Optoma TW610ST Projector - Performance
3-29-11 -Mike Rollett
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Optoma TW610ST Projector - Brightness
The TW610ST is rated at 3100 lumens. As there is no zooming ability, all measurements were taken with the projector displaying a 70” diagonal image, with the projector just 31” from the screen. As we previously noted, short throw projectors like the TW610ST vary in brightness quite a bit across the projected image, dropping by 25 to 30% at the edges, compared to 10 to 15% for normal throw projectors. Consistent with other reviews, our measurements were taken at the brightest point of the image (usually near the center). So, keep in mind that the following results will vary greatly across the displayed image.
Starting with the lamp in Bright mode and selecting the Bright picture mode (the brightest), we measured a high of 3072 lumens. Using Presentation mode, the output dropped to 2431 lumens, which is still quite good. Somewhat oddly, Movie mode was slightly brighter than Presentation mode, coming in at 2513 lumens. sRGB mode, which provided the best overall color, contrast between dark and light scenes, and was best for video viewing, came in at a respectable 1265 lumens. Using either Movie or Presentation mode, the TW610ST provides plenty of output for all but the brightest venues.
The Optoma TW610ST projector in bright mode.
Dropping the lamp into Standard brightness mode resulted in a drop of about 19%, which still provided 1975 lumens in Presentation mode. This is accompanied by a 75 watt drop in power draw over Bright lamp mode. As the rated lamp life is only 4000 hours in Standard lamp mode (vs. 3000 in Bright mode), it’s not likely to provide much cost savings unless you can use it most of the time. As we’ve noted with previous models, adjusting Brilliant Color (BC) has a great affect on lumen output. Most modes use BC set at 10. Turning down BC to 5 results in a 30% drop in output, which is pretty significant. Turn BC down to 0 results in an additional drop of 29%, for a total of 59% from the “10” setting. As reducing BC appeared to have a minimal effect on image quality, I’d expect most users to leave it set on 10.
Audible Noise
The Optoma TW610ST has a lower noise level (31dB in Bright lamp mode) than much of the competition. This noise level is only slightly higher than many home theater projectors in the TW610ST’s price range and none of them offer the brightness of the TW610ST. Going from Bright lamp to Standard lamp, the TW610ST’s noise level only drops 2dB, although it is a noticeable reduction to the ear. Again, this is an acceptable level for a multimedia projector and consistent with others we’ve reviewed recently. Combine either noise level with the 10 watts of built-in speaker power and it’s unlikely that projector noise would ever be a problem during a presentation with sound.
Networking
Connecting the TW610ST to a computer network via its RJ-45 jack permits remote management and web browser control of almost all of the projector’s settings. Unfortunately, there is no network projection capability.
NEXT: Optoma TW610ST warranty