Lower Cost 4K HDR Projector with Deep, Rich Blacks, and up to 80% of BT2020
TVS Pro, a family owned corporation, today announced the Theo-Z65 Lite1 4K laser projector with wide color gamut, dynamic HDR, deep rich blacks – all at a more affordable price. Building on the success of the Theo-Z65 laser projector, the new lower cost version allows more viewers the opportunity to experience the performance, stability, and reliability of a laser-based 4K UHD projector.
Utilizing a custom engineered PureChrome©* ultra-efficient cinema filter and optical modifications to the highly successful Optoma UHZ65, the Theo-Z65 Lite1 is able to achieve up to 80% of the elusive, but dramatic, BT2020 HDR wide color gamut (compared to 60% for most lamp-based projectors). Unlike other 4K projectors with conventional cinema filters, the PureChrome©* Cinema filter used in the modified UHZ65 is able to produce up to 2,200 lumens and wide color gamut simultaneously due to the high efficiency of this new filter design. In addition, the modification includes improvements to low-level blacks and overall black levels for a richer, more dramatic cinema experience, especially when coupled with the wide color gamut found in 4K HDR content.
The Theo-Z65 Lite1 is configured with settings for REC709, DCI P3, and BT2020 thus enabling optimized playback for off-air broadcasts, HD Blu-rays and 4K UHD Blu-ray discs. The cost savings are the result of less labor-intensive calibrations and better utilization of the original manufacturer settings. The result is a projector which features 4 tested and configured modes for the most-often used sources (as compared to 12 on the original Theo-Z65). The original Theo-Z65 will continue to be available on a custom made-to-order basis. The 4 configured and tested modes include Reference at 1080p, Cinema at 1080i & 1080p, and 4K HDR at 2160p. All other modes will still work but with the manufacturer’s original settings.
The laser phosphor light source used in the Theo-Z65 Lite1 is the key to its unique performance. Unlike traditional lamp-based projectors (which can lose up to 30% of their light output and can change color balance in just a few hundred hours of use), the ultra-stable laser light engine in the UHZ65 maintains most of its light output and color balance over long periods of time and is usable up to 30,000 hours of use. There are also no filters or lamps to change or replace – so the projector is virtually maintenance free. This laser light source, coupled with the PureChome* cinema filter, allows the projector to achieve a wider color gamut – especially in the greens, cyans, and blues – than lamp-based projectors that use traditional cinema filters.
Utilizing HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2, the Theo-Z65 Lite1 is also able to support a full 18Gbps input for the ultimate in video bandwidth, image quality, and device compatibility. The included Pure Motion©** technology provides dramatically improved motion for live TV, sports, and live gaming in both 4K and HD sources. For those who desire the use of a 2.40:1 native aspect screen, to avoid the black areas above and below the image, the projector includes the capability for use with or without an anamorphic lens to achieve this capability. 3D from HD 3D Blu-ray discs are now supported with optional glasses.
The Theo-Z65 Lite1 will be available starting in late September at a special pre-order price of $4,699 until September 30th, 2019. It will also be available as a “retro-modification” to existing UHZ65 projectors as follows:
- Retro Lite modification for UHZ65 projectors purchased from TVS Pro $699
- Retro Lite modification for UHZ65 not purchased from TVS Pro $899
Prices after September 30th, 2019, will change to $4,8992 for the new Theo-Z65 Lite1 and $1,0992 for the Retro Lite modification upgrades if the original was not purchased from TVS Pro and $8992 for Retro modification upgrades if purchased from TVS Pro. The projector includes the original 3 year warranty through TV Specialists Inc. and in cooperation with Optoma USA.
*PureChrome © TVS Pro 2018
**PureMotion © Optoma 2017
1In compliance with Optoma, the models for the Upgraded UHZ65 are now called THEO-Z65 and Theo-Z65 Lite.
2Prices subject to change due to Optoma pricing increases and/or tariff increases.
Since the press release, it has become apparent to us that the differences between the regular Theo-Z65 and the Theo-Z65 Lite are unclear. Here’s some clarification:
Quick Version: The Theo-Z65 Lite is 200 lumens less in brightness, is calibrated to 4 settings instead of 12, costs less, and takes less time to calibrate and ship out.
We’ve made a video to help explain: