This 1280 x 768 DLP projector was reviewed by Projector Reviews recently, so I read it over. First of all, you should know that this projector goes for $2k. The previous generation was a thousand dollars more. I think they’re trying to compete against the LCD projectors of the world… It uses the DarkChip2 chipset from TI. It has both horizontal and vertical lens shift (yay!). It has a zoom lens, but it’s only 1.2:1. The projector has both an HDMI input and a DVI input.

First off, this is an extremely bright projector. This is good for bigger screens, so go nuts! What about picture quality? Fleshtones were excellent, slightly brownish but very dark blacks (but not as good as the best). Sharpness is among the best in its price range. But best of all, the colours:

The image above is also a good image to start our consideration of the Optoma HD72’s color dynamics. One thing striking, about the HD72 projector is its ability to bring out color especially in darker areas. I have found this also to be true of Optoma’s H78DC3, one of my favorite projectors. I would watch a scene on the more expensive Optoma, and notice subtle colors that went unnoticed on other projectors.

It looks like this may be the projector to beat in its price category, if the short zoom range doesn’t bother you:

I am especially impressed with this projector. I have always liked what Optoma has done with their home theater projectors, when it comes to their image quality (but they all tend to need at least a basic calibration to really excel.) This one I will have no trouble recommending to friends, ergonomic issues aside.

If the HD72 will work in your room enviroment, relating to placement and mounting, you are looking at a great overall value. If, due to the limited zoom lens range or lack of lens shift, or the large offset angle, this Optoma is impractical in your room, look to one of the other projectors (probably LCD) that offer the flexibility you need.

Projector Reviews - Optoma HD72 Projector Review