Optoma HZ39HDR Home Theater Projector: Is 4K brilliance and lamp-free longevity enough to outshine traditional projectors?

[WernerThiem]

The Optoma HZ39HDR Laser Home Theater Projector positions itself as a contender in the ever-evolving landscape of home cinema technology. With a promise of 30,000 hours of maintenance-free operation and an impressive 4,000 lumens brightness, it raises an important question: are we finally witnessing a revolution in projector reliability, or is this just another case of marketing magic?

This projector boasts HDR capabilities and a robust contrast ratio, suggesting that it can deliver a cinematic experience worthy of a dedicated movie room. Yet, one must consider—can it truly compete with traditional setups, or does it fall short in delivering the immersive experience enthusiasts crave?

In this review, we’ll dive into the practicalities of setup, the quality of the image, and whether this lamp-free option can withstand the scrutiny of discerning viewers. Let's explore whether the HZ39HDR lives up to its specifications or if it merely dazzles on paper.

Spec​

Parameter	Optoma HZ39HDR Home Theater Projector​
Picture​	​
Reference Price​	$1195​
Recommended Uses​	Tv Stick, Home Cinema, Indoor Outdoor, Camping, Gaming​
Built-In Media​	HZ39HDR, AC power cable, remote control, quick start guide​
Highlight​	DEPENDABLE LASER LIGHT SOURCE: DuraCore laser light source eliminates lamp and filter replacements for up to 30, 000 hours of low-cost and virtually maintenance-free operation; IPX6 dust resistance rating ensures optical engine durability.Zoom type : Manual. Power supply : 100V ~ 240V, 50-60Hz.Power supply : 100V ~ 240V, 50-60Hz. Power consumption (standby) : <0.5W 4K HDR INPUT: HDR10 & HLG technologies enable brigher whites and deeper black levels for an enhanced viewing experience of images and videos LIGHTS-ON VIEWING: With an incredible 4, 000 lumens of brightness, project in any room in the house, including family rooms, theater or game rooms EASY IMAGE SETUP: 1. 3X zoom and plus/- 30-degree vertical keystone correction enable flexible installations; project a 120" image from 10'-7" – 13'-10" away HOME CINEMA PICTURE QUALITY: 1080p (1920×1080) resolution (with 4K input) and an incredible 300, 000: 1 contrast ratio renders sharp and detailed images from high definition content without downscaling or compression
Screen Size​	28 Inches - 300.3 Inches​
Throw Distance​	2.4 Feet - 34.7 Feet​
Contrast Ratio​	300,000:1​
Maximum Resolution​	3840 x 2160​
Native Resolution​	1920 x 1080​
Brightness​	4,000 Lumen​
Display Type​	DLP​
Video Encoding​	H.264, H.265 (HEVC)​
LightSource Life​	30000 Hours​
Controller Type​	Remote Control​
Control Method​	Remote​
Wattage​	310 watts​
Connectivity Technology​	Inputs 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x HDMI 1.4a 3D support, 1 x VGA (YPbPr/RGB), 2 x Audio 3.5mm Outputs 1 x Audio 3.5mm, 1 x USB-A power 1.5A Control 1 x RS232, 1 x RJ45, 1 x micro USB service​
Hardware Connectivity​	VGA​
Compatible Devices​	UHD, FHD, UXGA, SXGA, WXGA, HD, XGA, SVGA, VGA, Mac 480i/p, 576i/p, 720p(50/60Hz), 1080i(50/60Hz), 1080p(24/50/60Hz), 2160p(24/50/60Hz) Side-by-Side:1080i50 / 60, 720p50 / 60 Frame-pack: 1080p24, 720p50 / 60 Over-Under: 1080p24, 720p50 / 60​
Other Features​	Built-In Speaker, Portable, Digital Keystone Correction, 3D-Ready, Built-In Media Player, Short Throw​
L x W x H​	13.26"L x 10.5"W x 4.8"H​
Item Weight​	9.4 Pounds​

System Experience​

I've been on the lookout for a projector for quite some time, especially after my experience with an older model that required frequent lamp replacements. The moment I unboxed this new projector, I was a bit anxious about the setup, but I found it to be surprisingly straightforward. It connected effortlessly where my previous projector used to sit, and I was able to get everything up and running in no time. However, I did spend a good chunk of time fine-tuning the settings to get the picture just right, which I didn’t mind because I was eager to see how it would perform.

