Optoma HD25 Pro Reviews

The Optoma HD25 is a great little projector. Its bright, sparkling HD image is perfect for home theater, and its bargain price of $949 makes it an exceptional value. While the HD25 has some flaws, those flaws are all related to usability, not image quality. The menu system can be complicated at times, and the lack of multiple User modes limits the HD25's calibration potential. Overall, though, the HD25 is a strong projector for entry-level home theater with potential for portable use as well. Competition in the HD25's market segment is particularly fierce this year, with projectors like the BenQ W1070 providing stiff competition. The two projectors are more alike than they are different; however, the HD25 is a better projector for those users primarily concerned with 3D viewing (thanks to RF glasses and 2D to 3D conversion), portable use (due to the HD25's better onboard speakers), or gaming (thanks to less input lag). On the other hand, the W1070's better placement flexibility and extended warranty will appeal to many potential buyers. Whichever projector you choose, the end result is a beautiful home theater image at a bargain price.

Superb image quality and 3D support, and 3D glasses are included in the box

The Optoma HD25 has many of the attributes you would expect from a budget projector, including a plastic white chassis, large grilles and built-in speakers that we bet you never use. The lens controls are manual which makes accurate focusing a two man job and there’s no lens shift so careful placement is important. There are two HDMI inputs at the rear, along with two VGA inputs and a VGA output - another reminder of the HD25’s data grade heritage. The remote control is adequate but could do with a slight redesign in places and the projector uses an RF emitter and 3D glasses, although you have to buy those separately. The menu system again reflects the HD25’s data grade origins and whilst simplistic it does include a few surprises, not least of which is a colour management system.