Optoma HD146X vs HD243X: Which 3D-Ready Gaming Projector Offers Superior Performance?

[Harry Williams]

Introduce​

Parameter	Optoma HD146X​	Optoma HD243X​
Picture​	​	​
Price​	$599​	-​
Recommended Uses​	Gaming​	Gaming​
Highlight​	3D Capability: True 3D content support from various sources Refresh Rate: 120Hz rapid-refresh Lamp Life: Up to 15,000 hours Keystone Correction: 40° vertical Zoom: 1.1X Image Technology: DLP DMD single-chip Brightness: High-brightness Connectivity: HDMI and USB power support Contrast Ratio: 500,000:1 with Dynamic Black technology	Low Lag for Gaming: 16ms input response time, 1080p Lamp Life: Up to 12,000 hours Connectivity: 2 HDMI inputs, USB power, 3D sync port, 3.5mm audio in/out Resolution: 1080p (1920x1080), WUXGA (1920x1200) supported Installation: Vertical keystone correction, 1.1x zoom, throw ratio 1.47-1.62:1 Picture Quality: Contrast 24,000:1, RGB, REC. 709 and REC. 709b color space

Side-by-Side Comparison​

Display​

Parameter	Optoma HD146X​	Optoma HD243X​
Screen Size​	305 Inches - 301 Inches​	28 Inches - 301 Inches​
Throw Distance​	3.2 Feet - 35.37 Feet​	3.2 Feet - 35.37 Feet​
Contrast Ratio​	25000:1​	24000:1​
Display Resolution​	1080p​	1080p (1920×1080)​
Native Resolution​	1920 x 1080​	1920 x 1080​
Brightness​	3600 Lumen​	3300 Lumen​
Display Type​	DLP​	DLP​
Picture Enhancement​	-​	Reference Display Mode​

Features​

Parameter	Optoma HD146X​	Optoma HD243X​
Video Encoding​	-​	H.264, H.265​
Lamp Wattage​	240 Watts​	240 Watts​
Light Source Life​	15000 Hours​	12000 Hours​
Controller Type​	Remote Control​	Button Control​
Control Method​	Remote​	Remote, Touch​
Mount Type​	Ceiling Mount​	Universal ceiling mount​
Other Features​	Speakers, 3d-Ready​	Speakers, 3d-Ready​

Connectivity​

Parameter	Optoma HD146X​	Optoma HD243X​
Connectivity Technology​	Inputs 1 x HDMI 1.4a 3D support / Outputs 1 x Audio 3.5mm, 1 x USB-A power 1.5A​	MHL, HDMI​
Hardware Connectivity​	USB, HDMI​	USB​
Compatible Devices​	Gaming Console​	Laptop, Gaming Console, Television, Smartphone​

Measurements​

Parameter	Optoma HD146X​	Optoma HD243X​
L x W x H​	12.4"L x 9.5"W x 4.3"H​	-​
Item Weight​	6.2 Pounds​	6.8 Pounds​

Conclusion​

Product	PROS AND CONS​
Optoma HD146X​	Pros: • Clear and accurate full HD image • Bright performance in moderate lighting • Quiet operation in eco mode • Sharp picture quality for streaming 4K and 1080p content • Fast response time and excellent refresh rate for gaming • Affordable price point for the quality provided Cons: • Limited menu settings for color adjustments • Dynamic black feature can cause fan noise and is unnecessary • Large and less portable design compared to previous models • Plastic housing feels less durable and can get hot to the touch • Glossy finish susceptible to scratches and smudges • Proprietary mounting system requires specific mount purchase or modification • Need for precise alignment with the center of the screen for optimal performance Overall Impression: The Optoma HD146x is a solid choice for anyone seeking an affordable full HD projector that delivers impressive image clarity and vibrant colors. Its performance in various viewing conditions, from movies to gaming, is commendable. However, potential buyers should be aware of its size, durability concerns, and the proprietary mounting requirements, which could complicate setup. Overall, it offers great value for home theater enthusiasts willing to navigate these drawbacks.
Optoma HD243X​	Pros: • High-quality picture with impressive clarity on large screens (110" recommended) • Supports 3D viewing for an enhanced experience • Reasonable price for the features offered • Durable build, capable of withstanding drops (survived a 3-foot fall) • Still functioning well after 4 years of use Cons: • Requires manual power cycling from the mains to turn on • Occasional vibrations and noises that can disrupt the picture signal • Build quality appears to have declined in recent models, affecting reliability • Fan can be noisy, especially in quiet settings without surround sound • Not as bright as expected, particularly when using 3D glasses • Difficult mounting and adjusting process Overall Impression: The projector offers excellent picture quality and durability, making it a solid option for home theater enthusiasts. However, it suffers from some reliability issues and a cumbersome startup process, which could detract from the overall user experience. While it may not be the brightest option available, it still delivers good performance, especially for 3D content. Potential buyers should weigh the pros against the cons, particularly considering the recent decline in build quality noted by users.