Optoma HD70 Projector Review - $999 for 720p DLP!

[Clint DeBoer]

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 you will see outlined in this review.

[Read the Review]

[Davidt1]

Thanks for the review. I find the information on keystoning especially useful.

[WorldLeader]

Would investing in an Oppo unpconverting DVD player be a wise move for this PJ, or should I stick with a nice progressive-scan DVD player?

Also, very nice review. Would ceiling mounting this PJ be a wise choice?

[Clint DeBoer]

Originally Posted by WorldLeader

Would investing in an Oppo unpconverting DVD player be a wise move for this PJ...Would ceiling mounting this PJ be a wise choice?

Yes and yes.

[Rob Babcock]

Great review! I didn't really need any arm twisting as I've been tentatively planning to buy one, but your review has probably put me over the top. I absolutely love that they modelled the remote on the wonderful remote of the H31, and I'm delighted that they retained the "slow fade" feature for the backlighting.

All in all a superb review!

[en sabur nur]

Clint, did David Bernstein work with Optoma on this projector too? I ask, because I noticed that on the fourth page of your review, the first paragraph sounded just like the first paragraph on the final page of your review of the Panasonic AX-100. The only difference being that the word "Optoma" has replaced "Panasonic":

This projector is still a hot ticket item. The picture quality is excellent “out of the box” and after a full ISF calibration the improvements were only minimal. Let me reiterate – Optoma has just about gotten a decent calibration (Cinema1) out of the box on this model. I predict that this projector will sell at least as good as its predecessor – if not better. The default color settings from colorist David Bernstein (a Hollywood colorist who, as an example, redid the 50th Anniversary edition of Gone With the Wind as well as titles like Titanic and Moulin Rouge) are decent and will provide satisfying results (using the Cinema1 mode with controlled room lighting). The following screen captures and viewing sessions were performed before calibration of the projector

[Clint DeBoer]

That was an error, thanks. I removed it.

[KevInCinci]

Clint,

Can you elaborate on how the HD70 stacks up to the HD72 in terms of picture quality and such. My dad is considering going the projection TV route on a bit tighter budget than I had when I bought the HD72, which we both love. Is the HD72 worth the bit more money now that this one is out for less?

Cheers,

Kevin

[jcPanny]

Kevin,
Projector Central did a comparision review of the HD70 and HD72 which may answer your questions. Also note, several people disputed the Projector Central claim of 8-bit video processing on the HD70.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/optoma_hd70.htm

[justinmiller]

I can't seem to access other areas of the forums with my membership, so I'll post here.....

First, thanks for the great review. Second, how do you feel this projector compares to the Panasonic AX-100? Guys seem to be leaving their wives for it, but this little guy seems pretty comparable. Brightness aside, how does the contrast and general image quality compare? I am attracted to the Panny due to its focus and zoom options, and super brightness, but no use spending twice as much if I won't get much more pj for my money.

Thanks!