Projectors : Optoma Projectors : Optoma HD66 Projector

The latest projector from Optoma, the HD66, is a compact, inexpensive 720p DLP home theater projector. Its 2500 lumens of brightness are perfect for games or sports, and its 4000:1 contrast ratio gives high-contrast images plenty of pop. Moreover, it is 3D Ready, which provides you with some insurance against the gathering storm of 3D that's just over the horizon. If you are not into 3D, don't worry--the HD66 is a great 2D home theater projector as well. The best part? This little powerhouse costs only $699, making it affordable to just about everyone.

Optoma HD66 Advantages
Resolution. The HD66 is a bright little package, rated at 2500 lumens maximum. Now, the HD66 is marketed as a 720p projector, since that is the maximum resolution at which it can display 3D content. However, it has a 1280x800 DLP chip, so not only can it display native HD 720p, but it can also display computer signals in 1024x768 and 1280x800 without compression as well. It will display HD 1920x1080p/60 in compressed form. It cannot display 24p natively, but it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between 60p and 24p even on native 1080p projectors.

Optoma HD66 Conclusion
The Optoma HD66 is a small, powerful, versatile home theater projector that's great for movies, video games, or HD sports. Its pre-calibrated picture modes optimize brightness, which is great for use in high ambient light but not ideal for cinema. A little fine-tuning of the picture controls gets you a dynamic, vibrant picture that's perfect for movies. 720p 3D support adds a bit of future-proofing and allows for the use of 3D PC games, if you have a computer powerful enough to handle them. All in all, the HD66 offers an outstanding value for those on a budget who want a bright home theater projector that is great for movies, video games, and for additional types of computer-based projection as well.


....Read the Optoma HD66 complete review

Reviewed by:
Bill Livolsi
2/3/2011
Projector Central