Live Science Verdict
The Homestar Matataki star projector offers several feature that the Homestar Flux miss . If you ’re looking for wink wiz , this is the fashion model to select . There are build - in ' relaxing ' sounds , too , though we ’d rather play our own curated playlists than the nine generic sounds on a eyelet . We also had expected an built-in rechargeable barrage rather than an unsightly main overseas telegram .
Twinkling stars are unique
Much tatty than the Homestar Flux
The design is similar to the Homestar Flux but with added buttons to activate the in-built sounds.
Compatible with Homestar Original and Homestar Flux discs
Not rechargeable
It does n’t sense as premium as the Homestar Flux
The star projections are sharp when focused and are pleasing even when the room isn’t completely dark, though as with most star projectors, the darker the better.
The in - frame sound are a small jarring
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The Sega Toys Homestar Matataki is the latest star projector from Sega Toys . Back in April 2023 , we reviewed the ever - popularSega Toys Homestar Flux . Despite all of the competition on the market , including thePococo Galaxy star topology projectorand theOrzors Galaxy Lite Home Planetarium , it still persist a fan favorite ( and one of our top plectrum ) . That said , perhaps Sega Toys felt the competition was too red-hot on the Flux ’s heels , so wanted to add another model into the mix . Meet the Homestar Matataki .
The Matataki has a lens protector to prevent dust spots when not in use. The focus wheel is easy to turn without applying too much pressure.
Size:160 mm x 165 mm x 165mmBulb Type:3 WattLEDLaser : NoneControl : On - bodyRotation : YesSleep timer : YesSpeaker : Yes ( for make - in sounds)Projection Surface:5 ft x to 8.5 ft
Like theSega Toys Homestar Fluxthe Matataki projects star onto your control surface of selection through small projection record , replicating the night sky in the comfortableness of your living elbow room .
The built-in motor rotates the projection to mimic the natural movements of the stars across the sky , make the sound projection palpate more realistic and immersive .
We would have preferred a rechargeable unit, in line with other models like the Orzors and the Pococco we reviewed recently.
The Matataki currently has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 on Amazon , although lots of user mention that the projection is only really visible in a very dour room and a couple of users have mentioned that it ’s too expensive for what it is .
We ’ve had it for a couple of months now — here ’s what we cogitate . Having tested a plethora of star projector over the last pair of years , we have interpret plenty of whole to compare and counterpoint with .
Sega Toys Homestar Matataki review
Sega Toys Homestar Matataki: Design
It would be difficult to critique the Matataki without making comparison to the Homestar Flux which is made by the same company , Sega Toys . The Flux is currently listed on Amazon for an eyewatering $ 259 ( importantly higher than when we look back it ) , while the Matataki is priced at a much more low-priced $ 109 . That pronounce , paying over $ 100 for a star projector is still a spot punchy , but we were curious as to why there is such a difference of opinion in price between the two .
There ’s no doubt that the Flux exudes a more premium quality finish , with a excogitation that feels more ' adult ' . Its satin black finale and square construction give it a advanced , high - remainder looking . In demarcation , the Matataki has a more plasticky , toy dog - like feel . Available in aristocratic or blanched , it lacks the refined satin finish that give the Flux its more fashionable and ( in our opinion ) desirable appearance .
Both Sega Toys example come equipped with on - body buttons for a sopor timer , ' shooting champion ' feature , superpower , and rotation buttons . The Matataki has extra buttons for its build - in sound functionality , include three effectual extract buttons and a book control , things the Flux does n’t have .
Like with several superstar projectors we ’ve review , the disks are inserted into the whole via a small draw at the front of the unit , and there is a focus wheel to sharpen the trope on your hope airfoil at the required length .
We ’d have hoped that Sega Toys would have made the clit controls glow in the dark slenderly . As these projector are mean to be used in a dark room , it would be helpful to see what button you are adjure , though this is just a small niggle , you ca n’t really go far wrong , even if you iron out the wrong button .
Packaging - wise , the Matataki comes in a pretty basic box . It ’s nice enough to be presented as a gift , but again , the Flux has the sharpness when it come to that ' premium sense ' .
Sega Toys Homestar Matataki: Performance
Testing the Homestar Flux and the Homestar Matataki side by side , the 3 - W LED in the Matataki versus the 5 - watt light-emitting diode produce a observably , and unsurprisingly , dimmer acoustic projection . We did have to wait until it was late at Nox to see the superstar in all their gloriole . That tell , we did n’t listen the softer image . The Flux is so lifelike it almost feels ' too bright ' and , therefore , less realistic .
Two disks are supplied with the Matataki purchase — a disc contain 60,000 ace and one curb 10,000 stars , which is to be used in conjunction with the supplied ' scintillation scale ' . The latter combination means the projector will give the illusion of having some of the star topology twinkling . Again , this take the image find more realistic than the static , penetrating pinpoints of light as the Flux . We retrieve personal preference will find out which projection we favour ; we do n’t think one is needfully ' better ' than the other .
There is one gyration speeding . you’re able to exchange the direction to north or south or turn it off all for a stable look-alike . The motor rotates quietly , but it ’s perceptibly more noisy than thePococo Galaxy Star Projectorwhich is virtually inaudible .
Sega Toys Homestar Matataki: Functionality
Our biggest gripe with this projector is that it still needs to be plugged in to function , and bad than that , it still uses a DC charging cable , which seems very dated . The previous two models we ’ve reviewed , theOrzorsand thePococo , are both rechargeable . you’re able to allow them plug into the briny and use them that way , or you’re able to move them away from the power source to pose them in a more appropriate piazza .
Now , let ’s talk about the nine built - in sounds . Some masses may do it them , but we intend they are unnecessary extras . We ’d much prefer that you just use the speaker as a Bluetooth speaker to play sound , euphony , or an audiobook of your choosing . Again , they may serve some heading off to sleep , but once we ’d tested them out a few time , we did n’t touch on those sound control release again .
Should I buy the Sega Toys Homestar Matataki?
The Homestar Matataki is a utterly adequate projector . Unless you want topnotch bright speck stars , we ’d recommend this lower - price pick over the Homestar Flux .
That say , there are other star projectors on the market that might be more suitable to your needs or more appropriate for your budget . This includes projector that are n’t of necessity scientific but that create a soothing space - like environment . Take a look at ourbest star projector guidefor our top pickax .
Sega Toys Homestar Matataki isn’t for you
As mention above , the models we have tried and tested can be found in ourbest star projectorsguide ( if we deem them worthy enough ) .
One of our favourite is theOrzors Galaxy Lite Home Planetarium Star Projector . It is considerably cheaper than the Sega miniature mannikin but easily rivals both in terms of calibre of build and projection . It ’s rechargeable too !
ThePococo Galaxy star projectoris another top pick . The ejection are promising and brilliant , even when it ’s not dark outside . We were impressed . The turn out motor is also near silent , so perfect if you ’re a light wagon-lit who wants to stay deceased once you ’ve snooze off !
If you ’re stag for a child , you might require to weigh theDinosaur Egg Galaxy Star Projector . It is n’t scientific or educational , but it ’s a themed particular to add ambiance to a elbow room or to use as a sopor aid . The hatching dinosaur egg design will appeal to any young space or dinosaur fan , TheAstronaut Starry Sky Projectoralso has that same appeal — both of these theoretical account have been used and loved by family members of LiveScience since our reviews , and what ’s better , they can normally be pick up for a bargain , especially on day like Amazon Prime day .
