The unofficial Full HD (1080p) version of Optoma’s HD Ready HD720X is the HD800X.   Like its 720p equivalent, the HD800X is an aggressively priced product solely reserved for distribution on the internet.  Normally it should not be available in "real" stores.  Very close to the HD80 in appearance, it nonetheless has an announced contrast ratio cut in half at 5000:1.

At first glance, it’s impossible to distinguish the HD80 from the HD800X.  The body and remote control (by the way, very complete) are strictly identical.  The only exception is the presence of a Full HD logo found on the right of the projector.  On the back, we have the same perfect assortment of connections with two HDMI, a DVI and a component (YUV).  On the other hand, for the lens-shift and zoom the end result is not as good.  The first is quite simply nonexistent and the second only allows a maximum diagonal of 1.84m from a distance of 3 meters.  This is 50 cm below the average.  Finally, noise is unfortunately at the same level as its sibling at 30.5 dB in economy and 35 dB in AI mode.  It’s difficult not to ignore it and we therefore have the same recommendation as for the HD80:  place it in the back of the room to benefit from a maximum projection size and to reduce the noise.

Strictly identical ergonomics.  What about image quality?

The difference between this Full HD model and the HD720X isn’t only in terms of a better controlled rainbow effect.  We also noticed that the image was significantly clearer and sharper.  This is particularly evident if you compare 720p images side by side (not even the native resolution of the HD800X!), which is something we were fortunately able to do as we had the two projectors on hand at the same time.  Compared to its Full HD rivals, the HD800X does rather well and positions itself between the PT-AE2000 and HC4900.

Finally, the HD800X’s colors were less impressive.  Of course, this is a question of taste we found rendering too hard.  Images were very contrasted and colors are pushed to their extremes.  In the end, this results in a very dynamic image where certain colors are off (oranges that are reddish).  On this point, I personally preferred the softer rendering of the HD720X.