Optoma ZH450ST Review — 4200-Lumen Short-Throw Laser Projector
The Optoma ZH450ST short-throw projector is a 4,200-lumen laser model designed for business, classrooms, and golf simulator use. In this review, we highlight real-world brightness with lights on, lens placement flexibility, and setup tips. We also compare how it outperforms lamp-based projectors while pointing out a few trade-offs buyers should consider.
Priced at $1,999, the Optoma ZH450ST delivers Full HD 1080p resolution (1920×1080) with screen sizes up to 292 inches diagonal. It achieves a contrast ratio of up to 300,000:1, ensuring deeper blacks and vivid colors even in rooms with ambient light. Supporting the standard 16:9 aspect ratio and HDR content, this projector adapts easily to professional and educational scenarios.
Connectivity is strong with three HDMI ports that handle 4K input signals at 60 fps. Its DuraCore laser diode light source is rated for up to 30,000 hours in ECO mode, minimizing maintenance costs compared to traditional lamp projectors.
The Optoma Management Suite (OMS), included with the ZH450ST, offers advanced control and monitoring through PJLink software, making it compatible with projectors, flat panels, and even LED displays from multiple brands.
Thanks to its short-throw lens, the ZH450ST can project a large image just a few feet from the wall, making it a strong choice for meeting rooms, classrooms, conference spaces, and golf simulators.
Let’s take a closer look at how the Optoma ZH450ST performs in real-world use.
Optoma ZH450ST Specifications
Price: $1,999 (suggested retail price)
Technology: DLP (0.65-inch DMD), no lens shift
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Brightness (manufacturer’s claim): 3,500 ANSI lumens (2,600 peak lumens)
Light Source: DuraCore blue laser phosphor
Contrast Ratio: 300,000:1 (static), 2,000,000:1 (dynamic)
Zoom Lens: Fixed
Lens Shift: None
Light Source Life: 30,000 hours
Sound System: Single speaker
HDR Support: HDR10, HLG
Warranty: 1 year parts and labor, 90 days on the light source
概述
The Optoma ZH450ST uses a larger Texas Instruments DLP chip paired with a blue phosphor laser light source for improved image stability and brightness.
As one of the leading DLP projector brands in the U.S., Optoma is also a top global manufacturer of 4K projectors. Its professional models are widely used in schools, businesses, museums, churches, and golf simulators, making the ZH450ST a reliable choice for both education and enterprise installations.
Although the ZH450ST is not the most affordable 1080p projector in the sports and business projector category, it provides unique advantages. In fact, while some 4K laser projectors are available at a similar price point, the ZH450ST’s strength lies in its durability, long-lasting laser engine, and flexibility for professional users.
The Optoma ZH450ST DuraCore laser projector is built for longevity, with a light source rated for up to 30,000 hours of use. Thanks to the sealed optical engine design, it requires almost no maintenance, which significantly reduces the total cost of ownership for businesses and schools.
Unlike traditional lamp-based projectors, the DuraCore laser powers on instantly and reaches full brightness without warm-up time.
Technically, the ZH450ST uses a blue laser with a phosphor wheel: the blue laser beam hits a spinning yellow phosphor wheel, which emits bright yellow light. This light is then split into the primary colors via a color wheel, producing the vivid images projected on screen.
With its 4,200 lumens brightness and an impressive 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, the Optoma ZH450ST performs reliably even in rooms with moderate ambient light. It delivers bright and colorful visuals for meetings, classrooms, or golf simulator setups, although avoiding direct sunlight on the screen ensures the best performance.
The ZH450ST uses a 0.65-inch Texas Instruments DLP chip with native Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and no pixel shifting. Without pixel shifting, the image is sharper, more consistent, with faster response and less motion blur—great for fast-moving content. The larger chip gives smoother gray shades, deeper contrast, and vibrant colors thanks to precise light control. Since it doesn’t need a complex pixel shifting system, the projector is simpler, more efficient, and more durable, offering longer life and reliable high-quality performance.
Its sealed light engine has an IP6X dustproof rating, making it fully protected against dust. This makes it tough enough for harsh environments like mining, construction, or industrial sites, but it’s also perfect for classrooms, meeting rooms, or simulators. For companies or rental businesses with many projectors, this dust resistance means fewer costly repairs or failures caused by dust exposure. The DuraCore laser light source is rated to last up to 30,000 hours, even if running 24/7.
