With its WUXGA (1920x1080 native 1080p) resolution and extremely bright 3600 ANSI lumen output, Optoma’s new TX1080 DLP projector is built for performance and, for the most part, delivers.
The TX1080 has a sleek body style, but it’s not petite. Though it weighs less than 11 pounds, the TX1080 is designed more for permanent installations. Two big hints from Optoma: no built-in handle and no supplied carrying case. Chances are you won’t want to transport this across your facility unless it’s permanently attached to a cart.
Because of its size, the TX1080 has plenty of real estate on the back for inputs. The video (RCA) and S-Video sources share stereo RCA audio inputs. There are also two VGA inputs and a DVI-D, each with an audio in mini jack. Plus, you get HDMI connectivity, RS-232 port, plus VGA and audio out. The RJ-45 port allow network connectivity, while the USB port allows your remote to double as a mouse for your attached computer.
I really want to like the remote because it fits comfortably in my hand, but my enthusiasm is tempered by more than 30 buttons that are not particularly intuitive. The remote is also overpowered by a large directional pad with two additional buttons near the center for mouse control. Unfortunately, there is a separate group of directional buttons below the D-pad for onscreen menu navigation. It would have been much better if the same D-pad could have been used for both mouse and menu.
While the remote is more complicated than necessary, the on-screen menus are very well organized and easy to navigate. Most users won’t have to venture past the Image and Display sub-menus, but the Setup and Options sub-menus offer access to security and other advanced settings. You can adjust your image in a number of ways, but the TX1080’s presets are actually quite good.
Two built-in two-watt speakers provide pretty good sound at a decent volume. You can even access to treble and bass adjustments in the menu.
The true appeal of the TX1080 is its images. Video and S-Video sources look fine, though you’ll probably want to reduce the sharpness to minimize aliasing (pretty typical). The RGB computer inputs, however, are simply stunning. Text is clear and crisp, while colors are bright and dynamic. As far as the HDMI input, let’s just say Halo 3 on my Xbox 360 has never looked better. No wonder Optoma is also pushing the TX1080 as a home theater unit (which explains the picture-in-picture functionality).
About the only creature comforts missing from Optoma’s TX1080 are auto focus, power zoom, and wireless networking capabilities, none of which are essential for most boardrooms. With a minimum advertised price of $3,499.99, the Optoma TX1080 is not the least expensive option on the market. However, you are paying for an abundance of inputs, plenty of brightness, and truly excellent images.
| COMMENTS (2) | | 03/23/2009 | | WUXGA is 1920x1200, not 1920x1080 (this is actually HD1080). |
| | 03/20/2009 | | That resolution seems rather standard these days. My 19inch HDTV has the same. Little low-tech for Government, wouldn't you agree? |
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