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Technical Details
- Truly portable at under 3 pounds
- Project large widescreen images of up to 120" diagonal
- 2000:1 contrast ratio for detailed images
- LED light source lasts over 20,000 hours while producing excellent color
- DLP Pico imaging technology
Product Details
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Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Lamp-Less and PC-Free Projection
The ML500 is designed to be simple to use. The built-in Office viewer delivers PC-free projection of Microsoft Office documents, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. from onboard memory, SD cards, or USB flash drives. USB display provides quick, easy projection from laptops. An HDMI connector lets the projector connect readily to the broadest possible range of devices. Auto Keystone automatically optimizes the image shape for non-standard projection setups. Instant On/Off minimizes time to projection.
At less than 2.5 pounds, the projector is ultra-portable and is designed so that the AC cord does not need a power brick, reducing weight and enhancing portability.
Features:
- No laptop required -- Present directly from SD card or USB
- LED light source produces excellent color while lasting over 20,000 hours
- DLP Pico imaging technology
- Directly display movies, photos and Office files through USB
- On-board memory and SD card slot allows for memory expansion up to 32GB
- VGA and HDMI inputs - Connect to laptops, tablet computers (such as iPads), Blu-ray players, game systems to display content
Incredible Power, Efficiency and Durability in a Single Solution
The Optoma ML500 provides a compact design and vivid LED performance. LED brightness cannot be easily compared to lamp-based brightness. LED brightness lets users create larger images in rooms with more light while still allowing for easy viewing. With a wider color gamut than standard lamp projectors, the ML500 delivers vivid colors. Delivering Native WXGA resolution, this projector creates crisp, clear widescreen images of up to 180 inches on most surfaces. This DLP Pico projector allows users to share detailed presentations (with 3000:1 contrast ratio) without being hooked up to a computer.
Built-in media and Microsoft Office document viewer allows for PC-free playback of videos, presentations, documents and images directly from projectorinchess 2GB memory, SD cards or from a USB drive. A combination of VGA and HDMI inputs also allows users to readily connect to laptops, Blu-ray players, tablets including iPads and game systems to display content. The media player is compatible with video file formats including H.264 (AVI, MOV, MP4 and 3GP), MPEG4 (AVI), Xvid (AVI), M-JPEG (AVI) and image file formats JPEG and BMP. The Office viewer supports Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel files. An SD card slot allows for memory expansion up to 32GB.
Weighing in at less than 2.5 lbs. and measuring a compact 8.7 inches wide x 1.7 inches high x 6.7 inches deep, the ML500 supports the following video signals: HDTV (up to 1080p) NTSC, and PAL. Computer compatibility includes resolutions up to WXGA (1280 x 800) through VGA and HD (1920 x 1080) through HDMI. A two-Watt speaker provides audio output.
User controls and media navigation are provided through an innovative on-screen menu that provides support in 16 languages. The ML500 delivers XGA resolution 120HZ thru the VGA port (the equivalent of 3D-PC).
LED Design Advantage
The ML500's LED technology allows it to create 180-inch images with less than half the power a typical 42-inch LCD television uses. The same LED technology provides vivid color, durability and long life that make it attractive to price-sensitive small business and consumer users.
The LED light source has an estimated lifetime of more than 20,000 hours (equivalent to using the projector four hours every day for over thirteen years). LED is incredibly cost effective compared to lamp-based projectors. For example, users with a lamp-based projector would have to replace the lamp in the projector at least four times over 20,000 hours of usage -- at a cost of over $800, compared to the completely maintenance-free LED lamp.
The LED-based design, with low power usage and the elimination of mercury and other hazardous materials, allows for cool operation and compact size.
Leading the DLP Market in the Americas
Optoma Technology is the leading manufacturer of Texas Instrumentinchess DLP projectors in North and South America. TI DLP features multi-color processing to produce accurate and vibrant colors on the screen.
Optoma'sproduct line offers products designed to meet the needs of any kind of user, from mobile professionals, gamers and home theaters to much larger theater installations. Designed and built to deliver reliability, usability and image quality, Optoma projectors help users get the most out of their digital content, encourage collaboration and communicate clearly and effectively. Optoma projectors are designed to provide the features that you need today and a path to grow into other capabilities as you need them.
Green by Design
As part of the Optoma ProJect Green program, Optoma's Pico projectors, which incorporated LED technology, have been designed and manufactured for eco-friendliness. These projectors:
- Are designed to be compact and lightweight, which ensures a reduction in the production of green house gas emissions during transportation.
