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In what is surely its most anticipated product introduction of the year, Optoma is set to begin shipping its CinemaX P1 Smart 4K UHD Laser Cinema Projector.
Priced at $3,299 and available by mid-month, the P1 is an all-in-one entertainment system that combines a space-saving ultra-short throw projector, a premium soundbar designed by Optoma's sister audio company NuForce, and an integrated smart TV platform that facilitates both internet streaming and smarthome control.
By delivering a striking UHD image of up to 120 inches diagonal size and robust sound quality from the same easy-to-install projector, Optoma is hoping to convince TV purchasers to skip the 75-inch flat-panel in favor of a more cinematic, bigscreen experience. The company is one of several manufacturers embracing the nascent UST home theater market this year with new models designed to specifically address the performance requirements of consumer displays.
Measuring in at just 22 inches wide and rated for a bright 3,000 ANSI lumens from its lamp-free laser light engine and DLP XPR chip, the compact P1 is spec'd for image sizes from 85- to 120-inch diagonal. Its 0.25:1 fixed glass lens can throw a 120-inch image from approximately 26 inches away from the screen, or a 100-inch image from about 22 inches. Although the steep angle of projection can make initial setup challenging with any UST projector, Optoma has addressed this with a clever SmartFIT phone app that allows the phone's camera to identify the borders of the screen and then automatically snaps the image into place. The projector is compatible with the latest UHD-resolution HDR content and offers wide color gamut.
Optoma has also incorporated its latest Smart+ operating sytem in the P1, which facilitates Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for projector voice control and smart home device control, as well as support of device and services automation through the IFTTT platform. Voice commands allow powering the projector up or down, control of volume and transport functions of streamed content, and more. Popular streaming services supported include Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.
The integrated, 40-watt soundbar features a pair of full-range aluminum stereo drivers, as well as two supporting woofers, and uses isolated speaker enclosures to optimize the audio performance. Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital+ decoding is on board, and there's a dedicated subwoofer output to add extra bass support to the system.
The CinemaX P1 was first shown in January at CES 2019, then at InfoComm in June, where ProjectorCentral awarded it with our Best of Show honors. Here's a full list of features:
- Resolution: 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160)
- Lumens: 3,000 ANSI lumens
- Contrast: Up to 1,500,000 with Dynamic Black enabled
- Color: REC.2020, DCI-P3 wide color gamut, HDR10 compatible
- Throw Ratio: 0.25:1
- Image size: 85"- 120"
- Audio: NuForce 40W Dolby Digital 2.0 soundbar with 2 full range drivers, 2 woofers and isolated and ported chambers
- Integrated 4K Media Player with robust codec and container support - including MKV, MP4, Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus
- Video Streaming: Available Optoma Marketplace with access to YouTube 4K, Netflix (480p), Hulu (480p), Amazon Prime Video (480p), CNBC, TED TV, NBA TV, CNBC, BBC and more
- Smart+ Technology: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT integration
- SmartFIT app: Auto geometry correction system for iOS and Android; Optional 81 point manual adjustment
- OS: Android 8.0 / Oreo
- Remote Control: Bluetooth smart home remote with air mouse
- HDMI-ARC for streamlined setups and reduced cable clutter with popular 5.1 soundbars
- Connections: 1x HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 2.2), 1x HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 2.2, HDMI-ARC), 1x HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 2.2, side), 1x USB 2.0 (4K media player), USB 2.0 power (side), USB (service), optical S/PDIF out, audio out (3.5mm, subwoofer compatible), RJ45
For more detailed specifications and connections, check out our Optoma CinemaX P1 projector page.
To buy this projector, use Where to Buy online, or get a price quote by email direct from Projector Central authorized dealers using our E-Z Quote tool.
The Optoma CinemaX P1 is also sold outside of the United States of America as the Optoma UHZ65UST. Some specifications may be slightly different. Check with Optoma for complete specifications.
Comments (63)
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Brian Gluck Posted Sep 7, 2019 5:42 AM PST
I've had a chance to play around with a pre-production unit of the P1 a couple times and was very impressed. This unit is a tremendous value at $3,299 and I expect it to be one of the hottest selling units this holiday season. While many may bypass the integrated audio speakers for their own dedicated sound system, those that plan on using it will be very pleasantly surprised by how well the audio sounds, especially in comparison to other 4k USTs at the higher price points. Looking forward to reading your review Rob!
