First impression of the Optoma GT1080 Darbee
In contrast to conventional projectors, short distance projectors such as the GT1080 Darbee are able to project a large image from a very short distance. Such a projector makes sense above all where there are no mounting options or the projection distance cannot be maintained due to shadows being cast. Gamers also benefit from short-distance projectors, which is why the gaming suitability was also included in the test.
With dimensions of 31.5 x 22.4 x 11.4 cm and a weight of 2.66 kg, the projector is comparatively compact and is therefore also suitable for an evening at the cinema with friends. The projector can be used both standing and hanging. On the underside there are three rubberized and height-adjustable feet, as well as a ceiling mounting option. To protect against theft, the projector can be fitted with a Kensington lock on the back.
The GT1080 Darbee can be operated on the one hand via the control surface above the shiny white plastic housing, and on the other hand via the supplied remote control. A mechanical rotary control is used to focus. There is no optical zoom option or optical lens shift. Optoma has placed the connection options for this device on the left side of the housing. These are two HDMI 1.4a sockets with 3D and MHL 1.2 support, a 3.5 mm audio output, a 12V output, a USB-A socket with an output voltage of 1A, a USB Mini-B socket and a 3D sync port. There are no other video interfaces such as DVI or VGA. The processing quality is convincing.
Hardware
The Optoma GT1080 Darbee is a full HD DLP projector with .65 “DC3 chip from Texas Instruments. The maximum possible brightness is 3.000 ANSI lumens. Optoma specifies the contrast ratio as 28.000: 1. Depending on which display mode is used, the life of the lamp ranges from 5000 to 8000 hours. A loudspeaker is integrated.
The projector is advertised with the "Darbee Visual Presence Technology", which above all ensures a particularly clear image with better depth of field. Also part of the party is Optomas “Amazing Color”, according to which the projector adheres to the Rec.709 color scheme and more precise and saturated colors are displayed. The so-called "Dynamic Black Technology" optimizes the contrast ratio and adapts to the respective scene. Thanks to the 3D support, pretty much any 3D video material can be played.
As already mentioned, the projector does not have an optical zoom. Although a digital zoom is available, unlike an optical zoom, the image cannot be enlarged without loss. However, since this is a short-throw projector, you can “zoom manually” by just slightly moving the distance. The maximum projection size is between 45,3" and 300", with a distance between 0.5 and 3.35 meters. Optionally, the projector can also be integrated into a WLAN using the Optoma HDCast Pro dongle so that playback material can be received wirelessly.
Commissioning and user interface
Commissioning is not associated with any hurdles and can also be carried out by a technical layman. If the beamer is connected to the power, only the playback device must be connected via HDMI and after a really short warm-up phase the picture already appears. Connected devices are automatically detected and selected as the source with the first connection.
Service
It can be operated either via the device itself or via the remote control supplied. Regardless of which operating option you choose, all functions can be accessed using both operating modes and are clearly identified by symbols and labeling (remote control). In addition, the remote control is illuminated in blue so that the GT1080 Darbee can also be operated in the dark without any problems. Regardless of whether you are standing in front of, next to or behind the projector, the infrared remote control works from every position. Three LED indicators on the top of the projector provide additional information on the operating status.
Home theater capability
As a short-throw projector, the Optoma GT1080 Darbee is able to project a 90-inch and above all high-resolution image from a distance of less than one meter. The projector does comparatively well in the home theater. A total of 5 display modes are available as standard. A user-defined mode allows you to create your own preset.
When the projector is switched on for the first time, it is in the so-called "Vivid display mode". This creates a particularly bright image that is particularly suitable for rooms that are not completely darkened. However, the contrast is rather mediocre in this mode. Dark colors appear slightly washed out in Vivid mode. Dark scenes are covered with a visible gray haze.
In the darkened room, the “game” and “cinema” display modes were particularly impressive. In combination with the Darbee & Dynamic Black technology, a very sharp image is created with excellent depth of field, strong colors and acceptable contrast. The intensity of the Darbee technology can be individually adjusted within the display settings. The fan volume of the projector is comparable to that of other devices. In the bright mode, the projector is definitely audible. In ECO mode, the fan noises did not disturb the film experience at any time. With normal television or movie volume, the fan noises simply go down. The integrated loudspeaker delivers a balanced sound with high volume, which means that the projector can also be used for one or the other film without an external playback source.
Gaming suitability
The Optoma GT1080 Darbee aims to be one of the best gaming projectors. For this purpose, the device is equipped with an “Enhanced Gaming Mode”, which reduces the response time from 33 ms to 18 ms. Compared to current gaming monitors, the GT1080 Darbee still lags behind. Experienced PC gamers who primarily prefer shooters will feel the difference between a responsive monitor and the GT1080 Darbee. However, for console players who mainly play on TV, the difference will probably be of little importance. The Darbee technology was particularly noticeable during gaming. The increased sharpness makes textures appear particularly detailed. The "rainbow effect" caused by many DLP projectors hardly occurred during the test phase.
Optoma GT1080 Darbee
Compact design
Good workmanship
Accurate color representation
Particularly sharp picture
High brightness
Extensive setting options
Good gaming suitability
No optical zoom
Weak "Vivid mode"
No VGA / DVI
No integrated WiFi
The Optoma GT1080 Darbee is a versatile projector suitable for the home cinema user as well as the console player. As a short throw projector, the GT1080 Darbee can be set up virtually anywhere and its compact size also makes it suitable for a movie night with friends. The beamer was especially convincing due to the outstanding color brilliance, the pleasant operating volume (ECO) and the Darbee technology, which ensures particularly sharp textures in gaming.
amila
15. March 2018 22 to: 07
The picture is very good, even if the room is not completely darkened. The black tones are not jet black, but that doesn't bother me at all, the projector runs nice and quiet. I'm very satisfied.