Optoma HD8600 Projector - Image Quality-3

Posted on December 6, 2009 by Art Feierman

Optoma HD8600 Black Levels & Shadow Detail-2

I've even got a couple of side by side images for you, all are comparing the Optoma HD8600 (right) to the Panasonic PT-AE4000 (left). I chose the Panasonic PT-AE4000 because it represents very good quality black level performance, and excellent shadow detail. I had considered using the Epson 9500UB instead, but, overall, the Optoma is more similar to the Panasonic, and the Epson is definitely not as good on shadow details.

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Here are two more dark scenes comparing the Optoma (right) and Panasonic (left) from Space Cowboys. To give you an idea of how different dynamic iris operations can affect different images, check these out. For example, in the first image, the blacks are virtually identical. In the second image pair, though, the Panasonic is doing the blacker blacks (that frame is just a couple of seconds before the first one, in the movie.) That brings us to the third frame, with the least amount of medium or bright areas, and now the Optoma's blacks are slightly better than the Panasonic's. Then, in the fourth image, again, about tie, but if there is an advantage, it would be favoring the Optoma.

These two all digital images images below are good ones for considering black levels and dark shadow detail. Look for the richness in the black part of some of the buildings and also, the sky, in the second image. Both of these first two, are digital hi-def images from the DVE-HD calibration disc.

Nothing like space scenes to show off great blacks. In the image below, however, this is the real thing - an image from the Hubble telescope, not something created in a computer graphics lab.