Optoma UHD38x: Specs, Throw Distance & Alternatives
A 4K UHD DLP lamp projector rated by Optoma at 4,000 ANSI lumens and 4.2 ms input lag at 1080p/240. It supports HDR10 and HLG and has two HDMI 2.0 ports, but no smart TV system, no lens shift and only a 1.1x zoom. Optoma publishes no lag figure for 4K/60 on this model.
Is the Optoma UHD38x right for you?
Good for
- High-refresh PC gaming at 1080p/240 (rated 4.2 ms)
- HDR10 and HLG content
- Rooms with some light: 4,000 ANSI lumens rated
- External sound: 3.5 mm and S/PDIF optical audio outputs
What to plan for
- The 4.2 ms rating is for 1080p/240 only: no 4K/60 or 1080p/60 lag figure is published
- 4K comes from DLP pixel shift, not a native 4K chip
- No built-in streaming or wireless: add a streaming stick (the USB-A port supplies 1.5 A of power)
- No lens shift and a 1.1x zoom, so placement has to be planned
- Lamp rated for 4,000 hours in Bright mode (10,000 in Eco, 15,000 in Dynamic)
Based on manufacturer specifications and published reviews (sources below). We don't do hands-on testing.
Optoma UHD38x specs
| Resolution | 4K UHD (3840 × 2160, DLP pixel shift) |
|---|---|
| Brightness | 4,000 ANSI lumens (Optoma rating) |
| Display technology | DLP |
| Light source | Lamp (240 W) |
| Lamp life (Bright mode) | 4,000 hours |
| Contrast ratio | 1,000,000:1 (Optoma rating) |
| Throw ratio | 1.50-1.66:1 |
| Lens shift | None (1.1x manual zoom) |
| Max refresh rate | 240 Hz |
| HDMI ports | 2 (HDMI 2.0) |
| Speakers | 10 W |
| Weight | 8.8 lb |
How far from the screen?
Lens-to-screen distance for a 16:9 image, calculated from its 1.50-1.66:1 throw ratio. The zoom lets you place it anywhere in the range.
| Screen | Closest | Farthest |
|---|---|---|
| 80″ | 8' 9" | 9' 8" |
| 100″ | 10' 11" | 12' 1" |
| 120″ | 13' 1" | 14' 6" |
| 150″ | 16' 4" | 18' 1" |
Optoma UHD38x input lag by mode
| Signal | Input lag |
|---|---|
| 1080p / 240 Hz | 4.2 ms |
Source: Optoma’s published rating (ProjectorCentral lists the same figure); no 4K/60 or 1080p/60 figure is published for this model. Its fastest figure (4.2 ms at 1080p / 240 Hz) is quicker than 77 of the 96 projectors with a lag figure in our input lag database, which lists each model's fastest mode.
Optoma UHD38x alternatives at a similar price
In-stock 4K projectors priced closest to it on Amazon today.
| Model | Price today | Amazon rating | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optoma UHD38x (this one) | $999 | 3.6★ | — |
| ViewSonic PX701-4K UHD 4K Projector with 3200 Lumens | $976 | 4.2★ | Head-to-head |
| JMGO N1S Ultra 4K Triple Laser Projector with WiFi and Bluet | $1,149 | — | — |
| ViewSonic PX749-4K UHD 4K Gaming Projector Designed for Xbox | $1,169 | 3.8★ | — |
| Optoma UHZ36 4K UHD Laser HDR Home Theater Projector - Black | $1,199 | 4.0★ | Head-to-head |
Optoma UHD38x head-to-head comparisons
- BenQ TK700 vs Optoma UHD38x
BenQ TK700 vs Optoma UHD38x — 4K gaming, brightness, and value
- ViewSonic PX701-4K vs Optoma UHD38x
Budget 4K duel: ViewSonic’s value pick vs Optoma’s brightness
- Optoma UHD38x vs Optoma UHZ36
Optoma’s bright 4K lamp classic vs its laser successor
Where it fits
Optoma UHD38x FAQ
- How far from the screen should the Optoma UHD38x be for a 100-inch image?
- Between 10' 11" and 12' 1" from lens to screen, depending on the zoom setting (throw ratio 1.50-1.66:1).
- What is the input lag of the Optoma UHD38x?
- 1080p / 240 Hz: 4.2 ms. Source: Optoma’s published rating (ProjectorCentral lists the same figure); no 4K/60 or 1080p/60 figure is published for this model.
- Is the Optoma UHD38x native 4K?
- No. Its resolution is 4K UHD (3840 × 2160, DLP pixel shift). It builds the 4K image with pixel shifting instead of a native 3840 × 2160 chip or panel.
- Does the Optoma UHD38x have lens shift?
- No. It has no lens shift and a 1.1x manual zoom, so the image position is set by where the projector sits.
Sources
Price, stock and rating come from Amazon and update automatically (last checked Nov 14, 2026, 8:00 PM).
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