Skip to main content

First-ever Alexa-integrated projector headlines Optoma offerings unveiled at CES

Optoma made some major noise in the projector scene this year at CES, including the unveiling of the UHD51A, a 4K UHD projector that also happens to be the first Alexa-integrated projector.

For picture specs, the UHD51A supports HDR10, covering the Rec.2020/DCI-P3 wide color gamut for a vibrant, colorful picture in 4K resolution. It also boasts dual HDCP 2.2 compliant HDMI 2.0 ports that allow for watching 4K HDR content at 60 fps. It features a 500,000:1 contrast ratio and a brightness of 2,400 lumens.

Recommended Videos

The standout feature, however, is the aforementioned Alexa support. Users will have access to all of Alexa’s “skills,” which can do everything from control other smart devices in your home to check the weather or your stock options, or order goods on Amazon. The UHD51A runs on Android OS, and includes a built-in media player for streaming directly on the projector itself. You’ll be able to get your hands on it early in 2018 for $1,700.

The UHD51A is just the first of several projectors shown off by Optoma at CES. Joining the ranks of Optoma’s affordable 4K projector lineup, the UHD50 is a 4K DLP that has similar video specs to the UHD51A, but drops the Alexa integration. It will be available for $1,500 from Best Buy and Fry’s Electronics this week.

Next up is the Optoma 4K UHD HDR Laser UST. This short throw laser projector creates an up-to-100-foot-wide 4K UHD image from just eight inches away from the screen. As the name states, it supports HDR, with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,300 lumens of brightness. It’s currently slated for a release in the second quarter of this year, and will retail for $5,000.

The last two projectors in the CES 2018 batch are fully portable and on the more affordable end of the spectrum. The Optoma LH150 is a mobile LED projector that features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, as well as HDMI and USB ports. This tiny projector also includes integrated speakers and a battery pack, making it a fully capable portable setup on its own, with no setup considerations necessary. It will retail for $900, and will also be available in the second quarter.

Finally, there’s the Optoma LED Pico. This model is even more portable than the LH150. At just 12 ounces and with a battery pack rated for two-plus hours of juice when in “eco-mode,” it’s tailored to deliver a WVGA-resolution picture just about anywhere. The Pico will appear on the market sometime in the second quarter for just $280.

Update: The original version of this article listed the price for the UHF51A incorrectly as $1,500. We’ve updated the article to reflect the correct pricing of $1,700.

Brendan Hesse
Former Staff Writer, Home Theater
Brendan has written about a wide swath of topics, including music, fitness and nutrition, and pop culture, but tech was…
Mark Levinson’s first-ever headphones debut at CES 2022 for $999
Mark Levinson No. 5909 wireless hi-res active noise cancelling headphones.

Mark Levinson, the Harman-owned audio company known for its high-end automotive sound systems, has just launched the $999 No. 5909 -- its first set of headphones. They're wireless and feature hi-res audio compatibility plus adaptive active noise cancellation (AANC). Available in red, "ice pewter," and black colors, the No. 5909 will be at select retailers starting January 4.

In keeping with Mark Levinson's reputation for luxury audio, the No. 5909 headphones are made from anodized aluminum, with real leather on both the headband and the replaceable ear cushions. When fully charged, they're expected to get up to 34 hours of battery life when ANC is turned off and 30 hours when it's on. A fast-charge option can top you up with an additional six hours of extra playtime on a 15-minute charge.

Read more
Optoma’s CinemaX P2 short throw 4K projector has a built-in soundbar
Optoma CinemaX P2

Watch out, Samsung. Another major company dropped a 4K ultra short-throw projector this week, too.

Optoma has unveiled the CinemaX P2, which is the successor to the CinemaX P1 and is being pegged as the company’s new flagship home cinema projector. The $3,300 4K projector can project up to 120 inches, and is immediately available.

Read more
Our best budget headphones are even more affordable for Prime Day at 20% off
Side view of the 1More SonoFlow.

Amazon's Prime Day is finally here, bringing with it huge discounts for headphone deals. For a budget-friendly option that's even more affordable for the shopping event, check out the 1More SonoFlow. From their sticker price of $75, they're down to only $60 for $15 in savings, but there's no time to waste if you're interested because the offer may not last until the end of Prime Day. Push through with your purchase as soon as possible to get these headphones at 20% off.

Buy Now

Read more