Ronald Posted Sep 7, 2019 6:39 AM PST
When can we expect to read your review on this projector? I've been hearing about it for so long and am looking forward to reading your thoughts.
Phil W Posted Sep 7, 2019 8:27 AM PST
Hopefully there will be a comparison between LG Cinems beam UST and this Optoma P1.
Mike Posted Sep 7, 2019 8:39 AM PST
It does seem like a bargain to me, even though you have to buy a screen. Compared to the HiSense offering it will come in at less than half
David Rivera Posted Sep 7, 2019 2:47 PM PST
Rob, one very important feature on the P1 is that it will play 3D blu-rays. LG's own HU85LA does not play 3D. Unforgivable in my opinion at almost twice the price of the P1. I am eagerly awaiting your review of the P1.
Mike Posted Sep 7, 2019 8:47 PM PST
Did it lose HLG support? Not listed in the latest specs though it is on the Optoma website.
Jason Posted Sep 8, 2019 5:31 AM PST
good news is the price is affordable but the bad news are 1) the chip is .47 not .66 2) single laser + 8 color wheel not dual laser...
Aldo Texirt Posted Sep 8, 2019 1:54 PM PST
Please, inform us about the latency specially if a gaming mode exist. A low latency (<2 frames) is required not only for gaming but also for simulation quality (simulator sickness). Aldo
Wayne Posted Sep 8, 2019 6:48 PM PST
There is a gaming mode and I believe I read it was 55ms not very good sadly
Qaz Posted Sep 9, 2019 12:12 PM PST
This is looking great, sadly as we are nearing the end of 2019 there STILL isn't a true 4k chip out there at this price point for projectors when all other TVs manage true 4K for a fraction of the price. Pretty confusing at this point, projectors are really lagging behind.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Sep 9, 2019 12:27 PM PST
A few comments here in response:
- Point well taken regarding 3D here on the P1 but not on the LG. This is a bit of a missing on the otherwise very good LG (which we are evaluating now) and is perhaps an outgrowth of the company's primary experience and focus on flatpanels (where all TV makers have pretty much dropped 3D)and lack of familiarity with the projection market where there is still some demand. I'll mention it to LG's projector team when I see them at CEDIA this week -- maybe it's something they can add with firmware.
- Regarding HLG, it is indeed a feature of the P1.
- We will be testing both 4K and 1080p lag times for both the LG and P1 and will report these.
- Qaz, regarding your comments on lack of a lower-cost native 4K chip, I can't say what the issue is technically that's preventing this from happening, but I'll urge all readers, yet again, to not fixate on the fact that pixel-shifting is used to deliver all or even just some of the pixels in a UHD signal to the screen. Pixel shifting works -- it works in the XPR chips as well as with 1080p chips combined with enhancement circuitry, and anyone who denies themselves a UHD-compliant projector at this point because they can't get full native 4K cheaply enough clearly hasn't actually seen what pixel-shifting looks like on a decent projector with a good lens.
- Point well taken regarding 3D here on the P1 but not on the LG. This is a bit of a missing on the otherwise very good LG (which we are evaluating now) and is perhaps an outgrowth of the company's primary experience and focus on flatpanels (where all TV makers have pretty much dropped 3D)and lack of familiarity with the projection market where there is still some demand. I'll mention it to LG's projector team when I see them at CEDIA this week -- maybe it's something they can add with firmware.
- Regarding HLG, it is indeed a feature of the P1.
- We will be testing both 4K and 1080p lag times for both the LG and P1 and will report these.
- Qaz, regarding your comments on lack of a lower-cost native 4K chip, I can't say what the issue is technically that's preventing this from happening, but I'll urge all readers, yet again, to not fixate on the fact that pixel-shifting is used to deliver all or even just some of the pixels in a UHD signal to the screen. Pixel shifting works -- it works in the XPR chips as well as with 1080p chips combined with enhancement circuitry, and anyone who denies themselves a UHD-compliant projector at this point because they can't get full native 4K cheaply enough clearly hasn't actually seen what pixel-shifting looks like on a decent projector with a good lens.
