Optoma HD33 Pro Reviews

The HD33’s 2D mode calibrated quite well, although the black level was fairly high at the image size I used (16:9, 76 inches wide). A larger screen would help this, and there’s enough brightness headroom, even in STD lamp mode, to fill such a screen. Otherwise, the Optoma’s overall detail is very good, and the color on real-world material looks better than the measurements indicate. However, 3D mode is a somewhat different story. I was unable to calibrate this mode’s grayscale well, and the peak-white level is quite low, even in bright lamp mode. Of course, this would be even worse with a larger screen, although you could improve the situation with a high-gain screen—as long as you sat dead center and didn’t mind what such a screen would do to the 2D image, including even higher black levels. Still, having said all that, the 3D experience I had with the HD33 was enjoyable, especially so with bright animated movies. And I love the use of RF rather than IR for 3D sync.

The Optoma HD33 is a great product that breaks all the rules... again. This time it's taking 3D to a new level. Maybe this is what the format needs to move a little bit further into the living room. In any case, this is one product that we think you're gonna find hard to pass up.

Fantastic for 3D, but it’s otherwise a fairly average performer. There are better choices at this price

This Optoma is one of the best performance-per-pound 3D products around

There’s no denying that the HD33’s 2D pictures lack some of the refinement you’d expect to see with more expensive DLP projectors - including Optoma’s own HD83, notwithstanding that model’s curious shadow detailing issues. Considered fairly, though, in its context of being by a country mile the cheapest full HD 3D projector yet launched in the UK to date, the HD33 is actually such unexpectedly good fun to watch - especially with 3D - that it’s almost silly.

The Optoma HD33 definitely earns its Hot Product award. The breakthrough price is one great reason, although I expect it will see some 3D competition near the price real soon. The thing is, the HD33 does everything reasonably well. It's not the most feature enabled projector but it does have some bells and whistles not often found on low cost projectors (such as CFI). Mostly, the award goes to the HD33, because it does some real respectable lower cost 2D, but it does some rather dazzling 3D compared to projectors costing several times the price.

The Optoma HD33 delivers gorgeous 2D and 3D HD images, but shows rainbow artifacts often enough so you should approach it cautiously if you see the rainbow effect easily.

When you are looking for a high-quality 3D projector and want the absolute best value for your money, the HD33 is exactly what you've been looking for.