Optoma PK301

Third product in the Optoma mini-projector range, the PK301 is a small device designed for the business world and family both. The manufacturer calls it "a business tool for the family" and though pocket-sized has announced the image at over 3 metres.

Hardware and handling: very compact and a little noisy in standard mode

The photo may give you the impression that it's normal-sized, but you can hold it easily in your hand. The manufacturer has nevertheless managed to cram in quite a few components. Connectivity is good with a Universal port (on which you can plug a VGA adaptor), a mini HDMI, an AV in (audio/video), an audio out (mini jack) and a micro USB.

The projector includes a speaker (the sound for which can also transit via the HDMI socket) and a battery with battery life announced at 1h30 (in eco mode). A micro SD socket gives you the option of increasing the limited internal memory capacity. It can take cards of up to 32 GB (you'll need to budget in the region of £85 for this). You can also play content from a USB key if you buy the appropriate adaptor for the micro USB socket.

The PK301 comes with a small remote (not backlit) and functions at noise levels of 30 dB in cinema mode (a little noisy) and drops to 22 dB in eco mode though there is a very noticeable reduction in brightness.

Forget lens-shift and zoom, these features are not part of the set-up here, which is understandable given the size of the machine.

Image quality: variable blacks and surprising image


The black level is very variable depending on the size and area displayed. Depth is good for small areas. We measured it at 0.30 cd/m². However, if the black area extends to the whole image (fade to black for example), it quickly becomes very washed out and tends towards grey.

Video noise is fine and well handled across the colours. Though with blacks, a little less so. Ideally there would be brightness setting to adjust this but unfortunately there isn't (as opposed to the brightness of the lamp itself). Fortunately, this noise in the blacks tends to become less noticeable as you distance yourself from the wall.

Bright areas are a little bit problematic for this projector. To maximise visibility of the images, Optoma has pushed the gamma upwards. When you request a grey of an intensity of 50, you actually get something much clearer in the displayed image, a grey of 74. This tends to erase detail in the brightest areas of the image.

Image sharpness: image sharpness isn't the strongest point on mini-projectors. To such an extent in fact that the image always seemed blurry here in spite of our attempts to get it more focussed. Given this, whether or not upscaling is any good doesn't really matter as the results will in any case be a bit blurry.

Picture smoothness and 3D: neither one nor the other.

Rainbow effects: unfortunately LED projectors are subject to these effects. Those sensitive to them will continue to notice them. The good news is that they have however been greatly reduced.

Image visibility: in the dark, visibility is fine up to 3m. In a bright room, dark images will be almost invisible. Colour images even more so. Best, in these circumstances, to reduce the projection area and get closer to the wall.

Plus points:

To maximise compatibility of your video files with this device, Optoma has added the ArcSoft conversion software to its product. For a complete list of compatible file formats, consult the product manual available on the Optoma site (download section). Optoma also has accessories on offer. An optional High Capacity rechargeable battery, the XP8000 (to prolong battery life to 5h in eco mode), an iPhone and iPod adaptor (Dexim) and several connector cables.