OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Projectors Methodology v3.0
Projectors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Projectors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Projectors Methodology v3.0

Optoma ZU506T review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,790Native panel resolution:1920x1200ANSI lumens:5000Throw ratio:1.4-2.24:1Lamp life:20000 hours

Optoma ZU506T Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 2 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Optoma ZU506T
7.2/10

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 56% of models
Score components

35%

7.1

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

7.1

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–²Better than 56% of projectors
5.4

Value for money

Value for money
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

1.1

Price

â–¼Worse than 94%
7.1

Technical score

Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

42%

8.4

Image Quality

22%

5.8

Projection & Lens

12%

6.4

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.6

Connectivity

6%

6.9

Design & Power

â–²Better than 75%
7.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models

7.1

Mark 8.0 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

6.1

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 58%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • optoma-zu506t-w
optoma-zu506t-w
Where to buy
    N/A~ £1,790
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of projector Optoma ZU506T

Technical score
Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components:

42%

8.4

Image Quality

22%

5.8

Projection & Lens

12%

6.4

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.6

Connectivity

6%

6.9

Design & Power

7.1
Reviews score
7.1
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components:

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

1.1

Price

5.4
ANSI lumens
5,000
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 5,000 ANSI lumens, brighter than 92.9% of projectors and equal to 2.5% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
300,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 300000:1, higher than 80.3% of projectors and equal to 1.4% of projectors.
Dynamic contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
1920x1200
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1200, higher than 86.3% of projectors and equal to 2.8% of projectors.
Output resolution
1920x1200
This projector supports output resolution up to 1920x1200, higher than 68.3% of projectors and equal to 2.8% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
1.4-2.24:1
Min throw distance
1 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1 m, shorter than 50.1% of projectors and equal to 10% of projectors.
Max projection size
332 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 332 inch, larger than 95.4% of projectors and equal to 0.5% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
1.6
Market range: <1.1 – >2.06
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.6, wider than 61.5% of projectors and equal to 17% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Input lag
49 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 49 ms, higher than 77.2% of projectors and equal to 0.2% of projectors.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not switch to low-latency mode automatically. 16.1% of projectors offer this.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support variable refresh rate. 1.8% of projectors offer this.
HDMI version
2
This projector supports HDMI 2, more modern than 46.1% of projectors and equal to 35.9% of projectors.
Different HDMI ports use 2 and 1.4.
Max HDMI bandwidth
18 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, higher than 48.9% of projectors and equal to 39.7% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.9% of projectors and equal to 47.3% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Light source type
laser
This projector uses laser light source technology, more advanced than 75.4% of projectors and equal to 24.6% of projectors.
Laser phosphor.
Laser light source
yes
This projector has a laser light source. 73.3% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
20,000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 20,000 hours, shorter than 35.2% of projectors and equal to 25.8% of projectors.
Eco mode rating.
Lamp life (eco mode)
30,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 30,000 hours, shorter than 64% of projectors and equal to 31.9% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
341 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 341 W of power, more than 83.2% of projectors and equal to 0.1% of projectors.
Maximum power-on rating.
Show more

