The Optoma CinemaX P1 is part of the growing trend of laser projectors for home theater. Compared to lamp-based projectors, laser projectors have a sharper picture and offer more installation flexibility. The flip side of that is they’re not cheap. You’ll typically pay more for a laser projector than a lamp-based projector of comparable quality.
That leads to the big question: is the Optoma CinemaX P1 worth the cost (>>> Find the current price on Amazon)? Let’s break it down feature by feature to get the answer.
Optoma CinemaX P1 Features Review:
| Optoma P1 CinemaX | |
|---|---|
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| Resolution | 4K |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 3000 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,500,000:1 |
| Throw Ratio | .25:1 |
| Screen size | 85”-120” |
| Input lag | 55ms |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
Picture Quality
The picture on the Optoma CinemaX P1 is sharp and detailed. The lamp is nice and bright, at 3,000 lumens, so ambient light won’t wash out the picture. The native 4K UltraHD resolution is the best you’ll find for the moment, and it stays sharp even at the maximum screen size.
Consistency and accuracy are two other strengths of the Optoma CinemaX P1. The brightness is the same for white and colors, and the color itself is phenomenal—so true to life watching a nature show feels like stepping into the jungle. (>>> Read Optoma P1 vs VAVA comparison)
Now the Optoma CinemaX P1 does use a color wheel. Though it’s an upgraded version, it may bother those sensitive to the rainbow effect. Having said that, it’s much less of a problem than on previous Optoma models.
Ultra-Short Throw Ratio
Compared to lamp-based projectors, the throw ratio of the Optoma CinemaX P1 is incredibly short. You can get a 120” screen from only 15” away. This saves you the hassle of mounting the projector on the ceiling or rearranging your entire space to get the promised large screen. (If you are interested in other ultra-short throw projectors models – read this guide)
Pros
- Sharp, detailed picture with bright, vivid colors
- Lamp is bright enough to work in rooms with some light
- 3D capable
- Ultra-short throw ratio gives massive picture in any sized room
- Easy to install and set up
- Built-in soundbar
Cons
- Input lag too high for gaming
- Not the best for those sensitive to the rainbow effect
- Must be placed flat (no angled or ceiling-mounted set-ups)
Integrated Sound Bar
The 40-watt Nuforce soundbar built into the Optoma CinemaX P1 has similar volume and sound quality to your typical flatscreen TV. That’s saying something, considering the speakers on many projectors are so weak they’re functionally useless. The bass is somewhat lacking, despite the dual subwoofers, but the mid-range is clear and crisp, letting you hear every line of dialogue.
Smart Connectivity
Compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT makes the Optoma CinemaX P1 one of the smartest projectors out there. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are helpful both for streaming content and for connecting peripheral devices. It’s also one of the few projectors that offers media playback through USB.
How to set up Optoma CinemaX P1
Setting up a laser projector is a bit different than setting up lamp-based models. The good news is, most people find it even easier. Let’s go through it step by step:
- The Optoma CinemaX P1 can be installed either in front of or behind the screen. Decide which works best for your viewing space and place your projector table accordingly.
- Determine how large you want the image to be. The manual that comes with the Optoma CinemaX P1 includes a distance to screen size chart. You can use this to determine how far from the screen your projector should be.
- Connect all the content sources you’ll be using to the projector. Most of these inputs are on the back. Check the connection diagram in the manual if you’re having trouble finding what you need.
- Connect the power cable to the projector and plug it in, then press the power button in the front right corner to turn it on.
- Adjust the placement of the projector as needed to align the image and screen. If you need to change the projector’s height, you can use the adjustable feet on the bottom.
- Once you’re satisfied with the location of the image, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the initial set-up of your projector.
Once you’ve finished this set-up, your Optoma CinemaX P1 will be ready to use. If you have any trouble along the way, the manual that comes with the projector is detailed and easy to understand.
Final Thoughts
The Optoma CinemaX P1 is an investment, but it’s worth it (>>> Find the current price on Amazon). Superior picture quality, an ultra-short throw ratio, and smart features set it apart from other projectors on the market. With an easy set-up and a user-friendly interface, it’s the ideal projector for any home theater.