- Incorporate an LED light source. LED lamps last 20,000 (or 9.6 years of 40 hour per week use) for long life. LEDs produce less heat and consume less power compared to traditional projector lamps for excellent energy savings. LEDs do not contain mercury or other environmentally hazardous materials.
- Are packaged for eco-friendliness. Optoma uses minimal packaging to create a smaller ecological footprint at disposal. The entire package is recyclable. In addition, the Pico's manual is delivered in digital format on the projector's internal memory to eliminate paper printouts.
- Comply with RoHS standards by eliminating lead and other hazard materials.
What's in the Box
This package includes the Optoma ML500 projector, one remote control with batteries, VGA cable, USB cable (Type A to Mini USB), carrying case and AC power cord.
Specifications
| Display Technology | DLP Technology by Texas Instruments | Resolution | Native WXGA (1280 x 800) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brightness (Bright Mode) | 500 ANSI Lumens | Maximum Resolution | WXGA (1280 x 800) through VGA 1080p through HDMI |
| Light Source | LED | Contrast Ratio | 3000:1 (Full On/Full Off) |
| Lamp Life | Estimated life of over 20,000 hours | Projection Distance | 20.2 inches to 214 inches |
| Image Size (Diagonal) | 17 inches to 180 inches (16:10 native) | 3D Compatibility | 3D capable, delivering XGA resolution 120HZ thru the VGA port |
| Audio | 2-Watt Speaker | Remote Control | IR Remote |
| Computer Compatibility | WXGA, XGA, SVGA, VGA, VESA, PC and Macintosh Compatible | Video Input Compatibility | H.264 (AVI, MOV, MP4, 3GP), MPEG4 (AVI), Xvid (AVI), MJPEG (AVI) |
| I/O Connectors | HDMI, VGA-in, Composite Video, miniUSB, USB, SD slot, S-video | Weight | 2.5 lbs. (total weight including power adapters) |
| Dimensions | 8.7 inches x 1.7 inches x 6.7 inches (220mm x 42.5mm x 170mm) | User Controls | Complete on-screen menu adjustment in 16 languages |
| Power Consumption | 120 Watts max (Bright mode with multimedia function) | Warranty | One-Year Limited Parts and Labor |
Which Optoma Projector is Right for You?
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optoma ML500 LED 500 Lumens, 3000:1 Mobile PC-Free, Lampless Projector | Optoma Neo-i / DV20A Portable Multimedia Projector with iPod/iPhone Dock Station and Built-In Speakers | Optoma PK301 Pico Pocket Projector | Optoma PT100 PlayTime LED Gaming Projector | |
| Application | Business presentations and personal media sharing | Home entertainment | Business presentations and personal media sharing | Gaming |
| Light Source and lamp hours rating | Light Emitting Diode (LED)/ 20,000+ hours | Light Emitting Diode (LED)/ 20,000+ hours | Light Emitting Diode (LED)/ 20,000+ hours | Light Emitting Diode (LED) / 20,000+ hours |
| Lumens | 500 ANSI Lumens | 50 ANSI Lumens | 50 in wall, 20 on battery, 50 with extended battery pack | 50 ANSI Lumens |
| Image Size/Quality | 17 inches to 180 inches / 3000:1 contrast ratio | Up to 120 inches diagonal/ 2000:1 contrast | Up to 120" diagonal/ 2000:1 contrast | Up to 100 inches and 800:1 contrast ratio |
| Resolution | Native WXGA (1280 x 800) | Native WVGA (854 x 480) | Native WVGA (854 x 480) | Native WVGA (854 x 480) |
| Product Dimension/Weight | 8.7inchesinches x 1.7inchesinches x 6.7inchesinches/ 2.5 lbs. | 12.8 inches x 3.1 inches x 8.9 inches / 2.2 pounds | 1.2 x 2.7 x 4.7 inches / 8 ounces | 7.76 inches x 3.15“ x 7.84 inches / 1.7 lb. |
| Inputs and outputs | HDMI, VGA-in, Composite Video, miniUSB, USB, SD slot, S-video | Universal iPod/iPhone Dock (30-Pin), HDMI, VGA-In, 2.5mm Jack AV Input (Composite Video and Stereo Audio-In) | iPod, iPhone, & iPad with optional connection kit. 2.5mm Jack AV input for composite video and stereo audio-in, micro USB, mini HDMI, microSD, VGA (with included adapter) | VGA, Composite Video, Audio |
| Audio | 2-Watt Speaker | 16-watt stereo speaker system | 0.5-watt speaker | 1.5 Watt Speaker |
| 3D Compatible | Yes | No | No | No |
Want to Enhance Your Experience with Accessories?
