Optoma is often the first brand that comes to mind when consumers are shopping for a home theater projector. The brand is known for producing stunning onscreen images, rich in detail and with accurate colors. Optoma projectors often also come with additional features like built-in speakers, gaming modes, and onboard Wifi.
Two projectors worth checking out are the P2 and D2. Both are mixed-media projectors and boast several of the same features. However, there are also differences. The P2 produces a slightly better picture and comes with a few more extras (>>> Check on Amazon), but don’t discount the D2. It also has plenty to offer. Before you choose one over the other, let’s compare the Optoma CinemaX P2 vs the D2.
Optoma CinemaX P2 vs D2 Specifications:
Optoma CinemaX P2 | Optoma CinemaX D2 | |
---|---|---|
Resolution | 3840x2160 | 3840x2160 |
Contrast Ratio | 2,000,000:1 | 1,800,000:1 |
Brightness (Lumens) | 3,000 ANSI | 3,000 ANSI |
Brightness (Lumens) | 67.1ms | 4ms |
Throw Distance | 1.5' - 2.2' | 1.5' - 2.2' |
Screen size | 85" - 120" | 85" - 120" |
Internal Speakers | 20.0 Watts × 2 | 10.0 Watts × 2 |
Price | Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com Bhphotovideo.com | Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com Bhphotovideo.com |
Image Quality
Image quality is key in a home cinema projector. When images are fuzzy or lack detail, it’s difficult to watch movies or even use the projector for gaming. Both models are 4K projectors and use a 6-segmented color wheel. It eliminates the annoying rainbow effect. All you see are accurate and vivid colors. To ensure deep blacks and crisp whites, the projectors use high-dynamic range technology.
With a 3,000 lumens laser light source, you can use either projector in almost any setting. Daytime viewing isn’t a problem, even with the blinds open. Where the P2 comes out ahead is with its various picture modes. You can adjust the picture settings to match the content. It also simulates HDR technology for non-HDR content.
Best image quality: Optoma CinemaX P2
Gaming Quality
More and more projector manufacturers are thinking about gamers. Even though neither model is advertised as a gaming projector, both have features gamers will appreciate.
A fast refresh rate of 240Hz keeps games playing smoothly. Switching to the enhanced gaming mode gives you an input lag of around 4ms. It’s fast enough to keep up with all types of games, including online multi-player and graphic-rich ones.
Best for gamers: Optoma CinemaX P2, Optoma CinemaX D2
Connectivity
It doesn’t matter how many features a projector comes with when you can’t connect your external devices. It’s also annoying when you need to unplug one component to use another. You get multiple HDMI ports with both models, along with USB and audio out connectivity. Along with a slightly more robust connection panel, the P2 is also compatible with Google and Alexa. It makes controlling the projector a little more convenient, you can ditch the remote. It also gives you access to your favorite streaming services.
Best connectivity options: Optoma CinemaX P2
Ease of Installation and Setup
Struggling to install and set up a projector is enough to make you want to return the item. While these are not portable projectors, both weigh at or a little over 20 lbs. their compact size gives you some placement options. It also helps that these are ultra-short throw projectors. With about a foot of space, you can cast 100” images. Add in a couple of inches, and the image size jumps to 120”.
Aligning images is a breeze, thanks to the automatic geometry correction function. Automatic focus is another bonus and the Android menu screen is easy to navigate.
Easiest to install and setup: Optoma CinemaX P2, Optoma CinemaX D2
Optoma CinemaX P2
Pros
- 4K upscaling for 1080p and 720p content
- Android operating system
- Crestron RoomView support
- Ultra-short throw
- Multiple picture and audio modes
Cons
- The included remote is difficult to use in poorly lit settings
Weighing around 24 lbs., the P2 is not easily portable. However, it only measures 15 x 22.1 x 5.1 inches and has a sleek design you aren’t going to mind having out for everyone to see. The projector fits on most tables and shelves, and don’t forget its ultra-short throw distance. It is a great option for dorm rooms, apartments, and other small spaces. If you have 14” of space, you can enjoy 120” images.
A convenient feature is the SmartFIT app. You can use your smartphone to align images and play content. When it isn’t possible to center the projector with the screen, the automatic geometry function takes care of image alignment. It’s a breeze to set up, even when it’s your first time using a home cinema projector.
The combination of 4K resolution, an RGBRGB color wheel, HDR10 support, and pure motion image processing technology gives you cinematic image quality at home. The 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio ensures image details are crisp and sharp. The projector also comes with four picture modes. You can switch between the modes according to the content and space you are using the projector in. It also comes with five sound effect modes for movies, games, sports, music, and nighttime use.
An onboard soundbar produces clear dialogue and audio. At 40 watts, it doesn’t replace an external sound system. The soundbar does boast dual woofers and drivers. It’s enough to fill small spaces with crisp, smooth audio.
Optoma CinemaX D2
Pros
- Onboard soundbar
- 3D support
- Flexible installation
- Automatic on/off
- 24p support
Cons
- The projector is lacking some of the connectivity you get with similar models
You are going to notice a lot of similarities between the P2 and D2. The contrast ratio is a little lower on the D2 at 1,800,000:1 but it’s not enough to make much of a difference. You are also missing some of the image modes, but the projector does come with day and nighttime settings. You can even save your preferences with the ISF modes. It also comes with a color management function. You can adjust colors to match your viewing area.
The onboard 40W soundbar is the same on the D2. You get deep bass, and clear vocals, and most mid-range frequencies are smooth. The soundbar is powerful enough to replace your TV’s small speakers, but you may want to take advantage of the audio ports. Connecting external speakers allows you to fill larger spaces with sound.
Multiple HDMI inputs, an audio jack, and a USB port ensure you can connect external devices. It also comes with 3D support.
Setting up the projector is the same as the P2. The size is the same, and it comes with automatic geometric correction. The only difference is the D2 is a few pounds lighter at 18.52 lbs.
>>> Our full review of the Optoma D2
Conclusion
Either Optoma projector will work great in a home entertainment system. You get amazing image quality, onboard speakers, and support for most types of content, including 3D. The low input lag and fast refresh rate keep gamers happy, even when image quality drops to 1080p. With that being said, comparing the Optoma P2 vs D2, one projector comes out ahead. You get a little more for your money with the P2 (>>> Find on ProjectorScreen). It comes with additional features missing from the D2.