Adding a Subscriber section to Projector Reviews is a tricky thing.  I’m of the sort of person who hates finding out one day, that I have to pay for something that was free until today.  I figure most other people resent that as well.  Well, I value all of you enough, that I felt in launching a subscriber area I needed to offer additional content, rather than lock existing content behind a subscriber “paywall”.

For those of you who didn’t read the previous blogs:  Our new site redesign, will be a major update, look completely different, and should be live late May or June.  The previous blog even has a large image of the initial wireframe of the new homepage.

I’ve already warned in a couple of reviews, that we are collecting some data on projectors that we’ve never published.  Soon that info will be available to you in the Subscriber area.  (BTW the price isn’t set yet, but probably $12.99 a year, give or take).

Also available to subscribers will be some special offers.  I can’t tell you any yet, because I’m just negotiating, nothing concrete.  But, for example, I’m talking to 3 screen manufacturers so far, about providing a special $15-$25 additional savings when one of our subscribers buys their brand screen from a dealer (or direct if they sell direct), so the subscriber can register for the extra discount (which might be fulfilled with an itunes card, or pre-paid debit card, or… ), we’re still working on that.

I’m talking to the dealers who advertise on our site about making offers also, only for our subscribers.  And I’m talking to projector manufacturers, of course.  One idea I’ve bandied about, is a special rebate when a subscriber orders an extra pair of 3D glasses.  Anything that makes sense.  Basically I’m hoping to have 8-10 special offers, so that basically, any of our subscribers that buys a projector, or a screen, or perhaps a calibration disc, can get a value savings that’s more than the cost of our subscription! Fair enough?   I mean, even without any offers, I expect you all to find the $12.99 (+/-) value just in the extra content provided , but, I figured why not sweeten the pot.  Why not let you save  a few dollars too.

So, what’s the new content?   Perhaps the single most obvious thing is more detailed calibration information.  We will be providing Calman graphic display data  from Mike’s reviews, and we’ll be providing CMS – individual color calibration settings for most projectors we review.  We already have that information set aside for about a dozen home theater projectors, and all new home projectors that have a proper CMS…  That will all go live when the subscriber area is ready.

Want more?  Of course.  Short videos will be added to the subscriber area that will help understand features. For example I’m putting the finishing touches on a video about JVC’s “4K” e-shift2, which will show you how the different settings of e-shift2 significantly affect picture clarity.

There may also be short podcasts while I’m actually reviewing a projector.  Perhaps a 30 second audio where I mention that “I’m looking at the XYZ and ABC projectors side by side in a fully darkened room.  I’m starting with running the bond night train scene several times to look at dark shadow detail… here’s what I see…   The standard photo of the Bond night train and the same from competing projectors, of course, will still be in the main review.

Videos.  From the viewing counts I can see that many of you have watched some of our “Video Summaries of Reviews”.  To date we’ve done about 25 Projector Reviews TV videos.  It was the PR TV project that demanded the site redesign, and a subscriber area to make it complete.  Here’s the scoop.

I wanted to produce a significant number of videos a year, but the cost in time and money is hefty.  The idea was to create informational videos, such as our “How to Choose the Right Home Theater Projector for a Family Room Environment”, in 4 parts.   Or Black Level Performance – why it’s so important…   Problem has been the time and cost.  The solution was to also create video summaries of some of our reviews. So, to accomplish this the goal was to approach the projector manufacturers.  When I or other review sites publishes a review, it’s very common for the manufacturer to “buy” a Permission.  That is, they pay for the priviledge to display our award graphic (Hot Product Award, etc.) and pull a quote or two from the review to use on their website, in their advertising, etc.

Basically I offered a pretty hefty Permission fee for us to create a video summary that the manufacturer advertiser could put on their site, give to their dealers, youtube, etc…  I figured that the money coming in for the Permissions would cover the costs of all the the informational videos.