| Model # | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Optional Accessories | ||
 | VGA Male to Component Female Adapter | |
| BC-PK3AHMX | HDMI to Mini HDMI cable, 1M | |
| BC-SVSVXX02 |  | S-Video Male to S-Video Male 2M |
 | 40", 4:3, Matte White Mini Pull-Up Screen | |
 | 50", 4:3, Matte White Mini Pull-Up Screen | |
Connectivity Chart
Note: May require optional accessories.
Product Description
Mobile professionals and on-the-go presenters alike will appreciate the compact design and vivid LED performance of the Optoma ML500. Delivering 500 lumens of brightness and WXGA resolution, this projector creates crisp, clear widescreen images of up to 120 inches on most surfaces. Built-in media and Microsoft Office document viewer allows for playback of videos, presentations, documents and images directly from the projector's memory, while HDMI provides quick connection to the broadest possible range of devices.
Available Warranties for This Item
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 36 people found the following review helpful
I ordered this product on the day of release (not from Amazon, wasn't released yet). I am seriously impressed by it and will post a video after I clean up my place. It will also be with a cell phone camera so if it's not good enough I won't bother to upload it.
Fan & Brightness
Ok first, right out the box it is very bright and vivid. The colors really pop and are saturated, but in a good way. 500 lumens doesn't seem like a lot compared to bulb projectors but this holds its own. I have about a 90" screen right now with my light on and even on Eco mode (lower in brightness to save power everything is easily viewable. I don't even use regular mode as it makes the fan louder. The fan is not that loud but can easily be heard if the room is perfectly quiet. It sounds like a desktop computer with no dedicated graphics card. On Eco mode you can barely hear it. On regular, it's audible but nothing that would bother you. I sleep right next to it and it doesn't bother me one bit if I fall asleep watching a movie. In other words, don't worry about it. Some projectors have a problem with warming up and causing the picture to become out of focus but I leave this on all day and never have to focus it.
A recommendation, tape a piece of cardboard (or something that doesn't look as cheap) to the ceiling in front of the light that shines on the wall you are pointing your projector at. It will make a huge difference in brightness and won't affect the lightning in your room one bit. You will be able to watch TV with the lights on while only the wall with the picture on it will be dimmer. It works great and I don't even notice light is being blocked.
Keystone Correction
This projector has auto keystone correction as many projectors do these days although no one who uses projectors would recommend taking advantage of it. It distorts the picture because it needs to display a lower resolution to make up for the angle the projector is at Again, this is with all projectors. For a 90" screen my projector is about 4 feet off the ground and I use manual keystone correction set to 0. The image looks absolutely fantastic and I suggest you use manual and find where you can put the projector where you can set it at 0 in the menu. You will notice the top of the screen's image quality become dramtically better
Settings
Although I use eco mode all the time there is no quick setting on the remote for it. You have to go into the menus to turn it on and off. Play around with the color settings on the remote but you will find PC and Cinema look by far the best. Leave it on the best setting you find because it doesn't matter if you are watching TV or using your computer, those two will always be the best. Turn off auto source! It's super, super annoying. The second your computer or set top box does something and loses the connection for 1 second it will start cycling through trying to find a connection. I don't see anyone using anything but HDMI. Even if you did use another source just use the remote to change it. Trust me, its' really annoying. Now that I have it set on HDMI all the time I never have to change it.
Remote
The remote is very simple and I didn't expect much from it. I suggest you just get a learning remote and program the codes into that. It's too small and you will easily lose it. I just programmed a learning remote and kept the real one in a safe drawer.
Picture Clarity
Honestly, I hyped this projector up a lot and have been waiting for an LED projector with an acceptable amount of brightness. It definitely lives up to it. I can't wait to get home from work and play video games on it (which look incredible). I didn't play around with any color settings except the pre-chosen ones which I set on PC and left it (I feel it looks the best). Football looks amazing and walking into my roommates room who has a 37" LCD made me feel like I was watching it on a cell phone. This will ruin other screen sizes for you. I used to have a 50" plasma before I got this which was more expensive and I'm much happier with this. Sometimes when I use it I feel like I'm in the future (not kidding). The contrast ratio is a little low when the lights are on but don't let it discourage you, believe me, it's no plasma but it will not at all take away from the size and color of the image. Besides, anything that you want higher contrast ratio with you will turn the lights off anyway (even if you were watching on a TV) so that's not something to worry about.
