Optoma Announces the 3D Ready HD66 Projector 
Home Theater News DLP Front Projector News
Written by Dick Ward   
Thursday, 03 December 2009

Optoma Announces the 3D Ready HD66 Projector

The Optoma HD66 is a 3D ready projector that's priced at a very comfortable $699. It's not a powerhouse, but it's one of the cheapest ways to get a high definition 3D picture in the house. Optoma's 3D projector is a strong offering for those looking to try out the new 3D offerings, but it does present a few limitations that, while acceptable for the price, are pretty disappointing. 


While the HD66 can handle two dimensional content at up to a 1080p resolution, it downscales the picture down to the native resolution of 720p. While projecting 3D content, the Optoma HD66 can handle 720p resolution, as well as XGA (1024x768) and VGA (800x600).

Regardless of the dimensionality, the HD66 has a brightness rating of 2500 ANSI lumens which helps to garner the projector a 4,000:1 contrast ratio.  Optoma's 3D projector sports Texas Instruments' .65 DMD DLP chip and can handle NTSC, PAL, and SECAM as well as SD and HDTV formats.

The projector offers a single HDMI input, and one stereo audio output for those that want to take advantage of external speakers rather than relying on the built in 2-watt speaker. A release date has not yet been announced for this projector, but it's expected in early 2010.  Active shutter glasses will be required (and sold separately) to view 3D content.
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Buck Lawrence  - Artist   |2009-12-03 20:54:07
So where is the compatible program material?
What software can be used to create
the 3d content?
Whose shutter glasses are used? Will they be sold with the
projectors?
16 0
Optoma Projector  - Optoma Projector     |2009-12-08 14:04:03
By 3D ready, do you mean that it will project 3D images and video? Do we need 3D
glasses too then?
7 0
addy   |2010-01-10 23:03:32
link:http://rapid4me.com
0 0
HD66 Owner  - Research   |2010-01-24 01:40:41
Do some research Buck, this is a 3D capable projector. Currently the only
material out that is 3D is games for PC and a sorta fake 3D that the Nvidia
software creates.
The 3D blu-ray spec was just finalized a few weeks ago so whom
ever you purchase your 3D capable blu-ray player (none out yet) from will
provide the glasses OR you can use the Nvidia system now. This is true for all
3D capable displays out now whether they be LCD, Plasma or in this case a
projector. Expect a wait of six months before we see any real 3D content
delivery methods.
1 1
Buck   |2010-01-24 21:47:15
Thanks, HD66 owner. Is the projector performing to your satisfaction?
0 0
HD66 owner  - Very impressed   |2010-01-24 23:03:46
I did tons of research before purchasing this projector. It is very new, and
being new many of the specifications online are merely conjecture based on the
fact that it's just one model number up from the HD65. The fact that optomaUSA
traditionally has been incorrect in listing specifications on the USA site
doesn't help. It's a different beast altogether - Larger DMD, different lamp,
native 1280x800 resolution, different throw ratio, etc. Out of the box, as with
any new projector, the calibration is horrible. Any display device needs to be
calibrated and this one is no exception. The avia dvd will provide you with a
rough calibration thats good enough to give some good results. I use the
colorfacts hardware to calibrate all my displays and in my opinion every
household should spend the 120 bux to have one to calibrate every display. I
would compare the color to the more expensive HD71, haven't noticed any rainbows
yet, the brightness is good - keep away from high gain screens. A 1.0 will be
fine, .8 gray will be good for light controlled rooms. I prefer it over the
panasonic AE200 series. For the price it knocks it outta the park. Price vs
performance is top notch. I've installed 3 so far including my own and will most
likely be installing many more. I'll post a more comprehensive review online and
post the link here soon.
1 0
Al  - How does it compare?   |2010-01-25 10:39:12
To the HD65?

Also would this be a big step up from an older projector like the
Sanyo PLV Z2/3 etc.?
0 0
HD66 owner  - Comparison.   |2010-01-29 09:45:32
I've haven't seen the PLV Z2 or 3 in person so I can't really give an objective
comparison. But, just from specifications alone I think it would be a rather big
step up in both brightness and contrast. You might be using a high gain screen
with that PJ so it might be a little too bright.
I do prefer it to the HD65, it
fits my needs well and I believe it out performs the HD65 in every regard.
0 0
Doug  - HD66 vd. HD72   |2010-01-30 20:03:26
HD66 Owner:

