As the lower-resolution cousin of the Optoma W306ST, the Optoma X306ST shares its physical appearance, ample port selection, 3D readiness, short projection distance, loud audio, and solid data image quality. On the downside, they also share video quality compromised by more rainbow artifacts than is typical in a DLP projector.

The X306ST offers XGA (1,024 by 768) native resolution in a 4:3 aspect ratio. It's rated at 3,200 lumens, bright enough to stand up to considerable ambient light, and a tad short of the WXGA-resolution Optoma W306ST's 3,500 lumens. This white projector is reasonably compact and portable at 3.9 by 11.3 by 9.6 inches and 5.9 pounds, though it lacks a carrying case.

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It has a good selection of ports for an XGA projector, including two VGA-in, which double as component video; monitor-out; serial; a single RCA jack for composite video; 2 audio-in; 1 audio-out; S-video; HDMI; Ethernet, and a USB type B port for remote mouse control. One port that it lacks is USB type A, for running presentations laptop-free from a USB thumb drive.

Image Quality
The X306ST's image filled our test screen from about 32 inches away with an image about 65 inches on a diagonal. The image stood up well when ambient light was introduced.

In data image testing using the DisplayMate suite, the X306ST provided image quality suitable for typical business and classroom presentations. Text was a strong point. Type was blurred at the smallest white-on-black size and sharp at the smallest black-on-white. I noticed some yellow fringing at the borders of bright areas, and white backgrounds tended to look slightly greenish.

I noticed rainbow artifacts in images that tend to bring them out. Although the so-called rainbow effect is a common phenomenon in single-chip DLP projectors, and these artifacts—little red-green-blue flashes, usually in bright areas against dark backgrounds—were more pronounced than is typical, they're less of an issue in data presentations than with video, so even people sensitive to the effect are unlikely to be bothered by it.

Video and Audio
Video quality for the X306ST is sufficient for short clips to accompany a presentation. Rainbow artifacts were more apparent than is typical in video from a DLP projector. The effect is likely to be distracting even to people mildly sensitive to it. I also noticed mild tinting in some scenes.

Audio from the projector's 10-watt speaker was loud enough to be easily heard throughout a small conference room or classroom.

The X306ST is 3D capable, though you'll have to buy enough pairs of active-shutter 3D glasses to cover your intended audience.

In features and performance, the Optoma X306ST is very similar to the Optoma W306ST, which has higher resolution and slightly higher brightness. If your presentations contain lots of intricate detail or small type, it's worth investing in the higher resolution of the W306ST. That said, the X306ST is a very capable projector in its own right.

Its data image quality isn't quite the match of the ViewSonic PJD6383s, a short-throw XGA projector rated at 3,000 lumens, but the ViewSonic's video suffered from a rainbow effect that was even more severe than that of the X306ST. The Editors' Choice ViewSonic PJD6683ws, another 3,000-lumen model, offers higher (WXGA) resolution and excellent data image quality. Its video also suffers from rainbow artifacts.

The Editors' Choice ZIFFARTICLE id="306259">Optoma TW610ST also offers WXGA resolution and superb data image quality. Although the X306ST's image quality couldn't match it in our testing, it should be fine for typical business presentations. If you don't need the higher resolution, you can get a capable projector in the Optoma X306ST while saving a few bucks.