Optoma GT720 Projector Review Summary-2

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Art Feierman

The Very Bottom Line on the GT720 projector:

Just got off the phone with Pete. As he put it, the Optoma GT720 is very nicely targeted at younger gamers - from kids to college. Consider their marketing - including the black and red backpack the projector comes packaged in.

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Pete thinks it's very nicely, and reasonably priced, for the job it does, and that's as a game projector first. He's looking at the BenQ W1200 right now, in terms of game performance (it's not marketed as a gaming projector, but as a "step up" from entry level 1080p home entertainment projector). As an overall projector - not just for gaming, Pete already says, definitely a step up, but why not? After all, the BenQ W1200 sells for almost exactly 2x the GT720 projector's street price, and it can't do any 3D, let alone 3D gaming. In other words, Pete might really like the W1200 as a gaming projector, but he understands that budgets are king, and sees a strong position for the GT720, and for that matter, the just announced GT7750, which for the extra money, provides Blu-ray 3D compatibility and other 1080p 3D functionality.

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Optoma GT720 Projector: Pros, Cons, and Typical Capabilities

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Optoma GT720 Projector: Pros

For the price of a 42" 3D LCDTV, you can have 90" 100", 120", or even larger, for game playing. Talk about immersive!
Both of our gaming / projector bloggers find that the GT720 delivers as a gaming platform. No lag, good shadow detail. While consensus is picture doesn't look as good as Epson projectors selling for 3x the price, unlike the Epson's, no lag whatsoever.
Extremely bright projector whether for game playing, movies, or sports
Wide range of Brilliant Color settings allows you to trade off brightness for more realistic color handling - smoother skin tones
3D ready - supports some, not all standards
nVidia 3D and DLP-link 3D supported
Decent color after calibration
Exceptional shadow detail performance - reveals all the details in dark scenes including games

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Looks very good on sports
Short throw design works well for gaming, putting the projector between you and the screen
A portable game player. If you aren't convinced: The 6.5 lb. GT720 comes packed in a black and red backpack
Built in sound does a decent job
An Audio output jack allows external audio, and especially the ability to hook up a powered subwoofer, which should really shake the house while playing FPS games (first person shooters)
Wireless capabilities
Easy to use menus
3D works as advertised! In addition devices like Viewsonic's VP3D1 and Optoma's XL-3D allow the GT720 to work with Blu-ray 3D, and multiple other 1080p formats.
A very reasonable value, and reasonably versatile 2D or 3D gaming projector for under $700.

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Optoma GT720 Projector: Cons

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Black level performance is seriously weak, (however that turns out to also be a plus - in shadow detail, expecially for gamers)
Color could be better in 2D, but acceptable for typical buyers (try our color settings!)
3D color is off more, but that seems to be pretty standard
Glasses not included for the price
Unable to play 1080p 3D content, including Blu-ray 3D without an external processor such as the Optoma XL-3D, or the Viewsonic VP3D1 ($399 and $299, but both currently ship with one pair of glasses)
For those seeking Blu-ray 3D, etc. the just announced and slightly more expensive GT750 may be the better solution
Remote Control: Very odd layout, no backlight