DLP projectors

[glen]

I was wondering if technology has improved DLP projectors so much that a $1,500 is now better than a 15,000 retail projector from a few years ago. For example is the InFocus 4805, which is less than $1,500 better than the Seleco HT300 DLP Projector, which was about $15,000 a few years ago?

 

[KLin]

Why don't you buy both of them and do a side by side comparison, then report back to us?

 

[glen]

Originally posted by: KLin
Why don't you buy both of them and do a side by side comparison, then report back to us?

I don't have that kind of money right now.

 

[KLin]

Originally posted by: glen

Originally posted by: KLin
Why don't you buy both of them and do a side by side comparison, then report back to us?

I don't have that kind of money right now.

Here's what you do...

1. sell drugs
2. save money
3. buy projectors
4. ...
5. PROFIT

 

[Gand1]

DLP's have greatly improved over the years, just remember you still pay for what you get. A $1500 projector and a $5000 projector will have major diferences especially in lumens and bulb life.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

The SIM2/Seleco HT300 has the advantage of a higher resolultion DMD (1280x720) and lens shift. The Infocus will be slightly brighter with better contrast, and it has a DVI input.

There is a reason they released the HT300 E, which has an updated DMD (still 1280x720, but it has better contrast) and HDMI port, while lowering the price several grand.

 

[richardycc]

my less than 1 year old projector has already replaced by a newer and better contrast rate model, all that with the same MSRP.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: richardycc
my less than 1 year old projector has already replaced by a newer and better contrast rate model, all that with the same MSRP.

Which model? There are a couple that I can think of that were replaced extremely quickly. The Panasonic AE500 comes to mind.

 

[glen]

anyone else have more information?

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: glen
anyone else have more information?

What kind of information are you looking for? No the Infocus is not better in every way, but it's better in some ways.

What is your viewing distance? Do you intend on watching HDTV? Do you need the flexibility of lens shift? How much are you willing to spend?

You haven't really given us any useful information.

Just a personal opinion, but I think it's a bad idea to get an old/used HT300, as there are better projectors that cost less than the HT300. Hell, even if you could find one for under 5 grand there are better projectors around that price point.

 

[richardycc]

Originally posted by: KnightBreed

Originally posted by: richardycc
my less than 1 year old projector has already replaced by a newer and better contrast rate model, all that with the same MSRP.

Which model? There are a couple that I can think of that were replaced extremely quickly. The Panasonic AE500 comes to mind.

the sony vpl-hs20. they have a hs50 now, I know its LCD, but it's still a projector.

 

[b3b0p]

Get a CRT projector and don't worry about this stuff

 

[glen]

I want to spend about a grand. The reason I ask about the comparison with the HT300, is because it is the only DLP I have ever seen. No local store carries the InFocus, so I would have to order it sight unseen. Is lens shift used to project an image offcenter without keyholing?

 

[iwearnosox]

Originally posted by: glen
I want to spend about a grand. The reason I ask about the comparison with the HT300, is because it is the only DLP I have ever seen. No local store carries the InFocus, so I would have to order it sight unseen. Is lens shift used to project an image offcenter without keyholing?

Glen I'd visit avsforum before this place. I have both an infocus X1 and 4805 and find them to be very good projectors, I'm very happy with them.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: glen
I want to spend about a grand. The reason I ask about the comparison with the HT300, is because it is the only DLP I have ever seen. No local store carries the InFocus, so I would have to order it sight unseen. Is lens shift used to project an image offcenter without keyholing?

You can shift image up and down without using digital keystoning (which decreases visual quality).

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: glen
I want to spend about a grand. The reason I ask about the comparison with the HT300, is because it is the only DLP I have ever seen. No local store carries the InFocus, so I would have to order it sight unseen. Is lens shift used to project an image offcenter without keyholing?

You can shift image up and down without using digital keystoning (which decreases visual quality).

Exactly right.


glen, if you only have about a grand and insist on purchasing a DLP front projector, IMO the Infocus 4805 and Optoma H30 is as entry level as you should go. The lower color wheel speeds of the X1 and other $800-1000 level DLP units induce a motion artifact called rainbow effect that drives some people (like me) nuts.

How big will the picture be and far away from the screen will you be sitting? Any HDTV?

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: richardycc
the sony vpl-hs20. they have a hs50 now, I know its LCD, but it's still a projector.

Ha! Then I probably shouldn't tell you the HS51 will be released extremely soon (if it's not out already).

Originally posted by: b3b0p
Get a CRT projector and don't worry about this stuff

Um, OK, then he'd have a whole host of other issues to deal with.

 

[mrrman]

sent u a pm iwearnosox

 

[Doggiedog]

Maybe not a $15K projector but I suspect a 3 YO+ projector would be inferior to something like the 4805.

You need to remember, the 4805 is a HT projector not a business projector and that it is native 16:9 vs 4:3 for most other projectors.

Give me a PM if you want my opinion on the 4805. I've had one for about 5 months now.

One other thing. Ecost has it on sale for $1199 which is a very good price.

My thinking with the FPJ is I wanted to get a decent one and I figure in 2 years time, 1080p or 3 chip 720p DLPs may be much more affordable and the FPJ will be an interim solution til that point. Since its so small, it will be easy to ebay and should retain a good resale value as opposed to CRT FPJs.

 

[iwearnosox]

Originally posted by: mrrman
sent u a pm iwearnosox

Keep it in the open so others can chime in.

The X2 is not the same animal as the x1 or 4805. I'd return it if at all possible.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: Doggiedog
Since its so small, it will be easy to ebay and should retain a good resale value as opposed to CRT FPJs.

Actually, with CRT FP's, most people buy used, and those retain value very very well. They're a bit pain though.

 

[LeonarD26]

The Sanyo Z3 seems to be getting very good reviews, along with the Panasonic. Anyone have experience with the Sanyo? How much better is aprojector in the Sanyo/Panasonic class (around $2K) vs the $1200 4850?? Any inperson comparisons???

 

[Doggiedog]

Originally posted by: LeonarD26
The Sanyo Z3 seems to be getting very good reviews, along with the Panasonic. Anyone have experience with the Sanyo? How much better is aprojector in the Sanyo/Panasonic class (around $2K) vs the $1200 4850?? Any inperson comparisons???

I heard the Panny AE700 and Sanyo Z3 are very nice as well but you would actually be spending 66% more on it than the 4805.

 

[LeonarD26]

I gues it depends if true HD resolution is worth an extra $800. If all you watch is DVD's, the 4805 seems to be where it's at.......