The Optoma CinemaX line of home theater projectors have an ultra-short throw, with high-quality sound and built-in streaming for all-in-one performance. They’re a smart choice for smart homes, too, with voice control and IFTTT support for easy integration into your existing systems.
Comparing the Optoma CinemaX Pro vs. P2, the CinemaX Pro is the clear winner when it comes to performance, with an exceptional picture quality and a streamlined set-up process. Let’s take a look at the key places these projectors differ so you can see why the Pro is the better choice. (>>> Check price on Projectorpeople)
Optoma CinemaX Pro vs P2 Side by Side:
| Optoma CinemaX Pro | Optoma CinemaX P2 | |
|---|---|---|
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| Resolution | 3840x2160 | 3840x2160 |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 3,500 ANSI | 3,000 ANSI |
| Contrast Ratio | 2,500,000:1 | 2,000,000:1 |
| Input lag | 55ms | 67ms |
| Throw Distance | 1.5' - 2.2' | 1.5' - 2.2' |
| Screen size | 85" - 120" | 85" - 120" |
| Speakers | 20.0 Watts × 2 | 20.0 Watts × 2 |
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Installation
The ultra-short throw ratio for the CinemaX P2 gives it a relatively easy set-up, sparing you the need for a ceiling mount. Its manual horizontal and vertical keystone correction let you adjust the screen geometry, so you don’t necessarily need to align the projector head-on to your screen or wall. You can also pair it with the SmartFIT app for automatic geometry correction and focus.
The Optoma CinemaX Pro includes this automatic image correction right on the projector, no app required. Its 81-point image adjustment system automatically corrects warp and alignment issues. This gives it one of the easiest and fastest set-up processes of any home theater projector.
Easier installation: Optoma CinemaX Pro
Picture Quality
Both the CinemaX P2 and Pro have Ultra HD resolution with support for HRD10 and a high dynamic contrast ratio. The CinemaX P2 uses a 6-segment color wheel that produces the full Rec. 709 color spectrum, and has a 3,000 lumen lamp that keeps the image saturated and detailed in most light conditions.
The Optoma CinemaX Pro has a broader color gamut thanks to its 8-segment color wheel, allowing it to cover the wider DCI-P3 spectrum. It also uses BT.2020 tone mapping and PurColor enhancement for more nuanced, accurate shades that are vibrant and remarkably life-like. You’ll also get a brighter lamp and higher contrast ratio with the CinemaX Pro, meaning its picture stays saturated and crisp in any light condition, day or night.
Better picture quality: Optoma CinemaX Pro
Gaming Performance
For serious gamers, neither of these projectors is a strong contender. The 55ms input lag of the Optoma CinemaX Pro puts it in the acceptable range for casual play, however, with a high processing speed that keeps the action smooth on-screen. While the CinemaX P2 has a gaming mode, it still only drops the input lag down to the 67ms range, and that’s only after you disable features like the SmartFIT app.
Better gaming performance: Optoma CinemaX Pro
Optoma CinemaX Pro
The Optoma CinemaX Pro is one of the best all-in-one projectors out there. Its Android-based smart TV system links too the Optoma Marketplace to download streaming apps right to the projector, so you may not need external content sources. The built-in NuForce soundbar has Dolby Digital 2.0 audio support, with two dedicated woofers and two full-range drivers for crisp dialogue and powerful bass.
The powerful laser phosphor lamp on the Optoma CinemaX Pro puts out 3,500 ANSI lumens, enough to compete with even full natural light. You don’t need much space for it, either—just over 2 feet for a massive 120” screen. It’s easy to set up in almost any space, especially since it has built-in automatic warp adjustment. You’ll find it just as easy to integrate into smart home entertainment systems, with support for multiple voice control systems as well as IFTTT.
The picture quality is where the Optoma CinemaX Pro is at its most impressive. Optoma has upgraded their technology over previous models to provide an even sharper, more vibrant image. Colors are bright and accurate and the black levels are rich, so it’s easy to get immersed in shows and movies when you watch them on the CinemaX Pro.
Pros
- Sharp 4K image with high dynamic contrast
- Wide color gamut (DCI-P3 spectrum)
- 81-point warp adjustment for easy image set-up
- 40-watt NuForce soundbar has excellent sound quality
- Low enough input lag for casual gaming
- Voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant
Cons
- Sharp 4K image with high dynamic contrast
- Wide color gamut (DCI-P3 spectrum)
- 81-point warp adjustment for easy image set-up
- 40-watt NuForce soundbar has excellent sound quality
- Low enough input lag for casual gaming
- Voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant
Optoma CinemaX P2
The Optoma CinemaX P2 has the same excellent smart features and wireless streaming support as the Pro above. You can use either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to control the volume, input, and content playback, and these controls can be worked into recipes and routines for full home automation.
From a picture quality standpoint, it’s almost as good as the CinemaX Pro—close enough most wouldn’t notice it unless the two were working side-by-side. The 6-segment color wheel on the CinemaX P2 produces the full Rec. 709 spectrum, and it employs the same PureMotion technology to prevent motion blur. While it’s not quite as bright, at 3,000 lumens, it will still work in most viewing areas, even if you leave the lights on.
The CinemaX P2 can be paired with the Optoma SmartFIT app, which automatically corrects the geometry and alignment of the image. Most users have no issues installing and using the app for alignment, though it is an extra step compared to setting up the Pro. It also has manual keystone correction and a digital zoom, so you’re not out of luck if the SmartFIT app isn’t working with your device. Click here for our more in-depth CinemaX P2 review.
Pros
- True 4K image with HDR10 support
- Smooth on-screen action with PureMotion
- Pairs with SmartFIT app for geometry correction
- Bright lamp suitable for lights-on viewing
- Compatible with IFTTT and voice control
Cons
- Not responsive enough for fast-paced gaming
- Some users have issues with the SmartFIT app
The Bottom Line
If money is no object, the CinemaX Pro is the clear winner between these two projectors. The Pro is typically priced a few hundred dollars more than the CinemaX P2, however. For those on a budget, you can save a bit going with the P2, without sacrificing its smart features, ultra-short throw, or sharp resolution. (>>> Find on ProjectorPeople.com)
Whichever way you go, Optoma’s CinemaX projectors have the flexibility and all-in-one performance many people need in a modern home theater space. We hope this review has helped you see just what the difference is between them and which one will fit best into your home and budget.