Optoma H31 16:9 Home theater Front Projector $499 AR FREE S&H! Review with screen shots inside

[faZZter]

Yeah I agree about the whole excitement thing of watching stuff on the projector setup, it is awesome. I have a 50" Samsung DLP TV and hardly watch it anynore because I'd rather watch stuff on the projector. The DLP TV still comes in handy though since it is in our rather bright main living room and the projector wouldn't fair well there. But in the evenings its all about the projector at my place. I paid 699.00 for the projector and screen and you can't beat it for the money. I do wish it had a true lens shift though.

I'll try the component cables for the PS2. I was just getting lazy when I hooked that and the gamecube up. That would probably fix the issue I'm having. I have to say though the 360 looks amazing on the H31. Oblivion is awesome. I want to get GoW soon and imagine that may even look better.

 

[Wiz]

I have owned & used the H31 for 20 months.
I love it, I watch it every day. It's great with HDTV signal, upconverted DVD's look awesome.

I have the Comcast HDTV with an HDMI <-> DVI connection and the OPPO DVD player. Both of those go to a DVI switch.
For sound I got the ONKYO HTIB which produces a great sound in my theater space.

The Greywolf screen is a 1.8 gain and it makes the picture viewable even with some ambient lighting. I prefer complete darkness, but with a family that's not easily attainable.

I think that if money is a factor you really can't go wrong at the low price point the H31 has reached. That being said, the HD70 seems like a great deal too. Depends if you can only spend $600 or if you can add a few hundred bucks for the higher res.

Oh, and if you look at the H31 threads on AVS you will find my posting there under rbastedo.

 

[Budarow]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
That's a good idea for having it drop down in front of your current stuff. You wont have issues with the speakers being in goofy places then. Have you thought about your center channel situation?

I have mine below my screen. I don't remember if I liked to my other thread in this one yet, but
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=38&threadid=1959097&enterthread=y

After a couple years of using projectors, the great cinematic experience hasn't worn out for me and I don't think it will. I still get excited when it's time to watch a movie

On the brightness issue, I've kind of come to the conclusion that it's not that big of a deal as long as you can get your room dark. If you're working in a room that has some ambient light, then it could certainly be a big factor.

My old Infocus 4805 was rated at 600 ANSI in eco-mode, and in a dark room on a 76" screen size I was able to get a picture that was plenty bright. It was bright to the point where I'd have to squint in bright sceens once my eyes adjusted a bit to the darkened room.

It would really be a good idea to try to get the room as dark as possible. That's the one huge disadvantage to a front projection setup. We got some room darkening curtains and even in the middle of the day we can get it almost totally dark in here. Once you see how good a projector looks in a dark room, you wont want to watch it any other way

faZZter

Just a random comment about offset: One of the best features I got from upgrading to my AE900U was the lense shift. I really hope that starts to become a standard feature on most projectors soon.

For the ps2, some games have a widescreen mode and then you should be able to set your projector to widescreen and things will look right. Some games only have a 4:3 option and then only way to fill up your whole screen is by stretching it out and distorting it. I would recommend just sticking with 4:3 mode in these cases.

Good catch! I didn't think about it until you mentioned it Luckily, I've got a cubby in the entertainment center which currently houses a VCR (I know...what are those) and my center channel speaker will JUST barely fit. It won't be "completely" centered for the projector screen, but hopefully, it won't be too noticable. The bottom of the above cubby is 18' from the floor and the top is 25" so the bottom of the screen will have be 25" or more off the floor.

Looks like I'll have to ceiling mount the screen as well. The entertainment center is a little too deep and I don't have a enough distance between the walls to wall mount the screen AND have the projector screen fit in front of the entertainment center.

Funny...my family room seems pretty large at 17'x20' but when I try to add something cool to the old decor (like a theater), some feature of the room gets in the way (i.e., the entertainment center, the fireplace, the door wall, etc.) and it comes down to fitting/not fitting by an inch or 2.

