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Optoma HD70 Projector Review

by October 18, 2006
Optoma HD70 DLP Projector

Optoma HD70 DLP Projector

  • Product Name: HD70 Projector
  • Manufacturer: Optoma
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStar
  • Value Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
  • Review Date: October 18, 2006 20:00
  • MSRP: $ 1399
  • Buy Now

Brightness: 1000 ANSI lumens (high power mode)
Contrast: Up to 4000:1 (AI mode)
Resolution: 1280 x 720 native HD resolution
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen native 16:9 aspect ratio (4:3 compatible)
Supported Screen Size: 33-310 inches diagonal (theoretical)
DLP Technology: Single 0.62” DarkChip2 DLP
Optical System: 4x speed 7-segment color wheel (RGB, RGB, W)
Computer Compatibility: SXGA+, WXGA, XGA, SVGA, VGA Compression; VESA Standards; PC and Macintosh Compatible
Scanning Formats: 480i/576i/1080i and 480p/576p/720p/1080p/24/60 (PAL equivalents supported)
Video Inputs: HDMI, component video,VGA with component & SCART compatibility, composite video (RCA), S-Video
Misc Connections: RS-232, Dual IR Receivers, +12V Trigger Relay
Projection Lens
: 1.2x Manual Zoom and Focus; F = 2.5 ~ 2.8, f = 22.25 ~ 26.69mm

Keystone Correction: horizontal/vertical (digital)
Lamp: 200 W; 3000 hr life (Eco mode)
Mounting: ceiling, desk, front/rear (menu configurable)
Power Supply: 100-240 volts, 50-60Hz
Power Consumption: 250 watts (maximum)
Operating Temperature: 41 – 95 degrees F (5 – 35 degrees C); 80% max humidity (no condensation)
Fan: Whisper quiet 28dB operation (in Eco mode)
Projection Method: Front/rear/ceiling mount/table-top

Uniformity Ratio: 95% (center-to-corner)

Remote Control: Backlit IR remote Control with source selection, AAA x 2 batteries
Standard Accessories
: AC power cord, composite video cable, component video cable, s-video cable, remote control, 2x AAA batteries for remote, lens cap, user’s manual, quick start guide and warranty card

Optional Accessories: Ceiling mount, carrying case and GrayWolf II series screens

Dimensions: 15.5” x 4.4” x 11.8” in (395 x 112 x 300 mm)

Weight: 5.6 lbs (2.5 kg)
Warranty: 2 years limited parts and labor; 90 days lamp


Pros

  • First sub-$1000 720p DLP projector! (street price)
  • Deep blacks, rich colors
  • Consumer adjustment of RGB gain, cut and gamma
  • Backlit remote
  • 1080p support (downconverted)

Cons

  • Weak 1.2x Zoom Lens
  • Requires some calibration out of the box
  • IR sensor on front only
  • No RS-232 Support

Introduction

When I found out that Optoma was taking over the entry level projector market – excuse me, I mean introducing a 720p DLP projector for under $1000 – I quickly lined up a unit for review. You heard correctly, this is a 720p-native DLP projector that is debuting for $999 (street price). To suggest that this projector might be a popular item going into the holiday season and throughout 2007 would be like saying that Reality television might be getting a bit stale. I’ll just say it now – this should be the top-selling projector of the coming year, and for good reasons that I will outline in this review.
About the author:
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Clint Deboer was terminated from Audioholics for misconduct on April 4th, 2014. He no longer represents Audioholics in any fashion.

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