Go Back  DVD Talk Forum > DVD Discussions > DVD & Home Theater Gear
Reload this Page >

Time to upgrade the front projector. Help!

DVD & Home Theater Gear Discuss DVD and Home Theater Equipment.

Time to upgrade the front projector. Help!

Old 07-09-06, 08:03 PM
  #26  
DVD Talk Hero
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Home again, Big D
Posts: 35,067
Received 406 Likes on 351 Posts
Originally Posted by Spiky
It's a drop ceiling. The digitals are easy enough. A CRT would be a bit tougher.
Can you really mount a CRT or do you build a box or shelf for it? Everyone I have seen was like in a box that hung down from the ceiling.
Old 07-10-06, 10:33 AM
  #27  
DVD Talk Limited Edition
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 6,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Well, the boxes you've seen are probably hush boxes rather than shelves. The PJs need to be inverted up on the ceiling, so they actually can attach without a box if that works. Most of them appear to not be able to actually sit on their top, so they are probably hanging from the top of the box.

So, on my local HDTV forum, suddenly a guy is offering a BD800. Timing is impressive. Have to see what he wants for it.
Old 07-10-06, 08:21 PM
  #28  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Spiky
Well, the boxes you've seen are probably hush boxes rather than shelves. The PJs need to be inverted up on the ceiling, so they actually can attach without a box if that works. Most of them appear to not be able to actually sit on their top, so they are probably hanging from the top of the box.

So, on my local HDTV forum, suddenly a guy is offering a BD800. Timing is impressive. Have to see what he wants for it.

Make sure the tubes are in good condition. Curt has a wear chart on his site.
Old 07-10-06, 09:30 PM
  #29  
DVD Talk Gold Edition
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
The Panny is good. I've had a Sony HS50 for a over a year now (2 years?) and love it. My understanding is that the Panny 900 and Sony HS50 are comparible.
Old 07-11-06, 11:36 AM
  #30  
DVD Talk Limited Edition
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 6,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The Sony is closer to the Panny AE700. The 900 will beat both of those for black level and contrast. Every year they get better.
Old 07-11-06, 10:54 PM
  #31  
DVD Talk Hero
 
Numanoid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Down in 'The Park'
Posts: 27,881
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Take it from your good buddy Numanoid and get the Panny 900.

I've had mine for two or three months now and it amazes me everytime I look at it. Everyone who's seen it cannot believe their eyes. I'm throwing a 125" image from only 12' away. DVDs played on this sucker really appear to be film quality. It's better than a movie theater in here. And absolutely no sign of screen door effect. All that and I'm merely projecting onto a white wall and haven't even calibrated it yet with Video Essentials. It's that amazing.

I have mine mounted about 5' high on a shelf and the box ends up being only about 18" from my ear, yet I can never tell if it's on or not unless it's throwing light. It's EXTREMELY quiet.

Also, and this was a concern of both yours and mine -- I use my PC on it in widescreen mode (1280x720 resolution) and it looks fantastic. I can't imagine going back to 4:3.

Let me know if you want to know anything else.
Old 07-12-06, 12:41 PM
  #32  
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Didnt want to start a new thread, but just wanted to say i saw the light for projectors recently! A friend of mine had a Infocus 4805 for a while now, but id never checked it out. I stopped by his place yesterday and it looked great. So from there we connected his PC to it, set it to 1920x1080, then i went home and got some HD footage to play on it and took it over there with my Avia disc. After a full calibration, the image on his screen (74" screen) looked absolutely astonishing. I was blown away.

