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Optoma ZH450ST Short Throw 4,200 Lumens Laser Projector Review

Posted on October 17, 2024 by Philip Boyle
Optoma ZU450ST Chassis - Projector Reviews - Images
The Optoma ZH450ST is an incredibly small but extremely bright 4200 lumen professional projector. 

The Optoma ZH450ST is a $1,999 (MSRP) short-throw projector that can display 1080P Full HD (1920x1080) video in sizes as large as 292 inches diagonally. This 4,200 lumens high-brightness professional projector’s native contrast of 300,000:1 (2,000,000:1 dynamic) provides good black levels and color even in spaces where lights on viewing are the norm, not the exception. The ZH450ST is one of an increasing number of professional-grade projectors that feature a 16:9 native aspect ratio and support for HDR-encoded content.

The ZH450ST features three (2) HDMI inputs, which can accept signals up to 4K @ 60 fps. An Optoma DuraCore laser diode powers the ZH450ST, which has an estimated light-source life of 30,000 hours in ECO mode.

The ZH450ST also includes a license to use the Optoma Management Suite (OMS), which provides advanced control, monitoring, and support across Optoma’s entire range of compatible projectors, flat panel displays, and LED panels, including non-Optoma displays, via PJLink software.

The ZH450ST seems perfect for conference rooms, boardrooms, and other corporate spaces. The short throw lens lets the projector be a few feet from any wall. It is also excellent for use in golf simulators and immersive installations.

Let's take a closer look at the Optoma ZH450ST.

  • Optoma ZU450ST Chassis - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Chassis - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Chassis - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Projector - Projector Reviews - Images
buy now on amazon button grey - Projector Reviews - Image
Optoma ZH450ST Specs
Price$1,999.00 (MSRP)
TechnologyDLP (0.65" DMD) no shifting
Displayed Resolution1920 x 1080 (Displayed and Native)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)3500 ANSI Lumens (2600 Peak Lumens)
Light SourceDuraCore Blue Laser Phosphor
Contrast300,00:1 Native, 2,000,000:1 Dynamic
Zoom Lens RatioFixed
Lens ShiftNo
Lamp Life30,000 Hrs
Sound SystemMono
HDRHDR10, HLG
Warranty1-year parts and labor, 90-day lamp

Overview

Optoma ZU450ST Marketing - Projector Reviews - Images
The ZH450ST features the larger Texas Instruments DLP imager and a blue phosphor laser light source.

Optoma is the leading brand of DLP laser projectors in the US and the world's leading manufacturer of 4K video projectors. Optoma professional projectors are used in schools, businesses, houses of worship, museums, and home and business golf simulators.

The ZH450ST is not the cheapest 1080P projector we have reviewed at Projector Reviews, and to be honest, you can find 4K laser projectors, even from Optoma, at a similar price. However, this projector has much to offer potential business customers beyond resolution.

DuraCore 720P - Projector Reviews - Images

The ZH450ST is powered by a DuraCore laser light source that offers up to 30,000 hours of light source life. DuraCore laser-powered light sources are virtually maintenance-free, providing a lower total cost of ownership.

DuraCore laser projectors feature Quick On/Off, which allows the projector to power up nearly instantly with full brightness. Thus, there's no waiting for the projector light source to warm up.

The Optoma DuraCore lasers are blue. The benefits of blue lasers are partly related to cost, their high-density light, and their power efficiency. The blue light from the laser shines onto a spinning yellow phosphor wheel. The chemical compound phosphor absorbs the blue light and radiates a bright yellow light. This broadband yellow light is captured and split into primary colors using a color wheel, creating light to produce the colored images on the screen.

With 4,200 lumens and a dynamic contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, it's perfect for use in environments with uncontrolled ambient light. Optoma says the combination of the projector's high brightness and vivid colors makes it a great projector for lights on viewing, meaning spaces with moderate amounts of uncontrolled ambient light, with the caveat that no sunlight or light sources shine directly onto the screen.

