The Optoma GT1080HDR projector is a mid-range value-oriented gaming projector that crams a lot of features into a surprisingly low price point. Its range of features makes it excellent for a great number of use cases; it’s a strong contender for the best short throw projector, best projector for gaming, and best ceiling mounted projector for buyers unable to shell out over a grand on higher-end offerings.
Why We Like It – Optoma GT1080HDR
The Optoma GT1080HDR is a great mid-range full HD projector with a slew of features that make it great for a large variety of use cases. Its enhanced gaming mode enables a high refresh rate (120hz) with fast response times, its high contrast and HDR support deliver a solid movie experience, and its short-throw distance makes it good for setting up in a home theater without a lot of room.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- HDR support
- High refresh rate
- Great versatility
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- DLP technology leads to mediocre longevity
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
Performance/Resolution Etc.
Noticeably beating out cheaper options like the ViewSonic PX747 and the BenQ TH671ST, the Optoma GT1080HDR provides very solid image quality for its price point. As its name suggests, it supports HDR (unlike similar options such as the BenQ HT2150ST), which works reasonably well thanks to its high brightness and deep contrast ratio. It’s unsurprisingly beaten out by pricier options like the Acer H7850 (which offers much deeper contrast and a much higher resolution, at over twice the price), but it’s significantly cheaper while still offering solid image quality of its own. The only notable flaw of the Optoma GT1080HDR’s image quality is its usage of DLP technology; users sensitive to the rainbow effect are very likely to notice it on this projector.
Brightness/Lumens
At 3,800 ANSI lumens, the Optoma GT1080HDR gets incredibly bright even compared to pricier options, like the LG HU80KA 4K UHD. To put that number into scope, it gets brighter than the $2,799 Vava 4K Projector, which only manages 2,500 lumens. It’s bright enough for rooms that have all but the brightest ambient light source, and a brighter model exists if that number isn’t compelling enough; the Optoma Projector (HD39HDR) is only a bit pricier but achieves 4,000 lumens. If that’s also not bright enough, the Optoma projector GT1090HDR gets even brighter at 4,200 lumens (and it has other perks, like much better longevity thanks to its laser technology), but it costs a very pretty penny at $1,399.00.
Adjustability/Viewing Angle
Adjustability is lacking on the Optoma GT1080HDR. There’s no lens shift, nor is there any level of optical zoom; you’re stuck with digital zoom, which impacts brightness and introduces artifacting, not to mention its impact on overall image quality. If you need adjustability while retaining the perks of the GT1080HDR, you’ll have to pony up a decent bit extra; the Optoma UHD50X offers both a high refresh rate and HDR support (and 4K resolution) while also featuring lens shift, but it’s $1,599.
Durability
Unlike the Optoma GT1080Darbee, the durability is lacking on the Optoma GT1080HDR, but it’s not the worst. The fault lies in the lamp it uses to project an image; like most budget projectors, it employs DLP technology, which translates to lower lamp life than higher-end laser projectors. With that said, its 15,000-hour figure isn’t bad at all for a DLP projector, and finding a good laser projector at this price point is a pipe dream.
Value
While it’s no $200 Vankyo Performance V600, the Optoma GT1080HDR still provides incredible value for its price class. It offers a lot of bang for your buck at just over $700; its image quality is vastly superior to cheaper options, it gets very bright, and it has nice but useful features like a high refresh rate that you simply won’t find on cheaper offerings. You can also try the DR. J Professional HI-04 Mini Projector Outdoor Movie Projector at only $129.99 which gets you a 1080p projector with a built-in speaker, the remote, and a 100-inch projection screen.
Optoma GT1080HDR Wrap Up
The Optoma GT1080HDR is the king of the budget mid-range projector market. It has a plethora of features that make it a great pick for myriad use cases; gamers will appreciate it for its high refresh rate, movie buffs will appreciate it for its HDR support, and just about everyone will benefit from its high contrast ratio and high brightness. Some will likely find its usage of DLP technology a disappointment thanks to both the rainbow effect (which won’t affect most users) and its hit to lamp life, but it’s nevertheless a very compelling offering that fits a very large number of use cases.