The ZH450ST is designed for professional use and offers 360-degree positioning, +/- 30-degree horizontal and vertical keystone correction, digital zoom, and image shift. It can receive up to Cinema 4K (4096 x 2160p @ 60 Hz) video signals but displays them in 1080p. It fully supports 3D and HDR content, including HDR10 and HLG.
This projector has a short-throw lens, which adds great value. Short-throw projectors are ideal for meeting rooms or classrooms because they can project a large image from a short distance—perfect for smaller spaces like conference rooms, classrooms, and retail stores. They’re also great for golf simulators, helping create an immersive, realistic golf experience.
Since the projector sits close to the screen, there’s less chance of someone walking in front of the light and casting distracting shadows during presentations or simulations.
The ZH450ST can project a screen size up to 292 inches diagonally.
Optoma’s OMS (Optoma Management Suite) is built into the projector, offering a single platform to monitor, diagnose, and control AV displays over wired or wireless networks. OMS is the first system compatible with multiple display types, including projectors, interactive flat panels, and LED screens. This makes it easy to add into existing setups while providing different access levels for secure device management.
OMS is a great tool for IT admins and technicians. It allows real-time monitoring to spot and fix issues before they cause failures. Users can also broadcast alerts and messages on displays, schedule device use, save energy, and reduce costs.
Besides OMS, the ZH450ST supports control protocols like AMX, Crestron, EXTRON, PJ Link, and RS232.
The ZH450ST includes Optoma’s Color Management System (CMS), which ensures accurate colors for different viewing environments. You can fine-tune colors including red, green, blue, cyan, yellow, magenta, and white levels. There’s even a preset for “wall color adjustment,” useful when projecting on walls instead of screens.
The Optoma ZH series has six models with different features like resolution, lens type, and software tools. But all have similar size and brightness levels.
Key specs of ZH450ST:
4200 lumens brightness (manufacturer rated)
MSRP $1,999
Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080)
Supports input up to Cinema 4K
Large 0.65-inch DLP chip
Comes with OMS license
DuraCore blue laser phosphor light source with 30,000 hours life
2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast
Four-corner geometric correction
360-degree installation
HDBaseT support
Color Management System (CMS)
Fully 3D compatible
24/7 operation
Fast power on/off
Compatible with RS232, AMX, Crestron RoomView, and Extron IPLink systems
硬件
机壳
The Optoma ZH450ST is 34% smaller than Optoma’s previous lamp-based models. It measures 10.79” wide, 8.5” deep, and 4.49” high, and weighs 6.1 pounds. The projector comes in Optoma’s classic eggshell white with a smooth finish.
The ZH450ST is one of Optoma’s most compact full HD professional laser projectors. It has plenty of connection options and a sleek, small design. One way Optoma made it smaller was by using an external power supply, which also helps the projector run quieter and stay cooler than older models. Its smaller size and lighter weight make it easy to move between rooms like conference rooms and classrooms.
The ZH450ST is designed with the environment in mind. Its body is made from up to 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, and its packaging is 97% recyclable. The compact design and packaging also allow twice as many units to fit in each shipping container, improving shipping efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
The projector’s 1.0x zoom lens sits on the front left. Cooling vents and air intake/exhaust are located on the sides and back. Status lights are on top and visible from the front. The control panel is on the top rear, with inputs and ports at the back.
Most users will likely operate the ZH450ST using the included remote control or an automated system.
The control panel on the Optoma ZH450ST is simple and easy to use. Above the nine buttons, there are three indicator lights showing the projector’s status: power, lamp, and temperature. The power button is in the top left corner, opposite the info button. The menu button is at the bottom left, and the remote control’s infrared sensor is at the bottom right.
Four buttons are arranged in a plus (+) shape around a central Enter button. These arrow keys (up, down, left, right) have dual functions: the up and down buttons adjust vertical keystone correction, the left arrow opens the source menu, and the right arrow resyncs 3D content.
偏僻的
The ZH450ST comes with a very basic credit card–style remote. All the buttons feel the same since they’re the same shape, and the soft press doesn’t give the usual clicky feedback you’d expect from a standard remote. It seems Optoma didn’t feel the need to include a more premium remote with features like backlit buttons, probably because the projector already comes with a license for their OMS control and management software.
