This post was most recently updated on May 16th, 2019
First, the model name of the Optoma GT1080-Darbee tells you 2 very important things. This projector has Full HD capabilities with a native resolution of 1920 x 1080p , as well as being able to emit 3000 lumens of brightness. The black levels of the images projected have a ratio of 28,000:1. In simpler terms that just means the pictures will generally have a noticeable contrast. It is contrast that often makes an image appear to jump out at you , and adds depth and field of the scenery images. This is probably one of the main reasons gamers are jumping all over this projector.
A quick review of the Optoma GT1080 Darbee We’ve decided to review this particular projector because gamers are really serious about good visuals and virtual reality. Optoma projectors are one of our most trusted brands. While we certainly use them more for professional and commercial use, you can count on them to perform at home. The quality is built into the Optoma brand.
Now we have reviewed the Epson Home Cinema 5040UB where the contrast goes ultra high at 1,000,000:1 The Optoma GT1080-Darbee is certainly not on that level, but check the prices of both projectors, and you’ll quickly notice that the GT1080-Darbee is giving you really good contrast and picture quality for a significantly lower price. It’s almost not a fair comparison.
Moving along to the GT1080-Darbee’s other significant feature is the implementation of Darbee technology. Gaming is all about action and realism. Darbee technology involves using enhanced processing power to give the image greater detail and fidelity. As HD is to the sharp high definition, Darbee role in bringing you high-quality graphics is about delivering the sharpness and quality with speed and processing power. Any gamer will tell you that great graphics are important, but just as important is the speed at those graphics are delivered to bring true realism to game playing.
The other important feature that Darbee technology gives this projector is energy efficiency. Even with the processing power involved, the GT1080-Darbee doesn’t draw any more power than most projectors and while the lamp and lumen levels are above average, the GT1080-Darbee is expected to have 8000 hours of lamp usage. This is quite a long time before the lamp needs replacement, but Optoma sells the lamp/part and it’s something you’d be able to replace when the picture over a long period of use begins to diminish.
GT1080-Darbee – One of the best Short Throw Projectors.
As you might expect, many gamers love short throw projectors. It allows them to be closer to the action even on a very large screen. Most of the short throw projectors we’ve used haven’t been that intrusive and cumbersome to have in front of a screen. As we’ve mentioned in other reviews, the short throw projector just comes in very handy in very tight spaces. Maybe it’s a small dorm room, or an efficiency studio, even with the space constraints you can blow up your favorite video game just as if you were in a large spacious home theatre. This is the ideal setting for not only a great short throw projector but a small, portable lightweight unit that will be able to adapt to the constraints that are put on it.
3D Projector
The GT1080-Darbee can do 3D as well, but unlike the top of the line projectors, a fraction of the price. Be sure, to have some 3D glasses though, since that’s not included. Also, an extra 3d-rf emitter may be needed. So when purchasing 3D glasses be sure to check the 3d-rf Optoma Tech support gladly will help you out with this detail.
Some of the things the GT1080-Darbee Doesn’t Do
The GT1080-Darbee doesn’t have built-in Wifi that will stream your movies, like Roku or Netflix.You could certainly hook up a computer and device to the GT1080-Darbee that does have that capability and project, but natively the GT1080-Darbee doesn’t have that built in. There’s a USB slot in the back of the GT1080-Darbee, if you use an Amazon Firestick, that option is available and you can use the Netflix app on Firestick, watch youtube and Amazon Prime movies that way. If there are issues with the picture quality when using Firestick, you may have to check the mode. The wonderful thing about this product is that technical support will gladly give you advice
Outdoor Movies and Usage
We’ve used many Optoma projector models outdoors, for gaming, sporting events hooked up to cable and satellite dishes, or just DVD and blue ray movies. This particular projector can be used outdoors for most types of situations but a little extra care has to be taken care since it’s primary design wasn’t really meant for being used outdoors. Moisture can typically build up late during the evenings, certainly a light shower or a big splash near a pool could be problematic. Just know that this projector’s strengths are for being indoors in a particular environment. Just to be on the safe side, I’d keep it protected from the elements. Never cover the cooling fan when it’s in use. .
Optoma GT1080 Darbee Wrap
Fast, portable, sharp, versatile, for a mid-range priced projector with a quality brand name, the Optoma GT1080 Darbee will be just what the gamer is looking for. There’s no sacrifice in speed and lower quality graphics as with lower-priced models and brands. Along with a quality sound system setup, you’ll want what all gamers want when they get behind the controller, you become part of a larger than life, realistic virtual world!! Check out the Optoma GT1080 Darbee today!