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The Optoma HD series are very popular projectors for many users, especially the mid-range models. The HD243X and HD146X are both popular models and both have a large market share. Because of this, there are many reviews on both models and users often have to choose one model over the other. Though HD243X and HD146X have many similarities, it’s important to understand the difference between these two projectors in order to make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.
Optoma HD243X vs HD146X – Specs Comparison
| Feature | Optoma HD243X | Optoma HD146X |
|---|---|---|
| Projection System | DLP | DLP |
| Contrast Ratio | 24,000:1 | 25,000:1 |
| ANSI Lumens | 3,300 | 3,600 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 (native), 4:3, 16:10, LBX compatible | 16:9 (native), 4:3, 16:10, LBX compatible |
| Native Resolution | 1080p (1920 x 1080) | 1080p (1920 x 1080) |
| Maximum Resolution | WUXGA (1920 x 1200) | WUXGA (1920 x 1200) |
| 3D Compatibility | Side-by-side:1080i50 / 60, 720p50 / 60 Frame-pack: WUXGA24, 720p50 / 60 Over-under: WUXGA24, 720p50 / 60 | Side-by-side:1080i50 / 60, 720p50 / 60 Frame-pack: WUXGA24, 720p50 / 60 Over-under: WUXGA24, 720p50 / 60 |
| Color Gamut Support | REC.709 | REC.709 |
| Keystone Correction – Vertical | ± 40° | ± 40° |
| Keystone Correction – Horizontal | Not supported | Not supported |
| Lens Shift – Vertical | Not supported | Not supported |
| Lens Shift – Horizontal | Not supported | Not supported |
| Throw Ratio Range | 1.47 – 1.62 | 1.47 – 1.62:1 |
| Projected Distance | 3.2’ – 35.37” | 3.2’ – 35.37” |
| Lamp Life | 12,000/10,000/3500 (Dynamic/ECO/Bright) | 15,000/10,000/4,000 (Dynamic/ECO/Bright) |
| HDMI | 1 x HDMI 1.4a 1 x HDMI 1.3 | 1 x HDMI 1.4a |
| Speaker | 10W x 1 | 5W x 1 |
| Anamorphic Lens Support | Yes | Yes |
| Fan Noise | 25/27dB (ECO/Active) | 26dB |
| Price | Check Amazon | Check Amazon |
Resolution
The native resolution of these projectors is 1080p (1920 x 1080), what this means is that each projector has the ability to output a wide variety of different TV shows or movies.
The maximum resolution is WUXGA (1920 x 1200). It means that the picture that you see would be 1920 x 1080 resolution, however, it can receive up to 1920 x 1200 resolution as the input signal. Then these projectors will downscale to 1920 x 1080 on your screen.
So Also, you can’t use the 4K content as the maximum resolution in both these projectors is limited to 1920 x 1200.
Brightness
The Optoma HD243X offers a maximum brightness of 3,300 lumens while the HD146X’s maximum brightness goes up to 3,600 lumens. Not a big difference though, but HD146X is brighter. Due to their high brightness value, they can be placed in the living room with some ambient light.
Contrast Ratio
The contrast ratio of the HD146X is 25,000:1 while the contrast ratio of the HD243X is only 24,000:1. The higher the contrast ratio you have for your projector, the greater detail you’ll get out of darker scenes and images. Also, a higher contrast ratio means that blacks will be darker and colors will be brighter. So if you’re planning to use your projector in a dark room or one that doesn’t have a lot of light coming in through the windows, then it would be best to go with one with a higher contrast ratio.
Image Correction
Using the keystone correction feature, you can reshape a projected image to how it will appear on the screen, and the vertical keystone correction feature allows you to change how much the image is skewed vertically. These projectors don’t have the option to skew the image horizontally as the horizontal keystone correction feature is missing.
Many high-end projectors let you adjust where the projector is pointing directly at your screen and how much it’s shifted across the screen by adjusting the lens, but both these projectors lack that lens shift option.
Lamp Life
The Optoma HD243X has a lamp life of 12,000 hours in Eco mode while the lamp life for the Optoma HD146X in Eco mode is 12,000 hours. In the bright mode, the HD243X has a lamp life of 3,500 hours, and the lamp life for the HD146X is 4,000 hours.
You may experience audible fan noise in HD146X if you are on the Bright mode.
Gaming
As per Optoma, a gaming session using the Enhanced Gaming feature will experience a reduction in response times (input latency) to 16ms. Signals at 1080P@60Hz can only be processed with this function.
Built-in Speaker
When you have a built-in speaker, you’re going to be able to get the sound you need for your video or gaming sessions without having to get any additional equipment. Both Optoma HD243X and HD146X have built-in speakers, however, Optoma HD243X’s power is 10W but Optoma HD146X’s built-in speaker’s power is only 3W.
If you feel the audio is not sufficient for all the audience, you can also plug in external speakers to the provided 3.5mm audio-in jack.
Connectivity
The Optoma HD243X comes with HDMI 1.4a and HDMI 1.3 ports, whereas Optoma HD146X features only one HDMI 1.4a port. It means that in Optoma HD146X, at a time, you can only have one streaming device inserted.
The Optoma HD243X’s HDMI 1.3 port supports MHL devices, which means, you can directly connect any MHL-enabled smartphone or tablet to the projector using an MHL cable.
Verdict
The Optoma HD243X and the Optoma HD146X are two projectors that can be used for a variety of different purposes. They both weigh less than 7 pounds, have connectivity for multiple devices, have Full HD resolution with a brightness rating of 3000+ lumens, and come with HDMI ports. Both projectors also come with a 3D mode so they can easily provide you with the 3D experience you want.
For me, the number of HDMI ports and the built-in speaker of Optoma HD146X is a big concern. So if you have multiple streaming devices and require good built-in audio, HD243X would be a better option.
| Optoma HD243X | Optoma HD146X |
|---|---|
| Check Amazon | Check Amazon |