Optoma UHZ55 Review: A Bright Choice for Gamers and Movie Lovers

The Optoma UHZ55 is a bright and capable laser-powered DLP projector that delivers sharply rendered 4K images and HDR with plenty of punch. While it lacks 4K/120Hz support, this projector is a fantastic choice for gamers thanks to its extremely low input lag and excellent motion handling. Additionally, the UHZ55 is certified for WiSA Soundsend wireless audio, making it easy to add a sound system for a complete home entertainment setup.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Sharp and detailed 4K images
• Bright and punchy HDR presentation
• Very low input lag for gaming

Cons:

• Weak black levels and contrast
• No 4K/120Hz support
• Possible rainbow artifacts

Key Features

• 4K resolution: Single DLP chipset with support for 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
• Laser light source: Claimed brightness of 3,000 lumens and a lifespan of 30,000 hours
• WiSA Soundsend: Certified to receive and transmit high quality wireless audio
• Enhanced gaming features: Low latency settings with input lags as low as 4ms
• Android Launcher and Marketplace: Built-in media player and app store

Introduction

The Optoma UHZ55 is the latest mid-range 4K DLP laser projector from Optoma, replacing the previous UHZ50 model. With a few minor tweaks and a more competitive price, this projector is designed for both home cinema enthusiasts and gamers alike. It offers a solid mix of features including a long-lasting laser light source, HDR support, and WiSA Soundsend wireless audio certification.

Availability

The Optoma UHZ55 is currently available for purchase at the following prices:

• UK: £1,699
• US: $2,459
• Europe: €2,099

If you're looking for alternatives, consider the BenQ X3100i. This LED-powered 4K HDR DLP projector is another great option with similar features, including a 3,300-lumen brightness and Android TV. It retails for around £1,949 in the UK and $2,199 in the US.

Design

The Optoma UHZ55 offers a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to set up in most living rooms or home theaters. The projector features a matte black plastic chassis with the lens offset to the right and air vents on the sides for cooling. While the build quality is solid, the remote control is small and fiddly, with buttons that are only identified by icons, which may take some getting used to.

In terms of connectivity, the UHZ55 offers three HDMI 2.0 inputs, with support for 4K/60Hz and HDR formats. HDMI 1 supports eARC (audio return channel), and HDMI 3 is recommended for Optoma's PureMotion feature, which is ideal for sports.

Features

Laser Light Source: The Optoma UHZ55 uses a DuraCore laser light source, offering a brightness of 3,000 lumens and a lifespan of up to 30,000 hours. This means you can enjoy years of gaming and movie watching without worrying about the light source dimming.

Gaming Performance: With an input lag as low as 4ms at 1080p/240Hz and 16ms at 4K/60Hz, the UHZ55 is an excellent choice for gaming. The projector's 240Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and responsive gameplay, making it a top contender for gamers who want a large-screen experience.

WiSA Soundsend: The UHZ55 is WiSA Soundsend certified, which allows it to transmit high-quality wireless audio to compatible speakers. This makes it easy to create a wireless home theater system without the need for extensive wiring.

HDR Support: The UHZ55 supports HDR10 and HLG formats, ensuring a bright and punchy HDR presentation. While the projector doesn't offer the widest color gamut, its tone mapping does an excellent job of balancing brightness and detail, ensuring a satisfying HDR experience.

Performance

The UHZ55 delivers sharp and detailed 4K images, thanks to its DLP chipset and pixel-shifting technology. The projector's laser light source provides enough brightness to handle ambient light in most living rooms, and its 3,000-lumen output ensures that HDR content has plenty of punch.

While the projector excels in bright scenes, its black levels and contrast leave something to be desired, especially in dark environments. This is a common issue with DLP projectors, and the UHZ55 is no exception. However, in a typical living room with some ambient light, this may not be as noticeable.

Gaming Performance

The UHZ55 truly shines when it comes to gaming. Its low input lag and smooth motion handling make it a fantastic choice for both console and PC gamers. Whether you're playing fast-paced shooters or exploring open-world adventures, the UHZ55 delivers a responsive and immersive experience.

Should You Buy the Optoma UHZ55?

You want a projector for gaming: The UHZ55's sharp 4K image, bright HDR, low input lag, and smooth motion make it an excellent choice for gamers who want to enjoy their favorite titles on a large screen.

You want a projector for movies: While the UHZ55 offers good performance for movies, its weak black levels and limited color gamut may leave film enthusiasts wanting more. If you're primarily looking for a projector for watching movies, there are better options available.

Final Thoughts

The Optoma UHZ55 is a capable and affordable 4K projector that should appeal to gamers and casual home cinema enthusiasts alike. Its bright and detailed images, smooth motion, and low input lag make it a great choice for gaming, while its HDR performance adds an extra layer of immersion for movies and TV shows.

For those looking to enhance their home entertainment setup, the UHZ55 offers excellent value for money, especially considering its long-lasting laser light source and WiSA Soundsend certification.

Where to Buy

You can purchase the Optoma UHZ55 from Amazon here: Optoma UHZ55.

If you're interested in an alternative, check out the BenQ X3100i, another excellent 4K projector option.