Overall, I would give this 6/5 stars. I absolutely love it. If they come out with a 1080p version next year I'm getting it the day it's released. I seriously doubt I will ever buy another TV again. Feel free to post questions in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them. Hopefully I can get a hold of a real camera to do a video review because I'm not sure how well a cell phone will work.
Edit: Ok time for an update. I've had the projector for about 3 months now. I still love it and still won't buy another TV again. Here are things I came across over this period of time. These will be negatives that came up over time because I still stand by my original positive review so take that into account when reading this.
There isn't a way to split the audio at the projector. A commentor asked what to do when he wants to play something from flash. You would have to use the speaker in this case. I use my computer and a Ceton InfiniTV4 so it's like an all in one system (I never have to change the audio source so I never came across this). While I think playing from flash is worthless if you have a phone, laptop, or computer to hook up to this I guess it's a down fall for someone who does want to only play from the source
The projector, probably once every two weeks will turn itself off if I leave it on for a very long time (I'm not sure if it overheats or capacitors are overloading). YOu have to unplug the projector for a few seconds and turn it back on. I googled this and it happens with other projectors as well so I'm guessing it's a heat issue. It happens so rarely that I wouldn't worry about it. It's just something I wanted to include in the review. The projector can stay on for easily 12 hours, or even more. On the weekends I leave it on pretty much all day and night so I'm not entirely sure what is causing this.
Here is a funny problem that isn't an issue with the projector. It's actually impressive but it's sort of a downside due to the controller. There is an option on the remote that shows a bright lightbulb and a duller one. You would assume this is switching to eco mode to full brightness mode but all it does is change the color settings. I find it strange that someone would want to change the color settings MORE often than changing from eco mode to full brightness. At night when I'm going to bed, sometimes the projector is so bright it's like the light in my room is on. This is NOT a downside to the projector at all. It's just what happens when you have an 80" screen on your wall. You have to use the remote to go into the menu, go to LED mode, and change to eco mode (which is much more tolerable at night). I honestly leave it on eco mode most of the time and forget since it looks good enough most of the time anyway. It's just something I found weird that there isn't a quick switch on the remote.
Since the projection is 80" you can easily read text but it may be a little choppy. This isn't the projector's problem either. It's just the nature of stretching an image to 80". It's basically not as clear as a monitor (you wouldn't expect it to be). When you move the projector closer to the wall it looks VERY clear so I assume when a 1080p version comes out I'll be selling this and buying that.
So those are my negatives which really shouldn't deter you from getting one at all. I just wanted my final thoughts on it on here. Every single day I look up at my giant screen coming from this tiny box and laugh a little. It's seriously impressive. LED projectors are very young and I didn't expect such new technology to impress me so much. I can't wait to see the next 1080p version because I'll be getting it.
Fan & Brightness
Ok first, right out the box it is very bright and vivid. The colors really pop and are saturated, but in a good way. 500 lumens doesn't seem like a lot compared to bulb projectors but this holds its own. I have about a 90" screen right now with my light on and even on Eco mode (lower in brightness to save power everything is easily viewable. I don't even use regular mode as it makes the fan louder. The fan is not that loud but can easily be heard if the room is perfectly quiet. It sounds like a desktop computer with no dedicated graphics card. On Eco mode you can barely hear it. On regular, it's audible but nothing that would bother you. I sleep right next to it and it doesn't bother me one bit if I fall asleep watching a movie. In other words, don't worry about it. Some projectors have a problem with warming up and causing the picture to become out of focus but I leave this on all day and never have to focus it.
A recommendation, tape a piece of cardboard (or something that doesn't look as cheap) to the ceiling in front of the light that shines on the wall you are pointing your projector at. It will make a huge difference in brightness and won't affect the lightning in your room one bit. You will be able to watch TV with the lights on while only the wall with the picture on it will be dimmer. It works great and I don't even notice light is being blocked.
