Optoma just introduced one of the lowest priced ultra short throw (UST) projectors. At $1,499, the new Optoma GT3500HDR UST projector offers Full HD 1080p resolution, laser lighting and 3,800 lumens of brightness, and can display images up to 120-inches in diagonal. However, with so many 4K UST projectors available, will its lower resolution scare aware potential buyers?
Shoppers should be aware that most 4K UST projectors on the market use a process called pixel shifting to generate 4K images. So even though they claim to be 4K, they don’t perfectly project every pixel (3840 × 2160) on the screen at one time. However, they do such a good job that your eyes can’t really tell the difference.
Nevertheless, a 1080p UST projector could be indistinguishable from 4K projectors, depending on viewing distance, source material, and lighting conditions. The GT3500HDR does accept 4K inputs with HDR so it should produce a nice quality image from high quality 4K/HDR sources on UHD Blu-ray and streaming.
On the plus side, the GT3500HDR boasts 3,800 lumens of brightness with a 500:000:1 contrast ratio, which makes it one of the brightest UST projectors currently available. The Epson LS800 is brighter, but over double the price. Higher brightness projectors should perform better in rooms with high ambient lighting or windows (assuming use with an ALR screen) and should look more vibrant in a pitch dark room, where viewing would be optimal.
Setup
The Optoma GT3500HDR will display 100-inch images when placed less than one foot away from the screen. Move it back a little further and it will project larger images, but it’s not recommended to exceed 120-inches in diagonal.
For easy installation, the GT3500HDR is equipped with several features including four-corner correction, horizontal and vertical keystone correction, as well as 360-degree and portrait mode for flexible place and play.
Design
Developed with simplicity in mind to address demand for versatile home theater projection options, the GT3500HDR comes in a compact size and lightweight design approximately 28% smaller than its predecessor, the GT5600. The eco-friendly chassis is made with up to 50% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastics.
Gaming
Suitable for console to PC gaming, the GT3500HDR provides an exceptional, big screen experience for avid gamers. The projector features ultra-low input lag that is four times lower than the competing display technology with 8.6ms at 120Hz 1080p and 17ms at 60Hz 4K UHD input, giving gamers smooth and responsive gaming sessions.
Laser Technology
Optoma’s DuraCore laser technology extends the life of the new GT3500HDR by up to six times compared to an equivalent lamp projector, offering lifetime reliability with 30,000 hours of operation in Eco mode. For consistent, long-term usage with minimal maintenance, the projector’s optical engine is airtight and dust-resistant with IP6X certification.
Key Features
- Resolution: 1080p Full HD (1920×1080)
- Imaging Technology: DuraCore DLP Laser
- Brightness: 3,800 lumens
- Contrast ratio: 500,000:1
- Color: HDR compatibility with 4K HDR Input
- Throw ratio: 0.25:1
- Light source: DuraCore laser with up to 30,000 hours of maintenance-free operation (Eco mode)
- Noise level: 27db (Eco mode)
- Built-in Enhanced Gaming Mode with 8.6ms response time in 1080p at 120Hz and 17ms response time in 1080p at 60Hz with 4K UHD input
- Image size: Up to 100” image from less than one foot away
- Flexible installation features: Ultra short throw lens, 1.15x zoom, 24/7 operation, 360-degree and portrait mode, horizontal and vertical keystone and four-corner correction
- Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0 / Outputs: 1 x USB-A power 1.5A, 1 x Audio 3.5mm
- Control: 1 x RS232, 1 x RJ45, 1 x 3D sync
“With consumers seeking flexible projection solutions for a variety of home usage scenarios, we’ve introduced our latest ultra short throw alternative with the GT3500HDR, delivering incredible brightness and true-to-life color in a new compact and environmentally friendly design,” said Billy Harrison, Product Manager at Optoma. “A suite of convenient installation features makes the GT35000HDR an ideal projector for any space and takes the big screen experience to new levels for competitive gaming, home entertainment, or home offices.”
Price & Availability
The Optoma GT3500HDR 1080p UST Projector will begin shipping in June for an estimated street price of $1,499, but can already be pre-ordered for less, now $1,272 at Amazon.
Related reading: Best 4K UST Projectors of 2023 Compete at Laser TV Showdown
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