Optoma HD146X High Performance Projector for Movies & Gaming $479

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06-14-2021 at 05:31 AM #2

Seems like a great projector…3,600 lumens for under $500.

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06-14-2021 at 06:19 AM #3

Be aware: fan noise and rainbow artifacts are relatively common complaints. The rainbow artifacts are less noticeable on higher end projectors than these budget models.

This is a pretty good price for this unit with that said, but I would maybe look at an Epson 2150 refurb or up the budget a bit, if possible.

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06-14-2021 at 07:10 AM #4

Quote from Cujobob

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Be aware: fan noise and rainbow artifacts are relatively common complaints. The rainbow artifacts are less noticeable on higher end projectors than these budget models.

This is a pretty good price for this unit with that said, but I would maybe look at an Epson 2150 refurb or up the budget a bit, if possible.

Not to discount what you're saying (or those that see the rainbow effect), but doesn't this only affect certain individuals? Meaning, if you experience rainbow effect with the 146X, you would theoretically experience it with all DLP projects, correct?

Edit: Also wanted to point out that for me, I went with this one because I think my use case would benefit from the 3600 lumens vs. 2150's 2,500 lumens.

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06-14-2021 at 08:25 AM #5

Is this decent enough for an outdoor movie night for the kids?

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06-14-2021 at 08:28 AM #6

Quote from punglenjeh

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Not to discount what you're saying (or those that see the rainbow effect), but doesn't this only affect certain individuals? Meaning, if you experience rainbow effect with the 146X, you would theoretically experience it with all DLP projects, correct?

Edit: Also wanted to point out that for me, I went with this one because I think my use case would benefit from the 3600 lumens vs. 2150's 2,500 lumens.

I have the Optoma HD28HDR, which is like this but slightly higher. It's nice, I don't notice rainbow effect, but all the reviews I've seen say the Epson 2100/2150 are effectively brighter at 2500 lumens than these Optoma projectors that say 3600 lumens.

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06-14-2021 at 08:32 AM #7

Quote from Arcanlaw

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Is this decent enough for an outdoor movie night for the kids?

Yes..

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06-14-2021 at 09:58 AM #8

Quote from Cujobob

:

Be aware: fan noise and rainbow artifacts are relatively common complaints. The rainbow artifacts are less noticeable on higher end projectors than these budget models.

This is a pretty good price for this unit with that said, but I would maybe look at an Epson 2150 refurb or up the budget a bit, if possible.

2150 or the 2100's. Is the "wireless" worth it? What should we get if we up the budget?

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Last edited by RunningOnEmpty June 14, 2021 at 10:01 AM.

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06-14-2021 at 10:22 AM #9

Quote from RunningOnEmpty

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2150 or the 2100's. Is the "wireless" worth it? What should we get if we up the budget?

Probably for any projector, especially within the home, you would be better off getting a Roku, most of which should do AirPlay and Miracast (wireless display), or a Google Chromecast with Google TV, to do casting. Most Fire TV devices also do Miracast, and Android TV and Fire TV both have unofficial Airplay apps. Of course you get all the other apps and updates, as well.

I ordered the 2100 refurb that was recently on sale (haven't received yet), but the difference between it and the 2150 seems like it's mostly the built in wireless display stuff and better contrast (which may not be obvious or make a big difference), which I don't think are worth a price difference of more than $40. So 2100 refurb at below $400 sounds better than a 2150 refurb at $500.

This Optoma would also benefit from just get a nice smart dongle to add all the features you might want/need.

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06-14-2021 at 01:11 PM #10

Quote from ralphwiggum1

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I have the Optoma HD28HDR, which is like this but slightly higher. It's nice, I don't notice rainbow effect, but all the reviews I've seen say the Epson 2100/2150 are effectively brighter at 2500 lumens than these Optoma projectors that say 3600 lumens.

