Projectors

Of course, in a light-controlled space like a home theatre, this Optoma really shines. There's terrific visual snap to its imagery, and the traditional DLP trait of razor- sharp clarity is gloriously evident on a run through of Zack Snyder's Justice League (Sky Cinema, 4K HDR). The level of detail is profound; Steppenwolf's glittering, rippling scales are beautifully delineated. With Sky Q as a source, the UHZ50 locks to its HLG picture mode. Presets available when you're not watching an HDR source include Cinema, HDR simulation, Game, Reference, Bright and User. Peak HDR highlights are handled with restrained grace, as the projector doesn't try to force brightness at the expense of the rest of the image. HDR playback on projectors is a different kettle of fish from flatscreens, as they don't offer pixel-level control. Instead they 'manage' brightness levels for appropriate pop.

When the boom tube lifts Steppenwolf away from the Amazonian charge, after he's acquired the Mother Box, the UHZ50 does a reasonable job following the contrast grade. Unfortunately, in HLG mode operational noise also increases, so there's a price to be paid for any wow factor.

Fan noise is also evident in Game and Bright image modes – the projector drops to its quietest with Reference. Overall, I found the Cinema setting to be the best default for most content, as it combines good colour vibrancy with systemic snap and contrast.

Here, images are pleasingly dynamic, and black level performance is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of depth to the picture, with black movie bars coming across as a deep shade of grey. The UHZ50 may not go full dark, but it's convincing enough, and this trait is a boon when it comes to definition and subtle textures.

Consider Hindi actioner RRR (Netflix, 4K HDR), in which the nuances in the clothing are brilliantly depicted. Leathers and tweeds are almost tangible. The film also boasts spectacular photography, and the UHZ50 does a flawless job bringing its dusty, warm vistas to the screen.

Colour handling is to the REC.709 standard, and with that bright laser in tow the CG animation Star Trek Prodigy (Nickelodeon) proves to be a riot of strong hues, the purple skin of Dal R'El looking particularly rich. Colour management menus cater to an ISF calibration. Single-chip DLP projectors can exhibit rainbow flashes during scenes of high contrast. I did spot a few, but really didn't find it irksome. Some people are more susceptible to it than others, of course.

While DLP's mirror flipping isn't native 4K, it's difficult to argue with the sheer clarity on screen. Prehistoric Planet, a 4K presentation on Apple TV+, is monstrously appealing. The show's photo-realistic dinosaurs are mesmerising in their detail; as a coastal tyrannosaurus blinks in the sun, the image looks convincingly UHD. The hues of the preceding undersea scenes, specifically deep blues and translucent jellyfish, allow the UHZ50 to show off smooth, largely band-free pictures.

Potent Pj
Overall, Optoma's UHZ50 is a potent 4K HDR projector, bright enough for daytime use, and wonderfully punchy in bat cave conditions. Console owners can count on low latency, while contrast and colour fidelity should delight film fans. Highly recommended.

HCC Verdict

Optoma UHZ50

Price: £2,699
www.optoma.co.uk

We say: This versatile laser projector is great with movies and sport, and doesn't need a man cave to impress with its sharp, dynamic imagery. Competition from UST rivals, though.

Overall: 4.5/5

Specifications

3D: Yes. DLP active shutter (glasses optional) 4K: Yes. 3,840 x 2,160 via DLP mirror-flashing tech HDR: Yes. HDR10; HLG CONNECTIONS: 3 x HDMI inputs; digital optical audio output; 3.5mm audio output; 3 x USB; Ethernet; 12V trigger; RS-232 BRIGHTNESS (CLAIMED): 3,000 Lumens CONTRAST (claimed): 2,500,000:1 ZOOM: 1.3x DIMENSIONS: 337(w) x 126(h) x 265(d)mm WEIGHT: 4.8kg

FEATURES: DLP single-chip laser projector; 10W built-in audio; claimed lamp life 30,000 hours; claimed fan noise 29dB max; ISF, Cinema, HDR, HDR Sim, Game, Reference and Bright picture presets; 1.21:1-1.59:1 throw ratio; vertical lens shift (+10%); PureMotion motion processing; 240Hz 1080p Gaming mode; Works with Google Assistant; Wi-Fi dongle; HDMI eARC