Optoma’s projectors are known to have an excellent performance for the price. Even so, the low price point of the Optoma HD39HDR might seem too good to be true when you look at the stats.
So is this projector as good of a value as it seems, or is there a catch? We’ll set out to answer that question for you in the Optoma HD39HDR review here, breaking down its features and performance so you can decide if it’s the right projector for you. Let’s get started! >>> Find the current price on Amazon
Optoma HD39HDR Review of Main Specifications:
| Optoma HD39HDR | |
|---|---|
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| Resolution | 1080p (4K with pixel shifting) |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 4,000 |
| Contrast Ratio | 50,000:1 |
| Throw Distance | 3.3' - 24.5' |
| Lens | 1.3x manual zoom |
| Input lag | 8.4ms |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Screen size | 30” – 301” |
| Price | BHPhotoVideo.com |
Picture Quality
This is the main thing most people care about when buying a projector for their home theater. You want an image that’s crisp, colorful, and bright, giving you the theater-quality big screen entertainment you’re looking for.
On the whole, we found the picture on the Optoma HD39HDR on par with what we expect from an Optoma projector. The color accuracy is high, with a wide color gamut thanks to the 6-segment color wheel. It also supports HDR10 so you’ll see colors the way they were intended. We also appreciate the high contrast ratio, which gives you deep, detailed blacks for a picture that’s clear no matter how dark or bright.
Now keep in mind this is a Full HD projector. While it can receive 4K Ultra HD content, it will display it in 1080p. This means it’s not quite as sharp or clear as some of the higher-end options in Optoma’s catalog. That’s our only potential complaint from a picture quality perspective, however. If you’re upgrading from a standard HD TV, you’ll find the clarity equally high (or even better) on the Optoma HD39HDR. If you’re looking for the real 4k projector click here.
Pros
- Great color with 6-segment color wheel
- Low input lag with high frame refresh rate
- Compatible with HDR10 and 4K input
- Bright lamp suitable for any light levels
- Easy to set up and adjust picture
- Displays 3D content rom any source
- Affordable price
Cons
- 4K content displays in 1080p
- Short lamp lifespan compared to other projectors
Installation and Flexibility
With a brightness of 4,000 lumens, the lamp on the Optoma HD39HDR is bright and powerful. It isn’t affected by most ambient light sources, even natural light coming in through large windows. This is great news for those buying a projector for a living room or media room as opposed to a dedicated home theater.
The throw distance on the Optoma HD39HDR is in the standard range. You’ll need about 8 feet of distance to get a 100” screen, depending on how you set your zoom. For most, this makes it best-suited to a ceiling installation, and it can limit how large of a screen you get in a smaller space.
That said, we found it very easy and intuitive to set up and install the HD39HDR. It also has a nice array of inputs, including HDMI, VGA, and USB, as well as audio connections. It’s also very lightweight at around 8 pounds, so it’s an easy projector to take with you on road trips or use for outdoor movie nights, too.
Optoma HD39HDR connectivity
Performance
Gamers should take note of the Optoma HD39HDR. It has the lowest input lag we’ve seen in the under $1,000 price point, as low as 8.4ms in Enhanced Gaming Mode. Along with this, it has a high frame refresh rate of 120Hz. Those two factors together translate to smooth, lag-free gaming from any platform.
Its performance for home theater applications is equally high. It has full 3D support from all content sources, where the high frame refresh rate is also an advantage. We also appreciate that the fan is nice and quiet and won’t interfere with your content. You’ll still probably want to use external speakers since the ones that come installed are on the weaker side, but this is a common complaint against projectors and not too much of an issue, in our eyes.
What’s the Verdict?
The Optoma HD39HDR is a reliable, affordable, and versatile projector. About the only thing it can’t do is display 4K content, which is honestly to be expected for a model at this price point. The low input lag and high refresh rate, combined with the bright lamp and 3D support, make it a great choice for both gaming and movie watching. All things considered, the Optoma HD39HDR is one of the best projectors you’ll find in the under-$1,000 category and an excellent value for your money. >>> Find the current price on Bhphotovideo