, Prime or Netflix. They should have just marketed it as a projector rather than a smart device with apps—it might have even been cheaper that way.

 

[California Rob]

I bought the Nebula after reading all the reviews here. Unfortunately, I was never able to get any of the apps to work. I did manage to download a film, but it wouldn’t play.

I also couldn’t connect to camp WiFi or my phone’s hotspot, which was really frustrating. At that point, I felt like I either had a faulty unit or that it was just useless. I probably wasted too much time trying to get the apps to work.

However, I’ve since started using it with connected to my iPhone, iPad, or laptop via a USB-C to HDMI connector, and it works really well. I download files from Netflix, and they play perfectly. That said, it doesn’t work with Sky or NOW TV due to their higher level of digital protection.

Overall, I think the Nebula is good when connected to an external device but not very good when trying to watch anything on the installed Disney+, Prime or Netflix. They should have just marketed it as a projector rather than a smart device with apps—it might have even been cheaper that way.

I also found it more user friendly when I connected to my iPhone via an HDMI adaptor.

 

[Blink982]

I bought one as part of the inevitable spending spree that occurs whilst you are waiting for your van to be delivered. I have a Beach so there is nowhere to site it and at the moment, I attach it to a go pro clamp that is clamped to a headrest. It just about holds it in position. I also bought the 3D printed brackets to attach the screen.

Some observations:
* Adjusting keystone is time consuming and rarely results in a perfect picture
* Attaching the screen means you can’t access the front of the van so if anyone needs to it the van, it’s a faff to activate the lock
* If you have a Beach ie don’t have a kitchen to put the projector on, getting the screen central and aligned can take time. I’ve tried a small tripod and now headrest bracket. Both are a faff
* I wouldn’t bother with a screen, just project on to the blind or as I have a white pop top liner from

 

[Blink982]

Thais, I project on to that and recline the rear seat to avoid a sore neck

I personally would get the largest tablet or iPad you can and use that. It’s far quicker and easier to set up and put away. You don’t need the full cinematic experience in a campervan.

I find the nebula to be clunky to use and the apps are slow. I’ve also connected an iPad via hdmi, also a faff.

It is one of the purchases I regret along with portapotti and awning straps.

I accidentally clicked reply, hence my split post. Why can’t I edit my posts by the way?

 

[AdamsFamily]

I accidentally clicked reply, hence my split post. Why can’t I edit my posts by the way?

Need to be a paid up VIP to edit....