Optoma MovieTime DVD/Projector

November 2005

multipage

MovieTime is as plug and play as a projector gets. I plugged it into an outlet, aimed it at a wall and slapped in a DVD. The remote operates both the projector functions and the DVD. Because the DVD is built-in, you don't even need to set the aspect ratio option; it's already in 16:9 mode, the native shape of the DMD chip. There's a manual zoom and focus adjustment on the lens and keystone adjustment in the menu so you can straighten out the picture. I was impressed with the projector's color reproduction. Dark scenes lacked the depth and clarity of the mid-range and upper class DLP projectors, but at this price range the image was surprisingly good. One striking thing about the picture was the complete lack of edge artifacts. Usually DVDs connected via analog cables to an inexpensive projector will exhibit a lot of jagged edges. The direct digital connection of the DVD portion of the product to the projector eliminated those effects, creating a very smooth picture. However, in light scenes (white shirts, light blue skies) the pixel grid was obvious from my seating distance 12 feet from the wall. If you want to get the most out of this projector, you can purchase a screen (instead of shinning it on a white wall).

The speakers, while only 5 watts, sound surprisingly good, though the addition of the optional 50 watt subwoofer (from Dolcen Kreiling) added a lot of depth to the soundtrack. The included speakers played loud enough to please a sofa-full of people in a living room. Of course this speaker system won't provide a true home theater experience, but the object of this product is simplicity. If you must, you can hook up a surround sound system via the digital audio output.

If a portable or occasional home theater is something you can use, the MovieTime is perfect. This would also be an ideal product for schools that need something they can easily set up in a classroom and stow away when not in use. If you think you'd rather step up to a more permanent projector system, Optoma, and many other companies offer projectors at a wide range of price and performance.

Optoma MovieTime Projector

$1,500

Built-in DVD player

Built-in stereo speaker

854 x 480 resolution (EDTV)

Texas Instruments DLP Dark Chip2

1,000 ANSI lumens brightness

4,000:1 contrast ratio

Optional subwoofer

www.optomausa.com