BenQ_HT2060_DMD_0.65-Inch-1 - Projector Reviews Images

The ZH450ST uses a 0.65-inch Texas Instruments Digital Light Processing (DLP) Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) imager with a native Full HD (1,920 x 1,080p) resolution and no pixel shifting. Eliminating pixel shifting should mean viewers get more accurate and consistent picture quality, faster response times, and reduced motion blur, making this chip ideal for fast-moving content. A larger 0.65-inch DLP chip can offer smoother grayscale performance, deeper contrast ratios, and vibrant color reproduction thanks to its precise control over light reflection. With no need for complex pixel-shifting mechanisms, the overall system is simpler, more efficient, and less prone to wear and tear, providing a longer lifespan and consistent, high-quality performance over time.

Its sealed light engine earns it an IP6X certification, meaning it's completely dust-tight and provides full protection against dust, making it tough enough to be used in environments like mining, construction, or industrial facilities, so the classroom, meeting room, or simulator should be fine for this projector. Suppose you are a production company, rental house, or large organization with a fleet of these projectors. In that case, the ability of the projector to survive this type of abuse means you avoid costly repairs or equipment failures due to dust exposure. The DuraCore laser light source also offers an estimated light source life of up to 30,000 hours, even if running 24 hours a day, seven days a week (24/7).

Optoma_ZU450ST_GolfSim

Designed for professional markets, the ZH450ST includes 360-degree placement, horizontal and vertical keystone correction of +/- 30 degrees, digital zoom, and image shift. It can accept video signals up to Cinema 4K 4,096 x 2,160p@60 Hz (displaying at 1080P) and fully supports 3D and HDR (HDR10 and HLG) encoded content.

The ZH450ST comes with a short-throw lens, which adds significant value to the projector. Short-throw projectors can be the smart choice in a meeting room or classroom for several reasons. First, they allow you to project large images from a short distance, particularly useful in smaller spaces like meeting rooms, classrooms, and retail environments. Short-throw projectors are also the best choice for golf simulators, helping to recreate the immersive experience of playing on a real golf course.

Because a short-throw projector sits closer to the screen, the odds of someone walking in front of it and interrupting the light source are reduced. When this happens, it can disrupt presentations or interfere with the simulation by creating distracting shadows.

The ZH450ST can display a maximum screen size of 292 inches diagonally.

Optoma_ZH450ST_OMS

Optoma's OMS (Optoma Management Suite) management system is integrated into the projector, offering a single-platform solution for monitoring, diagnosing, and controlling audiovisual displays via a local area network or wireless connectivity. OMS is the first solution compatible with various display technologies, including projection, interactive flat panels, and LED displays. This makes it easy to integrate into existing hardware setups while providing different levels of access and control to ensure secure device management.

OMS is a valuable tool for IT administrators and technicians. It provides real-time monitoring to diagnose and resolve potential issues before they cause failures. It also allows users to broadcast alerts and messages across displays, schedule device operating hours, reduce energy consumption, and lower operating costs.

In addition to OMS, the ZH450ST supports control and monitoring protocols from AMX, Crestron, EXTRON, PJ Link, and RS232.

The ZH450ST includes Optoma's Color Management System (CMS) to display accurate colors tailored to different viewing environments. It offers a wide range of adjustments, including fine-tuning the image's red, green, blue, cyan, yellow, magenta, and white levels. There are even presets for WALL COLOR ADJUSTMENT for situations where a wall, rather than a screen, is used for projection.

The ZH series includes six models offering various features like resolution, lens type, and software management tools. However, as the chart below details, they all share the same form factor and brightness levels.

Optoma Current Model Comparison
ModelZH400ZH340STZH350STZH400STZH430USTZH450ST
Price MSRP$999$1225$1299$1499$1999$1999
Zoom1.1FixedFixedFixed1.6Fixed
Resolution1080P1080P1080P1080P1080P1080P
Brightness4000 Lumens3200 Lumens3500 Lumens4000 Lumens4000 Lumens4200 Lumens
Contrast 2,000,000:11,800,000:12,000,000:12,000,000:12,000,000:12,000,000:1
3DYesYesYesYesYesYes
HDRYesYesYesYesTesYes

