Optoma's new laser projectors promise 'cinema-grade colours' in a portable package

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The ML1080 and ML1080ST weigh just 1kg and can run off a USB-C power pack

Projector: Optoma ML1080
(Image credit: Optoma)

While the world is seemingly now awash with portable projectors, few seem to take picture quality quite as seriously as Optoma appears to be with its new ML1080 and ML1080ST models.

As the names suggest, these are 1080p (rather than 4K) projectors, but they pack into their bijou casework RGB triple laser technology that can apparently produce 1200 lumens of brightness and support the BT2020 colour gamut. In fact, Optoma makes the very bold claim that the ML1080 and ML1080ST will offer 'cinema-grade colours'. The HDR10 and HLG formats of HDR are both supported.

The difference between the two models is that the ML1080ST has a short-throw lens that allows it to produce a 100-inch image from just 1.5 metres from a wall.

Projector: Optoma ML1080

(Image credit: Optoma)

While neither projector has built-in batteries, both can be powered by a PD 3.0-grade power pack connected via USB-C and they weigh just 1kg each so certainly fulfil the 'portable' remit.

Other connections include what Optoma refers to as an 'HDMI 2.1' socket but, as we know, any HDMI can now be labelled as 'HDMI 2.1' and Optoma hasn't included any of the gaming features one would usually associate with HDMI 2.1 on the spec lists of either of these new projectors.

Both of these new Optoma projectors are available now, with the ML1080 priced at £1099 / $999 (around AU$2100) and the ML1080ST at £1199 / $1149 (around AU$2275).

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Tom Parsons
Tom Parsons

Tom Parsons has been writing about TV, AV and hi-fi products (not to mention plenty of other 'gadgets' and even cars) for over 15 years. He began his career as What Hi-Fi?'s Staff Writer and is now the TV and AV Editor. In between, he worked as Reviews Editor and then Deputy Editor at Stuff, and over the years has had his work featured in publications such as T3, The Telegraph and Louder. He's also appeared on BBC News, BBC World Service, BBC Radio 4 and Sky Swipe. In his spare time Tom is a runner and gamer.