Contents
What sort of payment do you accept?
Delivery - how long does it take for delivery in UK, EU or Rest of World?
How fast will my item arrive overseas and what's the difference between the UPS services?
Do you ship to USA / CAN / Worldwide?
Why is a Worldwide Shipping option not showing for my country?
Pico Genie Impact 1.0 / 2.0 / 3.0 / 4.0 Projector Troubleshooting Guide
Pico Genie M550 Plus 2.0 Projector Troubleshooting Guide
How to install / setup CHiQ S-CK100/120" ALR Screen
Troubleshooting issues with Pico Genie Periscope / Polar / Panda
Netflix incompatible with my projector?
Pico Genie M550 Plus (Older Model) Troubleshooting Guide
Import duties and taxes - How do I work out what mine will be? / What taxes do I pay outside the UK?
Why am I being charged in £ (GBP) at checkout?
Can I pay via an Invoice or Purchase Order?
How Do I Choose the Right Pico Projector?
What are the benefits of LED? Why choose LED projectors?
Which models would you recommend for use in artwork?
Do Pico Genie projectors include a USA/CAN/EU/AUS Global plug?
How do I use my discount code on the site?
What is the return or refund policy?
Pico Genie Impact Range / M550: How small or large can they project?
Maxlight MPC580 Cabinet Assembly Instructions
What is your telephone number?
I'm having issues with my product, can I get support?
When was Pico Genie M550 4.0 released?
My Pico Genie Impact 4.0 Plus 1080p is not charging.
What is the difference between the Vividstorm Standard models and the Plus Version?
What sort of payment do you accept?
We accept most forms of payment including:
- Debit / Credit cards including Mastercard, Visa and more!
- Bank Transfer (Save £££! Pay by Bank Transfer for a 1% DISCOUNT. Use code BANK1% at checkout and select Bank Deposit).
If you want to pay by Bank Transfer, do this by going through the checkout and selecting Bank Transfer. Once you have completed the checkout, it will give your our bank details to make the payment to.
We do not accept PayPal unless purchased through our eBay store.
Delivery - how long does it take for delivery in UK, EU or Rest of World?
UK - We offer fast delivery worldwide including a range of timed delivery options in the UK including before 12pm and before 10.30am as well as Next Day (before 6pm). Orders placed before 4pm are normally guaranteed to be delivered within these delivery times (unless otherwise stated). If after 4pm please call us on 0845 121 8800 or email us as on some models its possible to still deliver even up to 5pm.
International - All goods are shipped from the UK. Our warehouse is situated next to Birmingham airport to ensure the fastest delivery speeds possible.
EU (including Channel Islands) - 2-5 working days
SA/Canada - 3-5 working days
Rest of the world - 3-7 working days.
How fast will my item arrive overseas and what's the difference between the UPS services?
-
UPS Worldwide Express Saver (aka UPS Saver)
- Speed: Fast
- Delivery Time: USA/Canada (typically 1–3 business days), Europe (next business day), Asia, Australia, Middle East (typically 2–5 business days)
- Delivery By: End of business day
- Tracking & Customs: Full end-to-end tracking, includes customs clearance
-
UPS Worldwide Expedited
- Speed: Slower than Saver, but cheaper for heavier shipments
- Delivery Time: USA/Canada (typically 2–5 business days), Europe (usually 2–5 business days), Asia, Australia, etc. (typically 4–7 business days)
- Delivery By: End of business day
- Tracking & Customs: Full tracking, includes clearance
-
UPS Worldwide Express
- Speed: Faster than Saver
- Delivery Time: USA/Canada (typically 1–2 business days), Europe (next business day), Asia, Australia (2–3 business days)
- Delivery By: 10:30 a.m. or 12:00 noon depending on location
- Cost: More expensive than Saver or Expedited
-
UPS Worldwide Express Plus
- Speed: Fastest available UPS international service
- Delivery Time: USA/Canada (often next business day by 8:00–9:00 a.m.), Europe (early next day), Other regions (1–3 business days)
- Cost: Premium pricing, ideal for critical or urgent international shipments
Summary of Delivery Speeds from UK:
| Service | Speed | Typical Delivery Time (USA) | Delivery Time (Europe) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worldwide Express Plus | Fastest | 1 day (early morning) | Next day (early) |
| Worldwide Express | Faster | 1–2 days (by noon) | Next day |
| Worldwide Saver | Fast | 1–3 days (end of day) | Next day |
| Worldwide Expedited | Medium | 2–5 days (end of day) | 2–5 days |
Do you ship to USA / CAN / Worldwide?
