Product Preview
In November of 2021, Optoma released the feature-loaded long-throw UHZ50 4K Laser projector to its product line-up. As a follow-up, Optoma is adding another projector with similar features, the UHD55. However, instead of a laser light source, it incorporates a traditional lamp. This means that over long-term ownership, users will need to replace the lamp at least once, but the trade-off is that the projector is a little less expensive.
That being said, this projector offers a lot of flexibility for home entertainment, gaming, and even classroom or business presentation.
Let’s check out what this 4K UHD Home Cinema Projector offers to see if might be right for you.
How the Optoma UHD55 Does 4K
The UHD55 employs a .47-inch 1080p resolution DLP imaging chip (aka DMD – Digital Micromirror Device) from Texas Instruments. The chip contains 2.1 million pixels (very tiny mirrors). However, for the projector to display 4K, 8.3 million pixels are required. To achieve this the pixels on the 1080p chip are shifted both vertically and horizontally at 240Hz (240 times per second), which is so fast it is classified as a 4K image once displayed on the screen.
The Light Source
The UHD55 puts out enough light a viewing in rooms that may have some ambient light.
Lamp: 240 Watts
Light Output: 3,600 ANSI Lumens Max
Lamp Use Hours: 4000 (Bright), 10000 (Eco), 15000 (Dynamic)
Video Support
The UHD55 has a wide contrast ratio, color gamut, and is HDR compatible.
Contrast Ratio: 1,200,000:1
Color Gamut: 1.07 Billions Colors 97% DCI-P3
HDR Compatibility: HDR10, HLG
Refresh Rate: 4K/60Hz and 240Hz/1080p support with additional MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) processing. The 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p is great for gamers.
Projected Image Support
The UHD55 provides a wide range of screen sizes and adjustments depending on placement.
Projected Screen Size Range: 34.1 to 302.4-inches
Projection Distance Range: 47 to 319-inches
Lens Shift: +10% Vertical
Keystone Correction: +/-40 degrees horizontal and vertical
Focus/Zoom: Manual Focus and 1.3 times Manual Zoom.
Tip: Optoma provides a handy online projector-to-screen distance calculator.
Gaming Support
The projector features an Enhanced Gaming Mode, reducing response times down to 17ms at 4K (60Hz) and 4.4ms in 1080p up to 240Hz.
Note: When this setting is enabled some settings will be disabled including 3D video mode. Please refer to the user manual for more information.
3D Viewing Option
Although the 3D viewing option has been discontinued on TVs, many projectors offer this feature, including the UHD55. To take advantage of this capability you need to purchase a pair(s) of LCD Active Shutter DLP-Link Glasses and a 3D Synch Emitter. Automatic 3D signal detection is provided.
Additional Features
Audio System: Single 10 watt speaker. However, the UHD55 will pass through two-channel stereo audio from a source out to an external audio system via a digital optical connection.
Tip: For the best viewing experience, connect an external audio system (soundbar or home theater receiver/speakers).
Built-in Media Player: Watch movies directly from your projector without the need for a laptop or PC by using the built-in media player. Simply use the cloud-connected file manager or copy your files to a USB stick and watch them on the screen.
Marketplace App Store: You can install select streaming apps directly on the video projector. You can also access more streaming apps by connecting an external media streamer (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, …etc) to the projector via HDMI.
Creative Cast: Stream content from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop wirelessly using Wi-Fi. Control the projector from your smartphone. The Creative Cast app also allows you to wirelessly display images, documents, and videos from up to four devices. Available for Android, Windows, iOS, and Mac.
File Manager: This allows users to share and transfer files. 4 cloud storage services are supported: Google Drive, MS One Drive, Dropbox, and cloud media player. You can download files to the projector from your device via an IP address – this also allows the use of PINs for added security.
IFTTT Support: The UHD55 can be “connected” with other smart devices to blend seamlessly into your smart home ecosystem.
Optoma Connect/Info Wall: Use a smartphone to set up personalized control menu for the UHD55. Available for Android and iOS
Voice Assistant: Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
Connectivity
Input Connections:
- HDMI ver 2.0: 2
- VGA: 1 (YPbPr/RGB)
- Audio: 1 (3.5mm)
Output Connections:
- 3.5mm minijack: 1 (for headphones or analog audio output to an external audio system)
- Digital Optical Audio (S/PDIF): 1 (PCM two-channel audio output only).
- USB Type-A: 3 (one is powered enabled)
- RJ45 (Ethernet): 1
Wireless Connections:
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
Control Options
The UHD55 has flexible control options that include the following:
- Remote Control provided.
- Onboard keypad controls
- RS232(1)
- 12 Volt Trigger (1)
- 3D Sync (1)
- Optoma Connect App (Mentioned previously)
- Alexa and Google Assistant (mentioned previously)
Dimensions (W x D x H): 12.4 x 10.63 x 4.65 inches
Weight: 8.8 lbs
Pricing and Availability
The Optoma UHD55 is available for purchase in the United States for an estimated street price of $1,799 at Amazon and in Canada for $2,599 at Amazon.ca.
For more information: optomausa.com
Related reading: Best 4K Projectors
