Optoma HD80

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Features

The 1,920 x 1,080-pixel resolution HD80 is based on the older Texas Instrument DarkChip 2 engine and registers a healthy dynamic contrast ratio of 10,000:1. It has a bright 300W ultra-high performance lamp making it ideal for viewing a matinee, rated to deliver a high 1,300 ANSI lumens. Matching the optics is a fast 6x, seven-segment color wheel. This combination is likely to suppress most DLP rainbow artifacts experienced by many users, a definite piece of good news for those holding out from DLP projectors due to their low tolerance.

Unlike the flagship HD81, this model is powered by a 10-bit DNX PixelWorks chipset, complementing its proprietary TrueVivid video processing and Image AI II function. The latter optimizes brightness on-the-fly by manipulating an iris based on the playing scene. However, this sets the light cannon on Brite mode at full power, causing an audible increase in operating noise. Health-conscious users may also like to check out the O2 Air system, a photo-catalyst air purification feature which emits ions for better room ventilation.

As with most DLP models, the throw distance is on the longer side with a limited 1.2x zoom. In order to cast a 100-inch image, you will need a depth of no less than 4.1m. Equally constraining is its 36 percent vertical offset. This requires the set to be installed closer to the ceiling in order to vertically centralize the projection. Such short-mounted brackets are rare, but nonetheless there are vertical image shifts and keystone adjustments to work around this bottleneck. Though not without some image clipping and distortion, of course.

Three digital 1080p ports!
(click for larger image)

The rear connectivity panel is decked with an extensive array of sockets. Most notable is a pair of 1080p24-enabled HDMI inputs. This is definitely a plus compared to the pricier BenQ W10000, for instance. In the middle segment, we have a set of component-video sockets and a DVI terminal that doubles as a PC input. As a matter of fact, both handle 1080p signals readily, too, as verified during our testing. To ensure backward-compatibility, Optoma still retains the legacy S-video and composite-video jacks.

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