We ship worldwide including USA / Canada / Australia. Please view our Shipping page for more information including shipping lead times.
Please note that our products are online only and you can purchase products directly from our website (personalprojector.co.uk), offering worldwide shipping and a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Why is a Worldwide Shipping option not showing for my country?
Please ensure you fill in all delivery fields including country/region, state and zip/post code on the form to get a shipping rate.
If you still haven't received a shipping rate, please contact us for a custom shipping quote: https://picogenie.com/pages/contact
Pico Genie User Manuals
You can find the user manual by scanning the QR code on the side of the packaging. Alternatively, view user manuals here:
Pico Genie Impact 1.0 / 2.0 / 3.0 / 4.0 Projector Troubleshooting Guide
Click here for: Pico Genie Troubleshoot Guide
Pico Genie M550 Plus 2.0 Projector Troubleshooting Guide
Click here for: Pico Genie M550 Plus 2.0 Troubleshooting Guide
How to install / setup CHiQ S-CK100/120" ALR Screen
Troubleshooting issues with Pico Genie Periscope / Polar / Panda
If you cannot connect to the WiFi network
If you are having any network issues please try connecting the projector to a mobile data hotspot rather than the router. This will determine if the issue is with the network (Wi-Fi) or the projector, if the network works fine on mobile data then the problem is with the router.
If the problem is with the projector, please try the following:
- Go to the wifi settings and choose “Forget Wi-Fi” on the projector and then try reconnecting
- Move the projector closer to the router to improve the signal
- Reboot the projector and try re-connecting
- Factory reset the projector (usual under settings menu) and try connecting again
- Check for any firmware updates on the projector
If the problem is with the router, please try the following:
- To improve the signal between the two, try moving the projector closer to the router
- Try rebooting the router and forgetting the WiFi on the projector then reconnecting
- Remove other devices from your Wi-Fi, this can improve Wi-Fi speed
If Pico Genie Periscope / Polar / Panda will not screen mirror to mobile device / laptop
- Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi and the signal is strong
- Move the device you want to screen mirror closer to the projector and try again
- Reboot the projector and try screen mirroring again
- Factory reset the projector and try again
- Try using alternative screen mirroring apps from the play store such as Air Pin, EZCast, HappyCast
- Alternatively, hard wire the device for screen mirroring. You may need an HDMI adapter for your device. This will stop any streaming issues and connect instantly and is the most reliable if you are having Wi-Fi connection issues
If Pico Genie Periscope / Polar / Panda will not recognise USB drive
- Try rebooting the projector, removing the USB, then rebooting and then inserting it again once the projector has booted back up
- Use an alternative file manager app from the google play store and check if the USB data appears on the new app
- Try using an alternative USB or SD card
- Check for copyright issues – movies or music may be restricted from playback if they have just been copied across without the correct licenses. Try testing on another device to see if it plays back. Or try to connect via HDMI or VGA cable and this often removes these types of issues
If you can’t access apps such YouTube on Pico Genie Periscope / Polar / Panda
- Try clearing the cache from the google play store settings and in the projector settings and try launching the app again
- Try factory resetting the projector in the usual settings and then launch the app
- With apps such as YouTube, there are alternative versions available on the play store, try downloading the alternative version and testing if it works
- Alternatively, use an HDMI connection and project the app from a laptop or mobile device
If you are unable to update your Pico Genie Polar / Panda
- Please download the latest firmware here
- Put onto a USB and plug into the projector then click the file to install.
