Optoma HD81LV (left) and HD81 (right)

Optics specialist Optoma is showing two high-class home cinema projectors at the IFA. By now, support for HD (1080p) playback is a given. However, Optoma's projectors have more to offer.

RealityExpansion, FineEdge, TrueMotionHD, FidelityEngine - Optoma has coined all these terms found in its projectors' feature list to emphasize a single message - that the HD81 and the HD81LV offer superb image quality. Translated into normal language, these terms promise: crisp images (FineEdge) without artifacts (RealityExpansion) and no image noise. All of these techniques were developed by US-based company Gennum that specializes in HD-broadcasting.

According to the manufacturer, the HD81, which has been available at retail for a while, offers a contrast ration of 10,000: 1, coupled with a light intensity of 1400 lumen. The unit also sports a wealth of connectivity options: 3 x HDMI,2 x BNC, VGA, 3 x S-Video, 3 x Composite, 2 x 12V-trigger , RS-232, and HDMI out.

The HD81 can be found in online shops starting at € 4,600.

With a feature set identical to that of the HD81, the HD81LV additionally boasts a higher light intensity of 2500 lumen. This makes it suited even for very large rooms or light environments. In exchange, the user has to accept slightly louder fan noise. However, it is still rather unobtrusive at 30 dB, according to Optoma. For comparison, the HD81 noise level is only 28 dB.