Steve Posted Sep 9, 2019 1:15 PM PST
We need a review of the 3 4K ust projectors.
LG HU85LA Optoma CinemaX P1 VAVA 4K UST
LG HU85LA Optoma CinemaX P1 VAVA 4K UST
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Sep 9, 2019 1:21 PM PST
All in the works, Steve. LG review will be out shortly, and Optoma P1 sample is said to be coming soon. VAVA is here, but I don't plan on issuing a review till a bit later in the fall when the product becomes available for immediate purchase and is officially out of its crowd-funding phase.
UST Posted Sep 9, 2019 7:08 PM PST
It would be great if you didn't wait on the VAVA review, since it could help people decide whether to get the LG or Optoma or wait for the VAVA. Especially since the VAVA claims to be able to project a considerably larger image.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Sep 9, 2019 7:26 PM PST
My impression is that the VAVA is a different class of product with much less accurate color out of the box than you can expect with either of the other two, and there's been at least one early review online from a trusted source that calls it out for that. VAVA updated the firmware in August in part to address that, however, and it now requires a more serious evaluation. They expect to be shipping it fully in October, so we'll see where we are with them after getting through the LG and Optoma.
Solal Posted Sep 10, 2019 2:05 AM PST
Epson just announced a new UST at the IFA the EH-LS500B it will be available next month in Europe for 3000 Euros, it will certainly have a low input lag so it could interest gamers. Do you plan to review it also ?
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Sep 10, 2019 2:10 AM PST
We are aware of Epson's introduction and will obvioiusly review any version of this that may get released in the states.
Mike Posted Sep 10, 2019 2:49 AM PST
Rob, Thanks for the update! Hope you get to see some good stuff at CEDIA. I have been trying to find previews on projector screens that might showcase new tech for UST projectors, but haven’t seen anything more exciting than the lenticular screens currently on the market. Hope that something slipped past my searches and you guys find it.
Gord Posted Sep 11, 2019 11:46 AM PST
What does video streaming Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime (480p) mean? Is it a 480p image coming through and then upscaled to 1080p?
Ronald Posted Sep 11, 2019 3:01 PM PST
The Vava is vaporware junk. The specs are bloated and it will not do the advertised 150" without losing focus.
Andrew Posted Sep 16, 2019 11:04 AM PST
Hi when reviewing all these UST projectors, please consider physical placement requirements. All the marketing materials suggest a large projection in great proximity to the wall. In reality you need additional furniture as most of media consoles are ~ 20 inch in depth. Not enough for Optoma/Epson etc., especially if you want to project on 120 in screen.
Lina Andersson Posted Sep 19, 2019 5:45 AM PST
When is Optoma planning to launch this in the European market?
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Sep 19, 2019 7:33 AM PST
Lina, I will inquire about this and see if there are firm plans.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Sep 20, 2019 10:59 AM PST
Lina, Optoma says to expect this model's release in Europe in early October...so no much longer now.
Daniel Posted Sep 24, 2019 9:24 AM PST
What would happen if I set it far back enough to fill a 135in screen despite it saying up to 120in. Would I loose sharpness, would I not be able to focus the image? what exactly would be the negative effects, not enough potential brightness? Im curious because its hard to find a short throw 4k projector for my size of room to my size of screen, all I can find is standard throw and ultra short throw but the ultra short throws that fill my size screen are insanely pricey. So just curious if I could get away with something like that. Thanks everyone for your input and help.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Sep 24, 2019 9:30 AM PST
The issue with pushing the image size beyond spec is with the optics, which at some point reaches the limits on focus (you'll typically lose focus at the far corners of the screen first) or the ability to easily obtain rectangular geometry. How large you can go outside the spec can only be found with experimentation. Anecdotally, I have been told that the new LG UST has been successfully set up at 130 inches despite its 120-inch spec, though keep in mind that if you intend to watch in ambient light the current UST screens max out at 120-inch diagonal. If the plan is for dark room viewing, brightness at 130 inches or larger shouldn't be a problem with this projector, but I'd be very wary about pushing much beyond the specified largest image size.
