With so much attention being focused right now on Ultra Short Throw projectors (USTs), one would think that manufacturers had thrown in the towel on standard-throw projectors; the recent EU ruling on lamp-based projectors is certainly going to hasten that trend. That ruling, however, does not apply to laser projectors, and Optoma has just released its latest 4K UHD projector, the UHZ55, which replaces the UHZ50 originally released in 2021.
The features and technical specifications of the UHZ50 and UHZ55 projectors are nearly identical. However, the UHZ55 adds the following features while debuting for $300 less in price:
- WiSA HT Certification
- Black Chassis
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz (UHZ50 was single band)
- New “Works with Google Home” Action support
How the Optoma UHZ55 Does 4K
The UHZ55 incorporates 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, to display 4K, 8.3 million pixels are required. As a result, the pixels on the 1080p chip are shifted both vertically and horizontally at 240Hz (240 times per second). This is so fast it is classified as a 4K image once displayed on the screen.
The UHZ55 Laser System
The UHZ55 employs a laser light source, which eliminates the need for lamp replacement every 2,000 to 5,000 hours of use. Instead, the UHZ55 laser system has an expected lifespan of 30,000 use hours.
The UHZ55 laser system is a part of Optoma’s DuraCore-branded Technology, which includes the following:
- Stable Brightness and Color – The laser light source maintains stable operation over its entire life with no gradual decay. No periodic lamp replacement is needed.
- Quick On/Off – The laser light source does not require any “warm-up” time when turned on and cool downtime is shorter in comparison to lamp-based projectors
- Eco-Friendly – The laser light source is Mercury-Free.
- IP6X Certification – The UHZ55 features an airtight optical engine with IP6X certification. The airtight enclosure prevents dust particles from entering and ensures long-lasting reliable performance.
Tech Note: The combination of its 4K UHD display and laser light source technologies, the UHZ55 is capable of providing an excellent cinema viewing experience, but that isn’t all this projector can do.
Gaming Support
The UHZ55 supports 4K/60Hz and 240Hz/1080p refresh rates with additional MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) processing. The 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p combined with a 16.9ms response at 4K/60Hz provides flexibility for any gaming console.
UHZ55 Smart Features
The UHZ55 also comes with Smart Home features including:
- 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 big screen.
- Marketplace App Store: Install popular 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 the device in your pocket. Available for Android, Windows, iOS, and Mac.
- Cloud Connected File Manager: Easily share and transfer files. The simple and intuitive app supports 3 major cloud storage services: Google Drive, MS One Drive, Dropbox, and Cloud Media Player. You can download files to the projector from your device via an IP address – also allows the use of PINs for added security.
- IFTTT Support: The UHZ55 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 a personalized control menu for the UHZ55. It is available for Android and iOS.
- Voice Assistant: Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
WiSA
With video projectors, audio is often considered an afterthought as the primary emphasis is on providing really big images. However, there are many projectors, including the UHZ55 that do have a modest built-in speaker system.
However, Optoma has secured the use of WiSA technology for added audio setup flexibility.
With WiSA HT certification the UHZ55 can deliver wireless audio in combination with other WiSA-certified products. WiSA HT enables high-quality audio to be transmitted and received wirelessly with perfect synchronization and no perceivable latency.
Specifications
- Displayed Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) via pixel shifting.
- Note: 3D images displayed in 1080p.
- Brightness: 3,000 ANSI lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 2,500,000:1
- Light source: DuraCore laser light source with up to 30,000 use hour life (in Eco Mode)
- Screen Size Range: 34.1 to 302.4 inches
- Projection Distance: 47.24 to 318.9 inches
- Zoom (manual): 1.3
- Lens Shift: Vertical (+/- 10%)
- Keystone Correction: Horizontal (+- 30 degrees), Vertical (+/- 30 degrees)
- Gaming Support: Built-in Enhanced Gaming Mode with 4ms response time in 1080p at 240Hz and 16.9ms response time in 4K at 60Hz
- 3D Capability: Yes – 3D images projected in 1080p.
- Media Player: Built-in with 4K HDR and HLG support.
- Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x HDMI 2.0 (eARC). 3 x USB-A
- Outputs: 1 x Audio 3.5mm, 1 x S/PDIF
- Control: 1 x RS232, 1 x RJ45, 1 x 12V trigger, 1 x 3D sync
- Built-in Speaker: 2x10W speakers (WiSA connectivity for compatible external speakers).
- Optoma Marketplace Apps: Access compatible apps, such as Prime Video and Spotify
- Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa Smart Home Skill and new “Works with Google Home” Action. This means that the UHZ55 can control other compatible smart home devices.
- Wireless Operating Frequency: Dual-Band 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz Wi-Fi
- Fan Noise Level: 27 dB (in Eco Mode)
- Dimensions (WDH): 13.27 x 10.43 x 4.7 inches
- Weight: 10.58 lbs
Availability and Pricing
The Optoma UHZ55 is available for purchase in the United States for an estimated street price of $2,499 at Amazon, Adorama and ProjectorScreen.
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