I have been lusting after a variety of projectors, of late. I've been really wanting to start working on a home theater set up, but I am on an extreme budget, so, despite my wishes, the $5,000 digital, 1080p projectors are out of the question.

However, I am excited to learn about CRT projection (I just started reading up on it tonight). There is a Sony 1271Q for sale in my area ($275) and I think I might be able to swing the purchase. Quite simply: is it worth it?

I keep reading that it takes a good bit of effort to get a CRT projector set up, which is fine. I enjoy working my way through things like this. However, I WOULD like to know a few things, going in, if possible, so I thought I'd ask you guys, as you seem quite knowledgeable.

1.) How much time should I realistically count on putting in to obtain a watchable/good, if not great, image?

2.) How much, apart from the projector, will I spend in components that will allow me to hook up HD sources (mainly an Xbox 360 and a modded Xbox)?

I'm certainly aware that these are boring, basic questions, but the concept of getting so much out of an older projector at such a relatively low cost is interesting and exciting to me, but I don't want to make a purchase that I'll never be able to fully enjoy, if it is going to require immense technical knowledge.

Thank you very much for any help. This forum has been a fantastic resource many times.

One other detail that I just noticed: the unit is apparently missing the original remote. Would this be a big deal?

Welcome to CRT and be careful it can be addicting!!! :D

Read this first and if you want to post on that site id highly recommend it as more CTR'rs
post there than here.

http://www.curtpalme.com/CRTPrimer.shtm

Also that CRT is ok but 275 i think most here would say is a bit high depending on the tubes conditions.
there are many other Brands you could look for.

NEC/Runco
Barco/Runco
Electrohome/Vidikron
Sony
Ampro

They all make decent sets. look for an EM focusing set and at least an 8 inch tube set.
the Electrohome Marquees are very easy to set up as are the Ampros i hear and Sony's.
Necs need a bit more work but their owners love them.

Read through the primer i linked and then also look at Curts forum some to get a feel of which can be fixed easier and have the most available parts.
One Note : the Electrohome Marquee/Vidikron CRT's are still manufactured today by a company
caleld VDC and run 28,000 and up new, used late 1990's set can be had for a few hundred to a few thousand depending on tube size and lenses.

keep looking and read more before you jump into it, but the sony would be a god starter set for little money.

Athanasios

One other detail that I just noticed: the unit is apparently missing the original remote. Would this be a big deal? yes that's a drawback, used Sony remotes will sell for anywhere between $75. to $125.depending on model. The Sony's aren't too terrible to set-up but for your very first time allocate a couple of days to get a watchable pic and a few more hours here and there to tweak it to 90% of it's "best possible".
However keep in mind that the 1272 is older 1980's Electrostatic focus technology. IT will never be sharp in comparison to today's better (higher pixel count) digitals. For HDTV and a smooth and relatively sharp pic you really want to aim for Electromagentic focus. For Sony, this would be the G70/G90.
For the easiesy set-up's, look for a Barco (808/1208/1209) or Marquee(8110/8500/9500) .All of these are quieter than the Sony's and have built in on screen set-up menu's. Here's a very basic "ranking's list" based on performance only that doesn't take into consideration Noise or reliability.
http://www.curtpalme.com/Projector_Rankings.shtm
Also, check the rankings list and find someone near by to see a CRT in action, that will help you get a grip on it all.
http://www.curtpalme.com/ReferralList.shtm

Thanks for the resources. The primer at CurtPalme.com was the first thing I read about CRTs. I came away with the impression that the Sony could potentially be a really nice projector, but knowing that the remote would be an extra expenditure and such, I am backing away from the ledge, so to speak, unless the guy wants to get rid of it for a lower price.

Where did most of you guys purchase your projectors? I'm a fairly regular Craigslister and this is the first CRT projector I can recall seeing, and it seems as if buying one on eBay would be majorly difficult, due to shipping.

Where did most of you guys purchase your projectors? I'm a fairly regular Craigslister and this is the first CRT projector I can recall seeing, and it seems as if buying one on eBay would be majorly difficult, due to shipping.e-bay is a bit of a gamble, you might need to repair a machine you buy there. Shipping will add about $150. or so but you really should have a wooden crate to insure safe passage.

Where did most of you guys purchase your projectors? I'm a fairly regular Craigslister and this is the first CRT projector I can recall seeing, and it seems as if buying one on eBay would be majorly difficult, due to shipping.

I found my first on Craigslist (Barco Data 801s for $200, tubes were burned but I didn't know to check the tubes at the time)
Second one came off Ebay (Marquee 8000 $500 with clean tubes, I picked it up and tested before I paid for it)
Third and current one was found at a garage sale (Sony G70 $25 slight wear on blue and green but for the price I won't complain)

videogon is another place to look, a nice 9 inch ampro is on there for 600, id take it if i had the 800 total cost with shipping.

Athanasios

A 1271 is a POS.

Only get it if they are giving it away and it's local.

If you really want a CRT, aim higher.

If I was a newbie in the US I would get a Marquee.

A 1271 is a POS.