Guy Breeze Posted Sep 24, 2019 11:07 AM PST
I watched a Youtube review on the Optoma P1. The reviewer was going thru the menu which had a 3D DLP-Link panel selection. I dont see anywhere in the formal specifications or on this teaser review , that this machine has 3D capability. Can someone please confirm that.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Sep 24, 2019 11:10 AM PST
Guy, the official product spec sheet, which can be viewed or downloaded from the ProjectorCentral Optoma P1 product page, specifically mentions support for all the HDMI 1.4 mandatory 3D formats.
Ivo Posted Oct 2, 2019 1:39 AM PST
Given the above remark about larger screens. If I were to use a 130” scope screen so the edges would be zoomed outside the screen, and with a CIH setup for 16:9 the output would be smaller, that might work, right? Does this model have the ability to do the zoom between the sizes, ideally with lens memory?
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Oct 2, 2019 8:43 AM PST
Ivo, none of these UST projectors have zoom as it's understood you'll be adjusting the position of the projector by just a few inches in or out to accommodate whatever size screen you have. They are strictly 16:9...unless you want keep moving the projector in and out for different aspects. You should not plan on having any image that goes beyond 120-inches diagonal in 16:9 in any event, which is 105 inches wide and gives you 113 inches diagonal at 2.4:1.
Vignesh Manoharan Posted Oct 3, 2019 8:29 AM PST
@Rob Sabin, Any further review comments about its performance in the past one month ? Also how does it stand against Epson EH-LS500 ? It would be great if you can put forward a comparison to show the performance difference.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Oct 6, 2019 12:00 PM PST
Vignesh, we hope to be able to provide comparative perspective on all of the new UST projectors that have been of such interest to our readership as they come available. So far nothing terribly new on this model while we await a sample that's now not expected until early next month.
CasePB Posted Oct 9, 2019 1:32 PM PST
Really looking forward to seeing the review of this projector and I hope it's mostly positive because it's the one I've been eyeing the most. It has an acceptable price, Optoma support is good, and it's actually black. I will finally own a projector that doesn't stick out like a sore thumb when it's in use. I'm still wondering why so many short throw projectors are white.
Tony Posted Nov 5, 2019 4:48 PM PST
I'm surprised there so few reviews on this projector. I've been monitoring this site for a review, but this is the only article. CNET posted a review today ahead of projector central. Just trying to understand why there are so few reviews (after its release date) for such a highly anticipated projector.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Nov 5, 2019 4:50 PM PST
Optoma sold all their inventory into retail and only held back a very small number of review samples that are circulating among the larger websites. We are waiting for a sample.
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Nov 6, 2019 6:11 AM PST
This CinemaX P1 is strictly for tabletop mount, either front projection or rear projection. No menu options for inverting the image for a ceiling mount...which would in any even make the built-in sound system superfluous.
John Flattery Posted Nov 8, 2019 2:46 PM PST
Rob,
Do you have recommendations for a reasonably priced screen to use with this? Something in the 2-300 range.
Do you have recommendations for a reasonably priced screen to use with this? Something in the 2-300 range.
Ans Posted Dec 15, 2019 12:36 AM PST
It seems that since it’s launch the price has been increased by $500. It is now selling for $3799 on Amazon and Best Buy
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Dec 16, 2019 8:59 AM PST
Birop, we have no specific information about timing on a European release, but what I can tell you is that demand for this unit has been so high that even a review sample has been impossible to get since the P1's release in early fall.
Ans, I too have noticed that not just Best Buy and Amazon, but other authorized online sellers have also raised their price on this model by $500. That's unfortunate, and although I have not yet asked about the price hike, I'm going to assume for now that Optoma is following BenQ and perhaps others in bumping pricing on products coming out of Chinese factories due to the tariffs or anticipation of planned tariffs.
Ans, I too have noticed that not just Best Buy and Amazon, but other authorized online sellers have also raised their price on this model by $500. That's unfortunate, and although I have not yet asked about the price hike, I'm going to assume for now that Optoma is following BenQ and perhaps others in bumping pricing on products coming out of Chinese factories due to the tariffs or anticipation of planned tariffs.
JJ Canon Posted Dec 18, 2019 10:05 PM PST
What screen would you recommend for this projector? I understand that a UST projector might need a particular screen type for maximum performance.