HIGHLIGHTS

  • 4,200 lumens (manufacturer-rated)
  • $1,999 MSRP
  • Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels)
  • Accepts up to Cinema 4K signal input
  • large 0.65-inch DLP technology
  • Optoma Management Software (OMS) license included
  • DuraCore Blue Laser Phosphor system offers up to 30,000 hours of life
  • 2,000,000:1 DYNAMIC CONTRAST Ratio
  • 4-Corner Geometric Correction
  • 360-degree positioning
  • HDBaseT
  • Color Management System (CMS)
  • Fully 3D compatible
  • 24/7 operation
  • Quick Resume (Quick On/Off)
  • RS232, AMX, Crestron RoomView, and Extron IPLink-compatible

HARDWARE

CHASSIS

  • Optoma ZU450ST Chassis - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Chassis - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Chassis - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Chassis - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Chassis - Projector Reviews - Images

The Optoma ZH450ST is 34% smaller than previous lamp-based models. It measures (WxDxH) 10.79" x 8.5" x 4.49" and weighs 6.1 pounds. The ZH450ST color is the traditional eggshell Optoma white with a satin finish.

The ZH450ST is one of Optoma's most compact Full HD professional laser projectors the company produces. It features extensive connectivity options in a sleek, compact form factor 34% smaller than previous Optoma models. One of the ways Optoma has reduced the chassis size is by using an external power source, which reduces the projector's size while allowing the projector to run cooler and quieter than previous models. The reduced size and weight means the ZH450ST can easily be transported from room to room, including meeting rooms and classrooms.

Designed with the environment in mind, the eco-friendly chassis is made with up to 50% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastics, and the packaging contains up to 97% recyclable materials. In addition, the compact product and packaging size of the Optoma ZH450ST projector allows 2x more products to be carried per container, resulting in more efficient logistics to help further reduce carbon emissions.

The 1.0x zoom lens is located in the front of the projector to the left. The projector's cooling, air intake, and exhaust systems are on the left and right sides, as well as the projector's rear panel. Function indicator lights are on top and slightly visible from the front of the projector. The projector's Control Panel is located on the top panel towards the back, and the inputs and connectors are on the rear panel.

Most users will likely use the included remote control or automation system for setup and operation.

Optoma ZU450ST Control Panel - Projector Reviews - Images

The Optoma ZH450ST's control panel is straightforward. Above a nine-button layout, three indicator lights show the projector's status: power, lamp, and temperature. The Power button is opposite the Information button in the top left corner. The Menu button is in the bottom left corner, and an IR sensor for the remote control is in the bottom right.

A plus-sign arrangement of four buttons surrounds the central Enter button. These directional arrow keys (Up, Down, Left, and Right) have dual functions. The Up and Down buttons adjust vertical keystone correction, the Left Arrow button accesses the Source Menu, and the Right Arrow button resynchronizes 3D.

REMOTE

Optoma_ZH450ST_PJBRemote

The remote control included with the ZH450ST is an incredibly basic credit card style. All the buttons feel the same since they are the same shape and have a mushy rather than clicky feel of a good remote control. I can only guess that Optoma considers the inclusion of a slightly more advanced remote with features like backlit buttons unnecessary since the projector comes with a license for the company's OMS control and management software.

At the same time, I’m sure that OMS or some other management and control system will be the primary way to control the projector in most businesses or schools, but not all. Some customers will surely use this projector stand-alone in meeting rooms, classrooms, or as a golf simulator. They should include a slightly less basic backlit remote for these customers. I will not describe the remote in detail, but here are some features I do find useful on this remote,

  1. Multiple shortcut buttons for features like inputs, preset picture modes, and projector geometry.
  2. On remote volume controls and mute.
  3. Full control access to every feature in the projector's menu.

LENS

Optoma ZU450ST Lens - Projector Reviews - Images

The Optoma ZH450ST features a brand-new 1.1x lens with a focal length of 7.51 mm. The manufacturer recommends a projection distance between 15.75 inches and 125 inches with a throw ratio of 0.496:1. I have included a more comprehensive throw ratio and screen size chart at the end of this section.

