Optoma ML500 DLP Projector Review

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April 2012 - Anthony Arrigo

Optoma ML500 DLP Projector

Optoma ML500 Projector Overview

It is time to talk portable and that is exactly what the Optoma ML500 is. Weighing in at just 2.5 pounds, this projector definitely is light and easy to travel with. It boasts 500 lumens of light output and is a native WXGA(1280x800) projector. The ML500 uses a LED lamp module that is estimated to last 20,000 hours. This is in comparison to most projectors whose lamps on average last about 3000 hours. The display technology used is DLP.

The Optoma ML500 is also a native 16:10 aspect ratio projector that is also capable of projecting other aspect ratios like 4:3. The ML500 can project a 17" diagonal image all the way up to 180" diagonal. I should mention that brightness seriously diminishes as you increase image size. This is the case with all projectors.

This projector is also very capable since it features a HDMI port as well as all the standard ports you might expect your basic projector to have. Lets take a look at some of the projectors highlights and then we will move on to the more in-depth review.

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Optoma ML500 Projector Highlights

  • Light weight at just 2.5 pounds
  • Very small footprint being less than a piece of paper
  • Ability to play files directly from the projector
  • Fairly bright for its size at 500 lumens
  • 3000:1 contrast ratio

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Specs for the ML500

Click here for full specifications: Optoma ML500

  • Projection Technology: DLP
  • Brightness: 500 ANSI lumens
  • Resolution: WXGA (1280x800)
  • Contrast Ratio: 3000:1
  • Lamp Life: 20,000 Hours
  • Throw Ratio: 1.4:1
  • Dimensions: 8.7" x 6.7" x 1.7" (WxDxH)
  • Weight: 2.5 lbs.
  • MSRP $1199

 


Optoma ML500 Projector Special Features

Office Viewer Compatibility
Ability to display Microsoft PowerPoint (ppt, pptx), Word (doc, docx), Excel (xls, xlsx), Adobe (pdf) from a USB drive.

Video File Compatibility
Can play video files direct from a USB drive. H.264 (AVI, MOV, MP4, 3GP), MPEG4 (AVI), Xvid (AVI), MJPEG (AVI), MKV, CMB, TS, FLV, WMV, ASF

Video
Can display 1080p video when using HDMI and HD source.

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NEXT: Take a physical tour of the Optoma ML500