Optoma’s latest projector was created with gamers and movie enthusiasts in mind, allowing 3D projection in HD, XGA and SVGA resolutions.

Design
The Optoma HD66 weighs only five pounds and measures 7.6” x 11.3” x 4”. It uses the 0.65 DMD DLP chipset by Texas Instruments, which implies that the Optoma HD66 operates without filters.  It has a brightness rating of 2500 ANSI lumens and a 4,000:1 contrast ratio.  HD66 is compatible with PCs and Macs, and supports video resolution up to 1080p. 

Connections include HDMI, VGA-In, S-Video, Composite Video, Stereo Audio-In and RS232. The projector is designed in such a way that it can be used for either front or rear projection, and can be mounted on the ceiling or placed on a tabletop.  Inside, it includes a 2-watt speaker, and purchase comes with a remote, interconnect cables and other accessories. The system accepts video inputs for HDTV, EDTV, SDTV, NTSC, PAL and SECAM.

The Optoma HD66 is compatible with NVIDIA’s 3D Vision Technology for the 3-dimensional effects. The technology involves the use of a computer with a new NVIDIA GeForce video card meant for 3D.  Combined with an image refreshing rate of 120Hz, HD66 is able to display alternating stereoscopic images to the left and right eyes at 60Hz rate each. When users wear 3D polarized eyeglasses, it synchronizes with the projector and users may enjoy smooth looking transitions.

Purchase includes a remote control with batteries, lens cap, an AC power cord, composite cable, multi-lingual CD-ROM User’s manual, quick start card and an Optoma warranty card. For security purposes, there is also a Kensington lock port, a security bar and a keypad lock.

** While 3D projector is an interesting technology, users need to remember that a 3D source, 3D content and 3D glasses are required for viewing. Purchase does not come with a 3D glasses, hence users need to get active shutter glasses like NVidia’s 3D Vision goggles.

Setting up and calibrating the Optoma HD66
The Optoma HD66 can be placed on a flat surface, or mounted on to the ceiling.  It can do either a front or rear projection.   The projector offers a single HDMI input and one basic stereo output for those who prefer external speakers.

The user manual is a good guide for the physical setup of the projector. There are clear illustrations. Instead of pure black and white manuals, there are color indications along with descriptions.

The operating menu is great with 23 language support. It has a simple, user friendly interface that makes navigations easy. The users’ manual explains each segment clearly and there should be no problem with the configuration if users follow the manual well.

3D is supported at 1280 x 720 resolutions at best, and the 3D Sync. Invert function can only be used when 3D is enabled.  The 3D Sync. Invert is meant to correct the problem when users discover the inversion of the image depth.

Optoma also has a safety configuration in which the projector cannot be turned on if the lamp cover has not been placed back on the projector. There is also an auto shut down function to avoid overheating, and users may turn it on again after it cooled. In fact, when the lamp fails, the system will not turn on at all until the lamp is replaced.

Features
Optoma adopted the DLP technology from Texas Instruments, at the same time it also uses the BrilliantColor technology of the company.  The technology improves color reproduction, sharpness and depth of shade by 6-color spectral processing, of primary and secondary colors.

The projector is also capable of projecting bright images with 2500 ANSI lumens, and comes with high contrast ratio of 4,000:1.  The rapid power-on and shutdown helps users save time and money.

Meanwhile, the projector also boasts of showing off 3D images for high intensity gaming, up to 720p. It is compatible with both PC and Mac computers, supporting computer resolution as high as 1920 x 1080p.

Performance
While the system boasts of a 1080p resolution support, this works well only for two-dimensional contents, and it downscales the picture down to the native resolution of 720p.  For 3D contents, it can handle 720p, XGA (1024 x 788) and VGA (800 x 600).

Image is both bright and clear and the 3D effects are great when users view it through active-shutter glasses.  The minimum image size is 23” and maximum is 300”. Users may prefer to use an external speaker than to use the integrated 2-watt speaker for better audio enjoyment.

Perhaps the best use of this projector is for gaming.  It lacks many qualities that truly qualify it as part of a home theater for movies, but with its 1080p computer resolution support, it will be good enough to keep gamers happy for hours, though of course users need to be aware of the heat and the lamp.  One may be frustrated if the projector suddenly turns itself off with the automatic detection to avoid overheating in the middle of a battle with some aliens.

Pros and Cons
Optoma HD66 is a simple 3D projector that supports up to 720p for gaming projections and 1080p for two-dimension contents. However, it downscales the 1080p to native resolution of 720p for projection.

The RS232 support means that the machine can be controlled by using other remotes, which helps the user minimize remote control clutters.

Conclusion
The Optoma HD66 is one of the cheapest high definition 3D projectors in the market for an average of USD700.  However, due to the price it asks for, it is not one of the best projectors. It may be more biased towards offering gaming experience, but as a home theater system for movies, there may still be a lot of catching up to do.