Optoma HD7100 HD DLP Home Theater Projector Review

The Optima HD7100 is a 720p (1280×720 pixels) high definition home theater projector which can deliver 1000 ANSI lumens of brightness with a 5000:1 (peak) contrast ratio. The HD7100 is a DLP projector based on Texas Instruments DarkChip3 DLP technology. The 0.8 inch has native 720p high definition. DarkChip3 is the latest DLP technology offering higher brightness and contrast then previous versions.

Optoma HD70 DLP Projector

Optoma have provided some advanced color enhancement options, including user definable gamma, RGBCYM 6-color, 15 region adjustments and ISF 3C color setting. With high definition video, the power of the video processor is important for picture quality. The HD7100 has a 10bit video processor which is in line with many projector offerings in the market. Video source connectivity options include DVI w/HDCP, Component Video, Composite Video (RCA), S-Video, VGA-In, RS-232 and Dual IR Receivers.

Set Up Flexibility

To provide set up flexibility Optoma have included lens shift (horizontal and vertical) for the 1.25x zoom lens. Keystone correction is also available but, should only be used for temporary set ups as it can introduce artifacts into the video through the digital scaling process. While the 1.25x zoom ratio is handy for setup it will not allow significant movement of the projector position from the screen for a given image size. Once again the horizontal and vertical lens shift are handy but less extensive in range than some may desire. As always, careful consideration of the projector setup options is important before purchase. It should be noted that the lens is a short throw one able to project a 100 inch diagonal image from under 10 feet which might be attractive to some with smaller home theaters.

Noise level is not a strong point with the HD7100. Rated at 32dB at full brightness, it is noiser than many other offerings on the market.

As replacement lamps are expensive, lamp life can be an important part of choosing the right projector. Optoma rate their lamp as having an above average 3000 hour life.

Optoma provide a generous 3 years limited parts and labor warranty on the projector and a standard 90 days warranty on the projection lamp.

Resources

Projection Screen Selection

8 Tips to Extend Projector Lamp Life

Replacement Projector Lamps and Bulbs

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Optoma HD7100 DLP Projector

Lamp Module HD7100 7300

Optoma HD7100 Projector Ceiling Mount Kit

Optoma HD7100 Home Cinema Projector - 1280 x 720 - 14lb

Optoma HD7100 DLP HD Home Theater Projector Specification

Display Technology	0.80” DarkChip3 DLP by Texas Instruments
Brightness (Typical)	1000 Lumens
Weight	14 lbs (6.2kg)
Resolution	720p Native (1280 x 720)
Maximum Resolution	Video: 1080p (1920 x 1080) PC: UXGA (1600 x 1200)
Lens Shift	4-Way Optical, Up/Down & Right/Left
Dimensions (W x D x H)	13.5” x 12.5” x 5.6” (342 x 320 x 144 mm)
Contrast Ratio	5000:1 (Full On/Full Off)
Noise Level	32dB
Lamp Type and Life	250W UHP, Estimated at 3000 Hours STD
Image Size	30” - 300” (1.5 - 11.4m)
Computer Compatibility	WXGA, UXGA, XGA, SXGA, SVGA, VGA Compression, VESA Standard, PC and Macintosh Compatible
Video Compatibility	NTSC, PAL, SECAM, SDTV (480i), EDTV (480p), HDTV (576i/p, 720p, 1080i)
Aspect Ratio	16:9 Widescreen with Support for 4:3
Projection Lens	F=2.36-2.50, f= 24.0-30.1mm
Keystone Correction	Horizontal and Vertical
Throw Ratio	1.30-1.62:1
HSync	15-75kHz
VSync	48-85Hz
Power Supply	AC Input 100-240V, 50-60 Hz
Power Consumption	370W, Standby <5W
Operating Temperature	23°-95°F (-5°-35°C), 80% Maximum Humidity
Displayable Colors	10-bit per Channel Color Processing
Projection Method	Front, Rear, Ceiling Mount, Table Top
Uniformity	90%
DVI w/HDCP, Component Video, Composite Video (RCA), S-Video, VGA-In, RS-232, Dual IR Receivers
Standard Accessories	AC Power Cord, S-Video Cable, Composite Video Cable, Remote Control, Lens Cap, Batteries for Remote, User’s Manual
Optional Accessories	Ceiling Mount, GrayWolfII™ Series Screens, Carrying Case and Extended Warranty
Warranty	3 Years Limited Parts and Labor, 90 Days on Lamp