Optoma ProScene ZU660 Projector Review – Hardware

Posted on September 14, 2018 by Nikki Zelinger

Optoma ZU660 Projector Review – Hardware: Overview, Inputs and Connectors, Interchangeable Lenses

Overview

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The Optoma ZU660 is a large venue projector that measures 7.2 inches tall, 19.1 inches wide and 20.0 inches deep, and weighs in at 37.4 lbs. This commercial projector can be mounted on a table top or ceiling mounted, and supports front and rear projection. For this review, I used the table top option, so descriptions will be written as this projector appeared when sitting on a table top.

The front of the Optoma ZU660 houses the bayonet-style lens mount, which allows easy installation of the different interchangeable lenses. As is typical with these commercial projectors, a lens is not included. To install a lens into this bayonet-style mount, simply insert the lens and twist to the right. To remove, just twist to the left. Next to the lens, you will find the Front IR Receiver, which is the receiver for the projector’s wireless remote control.

When looking at the projector from the front, the cool air intake is on the right side, and the hot air exhaust is on the left. The top of the projector is mostly featureless, save for the Optoma logo and another IR Receiver toward the rear. The rear of the projector is where you can find the control panel and an array of connections.

Inputs and Connectors

Optoma ZU660 Input and Connection Panel — The Optoma ZU660 offers a healthy array of connections for all business and educational applications.

Optoma’s ZU660 offers a healthy array of inputs for a variety of media devices. There are two rows on connections, and I’ll be describing them left to right. The top row offers a standard RJ-45 port for LAN Networking, and an HDBaseT connection, which supports HDMI signals from a compatible device via a LAN cable.

Next are two HDMI connectors, which allow connectivity with modern computers, BluRay players, steaming content, etc. A DVI-D port offers compatibility with older computers. Next, we have an old-school VGA-IN port, which doubles as a connector for YPbPr, allowing connectivity with an even wider variety of devices, and lastly, on the top row, there is a connection for a wired remote control.

The second row offers a 3D Sync In and a 3D Sync Out connector for use with 3D equipment. Next to the 3D ports, there is an RS232-C connector for older command and control units. Following that is a VGA-Out connection, which allows connection of a computer monitor or television directly to the projector. The bottom right corner of the back panel also houses the connection for the A/C power cord, and a port for an equipment lock. There are no USB ports on this projector.

Interchangeable Lens Options

Optoma’s ZU660 projector does not come with a standard lens. You’ll need to choose one for your application, or several if you’re in the rental and staging industry. The bayonet-style mounting system allows for quick changes in lenses as applications and venues change. Fortunately, there is no shortage of choices, as Optoma offers eight lenses (BX-CTA16, BX-CTA15, BX-CAA01, BX-CAA06, BX-CAA02, BX-CAA03, BX-CTA13, BX-CTADOME) to suit just about any need. From the ultra-short throw, to the Dome lens, you are sure to find exactly what you need.

We’ll start with the Ultra Short Throw Ceiling Projection Lens, BX-CTA16. This lens is perfect for tight venues where a large, bright image is required. This lens offers motorized focus, and a throw ratio of just 0.36:1.

Next, we have Optoma’s BX-CTA15, which is a motorized short throw lens. The throw ratio is 0.75~0.95:1, and is dependent on resolution. Then there’s the BX-CAA01, which is a motorized semi-short throw lens, sporting a throw ratio of 1.0~1.28:1. The BX-CAA06 is the motorized standard throw option, with a throw ratio of 1.22-1.53:1. Optoma’s BX-CAA02 is another motorized standard throw option offered for the ZU660, and has a throw ratio of 1.28~1.61:1.

The ZU660 has even more options when it comes to longer throw distances, starting with the BX-CAA03 motorized long throw lens, with a throw ratio of 1.6~3.07:1. The BX-CTA13 is offered with a throw ratio of 2.9~5.5:1 and is the choice if you need a motorized extra-long throw lens.

If you have a planetarium, simulator, or any other application that requires a 360-degree projection, well, Optoma has you covered there as well with the BX-CTADOME lens. Zoom is fixed and focus is manual, and this monster of a lens measures in at more than 14 inches in length, while offering a 180-degree projection experience.

