Optoma HD37 Projector Review - Hardware Tour

As we tend to do, we'll start at with the front of the HD37 projector.  The lens is mounted off center - to the right if you are facing the projector.   The lens controls other than focus are on the projector's top.  A large exhaust vent is found to the left.  Like all the Optoma's in this style case, it does leak a lot of light.  .  If you have white walls, you will likely see some of that light hitting the wall forward and to the right of the projector.  It's not a huge amount, but it is enough to wonder why Optoma can't do a bit better. Also on the front is a small round IR (infra-red) sensor for the remote control.

Underneath the center of the front is a single foot.  It is screw thread adjustable in height.  Matching that foot are two rear feet, also screw thread adjustable.  Having just 3 feet is a plus, as that assures a stable three point stance, no wobbling.  Those of you who will be ceiling mounting their HD37 projectors won't be using the feet.

The top of the Optoma has two of the lens controls right behind the lens on the front.    Also found on the top is the control panel, and indicator lights.  There's a lamp door on the top as well, for replacing the lamp every few thousand hours.  To open the door, the screw holding it on is located on that side. The HD37 projector's inputs and other connectors are all located on the back.

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To adjust the focus of the lens, simply rotate the ring around the lens itself.  The rest of the lens controls are on the top. The zoom control for the 1.5:1 manual zoom lens, is recessed right behind the lens itself, (but on the top).  Rotate to zoom.  If you look closely at this image of that area, note there is about half of a small horizontal wheel  coming out of the back of that area.  That, folks, is the lens shift control.  Rotating that dial (depending on the direction you rotate it) will either raise or lower the projected image compared to the projector.  That covers the lens, except for the lens throw and offset, covered on the next page.

The control panel is pretty standard.  Nine buttons and three indicator lights.  The indicator lights are for Temp, Lamp, and Power. The control panel has its menu button in the top left.  Top right has the Source select button.  The lower left is the Power Button, and the lower right button, which is labeled re-sync, is for exactly that - re-syncing on an analog computer source, if there's too much noise or other artifacts. That leaves the four arrow keys in a diamond configuration.  The Enter button sits right in the center of them.