The only lens adjustment on the projector is the manual focus control located on the top of the projector via the lens body. This projector does not have any lens shift or zoom capabilities, so if you want to increase or decrease the size of the projected image, you will have to move the projector closer or farther away from the screen.

The focus adjustment range is very sensitive, forcing me to adjust the focus control back and forth as I kept moving past the optimum focus point. It does not help that this model's image is a little soft, especially compared to similar or even lower-priced projectors. The lens focus uniformity is quite good only starting to distort around the far corners of the projected image.

Optoma_ZH450ST_Throw

MENUS

  • Optoma ZU450ST Menu - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Menu - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Menu - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Menu - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Menu - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Menu - Projector Reviews - Images

The ZH450ST's menus are based on Optoma's long-standing menu architecture. They are simple and logically arranged, providing access to all the projector's functions.

PERFORMANCE

The screen used for testing in this review is a Da-Lite 110-inch, 16:9 aspect ratio Tensioned Designer Contour Electrol screen system that sells for an MSRP of $3,499. This screen uses the company's ultra-white HD Progressive 1.1 screen surface designed for high-resolution video up to 16K. This extremely flexible screen system can be mounted to the ceiling or on a wall out of the box, offering one of the easiest installations I've ever done.

The Tensioned Designer Contour Electrol screen system is excellent for use in environments where a traditional behind-wall installation is difficult. It offers all the benefits of an electric screen but with the flexibility of wire-free installation. The screen has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery-powered motor that Da-Lite calls Agility.

The Tensioned Designer Contour Electrol screen system's battery-powered design is great for use in classrooms, meeting rooms, lecture halls, homes, and many other spaces where running wires behind a wall for power or control is not convenient or an option.

COLOR REPRODUCTION

  • Optoma ZU450ST Color - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Color - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Color - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Color - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Color - Projector Reviews - Images

The Optoma ZH450ST has six color modes: VIVID, CINEMA, GAME, SPORT, REFERENCE, BRIGHT, DICOM-SIM, and 3D. The HDR and HLG modes are only accessible when the projector detects HDR content.

The Optoma ZH450ST displays a picture that looks more like an Optoma home entertainment projector to me than your typical ultra-bright business projector, which is pleasantly surprising. The projector's preset picture modes are very usable and have very good color quality, most notably the CINEMA and REFERENCE modes. The ZH450ST does share a common trait with many Optoma projectors, displaying a warm image with mild red overtones, even in traditionally cooler modes like VIVID.

The slideshow above should give you a decent idea of how the projector appears. The first slide is a common test pattern that provides a snapshot of the projector's ability to display RGB color. Slide two highlights the warm nature of the projector's color tuning, where skin tones are a little more red than blue. This projector can produce dramatic but not overly saturated colors that pop and make watching movies and television shows immersive without appearing over-processed.

The projectors CINEMA and REFERENCE were the most accurate modes when viewing SDR material. For environments with above-average uncontrolled ambient light, the best modes to use are VIVID and BRIGHT, but the image will be noticeably cooler with more emphasis on blues. The SPORT mode will preserve more color accuracy without forcing the user to watch an overly cool image. This model is a good option for small businesses like bars and restaurants that want to maintain decent color accuracy even with moderate uncontrolled ambient light.

Like most of Optoma’s professional projectors, the ZH450ST is designed with the tools a trained technician or projectionist needs to set it up initially. Optoma has also included many preset modes for the untrained user. Users can access Texas Instrument’s supplied adjustments for BRILLIANT COLOR to better balance color and brightness because DLP does not provide the same number of color and white lumens.

The ZH450ST includes advanced color adjustments like those found on most of Optoma’s projector lines, including features like White Balance, Gamma, and RGB color value adjustments. Should your company not have dedicated technicians to tune the projector professionally, you can still make significant improvements to the ZH450ST’s image with simple adjustments to the projector's BRIGHTNESS, CONTRAST, and SHARPNESS modes to improve the picture quality in your meeting room or classroom.

I’ve included several links to the Murideo website, which offers written instructions and downloadable files for using these free Murideo tools. Murideo also offers detailed tutorials on its YouTube channel, which show how to optimize your projector's image using its materials.