Oops, not so fast.  Some manufacturers were very excited and have participated, but that created a problem.  Not every manufacturer wants to “play”.  OK, so, in theory, I don’t create a “video summaries” for their projectors.  Seems reasonable, except, there are a few projectors that I would simply want to create a video for due to the importance of that projector in the market.  Making those extra videos is an expensive “money losing” option.  And from that, came the subscriber idea.

Here’s the examples:  Look to the Projector Reviews TV page.  Note lots of Epson videos – they pay for the priviledge.  Sony is another… Mind you no hard feelings, but Panasonic decided for whatever reason (including possibly budget), not to buy a Permission for the Panasonic PT-AE8000U, a projector I consider a major player.  I felt we needed to make that video, and we did.  Lisa (she produces the videos) tells me that the PT-AE8000U video, the last of a batch of 10  will be ready this coming week).  What to do?

Easy.  The Panasonic PT-AE8000U video will be available for subscribers, but since there’s no “permission” they can’t put it on youtube, on their site, etc.  Only our subscribers can view it.

Now this creates a dilemma I haven’t resolved.  If the Subscriber area was live today, no question – PT-AE8000U video would be there, but since it’s still a couple of months away, I’m warning you all now.  I may put it live on the PRTV page as a “loaner” from the subscriber area – think of it as an “advertisement” of the future goodies behind the “wall”.  If I post the PT-AE8000U video next week, be assured it will be moved behind the subscriber wall when it launches.  I think that’s fair.  as always those “paid videos” will be open to all, those not, subscriber.   In addition, we will up the number of informational videos, but some will be only for subscribers.  You might expect something like this:

A four part video, perhaps:  ”The 3D Revolution:  Choosing the right projector for an awesome 3D viewing experience”  (I’ve got to work in my title lengths.)

Part one of that Video would be on our site, and on Youtube.  Parts 2 and 3 just on our site, and Part 4, a special segment only for subscribers.   In our current site, that would be a three part video.  Extra content for a 4th section will provide extra value for our subscribers.

We’re still coming up with ideas, but we think we can easily justify your roughly $1 a month, for the additional info (and we hope), entertainment.  I don’t know yet if practical, but perhaps (no promise) an occasional scheduled  podcast where we handle some of our subscribers questions or take on topics, or do an interview.   I’m open to your ideas, just try to remember, we are a tiny organization, I am the only full time person.  Now, I get less than 20 hours a week help from Lori and Lisa (wife and college student daughter – both who would rather be doing other things.)  Other than the family, I pay Tony and Mike for their business projector reviews, and Mike to calibrate home theater projectors.  Folks that’s it!    So, go easy on “massive ideas.” Resources are limited.  Of course if we can generate enough subscriber revenue, we can increase staffing.  I’ve already started putting out feelers for a possible full time writer/reviewer for this summer, and alternately one or two more contract reviewer/writers.

That’s more than I intended to tell you so far, but there will be other updates before we launch.  Hang in there!  -art

I’ve been playing with a concept which I call Projector Reviews TV, for about a year, and it’s coming to fruition this month.  NO, I’m not launching a projector focused TV channel on DirecTV or cable.  It’s not even a regular podcast.  Here’s the skinny on Projector Reviews TV and a link to the first video:For several years I’ve been creating some video summaries of our projector reviews.  The purpose started out as a source for extra revenues.  For me to do those friendly (classic youtube amateur), videos, I made them a marketing item.  (We explained that those had been paid for videos, but reflect the key points of the full review (more fun, cover far less turf).  Those manufacturers (mostly Epson and Mitsubishi), could then link to the video on our site, from theirs, put out a press release pointing to it.  The manufacturers have no option to preview the videos, or require any changes.

Well, we weren’t doing very many, or bringing in an significant revenues that way.  Video’s big now (who would have thunk?).

We’re now going to start doing a lot of videos.  The name we came up with for our new video library of FAQ’s, and Reviews is Projector Reviews TV.  We’ve hired a video production company  (Gentlemen of Fortune Productions) and contracted to what works out to about 30 videos between now and year end.  Some will be more video summaries of projector reviews, many will be video FAQs on a wide range of related topics.

