Optoma DX617 DLP multimedia XGA, 2500 lumen projector
- Native XGA resolution
- 2500 ANSI lumens
Product Description
The Optoma DX617 is a 2500 lumen XGA multimedia Projector. It incorporates a DLP chipset from Texas Instruments for crisp and amazing picture quality. Perfect for the multimedia consumer, the DX617 is the ideal solution.
I am no stranger to AV components, and this projector is by far the best toy I’ve ever purchased. DLP projectors are typically used in a business setting, but this is perfect for movies. I have it projecting on a 6 ft wide screen at 12ft away, and the image is crisp and clear, I’m even considering getting a larger screen since the picture shows no sign in downgrading when magnified. What they don’t tell you on here is that you CAN connect a COMPONENT signal to this to allow the correct 1080 picture as you may export through a PS3, XBOX360, or BluRay or DVD, etc… The only problem is, there is no Component inputs, only VGA’s, so you have to hunt for an elusive Component to VGA adapter. You will not find it in any store really. I tried and I couldn’t find it, but the user guide shows a picture of one like it is the most common item on earth. You will have to hunt online, and I managed to find one on Amazon for about $15.00, and it is definitly worth it, you might as well get two if you have multiple devices, since this projector has 2 VGa inputs.
I use an S-Video cable to go from my cable receiver to the projector and that provides a clear-as-day picture as well, though not as good as the component to VGA input I’m also running.
The projector has a nice built in source finder that allows me to change sources on my surround sound receiver, and the projector will then spend about 5 to 15 seconds looking for the new source, and pick the correct one as output through the receiver, and you don’t have to touch it. Once the projector is on, you never really need to do anything else with it, so you can control everything through a receiver if you have one, volume, channel, etc.
I expected to be dissapointed when I only found a RCA yellow video input on the back and an S-video cable input, but when I dove through the manual and saw that you could get a good quality signal to it, I was immediately happy that I did not spend $200 more to get a projector with Component inputs already on it. I think the $15 cable is a better deal to hunt for.
The unit powers on fairly slow, and you have to give it about a whole minute to actually get to the source once it starts up, but when if shuts down, that process is fairly fast. It runs the fan for about 30 seconds real hard, then shuts down instantly.
The adjuster feet on the unit are really easy to use if you have this sitting on top of something rather than hanging. You are able to move a height adjusting foot in the front of the projector, and one leg in the back to level the projector from left to right, then adjust the height to correct in front. The keystone setting can be changed from the remote, as well as a “Zoom” function that will allow you to fine-tune the projected image size without losing clarity. The focus knob is easy to use and will only give you a tiny window of perfect picture, so you will not need to fool around with it very much.
The lighting this puts out is intense, and I can leave all the lights on and all the windows open, and I can still make out the screen image perfectly and clearly, though this is best used in a darker setting. Aesthetically, the projector is clean looking and small, has no unecessary curves, and blends in against any and all of your audio equipment as just another “component”
If you’re looking for a business projector, I guess you can buy this, but if you are trying to make a budget home theater, and have come across this particular optoma unit, I’m going to have to vouch for it’s abilities. It really surprised me. The only reason I’d spend more is to show off, because I’m very satisfied. I also spent less on this and a screen than I did on my 36″ Flat panel tv.
Rating: 5 / 5
This is the best product in it’s price range by far. The resolution and contrast are very good. I set it up very quickly right out of the box. This latest model solves the cost of ownership problem of the prior models by reducing lamp costs and extending lamp life. I’m glad I bought it.
Rating: 5 / 5
I bought this machine one week ago. The weird is I cannot find the model in Optoma website when I wanted to register it. The customer service answered me that DX617 was equal to the EX532. If that’s the case, the lumens of the machine actually are 2800 instead of 2600. The picture quality is awesome. It’s bright and you even can watch movie with lights on. When I play DVD, the picture is very similar as movie in the cinema. I also bought a screen. However, it seems no use since projecton on wall is good enough. I will sell the screen.
I recommend this product for all home theaters. You cannot imagine a better machine with this price.
Rating: 5 / 5