I guess suspending the screen from the ceiling should be very easy (and inexpensive) since all I essentially have to do is connect 2 wires (1 wire at each end of the screen can) to the ceiling (and into the joist). Of course the "wires" will have to be nicely "decorated" to match the decor. And an electric screen is out of the question since I don't want the power cord hanging down. Too bad really...an electric screen would add that extra "coolness" to the home theater experience. Maybe I could build a frame around the screen and hang some burgundy red crushed drapes to "draw back" when the movie starts like there used to be at the Americana Theater in Southfield, Michigan.

 

[Budarow]

Originally posted by: faZZter
I have an H31 I bought from Costco with the 92" grey wolf screen. Here are some thoughts on it.....

First off, I have to say for watching sports/movies this thing is awesome. It may be a 480P projector but if you feed it an HD signal (Like I watch ESPN HD alot) it does look better than regular resolution, however to me there is some screen door effect visible. Doesnt bother me much unless you get too close to the screen or if you are running a PC desktop on the projector. I also use it with an XBOX 360 and it looks awesome on it.

Another thing to consider is the projector's offset. I think it was 55% or so. In other words if you have the projector ceiling mounted in a normal or low ceiling room the picture (without keystoning/tilting the projector to correct) will be pretty close to the floor. The HD 70 has less offset, not as extreme as the H31. This is something to definitely consider as I almost had to return mine due to the high offset. Also the H31 has a tripod style mounting hole that you can get some fairly cheap mounts for. I think I paid 30 bucks or so for one.

The HD70 will have less screen door effect, since it is a 720P projector. This is important if you are sitting close to the screen, maximizing the theatre like effect.

I run regular DirecTV, HD direcTV, play TV shows from the PC (Xvid or whatever) and also have a gamecube/playstation 2 hooked up through SVID. The problem I had with the PS2 though, was it seemes the projector won't scale the input to the whole screen so it is boxed in in the middle part. I may be doing something wrong here, nit sure. However the XBOX 360 works perfectly with it and looks great.

So anyway, if you are on a budget and the offset works for you're setup, then the H31 is a very nice 480P projector. DVD's look great with nice black levels but if you are too close you may notice the screen door effect. Stil, for 600 bucks plus a basic home theatre receiver/setup, it works pretty damn well.
That being said, if I were in the market for another projector I would most definitely pay a little more and go with the HD70. The future is HD (now as far as I am concerned) and the offset isn't so extreme. For me it is a more future proof purchase also.

If you have any questions about my setup ask away.

Hope this helps you make a decision.

faZZter, how wide is the can on the screen? Is it 96"? The specs give 3 widths of 92" (diagonal distance of actual screen?), 84" (horizontal width of screen?) and 96" (total lengh of can?).

Thanks,

Budarow

 

[faZZter]

I measure 87" width.

Sorry I took so long to reply, I was watching a movie on it!

 

[Budarow]

Originally posted by: faZZter
I measure 87" width.

Sorry I took so long to reply, I was watching a movie on it![/q]

Good for you

Thanks...that means the widest part of the screen is 87" or less. That should work for my corner set-up. Looks like the Optoma HD70 will cost me ~$912 ($860 plus $51.60 for tax).

 

[funboy6942]

Originally posted by: Budarow

Originally posted by: faZZter
I measure 87" width.

Sorry I took so long to reply, I was watching a movie on it![/q]

Good for you

Thanks...that means the widest part of the screen is 87" or less. That should work for my corner set-up. Looks like the Optoma HD70 will cost me ~$912 ($860 plus $51.60 for tax).

OH dont be toooo mad at me. For Poops and Giggles I went and did a complete order out on the H31 Again to see the diff between the hd70 and the H31
H31 with a 3 year lamp warranty ($99 with 2 replacements during that time, saves you $275x2=$550 in bulbs)
came to $807 Shipped ($9 shipping) Minus the $100 rebate brings it to $707 with 2 free replacement bulbs in 3 years means really $257!