Keystone Correction
This projector has auto keystone correction as many projectors do these days although no one who uses projectors would recommend taking advantage of it. It distorts the picture because it needs to display a lower resolution to make up for the angle the projector is at Again, this is with all projectors. For a 90" screen my projector is about 4 feet off the ground and I use manual keystone correction set to 0. The image looks absolutely fantastic and I suggest you use manual and find where you can put the projector where you can set it at 0 in the menu. You will notice the top of the screen's image quality become dramtically better
Settings
Although I use eco mode all the time there is no quick setting on the remote for it. You have to go into the menus to turn it on and off. Play around with the color settings on the remote but you will find PC and Cinema look by far the best. Leave it on the best setting you find because it doesn't matter if you are watching TV or using your computer, those two will always be the best. Turn off auto source! It's super, super annoying. The second your computer or set top box does something and loses the connection for 1 second it will start cycling through trying to find a connection. I don't see anyone using anything but HDMI. Even if you did use another source just use the remote to change it. Trust me, its' really annoying. Now that I have it set on HDMI all the time I never have to change it.
Remote
The remote is very simple and I didn't expect much from it. I suggest you just get a learning remote and program the codes into that. It's too small and you will easily lose it. I just programmed a learning remote and kept the real one in a safe drawer.
Picture Clarity
Honestly, I hyped this projector up a lot and have been waiting for an LED projector with an acceptable amount of brightness. It definitely lives up to it. I can't wait to get home from work and play video games on it (which look incredible). I didn't play around with any color settings except the pre-chosen ones which I set on PC and left it (I feel it looks the best). Football looks amazing and walking into my roommates room who has a 37" LCD made me feel like I was watching it on a cell phone. This will ruin other screen sizes for you. I used to have a 50" plasma before I got this which was more expensive and I'm much happier with this. Sometimes when I use it I feel like I'm in the future (not kidding). The contrast ratio is a little low when the lights are on but don't let it discourage you, believe me, it's no plasma but it will not at all take away from the size and color of the image. Besides, anything that you want higher contrast ratio with you will turn the lights off anyway (even if you were watching on a TV) so that's not something to worry about.
Overall, I would give this 6/5 stars. I absolutely love it. If they come out with a 1080p version next year I'm getting it the day it's released. I seriously doubt I will ever buy another TV again. Feel free to post questions in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them. Hopefully I can get a hold of a real camera to do a video review because I'm not sure how well a cell phone will work.
Edit: Ok time for an update. I've had the projector for about 3 months now. I still love it and still won't buy another TV again. Here are things I came across over this period of time. These will be negatives that came up over time because I still stand by my original positive review so take that into account when reading this.
There isn't a way to split the audio at the projector. A commentor asked what to do when he wants to play something from flash. You would have to use the speaker in this case. I use my computer and a Ceton InfiniTV4 so it's like an all in one system (I never have to change the audio source so I never came across this). While I think playing from flash is worthless if you have a phone, laptop, or computer to hook up to this I guess it's a down fall for someone who does want to only play from the source
The projector, probably once every two weeks will turn itself off if I leave it on for a very long time (I'm not sure if it overheats or capacitors are overloading). YOu have to unplug the projector for a few seconds and turn it back on. I googled this and it happens with other projectors as well so I'm guessing it's a heat issue. It happens so rarely that I wouldn't worry about it. It's just something I wanted to include in the review. The projector can stay on for easily 12 hours, or even more. On the weekends I leave it on pretty much all day and night so I'm not entirely sure what is causing this.
Here is a funny problem that isn't an issue with the projector. It's actually impressive but it's sort of a downside due to the controller. There is an option on the remote that shows a bright lightbulb and a duller one. You would assume this is switching to eco mode to full brightness mode but all it does is change the color settings. I find it strange that someone would want to change the color settings MORE often than changing from eco mode to full brightness. At night when I'm going to bed, sometimes the projector is so bright it's like the light in my room is on. This is NOT a downside to the projector at all. It's just what happens when you have an 80" screen on your wall. You have to use the remote to go into the menu, go to LED mode, and change to eco mode (which is much more tolerable at night). I honestly leave it on eco mode most of the time and forget since it looks good enough most of the time anyway. It's just something I found weird that there isn't a quick switch on the remote.
Since the projection is 80" you can easily read text but it may be a little choppy. This isn't the projector's problem either. It's just the nature of stretching an image to 80". It's basically not as clear as a monitor (you wouldn't expect it to be). When you move the projector closer to the wall it looks VERY clear so I assume when a 1080p version comes out I'll be selling this and buying that.