BRIGHTNESS

  • Optoma ZU450ST Brightness - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Brightness - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Brightness - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Brightness - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Brightness - Projector Reviews - Images

Optoma has increased the light output over previous models to 4,200 lumens. Projectors that use laser phosphor light sources are highly consistent regarding light output over time. The ZH450ST offers additional technology to combat the inevitable decrease in projector brightness over the long term.

To measure the brightness, I set the projector's preset mode to BRIGHT and its light output to NORMAL, the projector's brightest configuration. I then took 3-4 readings about 15-20% out from the center of the screen.

In the projector's brightest out-of-the-box configuration, I calculated the ZH450ST's brightness as 4296 ANSI lumens, 96 ANSI lumens brighter than Optoma's rated 4,200 lumens.

The Optoma ZH450ST is a very bright, compact projector that offers enough extended brightness to be useful in spaces with higher amounts of uncontrolled ambient light. In addition, Optoma manages to provide all this increased brightness without driving the projector's color and black levels into massive amounts of overdrive. Yes, the color temperature shifts dramatically toward blues and greens in BRIGHT mode, but nowhere near as much as I have seen in some other brands of professional projectors.

Brightness Comparison
VIVID3228
BRIGHT4296
CINEMA2640
GAME3039
SPORT3064
REFERENCE1286
DICOM-SIM3017
HDR101570

BLACK LEVEL AND SHADOW DETAIL

  • Optoma ZU450ST Blacks - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Blacks - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Blacks - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Blacks - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST Blacks - Projector Reviews - Images

The Optoma ZH450ST boasts a remarkable contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1. While we don't directly measure contrast in our reviews, my observations reveal both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, the projector consistently achieves above-average black-level performance, delivering usable blacks with impressive detail. However, this exceptional black-level performance comes at the cost of brightness.

Optoma includes a DYNAMIC BLACK setting that is either excellent or unusable, depending on the displayed content. The projector's response to changing black levels is slow. Regarding presentation style content, you will likely never notice the black levels fluctuating as the feature engages. Should you try to play video content with the feature turned on, noticeable brightness fluctuations can become distracting during darker scenes. Depending on the content, these shifts in brightness can also affect the projector's color settings, causing colors to shift rapidly within seconds.

Finally, as the projector attempts to boost black levels, elements in brighter image areas can become oversaturated. This is more of an issue with video content rather than presentation. I’ve included a shot from the movie Wonka with the feature on and off as a real example of what can happen.

  • Optoma_ZH450ST_DB#2webp
  • Optoma_ZH450ST_DB#3
  • Optoma_ZH450ST_DB#4
  • Optoma_ZH450ST_DB#5
  • Optoma_ZH450ST_DB#6
  • Optoma_ZH450ST_DB#1

HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE

  • Optoma ZU450ST HDR - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST HDR - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST HDR - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST HDR - Projector Reviews - Images
  • Optoma ZU450ST HDR - Projector Reviews - Images

The ZH450ST supports HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma). Optoma's HDR color and tone mapping algorithms enhance the appearance of HDR content on this display compared to projectors without these features.

The ZH450ST effectively displays HDR10 and HLG content, improving dark area detail and color accuracy but at the cost of brightness. For cinema-like color and contrast profiles, using CINEMA mode in SDR produces an excellent image with film-accurate color performance and dark area detail without the significant brightness drop associated with HDR mode. In my brightness testing, the projector delivered 2640 ANSI lumens in CINEMA (SDR) mode compared to 1570 ANSI lumens in HDR10 mode.

The availability of HDR content has become almost ubiquitous, with all the major streaming services offering some content encoded in HDR formats that are fully backward compatible with the ZH450ST’s HDR10 capability. HDR content offers expanded color space and improved highlight and shadow detail, but even the brightest HDR projectors may need help fully reproducing it.

While HDR on professional projectors has been expanding recently, it's unlikely to be a highly demanded feature for most of the ZH450ST's intended use cases. HDR also significantly reduces the ZH450ST’s light output. In most use cases, HDR on this type of projector is unnecessary, but it is a nice-to-have feature for that rare situation where you must display a piece of HDR-encoded content.