I realise its a 480p projector, but just wow. Seeing pulp fiction in 1080i, i could make out EVERY single detail on SLJs hair and neck. It blew me away so much, that i decided to get one instead of the plasma i was about to buy this week. Im going to get the Optoma H27 from costco since in 1-2 years, 1080p front projections will be under 2500, and id rather jump from 480p->1080p then from 720. The picture is more then amazing to me anyway. I was going to go with a 720p, but the price difference is way to much (H27 + 92" screen is 700 at costco). Id rather save the funds for a 1080p set down the line.
Old 07-13-06, 04:08 PM
  #33  
DVD Talk Gold Edition
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,926
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by Blitz6Speed
Didnt want to start a new thread, but just wanted to say i saw the light for projectors recently! A friend of mine had a Infocus 4805 for a while now, but id never checked it out. I stopped by his place yesterday and it looked great. So from there we connected his PC to it, set it to 1920x1080, then i went home and got some HD footage to play on it and took it over there with my Avia disc. After a full calibration, the image on his screen (74" screen) looked absolutely astonishing. I was blown away.

I realise its a 480p projector, but just wow. Seeing pulp fiction in 1080i, i could make out EVERY single detail on SLJs hair and neck. It blew me away so much, that i decided to get one instead of the plasma i was about to buy this week. Im going to get the Optoma H27 from costco since in 1-2 years, 1080p front projections will be under 2500, and id rather jump from 480p->1080p then from 720. The picture is more then amazing to me anyway. I was going to go with a 720p, but the price difference is way to much (H27 + 92" screen is 700 at costco). Id rather save the funds for a 1080p set down the line.
Post your thoughts on the H27 after you get to play with it a bit.
Old 07-15-06, 02:14 PM
  #34  
DVD Talk God
Thread Starter
 
kvrdave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 86,191
Received 15 Likes on 8 Posts
Originally Posted by Numanoid
Take it from your good buddy Numanoid and get the Panny 900.

I've had mine for two or three months now and it amazes me everytime I look at it. Everyone who's seen it cannot believe their eyes. I'm throwing a 125" image from only 12' away. DVDs played on this sucker really appear to be film quality. It's better than a movie theater in here. And absolutely no sign of screen door effect. All that and I'm merely projecting onto a white wall and haven't even calibrated it yet with Video Essentials. It's that amazing.

I have mine mounted about 5' high on a shelf and the box ends up being only about 18" from my ear, yet I can never tell if it's on or not unless it's throwing light. It's EXTREMELY quiet.

Also, and this was a concern of both yours and mine -- I use my PC on it in widescreen mode (1280x720 resolution) and it looks fantastic. I can't imagine going back to 4:3.

Let me know if you want to know anything else.
Why you bastard. That is just the thing I needed to hear to get me to spend my hard earned money.

Thanks. Now I need to go home and build my new screen.
Old 07-15-06, 05:45 PM
  #35  
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by abintra
Post your thoughts on the H27 after you get to play with it a bit.
Ordered it this morning. So excited! Will definetly put up a post on AVS about it, especially comparing it to the 4805.
Old 07-15-06, 05:55 PM
  #36  
DVD Talk Gold Edition
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,926
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by Blitz6Speed
Ordered it this morning. So excited! Will definetly put up a post on AVS about it, especially comparing it to the 4805.
If you could copy the info here it would be appreciated also. I can never find info there short of spending all day reading.
Old 07-15-06, 06:08 PM
  #37  
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by abintra
If you could copy the info here it would be appreciated also. I can never find info there short of spending all day reading.
Absolutely.
Old 07-15-06, 06:44 PM
  #38  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Just ordered the Mits hc3000 for just under $2K from an authorized seller. Coming tuesday. Check out this review...
http://projectorreviews.com/Manufact...3000/index.asp

"...Bottom line: Mitsubishi's HC3000 offers the best picture quality we have seen of the many DLP projectors (using the Darkchip2 processor), as well as home theater LCD projectors, that we have reviewed."