Optoma ZU660 Projector Review – Hardware: Overview, Inputs and Connectors, Interchangeable Lenses

Overview

❮ ❯

The Optoma ZU660 is a large venue projector that measures 7.2 inches tall, 19.1 inches wide and 20.0 inches deep, and weighs in at 37.4 lbs. This commercial projector can be mounted on a table top or ceiling mounted, and supports front and rear projection. For this review, I used the table top option, so descriptions will be written as this projector appeared when sitting on a table top.

The front of the Optoma ZU660 houses the bayonet-style lens mount, which allows easy installation of the different interchangeable lenses. As is typical with these commercial projectors, a lens is not included. To install a lens into this bayonet-style mount, simply insert the lens and twist to the right. To remove, just twist to the left. Next to the lens, you will find the Front IR Receiver, which is the receiver for the projector’s wireless remote control.

When looking at the projector from the front, the cool air intake is on the right side, and the hot air exhaust is on the left. The top of the projector is mostly featureless, save for the Optoma logo and another IR Receiver toward the rear. The rear of the projector is where you can find the control panel and an array of connections.

Inputs and Connectors

Optoma’s ZU660 offers a healthy array of inputs for a variety of media devices. There are two rows on connections, and I’ll be describing them left to right. The top row offers a standard RJ-45 port for LAN Networking, and an HDBaseT connection, which supports HDMI signals from a compatible device via a LAN cable.

Next are two HDMI connectors, which allow connectivity with modern computers, BluRay players, steaming content, etc. A DVI-D port offers compatibility with older computers. Next, we have an old-school VGA-IN port, which doubles as a connector for YPbPr, allowing connectivity with an even wider variety of devices, and lastly, on the top row, there is a connection for a wired remote control.

The second row offers a 3D Sync In and a 3D Sync Out connector for use with 3D equipment. Next to the 3D ports, there is an RS232-C connector for older command and control units. Following that is a VGA-Out connection, which allows connection of a computer monitor or television directly to the projector. The bottom right corner of the back panel also houses the connection for the A/C power cord, and a port for an equipment lock. There are no USB ports on this projector.

Interchangeable Lens Options

Optoma’s ZU660 projector does not come with a standard lens. You’ll need to choose one for your application, or several if you’re in the rental and staging industry. The bayonet-style mounting system allows for quick changes in lenses as applications and venues change. Fortunately, there is no shortage of choices, as Optoma offers eight lenses (BX-CTA16, BX-CTA15, BX-CAA01, BX-CAA06, BX-CAA02, BX-CAA03, BX-CTA13, BX-CTADOME) to suit just about any need. From the ultra-short throw, to the Dome lens, you are sure to find exactly what you need.

We’ll start with the Ultra Short Throw Ceiling Projection Lens, BX-CTA16. This lens is perfect for tight venues where a large, bright image is required. This lens offers motorized focus, and a throw ratio of just 0.36:1.

Next, we have Optoma’s BX-CTA15, which is a motorized short throw lens. The throw ratio is 0.75~0.95:1, and is dependent on resolution. Then there’s the BX-CAA01, which is a motorized semi-short throw lens, sporting a throw ratio of 1.0~1.28:1. The BX-CAA06 is the motorized standard throw option, with a throw ratio of 1.22-1.53:1. Optoma’s BX-CAA02 is another motorized standard throw option offered for the ZU660, and has a throw ratio of 1.28~1.61:1.

The ZU660 has even more options when it comes to longer throw distances, starting with the BX-CAA03 motorized long throw lens, with a throw ratio of 1.6~3.07:1. The BX-CTA13 is offered with a throw ratio of 2.9~5.5:1 and is the choice if you need a motorized extra-long throw lens.

If you have a planetarium, simulator, or any other application that requires a 360-degree projection, well, Optoma has you covered there as well with the BX-CTADOME lens. Zoom is fixed and focus is manual, and this monster of a lens measures in at more than 14 inches in length, while offering a 180-degree projection experience.