People often get confused between Optoma HD29Darbee vs HD27. Both are popular projectors from a renowned company. They share many things in common, including the brightness rating and the throw ratio. Still, Optoma HD2Darbee is a little bit more expensive than Optoma HD27. Read the comparison below to find out which projector that is better for the money.
What we are going to discuss below include:
– The size and weight of each model
– The connectivity options available on each model
– The benefit of the DarbeeVision feature
– Other distinctive features of Optoma HD29Darbee vs HD27
– The comparison of their image quality and performance
– Which projector that is more recommended for you
Design and Dimensions
Thanks to the introduction of the 4K Ultra HD technology, projectors with lower resolutions are now becoming cheaper. Models that are capable of projecting impressive 1080p Full HD images are now more affordable, including Optoma HD29Darbee and Optoma HD27. These models from Optoma are known for their superior brightness and quality. See also: Optoma HD142X Vs HD141X.
Design-wise, they look very similar to each other. Each of them measures 298 mm x 230 mm x 96.5 mm. They each weigh about 2.38 kg. They both are colored in white. As the effect, if you put Optoma HD29Darbee and Optoma HD27 side by side, some unaware people may think that they are identical items.
You can easily fit either projector into your sock drawer. So, storage should not be a problem. Optoma HD29Darbee vs HD27 are compact and lightweight enough to allow easy storage and transport. You can easily take the projectors out and set them up quickly when needed. Of course, you can also mount these projectors, as they have mounting holes that are compatible with most universal mounting brackets.
The overall look is beautiful. Each projector here has a glossy finish which enhances the sleek, elegant appearance. The housing is really sturdy, so it won’t break apart from an accidental blow.
On the sides of each projector here, you can find lots of vent holes. The obvious advantage is that they won’t quickly get overheated. Optoma HD29 Darbee and Optoma HD27 can operate continuously for several hours without melting or burning anything. So, they should be able to withstand occasional extended uses for party or sleepover. However, this also means that their fans will be pretty noisy – the noise level is rated at 26dB.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, Optoma HD29Darbee vs HD27 are pretty much similar. They don’t have too many connection ports, but the essential features are available. There are also some additional options which some people may find handy. These models don’t have any networking capability, as they support neither Wi-Fi nor Ethernet.
You can find the connection ports of each projector on the rear panel. Starting from the top left corner, you can find two HDMI input ports. The second port also supports MHL, so it will accept a direct input from a mobile device that supports the technology.
Then, there is a USB port which can provide an output power. You can use the USB port for using a mouse/pointer or for charging your mobile device. It is very handy when playing content from your smartphone or tablet, and there is no power outlet nearby. Finally, there are three relatively small ports, which are the 3D Sync Port, the 12V Trigger Port, and the audio output port.
The first connection is designed for use with a 3D emitter. If you don’t want to play 3D content, you won’t ever need to use this port. The second connection will send a signal when the projector is turned on or off, and will allow a motorized screen to automatically lower or raise. The third connection is for sending audio to an external speaker system.
However, without any built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet port, you won’t be able to connect these Optoma HD29Darbee or Optoma HD27 to your home’s network. By connecting your projector to your home’s network, it is possible to play content from your computer or even smartphone wirelessly. If you need networking capabilities, you will have to look at the higher price ranges.
DarbeeVision
One of the primary difference between Optoma HD29Darbee vs HD27 is, of course, the DarbeeVision feature available on the more expensive model. So, what is it exactly? Is it worth the extra money?
Optoma HD29Darbee is equipped with an advanced DarbeeVision image processor, which is said to be able to provide enhanced detail, lighting, depth, and object separation. However, this is actually a feature which you can turn on or off at will via the menu. The image processor is essentially increasing the sharpening and noise reduction.
It is truly good. You will be impressed by the superior levels of sharpness and detail. People and objects look very clear in all scenes. When switching the DarbeeVision on or off, you can see the image preview on a half of the screen and the original image on the other half, so you can decide for yourself whether you like the feature or not.
Although DarbeeVision is really great for most films, it is not always good for some games and sports matches. This is because the increased sharpness adds an unreal depth on the image. If you notice strange images, you can try turning the feature off and see whether you get improvements.
Optoma HD27 does not have this feature. This may be a slight disappointment because DarbeeVision is really good for many films. However, this is not an issue at all if you are the type of person who prefers to watch the vanilla version of the original content. By watching a film or game without additional image processing, you can experience what the content creator wants you to see.
Other Features
Excluding the DarbeeVision, the other features of Optoma HD29Darbee and Optoma HD27 are actually similar. Both projectors are easy and quick to set up. They are also quite flexible, as they have adjustable feet and keystone correction.
Both Optoma HD29Darbee and Optoma HD27 are long-throw projectors. Hence, you will have to put your projector at a considerable distance in order to get a decent image size. The lowest throw ratio is 1.48:1, whereas the highest throw ratio is 1.62:1. You need about 3m between the projector and the screen to get a large-enough image.
So, Optoma HD29Darbee and Optoma HD27 are truly great for large rooms and perhaps outdoor settings. By placing the projector far behind you, the fan noise will be less of a nuisance. But they are not suitable for small rooms.
You need to adjust the zoom level and focus manually. In order to zoom in or out, you can adjust a lever on the unit. The maximum zoom level is 1.1x. To adjust the focus and keep things sharp, you can tweak the serrated focus ring of the lens. The adjustable feet are very useful if the table is wonky.
Each projector here is armed with a 195W lamp. It is really powerful. According to the specifications, this lamp can last for 6,000 hours if used exclusively in the Eco mode.
Both models support 3D. But you need Optoma’s 3D emitter and a pair of active 3D glasses in order to watch 3D content from the projector. Unfortunately, these accessories aren’t included in the box, so you will need to purchase them separately.
As usual, each projector here has an internal speaker. However, just like most other projectors, the internal speakers of Optoma HD29Darbee and Optoma HD27 are awful. According to the specifications, the speaker has a 10W amplifier. But, in reality, you won’t be able to increase the volume without breaking and distorting the sound. You need a dedicated speaker system to enjoy the best audio performance.
Performance
In terms of performance, both Optoma HD29Darbee and Optoma HD27 are great. That said, there are some notable differences. The image quality of Optoma HD29Darbee is better, even without the DarbeeVision feature. Nevertheless, both models deserve praises as they are nearly free from rainbow effects.
Optoma HD29Darbee is rated to have 3200 ANSI Lumens. This is truly bright. Well, there are some other models with even higher brightness, but they are more expensive. With Optoma HD29Darbee, you can already project bright and solid images in a bright room. The images are really visible and easy to read even if you don’t close the curtains of the room.
The 1080p Full HD resolution is really nice. The images are sufficiently sharp and detailed. The contrast ratio is 30,000:1. The colors are vibrant, solid, and generally accurate. You will also enjoy the impressive contrast performance; while the blacks are not very dark, the color gradations are great.
Optoma HD27 is also good. The images are also quite sharp and detailed. However, the contrast ratio is slightly lower at 25,000:1. The overall performance is still really good, but the colors are somewhat less accurate and detailed compared to Optoma HD29Darbee.
Optoma HD29Darbee vs HD27
Conclusion
Between the two, Optoma HD29Darbee is more recommended for you. It has a better contrast ratio, which will allow for better color quality. In addition, it has the DarbeeVision feature, which can greatly increase the image quality by enhancing the sharpness, detail, and depth.