Only get it if they are giving it away and it's local.

If you really want a CRT, aim higher.

If I was a newbie in the US I would get a Marquee.

I agree with most of this, but I'd put a slightly more positive spin on it and say the 1271 for $275 is fine if it's local, especially because you'll likely sell it.

You'll either be amazed with the 1080i HD image you're able to get out of it, or you'll get frustrated at the size and video input conversions and geometry/convergence setup and maybe realize that CRT isn't for everyone.

The good news is that when you eventually upgrade, you'll probably recoup most of what you paid for the 1271.

I started the hobby (addiction) about 5 years ago with a Sony 1020Q, which was the lowest of the low (only 480i capable). I had a RGBHV converter, so even with optimal hookup it still sucked on my 120" BUT I LOVED IT. I then upgraded to a 1272Q, which was like night and day. I too had no remote - you don't need it as long as you plan to ceiling mount since all the buttons are accesible then. Once you tweek it, you don't need a remote anyway (but it would be nice so you can turn it on/off without having to always do it manually). I had 720P on my 1272Q on my 120" screen, and I'd say it was a 7 out of 10. Most buds thought it was great - those with more knowledge of projectors and quality thought it was OK. I now have a NEC 852 with EC focus, and must say it again is like night and day.

So, basically you need to start somewhere. A 1272Q is not bad to learn the calibration and setup of CRT, and you will still be impressed as your first unit. Ya, they are not as sharp as higher quality CRT, but I'd say it still compares to many Future Shop dlp and lcd proj if not better. At least the CRT will have more lumins - the small lcd and dlp prj suck unless absoluetly dark - the CRT can still look bright even in daylight conditions.

1251, 1252, 1271, 1272 projectors sell for $100 to $250 on ebay all the time. A $250 unit would be mint with very little bulb wear/use. I still have mine with 8000 hours, and have it listed locally at $150 (though I'm in Canada so no good to you). I'd suggest to keep searching CL, and expand to other areas of CL within 4 hour drive from you - a 4 hour drive is well worth it for the right crt at a steal of a deal (and they are out there). Also search ebay, but limit the search to say 500m of your zip code (you do not want to have one shipped, as it will cost a fortune and you will not know what you are getting until it is to late).

Oh, you will also want to buy a scaler. Otherwise, you will only be able to feed compostye or svideo, but also be limited to the source you are watching. Since many sources (ie. regular dvd, cablevision, xbox, etc) are only 480i, this will not look good on the crt unjless you scale them to 720P oir 1080i. I've bought many dcent scalers from ebay for approx $100 - they all have multiple inputs, and output RGBHV with various resolutions (you will want 720P or 1080i) for all sources.

Oh, you will also want to buy a scaler. Otherwise, you will only be able to feed compostye or svideo, but also be limited to the source you are watching. Since many sources (ie. regular dvd, cablevision, xbox, etc) are only 480i, this will not look good on the crt unjless you scale them to 720P oir 1080i. I've bought many dcent scalers from ebay for approx $100 - they all have multiple inputs, and output RGBHV with various resolutions (you will want 720P or 1080i) for all sources. there are no DVD players outputting 480i anymore, progressive scan came out 10 years ago and DVD players are now at LEAST 480P. Actually most DVD players, even the cheap ones, scale-up DVD now internally so the the only thing you really need scaler for is custom resolutions or low-def television.
Instead of a scaler that money would be much better spent on an HDMI conversion device like the Fury 2 or Moome internal/external IMO.

Thanks for all the guidance. The guy lowered the price to $225, but that's still $310, if I were to buy the remote, and he doesn't know the condition of the tubes, so I'm not sold, just yet. Maybe, if he's really desperate to get rid of it, I will get a great deal out of it. We'll see.

I agree with most of this, but I'd put a slightly more positive spin on it and say the 1271 for $275 is fine if it's local, especially because you'll likely sell it.

You'll either be amazed with the 1080i HD image you're able to get out of it, or you'll get frustrated at the size and video input conversions and geometry/convergence setup and maybe realize that CRT isn't for everyone.

The good news is that when you eventually upgrade, you'll probably recoup most of what you paid for the 1271.

What do you mean by "frustrated at the size"? Are you referring to the bulk of the projector, itself? If so, that's not a huge concern for me, so it shouldn't be a deterrent.

However keep in mind that the 1272 is older 1980's Electrostatic focus technology. IT will never be sharp in comparison to today's better (higher pixel count) digitals. For HDTV and a smooth and relatively sharp pic you really want to aim for Electromagentic focus. For Sony, this would be the G70/G90.

Do the electromagnetic projectors roughly rival the digitals? I keep reading that sharpness is a big factor in getting a great projected image, so it seems like CRT would be undesireable if the image is notably less sharp.

I would NOT pay $225 for it unless I was able to check the tubes, see if the seller will let you remove the lenses or at least shine a flashlight through the lenses to look for burn.

