The Optoma H117ST Cinema Projector is a solid choice for those seeking a versatile and affordable short-throw projector primarily designed for home entertainment and small venue use.
Optoma H117ST
Design and Build Quality
The H117ST sports a compact and straightforward design with a sturdy plastic chassis. It is relatively lightweight, making it easy to move or mount on a ceiling or tripod.
The short-throw lens allows the projector to display a large image from a short distance, which is ideal for smaller rooms or spaces where placement options are limited.
Image Quality
Resolution: The projector offers a native 1080p (1920×1080) resolution, which is excellent for Full HD content, providing clear and sharp images suitable for movies, games, and presentations.
Brightness: With 3,000 lumens, the H117ST performs well in environments with some ambient light. It can deliver bright and vivid images without needing a completely dark room, though for the best cinematic experience, dimming lights is recommended.
Contrast Ratio: Its contrast ratio of 25,000:1 helps produce deep blacks and good detail in darker scenes, enhancing overall picture depth and realism.
Color Accuracy: The color reproduction is generally accurate and vibrant, thanks to DLP technology. However, some users note that colors can appear slightly oversaturated in certain modes, which can be adjusted via picture settings.
Short Throw Capability
One of the standout features is its short throw ratio (0.49:1), allowing the projector to display a 100-inch image from just over 3 feet away. This makes it perfect for small rooms, avoiding shadows or light obstruction often encountered with long-throw projectors.
Connectivity
The H117ST offers a decent range of inputs:
2x HDMI ports (supporting HDCP 1.4) for connecting Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, or streaming devices.
VGA input for older PCs or laptops.
USB power port for powering streaming sticks or accessories.
3.5mm audio out for external speakers or headphones.
It lacks modern wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which might require additional adapters for wireless streaming.
Audio
The built-in 10W speaker is adequate for casual viewing but won’t satisfy audiophiles or larger rooms. For a better audio experience, connecting external speakers or a sound system is recommended.
Performance and Features
The projector supports 3D content playback, adding versatility for 3D enthusiasts.
It includes basic keystone correction and digital zoom, though manual lens shift is absent.
Lamp life is rated around 15,000 hours in Eco mode, making maintenance relatively low-cost over time.
Noise levels are moderate; the fan can be audible during quiet scenes but generally not distracting.
Pros:
Sharp Full HD resolution with good color and contrast.
Bright 3,000 lumens suitable for various lighting conditions.
Short-throw design is ideal for small spaces.
Multiple HDMI inputs for versatile connectivity.
Affordable price point for a 1080p short-throw projector.
Cons:
No built-in wireless connectivity.
Basic audio output requiring external speakers for better sound.
Manual adjustments limited (no lens shift).
Fan noise noticeable in quiet environments.
Conclusion
The Optoma H117ST Cinema Projector is an excellent budget-friendly option for users needing a quality short-throw projector for home cinema, gaming, or presentations in smaller rooms.
Its full HD resolution, bright output, and short-throw capability make it stand out in its price range. While it lacks some modern conveniences, including wireless streaming and advanced lens controls, its overall performance and value make it a strong contender for those prioritizing image quality and space-saving setup.