Optoma HD37 Projector: Summary 2

Optoma HD37 Projector Warranty

One year parts and labor is what Optoma provides on the HD37 and most of their other under $2000 projectors.

That, sadly, is unimpressive.  One year is really the minimum out there.  While one year is the most common, a number of competitors offer more, so Optoma loses out in the peace of mind category.  For example of the competition, some BenQs also offer one year, but  Epson offers two years on all of theirs, including a rapid replacement program for both years.  Viewsonic serves up a really impressive three year warranty, and so on.

One year warranties make me nervous.  I’d recommend an extended warranty, even if you have to go third party.  Nothing worse than finding yourself out of warranty if there’s an expensive problem say 15 months after you buy one.  At least with 2 year warranties, you can count on projector prices coming down, so an out of warranty failure after two years, might incentivize you to move up to a better projector?

HD37 Value Proposition and the Competition

The HC2000/2030 can’t match the black levels of the HD37, and I don’t even consider them even “entry level” for home theater, just good home entertainment projectors.  The HC3000 though, (speaker issue not withstanding) can go either home entertainment or put it in your dedicated theater, although the black level performance, even with dynamic iris won’t inspire you any more than the HD37.

Of course no rainbow effect issues with those 3LCD powered Epsons. All the rest are DLP projectors.

Viewsonic as noted also has a couple of projectors that can compete.  Their’s are primarily “crossover” projectors coming from the business side, but have faster color wheels, and more lumens.  I’d give the Optoma the advantage in out of the box color accuracy, but then Viewsonic models in the price range (or below)  will let you sleep well with their three year warranty.  Note the image above from their PJD7822.

Sony’s and Epson’s around the $2000 price and higher are a whole step up in overall performance, and would be better at both “entertainment” and home theater, although they will lack internal speakers.  I was tempted to include an image from one of those, but the image I selected isn’t a good one for showing off superior black level performance, which is the area where those really excel.

Finally, we’re starting to see some 1080p “pocket” projectors – that is LED projectors that are far more compact.  We reviewed the LG PF85U, which like the others mentioned is true 1080p.   Certainly they aren’t near as bright, so don’t really qualify as true home entertainment despite having a small speaker, but the LG is now easily bright enough to be a home theater projector. I’m really looking forward to seeing how that $1200+ is projector stacks up to the HD37, BenQ and others in the $1000 or so price range.

After much consternation, I have decided to award the HD37 a Special Interest award. (By comparison, the HD161X which I liked more, received our higher – Hot Product Award).  Still, the HD37 is a solid projector, but there’s a lot of competition whether home entertainment use or home theater, that for many people may be a better choice  Certainly the HD37 is worth considering, and will be a very good choice if not an excellent one for at least a significant number of you.  Remember, it’s not about who’s got the best projector (there are not pure “bests”), but which one is the best one for your circumstances.  For example, you just might feel that the BenQ W0170 or Epson HC2030 might be better for what you have in mind, but the extra placement flexibility of the Optoma HD37 projector may allow it to work much better in your room!

Optoma HD37 Pros