We started with one projector, the Panasonic’s PT-AR100U, for our first pass at creating a look and format.  It was completed, and we figured not bad.  The second video, an Epson, we’re still waiting to see the final, but it should be even better, as we’ve improved the structure.  All future video review summaries should be similar to the Epson, but even better and more organized, and will include a proper tour of the projector, which the first two lack.  We’re still trying to fine tune the process.

This coming Monday, July 16th will be the next video shoot, doing all the ones mentioned below.

Mind you these aren’t necessarily the exact titles:

Choosing the BEST Projector for a family room type environment, Part 1, Part 2.

Choosing the right type of screen Part 1, Part 2

Black Level performance – why it’s important!

plus:  Two videos of different all-in-one projectors, and possibly one Pico projector

Note: The scripts for the ones shown in bold are completed and ready for Monday’s shoot.  Hopefully we’ll have the last ones ready as well.

Where can you find these videos?   All of them will be posted on our site, listed under the Projector Reviews TV channel, which will be set up as soon as we have 4 or 5 completed.  Meantime links will be placed inside the original reviews, in directories, our FAQ page…

In addition, to help get the word out, and help folks who haven’t found ProjectorReviews.com yet, Part 1 videos will also be posted on YouTube.

We think this is going to be fun, and helpful for those folks who like learning by video.

We plan a second video shoot late August with about 8 more FAQ videos and perhaps 2 or 3 more projector review video  summaries.  A third batch, probably produced in November, will feature some of the new home projectors that will launch at CEDIA in early September.

OK enough hype.  Here’s a link to that first video, the Panasonic PT-AR100U home projector.  Just click on the link on the table of contents, and you’ll be watching video in seconds.

That’s enough for this blog.  We’re excited here about Projector Reviews TV.  Your feedback is welcome.

Ah, time for credits:  Lisa, who is already managing of all our social media activities, is also managing the Projector Reviews TV project, with an assist from me.  I should note, Lisa will also be “acting” in some of our videos.  (Why should I have all the fun?)

Thanks!  No go back and check out our first Projector Reviews TV video!!!  -art

I had to celebrate St. Patty’s day in Florida.  I came down to Florida, primarily for business, but also a quick visit to family (the mom).

I attended EHX in Orlando.  Sadly a smaller and smaller show each year, and I hear this is the last year, but I wanted a chance to catch up with a few contacts of mine I knew would be there.

Turns out, it was a far more successful show, for me than anticipated.

An announcement or 2:

1.  Of interest to many of you.  The JVC DLA-X70 has arrived, Mike is calibrating it, and I’ll be reviewing it the second I get back home to California (Wed. night).  As some of you must know JVC has two divisions selling identical products through two different groups of dealers.  The DLA-X70 and DLA-X90 come from the consumer side, the “pro” equivalent, are the DLA-RS55 and DLA-RS65.  More on that in the next blog.

2.  Looks like we’re finally going to be able to bring in our first Digital Projection projector in the next couple/three months.  Had a great conversation with them.

3.  Tracked down the folks from Screen Innovations.  We’re going to be bringing in one of their new 1.4 gain motorized Black Diamond II’s.  This will be their first motorized of the type.  I expect the new screen to start shipping in June, but that’s just my guess.  It has been previously announced, so I’m not “spilling the beans”.

3. Home Automation Theater Automation.   This needs a whole blog so expect one in the next couple of days… Let’s just say, it’s a new project, for now.

4. The only projectors at the show, were Epson’s and JVC’s in a couple of demo rooms.  But I wasn’t there to see projectors, just people.  It was fun in the JVC area though (a blacked out room as usual) where a couple of people were debating the realities of JVC’s “4K” projectors, which incidentally do not have 4K panels.

I’ll blog on this later tonight!

The annual home theater projector report is well in the works awards have already been decided in the Under $2000 Home Theater Projector Category, and the $2000 to $3500 Home Theater Category.  Until I finish the JVC DLA-X70 review, I’m not even thinking about the awards in the over $3500 class.

