Last updated on September 28th, 2022 at 12:53 pm
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Are you looking for a budget-friendly and great mini projector for sewing? Then, look no further than the Alvar 9000 lumen mini projector.
The Alvar 9000 lumen projector was released in late August 2022 and has a very familiar body design. There is often a coupon deal and discount available for this item making it under $100. That’s cheaper than buying new ink for my printer!
Alvar 9000
The Alvar 9000 is the 2022 version of the Vivimage Explore 2 (2020) and Acrojoy 9000 (2021). The body design and connectivity of this projector make it one of the best projectors for sewing. You need a minimum of 52″ from ceiling to cutting surface for this projector. You can expect to get about an A1 sided image at around 60″ lens to table.
Overall Thoughts and Impressions
If you are familiar with the Vivimage Explore 2 and Acrojoy projectors, then the Alvar is nothing new. The body design is the same and most of the specs are the same as the Acrojoy. So, if you are looking for a substitution for one of those projectors this is it!
Alvar is the brand for the 2022 version of the Vivimage Explore 2 (2020) and the Acrojoy 9000/Sunspark 500W (2021).
There is a slight difference in the lens magnification between the models and a few other differences as well.
The most notable difference for the Alvar is that it comes with a carrying case. The carrying case may be nice for those that set up their sewing projector with a portable setup and then take it down. The carrying case will protect the projector from dust and such.
The other noticeable difference is the ability to connect to a Bluetooth speaker. This doesn’t help with sewing, but it is a great feature for watching movies. You can now connect a Bluetooth speaker to the projector instead of using the onboard speaker, which will give you an all-around better sound.
Throw Ratio and Image Size
The throw ratio is equivalent to many mini projectors at around 1.4. While the body design of the Alvar projector is the same as the Vivimage Explore 2 and Acrojoy 9000, the actual image in setup trials is slightly smaller.
At a distance of 62 inches from lens to table, I got an image size of 41.25 inches x 23.25 inches and a diagonal of 47.5 inches. This is slightly larger than an A1 mat. The Acrojoy gave an image size of 41.75 inches x 23.5 inches, so there is only a minor difference.
Ease of Calibration
The Alvar 9000 projector fits perfectly in my Basic Niche mount made for the Vivimage Explore 2 and Acrojoy 9000 projectors. The mount made it quick and easy to square up the image and calibrate the projector.
Make sure to follow the directions in the article Calibrating a mini projector.
Brightness and Contrast
The Alvar 9000 lumen has the same brightness and contrast claims as the Acrojoy 9000. There was no noticeable difference between the two.
Check out the images below that compares the image in different amounts of light.
Keep in mind that most mini projectors are better suited for a dim environment. I recommend using blackout curtains on any windows if you cut during the day. The ones that I use are listed below. They are a decent price and work very well!
- Ready Made: 2 panels per package. Each…
- Blackout Effect: The real blackout curtains…
- Noise Reducing: Heavyweight Blackout Lined…
- Unique Design: Draperies constructed with 2…
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Connectivity
HDMI, VGA, USB, TF, AV, and audio are all the connection options of the Alvar 9000. It also has the option of Miracast and iOS screencast. This means that you can cast wirelessly to your phone, tablet, and even your computer!
Typically, connecting to Miracast creates a smaller image than using HDMI. However, I found that when I connected the Alvar 9000 projector to my computer using Miracast the image size was an inch wider! I’ll take that! It didn’t affect the calibration at all.
The projector comes with an HDMI cable that is the standard 6ft. If you plan to connect using HDMI, I recommend getting a longer HDMI cable.
You can’t be completely cable-free, as this projector doesn’t have battery power. The standard power cord that comes with the unit is short. You will need to have a plug in the ceiling, an extension cord, or purchase an inexpensive longer power cable.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Amazon Basics High-Speed 4K Ultra HD 25… |
$15.75 |
Buy on Amazon | |
|
Ipax Black 15 Feet Extra Long Two Prong AC… | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Body Design
The body design of the Alvar 9000 is great for sewing. All cables exit the sides of the projector. The projector weighs just over 2 lbs. The small size and weight are great for mounting high.
There is a universal single-point mount hole on the back of the projector. You can purchase any single-point mount like the one recommended below.
Or, to make calibration a breeze consider getting the Basic Niche mount designed for the Vivimage Explore 2 projector that fits this model as well.
Read about the Basic Niche mount and see how it is installed in this article HERE.
Recommendation
I do recommend the Alvar 9000 for sewing. It is a budget-friendly mini projector with a great body design and basic features needed for sewing. You need a minimum of 42″ for focus the projector. This means you need at least 52″ from ceiling to cutting surface to mount and focus this projector. A distance of about 60″ from lens to table is needed to get an image that is about the size of an A1 mat (36″x24″).
I love the Miracast and iOS screencast options on this projector. Plus, it is on sale with a coupon for $30 off right now! Making it one of the cheapest mini projectors available right now!
Where to Buy
The Alvar 9000 is currently available on the US Amazon marketplace. The listing is below to make sure you get the right one! It says “Mini projector with 5G WiFi…”. It will come in a box that says RV450W. When you open the box the Alvar brand name will be on the front of the projector.
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Mount
As mentioned before, any universal single-point mount will work for this projector. It can be mounted from high on the wall or ceiling. You can also use a portable setup.
However, I HIGHLY recommend the Basic Niche mount! It will be the easiest, stress-free setup! I don’t even get paid to say that! 😉
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
NIERBO Universal Projector Wall Ceiling Mount… |
$23.95 |
Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Alternatives to the Alvar 9000
Can’t find the Alvar 9000 or looking for alternatives? Some alternatives are listed below, or feel free to check out the Projectors page!
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Portable Mini Projector with 5G WiFi and… | Buy on Amazon | ||
|
YABER V2 WiFi Mini Projector 7000L [Projector… |
$198.80
$171.07 |
Buy on Amazon | |
|
TUREWELL Mini Projector, Portable Outdoor… | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
If you are looking for a great projector for sewing, then you should get the Alvar 9000. It is a mini projector that is mounted directly above the cutting surface.
The Wi-Fi, Miracast, and iOS screencast options make connecting to a phone, tablet, and computer a breeze.
The Alvar 9000 is one of the best mini-projectors on the market for sewing. Don’t forget to come back here to follow the step-by-step calibration method!
Happy sewing!
*I was provided a free product to write this review. All ideas and opinions are my own.
Hi Sheredith,
Thank you so much for all of the information you have shared. I am new to the idea of using a projector for sewing, but am so excited to get going! After researching everything I can find, I’m still unsure what projector I should get. My cutting table size (diagonal measurement) is 104″ and 64″ from top of table to ceiling. I’m not finding anything that fits my setup. Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you for any help you can give.
Judi Aultman
If you want a projector that fills your table, you might look into an ultra short throw projector. If you don’t mind that it doesn’t completely fill your table you could look into these:
Sovboi Mini projector would give you a image about 25×44 inches
Sovboi Projector Review: Great Image Size and Budget Friendly!
projectorsewing.com
Alvar 9000 would give you 39”x 22”
A short throw projector would give you like the Optoma ML1050ST would give you about 80”x 50”
Best Short Throw Projector for Sewing
projectorsewing.com
An ultra short throw can be raised to fill the table.
Best Ultra-Short Throw Projector for Sewing
projectorsewing.com
You really only need an image size as large as a single pattern piece, since you cut one piece at a time.