Optoma HD20 DLP Video Projector - Review

With 1,700 lumens output, the HD20 projects a bright image. The color consistency and detail rendering, although not as refined as on many higher-priced projectors, were still very good, but contrast and black levels did not have the depth and detail as you would find on a higher-end unit.

Deinterlacing and Upscaling of Standard Definition Material

In a further evaluation, with regards to its scaling capabilities, tests were conducted using Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD (ver 1.4). In order to conduct an accurate projector upscaling test, I set the Helios H4000 DVD player to 480i output and using the standard RCA composite video connector between the players and the projector. By doing this, all of the upscaling was done by the projector.

The test results showed that the HD20 did a good job with both deinterlacing and scaling, but did not fair as well with noise reduction or rendering fine detail.

On the other hand jaggie and moire pattern elimination were both very good, producing images free of obvious deinterlacing and scaling artifacts. This projector also did an excellent job with the 3:2 Pulldown film cadence and rendering video titles over film elements. Where the HD20 did show some weakness was in the softness of the upscaled images as well as in processing some of the more obscure film cadence tests. Check out a closer look at some of the test results.

The Optoma HD20 does a very good job with video processing tasks, such as 480i to 480p conversion and 1080p video upscaling, with regards to eliminating artifacts, but in additional tests, the HD20 needs some improvement in frame cadence detection, noise reduction, and detail enhancement.

High Definition Video Performance

With regards to true high definition 1080i and 1080p source material, the ability to accept input resolutions up to 1080p (including 1080p/24), and reproduce high-definition resolutions accurately, is a plus for the Optoma HD20. Also, the HD20 did a good job of deinterlacing 1080i to 1080p for screen display. This is important as sometimes 1080i source material (such as TV/Cable/Satellite HD feeds and some Blu-ray Disc video content), if shown on a TV or projector that does not have a good video processor, can sometimes exhibit jaggie artifacts. The HD20 did a good job of dealing with this situation, producing a smooth image when put through this test.

What I Liked About the Optoma HD20

1. Good image quality, in terms of color and detail with high definition material, for the price. Accepts input resolutions up to 1080p - also accepts 1080p/24. The Optoma HD20 also accepts both PAL and NTSC frame rate input signals. 480i/480p conversion and 1080p upscaling is mostly artifact free, but a little soft.

2. High lumen output produces bright images for large rooms and screen sizes. The Optoma HD20 provides adequate light output for use in a living or family room where some ambient light may be present.

3. Compact size makes it easy to place and move around if needed.

4. Fast cool down and shut-off time. The start-up time is about 30 seconds and the cool down time is about a minute. Video projectors, generally, have improved in this area.

5. Easy to Use Remote Control. I like the fact that when any button is pushed on the remote, the backlight function is activated. This is very practical in a dark room.

What I Didn't Like

1. Black levels and contrast just average (however, considering the price point, this is not unexpected).

2. Fan noise is noticeable. The fan noise isn't excessive, but can be distracting if you are sitting close to the projector or suing the projector in a small room.

3. Expels a lot of heat through side vent. If you sit within a few feet of the projector, you will notice the warmth, and may catch a warm breeze from the fan expelling heat from the side vent.

5. No Motorized Zoom or Focus Function - must be done manually at lens

6. DLP Rainbow effect sometimes noticeable. The rainbow effect is the main weakness of single chip DLP video projectors generally, and although the effect is not excessive on the HD20, it is still there.

7. No carrying case or storage bag included. Since this projector is so compact, it is great for portable use. Having a case would be a nice addition.

Setting up and using the HD20 was fairly easy. The input connections are clearly labeled and spaced out, and the on-unit control buttons and remote control are easy to use. However, the HD20 does not offer power zoom or focus controls.

With 1,700 maximum lumens output capability, the Optoma HD20 projects a bright image suitable for small, medium, and large size rooms in most homes.

Although the HD20 is not in the same performance class as high end video projectors, it none-the-less provides an acceptable viewing experience for the price. I found the color consistency to be very good. However, the black level and contrast range although acceptable, would not satisfy experienced users. In addition, the built-in 1080p scaling of the HD20 did a good job of upscaling lower resolution 480i DVD material, as well as passing direct 1080p Blu-ray and HD-DVD resolutions, including 1080p/24 signals.

The HD20 is definitely a great entry-level video projector and is illustrative of the trend towards making a more viable option for the mainstream consumer. If you are looking for your first video projector, or a second projector for portable use, the HD20 is a great option.

Taking into consideration features, performance, and price, I give the Optoma HD20 DLP Video Projector 4 out of 5 Stars.

For a closer look and additional perspective on the features, connections, and performance of HD20, check out my Optoma HD20 Photo Gallery and Video Performance Test Results.

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.