Optoma ZU506T vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 2.27x brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (5,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    5,000 vs 2,200
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (300000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    300,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • High native resolution
    This projector has a higher native panel resolution than the average projector (1920x1200 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1920x1200 vs 1920x1080
  • 82 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (332 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    332 inch vs 250 inch
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (1920x1200 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1920x1200 vs 1920x1080
  • Supports pixel shifting
    This projector supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 26.6% of projectors support pixel shifting.
  • 0.2 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.7 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.67 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 2 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    2 vs 0
  • 2.27x brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (5,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    5,000 vs 2,200
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (300000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    300,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • High native resolution
    This projector has a higher native panel resolution than the average projector (1920x1200 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1920x1200 vs 1920x1080
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (1920x1200 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1920x1200 vs 1920x1080
  • Supports pixel shifting
    This projector supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 26.6% of projectors support pixel shifting.
  • 0.2 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.7 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.67 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 82 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (332 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    332 inch vs 250 inch
  • 0.3 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (1.6 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.6 vs 1.3
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    Via HDBaseT.
    1 vs 0
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 2 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    2 vs 0
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • 2x stronger audio output
    This projector has a higher audio output power than the average projector (20 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    20 W vs 10 W
  • Laser light source
    This projector has a laser light source, while the average projector does not. 26.7% of projectors have one.
  • 10,000 hours longer eco lamp life
    This projector has a higher lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    Eco mode rating.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 56 % less vertical lens shift
    This projector has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (8 % vs 64 %). The average projector has 64 % vertical lens shift.
    8 % vs 64 %
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 22 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (49 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    49 ms vs 27 ms
  • 5 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (36 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    36 dB vs 31 dB
  • 29.4% worse value for money
    Optoma ZU506T has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.37 vs 6.9).
    5.37 vs 6.95
  • 111 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (341 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    Maximum power-on rating.
    341 W vs 230 W
  • 29.4% worse value for money
    Optoma ZU506T has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.37 vs 6.9).
    5.37 vs 6.95
  • 2.71x more expensive
    Optoma ZU506T is more expensive than the average projector (£1,790 vs £660).
    £1,790 vs £660
  • 4.1% lower review score
    Reviews score
    7.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models

    7.1

    Mark 8.0 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    6.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    7.1 vs 7.4
  • 2 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2019 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    February 2019
    2019 vs 2021
  • 56 % less vertical lens shift
    This projector has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (8 % vs 64 %). The average projector has 64 % vertical lens shift.
    8 % vs 64 %
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 22 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (49 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    49 ms vs 27 ms
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • 5 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (36 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    36 dB vs 31 dB
  • 2 dB louder eco mode
    This projector has a higher audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (30 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    30 dB vs 28 dB
  • 111 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (341 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    Maximum power-on rating.
    341 W vs 230 W
  • 84.6% heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (5.5 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    5.5 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 77 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (374 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    374 mm vs 297 mm

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
10/12/2019
Overview review · Installation projector
Verdict
The Optoma ZU506T-W is a bright, 5,000-lumen installation projector for classrooms and conference rooms, with a long-life laser light source.
8.0
projectorcentral.com
≈ estimated
14/08/2019
Road test · Classroom laser projector
Verdict
The Optoma ZU506T is a bright, long-life laser projector for classrooms and worship spaces, though its brightest mode has a green tint.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Optoma ZU506T

  • High brightness (5,000 lumens) suitable for ambient light conditions
  • Long-lasting laser phosphor light source (up to 30,000 hours in Eco mode)
  • Extensive connectivity options including HDBaseT and HDMI 2.0
  • Flexible installation with 1.6x zoom and vertical lens shift
  • Compact and lightweight for its brightness class
  • Generous built-in 10W stereo speakers
  • Supports 4K HDR input and 3D content

What customers don't like about Optoma ZU506T

  • Limited vertical lens shift range (only 8-10%)
  • Color saturation and performance are geared more toward business/education than home cinema
  • Black levels and contrast are not as deep as dedicated home theater models
  • Built-in media player can be restrictive or laggy with large 4K files
  • Fan noise can be intrusive in smaller rooms, especially in high altitude or bright modes
  • Requires manual adjustment to exit 3D mode once a 2D signal returns

Verdict

The Optoma ZU506T-W is a high-brightness professional laser projector featuring a native WUXGA (1920x1200) resolution and 5,000 ANSI lumens, making it ideal for large venues and bright environments. Key characteristics include a long-lasting DuraCore laser light source rated for up to 30,000 hours in eco mode, 4K/HDR input compatibility, and an IP5X-certified dust-resistant optical engine. Its primary advantages are its installation flexibility, provided by a 1.6x manual zoom, vertical lens shift (+8%), 360-degree orientation, and integrated HDBaseT connectivity for single-cable video and control transmission. Notable pros include excellent reliability for 24/7 operation and built-in 10W stereo speakers; however, potential cons include the lack of motorized focus or zoom and a visible 'rainbow effect' characteristic of single-chip DLP technology during some video content.

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