With so much hype being showered on extra large screen TVs like the 98-inch models from TCL and the 116-inch model (116UX) shown at CES 2025 from Hisense one would think that manufacturers had thrown in the towel on video projectors.
We still think it’s going to be a few years before high-end projectors become a niche category that will only appeal to those spending six figures on a custom home theater set-up. Quality matters and the price of microLED TVs that can be assembled into something over 120″ will take some time to come down.
So why are manufacturers still developing new projectors?
Those who buy into the dedicated home theater experience still feel that projectors provide a more cinematic experience making them a viable large-screen home theater viewing option. With that in mind, Optoma is showing its latest high-end projector, the UHZ68LV at ISE (Integrated Systems Europe) 2025.
With advanced features, the UHZ68LV redefines Optoma’s visual product lineup, designed to deliver an elevated home cinema experience.
The UHZ68LV displays 4K UHD resolution (via pixel shifting), powered by Dual-Laser Technology with high brightness, and color accuracy. With a peak white brightness of 5000 lumens and 90% DCI-P3 cinema-grade color accuracy, the UHZ68LV projector is designed to deliver bright images on screens as large as 300 inches, even in rooms where some ambient light is present.
With its light output capability, the UHZ68LV can display Dolby Vision and HDR10+ HDR formats more accurately, dynamically optimizing each frame, with a high level of contrast, color accuracy, and detail.
The UHZ68LV incorporates Optoma’s PureEngine™ Ultra processor for home cinema, which is optimized for home theater. The processing supports smooth motion, sharp details, and precise color reproduction. The addition of Filmmaker Mode also preserves the director’s original vision, while ISF calibration modes optimize images for any viewing environment.
To make physical setup easier, the UHZ68LV has 1.6x zoom, lens shift, and 360-degree projection capabilities. The projector can be placed in the front, or rear, or mounted on the ceiling in relation to the screen. This makes it flexible for installation in almost any room environment.
Tip: The UHZ68LV is a standard throw projector, unlike UST projectors, the UHZ68LV needs to be placed from 1 to 12 meters from the screen, depending on the desired screen size.
Specifications
| Model | Optoma UHZ68LV |
| Price | £3,999 (US pricing forthcoming) |
| Display Technology | DLP™ |
| Native Aspect Ratio | 16:9 (compatible with 4:3, 21:9, 32:9) |
| Resolution | 4K UHD (3840×2160) – via pixel shifting Note: 3D images displayed in 1080p. |
| Light Source | Dual laser light source with up to 30,000 use-hour life |
| Brightness (WLO – White Light Output) | 5,000 lumens |
| Contrast ratio | 3,200,000:1 (Dynamic Black On) |
| Screen Size Range | 0.78m ~ 7.65m (30.6″ ~ 301.1″) diagonal |
| Projection distance (m) | 2.1M@80” ~ 12.75M@300″ |
| Throw ratio | 1.2:1 ~ 1.92:1 |
| Focal length (mm) | 17.63mm~27.88mm/0.694″~1.097″ |
| Native offset | 126% |
| Zoom | 1.6 (manual) |
| Lens shift | Vertical -106 ~ 126%, Horizontal –10 ~ 10% |
| Keystone Correction | Horizontal +/-30°, Vertical +/-30° |
| Horizontal scan rate | 15 ~ 255Khz |
| Vertical scan rate | 24 ~ 240Hz (240Hz for 1080p) |
| Screen Uniformity | 85% |
| Inputs | 1 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0 (eARC) |
| Outputs | 1 x USB-A power 1.5A, 2 x USB-A power 0.9A, 1 x 3D sync, 1 x Audio 3.5mm, 1 x S/PDIF |
| Noise level | 25dB (min)/31dB (max) |
| Security | Security bar, Kensington Lock, Password protected interface |
| OSD / Display languages | 25 languages (refer to user guide) |
| 24/7 operation | Yes |
| 360° operation | Yes |
| Operating conditions | 0°C~40°C/32°F~104°F, max. altitude 3,048m/10,000ft, max. humidity operating 80%, non-operating 90% |
| Speaker System | 2 x 5 watts (10 watts total) |
| Dolby Atmos Pass-Through | Yes – via HDMI-eARC |
| Input Lag (Gaming Support) | 8.50ms |
| Control | Backlit Remote, 1 x RJ45, 1 x RS232, 2 x 12V trigger |
| Networking | LAN Control |
| Power supply | 100 ~ 240V, 50 ~ 60Hz |
| Power Consumption | 0.5W (standby), 165w (min), 345w (max) |
| Dimensions (WDH) | 498 x 331 x 171mm (19.61 x 13.03 x 6.73 inches) |
| Net weight | 9.2kg (20 lbs 4oz) |
| Included Accessories | AC power cord, Remote control, 2 x AAA batteries, Quick start user manual |
The Bottom Line
Optoma has a great track record when it comes to video projectors and it looks like they have brought the right one to introduce at ISE 2025. The UHZ68LV has the core features and specifications you would expect for a projector targeted to the custom install market, as well as being suited for Institutional and commercial applications.
One weakness of projectors is that they are not as bright as most TVs, but with the capability of being able to put out as much as 5,000 lumens, that should go a long way towards the UHZ68LV being able to take advantage of HDR and 3D without disappointing results. However, it must be noted that Optoma did not provide information on what Lumen standard they were using.
The only other downside is the absence of a decent built-in speaker system – However, those who purchase this projector most likely have a home theater system already (or considering one as a companion purchase) – and the UHZ68LV does provide Dolby Atmos pass-through for decoding by a compatible external AVR.
For those attending ISE 2025 Optoma is in Hall 3, stand 3D500, at the Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via in Spain.
Price & Availability
The UHZ68LV has an RRP of £3999.99 (US pricing forthcoming), Availability through authorized dealers TBD. For more information, visit: optoma.co.uk/product/uhz68lv.
Related Reading
- Optoma’s UHZ35 4K Laser Projector Offers WiSA Wireless Audio: Preview
- At $1499, the Optoma GT3500HDR May Be the Bright Budget UST Projector to Beat
- Optoma’s UHZ55 4K UHD Laser Projector Supports WiSA Wireless Audio Streaming
- Optoma’s UHZ35ST Short Throw Laser Projector Delivers 4K Resolution and 30,000 Hours?
