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Optoma Neo-i Projector: Pros

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Art Feierman

Optoma Neo-i Projector: Pros

  • Widescreen native resolution of WVGA 854x480 (same as a DVD), supports video resolutions of up to 720p and 1080i
  • Claims 50 lumens measured 49! Not bad. And bright by pico projector standards
  • HDMI input
  • Reasonably good color, very good for a pico, though not great by any means
  • Also has Computer input (up to WXGA resolution), and an AV input
  • 2000:1 contrast - this pico projector produces decent blacks for movie watching
  • LED light source rated at 20,000 hours (10 years of 40 hours/wk
  • 16:9 native aspect ratio and supports 4:3
  • Room filling audio from two 8 watt speakers, with well balanced sound, not tinny
  • 1 year warranty
  • Easy to use, and currently reasonably priced (pricing in this new segment will of course continue to drop over the next couple of years)

Optoma Neo-i Projector: Cons

  • No standard USB or SD card slot, and no media player
  • No built in battery (optional)
  • Color could be better, typically a bit oversaturated on the HDMI input, better from an iPhone
  • An audio output would be nice (for a mini-sub)
  • Documentation - very "electronic toy" style - few pages, a number of pictures, no real detailed explanations
  • Some additional picture/color controls would be nice

Optoma Neo-i Projector: 20 Questions Answered

1) What is the native resolution and what is the max resolution?

Native Resolution is WVGA(854x480). Accepts computer data up to 1280x800 (WXGA). For Video, maximum resolutions are 720p and 1080i

2) Largest image you can project and how far do you have to be to achieve it?

Optoma says up to 120" diagonal. From a more practical standpoint, can produce a decently lit image in a really dark room on screens up to about 60 inches. Distance is 1.8 times screen width. If you want to show your movie, TV or other content with a 40 inch wide image, then the projector would place 40 x 1.8 = 72 inches from the screen.

3) Standard battery life?

The optional battery pack was not tested. It is the same battery pack as is sold with the Optoma PK301. If you are using the audio, as well as video, we expect the pack to last less than one hour before needing recharge.
4) Does it have internal memory, and how much?

No, there is no memory for user storage (images, etc.) nor is any internal memory quoted on the specs.
 
5) What light source technology does the projector use?

Uses LED light source with an estimated life of 20,000 hours.

6) What is the native aspect ratio and does it support other aspect ratios?

16:9 but does support 4:3 aspect ratio sources

7) What is the throw ratio?

1.8:1 (distance:width) ie. 50 inch image = 90 inches back from screen

8) Does it have a remote control?

Yes, the neo-i comes with an 18 button credit card sized remote control

9) Does it have a full featured control panel on the projector?

Yes. The touch control panel controls volume, source selection, menu and navigation.

10) What type of warranty does it have?

1 Year limited parts and labor.

11) Does it have a focus adjustment?

Yes. It does not have a zoom adjustment. Must be physically moved to produce a smaller or larger image.

12) What inputs/ouputs does the neo-i projector have?

1 HDMI input, the iPod / iPhone connector, an AV connector (composite video and stereo audio) and a computer VGA (HD15) connector

13) Is it compatible with smartphones? Which ones?

Other than the iPhone, only those that can connect via the composite video port, HDMI or analog computer input

14) What files types can be used for a presentation. Document?

You would provide a source, such as a laptop, dvd player or computer. The neo-i is not designed with a built in multimedia player. In this way it's different than the PK301.

15) What light source technology is used in the projector?

The light source is LED technology rated to last 20,000 hours. Most likely will have next generation model before needing to replace.

16) Will it accept HD video sources and what is the highest resolution it will accept?

The highest resolution it will accept is 1280x800 through the VGA adapter. HD video sources are accepted via the mini HDMI port and will accept a 1080i signal.

17) What cables does the projector come with, WHAT might I need?

The neo-i projector comes with a power cord, and a connector for the AV input - with mini connector on the neo-i's side, and 3 RCA jacks for the source. Other cables are optional, including a computer cable, and HDMI cable.

18) How much outboard memory can be used by the projector?

The neo-i does not have a media player, and no card slot or usb port for memory cards, flash drives, etc.

19) What is the highest brightness in standard mode with just battery and brightness with expansion pack or AC?

Highest brightness is 50 lumens. We expect the same, from the optional battery pack. The projector measured almost exactly as Optoma claims

20) What environment is this projector best suited to be used in?

Dark environments with littler or no ambient light for best viewing. Moderate lighting limits projection sizes to under 20 inch diagonal, to retain color and image dynamics.

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