Thanks folks. A happy, belated St. Patty’s day to all.

That’s it from sunny Florida – not too hot, only too muggy.  -art

PS   The PT-AR100U review will get the remaining images (including black level comparisons), related comments,  and a proper competitors page also in the next couple of days.  Sorry for the delay.

Almost exactly 2 years ago, I was asked by an advertiser – Visual Apex, to review their Vapex screen, which they bring in from Asia and sell under their Vapex brand.  I would generally refer to this as a private label screen, and reviewing it  had the potential of creating some conflict.  My solution back then was straightfoward:  I asked Mike to review the screen.  Mike’s independent, so advertising on my site by Visual Apex has no bearing on him or his income.  I just wanted to keep things neutral.  As a former “local installing dealer” Mike is very comfortable with screens and has reviewed other screens  for us as well.  The 106″ Vapex that Visual Apex sent two years ago, was a fixed wall frame, as fixed style was all they offered at the time.

OK, that worked out OK, then, a couple months ago, when Visual Apex pointed out that they have made a number of improvements and expanded the Vapex fixed screen line up, since Mike reviewed it.

As a courtesy to an advertiser, and to keep the old “review” current, I decided to write a few paragraphs here, pointing out the changes, their impact, and the current value proposition of their new tensioned motorized screens.  For the most part, performance shouldn’t have changed very much, but there are some feature changes.    So, here goes:

The main thing that I believe you need to know about the Vapex line now, is that it is no longer limited to fixed wall screens.   They now offer four sizes of motorized screens as well, both tensioned and non-tensioned.  We are focused on the tensioned screens in this overview.

The Vapex screen itself in many ways is the same.  The gain remains the same – a claimed 1.1, fairly typical for a matte screen (Da-lite Da-Mat…), but slightly lower than the Carada Brilliant White (1.4 gain) or the Studiotek 130 (1.3 gain).    (The Carada, however is not available except as a fixed wall screen, no motorized or pull-down versions.)   It would seem from scanning the Vapex materials, that both fixed and motorized are using the same surface.

The closest screen competitors to the Vapex screens, are from well known affordable asian brands such as  Elite Screens, probably the best known. Both VA and Elite offer lower cost screens than from big name brands like Da-lite, Draper, and others which offer alternatives, but typically at significantly higher yet still reasonable reasonable values.  Far more expensive screens are out there as well, often touting performance and QC  that the lower cost screens can’t match.  Still there are far more people that can afford Vapex, Elite, or Da-lite screens, than those who can afford Stewart, dnp, or Screen Innovations some very premium brands.

A quick look shows the Vapex to be a bit less expensive on fixed wall, and basic motorized screens, than most, including Elite.  On their tensioned motorized screens, they are a bit closer to the pricing for Da-lite and some others, but offer more features.  (ie support for screen triggers is included, not an extra option.

Basically VA has set the prices to be highly competitive, which is what we would expect, as they like to bundle the screens with projectors when it seems a good fit.

Again, motorized comes in two versions – standard and tensioned.   Let me say right now, I’m not a huge fan of non-tensioned motorized (or pull-down) screens, as over time they will tend to lose their flatness, and you will notice the distortion (especially when scenes are panned – which is a lot of the time).

Most folks should consider a non-tensioned screen only if they are either on an extremely limited budget, or see the screen as a short term proposition – a year or two, before expecting to replace it (ie. planning a move, or a major upgrade…)  Note also that the non-tensioned Vapex screens use a different surface than the basic motorized (and non-tensioned) screens.  So, when I talk about performance similar to the reviewed 106″ screen, I’m not talking about the non-tensioned, only the tensioned one. The non-tensioned screens use what they call a fibre matte white, as opposed to the tensioned and fixed screens which use their Cinema White surface.   I have no experience at all with their fibre matte white, and can’t speak to how good it would be for home theater compared to any competition.