That's interesting about the brightness. Do you mind sharing links to the reviews? I'm wondering if I should be cancelling my order and hunting for an Epson. Thanks in advance

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06-14-2021 at 01:29 PM #11

Quote from punglenjeh

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That's interesting about the brightness. Do you mind sharing links to the reviews? I'm wondering if I should be cancelling my order and hunting for an Epson. Thanks in advance

This is what one review of the Optoma HD28HDR said vs Epson HC2150 (https://www.cnet.com/reviews/opto...-review/):

Quote :

Optoma claims 3,600 lumens of brightness, and I measured around 1,500. It's normal for a projector to measure lower than its claimed numbers. For projectors of this price, this is a solid result and creates a very bright image, albeit slightly dimmer than the Epson HC2150 and BenQ HT2050A.

I saw similar info in other places when looking at the Optoma, but can't find them right now.

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06-14-2021 at 02:15 PM #12

Quote from ralphwiggum1

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This is what one review of the Optoma HD28HDR said vs Epson HC2150 (https://www.cnet.com/reviews/opto...-review/): [cnet.com]

I saw similar info in other places when looking at the Optoma, but can't find them right now.

Thanks for the link. After a little bit more research, I ended up cancelling my order for the Optoma and ordered the refurb Epson 2150 for $500. I was okay with the Optoma being slightly dimmer, but after looking at the cost of replacement lamps between the 2, it kind of became a no-brainer. Luckily, Amazon hadn't shipped yet, so cancellation was quick.
Thanks again!

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06-14-2021 at 03:25 PM #13

Quote from punglenjeh

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Thanks for the link. After a little bit more research, I ended up cancelling my order for the Optoma and ordered the refurb Epson 2150 for $500. I was okay with the Optoma being slightly dimmer, but after looking at the cost of replacement lamps between the 2, it kind of became a no-brainer. Luckily, Amazon hadn't shipped yet, so cancellation was quick.
Thanks again!

Doesn't the Optoma last 3x as long. I'm thinking going Epson. Seems like people like the BenQ's and the Epson's over the Optoma's.

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06-14-2021 at 03:54 PM #14

Quote from punglenjeh

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Not to discount what you're saying (or those that see the rainbow effect), but doesn't this only affect certain individuals? Meaning, if you experience rainbow effect with the 146X, you would theoretically experience it with all DLP projects, correct?

Edit: Also wanted to point out that for me, I went with this one because I think my use case would benefit from the 3600 lumens vs. 2150's 2,500 lumens.

I got a refurb Epson 2100 <$400, Coming from a sub-$100 720-native projector it is AMAZING the quality and feature set difference. I can't even imagine the quality difference bumping up to >$1k.

2500 lumens I can see picture pretty good in a covered gazebo in the middle of the day. At night, I'm pretty much lighting up the entire gazebo with the light reflecting off the projector screen. 2500 lumens will meet *a lot* of user's needs. (Not sub-$100 projector claims of 2500lumens)

Best decision splurging on a higher end projector, if even only for casual watching. Vertical/horizontal keystone and zoom is game-changer.

I do game (FPS), although I wouldn't spend $100 for the off-chance I'll be gaming on a 1080p projector. If they made a 2k/1440p gaming projector now…

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06-14-2021 at 04:00 PM #15

Quote from ralphwiggum1

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Probably for any projector, especially within the home, you would be better off getting a Roku, most of which should do AirPlay and Miracast (wireless display), or a Google Chromecast with Google TV, to do casting. Most Fire TV devices also do Miracast, and Android TV and Fire TV both have unofficial Airplay apps. Of course you get all the other apps and updates, as well.

I ordered the 2100 refurb that was recently on sale (haven't received yet), but the difference between it and the 2150 seems like it's mostly the built in wireless display stuff and better contrast (which may not be obvious or make a big difference), which I don't think are worth a price difference of more than $40. So 2100 refurb at below $400 sounds better than a 2150 refurb at $500.

This Optoma would also benefit from just get a nice smart dongle to add all the features you might want/need.

Agreed. I'm using outdoors (seasonally), Hooked up to Roku soundbar. 2-for-1, plenty of sound for outdoors and plays all my content

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