The projector that became a paperweight

I pulled out my HY320 projector after a few months in storage and immediately ran into the one problem that makes these things useless without a solution — the remote was gone. Not misplaced, gone. Without the remote, you can't navigate menus, switch inputs, or adjust volume. The projector just sits there.

I checked local electronics stores. Replacement remotes ranged from $12 to $28, and most of them were generic codes-based units where you'd spend twenty minutes programming it and still hope it worked. Then I found this specific remote for the HY300, HY320, and HY300 PRO on AliExpress for $1.71. I ordered it mostly out of curiosity. Here's what I found.

Honest review: what works, what doesn't

The most surprising thing is that it just works. Plug in the projector, point the remote, press a button — instant response. No pairing sequence, no code setup, nothing. Every button I tested was functional: input source, volume, menu navigation, image mode. Nothing was mapped wrong or missing.

The build quality is exactly what you'd expect at this price. Lightweight plastic, no premium feel, no rubberized grip. It feels like a budget remote because it is one. The buttons have decent travel and don't feel like they'll fail immediately, but there's nothing about holding it that feels substantial.

Worth noting clearly: this remote is designed for the HY300/HY320/HY300 PRO family specifically. It is not a universal remote in the traditional sense. If your projector is a different model or brand, this won't work for you. That's the main limitation, and it's a real one.

What does $1.71 normally get you?

At this price point, you'd normally be looking at a completely generic remote with no model-specific mapping — the kind where you scroll through 200 codes trying to find the one that partially works. Or you'd be buying nothing, because most replacement remotes start at $10 and climb fast.

HY300/HY320 Projector Remote for $1.71 — Does It Actually Work?

What makes this different is that it's built specifically for these projector models, so it works out of the box. That specificity at $1.71 is genuinely unusual. You're not paying for materials or brand — you're paying for compatibility, and that's actually the thing that matters.

If you wanted a remote with a better build, more buttons, or backlit keys, you'd need to spend at least $15 to $20 and still spend time confirming compatibility. The upgrade isn't worth it for most people replacing a lost remote.

Buy it if / Skip it if

Buy it if you own an HY300, HY320, or HY300 PRO projector and need a replacement remote. Also reasonable as a spare to keep around. At $1.71 after a 52% discount, there's almost no risk in the purchase.

Skip it if your projector is a different model — this won't help you. Also skip it if you need something more durable for heavy daily use; the build quality reflects the price.

My honest take: for a very specific problem — replacing a lost remote for this projector family — it solves it completely. It's not a gadget to get excited about, but it does exactly what it should, costs almost nothing, and arrives working. That's enough.

Price: $1.71 (was $3.56)

Get it here: https://www.ali-ex.com/dZUh71