The Optoma GT1090HDR is a reasonably priced short-throw laser projector. If your primary viewing room is space-constrained, but not so small that it requires an ultra-short-throw projector like a VAVA 4K projector, then the throw distance of the GT1090HDR might be perfect, and save you some money as well. The Optoma GT1090HDR will project a 120” diagonal image placed just over 4 feet away from the screen.
With a laser light source, the projected picture from a GT1090HDR is very bright and crisp, allowing for lights-on viewing without sacrificing picture quality. The GT1090HDR is also quite suitable for projecting images from gaming consoles, and has sufficient response time that doesn’t interfere with action gameplay.
When considering the Optoma GT1090HDR be sure to consult GR’s Best Laser Projector buyer’s guide for comparison against other available projectors.
Why We Like It – Optoma GT1090HDR
The extreme brightness, super high contrast ratio, and short throw of the Optoma GT1090HDR make it a versatile projector that’s perfect for viewing and gaming in any room or outdoors.
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- Super bright
- Low lag good for gaming
- Easy setup
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- Not 4K Projection, only 4K input
- No lens shift
- Runs hot
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Performance / Resolution, etc.
Similar to the Optoma GT1080HDR, the Optoma GT1090HDR handles ultra high definition input (HDR, HDR10), its projected image is 1080p (1920×1080, with a 16:9 aspect ratio). Still, blacks are deep and whites are bright, so 4K projection may not at all be missed especially if you’re accustomed to watching full HD TV.
On the other hand, if you’re more of a critical viewer then you’ll probably be better served by true 4K projectors like the Optoma UHZ65, or the UST Optoma 4K Projector –the CinemaX P2. The GT1090HDR uses a 4 segment color wheel resulting in more than a billion displayable color, with the resulting picture color and consistency very much on par with a more expensive home theater projector.
There are 2 HDMI inputs, one HDMI 1.4 and the other HDMI 2.2 with HDCP support. So while it can’t display true 4K, you can input the latest UHD content to the GT1090HDR, including HLG. Also HD 3D. There’s an RJ-45 Ethernet adapter, 2 USB ports, some legacy PC interfaces (VGA and RS232), RCA composite inputs, and 3.5mm audio jacks both in and out.
The GT1090HDR has 2 internal 10watt speakers. Through successive firmware upgrades, the GT1090HDR has achieved 16ms input lag which makes it fairly suitable for gaming, provided your expectations are set appropriately. Gaming monitors have a 1ms to 5ms response time, so the response time of the GT1090HDR is certainly not equivalent to a gaming monitor, but way better than many other laser projectors.
Fast-paced action and competitive first-person shooter games are reasonably playable on a GT1090HDR, helped by both its low lag as well as its ability to process information at rates of up to 144Hz. This also helps with 3D picture quality, a feature you’ll also find in our review of the Optoma HD25-LV HD 3D projector.
Brightness / Lumens
The DuraCore phosphor laser of the Optoma GT1090HDR is rated at an incredible 4200 ANSI lumens, making it one of the brightest laser projectors available. Paired with a 300,000:1 contrast ratio the picture quality is vibrant and detailed both in darkened rooms as well as in rooms where there is significant ambient light present.
Adjustability / Viewing Angle
The Optoma GT1090HDR features. The GT1090HDR is a short-throw laser projector with a throw ratio of 0.50:1, so placement will likely be about 1.5 to 4 feet away from the screen in order to yield up to 100” diagonal screen size. There is an auto keystone correction, a 4-corner correction capability, as well as manual keystone adjustment for both horizontal and vertical up to 30 degrees.
The GT1090HDR also has a digital zoom, but no lens shift. Some customer comments noted their GT1090HDR behaved more like a fixed focal length projector, with room placement being key to achieving the desired picture size.
Durability
The Optoma GT1090HDR is well built, and there’s really no maintenance required thanks to its laser light source that’s rated with 30,000 hours of life (in Eco mode, 20,000 hours in higher performance modes). Keep in mind that rated laser lamp life is not the amount of time until failure, but rather the time until the laser’s brightness is reduced by 50%. It’s unlikely you’ll ever have to replace the light source in the EF-100 as you would need to do in a lamp-based projector.
The EF-100 is IPX6 compliant (IEC International standards classify various degrees of protection provided by electronic enclosures expressed as Ingress Protection codes) which means the case has a high degree of dust resistance. However, some users commented their GT1090HDR ran hot and produced a plastic odor during operation (that persisted longer than a break-in period).
Value
The Optoma GT1090HDR is a reasonable bargain if you can forego a 4K display resolution. You can still input ultra HD content, and while the picture will appear more vibrant, you’ll only see it in HD. This is the compromise to keep the price under $1500. If you’re dedicating a room to home theater viewing then 4K is probably a must-have, and you’ll need to set your projector acquisition budget higher for an Optoma 4K projector, or an Optoma UHZ65. If you need a cheaper projector than the Optoma GT1090HDR, try the Optoma HZ39HDR which is currently priced at $1163.
Optoma GT1090HDR Wrap Up
The Optoma GT1090HDR is portable and durable, and great for projection in a variety of rooms or outdoors. Its exceeding brightness lets you project in rooms that wouldn’t ordinarily be possible during daytime hours, or allows you to start summertime backyard movie nights a bit earlier at dusk rather than waiting for total darkness.
