A lot of people think of a projector-based home theater as a luxury upgrade. The truth is, though, there are several affordable, high-quality projectors out there that let you enjoy big screen entertainment even on a tight budget.
The Optoma S334E is one of our favorite options in the under $500 category. >>> Find the current price on Amazon This versatile and portable projector is a great value for the price, especially considering the bright lamp. Whether you want to watch TV or use it in the office or classroom, it has the clarity and functionality to get the job done.
Optoma S334E – Main Features Review
| Optoma S334E | |
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| Resolution | 800x600 |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 3,800 ANSI |
| Contrast Ratio | 22,000:1 |
| Throw Distance | 4.0' - 39.4' |
| Screen size | 27" -304" |
| Measurements | 3.90" x 12.40" x 9.60" |
| Internal Speakers | YES, 10W-Mono |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
Keep in mind no projector at this price point will be perfect—and for that matter, no projector is perfect for everyone, regardless of price. This Optoma S334E Review will run through the specifications. Read on to learn exactly what this projector can do and whether it’s the right one for your needs.
Set-up and Installation
The Optoma S334E is designed for presentations as well as watching TV shows and movies. Because of this, it has inputs for content sources most projectors don’t. This includes VGA, Composite, and USB, as well as the standard HDMI.
Since this is a standard throw projector you may want to ceiling mount it if you’ll be using it in the same space long-term. It does include a vertical keystone correction so you can install it in more configurations without warping the picture. The S334E has a zoom, as well, helpful for fine-tuning the image alignment with the screen.
Pros
- Bright lamp suitable for all light levels
- Zoom and keystone adjustment make installation easier
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable price
- Lots of input options
- Low maintenance with long lamp lifespan
- 3D capable
Cons
- Standard resolution not as sharp as HD
- Long throw distance
Picture Quality
One thing we love about the Optoma S334E is that you’ll never have to worry about washout. Most projectors at this price have a relatively dim lamp of 2,000 lumens or below. The 3,600 lumens put out by the S334E can shine bright through any ambient light.
If you’re used to HD, you may be disappointed with the clarity of the Optoma S334E. It supports a standard definition resolution of 800X600 pixels, which doesn’t have the same detail and sharpness as more advanced projectors. This issue tends to get more pronounced the larger the screen gets.
Having said that, we are impressed by the color accuracy. The color looks vibrant and natural, with a good amount of contrast between the bright and dark areas of the screen.
Something else that’s worth noting: the Optoma S334E is 3D capable, though the 3D performance has some quirks. You’ll need to choose your glasses carefully as some models won’t stay in sync. Even so, having the option for 3D is great for home theater use.
Build and Design
The Optoma S334E weighs less than 7 pounds. That’s good news both for ceiling-mounting and for those who want a projector they can transport easily from one place to another. Its built-in speaker is loud and clear enough for dialogue. You won’t get immersive theater-quality sound, but you don’t need an external speaker for basic applications.
We also like that this projector is low-maintenance. The lamp lasts up to 15,000 hours, enough to last a few years even with regular, frequent use. It’s sturdy, too. While you do want to be careful with it when you’re transporting it, it’s not susceptible to damage or failure from regular use.
The Verdict
The Optoma S334E is an excellent projector for buyers on a budget, especially for teachers, office workers, and anyone else who might use it to give presentations. In fact, we’d say this projector excels in these environments, outperforming more expensive models designed for home theater use. >>> Find the current price on Amazon
The resolution is on the low end for home theater uses, which is more likely to bother you if you’re accustomed to HD content. If this doesn’t bother you, you’ll appreciate portability, flexibility, and long-term performance of the Optoma S334E.