Optoma’s new triple laser home cinema projectors are so portable they’ll fit inside a small bag
If you’re looking for big projector images without the big projector prices or sizes most commonly found in the best 4K projectors, Optoma has just launched two super-compact projectors that offer seriously big features without a similarly serious price tag.
The new ML1080 and ML1080ST are premium triple laser projectors with a wide BT2020 color gamut, a feature normally reserved for significantly larger and more expensive devices. The ML1080 has already won awards, including the InfoComm 2023 Best of Show award, so it holds its own against the best portable projectors.
The specs here are impressive. Both models have triple laser light sources and a Full HD 1080p resolution, with 1,200 lumens brightness and cinema-quality colours. Weighing just 1 kg, they are just as suitable for on-the-go productions as they are for use in homes and offices.
They also use Time of Flight (ToF) technology to automatically sort and focus the geometry, so you don’t have to fiddle around to get a well-proportioned image. There’s also a four-corner correction designed to handle even oddly shaped rooms and odd placements.
Optoma ML1080/1080ST: more key features
There are some useful and thoughtful features, including an integrated USB-C power output with PD 3.0 compatibility, which allows you to charge compatible batteries for outdoor projection. This is useful for home theaters on warmer days, as well as for public events.
Projected images are up to 100 inches in size with a projection ratio of 1.2:1 in the ML1080 and 0.78:1 in the ML1080ST. The latter ratio means the full 100 inches from about 1.5 meters away from the wall or screen.
Both projectors deliver a contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1 and their light sources are rated for 30,000 hours of operation. You can share from network devices – up to four – and there’s also a signage mode designed to automatically create slideshows from images and videos.
Optoma is particularly proud of the environmental performance of these projectors: they use 58% less electricity than the company’s comparable lamp-based projectors and use 50% post-consumer recycled materials.
In terms of connectivity, the inputs are USB-C and USB-A power. The outputs are 1 USB-C, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack and 1 x HDMI 2.1. You can operate the projector via USB-A or RS-232 via mini-USB and an adapter is included for the latter option.
Both projectors are now available from Optoma. The ML1080 has an RRP of $999 / £1,099, while the ML1080ST costs $1,149 / £1,199 – although we’re already seeing some retailers offering both models for slightly less.