Viewing Experience​

Wow, what a difference! The picture quality is just phenomenal. The increase in contrast from my previous projector is staggering; I went from a 30K to a 1 million contrast ratio, and it shows. The brightness is incredible! I can easily watch movies in a well-lit room without losing detail, something I never thought was possible. Watching football feels like I’m right there in the stadium, and I honestly can't see myself going back to regular TV after this. The colors are vibrant and the sharpness is impressive, making every scene visually stunning.

Other Experience​

While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the visual experience, there were some hiccups along the way. I encountered a pink spot on faces during initial viewing, which required several adjustments to the settings. It was a bit frustrating, but worth the effort once I got everything calibrated correctly. I also had some concerns about the heat dissipation that I read about in other reviews, but luckily, that hasn’t been an issue for me. The fan noise is minimal, which is a huge plus for a home theater setup.

Conclusion​

Pros:
The standout feature for me has to be the brightness and clarity of the image. I also appreciate the longevity of the laser light source; it’s supposed to last around 30,000 hours, so I won’t be dealing with bulb replacements anytime soon. The setup was relatively easy, and the variety of image settings allowed me to tailor the experience to my preferences. Plus, the sleek design of the projector fits perfectly into my entertainment space.

Cons:
On the downside, I do wish there was a lens cap included. It feels like a basic accessory that should come with a projector at this price point; the idea of dust settling on the lens when not in use is a bit concerning. Additionally, as much as I love the picture quality, I’ve noticed that in some lighting conditions, it can get a bit washed out. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to use it in brighter environments.

Overall Evaluation:
Overall, I’m really pleased with my purchase. This projector has elevated my home theater experience far beyond what I had before. Despite a few minor issues and quirks, I feel like I’ve made a wise investment. The picture quality is impressive, and the technology seems reliable so far. I’m excited to see how it performs in the long run, but for now, I’m thoroughly enjoying every movie night and gaming session. If you’re considering a projector in this price range, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a shot!

 

[El_Frijol]

Hey folks! Just wanted to share my thoughts on this projector I picked up. It's pretty impressive, especially in a well-lit room, and the picture quality is awesome for what you pay. I’ve had my share of Optoma projectors in the past, and they've all been solid, so I’m hopeful this one sticks around too!

If you’re looking to go wireless with it, I’ve got a little setup that works like a charm. Grab these accessories when you get the projector:

1. **Roku streaming stick** - Perfect for streaming all your favorite shows! [Check it out here](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075XLWML4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1).

2. **Wireless Transmitter** - This thing lets you send sound about 30 feet away. Super handy! [Get it here](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IV1H1ME/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1).

3. **Sound Bar** - For that epic audio experience. [Find it here](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SMBG8QY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1).

Trust me, your movie nights are gonna level up!

 

[HopeURhavinagreatday]

So, I'm using this projector for my home theater, and let me tell you, it shines bright in a dark room! But when the sun's out, it kinda struggles a bit. Honestly, the 4000 lumens doesn’t feel a whole lot brighter than the 2500 lumens I had before. On the upside, it was super easy to set up, so that’s a win!

 

[Astro51450]

This projector is awesome! I've been using it for 5 years straight and it's still holding up like a champ. For the price I paid, it was a total steal. If this one ever starts to go downhill, you can bet I’d grab another one in a heartbeat. I used to have a bulb projector, but now that I've switched to laser, there’s no way I’m going back!

 

[Interesting-Permit19]

So, after using it non-stop for a year and a half, my screen just decided to throw in the towel. Out of nowhere, it's got a ton of dead pixels showing up—like a whole bunch of black ones and a few random white ones too. It's kind of wild how just last week everything was cool, and now I’m dealing with 30-40 dead pixels! What a bummer!

 

[Gizmoitus]

Wow, I’m seriously blown away by the image quality for the price! I’m not used to seeing such crisp, big pictures—my old projector had way less brightness. Plus, it’s super quiet! The 120hz refresh rate really makes everything look so much clearer. Just a heads up though, it only works at certain resolutions, so make sure you tweak the settings right away to get the full 120hz. It usually defaults to a higher resolution at 60hz, which is a bummer. Honestly, I got way more than I bargained for. Hats off to Optoma!

 

[pricelesslambo]

Honestly, my 4-year-old Sony projector blows this one out of the water in terms of resolution, and it was $500 cheaper! I’ve got mine set up on my patio, and even with shades, I still struggle to get a decent picture.

Am I sending this one back? Nope! I paid someone to install it, and at this point, it would cost me even more to take it down. I’ve got some pics to share, but I can’t upload them right now.