Optoma HD8600 Projector - Image Quality-4

Posted on December 6, 2009 by Art Feierman

Shadow Detail Performance

The Optoma HD8600 definitely performs when it comes to black levels. I won't conjecture if any others reveal more, but I can say, that it definitely outperforms those projectors that I find come up a little short (like the Epson UB projectors).

Below, Panasonic on the left, HD8600 on the right. For shadow detail, look into the brown area in the lwer left, also some of the dark areas top center. I consider the Panasonic to be extremely good, and the Optoma is every bit as good, possibly better, than the Panasonic.

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The first set of comparison images is from Space Cowboys. This is a very dark scene with Clint Eastwood on Blu-ray disc. The photos are intentionally way overexposed. Look for the blacks in the shades, and the details in those shades in the form of the white trim. (At this level of overexposure, don't even worry about the skin tones, as in these types of overexposed photos they always look terrible).

First image is the HD8600, followed by the JVC RS25 and the Mitsubishi HC7000. Next is the the Vivitek H9080FD, and extremely expensive LED light source DLP projector. The last two in the sequence are the Panasonic PT-AE4000 and the Epson Home Cinema 8500UB.