Optoma launches £1500 portable 4K projector with Alexa voice control

Having launched several 4K HDR home cinema projectors (two of which are 2018 Award winners, no less), Optoma has now produced a more affordable portable option.

The UHL55’s ambitions surpass simple projection duties. It marries 4K and HDR playback (via its two HDMI 2.0 and single USB) with support for Alexa voice control (via an Amazon Echo device) and music streaming over Bluetooth. Apps such as Netflix, YouTube and Spotify can be directly accessed via the built-in App store, and wi-fi provides internet access and over-the-air firmware updates.

The UHL55 utilises the latest LED technology, which Optoma says can deliver 118 per cent of the Rec.709 colour spectrum and is capable of a perceived brightness twice that of an ‘equivalent’ lamp-based projector. It also supposedly has a light source lifetime of up to 30,000 hours.

The UHL55 has been designed to be easily moved around, while auto focus and auto keystone controls aim to keep set-up quick and simple.

Its built-in stereo speakers are capable of decoding Dolby 5.1, although Bluetooth functionality also means external speakers or headphones can be wirelessly connected. 

Alexa allows you to, for example, turn the projector on or off, adjust volume, or switch inputs - although this is only do-able by interacting via an Amazon Echo device. At launch, the feature will only be available in the UK, US and Germany.

The Optoma UHL55 will be available soon for £1,500.

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Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10+ years in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices. In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.