Optoma UHZ65 4K projector first impressions review – Bristol Show 2018

Optoma is a renowned and well respected maker of projectors. In fact, it is the number one 4K UHD brand in EMEA. I was at their presentation of its new flagship 4K UHD laser projector, the UHZ65 at Sound and Vision – The Bristol Show.

Optoma was one of my first presentations in a long line and packed diary this year. Fortunately, Penny and the team already knows my requirements for caffeine and pastries.

Up on the fourth floor of the Marriott Bristol City, sat one of my highlights of the weekend. The brand new projector was announced back in October (if memory serves), but on Friday February 23rd, I was one of the first to see it in action.

Optoma UHZ65 4K projector

The new UHZ65 harnesses ground-breaking laser technology along with the same high-end specifications as its UHD65. So, you already know that it comes from a great lineage as the UHD65 garnered awards for Best Projector last year.

The UHZ65 is equipped with high-quality laser illumination that provides increased efficiency to maintain consistent brightness. Furthermore, this produces superior colour performance, instant on/off and an extraordinary life span of up to 20,000 hours.

Grandview screen

The projector’s 3000 lumens-worth of brightness needs to be experienced in order to get the full idea. At the show, Optoma were using a Grandview Fixed Frame 4K screen to project on to. This screen is fitted with the latest material technology certified for 4K by ISF. Noteworthy at this point is that the image above is not from The Bristol Show 😉

The screen fabric is coated in 1 micron diamond optical microgrooves capable of reproducing pure 4K resolution. This coating along with the white base layer reflects the original image from the projector with the utmost detail and accuracy.

Also, the black frame around the screen is remarkably small at just 29mm wide.

Additionally, Grandview are one of the few companies to have 4K certified acoustically transparent screens. Great if you are matching your 4K projector with decent speakers hidden behind the screen.

Optoma UHZ65 tech

Thanks to the fast switching speed of the DLP chip with XPR technology coupled with advanced image processing, 8.3 million pixels are squirted onto the screen without any alignment issues. Furthermore, those 8.3 million on-screen pixels also means that this projector meets the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) requirements for 4K UHD. Moreover, it complies with the CTA High Dynamic Range (HDR) compatible display standards.

Looking at the impressively sharp images in a room not exactly fit for such purposes, the vivid colours and detail are staggering.

Naturally, the UHZ65 fully supports HDCP 2.2, the latest evolution of copy protection so users can enjoy the fast-growing choice of 4K content.

Also, when put into Reference mode, the projector is able to reproduce true to life 80% DCI-P3 colour reproduction. This means that you get cinematic-levels of colour, exactly as the director intended.

Finally, the UHZ65 also boasts sophisticated PureMotion frame-interpolation technology. This advanced processing eliminates motion blur or image judder, even in high-speed action films or fast-paced sports.

Easy set-up

Installation is simple with vertical lens shift and 1.6x zoom. Also, there’s a host of connection options such as two HDMI ports and Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) for compatible phones and tablets.

Additionally, the UHZ65 can be turned into a smart projector by connecting a HDMI dongle like the Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV. This way you get access popular media services and streaming boxsets and films.

Optoma UHZ65 first impressions

Firstly, the projected images were outstanding. This is even more impressive given that this was taking place in an average hotel room, not a purpose-built home cinema environment.

I also think that some credit has to be given to Grandview. I knew that projector screens had to be pretty decent, but the level of research and development that has gone into the fixed frame number being used at the show actually boggled my mind a little. Good work!

The projector was incredibly quiet in use too. The in-built 8W speakers were OK for the room but, if you were investing in this projector and fabulous screen, why skimp on audio?

Thankfully, S/PDIF audio output is also included, enabling connection to external sound systems.

In conclusion, if I was considering a home cinema projector, this would be at the top of my list, along with that Grandview Fixed Frame screen.

UHZ65 key features

• Laser 4K UHD resolution and HDR compatible
• Amazing colour – True to life 80% DCI-P3 colour reproduction
• Lights on viewing – 3000 ANSI lumens and 2,000,000:1 contrast
• Fluid viewing – PureMotion frame interpolation processing
• Easy installation – vertical lens shift, 1.6x manual zoom
• Digital connectivity – 2x HDMI, MHL and HDCP 2.2 support
• USB power – to stream content via HDMI dongle

Optoma UHZ65 price and availability

You can treat yourself to the Optoma UHZ65 right now for £4,999.99.

For more details and where to buy, head on over to the Optoma UK website.

Specifications at a glance