Optoma HD27 review - DLP home theater projector

First impression of the Optoma HD27

With a size of 23 x 29.8 x 9.65 cm and a weight of 2.38 kg, the Optoma HD27 is one of the more compact home theater solutions. The all-white plastic housing is inconspicuous and visually appealing at the same time. The workmanship is successful and cannot be criticized in any way. Despite the compact design, the projector can of course also be attached to the ceiling. There is a mounting option on the underside of the housing. Instead, height-adjustable rubber pads ensure a secure stand.

All connection options are placed on the back and are easily accessible. In addition to two HDMI sockets, the second socket also supporting the Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) interface for mobile devices, the projector also has a jack audio output, a 3D sync port, a USB type A socket and a 12V output . Unfortunately, Optoma does not use other video interfaces such as DVI or VGA in the HD27. Another USB connection would have been desirable.

The scope of delivery of accessories is manageable. In addition to an A / C power cord, there is also a remote control with batteries, as well as instructions in printed form and as a CD version. Additional connection cables are not included.

Hardware

The Optoma HD27 is a full HD DLP projector with .65 “DC3 DMD chip from Texas Instruments. The manufacturer specifies the maximum possible brightness with 3.200 ANSI lumens. The contrast ratio is 25.000: 1. The lamp life ranges from 5000 to 8000 hours, depending on which display mode is used. With "Optomas Amazing Color" the projector works with the Rec.709 color scheme, which reproduces even more saturated and more accurate colors. The "Dynamic Black Technology" adapts the contrast as best as possible to the respective scene.

A zoom lens enables an accurate representation from small and at the same time large projection distances. Image sizes from 0.71 to 7.75 meters are no problem for the Optoma projector. A WLAN function is native not available. With the Optoma HDCast Pro dongle however, the projector can be converted into a smart streaming box. Content can be exchanged or streamed wirelessly between the projector and a mobile device or computer.

Commissioning and user interface

The commissioning of the Optoma HD27 is also no problem for the technical layman. If the projector is connected to the power supply and a playback device has been connected, the projector is ready for use after switching on and a short warm-up phase.

Service

The beamer can be operated directly via the device itself or via the included remote control. The remote control is handy and the names printed on the keys are understandable. The illuminated buttons make it easy to use the remote control even in the dark. Unfavorable is the placement of the IR receiver. If you stand a few meters behind the projector, the remote control does not work because of a missing, rear receiver.

On the top of the housing of the projector are again the most important control buttons. Overall 3 LED indicators visually reflect the operating mode. Operating the Optoma HD27 is easy and hassle free.

settings menu

The settings menu is clearly structured. There are 3 setting categories, which are divided into display, audio and system settings. There is also an “Info” item, which provides information on the selected resolution, the source or the lamp hours, among other things.

display settings

The menu item "Display" is divided into different subcategories. Predefined display modes can be selected under the image settings. Depending on whether the projector is used for home cinema applications or for the best possible presentation of presentations, a suitable display mode can be selected from 5 predefined and one user-defined mode for each application area. Settings for contrast, brightness, hue or sharpness can be subsequently adjusted individually and for each display mode accordingly.

The 3D mode can also be activated here. You can choose between DLP-Link and VESA. If you activate the 3D mode, further settings for the format (e.g. side-by-side), the 3D sync reversal and the 3D-2D change are possible. There are further display settings for the aspect ratio (16: 9, 4: 3, LBX, Native and Auto), the rendering mask, the zoom, image shift and the keystone correction.

Audio settings

Here you can mute the integrated speaker of Optoma HD27, as well as there are options for adjusting the volume of the speaker.

System Settings

The “System Settings” category leaves nothing to be desired. Countless settings for the projector can be made here. Among other things, there are setting options for the projector position, there are lamp and filter settings, power and security settings and other profound system settings, including for the system language or, for example, the menu itself. The possibility to create 3 individual user buttons is interesting. Functions that seem important but cannot be selected directly via the remote control can be programmed on one of the 3 buttons.

Home theater capability

After the start, the projector is in the so-called "Vivid mode". In this mode, the Optoma HD27 impresses with its particularly bright and strong colors, with the white value tending towards blue. In the "cinema mode" the picture is displayed extremely dynamically. Colors appear warm above all and the accurate color rendering thanks to the supported Rec.709 standard is also convincing overall. Many home projectors have the problem of producing a rich black level. Often the displayed black tends to be more gray. With this projector, too, the black appears slightly grayish with the factory settings. If you activate the “Dynamic Black” function in addition to the cinema mode, a very good black level is achieved. The Optoma HD27 can convince with its high brightness. Even in a not completely darkened room and with an average image area, a respectable image is projected in standard mode.

 Fan noises can be heard in standard mode, but they are still acceptable and do not affect the movie experience in any way. If you activate the eco mode, the brightness is reduced, but the fan makes almost no noise anymore. Otherwise, the eco mode is also perfectly coordinated, the display remains at a good level and with a little adjustment skill, a decent picture can be conjured up. The built-in loudspeaker is less suitable for a home theater experience. The loudspeaker achieved a decent volume, but powerful sounds are not to be expected. The loudspeaker is sufficient for one or the other public viewing in the garden or to take the projector with you to friends.

Gaming suitability

Another display mode is the "gaming mode". In combination with a PC or a console and a selected gaming mode, the Optoma HD27 generates an extremely bright image with comparatively cool colors. The input lag is comparatively low and was only noticeable when switching from a responsive gaming monitor.

3D mode

Of course, we also took a closer look at the 3D mode of the Optoma HD27 in the test. Two 3D modes can be selected here. In addition to DLP-Link, there is also the in-house VESA 3D mode. With the right one Optoma ZD302 DLP-Link 3D glasses was a convincing 3D experience to achieve. It should be noted, however, that the glasses are properly darkened and you should operate the projector in any case in standard mode. A "ghosting effect", ie an offset image to the main picture, has not occurred at any time.