Optoma CinemaX D2 Smart 4K DLP Ultra-Short Throw Projector Review – Summary

SUMMARY

There is a lot to like about the new CinemaX D2 series of projectors, and there are some small things I don’t like about this projector. Let’s start with what I like.

The Optoma CinemaX D2 is a very competitively priced ultra-short-throw projector. The CinemaX D2 has a $700 lower MSRP than the previous model, the CinemaX P2. Buyers get a lot of good things with this newest CinemaX projector from Optoma beyond a much lower price.

Optoma sells more DLP projectors than any other brand, and they do this because they make solid projectors.

Out-of-the-box, this projector looks good and offers a competitive list of features. Most of these features carry over from previous models, but customers get them all at a much lower price than previous models in the series.

The CinemaX D2 is rated to produce 3,000 ANSI lumens of brightness. Based on my measurements, the D2 exceeded the manufacturer’s rating by almost 200 lumens coming in at a measured 3,180 lumens of brightness. The extra brightness makes this projector an appealing option to use in a room with sources of uncontrolled ambient light, like a living room. The D2’s brightness helps the projector maintain an excellent image in challenging environments, like when users want to have lights on viewing.

The color reproduction on the CinemaX D2 is not the best that I have seen, but it’s above average. Optoma does a decent job providing pleasantly tuned picture preset modes for a wide range of content. Skin tones are similar to other Optoma projectors I have reviewed, looking natural and not overly saturated, as many DLP projectors can look. Out-of-the-box color performance may not be the most accurate. Still, Optoma took the time to provide users with an overall pleasing color experience.

The CinemaX D2’s black levels are competitive with many other ultra-short throw projectors in its class. The projector does display an image with visible details in the darker and brighter area of the picture and does not crush the blacks as many DLP projectors can.

The projector includes an external Android TV 11 smart media device providing users access to the Google Play store and Chromecast compatibility. Android TV 11 supports apps like Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, YouTube, and unlike many smart projectors, Netflix. The media device even supports features like Google Assistant.

Second to the projector’s competitive price point, the most significant addition to the CinemaX D2 and D2 Smart is the new gaming capability that Optoma has added to this new projector. The new D2 series now performs on par with some of the best Optoma gaming projectors available today, providing users up to 4K 60 Hz and 1080p 240 Hz gaming.

Unlike many manufacturers Optoma is still supporting 3D content on the CinemaX D2 series. All you need is an optional pair of active 3D glasses and you can watch your 3D Blu-rays or play your 3D games.

The D2 series offers a built-in sound solution that, at first glance, would appear identical to previous CinemaX models but, unfortunately, is not. The sound quality is not as good as previous CinemaX models due to the power of the amplifier being cut in half down to 10 watts x 2. I don’t have the previous model to compare, but this new model does not sound as dynamic as I remember the P2 sounding. The speakers also tend to clip a higher volume. More than anything, this drop in the built-in sound systems quality highlights the advantage of using the projectors’ improved connection to an external sound system. This year Optoma has upgraded the projector from ARC to eARC which has a much higher bandwidth and speed than its predecessor ARC.

Unfortunetly, Optoma made the HDMI#1 input the only HDMI to support eARC and Low Latency Gaming.

I’m thrilled that Optoma has offered an Android TV experience with this new projector. I don’t care for the two separate menu systems and two different remote controls I need to use to access all the features and functionality of the projector. I wonder how many buyers will chose to buy the CinemaX D2 version without the external smart device using the money they save to purchase a top tier smart device like an Apple TV 4K Gen 3?

Like I said above, these are manageable issues with what is, after all, a solidly performing ultra-short throw projector at an incredibly competitive $2,699 MSRP. This is the only name-brand ultra-short throw projector with these features at this price point.

PROS

• Incredibly aggressive $2,499 MSRP price point 
• Fast gaming at 4K 60 Hz and up to 1080p 240 Hz with 4/16 ms low input lag
• Technology: Single-Chip DLP (0.47″ DMD)
• Included Android TV 11 smart media device
• Display resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
• Brightness (Manufacturer Claim): 3,000 lumens
• Laser light source lifespan: up to 20,000hrs (Normal), 30,000hrs (Eco)
• Contrast: 1,800,000.1
• Supports 3D content
• eARC high bandwidth connectivity
• HDR10 /HLG compatible
• 10 Watts x 2 Dolby Digital 2.0 sound system
• 2-year parts and labor: projector; 5-year or 12,000-hour light source
• Three HDMI 2.0 inputs

CONS

• High-speed gaming mode and eARC only on HDMI input #1
• The user needs two remotes for total control and operation of the projector
• Two separate user menus (Android TV and Optoma)