Optoma EP738 : Value Projector, Well Priced Lamp!

An ‘Entry Level’ projector that will not hurt your wallet, yet has the contrast, brightness and resolution of a high-end projector, the Optoma EzPro 738 was mass produced in 2004 to meet consumer demand.

We do not know exactly where Optoma was able to save in order to keep the retail price down, but the EP738 started at $1,499 USD only for the price to drop drastically through the next couple years to make way for newer models. It is an extremely great value considering the amount of options is has.

The EP738 offers an exceptionally bright picture boasting 1800 ANSI lumens and a contrast ratio of 2000:1. This is much higher than most projectors that claim to be “Entry Level�. Optoma has been able to take advantage of the entry level market by skimping a little on quality, while still offering what customers want in a projector.

The native resolution is only 800x600p, however it does offer a maximum compression of up to 1400x1050p, which can confuse your senses enough to make you believe you are actually watching an HD quality picture. The aspect ratio only allows for 4:3 pulldown, but then again, how necessary is it really when half of us cannot figure out how to use the whole screen in a 16:9 format anyway?

Lamp life for the Optoma EP738 is quite basic at 2000 hours and, if you are willing to run your machine in eco-mode and give up brightness you can stretch that up to 3000 hours. If you need to purchase a lamp for your EP738 click here Optoma EP738 Lamp

It does not matter which hook up method you prescribe to, the EP738 has it all from HDTV to component video to DVI. Do not expect to be wirelessly networking with this machine, because that would be an expensive feature that is not present on this projector. However, you do have the option of spending more on a better lense and upgrading the quality of your picture.

The CES 2008 is coming up soon and will be in Las Vegas this year so you can expect some novel devices to appear at ridiculously high prices. However if it is a reasonably priced projector that you are looking for, maybe you should opt out of the electronics show and go to your nearest dealer to pick up an Optoma EP738 instead!