Netflix incompatible with my projector?
If Netflix says its not compatible with your projector
If you have a projector with an older operating system then recent versions of the Netflix app may not be compatible with your projector. In this event follow this link to download an older version of Netflix onto the projector: https://help.netflix.com/en/node/57688
Pico Genie M550 Plus (Older Model) Troubleshooting Guide
Changing the aspect ratio on the Pico Genie M550 Plus
The Pico Genie M550 Plus has the native aspect ratio of 16:10, if you would like to change this you will have to use the XB Player as the other players do not support it.
What is the operating temperature for the M550 Plus?
The operating temperature is -10~45℃, and non-operating temperature is -25~70℃.
How to screen mirror your android device the M550 Plus?
To wirelessly screen mirror your android device follow these steps:
- On the projector go to: Settings > Wi-Fi > Click the sub-menu (3 dots) in the top right > Select Wi-Fi Direct > This will show you the projectors name to screen mirror your device to.
- On your phone > Swipe down to see the drop down menu of settings > Swipe right on to the second page > Click Smart View (this may vary on other phones and may be called screen mirroring or cast screen ect.) > find the projectors name, click and connect to it.
M550 Plus FAQ and Happycast support
Please use the following document to view trouble shooting issues on the Pico Genie M550 Plus.
This includes How To Videos on connecting your Ipad, Iphone, Macbook, Laptop and using Happycast. It also contains Apps for Happy Cast, AirPin and TV File manager used to access USB and SD cards in the projector: https://bit.ly/328LUT4
How do i connect the M550 Plus to my laptop/Mac wirelessly
- Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network or 3G/4G Access Point.
- Open the "eHomeMediaCenter" App on the Pico Genie M550 and click "Media Player"
- On your Laptop/Mac, right click an image/video you would like to stream to the projector select "Play to" and then "eHomeCinemaCenter".
- The content should now be displayed through the projector. To display a different file, simply repeat step 3.
Import duties and taxes - How do I work out what mine will be? / What taxes / tariffs / duties do I pay outside the UK?
Duties
In most cases, there are no duties on projectors and projector screens outside the UK.
USA
June 2025 - All projectors coming into the USA incur zero duties and taxes however they are now subject to additional reciprocal tariffs (even if they are valued below $800). For projectors this is estimated at 20% with an estimated brokerage fee of $15. For example a Pico Genie Impact 2.0 Plus Elite will typically incur a $76 additional charge which you will pay directly to the courier on delivery.
In the USA it’s important to check the latest tariff situation as the buyer is responsible for duties, tariffs and taxes charged by the courier upon import. In the event of a return / refused shipment due to this, the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. Its always best to consult with us prior to refusing any deliveries as we can often help reduce any costs or errors made by customs / the carrier.
Summary for USA:
- No U.S. duties
- No sales tax obligations
- 20% tariff + $15 handling fee (estimated as at June 2025)
Outside USA (Taxes / Duties) & VAT / Sales Tax
Other sales taxes or VAT may apply if shipping outside the UK. We supply the goods to you without any tax and the courier will contact you to pay the local VAT / Duties (where applicable).
What taxes are shown on the website?
Its dependent on where you are based and where you are shipping to:
- If you're in the UK / Northern Ireland but shipping outside the UK: Prices will show both inclusive (inc) and exclusive (ex) VAT for taxes. When you enter your delivery address outside the UK then the 20% VAT sales tax is automatically removed.
- If you are located outside the UK and shipping outside the UK: All pricing will show excluding any taxes (e.g. if you are based in the USA and shipping to USA).
You can find out the import duties and taxes at the checkout when you reach shipping, from here you can choose whether to pay the duties & tax up front or when it is imported.
For more information regarding taxes and duties please follow this link: https://personalprojector.co.uk/pages/tax
Why am I being charged in £ (GBP) at checkout?
