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I assume you are talking about a Panasonic Blu-ray player?

I suggest you contact Optoma. The HD7100 has DVI with HDCP. While I haven’t run across such a problem with DVI, consider this.

I have a number of HDMI switchers and splitters. They are all 1.2 compliant, but say they are 1.3 compatible. When I did one of the usual download/upgrades for my Sony PS3 (HDMI 1.3), I encountered an issue. I could only get a broken up image on the lower 1/3 of the screen, noise above.

This is what was happening: When the splitter/switchers had previously seen a 1.3 source, they would recognize it as such, but tell the source (PS3) to send HDMI 1.2. That worked until one upgrade of the PS3. Then the problem occured. Apparently that upgrade change confused the switcher, it no longer recognized it as a 1.3 signal, and tried to process it, which it couldn’t do.

In the case of my gefen switcher/splitters, Gefen said I needed new firmware. Sure enough, they upgraded the firmware, and now it works. It’s still asking for 1.2 from my HDMI 1.3 source, but – until Deep Color, etc. becomes popular, that’s just fine.

So, my point is, there may be a firmware upgrade for the HD7100 that will solve the problem. Failing that, assuming it is the HDMI 1.3 – 1.2 compatibility/compliance, that I encountered, you might be able to find a switch box that does what my gefen does. Tell an HDMI 1.3 device to output 1.2.

All guesswork, but that’s all I can think of – so call Optoma. -art

Turns out, my switchers/splitters were supposed to identify

cheers,

Brad

Greetings Brad,

You are correct – because you are using less pixels due to XGA resolution, the average brightness is less for the same sized projected content, than a 720p projector. Further, I imagine you are using a “video” mode, not the brightest mode, to get better color. It’s been a very long time, but, if I recall correctly the LT240 is a typical business projector – lots of lumens in brightest mode, but weak reds and yellows. The “video” modes tend to have dramatically better color but drop brightness by roughly half.

So, in terms of current 720p projectors, the Panasonic PT-AX200U, the Epson Home Cinema 720 (and the December release of their very inexpensive Home Cinema 700), and finally, the Optoma HD71 all should be every bit as bright with comparable or better color than the LT240, when in brightest modes, and much brighter if you have found that you are only using the “video” mode.

Both the Panasonic and Epson measure 1800+ lumens and upward, depending on placement. The Epson was the dimmer of the two (almost 1700 lumens after bright mode “quick”calibration for improved color accuracy), with the zoom at the mid-point. The Panasonic actually was around 2900 lumens in brightest, without that “quick” calibration, with the zoom at full wide angle (closest position).

In other words, each of these should be able to hold their own, or be brighter than your LT240. In “best mode” they might be less bright, but no contest in image quality. Most likely their brightest modes will still provide a better image – better black levels, shadow detail, etc. than the best you can get out of the LT240.

I’m assuming budget doesn’t allow a 1080p projector, but if it’s possible, you might want to take a close look at the $1999 MSRP Epson Home Cinema 6100 due in December as well. While a review unit of that projector probably won’t be available to me until late Nov, or early Dec., I expect I’ll receive the “Pro” version in about 2-3 weeks for review. Except for ISF certification, support for an anamorphic lens on the Pro, and price, they are essentially identical. I hope to have that unit arrive in time to publish before the end of October (or shortly after). -art

Being relatively new to the Home Theater market… I was wondering if you would mind giving me your opinion regarding the few questions below:

I was just about to purchase an Optoma HD80 when I heard about this new Sony VPL-HW10… It would be greatly appreciated provide insight into the following question and concerns…

The things that I like about the Optoma are:
· Smoothness of picture (no visible pixels)

· Sealed light path that does not allow dust in (no changing of filters)

· Good for gaming (Wii, etc)

· Built in scaler

· Fairly bright and meets my “wish list” for light output described in #5 below

The things that I DON’T like about the Optoma are:
· Short throw distance (I have 12 feet from front of projector)… can’t get 100” screen with this projector

· Limited lens shift

· Not flexible for placement

My understanding is that the HW10 projector can throw a 100” diagonal at around 11’… This is a definite plus over the DLP HD-80, however, I am concerned that the smoothness of the Sony may not be as good and you will notice more of the pixels… Do you have any opinions about this?