Old 07-15-06, 10:45 PM
  #39  
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Davy

That looks like a very nice projector! Definetly give us a review of it once you have it hooked up and calibrated.
Old 07-18-06, 04:11 PM
  #40  
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Wow, i wasnt expecting this, but the H27 and screen arrived just now. I ordered it saturday afternoon and its here on tuesday afternoon! Damn you costco, you rock too hard! Impressions are a commin.
Old 07-24-06, 06:03 PM
  #41  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Colorado
Posts: 958
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I bought the Z4 and love it. That's all I can really say.
Old 07-24-06, 11:26 PM
  #42  
DVD Talk Limited Edition
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 6,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I ordered my AE900 today. Can't wait, I hate seeing my blank screen.
Old 07-25-06, 03:31 AM
  #43  
DVD Talk Limited Edition
 
GreenMonkey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 5,578
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I've been eyeing up the market myself. Our X1 has the buzzsaw problem. It's got about 2500 hours on it. I've been waiting for a 720p or higher DLP at sub-$2k prices. I'm thinking I'll do the upgrade at tax-refund time in January, perhaps.

I'll be interested to hear impressions if you switch to an LCD from the X1. I'm not a big fan of LCDs myself for HT use.
Old 07-25-06, 12:07 PM
  #44  
DVD Talk Limited Edition
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 6,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
There are several 720p DLPs under $2K, now. The Sharp Z2000 at Costco is only $1500. It would be a step up from the X1 in color and greyscale capabilities. If your room can handle it (need high ceilings), the Optoma 6800 would be a step up from the Sharp, although they both have essentially the same DMD inside. It is $2K with a 106" screen at Costco. That is a killer deal.

And there are other places, of course. I just happen to like Costco.
Old 07-25-06, 02:26 PM
  #45  
DVD Talk God
Thread Starter
 
kvrdave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 86,191
Received 15 Likes on 8 Posts
Originally Posted by GreenMonkey
I'll be interested to hear impressions if you switch to an LCD from the X1. I'm not a big fan of LCDs myself for HT use.
Me either, to be honest, but all the reviews say that it is on par with the dlps that aren't really expensive.

Just got the projector today, screen should be done today, and HD Dish is installed tomorrow, so I will let you know.

I do wonder if I can make my X1 mount work on the Panny, though.
Old 07-25-06, 10:06 PM
  #46  
DVD Talk God
Thread Starter
 
kvrdave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 86,191
Received 15 Likes on 8 Posts
Well I got the Panasonic hooked up. Currently it is still on my old 80x60 screen but my 107x60 screen will go up tomorrow. My initial impression is pure amazement. Very quiet. I have the lamp set to low, and it is still far brighter than the X1 ever was. Great remote, which is rare. And I can already tell the difference in clarity.

I am excited about tomorrow.
Old 07-25-06, 10:24 PM
  #47  
DVD Talk Hero
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Home again, Big D
Posts: 35,067
Received 406 Likes on 351 Posts
Originally Posted by kvrdave
Well I got the Panasonic hooked up. Currently it is still on my old 80x60 screen but my 107x60 screen will go up tomorrow. My initial impression is pure amazement. Very quiet. I have the lamp set to low, and it is still far brighter than the X1 ever was. Great remote, which is rare. And I can already tell the difference in clarity.

I am excited about tomorrow.
Good to hear about the noise. The one complaint I have about my X1 is the noise. And brighter? Really? I have my X1 turned down already!
Old 07-25-06, 10:48 PM
  #48  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Sdallnct
Good to hear about the noise. The one complaint I have about my X1 is the noise. And brighter? Really? I have my X1 turned down already!
Despite what many think based on reading the listed specs the Infocus 4805 also blew away the X1 in brightness.
Old 07-26-06, 01:13 AM
  #49  
DVD Talk God
Thread Starter
 
kvrdave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 86,191
Received 15 Likes on 8 Posts
I never had my x1 turned down, and on low power, this thing may be too bright. Lots of good options for viewing with different color schemes, though. The brightness absolutely floors me.
Old 07-26-06, 10:39 AM
  #50  
DVD Talk Limited Edition
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 6,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
ND2 filter cuts lumens in half. I used one on my Toshiba DLP, and expect to need it for the AE900, as well. You can get excellent ones for under $30, a great upgrade for DLP/LCD. Helps black look much better. I'll have to check out sizes.

Colored filters may be more common with the AE900, according to AVS. These would also reduce some brightness, and help correct color.

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.