Comments on: Projectors for Review in February 2010 – Home Theater Projectors

By: Art Feierman

Art Feierman — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:50:36 +0000

Hi Scott, If you can’t find a dlp locally, say Best Buy – Magnolia, then it’s purely guesswork. Even then, if a magnolia store has a dlp on display and working, its probably more expensive, with a faster color wheel still. But, if you see no rainbows on dark scenes when there’s fast moving white areas, then even on a slower wheel’d DLP you will be less likely to notice, or be bothered by them. Conversely if you see them easily on a higher end DLP, avoid DLP altogether.

If you can’t see any, make the call but buy from a dealer with a clear and good exchange policy, and realize you will probably have to make the determination in the first few days. And have a backup plan. Or, go for one of the lower cost 1080p LCD models like the 8100 Epson, or you should be able to find A Sanyo z700 or one of “last year’s models” bouncing around the $1K price point. Best of luck. -a

By: Scott Halmi

Scott Halmi — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:32:23 +0000

Good morning, Art:
I have read your review of the Vivitek HD1080, along with many others. Due to tight budgets (ok, and cost overrun on my ‘man-cave’ downstairs) I am limited in options to the Vivitek or the Optoma HD20.
I could use the extra lumins the Vivitek ofers, but am very concerned about the ‘rainbows’ I’ve been reading so much about. As both units are only available on line, I cannot preview them.
The unit would be a ‘weekend warrior’ for family movies and for the kids. I don’t know if I’m ‘sensitive’ to rainbows or not. Should I be concerned with this?

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:38:06 +0000

Art,

Thank you so much for the recommendation. I have been leaning towards the Panny, but I always look to save money if I don’t think I will notice the difference. Not having a lot of experience, I wonder if the image from the HC3800 would still blow me away while saving me the money. However, I do have concerns over the audible noise of the DLP and placement flexibility.

While you are handing out recommendations, in the Panny pricerange (and not above!) do you suggest I look at any other models?

Thanks and also thanks for your in-depth reviews. Whatever I end up with, I will definitely check your articles for calibration tips.

By: Art Feierman

Art Feierman — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:09:13 +0000

Hi Jonathan,
I get to look down from above. I see all comments grouped together, old blog or new. So, I’ll answer this one.

From what you say about your preferences, I would have to spend the bucks and get the Panny. You’ll find the PT-AE4000 to be a rather dramatic improvement from your older Panny, which I take to be a PT-AE900U, based on age. For those movies, the superior black levels will make a pleasurable improvement on many dark scenes. Both are good for gaming. The Panny is much more versatile. I just think the better blacks means less opportunities for darker scenes to disappoint you. If you decide to save the bucks though, and go with the HC3800, my taste is to pair with an HC gray screen to help lower the blacks a bit. -art

By: Jonathan G

Jonathan G — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:42:12 +0000

Hey Art,

I posted this on an older blog about the HC3800, but thought maybe here would get more attention. Before you disappear for your 15-20 days “off”, I am in need of some advice. I am building a HT room for a ceiling mounted projector to mainly watch movies and play PS3. Mount can be 12-15 feet away to make a 95-105″ image. Four years ago I owned a Panasonic LCD projector and was pleased. Shopping now I am torn between the PTAE4000U and the Mitsi HC3800. I am fairly confident I would be pleased with the PTAE4000U but am wondering if I would be just as pleased with the HC3800 and save around $700 at the same time.

I have been 3 years without a projector and am in no way a video expert, but I do want to get the best that I can.

Can you help me choose between these projectors?

Thanks a million!

By: Kendall Luelf

Kendall Luelf — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:29:24 +0000

If you do get the sp8602, will it be in the March comparisson?

By: Art Feierman

Art Feierman — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:37:13 +0000

Greetings Kendall,

Hmm, It should be in transit, and arriving in the next day or two! I’m looking forward to it. Just learned that JVC is shipping me BOTH the RS15 and RS35 tomorrow. It’s going to be a fun next 3 weeks. (and 5 projectors!) -a

By: Kendall Luelf

Kendall Luelf — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:01:56 +0000

Any word on the SP8602 yet? I recieved mine 2-10 and have been anxiously waiting a full review of a calibrated unit.

Thanks

By: Art Feierman

Art Feierman — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:27:26 +0000

Hi Simon,

OK, I’ve got to give’m a call, on other matters. I’ll ask what they’ve done to the 1085, or even if itis shipping? -art

By: Sauce

Sauce — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:04:13 +0000

How about the Vivitek H5080? It’s been hard finding any qualified reviews.