I bought this projector to replace an Infocus IN72. The 720p resolution makes a big difference in picture quality and the contrast ratio is very good. Black looks very black. The projector is much quicker to turn on and turn off than my previous one. When turning the projector off, a countdown is shown on the screen and the fan runs very fast, but once the timer reaches 0 the projector is off (completely off, not stuck in a cooling state for 5 minutes). You can start the projector again instantly if you need.

I only see 2 real drawbacks with this unit, it lacks a DVI or M-1 connector so all laptop connections are analog (VGA). Secondly the menus don't offer as much information as other models. The serial number, firmware and model numbers are unavailable in the menus. Some of the menus are difficult to navigate.

Overall I'm happy with the projector, the image is very crisp and clean.

This didn't take much shopping around. If you are on a budget and need a great looking projector, this is it. The picture is bright and clear. The HD is perfect. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation because this unit gets warm. I would recommand this to others.

What amazing deal I've made purchasing thi projector !

I'm projecting an 130" screen, direct on the WHITE wall.

The video quality, specially in HD, are simply amazing !

A must buy , specially for this low price !

I just bought this projector for watching movie and playing games.

I wanted a HD projector under 1000$

here's my review:

Pros:

-Colors are great and accurate. Skin tones looks natural.

-Contrast is very good.

-I'm seeing details in the dark areas.

-Almost silent projector. (fan is very quiet even in Bright mode).

-The image is really bright (1600 lumens)

-Image looks uniform (a bit of noise in the black levels but you can barely see it).

-All the inputs that you need (1 HDMI, 1 Component, 1VGA, 1Svideo, 1,Composite).

Cons:

-The back light in the remote control is way to bright. It burn my eyes every time I'm using it. (not really helpful when you are trying to adjust the colors and contrast.

-No saturation control when using HDMI input.

-Zoom is really small ( you really need to know exactly how far from the screen to put it because you don't have that much room).

Other thoughts:

I would recommend using a gray matte surface screen if you're watching movies. I'm currently having a gray matte screen (elite silver max 16:9). However if you want to play games get matte white surface screen, its brighter.

Also I heard some peoples complaining about rainbow effect, but I haven't seen any.

Conclusion: If you are looking for a good 720P projector for watching movie and playing games its definitely a good projector to consider. The picture is great.

For under 1000$ you can't really go wrong.

I'm giving 5 stars because it does what I wanted with a good quality.

Sim

I am not an expert but I was set on buying the HD70 based on all the rave reviews and then read that Optoma had superseded it with the HD65 (1600 lumens) and the HD71 (2400 lumens) and the HD70 was nolonger in production. I went for the HD65 as I was after a great home theatre projector at an affordable price (and the HD71 wasn't as easily availble yet). I have not been disappointed and can't tell the difference with the high priced Sony and Infocus units I use for work. All the features of the HD70 (including the near silent fan) and almost twice the lumens for a couple of hundred bucks extra and the unit is surprisingly small and light. Setting it up was a doddle and soon realised that any image quality problems were associated with the DVD quality rather than the projector capabilty. With this neat unit I am now tempted to move to HDMI cabling (if I can find a half decent HDMI multizone DVD player) and a proper screen. Currently I run the video leads through the projector and the sound leads through my surround sound system. Getting the extra lumens helps for day use at kids parties, but the HD71 maybe even more worthwhile if you can afford it. Why wouldn't you get the latest model with the speed this technology sector is changing?