Optoma HD8200 DLP Projector with Lens Shift

Optoma showed us their all-new HD8200 home theater projector, the company’s latest high-end 1080p DLP-based front projector. It's powered by Texas Instruments’ DLP DarkChip3 DMD Technology, and incorporating Optoma’s PureShift and PureMotion technologies. Designed to meet the most demanding custom installation environments, the HD8200 also integrates installation-friendly features like ISFccc (Imaging Science Foundation Custom Calibration Configuration) Day & Night certified modes.

Incorporating Texas Instruments’ latest, smaller version of its DLP DarkChip3 DMD chipset along with BrilliantColor technology, the HD8200 offers an improved 20,000:1 DynamicBlack contrast ratio to ensure true-to-life color accuracy. ANSI contrast is over 600:1 according to the product specialist we spoke with at the show. The HD8200 is also the first DLP-based projector to employ Pixelworks’ PW9800 co-processor with DNX MotionEngine technology. Using proprietary MEMC (Motion Estimation and Motion Compensation) algorithms to significantly enhance the quality of the video delivered, the PW9800 compensates for motion artifacts (“judder”) in high-resolution digital video content thus ensuring smooth playback. Combined with Optoma’s PureMotion Technology for advanced image processing, and delivering a maximum brightness of 1,300 ANSI lumens, the HD8200 should be a good match for most home theater applications.

Here's where my interest really piqued - the HD8200 has a center lens placement and there is a ~30% vertical and horizontal lens shift - purposefully limited in range to keep the entire image in the optical "sweet spot".

The HD8200 features two HDMI v1.3 with Deep Color inputs and DVI w/HDCP. For legacy use, S-video and component video are provided. RS-232, a +12V trigger and an IR receiver provide excellent support for custom installers. There is an "extra" remote that exists at the back of the projector and is removable. The idea was to keep the outer black case free from buttons. The backup remote provides functionality in the event the primary remote is misplaced. Lastly, the projector incorporates more efficient cooling technologies keeping the unit cool and whisper quiet during operation.

The suggested retail price for the HD8200 is $4,999.99. Shipping dates are sketchy, but we're going with somewhere around late January from what they told us.