I am able to control 90% of the light in my theater area, therefore, I am not as concerned about the lumen output for watching movies, however, on occasion, I would like to have live sports playing with more light on in the room (so I could glance at the screen while playing pool, etc…). Do you fee that the lumen output of the HW10 is generally acceptable for the situation I am describing?

Lastly, just give me your gut feeling ,putting price aside and considering my comments above, which of these two projectors do you consider better…?

I would greatly appreciate if you could help me in this regard…

Thank you!!!!

Anthony

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Greetings Randy,

The IN83 is a good choice. It will be excellent for your TV, and movies, however, since the IN83 has the horsepower to spare, you might want to consider either the Firehawk or Grayhawk screens as an alternative to the Studiotek. While your room lighting doesn’t call for rejecting side lighting, either Firehawk or Grayhawk will lower those black levels a noticeable amount. I’ve been doing most of my viewing on the Firehawk G3. As it turns out, in my theater, my temporary setup for projectors I’m reviewing is only so far back. With the IN83, I couldn’t place it quite as far back as needed to fill the screen. In fact the size I was normally viewing at, was about 119-120 inches. The IN83 worked great in that environment. Depending on where you are mounting, you might also consider the Firehawk SST, for a slightly wider viewing cone (people sitting to the sides will experience less roll off of brightness, and more even illumination.

Best of luck! I’ll bet you love the setup, regardless of screen choice! -art

I understand that you are behind but I have some questions about entry-level, cinema-like quality projectors. I am a newbie, so I have no experience in HD HT projectors but I am looking to purchase one by November. How do the new projectors (e.g. PLVZ700, AE3000U, HC5500) compare to the Epson 1080UB? I have no concerns about ambient light since the projector will be in a dedicated basement rec room but I plan to watch more than just movies, including but not limited to sports and regular HD cable stations, so I need a well rounded projector. Since I am looking at a 92″ Elite EZ screen (gray? white?) and a seating distance of no more than 12′, how do the projectors compare and which do you think would be the best for my application/setting?

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Greetings Tim,

It’s very hard to “compare” until I’ve seen the new products. And trade show demos aren’t much help, as rooms are always 100% pitch black, with black walls/floor/ceilings, etc.

The Sanyo I haven’t seen at all, Sanyo did not exhibit at CEDIA. The Panasonic, I got as good a look at as possible for a show. More importantly, I saw it side by side on the same content as the PT-AE2000, which gives me a useful reference. The HC5500 I’ve already reviewed, so I know what that projector is capable of. With a 92″ screen, you should have a nice bright picture with either in best mode. Your 92″ requires just about half the lumens as my 128″ firehawk to be equally as bright, and the Epson does a very nice job in brightest mode when I’m watching football, etc.

I suspect that the PT-AE3000U and the Epson are good competition for each other, in other words, you’ll have to make a subjective call. The AE3000U is definitely a bit sharper than the older one, which, I would guess that it is at least as sharp as the Epson, (which is average, and the Panny 2000 was a little below average).

It’s too hard to conjecture about the Sanyo, except that it won’t be as bright as the other two It’s black levels may well rise to the Epson level, but I would be surprised, but again, it may be close enough for it to become a minor point. Of course, in 45 days, or less, both should be reviewed (I’d like nothing better than to complete both Panny and Sanyo reviews by end of Sept, but that’s up to the manufacturers to get in, and ship out their first batch of review units.

-art

Let’s say that the Mitsubishi HC5500 in terms of black levels is still no match for the Epson UB.

The PT-AE3000 really does significantly improve on black levels, compared with the PT-AE2000U, and should be close to the Epson UB. If I had to guess, I would still give the Epson the advantage, but, both should be roughly at the same level. I expect that overall, the PT-AE3000U and the Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB should be closer to each other in black level performance, than the PT-AE3000U is to the older PT-AE2000U.

The Epson is average in brightness in best mode, but one of the brighter when you need max lumens. The PT-AE3000U, again, should be similar, and if I had to guess, I’d say they would be roughly equal in brightness in their best modes, while the Epson probably still has about a 30 – 45% advantage in brightest mode. That gives the Epson the edge for sports viewing… I’m basing this on the difference between best and brightest modes on the PT-AE2000U, and assuming the same differences with the PT-AE3000U. The Epson has one of the biggest percentage differences between best and brightest modes, of any projectors I’ve reviewed.