And they offer at check out a 106" High contrast grey Screen for $79 bucks. When I bought mine this stuff was not offered to me or I would of jumped on that in a fvcking heartbeat!

So $707 AR and $79 + Shipping for a 106" screen still puts you less then the HD70 AND you have a 3 year bulb warranty with 2 extra bulb replacements during that time at $275 a pop per bulb.

More food for thought on which way to go

The HD70 from Visual Apex (the same place for the H31)
HD70-$999 Free Shipping
Grey Wolf 96" Screen $149 +$39 shipping
$99 3 Year Warranty on bulb with 2 replacements at $299 each = $600
Total Shipped-$1286-$600 in bulbs in 3 years (your going to watch the piss out of it non stop with a warranty since you paid for it ) $686

So there you go buddy and they still offered the 106" High Contrast grey screen as well with the HD70 too for $79 + Shipping

Hope this helps. That warranty offer for $99 is a steal IMO. I dont know if BBis going to offer you a 3 year bulb replacement warranty for $99 andif not the frst time you use it your way ahead of the game and really saved yourself some green and if you have to use it a second time in the 3 years, well, I dont think I have to tell you how much you came out ahead then now do I

 

[Budarow]

Here's a deal on a free 21" ws BenQ monitor w/ purchase of a BenQ projector from AT.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=40&threadid=1961957&enterthread=y

I'm pretty close to following Funboy42's advice though and picking up the HD70 at "his site" with the $99 bulb warranty. I want the best possible picture for a reasonable price. Now I have to find a mount for the HD70. They seem to be pretty pricey though (>$100).

 

[funboy6942]

Originally posted by: Budarow
Here's a deal on a free 21" ws BenQ monitor w/ purchase of a BenQ projector from AT.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=40&threadid=1961957&enterthread=y

I'm pretty close to following Funboy42's advice though and picking up the HD70 at "his site" with the $99 bulb warranty. I want the best possible picture for a reasonable price. Now I have to find a mount for the HD70. They seem to be pretty pricey though (>$100).

When I was looking the Benq didnt stand out that well with me with low est bulb hours on some of the ones I looked at with really high bulb prices as well.

Buy a universal mount off ebay for dirt cheap for the HD70

EDITLooked quickly into that PJ. It has good hours BUT its not a true HD PJ:
Native: 854x480 Pixels

I havent looked further just wanted to let you know right away that its not HD just HD compatible and you were nto looking for this and if you went that route, going how I mentioned with the warranty and using it you could take that saved money and buy a really nice LCD Ws display or hell another H31 and prolly still come out ahead

 

[Budarow]

Thanks again Funboy42 I'll do just that.

 

[mrrman]

Seems like a good deal as this is quite cheap however for a HD projector I would recommend the Sanyo PLVZ4 now replaced by the PLVZ5, the new unit has 2 HDMI inputs plus it outputs at 1000 ANSI lumens, brighter than the H31 at 850 lumens. I bought the Sanyo and have the free screen and bulb however I paid twice as much than the OP listed deal. Just my thoughts.

 

[Budarow]

Originally posted by: funboy42

Originally posted by: Budarow
Here's a deal on a free 21" ws BenQ monitor w/ purchase of a BenQ projector from AT.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=40&threadid=1961957&enterthread=y

I'm pretty close to following Funboy42's advice though and picking up the HD70 at "his site" with the $99 bulb warranty. I want the best possible picture for a reasonable price. Now I have to find a mount for the HD70. They seem to be pretty pricey though (>$100).

When I was looking the Benq didnt stand out that well with me with low est bulb hours on some of the ones I looked at with really high bulb prices as well.

