Optoma ML1080

Optoma ML1080: the ultra-portable RGB triple-laser projector

The ML1080 is a remarkable technical feat in the world of portable projection. With 1,200 lumens and a featherweight of just 1 kilogram, this Full HD projector defies convention by combining extreme miniaturization with high-level visual performance.

A pocket-sized form factor hiding cutting-edge technology

The ML1080 sets a new standard in the ultra-portable projector category with its compact dimensions of 157 × 135 × 68 mm. This miniaturization achievement comes with a carefully crafted build that incorporates 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, reflecting a thoughtful approach to sustainable design. The device ships with a dedicated carrying pouch, turning this projector into a truly nomadic companion.

At the heart of this small chassis lies an RGB triple-laser technology that abandons the traditional color wheel found in classic DLP projectors. This configuration uses three distinct lasers—red, green, and blue—to create the primary colors directly, thereby eliminating the motion artifacts often associated with conventional DLP systems. The 0.23-inch DLP chip uses XPR (eXtended Pixel Resolution) technology to achieve the native Full HD resolution of 1920×1080 pixels.

IP5X certification ensures dust protection, guaranteeing the longevity of the sealed optical system. This robust construction is accompanied by a remarkably low noise level, ranging between 24 and 28 dB depending on the usage mode—akin to a gentle whisper.

Time-of-Flight technology revolutionizes setup

The built-in Time-of-Flight (ToF) system radically transforms the projector setup experience. This depth-sensing technology instantly analyzes the projection distance and angle to automatically perform focusing and keystone correction. The projector geometrically adjusts the image in real time, compensating for horizontal distortions up to ±40° and vertical distortions up to ±40°.

Four-corner correction complements this system by allowing precise manual adjustment of each corner of the projected image. This combination of automatic and manual technologies ensures a perfectly rectangular picture, even in challenging projection conditions or on non-perpendicular surfaces.

A 1.2:1 throw ratio lets you project a 100-inch image (254 cm diagonal) from a distance of 2.66 meters. For a 60-inch image, just 1.59 meters is sufficient. This placement flexibility, coupled with a 100% native offset, makes installation easy across various spaces—from family living rooms to professional meeting rooms.

A cinematic color palette

The ML1080’s RGB triple-laser system achieves exceptional color performance for a projector of this size. Coverage of 105% of the BT.2020 color space places this small projector in a category usually reserved for professional equipment. This capability also translates to 100% coverage of Rec.709 and 98% of DCI-P3, the standard used in digital cinema.

This chromatic richness truly shines with HDR (High Dynamic Range) content. The ML1080 natively handles HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma), decoding metadata to optimize highlights and shadow detail. The 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast contributes to faithful tonal reproduction, delivering deep blacks and dazzling whites.

Brightness, expressed in “HK lumens” (Helmholtz-Kohlrausch), leverages a perceptual phenomenon whereby the human eye perceives highly saturated colors as brighter than their physical measurements. The 1,200 HK lumens correspond to 550 measured ANSI lumens—a figure that remains impressive for a projector of this size and enables comfortable projection up to 100 inches in the dark.

Modern, versatile connectivity

The ML1080’s connection interface prioritizes current standards with an HDMI 2.1 port capable of accepting signals up to 4K at 120 Hz, even though the projector then downscales to its native 1080p resolution. This compatibility ensures seamless integration with the latest-generation game consoles and 4K media players.

The bidirectional USB-C port is the major connectivity innovation. It not only accepts video signals from compatible laptops, tablets, and smartphones, but also allows the projector to be powered via a PD 3.0 (Power Delivery) external battery of at least 60W. This feature turns the ML1080 into a truly standalone projector for outdoor screenings or mobile presentations.

Two USB-A ports round out the set, one delivering 1.5A to power energy-hungry peripherals, the other providing 0.5A for less demanding accessories. The optional EZC-USB Wi-Fi dongle, which plugs into one of these ports, enables wireless casting and access to streaming apps via the Optoma Marketplace.

The RS-232 port via mini-USB connector, supplied with its adapter, maintains compatibility with professional control systems, enabling integration into home automation setups or automated conference rooms.

