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Optoma EP1690 DLP Projector Review

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by Clint DeBoer — last modified December 07, 2007 09:57
Optoma EP1690 DLP Projector Review

Optoma EP1690 DLP Projector

Buy It Now!

Summary

  • Product Name: EP1690 DLP Projector
  • Manufacturer: Optoma
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStar
  • Value Rating: StarStarStarStar
  • Review Date: September 17, 2006
  • MSRP: $1899
Specifications

Display Technology: Single 0.65-inch DarkChip2™ DLP™ Technology from Texas Instruments

Brightness: 2500 lumens (typical)
Resolution: WXGA (1280 x 768) native (15:9) up to UXGA (1600 x 1200) compressed
Contrast Ratio: 2500:1 (full on/off)
I/O connectors: DVI-D with HDCP, Dual VGA (YPbPr/RGB/SCART), S-video, Composite video (RCA), four audio inputs, USB, RS-232, VGA out, AC power

Displayable Colors: 16.7 million

Noise Level (typical): 30 dB standard (27dB ECO)
Lamp Type & Life: 220W UHP lamp; 3000 hours (ECO), 2000 hours STD
Image Size: 28 to 300 inch (0.71 to 7.62 meters) diagonal
Computer Compatibility: SXGA+, UXGA, XGA, SVGA, VGA Compression, VESA Standards, PC Compatible, remote includes mouse control
Video Compatibility: HDTV (720p, 1080i,1080p) with 480i/576i deinterlacing
Warranty: 2 years limited Parts & Labor (90 days on lamp)

Projection Lens: f = 22.25 – 26.69 mm. F/2.5 – 2.8, manual focus & zoom
Keystone Correction: +/- 16 degrees vertical
Throw Ratio: 1.58 to 1.9 (distance/width)
Horizontal Scan Rate: 15-100 kHz
Vertical Refresh rate: 50 to 85 Hz
Power Supply: 100-240 volts, 50-60Hz
Power Consumption: 295 watts (+/- 10% maximum), 13 watts (standby mode)
Operating Temperature: 41 – 95 degrees F (5 – 35 degrees C); 80% humidity
Projection Method: Front/rear/ceiling mount/table-top

Uniformity: 85%

Standard Accessories: AC Power Cord, VGA to VGA, S-Video, RS-232 Cable, Remote Control, Batteries for Remote, Lens Cap, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card and User's Manual (on CD)

Optional Accessories: Bering Ceiling Mount, 15-pin to 3 RCA-Component HDTV Adapter, DVI to DVI Cable, DVI to HDMI Adapter, Gold Service Warranty

Dimensions: 13.6 x 9.7 x 3.7 in (344 x 246 x 94 mm)

Weight: 7 lbs (3.2 kg)

Pros

  • Lots of features
  • Great black levels
  • Eye-popping color saturation
  • Versatile inputs (including DVI-HDCP)
  • 1080p compatible
  • Laser pointer remote with mouse controls
  • Built-in speaker for multimedia use

Cons

  • No direct component video inputs
  • May be awkward to use as a tabletop unit due to rather high projection angle
  • Requires slightly longer throw distances
  • Intrusive fan noise
  • No vertical lens shift

Introduction

Up until now I have found that most “dual use” projectors are more designed for the office or school and not so much for the home theater. In the case of the Optoma EP1690, we may have found the first unit capable of actually performing well in both situations. We can place the thanks for this partly on Optoma and partly on the advancement of DLP front projection technology which allows for greater contrast, better output levels and performance options not found a couple years ago. I’ll outline the strengths and weaknesses of the EP1690 below, but I have to say that I am impressed overall and I could see a lot of office managers and teachers wanting to take this unit home from the classroom each night “for safe keeping”.
  1. DLP Technology, Features & Installation
  2. EP1690 Connections, Remote Control and Menu System
  3. Calibration & Benchmark Tests
  4. Viewing Evaluation and Conclusion
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