TEXT AND PRESENTATION

Optoma ZU450ST Text & Presentation - Projector Reviews - Images

As I noted earlier in the review, the ZH450ST's out-of-the-box image is a little soft. This softness in focus is noticeable when displaying smaller text and presentations with smaller content. I thought this might result from the projectors downscaling my 4K source to the projector's 1080P displayed resolution. To test this, I switched my source to a native 1920 x 1080 resolution device and got the same results.

While the image appears softer, I don’t mean to imply that it is bad or unusable; it is not. I found the out-of-the-box image that ZH450ST produces pleasing and very usable. If, like me, you prefer a sharper picture, increasing the detail of the projector image by increasing the projector's sharpness setting is simple.

As you can see in the gallery above, while softer than I prefer, text and graphics remain viewable even at a distance. This projector's high brightness and ability to display an almost 300-inch diagonal image at 16:9 mean that you or your clients should be able to use it in both board rooms and lecture halls with little worry that people in the back cannot see what’s on screen.

SOUND QUALITY

Since the Optoma ZH450ST is a professional projector, I didn’t expect it to have onboard sound, as most pro projectors do not. Optoma has included a mono speaker built into the projector and a 15-watt internal amplifier to drive the speaker. The built-in speaker gets moderately loud, although it will not fill anything larger than a single classroom or meeting room. If you want to use this projector in a lecture hall or boardroom, you will want to have a conference system or external speaker to connect the projector to.

The speaker sound quality is thin, focusing on higher mid-range frequencies, so the audio that comes out of the speaker is not very dynamic. The 15-watt amplifier allowed me to maximize the projector's volume without clipping or distortion.

The ZH450ST has a maximum noise level of 36 decibels. Still, for most operations, including putting the projector in VIVID mode, the fan runs at the lower levels, creating about 29 dB of noise, which was not very noticeable. When you engage features like DYNAMIC BLACK, you will hear the projector cooling system kick in; however, it’s still not distracting. If you are playing audio, only people sitting very close to the projector will notice the fan noise.

The projector has a 3.5 mm audio output connection that allows users to connect to an external powered speaker or sound system. The ZH450ST does not support Bluetooth or offer wireless network connectivity, but it can be networked via the RJ45 LAN connection on the back of the projector.

SUMMARY

Optoma ZU450ST Chassis - Projector Reviews - Images

The Optoma ZH450ST is a high-brightness, short-throw blue laser phosphor projector designed for various professional applications, including in an office or classroom, and even as a pro gaming projector for golf simulators.

One of the most notable features of this projector is the size. The ZH450ST is small and lightweight compared to similarly featured projectors. This model is approximately 34% smaller than previous lamp-based models. It measures (WxDxH) 10.79" x 8.5" x 4.49" and weighs 6.1 pounds. Optoma was able to reduce the size and weight of the projector by moving the power supply out of the chassis and into an external DC power brick. The ZH450ST cuts power consumption by up to 45% compared to Optoma’s lamp-based projectors, resulting in a long product lifespan of up to 30,000 hours without changing the projector's light source as it degrades like a lamp-based model would.

Optoma's marketing materials emphasize that this projector is built with sustainability in mind. It is mercury-free and constructed from a significant amount of recycled materials. If this feature is a factor in your purchase decision, then buy with confidence that you contribute to a sustainable future for the planet.

The ZH450ST delivers impressive image quality with deep blacks and vibrant colors that still display all kinds of content from film, animation, and presentations quite well despite leaning a little warm. The projector's 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio makes details visible even in dark scenes. The projector's HDR capabilities enhance the viewing experience, providing a wider color gamut and improved dynamic range. While the HDR performance is commendable, it does come at the cost of reduced brightness. Overall, the projector performs best in SDR modes like CINEMA and REFERENCE.

Hisense_PX3-PRO_HDR#2 - Projector Reviews Images

One of the standout features of the ZH450ST is its laser light source. Compared to lamp-based projectors, the DuraCore laser light source offers a longer lifespan, reduced maintenance, and instant on/off capabilities. Another advantage of the projector's laser light source is its brightness. In my testing, the projector exceeded the manufacturer's brightness claims of 4200 ANSI lumens, enough brightness to punch through even challenging amounts of light in various business and educational use cases.