Gaming performance and responsiveness

Gamers will particularly appreciate the dedicated Gaming mode that reduces input latency to just 23 milliseconds at 1080p/60Hz. This responsiveness, combined with ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) support on the HDMI 2.1 port, ensures a smooth, responsive gaming experience. The projector automatically detects game content and activates the appropriate mode without manual intervention.

A variable vertical refresh rate from 24 to 240 Hz offers remarkable flexibility for different types of content. Movies retain their native cinematic cadence at 24 Hz, while games can benefit from higher refresh rates for maximum smoothness, within the limits of 1080p resolution.

Durability and energy efficiency

The laser light source guarantees a lifespan of 30,000 hours in Eco mode—about 10 years of daily use at 8 hours. This exceptional longevity is paired with controlled power consumption, ranging from 32W in Eco to 57W at full power—remarkably low figures representing a 58% reduction compared to Optoma’s traditional lamp-based projectors.

The laser system maintains its color performance and brightness consistently throughout its lifespan, unlike traditional lamps that gradually lose intensity and shift color temperature. Instant on/off eliminates warm-up and cool-down times, improving day-to-day operational efficiency.

360-degree projection opens creative possibilities for artistic installations or unconventional presentations. Portrait mode enables 9:16 orientation projection, particularly suited to digital signage or content optimized for vertical screens.

Technical Specifications

Display and Projection

• Display technology: DLP™
• Native resolution: Full HD 1080p (1920 × 1080)
• Aspect ratio: 16:9 (4:3 compatible)
• Brightness: 1,200 lumens / 550 ANSI lumens
• Dynamic contrast: 3,000,000:1
• Keystone correction
  • Horizontal: ± 40°
  • Vertical: ± 40°
  • Auto vertical correction: Yes
• Projected screen size: 152 cm ~ 254 cm (60” ~ 100”)
• Throw distance: 1.594 m – 2.657 m for 254 cm (100”)
• Throw ratio: 1.2:1
• Zoom: Fixed
• Native offset: 100%
• Scan frequency
  • Horizontal: 15 ~ 140 kHz
  • Vertical: 24 ~ 240 Hz
• Uniformity: 90%

Light Source and Durability

• Type: RGB DuraCore laser
• Lifetime: 30,000 hours
• Eco-friendly design: reduced power consumption and environmentally friendly
• Auto focus: Yes

Connectivity and Interfaces

• Inputs
  • 1 × USB-C (power)
  • 1 × HDMI 2.1
  • 1 × USB-A (1.5 A power)
  • 1 × USB-A (0.5 A power)
• Outputs
  • 1 × USB-C
  • 1 × 3.5 mm audio
• Control: RS232 via mini USB connector
• Wireless connectivity: optional EZC-USB Wi-Fi dongle

Audio and Control

• Built-in speaker: 1 × 3 W
• OSD languages: 10 languages (French, English, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese)
• Remote control included with CR2032 battery

Power and Consumption

• Minimum consumption: 32 W
• Maximum consumption: 57 W

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions (W × D × H): 157 × 135 × 68 mm
• Net weight: 1 kg
• Gross weight: 2.2 kg

Operating Conditions

• Operating temperature: 0 °C ~ 40 °C
• Maximum humidity: 85%
• Maximum altitude: 762 m (2,500 ft)
• Noise level: 24 ~ 28 dB
• 3D compatibility: No

Security

• Kensington lock slot
• IP rating: IP5X

What’s in the Box

• ML1080 projector
• Power cable
• Remote control with CR2032 battery
• Quick start guide
• 1 × RS232 mini-USB adapter
• Carrying case

General Information

The Optoma ML1080 ultra-portable triple RGB laser projector combines triple RGB laser technology with Full HD 1080p resolution to deliver accurate, cinema-quality colors. Its ultra-portable, compact design, including a carrying case, makes it a flexible and convenient device.

Highlights:

• Accurate, cinema-quality colors thanks to the triple RGB laser
• Ultra-portable with included carrying case
• Automatic keystone correction and auto focus for a sharp image
• Exceptional durability with up to 30,000 hours of operation
• Environmentally friendly with reduced power consumption
• Deep blacks and vibrant colors thanks to a 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio