Optoma HD72i

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By Kevin Miller, CNET.com
May 22, 2006

How inexpensive can quality front projection get? We thought we had an idea until the Optoma HD72i (S$4,299 (US$3,064.37)) DLP projector came in for review. It costs less than most HD-resolution DLP units on the market, yet produced a picture that constantly surprised us with its accuracy and quality. We could go on, but suffice it to say that any quibbles we had with its performance are easily overshadowed by its affordability.

Editor's note:

The Asian Optoma HD72i is an enhanced model of the US-reviewed HD72. The former is outfitted with Faroudja DCDi video-processing engine.

Design
As you might expect from a budget-priced DLP projector, the Optoma HD72i's design is fairly basic. The outside sports a glossy-white finish, a color many people would probably choose if they were putting it in a living room and wanted it to blend in with the decor, especially the ceiling. Silver accents lend the projector a touch of class.

The Optoma HD72i has a small rectangular chassis (344 x 246 x 94mm) that weighs next to nothing (3.2kg). The lens assembly sits all the way on the right side of the chassis when floor-mounted or all the way to the left if flipped upside down for mounting on the ceiling.

Optoma's remote is small, and we find it exceedingly well-laid-out. It's all white with black lettering and, thankfully, fully backlit at the touch of a button. We appreciate the direct-access keys for contrast, brightness, image shift, and keystone, as well as for all inputs and aspect ratios.

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