Last updated on September 28th, 2022 at 12:58 pm
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Have you heard the buzz? The sewing community can’t wait to get their hands on a Vivimage projector! Why? Well, simply put, the Vivimage projector is a budget friendly projector that works well projecting patterns.
The Vivimage Explorer 2 projector makes the switch from printing and taping PDF patterns almost pain-free. Plus, so many pattern companies are now offering beautiful PDF projector files! Projector files are pattern files designed to be projected right onto your fabric from a projector. Learn all about projector files HERE if you are new to them.
What makes the Vivimage Explorer 2 a good projector for sewing?
Budget
The Vivimage projector is one of the most budget friendly mini projectors that work well for sewing. Coming in at around $130 new, this projector costs less than many printers. The cost of ink refills for my printer are $100. That means switching to a projector will be less money out of my pocket in the long run!
To make things a no brainer, this projector can often be found on Amazon with a 50% off coupon! So, for less than a dinner out with your significant other, you could have a projector for sewing! Keep an eye on Amazon as these projectors tend to go fast when the coupon is active!
Size
At about 2 lbs, the Vivimage projector is easy to carry and mount from the ceiling. But, don’t let the size fool you! This little projector comes with all the necessary features to make projecting patterns easy. The image created is crisp and clear. Using the Vivimage you will not have difficulty reading pattern directions and seeing lines that can sometimes be unclear on other projector models. Make sure to grab these FREE pattern stamps to make directions even easier to read!
Low Throw Distance
This Vivimage projector has a relatively good throw ratio making it suitable for sewing. Pattern projecting is limited by the height of a ceiling. A good distance from cutting mat to ceiling is around 62 inches or more. At this distance the Vivimage explore 2 projectors for sewing will create an image around A1 size (about 35”x 24”). This is the standard size rotary cutting mat that most people use. For a larger image, you would need to increase the distance between the projector and cutting surface.
*If this is not a good image size for you, you may want to look into a Wowoto A8 or short throw projector like the Optoma ML1050ST.
Power Source
The Vivimage Explore 2 does need to be plugged directly into the outlet. It does not run on battery power. While some may consider this a disadvantage, that is not true in the sewing world. Taking a projector down from the ceiling and off the mount to charge is quite the hassle. Not to mention, the projector may need to be recalibrated! Leaving it plugged in means not having to deal with these issues. I like not having to climb a ladder every time I need to charge my projector!
Connection Types
Need a certain connection type? This sleek, versatile projector has you covered! Wifi/Bluetooth, HDMI, VGA, USB are available connection types. Connecting from a phone has never been easier! iOS devices connect directly using screen mirror. Miracast is available for Android devices. Chromecast is even an option. However, my favorite way to connect is by a simple HDMI cord. Don’t forget to pick up a long HDMI cord to reach all the way to your computer if this is how you choose to connect!
Features
Features like native resolution and lumens are important in projectors used for sewing. The best projectors for sewing have a native resolution around 720p. Lumens refer to the brightness of an image. Good lumens make it possible to project patterns in a lighter room. The native resolution and lumens are spot on for the Vivimage projector creating a clear and crisp image.
Other qualities that make this a great mini projector include keystone adjustments, focus adjustment, and little offset. While keystone and focus adjustments are done manually, it is very important that a projector for sewing has these features available. Keystone and focus dials allow the projector to be calibrated for the perfect pattern image. The low offset is also great for pointing directly down onto a cutting mat.
Ease of use
Vivimage Explore 2 is one of the easier mini projectors to use for sewing. Much of that has to do with the features listed above. The Vivimage projector is mounted directly above the cutting mat, no offset is needed. Ensure the right to left tilt is level and the keystone is in neutral. Then tilt the projector forward or backward to create a square image. Mount to the ceiling. Now, use keystone and focus dials again to create a squared image and finally calibrate. These steps are easy to do and most people can calibrate the Vivimage projector in 30 minutes or less. Be sure to check out How to Calibrate a projector if you need help on calibration!
Remote Included!
Having a remote for a mounted mini projector is definitely necessary. With the remote you can access all the needed features quickly and easily. What is nice about the remote for the Vivimage projector is that you can flip the image for mirrored pattern pieces. How handy is that?!
Where to find the Vivimage Explorer 2?
Now you may be wondering where you can buy the Vivimage Explore 2 projector. This projector is most commonly found in two places: Walmart and Amazon. Below you can see a few links for the Vivimage projector.
Alternatives to the Vivimage Explore 2 projector
Do you like mini projectors, but want to know options besides the Vivimage projector? Look no further! I’ve detailed some of the most common projectors that are used for sewing in the article Best Projectors for Sewing. Make sure to check it out to learn about the Wowoto, Apeman, Bomaker, and Elphas projectors.
Or jump out on a limb and try to find something new! But be sure to take a look at What to Look for in a Projector for Sewing before you do!