All orders on the site are processed in £ (GBP), our website will show an estimate of the product cost in your local currency using a currency converter. Once you reach the checkout the price will revert back to £ (GBP).
If you're looking to purchase a Pico Genie product, you can pay in your local currency via the manufacturer's site directly: https://picogenie.com/
Can I pay via an Invoice or Purchase Order?
We accept payment by bank transfer (bank deposit) or credit card directly at the checkout. Please note that we do not offer credit accounts, so all invoices must be paid in full before goods can be shipped. Once payment has been received and your order has been dispatched, we can issue a formal invoice for your records.
Who should buy a projector?
Consumers, businesses or travellers wishing to watch photos, videos, or presentations on a big screen. Or anyone wanting to enlarge the small screen on a mobile device such as a laptop, iPad/iPod/iPhone, smart phone, games console (Wii, PS4, Xbox One, PC etc), PDA or other electronic device. Great for sharing with friends, colleagues, clients…
How Do I Choose the Right Pico Projector?
Not sure which pico projector is right for you? Our Pico Projector Buyers Guide covers everything you need to know from understanding true lumens and resolution to avoiding common pitfalls. It’s the ultimate checklist to ensure you make an informed choice and avoid costly mistakes.
👉 Read the Full Guide Here to find the perfect projector for your needs!
What is the difference between UST/Ultra Short Throw, Short Throw, Standard Throw and Long Throw Projectors?
-
Ultra Short Throw (UST)
- Ratio: Typically 0.15:1 to 0.38:1.
- Placement: Placed directly beneath the screen, usually on a low credenza or media cabinet.
- Key Benefit: No shadow interference from people walking in front of the screen. Ideal for bright rooms when paired with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejection) screen.
- Link to ultra short throw projectors
-
Short Throw (ST)
- Ratio: Typically 0.5:1 to 0.8:1
- Placement: Usually sits on a coffee table or is ceiling-mounted close to the wall.
- Key Benefit: Great for smaller apartments where you can't mount a projector 12 feet away but still want a 100-inch screen.
- Link to short throw projectors
-
Standard Throw
- Ratio: The "industry standard" is roughly 1.5:1.
- Placement: These are the most common projectors. They are typically mounted in the middle of a room (ceiling) or placed on a shelf at the back of a standard-sized room.
- Key Benefit: Usually the most cost-effective and offers the widest variety of model choices.
- Link to standard throw projectors
-
Long Throw
- Ratio: Often around 1.6:1 and higher and can go much higher with interchangeable lenses.
- Placement: Positioned at the very back of a large room or auditorium.
- Key Benefit: Can project a massive, bright image from a significant distance, keeping the projector out of the way of the audience and equipment noise away from the screen.
- Link to long throw projectors
How can I enhance the quality of my powerpoint presentations when using the onboard memory of my pico projector?
Powerpoint presentations can be projected from the onboard memory of a pico projector by saving as .jpg (though some models support .ppt such as Pico Genie M550 or Vivitek Qumi Q6). However we’ve been looking into other approaches in order to get the best results for business users other than the standard methods such as via AV, VGA or USB. Read on to find out more...
One method is by creating a video of your powerpoint files using free software called EM Free Powerpoint Video Converter which is readily available online. This software makes it quick and easy to convert even for multiple files at once from not only ppt to jpg, bmp etc but also to video formats!
Once converted, just save the video, e.g as a WMV or AVI, to the projector’s memory. You can then use the ppt video, simply pausing to stop/start the slides/video. Its also worth making your font sizes bigger and using a bolder black text to improve it even further.
Alternatively you can even:
- Connect to a smartphone wired/wirelessly and mirror your smartphones display to the projector OR
- Use the HDMI cable and a small notebook laptop for ultra portability to play ppt direct from the laptopThe Screencast software is a good and very quick file conversion solution.
