I use this primarily as a projector and it works fine for me. I don't understand the complaints of not being able to see the film unless it's in a totally dark room- most people watch films in the evening or when it's rainy/cloudy outside, so if you're watching films at these times in the day, just close the curtains. No-one I know watches films when it's blazing mid-day sunlight outside. And yes, it isn't cinema-quality surround sound, but I have no issue with the sound at all, it goes to perfectly loud and clear levels for my flatmates and me. So altogether, not a bad little system at all, but take some advice:
1) Watch it when it's dark outside
2) Put the thing on a flat level surface/shelf, so it's not rocking about or slanted!