So those are my negatives which really shouldn't deter you from getting one at all. I just wanted my final thoughts on it on here. Every single day I look up at my giant screen coming from this tiny box and laugh a little. It's seriously impressive. LED projectors are very young and I didn't expect such new technology to impress me so much. I can't wait to see the next 1080p version because I'll be getting it.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
::::.. I've been waiting for a decent led powered portable projector for a long long time. In the past the specs and performance of a led powered projectors were downright toyish. 30 - 50 lumens were way too dim, resolution was a new low, and the best connection you got was so 80's s-video. In the age of 1080p, over few thousand lumens, hdmi, HDTV, up conversion, and every other bragging gimmick the past "pico" led powered projectors ended up in gizmo crazys trophy stash, quickly forgotten, and I could see why...
::::.. Well this projector will change all that... There are other led powered projectors out there, some cost over $8000 that are focused on home theater, and there are comparable portable projectors like the LG HX350T (Only 300 lumen - 1024 x 768 not even a true 720p), The NEC NP-L50W which has the same specs as the Optima, but costs over $750 and gets complaints on focusing issues, there is the ViewSonic PLED-W200 which is only 200 lumens,. The only one comparable to this projector is the ViewSonic PLED-W500 which is little more expensive. There are handful of others that won't get your attention as the ones that I've mentioned.
Most of them have some onboard memory for storing images, music, office files, and videos, and some have usb connection. I won't get into that because these are just added bonuses in which there was a small budget in developing, so the performance is very low at best (even dedicated media players have playback issues). Same goes for internal speaker which is ridiculously low and cheap!
::::.. Let's talk about this projector. This unit comes with all the connecting cables, but not the HDMI cable. HDMI connection is full sized, so you don't need a adapter. There is a VGA connection, S-video, full sized HDMI, mini USB, full size USB, full size SD, standard rca video and AV-in (3.5mm headphone type which feeds standard RCA video and analog audio). The unit comes is a really nice carrying bag, with front and internal pockets for all cables. The unit lacks lens cap which is odd knowing that it will be handled quite often. Built quality is really solid, all buttons are placed around some black brushed aluminum top, and have a good click feel.
There are tri rubber feet, front one can be raised, others are stationary. Focus ring is a little stiff causing you to play around little more..
::::.. Video, reason you buy a projector is for viewing things, not audio, or file storage, and you know better that for presentations you use a tablet or a laptop. Video on this thing is amazing! 500 lumens may seem tiny compared to a 2000 lumen projector, but this is a led light source. Colors are more vibrant, white is more white, and dlp helps to keep pixels unnoticeable, and blacks black. With any projector if you introduce some ambient light into the viewing room you end up with diluted image; black become grays, and dynamics go down significantly. Believe-you-me this projector copes very well with some intruded light. If you keep the image around 100" or lower the image is just right, it is sharp, saturated, good contrast ratio, and bright. Anything over that size will diminish sharpness , and black become gray. It will blow away LCD tvs, and plasmas due to the size of the image, yet keeping things crisp, and vibrant, of course in a well controlled lighting environment . I wish this unit had better blacks, but with tweaking its pretty decent... There are few image presets like PC, theater, user, vibrant. Pretty good starter presets, but NEVER assume they are the best presets! There are so many variables, image can always be improved, in my case a huge deal! Settings are limited, contrast, brightness, hue, sharpness and wall type. Wall type are presets made for different surfaces you can project your image on, It is really handy !
::::.. Unit comes with a small remote that has all functions. Had no issues beaming the remote signal to the unit from both the front and the back.
::::.. This unit runs very cool, fan noise is not that noticeable, very impressive. It amazes me that this little guy produces such gigantic bright image. I think that alone is stunning!
Startup and shutdown is quick. On my tests startup took 6 seconds, shutdown around 11 seconds.
::::.. This unit has a 60hz processing, and any other 90% of all the LCD, dlp, led, plasma tvs on the market. Yes newest models have 120, 240hz processing, but no one is amazed by them!
::::.. Led projector is Eco friendly in many ways! It consumes less power then conventional light source ( this unit consumes less power then a typical 40" LCD tv, yet produces over 100" image!), and the materials that are being used to make led is less abrasive on the enviroment using less energy to produce them, and less chemicals. It also outlasts typical projector light bulb by thousands of times! Typical projectors bulb lasts 2000hrs that declines in performance, led bulb 20,000hrs! It is THE main reason why the industry is switching to this technology.
So what and where can you use this unit for? Great for presentations, enough brightness for lit rooms, easy to read text, portable and light.