For most businesses and schools, OMS or another control system will likely be the main way to manage the projector. Still, some people will use this projector on its own in meeting rooms, classrooms, or golf simulators. For them, a slightly better backlit remote would be handy.
That said, the remote does include a few useful functions:
Quick-access buttons for inputs, picture presets, and image geometry adjustments.
Remote volume control and mute.
Full menu access to all projector settings.
镜片
The Optoma ZH450ST features a new 1.1x lens with a 7.51 mm focal length. The recommended throw distance is between 15.75 inches and 125 inches, with a throw ratio of 0.496:1. A detailed chart of throw ratios and screen sizes is provided at the end of this section.
The only lens adjustment is manual focus, controlled by a dial on top of the projector. There’s no lens shift or zoom, so to change image size you’ll need to physically move the projector closer or farther from the screen.
The focus adjustment is very sensitive—I found myself making tiny tweaks back and forth because it was easy to overshoot the perfect focus. Overall, the image is a bit softer compared to similar or even lower-priced projectors, which isn’t great for sharpness. Focus uniformity is decent, though you may notice a slight blur in the far corners of the image.
菜单
The ZH450ST uses Optoma’s familiar menu system—simple, well-organized, and easy to navigate for accessing all projector functions.
Performance
For this review, the projector was paired with a Da-Lite Tensioned Designer Contour Electrol screen, 110 inches, 16:9 aspect ratio, with an MSRP of $3,499. The screen features the company’s Ultra White HD Progressive 1.1 surface, designed for resolutions up to 16K. It’s a highly versatile system that can be mounted on a wall or ceiling right out of the box, making installation one of the easiest I’ve seen.
The Tensioned Designer Contour Electrol is ideal for spaces where in-wall installations are difficult. It combines all the benefits of a motorized screen with the flexibility of wireless operation. The built-in motor runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which Da-Lite calls Agility.
This battery-powered design makes the screen perfect for classrooms, conference rooms, lecture halls, homes, and other spaces where running power or control wiring through walls isn’t practical.
色彩还原
The Optoma ZH450ST offers six main color modes—VIVID, CINEMA, GAME, SPORT, REFERENCE, BRIGHT—plus DICOM-SIM and 3D. HDR and HLG modes only appear when HDR content is detected.
In use, the ZH450ST feels more like a home entertainment projector than a typical ultra-bright business model, which is a pleasant surprise. Its preset modes are practical and produce excellent color, especially CINEMA and REFERENCE. Like many Optoma projectors, even cooler modes like VIVID have a warmer image tone with a slight red tint.
Test slides reveal the projector’s strong RGB color performance and its tendency toward warm tones, with skin tones leaning red rather than blue. Colors are vibrant yet controlled, making movies and TV look immersive without appearing over-processed.
For SDR content, CINEMA and REFERENCE deliver the most accurate results. In brighter, uncontrolled lighting, VIVID and BRIGHT work best—though they push the image cooler, with more blue. SPORT mode strikes a nice balance, keeping good color accuracy without looking too cold, which makes it great for small businesses like bars or restaurants that deal with moderate ambient light.
Like other Optoma pro models, the ZH450ST includes tools for trained installers while also offering presets for casual users. Thanks to DLP tech, color and white brightness differ, so users can tweak settings with Texas Instruments’ BrilliantColor to better balance them.
Advanced adjustments like white balance, gamma, and RGB levels are available, but even without a pro installer, simply fine-tuning brightness, contrast, and sharpness can noticeably improve image quality in conference rooms or classrooms.
亮度
Optoma has boosted the ZH450ST’s light output to 4,200 lumens—well above previous models. Thanks to its laser phosphor light source, brightness stays very consistent over time, and Optoma has added extra tech to slow the inevitable long-term brightness drop.
To measure brightness, I set the projector to its Bright preset mode with Normal power—its highest output—and took 3–4 readings about 15–20% out from the screen center.
In its brightest out-of-box setup, the ZH450ST measured 4,296 ANSI lumens—96 lumens above its 4,200-lumen spec.
