Optoma EX665UT review

If there’s one thing you wouldn’t want to do with this projector it’s move it around too often – it measures 427 x 407 x 210mm and weighs a hefty 7.6kg. Still, most schools would use the EX665UT as a wall- or ceiling-mounted projector, and here it has plenty going for it.

There are plenty of security features, including a Kensington lock slot, a security bar and password protection. You can also set up a prompt system whereby after a pre-set time interval the password must be entered for the projector to operate.

The Optoma has a cable cover to keep fingers away from the connecting cables. It’s effective, but makes it awkward to plug in devices – you have to thread the cable through a slot at the bottom, the connecting ports are recessed and you need a screwdriver to remove the cover.

This DLP projector offers XGA resolution (1,024 x 768) and is 3D ready. It comes with a squat remote control that offers lots of functionality – but, like many handsets, it has USB mouse buttons that can be easily confused with the cursor keys used to navigate the menus.

Most importantly, the Optoma qualifies as an ultra-short-throw projector: with a throw ratio of 0.38:1, it can display a 60in image from only 46cm away. The image size range is 60 to 100in. There’s plenty of connectivity, but setup is spoilt by a menu system that’s awkward to navigate, and isn’t helped by the information disappearing from the screen after ten seconds of inactivity. We also found fan noise was quite noticeable.

The Optoma isn’t the cheapest to run. Lamp life is specified at 2,500 hours, extendable to 3,000 hours in eco mode, and a replacement lamp is expensive, at around £240 exc VAT.

The EX665UT offers good all-round performance, even in a well-lit room. The built-in 10W speaker was impressive, both in terms of volume and clarity. And the Optoma delivers the goods when it comes to image quality. So the question is whether you can live with its odd foible or two – as well as the cost of replacement lamps.