The Dark Sky DS-FX is a great star projector with basic functionality that performs its job well. When positioned correctly, the images are bright and sharp, and the operation is very quiet. Performance-wise, the DS-FX is comparable to the Sega Homestars Matataki, but this unit has the added advantage of being rechargeable.
Reasons to buy
+
Very quiet motor
+
Intuitive and easy operation
+
Rechargeable unit
Reasons to avoid
-
Works best when completely vertical/horizontal
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Only includes one projection slide
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Disk cartridges are cumbersome
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The Dark Skys DS-FX star projector falls into the category of star projectors that actually throw a projection onto your desired surface, as opposed to 'star projectors' which are novelty lights that shine different colors and patterns around the room to create a cool 'space-like' environment.
This DS-FX star projector can be used as a tool to learn about astronomy. It projects a realistic night sky full of stars onto your ceiling. Other disks can be purchased, too, but the supplied disk is the Northern Hemisphere Chrome Star disk.
Compared with the likes of the original Homestar Original, which was released almost two decades ago in 2006, this, released in 2023, is relatively new to the star projector market.
The packaging is attractive and would be nice to give or receive as a gift.(Image credit: Future)
There are three buttons to control functionality. Here the red indicator light is on as it needed charging.(Image credit: Future)
It is a small unit and will easily fit on a shelf alongside books or other ornaments,(Image credit: Future)
Incredibly easy operation
Small form factor
Plasticky to the touch
The DS-FX star projector is comparable in size to many other star projectors in our best star projectors guide. It's 8.82 x 6.57 x 6.46 inches and weighs just 1.61 lb. To the touch, it doesn't feel as premium as we'd expect for something that costs over $100, but it is not poor quality. It's a well-made product.
The projection looks best (sharper across the whole view) when it is either completely horizontal or vertical.
(Image credit: Future)
Specifications
Size: 8.82 x 6.57 x 6.46 inches Weight: 1.61 lb Bulb Type: 5 Watt LED Rotation: Yes Sleep timer: Yes Speaker: No Projection Surface: 10 ft
The rotating 'globe' is inside the plastic casing, so the legs aren't exposed like they are with the Sega Homestar Flux. This, along with the black and white plastic with blue branding, we think, makes it look a little bit more toyish than we would like, though we know it isn't all about aesthetics.
Dark Skys DS-FX star projector: Performance
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The projection is plenty bright enough even when the room is not 100% dark.(Image credit: Future)
Almost silent motor
Focus falls off at the edges
Plenty bright enough
As per Dark-Sky's marketing, the projection imagery is best when the 5-watt bulb is shining straight onto the desired surface rather than at an angle. In any other position, the sharpness is quite considerably reduced, especially around the edges.
The bulb is bright enough for you to use the projector in a room that isn't completely pitch black, although, like with all projectors, the image looks more impressive when it is dark.
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The closer the projection surface, the brighter and sharper the image.
(Image credit: Future)
The rotation motor is nearly completely silent, you'd struggle to tell the unit was turned on if the light wasn't shining. This is perfect if you're looking for a star projector to aid with falling sleep.
The battery seems to last for a long time (we haven't counted exactly), but you could certainly get through a week of using it for an hour at a time without having to recharge it. Just as a side note — when you do come to charge the device, make sure the indicator light is on when it's plugged in. We're not sure why, but some USB cables work and some don't — if the light isn't on, it isn't charging.
Dark Skys DS-FX star projector: Functionality
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The projection 'disks' are fixed in the tray meaning they can't be used elsewhere.(Image credit: Future)
This is strange and seems a little wasteful due to the amount of extra plastic required.(Image credit: Future)
One function: projection
Small form factor
Rechargeable using the preferred USB-C
If you are looking for ' just' a star projector, the Dark Skys DS-FX projector offers all the necessary functionality. Its primary reason for existence is to project the imagery on a small disk onto a surface of your choosing. There's no flashy app, remote control, or voice control; there are just three buttons to control the sleep timer, power (on or off) and rotation direction.
Though it is basic, it's one of the few rechargeable star projectors, offering greater flexibility in positioning since you're not restricted to staying near a power outlet. It also charges via USB-C, which is much more convenient than the Sega Toys Matataki, which relies on a somewhat outdated DC power cable.
The projection 'disks' are fixed in their 'tray,' meaning slides from other models can't be used. This limits compatibility to Dark-Skys products only — some disks work in multiple projectors; we're thinking specifically of the Pococo Galaxy Star Projector and the Orzors Galaxy Lite, whose disks are interchangeable. A small selection of additional disks for the DS-FX projector can be purchased directly from Dark Skys for around $20-$30.
Should you buy the Dark Skys DS-FX star projector?
Buy it if:
✅You only want a projection of the Northern Hemisphere's Constellation: This is the disk supplied with the DX star projector. You have limited options to purchase add-on disks.
✅ You want a quality projector without the premium price tag: This is a perfectly reasonable choice as a standalone star projector—it does what it is supposed to do, and the imagery isn't that different from that of the much more expensive models.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You like to swap and change: The disks are unique to this Dark-Skys model, and there is only a small choice in add-on disks.
❌ You want pin-sharp imagery across the whole image: Though, on the whole, the constellation image is sharp, sharpness does fall off around the edges. The projection is when it's set at a perfectly horizontal or vertical angle.
If you're looking for a star projector that simply projects imagery onto a flat surface, the Dark Skys DS-FX will meet that need. It's priced similarly to the Homestar Matataki, with little difference in terms of functionality or performance. The images are bright and sharp and comparable to those found in the much more expensive models, although they aren't as vivid as the Sega Toys Homestar Flux. That said, we think the Flux's image is a little too vivid and not as realistic as the cheaper models (unless you're lucky enough to live somewhere with huge, dark starry skies that you're used to seeing).
The Dark Skys DS-FX has the added advantage over several star projectors of being rechargeable using USB-C. We like that you can easily place it anywhere in the room without being tied to mains power.
The downside is that there is only a very limited selection of disks to purchase as add-ons, so if you're someone who wants to chop and change the imagery, you might want to look elsewhere. However, if you're content with the Northern Hemisphere's Constellation and don't plan on changing disks often, or at all, this shouldn't be a concern.
If this product isn't for you
If you're looking to create a customizable, space-like ambiance, the BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve is a great choice. This projector offers extensive customization options, allowing you to control light combinations and patterns via an app or voice commands to match your preferred ambiance. Plus, given its range of features, it's surprisingly affordable.
Similarly, the Astronaut Starry Sky Projector, which is around $30 (and much less during sales like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday), is a fun novelty alternative for any space fan. We have had one in our child's room for around two years, and it still plays a big part in the regular bedtime routine, still getting 'oohs' and 'ahhs' when it's turned on. It has a remote control for customization and has a sleep timer which is perfect for not having to re-enter the child's room to turn it off.
The Pococo Galaxy star projector is one of our favorite models for vivid imagery. The projections are bold and bright, and there is a whole catalog of disks that you can purchase as add-ons, and as we've mentioned, disks made for the Orzors Galaxy Lite fit it as well.
Tantse Walter is a writer, photographer, and travel enthusiast who has spent over a decade facilitating global adventurous expeditions. She loves getting into the nitty-gritty of sourcing and planning itineraries, getting out and about in nature, and admiring the night sky. She is currently a contributing writer to both Space.com and LiveScience.com.
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