A projector is a great option for enhancing your home theater viewing experience. A good projector has an image that rivals the best televisions on the market, often for less money. They provide flexible connection options so you can play content from lots of different sources and are easy to set up to get you into the cinematic action with ease.
In this article, we’ll look at the Optoma UHZ50 vs UHD50X and explain the differences between these two similarly named devices. We will also explain why we think the Optoma UHZ50 is the best choice between the two projectors (>>> Check on Amazon).
Optoma UHZ50 vs UHD50X Specifications:
| Optoma UHZ50 | Optoma UHD50X | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Resolution | 3840x2160 | 3840x2160 |
| Contrast Ratio | 2,500,000:1 | 500,000:1 |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 3,000 ANSI | 3,400 ANSI |
| Throw Distance | 4.0' - 26.6' | 4.0' - 26.6' |
| Screen size | 34" - 303" | 34" - 303" |
| Internal Speakers | 10.0 Watts × 2 | 5.0 Watts Mono |
| Price | Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com Bhphotovideo.com | Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com |
You’ll notice that both of these projectors are marketed as 4k-capable devices with some similar features like an enhanced gaming mode and fast refresh rates. Despite sounding like comparable products, the Optoma UHZ50 is simply a superior projector. There are some differences between the two that really set them apart.
Resolution, Frame Rates, and Input Lag
Despite these two projectors being marketed as 4k, neither truly are. They both rely on technology called pixel shifting that essentially creates four identical images that are slightly offset and layered to create a 4k viewing experience. The UHZ50 does a much better job of creating low pixelization images. The UHD50X isn’t as precise and smooth as the UHZ50 which makes the images look very different. The big difference is the use of lasers to create the image in the UHZ50 versus the use of a bulb in the UHD50X.
Lower frame rates provide a smoother image and better looking sequences by reducing and eliminating the brief stutter as each image flashes on screen. Both of these projectors offer low frame rates, but the Optoma UHZ50 is clearly better. It offers 4k UHD resolution at 60 hertz with an input lag of only 16.9 ms. Console and PC gamers can take advantage of the enhanced gaming mode to get 1080p resolution with 120 Hz and an incredibly low 4 ms.
The UHD50X also produces 4k UHD resolution and is capable of providing up to 240 hz refresh rates and 26 ms response times. On paper, these are better numbers than the UHZ50, but in practice, the laser projector produces a smoother, better looking image.
Winner: Optoma UHZ50
Setup and Function
The Optoma UHZ50 provides numerous methods to fine-tune the picture alignment to solve almost any issue. It has two-dimension keystone alignment, 30-degree horizontal and vertical shift, 1.3x zoom, digital image shifting, and four corner correction to get the picture aligned perfectly and with ease.
The UHD50X is not a terribly difficult projector to set up and it offers a few methods to help you fine-tune the image once you’ve installed the projector. It has 40-degree keystone correction, 5-15-degree lens shift, and 1.3x zoom to help get the picture set correctly.
The UHZ50 is easier to set up because it gives you more flexible options for getting the image aligned correctly. The UHD50X isn’t as difficult as some designs, but falls short of the capabilities of the UHZ50.
Winner: Optoma UHZ50
Lumens, Contrast, and Throw Distance
Again, the capabilities of the UHZ50 surpass those of the UHD50X. Lumens refers to the amount of light produced, which translates to how clear an image will be when ambient light is a problem. The UHZ50 offers 3,000 lumens, slightly less than the 3,400 lumens produced by the UHD50X. The primary difference lies in the use of the laser which makes images seem more readable, even in less-than-optimal conditions.
The UHZ50 has a much better contrast ratio than the UHD50X. At 2,500,000:1, the black colors on screen will be deep and rich when using the UHZ50. Though better than many other projectors, the UHD50X provides a ratio of only 500,000:1, which simply won’t create as deep of shadows or rich of dark colors.
Throw distance is how far the projector must be from a screen in order to generate a particular size image. An advantage all projectors have is that they can create large screen images where televisions are locked into the size of the screen. The UHZ50 and the UHD50X have identical throw distances. They will create a 130-inch diagonal image from 13-feet away. Screen size can be anywhere from 34-inches up to 300-inches.
Winner: Optoma UHZ50
Optoma UHZ50
The Optoma UHZ50 is a full-featured DSP 4k projector with a full complement of built-in features that make it a superior product. It will generate huge screen sizes and produce a clear image even in moderately lit rooms.
The secret to the UHZ50 lies in the laser system and DSP pixel shifting technology that create a long-lasting lighting option with precision display accuracy. A high contrast ratio and excellent color availability makes the image come alive on screen.
Numerous options for properly aligning the image make the UHZ50 one of the easiest projectors to set up. The built-in smart features and 20 watt speaker get you into the action easily and quickly. For our more detailed review of this projector, click here.
Pros
- Ultra-low lag is ideal for action-packed gaming on PC and consoles
- Long-lasting laser technology produces a cleaner and clearer image than comparable bulb devices
Cons
- Requires a screen for optimal view
Optoma UHD50X
The Optoma UHD50X is a mid-range projector at the top of the bulb projector pyramid. Its best feature is the ultra fast refresh rates and low lag times, while pixel shifting technology produces a believable 4k experience.
It has enough brightness to create a television-screen quality image even in lighted rooms so you aren’t stuck just using it when it is dark out. The contrast ratio is better than many designs and produces believable shadows and black colors.
The low lag rate makes this a good choice for gamers who aren’t ready to step up to a higher-price offering like the UHZ50.
Pros
- Produces an incredible image on screen using some of the best pixel shifting tech
- Lightning-fast refresh rate produces ultra-smooth action sequences
Cons
- Some buyers have pointed out that the resolution, input lag, and frame rates may not be accurate as published by the manufacturer
Conclusion
The UHZ50 comes out on top because it has the power and technology to produce a better looking image in a variety of scenarios. It offers an enhanced gaming mode that actually works as it says it will in order to provide PC and console gamers with an immersive experience (>>> Find on Projectorscreen).