Sections
- Page 1 Optoma HD26 Review
- Page 2 Picture Quality Review
- Page 3 Sound and Verdict Review
Optoma HD26 – 3D Performance
Optoma doesn’t provide either its 3D transmitter or glasses as standard with the HD26, and didn’t provide them for the review either, so we couldn’t test its 3D performance. We would say, though, that feeding the projector a 3D signal didn’t cause the strange red colour infusion witnessed with BenQ’s 3D DLP projectors. Also, experience suggests that DLP usually fares well when it comes to suppressing crosstalk ghosting noise with 3D sources.
Optoma HD26 – Sound Quality
As always, we must preface this section by stressing that using audio from a projector’s built-in speakers is never an ideal solution, since the sound inevitably appears dislocated from the picture.
On the plus side, the HD26’s audio goes louder without distorting than the sound systems of most projectors, and delivers decent levels of audio detail, too. However, the soundstage doesn’t escape far from the confines of the projector cabinet, and there’s hardly any bass around, which leaves action scenes sounding flat and unconvincing.
Other things to consider
The HD26 is impressively easy to use, as its straightforward, clear onscreen menus are accessed via one of the better remotes in the projection world. This fits comfortably in your hand, features a notably helpful layout, and benefits from really bright backlighting for easy use in a dark room.
The HD26 obviously has appeal as an unusually affordable big-screen gaming display. So it’s great to find that, when using its Game preset, we measured its input lag – the time it takes to render images – at just 33ms. That’s a very respectable figure by projection standards and shouldn’t significantly mess with your gaming abilities.
Should I buy an Optoma HD26?
You should seriously consider an HD26 if you want massive pictures on a tiny budget. The only real competition for the HD26 would be the BenQ W1070, which has slightly better colour response, but slightly worse contrast. It’s also not quite as well equipped to cope with varying room brightness as the HD26.
Verdict
The HD26 is an excellent small-cost big-screen option for movie fans and gamers alike.
Next, read more Projector Reviews
Trusted Score
Score in detail
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Value 9
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Features 8
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Image Quality 8
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Design 8
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Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
