Optoma HD71 720p HD 2400 lumens DLP Home Theater Projector Review

Optoma’s HD71 has a HD native resolution of 720p (1280×720 pixels). While it is overtly a home theatre projector the HD71 has the brightness and extra connectivity options over the lesser specified HD65 to be used for business purposes. Based on Texas Instruments DLP 0.65 inch DLP Darkchip2 technology, the Optoma HD71 has Brilliant Color for greater brightness and more lifelike colors.

Optoma HD71 Projector

Weighing 6.3 lbs (2.9 kg) the HD71 is a bit hefty for a portable projector but, certainly manageable. The maximum brightness of 2400 ANSI lumens is very bright for a home theatre projector so, most will probably run it in economy mode to extend the projection bulb life out from 3000 hours to 4000 hours (rated). In full brightness mode the Optoma HD71 can cope with a significant amount of ambient light while still producing a bright projected image.

With Optoma’s AI technology engaged the Optoma HD71 achieves a high contrast ratio of 4,000:1. Without it is still 3,000:1. As a high contrast ratio is an important factor in achieving good picture quality the HD71 scores well in this area. Optoma’s ImageAI processing technology analyses each scene adjusting the lamp brightness for better black levels and more detail in darker scenes.

The HD65 has a single DLP chip combined with a 6x, six segment color wheel which is higher than the market average of 5x speed color wheel. It means that the HD71 is one of the least likely projectors for those susceptible seeing color rainbows to see any.

While the HD65 has horizontal keystone correction, the zoom ratio as is common with DLP projectors is only 1.1:1.0. If you are trying to achieve a particular size projected image there is not of lot of flexibility in the mounting distance of the projector from the screen. It’s not likely to be a problem with the common ceiling mount of a home theatre projector but, may be for other mounting options.

The warranty offered on the Optoma HD71 is a base level 1 Year Limited Parts and Labor on the projector and 90 days on lamp.

For the best image quality it is best to try and match the video source format to the native resolution of the projector however, the Optoma HD71 DLP projector will handle by scaling a wide range of incoming resolutions including;

Computer Compatibility: SXGA+, WXGA, XGA, SVGA, VGA, VESA Standards, PC and Macintosh Compatible

Video Compatibility NTSC, PAL, SECAM, HDTV (720p, 1080i), SDTV (480i/p, 576i)

As mentioned, the Optoma HD71 has a good range of connection options including; HDMI v1.3, Component Video, S-Video, VGA-In, Composite Video (RCA), DVI w/HDCP, RS-232, +12V Trigger Relay and Three Audio-In.

In the box

AC Power Cord, Component Cable, Remote Control, Batteries for Remote, Lens Cap, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card, User’s Manual and Extended Warranty Card