Let’s finish talking price:   Since we reviewed the 106″ fixed frame screen we’ll stick with that size for primary pricing comparisons:

Non-tensioned Motorized:  Start at 92″ ($299), the 106″ is $339, and their largest – 120″  is $349.
Tensioned Motorized:  Start at 92″ ($699, the 106″ is $799, and their largest is 120″ at $899.

Yep, that’s a really big difference for tensioning, but generally worth it – better surface, and your screen should last several times as long.

The Big Feature:  Wireless 12 volt trigger, comes standard on their motorized screens.

Now mind you, remote controlling motorized screens has always been a popular thing to do when affordable.  And a great way to do it is have the screen automatically come down when you power up your projector, and close when you turn it off.  Unfortunately, that has meant running an extra wire – from projectors’s 12 volt trigger (when they have one), to the screen.  Usually a separate path than your other wiring, and therefore, often expensive and inconvenient, if practical at all.

The easy solution, becoming more popular, such as Elite has done, is to make their screens easier to control  Elites solution over the year was to add both an IR remote, and an RF remote, both which work.  This is great if you are willing to pick up another remote. Or, if you have a good programmable remote, you could easily program in the screen functions into your universal remote.

Cleverly, however, Visual Apex has gone a different route, and I am impressed.  Now I don’t follow the screen manufacturers all that closely, so I realize they probably aren’t the first to offer  aWireless 12 volt trigger, but it is the first one I’ve encountered.  Allow me to explain what they’ve done.

The Vapex screens, offer you a dongle, you set up the dongle (with provided tool), and when done, you remove part of it, and simply plug it into the wired 12 volt trigger on the back of any projector that has one.   Basically, when the projector sends out the 12 volt signal, to drop the screen, the powered jack activates the dongle, which wirelessly talks to the screen and gives it the screen down command…  Same for closing it.

Since normal function is for the screen to go up or down with the powering up, or down of the projector, this would seem to be both logical, and a simple solution.

We haven’t received one of these screens, but well take, for now, Visual Apex’es word that it works as advertised.  As they’ve been offering these screens for months.  If it didn’t work as advertised, I would think that word would be out about problems on the forums, our blogs, etc.

So basically, VA’s solution is simpler, and cleaner than providing a stand alone remote control.   In Elite Screen’s case, btw, they provide the two different types of remotes, because folks would normally prefer RF (no accurate pointing required), but otherwise, the IR features can be plugged into that universal IR remote.

With a simple wireless screen trigger, you get the results you want, without the extra remotes.  Pretty elegant.  Doesn’t do everything, but it can even control the amount of black drop at the top of the screen, that comes down.   That’s pretty important.

Which reminds us, Visual Apex likes to point out that their screens do come with 18 inches of drop (that you can adjust), more than the usual 6 – 12 inches provided by most screen manufacturers.  They also allow you to control that drop precisely (with their tool adjustment, and a small bit of trial and error), which is very important.  With many companies, you’ll pay some extra for the extra drop, and that can amount two $Hundreds.

When comparing prices, also remember to compare apples to apples.  Da-lite (on their motorized screens) charges optionally to have them equipped with a 12 volt trigger – the base models normally are dropped by a wall switch.

So, what do we have when all is considered?   First I must take a leap of faith, since I passed on bringing in the screen for a full review.  And that is, that their motorized screen surface behaves like their fixed wall screen that Mike worked with.  Based on talking with VA, they tell me that we can expect the same results (color wise, gain, etc.)  With that assumed, what you get with the Vapex motorized and tensioned screen is a good pretty neutral gain screen, that prices out competitively with other asian made screens, and perhaps a bit lower.

