Optoma this week debuted its latest 4K laser projector at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show, revealing a device that’s packed with smart features.
The Optoma UHZ55 joins the Optoma UHZ66 in the company’s lineup of 2024 4K projectors and claims that the device delivers “true 4K resolution”, unlike many others, though that has most likely been achieved using pixel shifting techniques, as the low price would seem to indicate.
It also includes HDR support through the HDR10 and HLG formats, a very decent 3,000 lumens of brightness and a contrast ratio of 2,500,00:1, which means it should be able to generate a very decent picture even with the lights on or the curtains wide open. That said, Optoma mentioned that the UHZ55 is more suited to home cinemas than casual living room environments.
Elsewhere, there are three HDMI 2.0 ports for connecting a Blu-ray player, with one also boasting eARC capabilities for a soundbar or AV receiver. The HDMI ports also support gaming consoles, of course, though they won’t be able to take advantage of the best 4K/120Hz features. There’s no word on the availability of Variable Refresh Rates or Auto Low-Latency Mode, but Optoma said there is an enhanced gaming mode that reduces lag to just 4.2ms and enables 4K/60Hz or 1080p/240Hz.
Those who don’t like all of the clutter that comes with connecting a streaming box will be pleased to discover the Optoma UHZ55 supports video streaming services out-of-the-box. It runs Android TV and comes with Netflix and various other apps, plus there’s a Marketplace for downloading those that aren’t pre-installed. The projector is also WiSA HT certified, which means it will connect with any certified WiSA wireless audio device.
Finally, there are smart voice assistant functions with support for both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, though taking advantage of that will require the user to connect a suitable Echo or Next speaker.
In terms of its light source, Optoma said the UHZ55 integrates its own DuraCore and Texas Instruments’ DLP technology and is capable of projecting images for up to 30,000 hours. It also supports easy installation for those who intend to mount it on the ceiling. It also features four corner correction, 1.3x zoom and vertical lens shift, making it simple to adjust and ensure picture-perfect images in sharp focus.
Optoma said the Optoma UHZ55 will go on sale in March, priced at around £2,000.