The inputs and connectors panel is basic but has all the ports necessary for classroom or conference room setup. Starting from the left, there are two HDMI inputs—input one will accept signals up to Cinema 4K and is placed next to a USB Type-A port for power, which allows users to connect an HDMI streaming device like the newly announced Amazon HDMI media player for digital signage and content distribution.

This projector does not offer Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity. Still, there is a LAN port for creating a network connection for command and control via Optoma’s Management Software (OMS) and support for Crestron, AMX, PJBlink, and others. Optoma's OMS platform allows techs to monitor, diagnose, and control one or more projectors via a local area network. This projector also supports RS-232 protocols, AMX, Crestron RoomView, and Extron IPLink.

The Optoma ZH450ST is a powerful, versatile projector with exceptional image quality and long-lasting performance. Its laser technology, high brightness, and wide range of features make it suitable for various professional applications. While there are a few minor drawbacks, the overall benefits of the ZH450ST outweigh the limitations.

PROS

  • At 4200 ANSI lumens of brightness, this projector can be used in environments with more than a moderate amount of uncontrolled ambient light.
  • A larger 0.65-inch DLP chip improves color and black levels.
  • The 0.65-inch DLP is a native 1080P chip, eliminating the need for pixel shifting and the artifacts that can come with this technology.
  • The projector’s short-throw lens means the user can project a 120-inch image from less than 50 inches from the screen.
  • The lens focus uniformity is excellent.
  • The DuraCore Laser offers up to 30,000 hours of light source life without replacement.
  • No need for filter replacement
  • 2,000,000:1 DYNAMIC CONTRAST Ratio
  • Horizontal and vertical keystone adjustments, or four-corner adjustments, allow the user to project a perfectly squared image even when the projector is off-axis.
  • 360-degree positioning allows the projector to be cleverly mounted in difficult spaces.
  • HDBaseT allows users to transmit high-quality video and audio signals over a standard Ethernet cable.
  • It displays excellent color in all but the brightest preset mode; even the BRIGHT mode provides passable color.
  • Capable of 24/7 operation without significantly impacting the projector's estimated life.
  • Quick Resume (Quick On/Off) limits the time users wait for the projector to go from ON to being able to use it.
  • RS232, AMX, Crestron RoomView, and Extron IP Link provide compatibility with the most popular control and management systems.

CONS

  • Dynamic Black mode is slow to adjust, specifically when watching video content that can distract the audience.
  • Dynamic Black can also alter the color of the displayed content.
  • The speaker volume is not loud enough for larger classrooms and meeting rooms.
  • The projected image appears soft out of the box.

OPTOMA ZH450ST - SPECIFICATIONS

Optoma ZU450ST Chassis - Projector Reviews - Images
Full Specifications
Projector ModelZH450ST
Price$1999.00 MSRP
Imager TypeDLP (0.65” DMD)
Displayed Resolution1920 x 1080
Native Resolution1920 x 1080
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)4200 ANSI lumens 
Light Source TypeDuraCore Blue Laser Phosphor
Light Source Life30,000 hours 
Contrast Ratio2,000,000:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens RatioFixed
Power Zoom/FocusNo
Lens ShiftNo
Interchangeable LensNo
Short ThrowYes
Native Aspect Ratio16:9 (Widescreen)
HDTV/4K Yes (Input)
DVI or HDMIYes
3DYes 
Blu-Ray 3DYes
Speakers15-watt mono
Noise Level (-db)29 dB - 36 dB
Low Lag GamingNo
Smart FunctionalityNo
BusinessYes
ClassroomYes
PortableYes
Special Features4200 Lumens, Short Throw, Optoma OMS
NetworkingWired
Dimensions (WxDxH)(WxDxH) 10.79" x 8.5" x 4.49"
Weight6.1 6.1 lbs
Warranty1 Year Limited Projector Parts and Labor 90 Days Lamp Warranty · 1 Year Projector Parts and Labor | 1 Year or 20000 Hr Light Source.
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