Optoma HD806 - Physical Tour

Posted on December 15, 2008 by Art Feierman

Optoma HD806 Physical Appearance

The HD806 projector looks like all the other 1080p projectors from Optoma. They all share the same box, although the HD81 and HD81-LV are finished in black, while the HD806 and the rest have a milky-white appearance. Facing the projector, the zoom lens is mounted to the left, and extends out from the front of the projector at the top, and is flush with the lower part of the projector which comes more forward that the top, thanks to its sloped front. The large chrome looking lens barrel turns for focus, while a zoom ring is recessed on the top back of of the lens barrel. An infra-red sensor for the remote control is mounted on the front, just below and to the center of the lens.

The control panel runs along the top back of the projector, and has a very bright red led light when the projector is off. When the projector is on, and there is no source being projected, several bright blue LED lights are lit. As soon as the Optoma HD806 locks onto a source, those lights all go out, so as not to affect the image. Powering down, has all the blue lights blinking, nice and brightly.

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Below the front are two push button drop controlled adjustable feet. The buttons are actually located on the sides, just behind the front of the projector.

The input panel is located on the back of the HD806.

Hot air exits the projector on the right side (looking from the front). It throws quite a bit of hot air, angled to the rear, (which isn't a problem since the HD806 is not designed to be rear shelf mountable).

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HD806 Projector - Control Panel

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The control panel of the the Optoma HD806 is laid out in a straight line, on the top, along the back edge. This means that the menu keys are not laid out in the traditional diamond shape, which is unfortunate. That said, of course, you would normally be using the remote control, not the control panel, so it's not a big deal. The buttons have very bright blue LEDs that can partially light your room up, but they turn themselves off automatically when the projector is showing content. When you power down, they flash while the Optoma HD806 projector is cooling down, and it's almost an impressive light show.

On the far left, is the power switch (once for on, twice for off). Moving to the right, next is the Menu button, followed by the up and down arrows, then the left and right, and finally, the Enter key. The left arrow doubles as the Source select button when the menus aren't in use, and the right arrow, doubles as the re-sync button, primarily for locking on to a PC analog source.

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Optoma HD806 Inputs and Outputs

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The HD806 projector has the same complement of inputs and outputs as the other HD80xx projectors. There are actually three digital inputs; two HDMI 1.3 inputs, and a DVI input with HDCP compatibility. In addition, there are the usual S-Video (DIN plug) and composite video (RCA jack) inputs. The HD806 has one component video input as well (3 color coded RCA jacks).

Other connections include an RS232 serial port for control by a computer or room control system (and it should be usable for controlling the motorized sled for an anamorphic lens). There is also a 12 volt screen trigger.