Optoma HD20 Projector: Pros, Cons, and Typical Capabilities Posted on October 16, 2013 By Art Feierman 1. Optoma HD20 Projector Review - HD20 Projector Highlights - Optoma HD20 Projector Overview - Optoma HD20 Special Features - ImageAI2. Optoma HD20 – Physical Tour - Optoma HD20 Physical Appearance - HD20 Projector - Control Panel - Optoma HD20 Inputs and Outputs - Optoma HD20 Menus3. Optoma HD20 – Physical Tour1 - Optoma HD20 Remote Control - HD20 Lens Throw - HD20 Lens Shift - HD20 Anamorphic Lens4. Optoma HD20 Projector – Image Quality - HD20 Out of the Box Picture Quality - Optoma HD20 Projector - Flesh Tones - HD20 Black Levels & Shadow Detail - Black Level Performance:5. Optoma HD20 Projector – Image Quality1 - Shadow Detail Performance6. Optoma HD20 Projector – Image Quality27. Optoma HD20 Projector – Image Quality38. Optoma HD20 Projector – Image Quality49. HD20 – Overall Color & Picture Quality - Optoma HD20 Projector: Performance, HDTV and Sports10. Optoma HD20 Projector – Performance - Optoma HD20 Projector Brightness - Optoma HD20 Sharpness11. Optoma HD20 Projector – Performance1 - Light Leakage - Image Noise - Audible Noise12. Optoma HD20 Projector Calibration and Settings - Optoma HD20 Color Temperature - Optoma HD20 Basic Settings - Optoma HD20 Post Calibration Grayscale: User mode13. Optoma HD20 Projector Calibration and Settings1 - RGB Settings - Brightest Modes: - Optoma HD20 - Projector Screens - Optoma HD20 Projector Screen Recommendations14. Optoma HD20 – Competitors - HD20 vs. Epson Home Cinema 6100 and 6500UB - Optoma HD20 vs. Samsung SP-A600 - Optoma HD20 vs. Sanyo PLV-Z700 - Optoma HD20 vs. BenQ W5000 - Optoma HD20 vs. InFocus X10, Sharp XV-Z15000, Viewsonic Pro810015. Optoma HD20 – Warranty - Optoma HD20 Projector - The Bottom Line16. Optoma HD20 Projector: Pros, Cons, and Typical Capabilities - Optoma HD20 Projector: Pros - Optoma HD20 Projector: Cons - Optoma HD20 Projector: Typical Capabilities17. Optoma HD20 Projector Specifications18. Optoma HD20 Specifications Optoma HD20 Projector: Pros Good out of the Box picture quality (though greens are a touch weak) Very good color accuracy post calibration in best mode Well balanced, good overall picture quality, pretty natural skin tones A very bright entry-level projector in its “best” mode, just above average brightness in its brightest mode Two HDMI 1.3 inputs, full support for 24 fps, Deep Color, CEC etc. Good, well structured menu system Longer than average lamp life for lower cost of operation No filters to change, minimizing maintenance Small size makes it portable – a good choice for those backyard movie nights Optoma HD20 Projector: Cons The remote control’s LED light is too bright for making fine adjustments to the image Black level performance is basic – very entry level. It comes up short of almost all other low cost projectors (keep in mind that all of them are more money) On that same black level subject, the ImageAI, which is designed to improve black levels, does so, but I find it annoying because it makes changes many seconds after scene changes, and is noticeable. I recommend you not use ImageAI Limited placement flexibility, and no lens shift Fan noise is – substantial, up there with the other noisiest home theater projectors Throws a lot of heat – not surprising for a small DLP projector Light leakage out the front vent is significant. You may notice it if your side walls are light as it pushes that light to the front right side. Not too bad, however. No support for an anamorphic lens Warranty – one year – too short for my taste, but typical of most lower cost 1080p projectors, although a few under $2000 models have 2 year warranties Optoma HD20 Projector: Typical Capabilities Audible noise – just about average, and a little quieter than most DLP models Documentation is very “Optoma” that’s neither exceptionally good, nor bad. Documentation is typical in that it doesn’t go into really useful explanations of a number of features. It will tell you how to work them, but not explain some of the differences that would be helpful in choosing the best setting. 1. Optoma HD20 Projector Review - HD20 Projector Highlights - Optoma HD20 Projector Overview - Optoma HD20 Special Features - ImageAI2. Optoma HD20 – Physical Tour - Optoma HD20 Physical Appearance - HD20 Projector - Control Panel - Optoma HD20 Inputs and Outputs - Optoma HD20 Menus3. Optoma HD20 – Physical Tour1 - Optoma HD20 Remote Control - HD20 Lens Throw - HD20 Lens Shift - HD20 Anamorphic Lens4. Optoma HD20 Projector – Image Quality - HD20 Out of the Box Picture Quality - Optoma HD20 Projector - Flesh Tones - HD20 Black Levels & Shadow Detail - Black Level Performance:5. Optoma HD20 Projector – Image Quality1 - Shadow Detail Performance6. Optoma HD20 Projector – Image Quality27. Optoma HD20 Projector – Image Quality38. Optoma HD20 Projector – Image Quality49. HD20 – Overall Color & Picture Quality - Optoma HD20 Projector: Performance, HDTV and Sports10. Optoma HD20 Projector – Performance - Optoma HD20 Projector Brightness - Optoma HD20 Sharpness11. Optoma HD20 Projector – Performance1 - Light Leakage - Image Noise - Audible Noise12. Optoma HD20 Projector Calibration and Settings - Optoma HD20 Color Temperature - Optoma HD20 Basic Settings - Optoma HD20 Post Calibration Grayscale: User mode13. Optoma HD20 Projector Calibration and Settings1 - RGB Settings - Brightest Modes: - Optoma HD20 - Projector Screens - Optoma HD20 Projector Screen Recommendations14. Optoma HD20 – Competitors - HD20 vs. Epson Home Cinema 6100 and 6500UB - Optoma HD20 vs. Samsung SP-A600 - Optoma HD20 vs. Sanyo PLV-Z700 - Optoma HD20 vs. BenQ W5000 - Optoma HD20 vs. InFocus X10, Sharp XV-Z15000, Viewsonic Pro810015. Optoma HD20 – Warranty - Optoma HD20 Projector - The Bottom Line16. Optoma HD20 Projector: Pros, Cons, and Typical Capabilities - Optoma HD20 Projector: Pros - Optoma HD20 Projector: Cons - Optoma HD20 Projector: Typical Capabilities17. Optoma HD20 Projector Specifications18. Optoma HD20 Specifications Optoma HD20 – Warranty Optoma HD20 Projector Specifications