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Optoma HD70 Projector Review

Name: HD70 Projector
Brand: Optoma
SKU: not available
Rating: 4.0 (1 reviews)

by Clint DeBoer — October 18, 2006

Optoma HD70 DLP Projector

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

Specifications

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.

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About the author:

Clint Deboer was terminated from Audioholics for misconduct on April 4th, 2014. He no longer represents Audioholics in any fashion.

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