Optoma MovieTime DV10 review

Features
There are some outstanding features on Optoma's DV10. Aside from the fact that its internal DVD player is a major innovation, the projector boasts speakers that are very usable, as well as all the audio outputs you'd get on a full DVD player. Rated at 5W each, the two integral speakers are the first built-in units we've listened to that we would consider using. The only problem is that they are likely to be behind you rather than in front. Looks like you'll still need to invest in that Yamaha YSP-1 speaker system.

Ultimately, the amount of electronics housed inside the DV10 means it has to be cooled with extreme prejudice. The air vents are located on each side of the projector and the fans kick out 28dB of noise -- notieceable if the movie in question doesn't star Arnold Schwarzenegger. After the demands of a two-hour film have taken their toll, you begin to feel why -- the projector does get very hot.

It may be a small point, but many home-cinema users like to have their projectors hanging from the ceiling so they're out of sight. But the DV10's design limits this functionality as it has the DVD player located on top, so it would be very difficult to load the disc with the projector hanging upside down. At this price range, most buyers will probably be quite happy to simply put it away after each use. If the DV10 ever sees a successor, perhaps a slot-loading DVD mechanism would be more suitable.

We spoke to Optoma about the connectivity between DVD player and projector, and the data is kept completely digitally between the two. Because the DVD player and projector are designed to be used together, Optoma has also been able to optimise the picture much more effectively, and the resulting package is very good value for money.

Performance
For the money, the Optoma DV10 performs very well. The company's engineers have plenty of experience with the DLP chipset from cinema projectors to rear-projection TVs, and the light engine is more than up to the job of giving you a high-quality home cinema, especially if you're new to it all. Clearly, Optoma is shooting for a very specific market of budget buyers who have portability as their priority, and it's safe to assume that these people won't be investing heavily in items like projector screens. Judged on this standard, the picture quality is excellent, with a low amount of light spillage, minimal rainbow effect and a good throw ratio. If you don't think much of the integrated DVD player approach, then spend the equivalent money on a dedicated projector -- but you won't see much difference.

If we were pleasantly surprised by the video quality, we were very impressed with the DV10's audio outputs. The two speakers on the rear can be used if you haven't got a decent pair of speakers lying around (if you're at your parents' house, for example). You won't get the impact of the thunderous chase sequence from our test disc Bad Boys 2, but you'll be able to enjoy intelligible dialogue and sprightly musical effects. Plus, they just about manage to cover the unit's fan noise.

Edited by Mary Lojkine
Additional editing by Nick Hide