[Mania] Beam Projector, Mood Light, and Speaker All in One... LG Moodmate, the Value-for-Money Emotional Item

LG's New Moodmate Projector
Beam Projector, Mood Light, and Speaker in One
Freely Rotating Head and Emotion-Filled Lighting

Beam projectors, mood lights, Bluetooth speakers-why does it feel like there are so many things to buy? Anyone interested in interior design has probably had this thought at least once. As the number and types of so-called "emotional items" (emotion + item) continue to increase, people end up spending more money while their living spaces feel increasingly cramped. Recently, however, LG Electronics has introduced a truly innovative product. The 'Moodmate' combines all three of these emotional items into one.

LG Moodmate is a new-concept projector that functions as a beam projector, interior lighting, and Bluetooth speaker all at once. It features a circular projector head attached to a long stand, and at first glance, it looks more like a tall mood lamp than a projector. LG Electronics explained that it was inspired by the "floor stand mood lights" commonly used as interior accessories. When not in use, it can serve as an attractive piece of furniture in a corner of the room, thanks to a design that does not disrupt the interior. Although it stands about 1 meter tall, its width is only 29 centimeters, so it doesn't take up much space.

An interior projector 'LG Moodmate' by LG Electronics used as mood lighting. LG Electronics.

The most distinctive feature is that by tilting the circular head toward the wall, you can create various mood lighting effects in different colors. The head can be tilted up to 105 degrees, allowing for subtle indirect lighting. With its beam projector function, you can also project content such as movie posters or photos onto the wall to suit your preferences. The mood lighting offers a choice of nine colors: Lemon, Deep Blue, Red, Neon Green, Snow White, Peach, Rose, Aqua, and Magenta. The brightness can be adjusted in five levels.

The advantage of the rotatable head becomes apparent when using it as a beam projector. You can move the head to project the screen from various positions, making it possible to watch while lying down, and the focus can be adjusted instantly. In particular, the auto keystone and auto focus features allow the device to quickly and accurately adjust the focus without any manual operation. The long pole means you can conveniently watch videos without the need for a separate stand, which is another significant benefit. However, a limitation is that the head can only be moved backward, so you cannot adjust the horizontal direction or the length of the pole.

An interior projector 'LG Moodmate' from LG Electronics being used as a beam projector. LG Electronics.

Additionally, Moodmate is an indoor projector with FHD (Full High Definition) resolution that prioritizes clear image quality and portability over brightness, so the image may appear somewhat dim in bright daylight. This level of brightness is generally sufficient for watching videos, documents, or presentations in typical households or small office spaces, and it seems more suitable for those who want to watch TV or YouTube conveniently rather than for those who expect high-quality video. With a contrast ratio of 150,000:1, it clearly distinguishes between bright and dark scenes, which enhances immersion when watching movies or dramas.

The screen size can range from 30 inches up to a maximum of 120 inches. The distance between the wall and the device can be from about 80 centimeters to 3.2 meters, allowing for large projections even in relatively small spaces. However, since the zoom is fixed, there are limitations on adjusting the screen size depending on the installation location. For wireless connectivity, it supports Miracast and AirPlay 2, making it easy to share your smartphone or tablet screen without any cables.

Moodmate can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker. Its built-in speaker uses a "passive radiator" to amplify bass through air vibration, delivering rich low-frequency sound. You can use it together with the mood lighting function or while watching the projector screen, without needing a separate speaker. However, compared to standalone speakers, the sound quality is not particularly high. With a total output of 10W, it is suitable for use in small spaces such as a compact living room or bedroom. This is sufficient for everyday content viewing, but if you prioritize high sound quality, it would be better to connect an external speaker.

The retail price of Moodmate is 990,000 won, and it is available for purchase at the LG Online Brand Shop. While it is by no means inexpensive, it should be a satisfying product in terms of design, functionality, and price for consumers looking to purchase all three types of products at once.