Optoma HD143X 1080p HD Projector

Optoma HD143X 1080p 3000 Lumens 3D DLP Home Theater Projector

As with all Optoma projectors, the Optoma HD143X is extremely easy to set up. Plug it in. Connect your media player of choice (ensuring that is connected to the relevant sound system) and that is basically it. You will have to sort out the focus using the large ring around the lens, but that is very simple to do. Then you can mess around with the various image settings to get it absolutely perfect for your viewing pleasure, but you can basically start watching something in a few minutes of taking it out of the box. It is a smaller unit than many other projectors – 316 x 244 x 108mm – and it weighs 2.75kg.

This one gives full 1080p HD and also has full 3D if you are projecting stereoscopic movies. Quite simply, sensational. It has a brightness of 3,000 lumens. That is slightly lower than some of the more expensive projectors, but it gave a perfectly clear image during the day and night due to its 23,000:1 contracts ratio. You can also go through the various settings to suit the lighting in the room.

That is another thing that has always impressed with the Optoma projectors. The menu system is very intuitive and you can quickly change many different settings to get the optimum performance from the projector.  It also allows you to move the image up and down, left and right so you can place the projector where you want it and then move the image on the screen or wall to fit. It also has settings that allow you to input the colour of the wall so it can take that into account as well.

This is an entry level projector in the high-end market, so it doesn’t have as many I/O options as some of the more expensive ones. However, it has just what you need. I had no problem connecting a Blu-ray player and a PS4 console to it. You could also attach an HDMI dongle like the Google Chromecast™, Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV™.

When watching films was great due to its 23,000:1 contrast ratio, with very dark blacks, giving a clear crisp image with “edge to edge” focus. There was also virtually no rainbow artefacts, which was a welcomed plus. When playing video games it also performed extremely well. Colours popped and there was no noticeable lag. It does have a gaming mode, which the blurb says, “optimises your projector for lightning response times, maximum contrast and vivid colours to capture every detail – leaving you time to focus on winning.”

The projector has an integrated speaker. Like most projector speakers, it doesn’t give the best sound, so it is always worth playing sound through a surround sound system or soundbar. However, if you are moving the projector to a different room or taking it round to a friends house then at least you have the option if nothing else is available. The fan noise, especially when on Bright mode, was barely noticeable when watching films and playing games and dropped considerably when running the projector in Eco mode.

The user-friendly projector

Light, compact and easy to set up, the Optoma HD143X is the ideal projector for special events, regular gaming, movie nights or even to take with you. Adaptable enough to show a huge 301″ image (at 7.65 metres projection) right down to 28″ at just 71cm, the HD143X is flexible enough for all types of places and spaces. A built-in speaker means you don’t even need extra sound equipment – although this will always provide a substantial boost to the sound.

Stunning colour accuracy

Modelled on the High Definition TV standard, Rec.709, the HD143X delivers the truest possible colour reproduction. With such an accurate colour, you can enjoy lifelike images from sports, movies and documentaries.

Dynamic black

Optoma’s Dynamic Black helps give the HD143X an excellent contrast ratio of 23,000:1. By smoothly adjusting the lamp output for each frame, the HD143X is able to offer the darkest blacks alongside the brightest whites.

Excellent brightness

With a brightness figure of 3000 lumens, the Optoma HD143X is ideal for viewing in a wide range of conditions. Even during daylight conditions with curtains or blinds open, the HD143X produces a watchable and detailed picture – something that can’t always be said of projectors.

Crystal clear detail from TI’s DLP chipset

Using Texas Instrument’s DLP technology, the Optoma HD143X gives crystal clear clarity, sharply defined images and true, natural colour. Even at larger screen sizes, the detail is astounding and would have once been exclusive to projectors costing many times more. The HD143X also projects 1080p Full HD images, making it the perfect match for your Blu-ray player or Full HD gaming device.

Keystone correction for simple installation

Making the HD143X a cinch to set up is Keystone correction. Usually only available on more expensive projectors, this feature makes installation much simpler. With the ability to digitally shift the image by +/- 40 degrees in the vertical plane, the HD143X can be fitted in more difficult locations and also enables a wider choice of screen options.

Gaming Mode and 24p

To get the best from gaming, the Optoma HD143X features a special Gaming Mode. This optimises the projector’s settings to give a lightning-fast response, maximum contrast and vivid colours, making gaming on the big screen even more involving. In addition, the HD143X is also 24P compatible, so replays films shot at 24 frames per second at the correct speed, without glitching – just like at the cinema.

Optional 3D

For an even more immersive picture, the HD143X is also ready for 3D. Just add the optional ZF2300 3D glasses system, connect up to a compatible source and enjoy 3D images that are every bit as bold as at the cinema.

USB power, HDMI plug-in Smart TV

Thanks to the built-in USB power outlet you can power your source device. Ideal for powering Smart TV dongles, such as the Google Chromecast, the Optoma HD143X makes adding Smart TV cheap and easy. With twin HDMI sockets, the HD143X is well equipped to handle digital sources. One HDMI socket is also compatible with MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), enabling connection with a suitable smartphone or tablet to watch HD video, from your mobile device, on the big screen!