Buy a universal mount off ebay for dirt cheap for the HD70

EDITLooked quickly into that PJ. It has good hours BUT its not a true HD PJ:
Native: 854x480 Pixels

I havent looked further just wanted to let you know right away that its not HD just HD compatible and you were nto looking for this and if you went that route, going how I mentioned with the warranty and using it you could take that saved money and buy a really nice LCD Ws display or hell another H31 and prolly still come out ahead

You're "on the money" again Funboy42

What do you think of this mount?

http://cgi.ebay.com/PROJECTOR-CEILING-M...4QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Since my ceiling is pitched...the "swivel" closest to the projector should allow the projector to "self-level" due to it's own weight. Correct?

 

[funboy6942]

Originally posted by: Budarow

Originally posted by: funboy42

Originally posted by: Budarow
Here's a deal on a free 21" ws BenQ monitor w/ purchase of a BenQ projector from AT.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=40&threadid=1961957&enterthread=y

I'm pretty close to following Funboy42's advice though and picking up the HD70 at "his site" with the $99 bulb warranty. I want the best possible picture for a reasonable price. Now I have to find a mount for the HD70. They seem to be pretty pricey though (>$100).

When I was looking the Benq didnt stand out that well with me with low est bulb hours on some of the ones I looked at with really high bulb prices as well.

Buy a universal mount off ebay for dirt cheap for the HD70

EDITLooked quickly into that PJ. It has good hours BUT its not a true HD PJ:
Native: 854x480 Pixels

I havent looked further just wanted to let you know right away that its not HD just HD compatible and you were nto looking for this and if you went that route, going how I mentioned with the warranty and using it you could take that saved money and buy a really nice LCD Ws display or hell another H31 and prolly still come out ahead

You're "on the money" again Funboy42

What do you think of this mount?

http://cgi.ebay.com/PROJECTOR-CEILING-M...4QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Since my ceiling is pitched...the "swivel" closest to the projector should allow the projector to "self-level" due to it's own weight. Correct?

Mounts I dont know anything about other then they can be had cheap on ebay. As far as self level I would say no and need to use a small level for that. Mount it, level it, project and image and have a friend help you with the screen. I sat mine on my table where I wanted to leave it, projected an image and my wife and I opened the screen and then mounted it on the wall that way. Worked instead of pulling out the image thingy and ruler out making all kinds of measurments then getting it wrong. Just lined up the image on the screen, used my pencil and marked out the screen can and went from there to make my screw holes.

The reason Im not thinking it will not self levl is it is going to weight heavier on one side or the other. Just use the lever and lock it in and turn it on and then the rest I said. I may of did it the hard way for all I know but it took us about 30 minutes to get it set up and I have a bad back the way I did it.

 

[Dweekie]

hey, i saw the infocus in72 at best buy for 599 instant rebate til dec 16. better than the H31 and no rebates to deal with. I almost bought one to replace my infocus 4805, but then i figured i'd better save for an HD projector instead.

 

[Zendeath]

I own the H31 and it is a great projector for watching regular DVD's in 480p. I am however thinking of upgrading to the Optoma HD70 which has 720p native resolution for under $1000.

 

[Budarow]

Originally posted by: Zendeath
I own the H31 and it is a great projector for watching regular DVD's in 480p. I am however thinking of upgrading to the Optoma HD70 which has 720p native resolution for under $1000.

I think the HD31 would more than fine for watching DVDs. If I wasn't going to connect a PC to the projector, I'd go with the HD31 over the HD70 due to the price difference.

 

[araczynski]

quoted projector bulb life spans are i believe just that, LIFE SPANS, they dont' mention the fact that the half life of the bulb is when you start seeing decreased output. usefull bulb life is 70% at best of quoted typically.

at the prices of the bulbs they're literally raping consumers. which would be fine if they were giving away the projectors in the first place.

 

[Wiz]

I'm a Happy H31 owner

After 20 months using mine practically every day in low power mode I finally decided to switch the bulb to normal power a few days ago. After adjusting with the THX tests on one of the DVD's (Cars) it looks great. I am guessing it's got somewhere between 1600 - 1800 hours on it. Still going strong!