Other software customers have also used Handbrake software as an alternative although this is not something we have tested ourselves.
What are the benefits of LED? Why choose LED projectors?
No lamps – LED light source means there are no bulbs to replace so you save a fortune on bulb replacements which can be up to £400 every year
Continual Optimum Resolution – lamp projectors can often experience deterioration in colour, brightness from day 1 whereas LED projectors ensure even several thousand hours usage you’re still getting crisp bright images
No Maintenance – there are no maintenance costs on LED projectors and no dust filters to replace
Greener product – there is no mercury inside LED projectors which means these products are easier to dispose of and are much more environmentally friendly
Instant on/off – no hanging around for the bulb to warm up or cool down and no risk of damaging the “bulb“ when turning off too quickly so ideal if travelling
Extra Features – even entry level LED projectors generally have a huge array of features not usually available on lamp projectors
Which models would you recommend for use in artwork?
Our Pico projectors are very popular with artists. These are the models we would suggest:
The Impact 2.0 is most popular with artists currently.
Do Pico Genie projectors include a USA/CAN/EU/AUS Global plug?
Yes, Pico Genie projectors come with your required plug as standard.
How do I use my discount code on the site?
If you have a discount code you can insert this at the checkout (not cart), it is positioned on the right side of the screen. We do not accept more than one (1) discount code at a time.
What is the return or refund policy?
We offer a 14 day money back guarantee. If you're unhappy for any reason, please contact us at enquiries@personalprojector.co.uk to initiate a return or exchange within 14 days of delivery. Please also view our full policy here: Shipping & Returns
Pico Genie Impact Range / M550: How small or large can they project?
The simple answer is as small a post it note, right the way up to 120" diagonally! See the video below to see them in action!
If you'd like more info check out our blog right here!
Maxlight MPC580 Cabinet Assembly Instructions
What is your telephone number?
From the UK: 01924 589 589
Outside the UK: +44 1924 589 589
You can also reach us by email at enquiries@personalprojector.co.uk
I'm having issues with my product, can I get support?
Of course! For any problems with your product, please contact us directly via email: enquiries@personalprojector.co.uk.
So we can diagnose any issues early on, please describe the issue and send across any photos / videos that show the problem. You can also view our troubleshooting guides above.
When was Pico Genie M550 4.0 released?
It was released in Aug-25.
My Pico Genie Impact 4.0 Plus 1080p is not charging.
The Pico Genie Impact 4.0 Plus 1080p has 2 USB-C ports, one of them is a display port and the other is the charging port. Please ensure you are using the correct port.
[Image attached]
What is the difference between the Vividstorm Standard models and the Plus Version?
The main difference between the Standard and Plus models of Vividstorm screens lies in the transition from a traditional mechanical setup to a smarter, more resilient digital system.
Here is a breakdown of the key upgrades you'll find in the Plus version:
1. Smarter Control & Connectivity
While the Standard model relies on traditional RF/IR remotes, the Plus model brings the screen into your smart home ecosystem:
- App Integration: You can adjust the screen and set height limits via a dedicated smartphone app (iOS and Android) as well as using the remote.
- Voice Commands: It supports hands-free operation through Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
- Universal Compatibility: The included USB trigger has been upgraded from a 95% compatibility rate to a near-universal 99.99%, ensuring it syncs perfectly with almost any projector.
2. Motor Performance & Reliability
The "engine" of the screen has seen a significant hardware overhaul:
- Ultra-Quiet Operation: The Plus model moves from an AC motor to a DC motor, which is engineered to be significantly quieter.
- No Cooldown Required: Standard motors often require a break after several cycles to prevent overheating. The Plus model is designed for heavy-duty use with no overheat cooldown needed, allowing for continuous operation.
3. Physical Customization
The Plus model offers more flexibility for your room's layout regarding power management:
- Standard: The power cable is fixed on the Left side.
- Plus: You can choose between a Left or Right side power cable to better reach your wall outlets (just be sure to specify your preference when ordering).