This compact projector is more than bright enough for use in rooms with lots of uncontrolled ambient light. Impressively, Optoma manages to hit this brightness without heavily sacrificing color or black levels. Yes, the Bright mode shifts toward blue and green, but far less than I’ve seen in other pro projectors.
Brightness by mode (ANSI lumens):
Vivid: 3,228
Bright: 4,296
Cinema: 2,640
Game: 3,039
Sport: 3,064
Reference: 1,286
DICOM-SIM: 3,017
HDR10: 1,570
黑色等级和阴影细节
The Optoma ZH450ST boasts an impressive 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. We didn’t measure it directly, but my testing revealed some clear strengths and weaknesses.
On the plus side, black levels are better than average, with deep, usable blacks and plenty of shadow detail. The trade-off? This strong black performance comes at the cost of some brightness.
Optoma includes a Dynamic Black setting that can be brilliant—or completely unusable—depending on the content. The projector adjusts black levels slowly, which isn’t a big deal for presentations. But in video playback, dark scenes can cause noticeable brightness fluctuations that may be distracting. In some cases, these shifts also affect color balance, making tones change abruptly over a few seconds.
One more quirk: when the projector deepens black levels, brighter parts of the image can become oversaturated. This issue is much more noticeable in video than in slideshows. For example, in a scene from Wonka, turning Dynamic Black on and off changes the picture enough to be clearly visible.
高动态范围
The ZH450ST supports both HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma). Optoma’s HDR color and tone mapping help make HDR content look better than on projectors without these features.
It handles HDR10 and HLG well, improving shadow detail and color accuracy—but brightness takes a noticeable hit. For the most cinematic color and contrast, SDR mode with CINEMA gives excellent results, with film-like color accuracy and shadow detail, without the brightness drop of HDR. In my brightness tests, CINEMA (SDR) hit 2640 ANSI lumens, while HDR10 dropped to 1570 ANSI lumens.
Since HDR content is everywhere—on all major streaming platforms—having HDR10 support means the ZH450ST can play it without compatibility issues. HDR expands color range and boosts highlights and shadow detail, but even the brightest HDR projectors sometimes need extra processing to get the most out of it.
In reality, for most of this projector’s target uses, HDR isn’t a must-have. It’s nice to have for the rare times you need to show HDR-encoded content, but you’ll usually get brighter, better-balanced images sticking to SDR.
文本和演示
As I mentioned earlier in the review, the ZH450ST’s out-of-the-box image is slightly soft. This is especially noticeable when showing small text or simple presentations. At first, I thought it might be because the projector was downscaling my 4K source to 1080p. But when I switched to a native 1920×1080 source, the result was the same.
That said, “soft” doesn’t mean bad or unusable—the image is still pleasant and very functional. If, like me, you prefer a sharper look, you can easily boost the projector’s sharpness setting to bring out more detail.
As you can see from the sample images above, text and graphics are still clear enough to read even from a distance. With its high brightness and ability to project a massive 16:9 image up to nearly 300 inches diagonally, you or your clients can confidently use it in boardrooms or lecture halls without worrying about people in the back struggling to see.
Audio
Since the Optoma ZH450ST is a professional projector, I didn’t expect much in terms of built-in sound—most pro projectors don’t focus on that. It does have a single mono speaker powered by a 15-watt amp. The volume is fine for a classroom or meeting room, but for a lecture hall or large space, you’ll want to hook it up to a PA system or external speakers.
The built-in sound is on the thin side, emphasizing mid and high frequencies, so it lacks depth. Still, the 15-watt amp lets you turn the volume all the way up without distortion or clipping.
Fan noise tops out at 36 dB, but in most modes—like VIVID—it runs quietly at around 29 dB, which is barely noticeable. You might hear the cooling system kick in when using features like Dynamic Black, but it’s not distracting, and if you’re playing audio, you’ll only notice it if you’re sitting close to the projector.
For better sound, you can use the 3.5 mm audio output to connect powered speakers or a sound system. The ZH450ST doesn’t have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi audio, but it does have an RJ45 LAN port for networking.
概括
The Optoma ZH450ST is a high-brightness, short-throw blue laser phosphor projector built for professional use—whether that’s in offices, classrooms, or even as a golf simulator or gaming display.
