Any complete Optoma HD66 review must include specification, advantages, and disadvantages. Here, all three will be presented so that one can make an informed decision before purchasing.
Optoma HD66 : Specification
This is the latest DLP projector put out by Optoma. It is a relatively low cost home theater projector system that is rated for 720p. It produces a brightness of 2500 lumens in bright mode that is ideal for watching sports or playing games. It features a 4000:1 contrast ratio, making images really pop. In addition, it is 3D ready.
Optoma HD66 : Brightness and Contrast Ratio
The brightness can be reduced manually for viewing in a typical home theater setting where the ambient lighting is kept lower. The preset movie mode produces 1410 lumens, which is a bit bright in a darkened room. However, the low lamp mode drops the output to 1227 lumens, which is more acceptable.
It is also possible to make major changes manually to tweak the video image for maximum personal satisfaction. One can lower the brightness, raise the contrast and color saturation, and set color temperatures to suitable levels. It is recommended that one disable the BrilliantColor feature completely.
After making the manual adjustments, the relatively low contrast ratio and accuracy of color was improved by a significant margin. Without the adjustments, the color was just fair and color saturation was incorrect, with a bias toward green.
Optoma HD66 : 2D and 3D Mode
This projector is rated a 720p based on this being the maximum resolution it can display in 3D mode. However, it is capable of 1080p HD images in 2D with compression. It can also display computer images in 1280 x 800 resolution without compression. This is the maximum output of its DLP chip.
While this unit is considered to be 3D ready, it is only compatible with specific 3D signal sources at this time. There are no guarantees that it will be compatible with other sources released in the future. One must also purchase a pair of active shutter type 3D glasses for everyone who will be watching 3D content. These must be DLP compatible to function properly.
Image brightness is significantly reduced when in 3D mode. However, due to the glasses, the apparent ambient lighting is also reduced by the same percentage. The set’s factory calibrated modes deliver a less than ideal picture. However, manual calibration by the user can improve the image quality.
Optoma HD66 : Some Problem
There is significant signal loss when one uses long cables with this unit. This shows up as flashes of static that can be completely distracting and completely unpredictable. It might be necessary to use two shorter cable runs and install a signal repeater between them to maintain image quality.
The remote is crowded and cluttered by two distinct directional pads. One is strictly for mouse control and will be useless to the average user. Unfortunately, these are not labeled and can be easily confused.
Optoma HD66 : Summarize
The Optoma HD66 Projector review indicates that this is an excellent unit for the price. It has features that far outweigh the disadvantages unless one is looking for a top of the line image from a bargain machine.