Optoma UHZ78LV

Optoma raises the bar another notch with the UHZ78LV. Where the previous UHZ68LV relied on a dual laser and covered 95% of DCI-P3, this new model moves to triple RGB laser, gains three points of DCI-P3 coverage (98%), and reaches 96% of BT.2020. The promise: colorimetry that comes close to that of a digital cinema projector, in a format that fits on a shelf.

Three lasers for cinema-level colorimetry

The DuraCore MultiColor RGB light source generates light from three distinct laser beams (red, green, blue) rather than using a single laser filtered through a color wheel. This process has a concrete advantage: each primary color is produced at its native wavelength, which expands the gamut without sacrificing brightness. With 98% of DCI-P3 and 96% of BT.2020, the UHZ78LV reproduces a color spectrum very close to that of professional movie theaters. Deep reds, saturated greens, and rich blues are no longer compromises.

The announced lifespan of this source is 30,000 hours. In practice, even with three to four hours of daily projection, that represents more than twenty years of use without lamp replacement or significant loss of brightness.

5000 lumens and dynamic HDR: a readable image anywhere

The UHZ78LV’s 5000 lumens change the game for rooms that are not completely darkened. A living room with windows, a partially lit media room: the image remains dense and high-contrast where a less powerful projector fades away. And when the room is plunged into darkness, this brightness reserve serves another purpose: fully exploiting the potential of HDR.

The UHZ78LV supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, two formats that dynamically adjust brightness and contrast frame by frame or scene by scene, according to the metadata embedded in the content. Dolby Vision compatibility is still relatively uncommon in the world of video projection, which makes its presence here noteworthy. The dynamic contrast ratio reaches 4,500,000:1, compared with 3,200,000:1 on the UHZ68LV. IMAX Enhanced certification completes the picture for playback of content mastered in this format.

PureEngine Ultra and Filmmaker Mode: two image philosophies

The PureEngine Ultra video processing, already present on the UHZ68LV, analyzes each frame to adjust contrast, sharpness, and motion handling. Fast action scenes gain clarity, with reduced motion blur.

Filmmaker Mode works in the opposite way: it disables video processing to reproduce the image as the director and cinematographer intended. Aspect ratio, frame rate, color grading: everything is preserved. ISF modes (day and night) offer a third path, with calibrated profiles that adapt to ambient light conditions.

Flexible installation thanks to lens shift and motorized zoom

Installing a conventional long-throw projector often imposes fairly rigid placement constraints. The UHZ78LV mitigates this problem with vertical lens shift of ±55% and horizontal lens shift of ±25%, ranges wide enough to compensate for off-center positioning without distorting the image. The x1.6 motorized zoom adjusts image size (from 80 to 300 inches, or 2 to 7.6 meters diagonally) without moving the device.

The 1.25:1 to 2:1 throw ratio allows an installation distance between 2.2 and 13.3 meters depending on the desired screen size. Keystone correction (±30° horizontally and vertically) and 360° projection provide additional flexibility for atypical configurations or ceiling mounts. Note that the UHZ78LV supports continuous 24/7 operation, opening the door to professional or commercial uses.

An 8.5 ms input lag and an HDMI 2.1 input

The UHZ78LV is not just a cinema projector. With input lag measured at 8.5 ms in 1080p/240 Hz via its HDMI 2.1 input, it meets the demands of competitive gaming on a large screen. The bandwidth of the HDMI 2.1 connection is sufficient to handle the streams from current consoles and gaming PCs.

Connectivity includes three HDMI inputs in total: one in 2.1 and two in 2.0, one of which is eARC-compatible, convenient for sending a Dolby Atmos audio stream back to a home theater amplifier. Outputs include three USB-A ports (two at 2 A, one at 1.5 A), a 3.5 mm jack, an optical S/PDIF, and a 3D Sync output for active glasses. Remote control is handled via an RJ45 port, an RS232, and two 12 V triggers, enough to integrate the UHZ78LV into a home automation installation or an AV rack controlled by a control processor.

A compact size for a projector in this category

At 486 × 432 × 176 mm and 11.5 kg, the UHZ78LV remains reasonably compact. The announced noise level is 25 to 28 dB depending on the mode used, an acceptable threshold for use in a dedicated room without masking the quiet passages of a movie. The operating range from 0 to 40 °C and power consumption between 130 and 281 W (0.5 W in standby) round out a technical profile that holds no unpleasant surprises.

What the UHZ78LV brings compared with the UHZ68LV

The move from dual laser to triple RGB laser is the most significant evolution. DCI-P3 coverage goes from 95% (or even 90% according to independent measurements of the UHZ68LV) to 98%, and BT.2020 is now covered at 96%. Dynamic contrast rises from 3,200,000:1 to 4,500,000:1. The zoom, which was manual on the UHZ68LV, is now motorized, an appreciable gain in comfort for framing adjustments. The chassis and connectivity remain similar, but the optics have been upgraded to support the new colorimetric capabilities of the laser block.

Technical Specifications

Image and Display

• Display technology: DLP
• Native resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
• Certification: True 4K UHD (CTA)
• Brightness: 5000 lumens
• Contrast: 4500000:1
• Native aspect ratio: 16:9
• Compatible formats: 4:3, 16:9
• Image size: 203 to 762 cm (80” to 300”)
• Uniformity: 90%

Video Technologies and Color

• Light source: RGB DuraCore MultiColor triple laser
• HDR compatibility: Dolby Vision, HDR10+
• Color coverage
  • 98% DCI-P3
  • 96% BT.2020
• Video processing: PureEngine Ultra
• Picture modes: Filmmaker Mode, ISF Day / Night
• IMAX Enhanced compatibility
• 3D compatibility: Full 3D

Light Source

• Type: laser
• Lifespan: up to 30,000 hours

Optics and Projection

• Throw ratio: 1.25:1 to 2:1
• Projection distance: 2.2 to 13.3 m
• Zoom: x1.6 motorized
• Lens shift
  • Vertical: +/- 55%
  • Horizontal: +/- 25%
• Keystone correction
  • Horizontal: +/- 30°
  • Vertical: +/- 30°
• Projection: 360°

Connectivity

• Inputs
  • 1 x HDMI 2.1
  • 2 x HDMI 2.0 (eARC)
• Outputs
  • 2 x USB-A (2 A power)
  • 1 x USB-A (1.5 A)
  • 1 x 3.5 mm audio
  • 1 x S/PDIF
  • 1 x 3D Sync
• Control
  • 1 x RJ45
  • 1 x RS232
  • 2 x 12 V Trigger

Network and Control

• LAN control: yes

Performance and Usage

• Noise level: 25 to 28 dB
• Response time: 8.5 ms
• Continuous operation: 24/7
• Operating conditions: 0 to 40°C

Power and Consumption

• Power supply: 100 to 240 V / 50 to 60 Hz
• Power consumption
  • Minimum: 130 W
  • Maximum: 281 W
  • Standby: 0.5 W

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 486 x 432 x 176 mm
• Net weight: 11.5 kg
• Gross weight: 14.8 kg