Optoma HD72i

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Features
The Optoma HD72i's 1,280 x 768 native resolution goes slightly beyond the traditional 1,280 x 720 (720p) resolution of a one-chip DLP projector, which gives it a small amount of vertical position shift but doesn't perceptively increase the actual resolution. In other words, the HD72i should resolve every pixel of 720p HDTV sources, and like all fixed-pixel displays, it converts incoming standard-def, DVD, HDTV, and computer sources to fit its native resolution. The HD72i employs the Dark Chip 2 DMD chip from Texas Instruments, which means it will deliver good black-level performance, although not quite as good as you would get with the Dark Chip 3.

While the Optoma lacks lens shift, it's otherwise laden with picture-affecting features. However, as with most TVs that offer tons of adjustments, some of them are best left in their default positions. The highly touted Brilliant Color, a new Texas Instruments technology for this year, does nothing to improve the color gamut or range of red, green or blue, though it perceptibly brightens the image. TrueVivid, which the company claims sharpens the picture, does nothing of the kind. We left both of these features turned off for critical viewing. Horizontal and vertical keystone should also be avoided; as with all such circuits, they degrade the picture quality.

Conveniently, in addition to independent input memories, all five of the Optoma HD72i's picture modes are customizable. There are three selectable color temperatures--called 0, 1, and 2--all of which result in different grayscales. Also, there are four Degamma (read: Gamma) settings, with Film being the best choice for video. Full controls for grayscale calibration are located in the Advanced menu.

The Optoma's connectivity is fairly generous compared with many entry-level DLP projectors on the market. One HDMI and one DVI input give you two digital inputs, and you can use a HDMI-to-DVI adapter (not included) if you have two HDMI components. There is also one input each for component-video, composite-video, and S-video, as well as an odd four-pin mini-DIN connector that functions as RS-232 control port. A 12-volt trigger is onboard for electric dropdown screen control.

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