::::.. But this unit shines in home theater settings! 780p is stunning in a dark room with good projector screen with a good grain ratio. More importantly it can be used as your main tv for everyday, not worrying about bulb life or daytime situation.. Its fast enough for gaming, you will never look back again playing your favorite game on a 100" screen, it is amazing!!!!!!! No doubt this unit is a game changer, a new benchmark on portable led based projectors. It can only get better from here..........
Pros/Cons
::::..PROS
+ Brightness (500 lumens)
+ Led bulb/life (20,000 hours)
+ True 720p (1280x800)
+ Built quality, solid feel (hard plastic, some brushed aluminum)
+ Image quality ( solid vibrant colors, sharp, good blacks, good video response)
+ Portable (comes with great carrying bag with pockets for all cables)
+ Handels intrusive light very well (can be used for main tv with daytime light)
+ Cool operation, low fan noise
+ Variarity of connections (full HDMI, VGA, S-video, RCA video, AV 3.5mm video audio, mini USB, full USB, full SD)
::::.. CONS
- No lens cap
- Focus ring tight feel
- Room for improvement of black level
- Room for improvement of video processing (60hz)
- Limited video controls (brightness, contrast, focus, sharpness..)
- Limited media playback
- Speaker is a joke....
::::.. Well this projector will change all that... There are other led powered projectors out there, some cost over $8000 that are focused on home theater, and there are comparable portable projectors like the LG HX350T (Only 300 lumen - 1024 x 768 not even a true 720p), The NEC NP-L50W which has the same specs as the Optima, but costs over $750 and gets complaints on focusing issues, there is the ViewSonic PLED-W200 which is only 200 lumens,. The only one comparable to this projector is the ViewSonic PLED-W500 which is little more expensive. There are handful of others that won't get your attention as the ones that I've mentioned.
Most of them have some onboard memory for storing images, music, office files, and videos, and some have usb connection. I won't get into that because these are just added bonuses in which there was a small budget in developing, so the performance is very low at best (even dedicated media players have playback issues). Same goes for internal speaker which is ridiculously low and cheap!
::::.. Let's talk about this projector. This unit comes with all the connecting cables, but not the HDMI cable. HDMI connection is full sized, so you don't need a adapter. There is a VGA connection, S-video, full sized HDMI, mini USB, full size USB, full size SD, standard rca video and AV-in (3.5mm headphone type which feeds standard RCA video and analog audio). The unit comes is a really nice carrying bag, with front and internal pockets for all cables. The unit lacks lens cap which is odd knowing that it will be handled quite often. Built quality is really solid, all buttons are placed around some black brushed aluminum top, and have a good click feel.
There are tri rubber feet, front one can be raised, others are stationary. Focus ring is a little stiff causing you to play around little more..
::::.. Video, reason you buy a projector is for viewing things, not audio, or file storage, and you know better that for presentations you use a tablet or a laptop. Video on this thing is amazing! 500 lumens may seem tiny compared to a 2000 lumen projector, but this is a led light source. Colors are more vibrant, white is more white, and dlp helps to keep pixels unnoticeable, and blacks black. With any projector if you introduce some ambient light into the viewing room you end up with diluted image; black become grays, and dynamics go down significantly. Believe-you-me this projector copes very well with some intruded light. If you keep the image around 100" or lower the image is just right, it is sharp, saturated, good contrast ratio, and bright. Anything over that size will diminish sharpness , and black become gray. It will blow away LCD tvs, and plasmas due to the size of the image, yet keeping things crisp, and vibrant, of course in a well controlled lighting environment . I wish this unit had better blacks, but with tweaking its pretty decent... There are few image presets like PC, theater, user, vibrant. Pretty good starter presets, but NEVER assume they are the best presets! There are so many variables, image can always be improved, in my case a huge deal! Settings are limited, contrast, brightness, hue, sharpness and wall type. Wall type are presets made for different surfaces you can project your image on, It is really handy !
::::.. Unit comes with a small remote that has all functions. Had no issues beaming the remote signal to the unit from both the front and the back.
::::.. This unit runs very cool, fan noise is not that noticeable, very impressive. It amazes me that this little guy produces such gigantic bright image. I think that alone is stunning!
Startup and shutdown is quick. On my tests startup took 6 seconds, shutdown around 11 seconds.
