Optoma 3D-XL review

There’s a reasonable range of supported projectors, including 14 models from Optoma’s own range. We did our testing with the recommended Optoma HD67N (below). It’s also compatible with a limited number of models from other manufacturers, including Acer, BenQ and Viewsonic – there’s a full list on the Optoma website, which is growing as more models are tested.

Given the scarcity of good 3D material, having a lights-down cinema experience seems far more appropriate than just popping it on your TV. The quality of the 3D projection was highly enjoyable; which is largely down to having a bigger display that fills more of your field of view, drawing you into the film and better maintaining the illusion. We didn’t see any ghosting problems between the frames, thanks to the fast refresh speed of the DLP sensor. As with all 3D displays, you have to keep your head pretty still to get the most from the effect, no bad thing given that all the compatible projectors use DLP chips and so suffer from the rainbow effect.

Running a lengthy cable to a sync device for your 3D glasses (placed directly above or below the screen) is going to be both troublesome and unsightly for many projector setups. Thankfully, then, the 3D-XL uses a clever technology called DLP Link to get around the problem. DLP Link uses the fast refresh speed of the projector’s DLP chip to send synchronisation signals to the active shutter glasses in between the video frames. It’s a brilliant idea and one that makes the 3D-XL a far more appealing add-on for your home cinema setup.

Speaking of glasses, there’s only one pair provided in the box. They’re fairly typical fare, and don’t fit too well in front of normal spectacles. Additional pairs are available to pre-order online for just over £50, but such a cost could quickly add up if you have four people wanting to watch.

For a small, two person household, you could pick up an HD67 projector, 3D-XL converter and an extra pair of glasses for around £800 inc VAT. If you’ve a sizeable white wall, then you’re all set for 3D projection in your home on a screen measured in feet, not inches. Impressive stuff, and probably worth the money if you’re into at least two of the three options for 3D content: games, Blu-ray and Sky HD. For anyone else there still isn’t enough content to justify picking a such a projector and converter box over a superior Full HD LCD-based model such as the Epson EH-TW3200. For those who already own a 3D-ready DLP projector, however, it’s easy, if you want 3D then buy this box.