 

[abaez]

Just to clarify before I spend the cash - I can use the dvdrom on my PC to play dvd's on one of these projectors correct?

Also, if I am using a slingbox I can use my PC to connect to the projector so that I can watch TV on it right?

At the same time, how does the sound work? Will I need a receiver or can I use my soundcard on the PC?

Thanks

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: abaez
Just to clarify before I spend the cash - I can use the dvdrom on my PC to play dvd's on one of these projectors correct?

Also, if I am using a slingbox I can use my PC to connect to the projector so that I can watch TV on it right?

At the same time, how does the sound work? Will I need a receiver or can I use my soundcard on the PC?

Thanks

The projector basically just functions as a monitor, so anything you can play on a regular monitor should be fine on the projector.

For the sound, you can continue to use whatever you're using now. Sound doesn't need to be routed through anything special. Just think of it as another monitor.

 

[Woody419]

Originally posted by: abaez
Just to clarify before I spend the cash - I can use the dvdrom on my PC to play dvd's on one of these projectors correct?

Also, if I am using a slingbox I can use my PC to connect to the projector so that I can watch TV on it right?

At the same time, how does the sound work? Will I need a receiver or can I use my soundcard on the PC?

Thanks

You can keep it simple and use your sound card like YOyoYOhowsDAjello suggests, or get as complicated as you like. Personally I like complicated.

I use the USB port to go to a M-Audio Transit which outputs the AC3 stream to a separate Dolby Digital decoder, that way I have true 5.1 digital surround sound. Surround receivers also have fiber optic inputs.

There are hundreds of movie playing software choices, Zoomplayer along with the FFDShow plugin is one of the best, with proper setup the images through the projector can rival DVD players costing thousands of dollars. You can start your reading at AVS Forum

 

[abaez]

Awesome, it looks like the projector has a DVI port in - so I can just use my second dvi port on my nvidia card. I'll worry about getting digital sound later as I just want to setup the projector first.

 

[Woody419]

Originally posted by: abaez
Awesome, it looks like the projector has a DVI port in - so I can just use my second dvi port on my nvidia card. I'll worry about getting digital sound later as I just want to setup the projector first.

If you need cables, go to Monoprice. Super fast delivery and excellent products.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Woody419

Originally posted by: abaez
Just to clarify before I spend the cash - I can use the dvdrom on my PC to play dvd's on one of these projectors correct?

Also, if I am using a slingbox I can use my PC to connect to the projector so that I can watch TV on it right?

At the same time, how does the sound work? Will I need a receiver or can I use my soundcard on the PC?

Thanks

You can keep it simple and use your sound card like YOyoYOhowsDAjello suggests, or get as complicated as you like. Personally I like complicated.

I use the USB port to go to a M-Audio Transit which outputs the AC3 stream to a separate Dolby Digital decoder, that way I have true 5.1 digital surround sound. Surround receivers also have fiber optic inputs.

There are hundreds of movie playing software choices, Zoomplayer along with the FFDShow plugin is one of the best, with proper setup the images through the projector can rival DVD players costing thousands of dollars. You can start your reading at AVS Forum

I've kind of got a funky setup going too, but it happens after I output from my X-Mystique soundcard. Digital coaxial goes to my Boston Acoustics AVP-7 which is connected to my sub and A7200 amp for the speakers. The AVP-7 also passes the digital signal back out to my Onkyo 602 which then applies a lower crossover to the LFE output and sends that to my Sherwood 2030 receiver (with some low pass filters in line as well). That then powers my bass shakers :evil:

Too many ways to complicate things :laugh:

 

[funboy6942]

I use a 20 foot Toslink cable from my sound card to my toslink switch that is hooked to my Logitech Z5500 Speaker set I use for my HT set up.
Mono price sells the switch and the cables you need of all lengths. AND BTW your gonna love the PJ. Are you going to grab the Grey Wolf 92" or the 106" High Contrast Grey screen from them. If you get the 106 LMK how it looks so I can shoot myself in the foot for not getting it.