One of its standout features is its size. Compared to similar projectors, the ZH450ST is small and lightweight—about 34% smaller than Optoma’s older lamp-based models. It measures 10.79 x 8.5 x 4.49 inches and weighs just 6.1 lbs. Optoma achieved this by moving the power supply outside the projector into a DC power module. It also uses up to 45% less power than lamp projectors and lasts up to 30,000 hours without needing a light source replacement.
Sustainability is also part of the design—it’s mercury-free and made with a high percentage of recycled materials. If eco-friendliness matters to you, this projector ticks that box.
Image quality is impressive, with deep blacks and vibrant colors. The picture leans slightly warm but works beautifully for movies, animations, and presentations. With a dynamic contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, dark scenes retain excellent detail. HDR support expands the color range and improves contrast, though it does reduce brightness. Overall, the projector shines brightest (pun intended) in SDR modes like CINEMA and REFERENCE.
The Optoma ZH450ST’s laser light source is a big highlight. Compared to lamp projectors, its DuraCore laser lasts much longer, costs less to maintain, and turns on instantly. In my tests, its brightness even exceeded the rated 4200 ANSI lumens, making it bright enough to handle well-lit rooms in offices and classrooms.
The input and connection panel is simple but covers all the basics needed for classrooms or meeting rooms. From the left, it has two HDMI ports—HDMI 1 supports up to Cinema 4K signals. There’s also a USB Type-A power port for connecting HDMI streaming devices like the new Amazon media player, useful for digital signage and content distribution.
While it doesn’t have Bluetooth or WiFi, it includes a LAN port for network connection through Optoma’s OMS management software. This allows remote control and monitoring of one or multiple projectors, and supports Crestron, AMX, PJLink, and more. It also supports RS-232, AMX, Crestron RoomView, and Extron IPLink control systems.
The ZH450ST is a powerful and versatile projector with excellent image quality and long-lasting performance. Its laser technology, high brightness, and strong feature set make it suitable for many professional uses. Though it has a few minor downsides, its overall strengths more than make up for them.
Pros
• 4,200-lumen laser handles lights-on rooms
• Short-throw placement — big image in tight spaces
• Virtually maintenance-free vs. lamps
• Solid connectivity & control for IT/AV fleets
Cons
• Black level/contrast not home-cinema class
• Fan noise at highest brightness mode
• Built-in speaker is basic — external audio recommended
OPTOMA ZH450ST – 规格
Full Specifications for Optoma ZH450ST
Model: ZH450ST
Price: $1999 (suggested retail)
Display Type: DLP (0.65-inch DMD)
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (native Full HD)
Brightness: 4200 ANSI lumens (manufacturer rating)
Light Source: DuraCore blue laser phosphor
Light Source Life: 30,000 hours
Contrast Ratio: 2,000,000:1 (dynamic)
Lens: Fixed, short-throw
Zoom: No zoom or motorized zoom
Lens Shift: No
Replaceable Lens: No
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 widescreen
HDTV/4K Input: Yes
DVI or HDMI: HDMI supported
3D Support: Yes, including Blu-ray 3D
Speaker: 15-watt mono speaker
Noise Level: 29 to 36 decibels
Low Latency Gaming: No
Smart Features: No
Suitable For: Business, classrooms, portable use
Special Features: 4200 lumens brightness, short throw, Optoma OMS network management
Internet Connectivity: None
Dimensions (W x D x H): 10.79″ x 8.5″ x 4.49″
Weight: 6.1 pounds
Warranty: 1 year on projector parts and labor; 90 days on light source; light source warranty up to 20,000 hours or 1 year
FAQ：
Q1. Is the Optoma ZH450ST bright enough with lights on?
A. Yes. In its brighter modes the 4,200-lumen laser holds up well in classrooms and meeting rooms. You’ll still want a matte screen and reasonable ambient-light control for best color.Q2. What screen size and distance work best?
A. As a short-throw model, it produces a large image from a short distance. Check the throw-ratio in the spec and your room depth; a 100-inch image from relatively close range is typical for this class.Q3. Is it good for golf simulators?
A. Yes. Short-throw placement keeps shadows off the hitting area, and laser light means stable brightness over time.Q4. Does it need much maintenance?
A. Compared to lamp projectors, laser models like the ZH450ST are largely maintenance-free—no lamp replacements and minimal downtime.