Rs. 4,99,999, optoma.com
Optoma returns with its high-end laser projector successor
It was exactly a year ago when we got a chance to use the Optoma P1 and came back mighty impressed. Now right on schedule, Optoma has launched the aptly named Optoma P2 that promises improved picture quality.
Design-wise, there’s not much to differentiate the Optoma P2 with its predecessor. Except for the colour, which is white for the P2, there’s hardly any difference in the product design. The NuForce soundbar covered in soft mesh fabric is on the front, the glass-covered lens at the top and the host of ports at the back like two HDMIs (one of which supports ARC), USB, RJ45, S/PDIF and audio out. There’s one more HDMI and USB Type-A port along with ventilated sides for heat dissipation and airflow.
The Optoma P2 is an ultra-short throw projector that enables a large 120-inch projection from a distance of just 14.5-inches. The projector automatically adjusts the keystone and focus, but if you need to fine-tune it, one can do it from the button on the remote control.
Equipped with a DLP projection chip, it supports 3840×2160 native resolution along with a light brightness of up to 3000 ANSI lumens, which is good enough for 30,000 hours in eco mode. The projection quality is top-notch. The P2 supports over a billion colours with a 120% Rec. 709 gamut coverage and 6-segment colour wheel for realistic colour reproduction. It also has HDR10 for HDR content and PureMotion for reduced motion blur when you are watching fast-paced content.
The P2 is a smart projector and the fact that Optoma underplays this feature is a good thing because the smart experience is underwhelming. It runs on a forked Android version that does not have access to Google Play Store or its associate services. Instead, it comes with a third-party app store that has a limited number of apps. That said, wirelessly connecting via iOS or Android and casting to the projector is easy, provided you have fast and stable internet. The projector also supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
The NuForce 40W soundbar was the highlight in last year’s projector and it’s no different in P2. The audio quality is excellent with crisp, room-filling audio and supports Dolby Digital 2.0. There’s a dedicated audio mode that allows the projector to stream music via your connected Bluetooth device.
All said and done, the Optoma P2 is a solid follow up to the P1. The smart features can be improved but considering its overall performance, the ultra-short throw projector delivers excellent projection with amazing audio quality.
RATING 4.5/5
WE’RE IMPRESSED Performance, audio
WE’D IMPROVE Smart features
THE LAST WORD Optoma P2 is an easy-to-use ultra-short throw laser projector that delivers top-notch projection and audio.
This review is originally published in the January 2021 edition of T3 India. Subscribe here.