Thanks for the review!
Thanks for the review!
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Dec 19, 2019 6:58 AM PST
JJ, a dedicated UST screen is only necessary if you intend to use the projector in moderate to high ambient light; it will help reject light mainly from overhead and to some degree from the sides, and therefore help retain contrast if the plan is to use the image as you might to replace a traditional TV in all viewing conditions. Theoretically you do get some degree of image splash toward the ceiling with a conventional screen material, but I've not see this be an issue in my testing.
There are a few UST screens out there right now from Screen Innovations, Elite, XY Screens, a new outfit called USTScreens.com, and perhaps some others. These screens have a layered optical structure on the surface that takes light from below and bounces it back directly to the eyes of the viewer. The only one we've tested is the Elite, which is among the least expensive options to date. The review can be found here.
There are a few UST screens out there right now from Screen Innovations, Elite, XY Screens, a new outfit called USTScreens.com, and perhaps some others. These screens have a layered optical structure on the surface that takes light from below and bounces it back directly to the eyes of the viewer. The only one we've tested is the Elite, which is among the least expensive options to date. The review can be found here.
Vince Posted Feb 26, 2020 12:53 PM PST
Quick question why isn't there a review for this projector?
Thanks,
Thanks,
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Feb 26, 2020 1:02 PM PST
We waited months for a sample and just received it. Evaluation is underway.
Robert Posted Apr 5, 2020 9:14 PM PST
Hey Rob, Will the review be ready within the next month or so? I'm ready to pull the trigger on either the Optoma P1 or the LG UH85LA.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Robert Posted Apr 14, 2020 3:58 AM PST
Hey Rob, I hate to be that guy... But, any update on that review? Also have you had a chance to take a look at the Epson LS500?
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Apr 14, 2020 8:02 AM PST
Hi Robert. Working on this review right now and targeting next week for post. And I will share that general impressions are very good. Our VAVA review is in the can and also due shortly; it is unfortunately held up until they complete a firmware update they have asked me to wait for that addresses some color/image quality issues. Without going into too much detail, my general assessment at the moment is that while the VAVA represents high value at its $2,699 price, serious enthusiasts who value the best image quality and more polish and capabilities on the user interface and controls will be well advised to spend the extra $1,000 on the P1. The Epson remains trade-show vaporware at the moment and is scheduled for a 3rd quarter release as far as I know, so no one has gotten a look at it yet.
Robert Posted Apr 14, 2020 4:05 PM PST
Thanks Rob and I look forward to your review. Do you think you'll ever do a comparison between the P1 and the LG Cinebeam. The LG Cinebeam sounds amazing but is it really worth almost twice the price of the P1?
Thanks
Thanks
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Apr 14, 2020 4:12 PM PST
I do intend to do some comparison with those two once this review is complete.
Robert Posted Apr 14, 2020 4:21 PM PST
Great, thank you. I look forward to the comparison review as well.
Thanks
Thanks
Mike Posted May 4, 2020 2:26 AM PST
Is your up coming review of the P1 going to be the regular version, or the Pro that Optoma now has on the market (European version brought to the US)?
Now that the Vava review is out, I am hoping the P1 will soon follow. Any updates on the delay?
Now that the Vava review is out, I am hoping the P1 will soon follow. Any updates on the delay?
IPD Posted May 6, 2020 11:26 AM PST
John Flattery,
The pricepoint for even the most basic version of a UST ALR screen is well above the $200-$300 range. I would not recommend going screenless. I would not recommend using a conventional long-throw ALR screen. A conventional screen (non ALR) will work, but you will get a lot of light washing off the screen because of the projection angle, but that may vary depending on the gain of the screen.
The Epson LS500 is on par with the Viewsonic X1000; both are vaporware and thus irrelevant at present.
The pricepoint for even the most basic version of a UST ALR screen is well above the $200-$300 range. I would not recommend going screenless. I would not recommend using a conventional long-throw ALR screen. A conventional screen (non ALR) will work, but you will get a lot of light washing off the screen because of the projection angle, but that may vary depending on the gain of the screen.
The Epson LS500 is on par with the Viewsonic X1000; both are vaporware and thus irrelevant at present.
