Catalogs Hide
- 1 First Impressions
- 2 Introduce
- 3 Display
- 4 Features
- 5 User Feedback
First Impressions
The UHZ35ST utilizes a single chip 0.65-inch DMD in its DLP chipset. It's a 1080p native chip that achieves 3840x2160 UHD resolution on screen via Texas Instruments' rapid XPR pixel shifting, though the image it creates is actually very sharp. During my time with the UHZ35ST I did experience some rainbows, which is a trait of many single-chip DLP projectors. It luckily wasn't too offensive, but I didn't have to look hard for it either, as it would naturally occur with a slight shift in my eyes across the screen.Optoma pairs this DLP imager with its DuraCore Laser light engine and promises up to 30,000 hours of laser life when the projector is used in its Eco power mode. The generic "3,500 lumen" claim for brightness in the UHZ35ST's spec sheet is not specifically associated with any acknowledged measurement technique, which departs from Optoma's long-time quotation of industry-standard ANSI lumens. The company verified that they are quoting an ISO21118 measurement, which should be equivalent to ANSI. However, our ANSI measurement showed our sample coming in at just 2,536 ANSI lumens in the Bright picture mode.
Introduce
| Parameter | Optoma UHZ35ST |
|---|---|
Picture |  |
Reference Price | $1599 |
Recommended Uses | Home Cinema, Gaming |
Built-In Media | User Manual, Power Cord, Battery, Remote |
Highlight | • Laser Light Source: DuraCore technology, 30,000 hours maintenance-free • Dust Resistance: IPX6 rating • Throw Distance: 120" image from 4' 4" • Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) • Game Mode Response Time: • 4ms @ 1080p240Hz • 16ms @ 4K60Hz • 16ms @ 1080p60Hz • 8ms @ 1080p120Hz • HDR Support: HDR10 and HLG • Contrast Ratio: 500,000:1 |
Display
| Parameter | Optoma UHZ35ST |
|---|---|
Screen Size | 36 Inches - 300 Inches |
Throw Distance | 0.4 Meters - 3.3 Meters |
Contrast Ratio | 500,000:1 |
Maximum Resolution | 3840 x 2160 Pixels |
Native Resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
Brightness | 3500 Lumen |
Display Type | Laser |
Viewing Experience | The Optoma UHZ35ST offers a diverse range of 10 picture modes, providing flexibility for various viewing preferences. While the out-of-the-box Vivid and Bright modes may not deliver optimal color accuracy, the Reference mode stands out as the most precise for SDR content, despite lacking adjustable color temperature settings. The Cinema mode is also commendable, though it may exhibit slight color bias depending on the Brilliant Color setting. The DICOM SIM mode provides an interesting option for enhancing contrast and saturation, particularly for medical imaging. The projector includes adjustable controls for Brightness, Contrast, Sharpness, and Gamma, which can be tailored to enhance viewing experiences. Furthermore, the Color Settings menu offers a variety of adjustments, including Color and Tint controls, and a Color Management System (CMS) for more detailed color calibration. However, it is worth noting that some advanced grayscale tuning options commonly found in other projectors are missing. The available preset Color Temperature settings and Color Space options add some versatility, though their availability can vary based on the chosen picture mode. Overall, the Optoma UHZ35ST is a well-equipped projector that caters to different viewing needs, with a strong emphasis on color accuracy in its Reference mode, though it may require some tweaking for optimal performance in various settings. |
Features
| Parameter | Optoma UHZ35ST |
|---|---|
LightSource Life | 30000 Hours |
Controller Type | Remote Control |
Control Method | Remote |
Wattage | 126 watts |
Connectivity Technology | USB, HDMI, Audio 3.5mm |
Hardware Connectivity | USB, HDMI, 3.5mm Audio |
Compatible Devices | Apple TV 4K, 4K Blu-ray, PC, Xbox Series X, PS5, Steam Deck, Fire TV 4K |
Other Features | Low Power Consumption, 4K UHD DuraCore Laser Technology, Compact Size, Enhanced Game Mode, Short Throw Projector |
System Experience | The UHZ35ST is a compact and versatile short-throw projector, weighing 6.61 pounds with dimensions of 10.79 x 4.49 x 8.5 inches. Its geometric correction features, including vertical and horizontal keystone adjustments, four-corner adjustment, and 15-point image warping, provide flexibility for various setup configurations, particularly in temporary gaming scenarios where image precision is less critical. The use of an external power brick contributes to its small footprint, although it may pose challenges in hiding the power supply during more permanent installations. Overall, the UHZ35ST offers a practical solution for front and rear projection, as well as table top and ceiling mounting options, making it suitable for diverse environments. |
User Feedback
Pros:• Exceptional brightness and vivid color, even in well-lit rooms
• Great image quality for gaming, responsive with low lag
• Easy setup and adjustment options (keystone, focus, zoom)
• Good built-in speaker performance, comparable to decent TV speakers
• Lightweight compared to traditional TVs
• Dynamic brightness feature offers long lamp life
• Highly recommended for both gaming and general viewing
Cons:
• Picture can appear washed out in direct daylight
• Occasional fan noise and brightness ramp-up may be distracting
• HDR mode can crush whites and cause banding in some content
• Limited to stereo out; may require specific setups for advanced audio
• Requires adjustments for optimal viewing in different lighting conditions
Overall Impression:
This projector delivers an impressive viewing experience with vibrant colors and excellent brightness, making it highly suitable for gaming and movie nights. Despite some minor issues with HDR and performance in bright environments, it remains a top recommendation for anyone looking to elevate their home entertainment setup.
