Optoma EP749 DLP Projector Review
Optoma EP749 DLP Projector
Summary
- Product Name: EP749 DLP Projector
- Manufacturer: Optoma
- Performance Rating:
- Value Rating:
- Review Date: September 27, 2007 15:31
- MSRP: $ 999
- Specifications
-
Display Technology: Single 0.55” DDR DMD™ DLP Technology by Texas Instruments
Resolution: XGA (1024 x 768), Maximum interpolated resolution SXGA+ (1400 x 1050)
Brightness (Typical): 2500 Lumens
Contrast Ratio: 2200:1 (Full On/Full Off)
Lamp Life: Estimated at 2000/3000 Hours (standard/economy)
Lamp Type: 230W SHP
Throw Ratio: 1.93-2.13:1 (Distance/Width)
Image Size (Diagonal): 34.67” to 305” (0.9 to 7.7 m)
Noise Level (standard/economy): 33dB/28dB
Remote Control: Fully Featured IR Remote w/ Laser Pointer
Monitor Loop Through: D-Sub 15 VGA Output (Functional in Both Normal and Standby Modes)
Projection Distance: 4.8’ to 39.4’ (1.5 to 12 m)
Computer Compatibility: XGA, SVGA, VGA, SXGA+ Resized, VESA, PC & Macintosh Compatible
Video Compatibility: NTSC, PAL, SECAM, EDTV (480p), HDTV (576i/p, 720p, 1080i)
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Native, 5:4 &16:9 compatible
Projection Lens: F = 2.35 ~ 2.47, f = 21.83 ~ 23.81 mm, 1.1x Manual Zoom and Focus
Audio: One Internal 2-Watt Speaker
Weight: 4.4 lbs (2.0 kg)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 9.3” x 3.8” x 8.2” (238 x 96 x 210 mm)
Keystone Correction: ± 16 degrees vertical
Horizontal Scan Rate: 31.5 to 80 kHz
Vertical Refresh Rate: 56 to 85 Hz
Power Supply: AC Input 100 - 240V, 50-60Hz
Power Consumption: 300 Watts, < 7W Standby power
Operating Temperature: Operating: 5 to 35°C, 80% humidity (Max)
Storage: -20 - 60°C, 80% humidity (Max)Displayable Colors: 16.7 Million, 256 shades of gray
Projection Method: Front, Rear, Ceiling Mount, Table Top
Uniformity: 85%
User Controls: Advanced Adjustability Options through the On-Screen Display
Security: One Kensington Lock Port
I/O Connectors: DVI-D w/HDCP, D-Sub 15, VGA for Monitor Loop Through, S-Video, Composite Video, Audio Mini-Jack, RS-232
Standard Accessories: AC Power Cord, VGA to VGA Cable, RS-232 Cable, Composite Video Cable, Remote Control, Batteries for Remote, CD-ROM User’s Manual, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card, Lens Cap and Carrying Case
Optional Accessories: 15-pin to 3 RCA Component-HDTV Adapter, S-Video Cable, DVI to HDMI Adapter, GrayWolf II Series Screens, Ceiling Mount and Gold Service Warranty
Warranty: 1 Year Limited Parts and Labor, 90 Days on Lamp
Pros
- Very Quiet Operation
- Compact size
- Convenient Carrying Case
- Excellent Black Level Control
- Great Quality under $1k
Cons
- Jaggies on Standard and High Definition Settings
- Default whites oversaturate and wash out images
- No HDMI input
- Remote not backlit
Introduction
Recent Forum Posts:
What I don't like, is that I really feel that every projector needs to be rated on how it actually stands up against projectors that people may be considering for home theater use. In this regard, cheap DLP projectors tend to have limited throw range and no lens shift.
This means that their setup is fixed, and is not at all 'easy' or 'ergonomic' - both scores which rated 5 stars. Typically, a projector with very limited lens options is, at best, average, but compared to what is out there, especially in home theater, for a few bucks more, this lack of zoom and lens shift should put the projector well under 'average'.
The zoom range on this particular model is 1.1 to 1 which means that if you have a 100" diagonal (4x3) image, the projector may only sit about 13 to 14 feet from the screen. If your couch is there? Oh well, just move it forward and live with what it is!
Not exactly usable or friendly for many.
If the results are specific to comparitive 'boardroom' type projectors, I would agree, that it is 'average'. I have seen a couple dozen different boardroom projectors in the past few months, and they all look so similar it's amazing. Really, does this one stand out in that regard?
I just don't imaging how a non-HD, 4x3 projector, with poor handling of HD material, actually rates FOUR stars overall on a home A/V website. Value? Even there - for the same money you have several true HD projection units available.