::::.. This unit has a 60hz processing, and any other 90% of all the LCD, dlp, led, plasma tvs on the market. Yes newest models have 120, 240hz processing, but no one is amazed by them!
::::.. Led projector is Eco friendly in many ways! It consumes less power then conventional light source ( this unit consumes less power then a typical 40" LCD tv, yet produces over 100" image!), and the materials that are being used to make led is less abrasive on the enviroment using less energy to produce them, and less chemicals. It also outlasts typical projector light bulb by thousands of times! Typical projectors bulb lasts 2000hrs that declines in performance, led bulb 20,000hrs! It is THE main reason why the industry is switching to this technology.
So what and where can you use this unit for? Great for presentations, enough brightness for lit rooms, easy to read text, portable and light.
::::.. But this unit shines in home theater settings! 780p is stunning in a dark room with good projector screen with a good grain ratio. More importantly it can be used as your main tv for everyday, not worrying about bulb life or daytime situation.. Its fast enough for gaming, you will never look back again playing your favorite game on a 100" screen, it is amazing!!!!!!! No doubt this unit is a game changer, a new benchmark on portable led based projectors. It can only get better from here..........
Pros/Cons
::::..PROS
+ Brightness (500 lumens)
+ Led bulb/life (20,000 hours)
+ True 720p (1280x800)
+ Built quality, solid feel (hard plastic, some brushed aluminum)
+ Image quality ( solid vibrant colors, sharp, good blacks, good video response)
+ Portable (comes with great carrying bag with pockets for all cables)
+ Handels intrusive light very well (can be used for main tv with daytime light)
+ Cool operation, low fan noise
+ Variarity of connections (full HDMI, VGA, S-video, RCA video, AV 3.5mm video audio, mini USB, full USB, full SD)
::::.. CONS
- No lens cap
- Focus ring tight feel
- Room for improvement of black level
- Room for improvement of video processing (60hz)
- Limited video controls (brightness, contrast, focus, sharpness..)
- Limited media playback
- Speaker is a joke....
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
I use this for giving training and to DJ company events. So the big things for me are easy setup, portability and sturdiness. This projector easily meets those conditions. The bonus features are the HDMI input, WXGA wide-screen format support and ability to display content off a SD card. For the price I would have like something better than a one year warranty. An RF remote would have been nice too. Pointing a infrared remote is a hassle.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
good.
previously we have had multiple pjs, our last one was a lg hs 201. this is a 5 star item...except. shuts off exactly every 120 hours and the power light isnt even lit, just unplug... Read more
Published 28 days ago by S. A. French
Better Than Expected
It just works. I was worried about the 500 Lumens and if it would be bright enough. It is if you don't have every light in the room on. Great little projector. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Charlie Collins
very good present for me. thanks optma
I was suprised this projecter beautyful image.
720P is enough to me.
But, i want to make 1080p led projecter by optma.
thanks
720P is enough to me.
But, i want to make 1080p led projecter by optma.
thanks
Published 1 month ago by takobozu
Still some technical issues!
The Optoma ML500 projector is a good buy, compact, light, good resolution and very nice features, too bad that they don't all work... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Sal
Exciting
I am used to spending in the $300-$350 (refurbished or not) range for lower-end not-completely-home-theater-grade projectors (such as my past two Infocus projectors, the X1 and the... Read more
Published 2 months ago by M. M. Jackson
Great Little LED Projector
Instead of purchasing a large LCD, I opted for the portability and convenience of a projector. Like the other new LED projectors on the market, there are significant limitations to... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Chris
met every expectation and then some
Researched so many projectors and finally settled on this one and I am so glad I did, this is my first projector and the picture is fantastic. Read more
Published 3 months ago by patchill
Great Projector
This thing is great. I spent $750 a year and a half ago for a $46 inch led lcd 120hz tv. It blew up, and I didn't have extended warranty. So, I bought this. Read more
Published 3 months ago by My Pen Name
Optoma ML500 = Excellent!
Just set this thing up with a 16:9 120 inch screen and I am at the movies at home! The picture is excellent for 720p or 1080p (set mine up with my PS3), Bose cube speakers, what's... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Raymond L. Shepard
Awesome Projector
PROS:
Very Bright
Very Clear Image Quality
Remains very cool
Lots of user definable settings
Nice carrying case
CONS:
Cooling Fan is kind... Read more
Very Bright
Very Clear Image Quality
Remains very cool
Lots of user definable settings
Nice carrying case
CONS:
Cooling Fan is kind... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Splice
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