I had the HD72 and am looking to upgrade to the HD66. Have you
seen the HD72 to be able to compare it to the HD66? If so, what do you think?
0 0
HD66 Owner  - HD66 vs HD72   |2010-01-30 22:10:21
I have seen most of the Optoma line in person, and I remember comparing the HD72
and the Panny Ax200u for a friend.
I personally prefer the Optoma line of
projectors because of the brand, they are tough projectors -- I had an EP739 go
near 18,000 hours in a hushbox on one lamp, was on 24/7 for over two years (in
fact it is sitting next to me and still works, albeit the lamp is very, very
dim). Ultimately the AE200 won out in that instance purely due to design
considerations. Calibrated, you will see near same color performance (with that
"true-vivid" junk turned off). Brightness will be increased
significantly. Throw ratio is about the same I think (you should verify) - so as
far as a drop in replacement I believe the HD66 would be a good choice. I would
keep an eye on the new Epson PL 720 though, I hear great things about it... and
it might be a better performer but at a 300 dollar premium - but really only if
you're the 5% that's sees the rainbow effect. But, honestly if it's between the
HD66 and a new lamp for your HD72 - get a lamp. Best of luck Doug.
0 0
ShamsWoof10  - two projectors?   |2010-02-21 15:16:15
Hi guys I had a question and would appreciate the feedback. I plan on using a
two projector setup for the 3D coming this summer. I have been told that a
multi-projector setup is best for 3D but do not know that for sure. How is this
one projector in comparison to 3D Ready Tv'S and the two projector
setup..?

My projectors are Mitsubishi XD490U...

Thanks
0 0
HD66 Owner  - two projectors   |2010-02-21 22:48:23
The two projector setup is a total nightmare to get going right... I would not
consider it an option at all. Far too many variables and points of failure. It
may have been the best way to display 3D content 5 years ago, not
today.

Comparing a 3D ready projector to 3D ready Tv's, well, do you have a
theater room? What is your budget? What 3D device to you plan on driving with,
PS3? Standalone player? PC?

I have 106" screen, I prefer the all
enveloping image that a huge screen provides. If you don't have the space go for
a 3D tv.
1 0
ShamsWoof10  - two projectors...   |2010-02-22 12:01:00
Thank you for your response...

I have heard the two projector setup is a huge
hassle so I am taking your advice and trashing the idea. I do have a have
theater room and I wanted to be ready for the World Cup and other sporting
events to be broadcast in 3D this year. I looked at the H66 and it seems very
affordable.

What do you think will give a better 3D picture a 3D projector
or 3D Tv..?
1 1
HD66 owner  - better image   |2010-02-22 13:20:07
That's a very tricky question, I think you need to view them both and answer
that for yourself.
I personally would never go back to anything smaller than an
92" screen size unless I had to. If they made a plasma that was as big as
that and didn't cost more than my organs do on the black market I'd buy one....
until then I'll use a projector.
1 0
Luigi  - compare to HD20   |2010-03-11 22:29:27
In terms of 2D imaqe quality, how does the HD66 compare to an HD20? Does the
1080p and 720p make a lot of difference?
1 1
Matt314159  - Settings?   |2010-03-29 00:07:48
HD66 owner, would you mind posting the rough results from a calibration? I'd
like to get mine in the ballpark at least, and then tweak from there. I know
they're not identical, but it should get me heading in the right direction.
Thanks!
0 2
j.boshell  - Blu-ray   |2010-07-01 23:02:59
Im currently shopping around for a 3d ready projector

the HD66 has caught my
eye but what i need is for someone to boil the facts down for me, if i buy the
HD66 and a 3d blu-ray player plug them into each other will it work? or do i ned
to look at a pc set up to display 3d blu ray when they are released?
1 0
Pavel  - Trouble with 3D function!!!   |2010-11-12 08:09:57
Hello, We have a trouble with 3D function between 3D blu-ray player Samsung
BD-C6900 and 3D projector Optoma HD66 (we use 3D glasses Optoma) At the process
of connection between the projector and the player we receive the message:
1920x2205 24Hz , At that moment we could see a lot of noise, there is no any
image, only sound. Could you tell us if this problem is in outlet HDMI version
1.4 and the projector 1.3?
0 0
Pavel  - trouble with 3D function   |2010-11-12 08:10:33
Hello, We have a trouble with 3D function between 3D blu-ray player Samsung
BD-C6900 and 3D projector Optoma HD66 (we use 3D glasses Optoma) At the process
of connection between the projector and the player we receive the message:
1920x2205 24Hz , At that moment we could see a lot of noise, there is no any
image, only sound. Could you tell us if this problem is in outlet HDMI version
1.4 and the projector 1.3?
0 0
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