Two new TVs from Optoma

By AVR

ThemeScene RD-65

Watford-based Optoma has launched the world's largest HD2+ DLP™ TV - the ThemeScene RD-65 (65-in screen) and the RD-50 (50-in screen). Implementing the latest technology, both claim to deliver outstanding picture quality, with vibrant, well-balanced natural colour and strong detail.

Style has been a focus point in the development of the products, the RD-65 characterised by being extremely slim with high-gloss jet black piano finish resulting in an attractive piece of furniture designed to complement most stylish décor.

ThemeScene RD-50

Featuring 1280x720 high-definition resolution HDTV ready, the image quality is radically enhanced through the use of the new HD2+ chip, resulting in an exemplary 3000:1 contrast ratio. Texas Instruments' Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) chip achieves both higher brightness and deeper black levels by 'filling in' the area where the Digital Micromirror Device connects to its hinge - the so-called 'dimple fix'.

Both products have a non-reflective screen that allows one of the widest viewing angles of any television on the market. Discrete IR commands mean one-button control of viewers' entire home theatres - from lighting to AV component selection to television settings. Whereas most televisions would make this array of advanced features a source of confusion and distraction for viewers, ThemeScene has made its array of advanced features primarily simple for users by creating separate memories for each input and signal type. Viewers need only adjust RD-series televisions once for each signal type and source.

Both models offer a broad range of inputs to DVD, STB, Satellite, Analogue and games console etc via three SCART sockets, DVI-HDCP, and two component sockets, as well as composite and S-video.

Features:
DVI-HDCP connector ensuring connectivity with HDMI and DVI digital devices
Extremely bright picture. RD-50: 500 nits. RD-65: 450 nits.
3000:1 contrast ratio for more visual punch and shadow detail
High definition 1280 x 720 (native 720p) resolutions
Non-reflective, fine-grade, 0.15 mm screen-pitch display with extremely wide viewing angle
Precision Pixel Matching technology with 1:1 scans conversion
Strong image processing utilizing Faroudja DCDi deinterlacer and Oplus Scaler
Unique manually adjustable colour gamma fine tuning
Lightweight and trim design. RD50: 41Kg, 38cm deep. RD-65: 107Kg, 56cm deep
Twin tuners for Picture-in-Picture viewing
2-Year on-site warranty
Price: ThemeScene RD-65 £3,995, RD-50 £1,995

For more info on ThemeScene, go to www.themescene.tv.

For more info on Optoma, go to www.optomaeurope.com.

What do you think of Optoma's new TVs? Start a discussion by clicking the button below, or tell us about your own Optoma products in our reviews section.

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Discuss this article, 1 of 13 messages, read more:

John de Freitas

Posted: 29/12/04 11:59:56 56

I have had an RD65 for a few weeks now, after viewing the set at Optoma offices in Watford and at the AV show in Hammersmith, I was very impressed with the finish of the case, the overall size and quality of the picture.

However I'm afraid to say that although the pictures via a PAL source are indeed good, the set is not NTSC compatible. The picture jerks slightly when feed a NTSC source (Region 1 DVD). I have tried the RD65 with 3 different DVD players, through all manor of different inputs and settings with no change.

So I then decided to contact Optoma about this problem which at the time they say they were not aware of. Their advertising at the time had NTSC compatible on the net and Boucher.

They have since changed their advertising ...