Optoma EH500 Projector: Is 4,700 Lumens Enough to Illuminate Your Business Presentations Without Compromising Quality?

WernerThiem

New member
When it comes to business presentations, the tools we choose can either elevate our message or drown it in mediocrity. Enter the Optoma EH500 High Brightness Projector. With a striking 4,700 lumens, it promises to deliver vibrant colors and crisp graphics even in the most brightly lit conference rooms—a claim that could easily lead to a debate on the necessity of high brightness in today’s tech-savvy environment. Is this projector the game-changer for corporate presentations, or just another overhyped gadget in an already saturated market?

In this review, we’ll peel back the layers on its impressive specs, including its 1080p resolution and extensive connectivity options, while also questioning whether the added features, like Crestron RoomView for network control, are truly worth the investment for your business. Join me as we explore whether the EH500 lives up to its promises, or if it’s merely a bright facade masking a less-than-stellar performance.

Spec​

Parameter
Optoma EH500 Projector​
Picture​
OptomaEH500Projector.jpg
Reference Price​
Recommended Uses​
Home Cinema, Business​
Built-In Media​
Optoma Technology EH500 Data Series DLP 3D ProjectorIR Remote Mouse Control2 x Batteries (for Remote)AC Power CordVGA to VGA CableLens CapCarrying CaseMultilingual CD-ROM User's Manual3-Year Limited Optoma Express Service Warranty1-Year Limited Lamp Warranty​
Highlight​
INCREDIBLE PICTURE QUALITY: Experience presentations with vibrant colors and sharp, clear text and graphics enabled by its 1080p full high definition and 10, 000: 1 contrast ratio
HIGH BRIGHTNESS: Enjoy 4, 700 lumens of brightness in well lit meeting rooms, conference rooms, training rooms, classrooms and more
NETWORK CONTROL WITH CRESTRON ROOMVIEW: Set up complete network control and management of up to 250 projectors, a perfect solution for large installations in business and educational environments
EXTENSIVE CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS: The EH500 features an impressive array of connectivity options including DisplayPort, two HDMI, two VGA, VGA Out, S-Video, composite video, 12V trigger, RS-232C, and RJ45
RS-232 CONTROL: Take control of the projector using HEX or ASCII commands via RS-232 cable
Screen Size​
N/A - 300 Inches​
Throw Distance​
N/A - 32 Feet​
Contrast Ratio​
10000:1​
Maximum Resolution​
1920 x 1080p​
Native Resolution​
1920 x 1080​
Brightness​
4700 Lumen​
Display Type​
DLP​
Controller Type​
Button Control​
Control Method​
App, Remote​
Lamp Wattage​
365 Watts​
Wattage​
320 watts​
Connectivity Technology​
HDMI^Wireless​
Hardware Connectivity​
VGA, DisplayPort, Composite Video​
Compatible Devices​
Laptop, Smartphone​
Other Features​
internet-ready, 3d-ready​
Item Weight​
8.5 Pounds​

System Experience​

Setting up the projector was surprisingly straightforward, which I really appreciated. I was able to connect my Fire Stick 4K without any hassle, and even managed to use it for an outdoor movie night with a blow-up screen. There was a bit of noise from the blower for the screen, but it didn’t detract from the overall experience. I found the distance and positioning requirements to be a little tricky, but once I got it right, everything fell into place beautifully.

Viewing Experience​

The picture quality absolutely exceeded my expectations. It was bright enough to use even during daylight, which was a huge plus for our outdoor setup. I loved how vibrant the colors were, and the clarity made the movies come alive. Watching a film with the family under the stars felt magical, especially with the stunning 3D effects that truly made the experience feel cinematic. I felt like I was transported to a theater, despite being in my backyard!

Other Experience​

Overall, my experience with the projector has been overwhelmingly positive. It worked flawlessly right out of the box and I was amazed by how quickly it arrived. I did have a few minor technical hiccups, like needing to adjust settings for optimal performance, but nothing that was too frustrating. I also had to connect some additional speakers for a more immersive sound experience, which was expected given the outdoor setting. Using it in different environments, such as a courtroom and outside, really showcased its versatility.

Conclusion​

Pros:
What I love most about this projector is how bright and clear the image is, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The 3D capability is a fantastic bonus, and the affordability of replacement parts and glasses makes it a practical choice for regular use. Plus, I found the setup options to be extensive, allowing me to tweak performance to fit my needs. The shipping was fast, and the customer service was commendable when I had questions.

Cons:
If I had to point out a downside, it would be the loudness of the fan initially, which could be distracting in a quiet setting. I also wish it had a wider zoom range and better keystone correction capabilities; it seemed to require a precise alignment with the screen that could be a bit finicky. Additionally, the sound from the built-in speakers was lacking, necessitating external speakers for a richer audio experience.

Overall Evaluation:
In summary, I couldn't be happier with my purchase. The projector has transformed my movie nights, making them far more enjoyable and visually stunning. It's perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, and the quality-to-price ratio is incredible. While there are a few areas for improvement, they don’t overshadow the overall experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable, bright projector that delivers fantastic picture quality. I genuinely love it!
 
The picture’s super clear and bright, and setting it up is a breeze! Honestly, it’s such a solid upgrade from those cheaper projectors without breaking the bank. My only hiccup is trying to get my laptop to mirror the screen—might be a resolution thing or something. Also, the zoom on the lens is pretty nice; I have to keep it at least 10 feet from the screen to get a nice 5 feet wide. Overall, I'm really happy with it!
 
Man, this thing is seriously acting up! It just turns on and off whenever it feels like it, and now it’s super dim. The remote's a total no-show, and even hitting the buttons doesn’t do anything. I’m stuck unplugging and plugging it back in just to get it to work. I think I might’ve just gotten a lemon!
 

Elfman72

New member
Man, I’ve had the worst luck with this projector! I had to send it back not once, but twice, and it’s still not working. Honestly, it’s the crappiest projector I’ve ever dealt with. I even bought a second one, thinking maybe I’d get lucky, but nope! It worked for a couple of weeks and then just quit on me too. Now I’m still waiting for them to refund me for that second one. Ugh! What a pain!
 

MsPippiton1117

New member
So, I checked out this projector at my buddy's place and I just knew it was gonna be a winner. The only downside? I can only use it at night because of all the windows I’ve got—makes it tough to see anything during the day, but hey, that’s on me, not the projector. Honestly, you can't beat 4700 lumens in 1080p for the price. It's a solid deal!
 
I gotta say, I really dig this projector—it's got an awesome picture! But man, the remote? Total bummer. I’ve gotta figure out how to snag a new one. I mounted it on the ceiling at my church, so I can’t even aim the remote at the projector like a normal person. And don’t get me started on the help desk; they weren’t much help at all! I used this super long 100ft HDMI cable, and I had no clue it was one-way. When I called them up, the dude asked a few questions and then just said, “Looks like you’ve got a faulty projector.” Great, right?
 
Top