A quick comparison:

Vapex 106″ motorized Tensioned  $799  (includes wireless 12 volt trigger), 3 year warranty, 1.1 gain
Elite Screens 106″ motorized Tensioned:  $867  (includes two remotes), 2 year warranty, 1.1 gain
Da-lite – who makes their screens in the US, is a good deal more expensive:
Da-lite 106″ NON-Tensioned 1.1 gain screen:   $751 – (has wall switch), no wireless 12 volt trigger, 12 volt trigger optional.
Da-lite  Contour Tensioned 106″ motorized:  1.1 gain:   $1876, (12 volt trigger optional)

As you can see, the VA screen is definitely price competitive with a “big name” asian made brand like Elite, and still a fraction the price of a well known – good value –  major US manufacturer like Da-lite, nevermind some really expensive screens such as those from Stewart or Screen Innovations.

Is the Vapex screen the right choice for you?  You’ll have to decide.   For openers, you are a bit more limited in your choices -with only four screen sizes from 92″ to 120″ on their motorized screens.  You’ll have more size choices from the competition.

The other big thing, of course, is the screen surface.  The Vapex screen is 1.1 gain, and while that’s the most typical out there, many prefer a bit more gain – 1.3 – 1.5 from other brands for more brightness, with minimal sacrifice of viewing area…

The other thing that is obviously missing from your choices in the Vapex line-up, is the lack of a High Contrast gray, as well as HC white surfaces.   As many of you know, I’m a big fan of HC gray screens to match many rooms.  If that’s what is called for, sure, look to Elite, or other affordable brands as your budget allows, who do offer.

Bottom Line on Visual Apex’s recently launched motorized tensioned screens.  It comes down to this; by most measures, the Vapex screens are aggressively priced, probably in most sizes they offer, no doubt price comparable  to any nationally known brands that build overseas.  Of course you can only get them from Visual Apex, not the competition.   One or two other major online resellers may offer their own lines as well.  I’m not aware of any, though at the moment.  So, bottom line, you’ll be able to find similar screens elsewhere, often for a bit more money, but if the Vapex screen makes the most sense to you, you’ll be buying from VA.   That’s likely an advantage price wise if buying a screen with a projector and other goodies, but, if you are shopping from VA’s competition, most likely they will be able to bundle some relatively similar screen (be it Elite or someone else), at least in the general price range.

The Vapex screens appear to be great values, if they have what you need in your size, and gain.

The 106″ Vapex, however, offers a limited selection.  Most notably missing are two things – potential deal breakers:

a)  more sizes – 92″ 100″, 106″ and 120″ leaves a few holes in the line-up.  Most notably, the very popular 110″ diagonal sized screen, is absent – that size is oft considered a “large” medium sized screen, or perhaps the “smallest” large size screen by many.  Many manufacturers offer screens in every inch increment, or at least every 6 inches.

b) Lack of more screen surfaces – most notably lack of a high contast gray surface, and secondarily lack of a slightly brighter 1.3 to 1.5 gain screen.

Ultimately though, based on Mike’s liking the original 106″ fixed screen he reviewed, and that this screen offers the same material, you would have to consider that if one of VA’s four size options for the tensioned screens works for you , then they should be seriously considered, as  Vapex screens would seem to offer very good value, and a nice, longer warranty, than a lot of other lower cost screens.

If these Vapex tensioned screens fit your requirements, you’ll be hard pressed to do better price wise, but, don’t buy the wrong screen to save a few bucks.    Their four models probably meet the needs a a goodly portion of 16:9 screen users, but without the high contrast grey screen in the lineup, and the limited choices of sizes and aspect ratios, Vapex screens won’t be for everyone.

Choose wisely.   I hope this sheds a little light. Perhaps more on screens in general, than the Vapex screen in particular.  Please refer back to Mike’s original Vapex 106 review for comments about the overall image performance of the screen itself.

Finally, let’s just put it this way, if you are shopping Visual Apex, and they pitch you on a Vapex screen for your projector, keep in mind, if it’s the right screen for your room, and types of viewing, it should prove to be an extremely good value.

On the other hand, if you are comfortable plunking down $5K+ for a projector, I would have to say, that there are better screens out there, and you should be considering screens that are ideal for your situation if budget allows.

Just keep in mind that a good screen, that fits your needs, can outlast several projectors for an enthusiast who upgrades their projector every few years…     Got it?  -art