Optoma HZ40UST 1080p Laser Ultra Short Throw Projector - White 95.78W01GC0L

This projector does not disappoint in any area of performance. The in built speaker is OK, but I feed it through my hi-fi system. Perfectly viewable in semi light conditions.

Picture was banded at the top. Meaning that no matter the position of the projector, the top was always had a severe curve to it. The noise level is atrocious. Even in eco mode its annoying, and you dont buy this projector to run it dim. The brightness is supposed to be a selling point. On normal operation, it sounds like a hoover.UI looks dated as hell. Remote is shocking for a unit at this price. All in all, not worth the money. Not even worth half the money. It was packed up read to be returned inside a half hour, thats how bad it was.

The projector has absolutely breathtaking video quality. Looks as good (and as bright) as a DLP you'd find in a cinema. I purchased it to replace a LG PF1000U Short throw projector. The Optoma has much better brightness, contrast, and sharpness. No corner of the picture looks fuzzy (this is the laser at work)- but that's where it ends. There are a some MAJOR drawbacks to this projector.First the GOOD:1) Picture is fantastic. Stunning picture quality, especially if you take the time to adjust settings a little.2) Brightness is outstanding. Even in a semi-lit room the picture pops with little washout.3) Absolutely zero color muddiness. No weird blending or smudging at all.4 The unit feels solid and very well-constructed. In contrast, the PF1000U feels relatively flimsy and plastic.Now the NOT SO GOOD:1) Fan noise is noticeably louder than my LG PF1000U. It will get drown out with the audio from video, but it's still audible if the volume isn't turned up.2) I can't find specs to be sure, but there there seems to be a noticeable amount of lag (even when "game" is selected in picture mode). Not a deal breaker if you're not gaming on it.3) "Rainbowing" is noticeable, especially in scenes of light areas against dark (You'll see it in Star Wars for instance- badly). When your eye looks around the screen you'll notice it- and it IS distracting. Especially when gaming if you are constantly glancing around the screen.4) There is ONE audio output- a 1/8" connector (and no Bluetooth connectivity). This is a TERRIBLE omission, especially with a projector. Even the LG PF1000U at a third of the price has an optical out. With no bluetooth, you are extremely limited in connection options.5) The interface is terrible. I'm talking Windows 3.1 terrible.If you're looking at a entry-level short-throw laser projector this is as good as it gets. If you're less concerned with contrast or brightness, I'd recommend something else. I'll amend this review after I've had a couple weeks with it.:::Updated portion below:::After using it for a few weeks I'm less tempted to return it. a few things that bothered me at first don't bug me any more (mostly the rainbowing and fan noise).More things I've found that are GOOD:-3D with DLP glasses is FANTASTIC on this projector.-It's fun that you can capture your own Start-up screen (I set mine to a THX logo for kicks)More things that are BAD:-I've had resolution issues when connecting a laptop. I can not get it to run a correct 16x9 aspect ration for the life of me. aspect seems to default at 16x10 no matter what I do.-No updated firmware via website. It's safe to assume UI (or resolution issues) will not be addressed any time soon.End verdict: Keeping it, relatively happy but wish I would've gotten the similar LG model.

Best projector I've come across in the £2.5k rangeLaser technologyNo over heatingNo colour smudgeBlack is black

Great picture quality slightly noisy