BenCarnes, another remote option would be a Harmony remote. I just went out to the Harmony website and found a page that lets you put in your devices to see if they are in the database:
http://myremotesetup.com/EasyZapper/New/Main.asp

I own a 1272q that I will be pulling out of storage soon to use in the basement I'm remodelling, so I wanted to check myself if the 1272 was in there...it was. The 1271 is there too.

At least with the Harmony, if you go with an older model or find a good deal, you can get the remote cheaper than the original projector remote, and the Harmony will control your WHOLE theater system. I own an older Harmoy 676 and love it - even as gear breaks and I get new stuff, it's always easy to sign onto the software and change the macros - even my wife loves it as we can have truly 1 remote to control everything. I guess the best part is that the remote is future-proof. Sometimes I'm amazed how long it has lasted seeing as it gets dropped on the hardwood floor at least once a week!

Do the electromagnetic projectors roughly rival the digitals? I keep reading that sharpness is a big factor in getting a great projected image, so it seems like CRT would be undesireable if the image is notably less sharp. depends. IMO an 8" EM focus is sharper than a 720 digital. DLP guys who have come to my house are always surpirsed by the "perceived sharpnes" which is really a lack of Pixels. Contrast ratio of course is no contest, CRT full black is really Black.
Now if your looking for RS1, poke a pin in your eye sharpness, I don't think any CRT will do that. It's important to consider more than Sharpness though, color accuracy on the RS1 is not very good for instance and requires external scaler to correct if your picky.
The sony Pearl OTOH was was a poor picture. Not really that sharp and awful contrast ratio at any given time.

Do the electromagnetic projectors roughly rival the digitals? I keep reading that sharpness is a big factor in getting a great projected image, so it seems like CRT would be undesireable if the image is notably less sharp.

If you are using them for a computer desktop, most of the EM setups you'll see are not as sharp as most of the digital PJs.

For video, I have only seen one digital PJ that I felt could beat my old G70 hands down, and that was a $50+K Sim2, and I doubt you're choosing between a <$250 1271 and a Sim2. :D

My gut tells me that if you wave 10 $10 bills in front of the guy with the 1271, he'll sell it on the spot. Have another 5 of them in your pocket just in case... It's a perfectly reasonable entry level projector and when you're done, you can probably sell it for $100.

Actually most DVD players, even the cheap ones, scale-up DVD now internally so the the only thing you really need scaler for is custom resolutions or low-def television.
Instead of a scaler that money would be much better spent on an HDMI conversion device like the Fury 2 or Moome internal/external IMO.

sorta right - point being, one needs SOMETHING to get those red, green, and blue cables into em...;) Unless 1272s have a component input card, that accepts hd inputs, he's going to need something to transcode to rgbhv.

Jason (at AVS) has an Iscan Pro that he'd likely (nearly) give away. That would do the trick, and get one started on the crt addiction - its what I started with years ago, with my Barco. But other than fighting with an HTPC, you need some kind of converter to get the signal into the pj - an old Petr component to rgb, a moome, or a Wyman (or Moome) Sony ifb card. OR, as was suggested above, a cheap, outdated scaler. Which likely still won't allow you to watch BD or HD at high def resolutions.

What do you mean by "frustrated at the size"? Are you referring to the bulk of the projector, itself? If so, that's not a huge concern for me, so it shouldn't be a deterrent.
Yes, some consider the bulk of CRT as a deterrent... harder to ceiling mount, harder to ship, harder to sneak in past the wife...

My G90 is 242 pounds and I don't have a problem with it... helps with theft deterrence. ;)

Thanks for the resources. The primer at CurtPalme.com was the first thing I read about CRTs. I came away with the impression that the Sony could potentially be a really nice projector, but knowing that the remote would be an extra expenditure and such, I am backing away from the ledge, so to speak, unless the guy wants to get rid of it for a lower price.

Where did most of you guys purchase your projectors? I'm a fairly regular Craigslister and this is the first CRT projector I can recall seeing, and it seems as if buying one on eBay would be majorly difficult, due to shipping.

I got all but one of mine from Craigslist. My first came from Clarence here on the forum and I have been addicted ever since. He was brutaly honest about the challenges and even demoed the projector (NEC 6PG) for me when I picked it up. Little did I know that it would never look as good as he got it looking again! Like an idiot I dove head first into the set and mucked it all up. Clarence was like, "yeah, I did a quick 15 minute setup as you were pulling into the driveway just now". :D I thought it looked awesome and it wasn't until later that I learned that Clarence was a genius and that I had a LOT to learn about CRT. So, if you are willing to put in the time and it sound like you are, then this really is a fun hobby and one that you can get into relatively inexpensively if you play your cards right. You haven't listed your location but if you happen to be near me then you are welcome to come over and get an NEC XG-110 from me for a song.

You haven't listed your location but if you happen to be near me then you are welcome to come over and get an NEC XG-110 from me for a song.

Good Point. Tell us where you are; I'm sure there is someone on the forum near you willing to unload one of their unwanted crts. (OOPS - I mean, gladly introduce you to the wonders of CRT FP. ;))

but seriously, yes. Heck - I have a couple extra 9" Ampros; I just gave away an old Barco; I'm sure many of the folks here have one they could part with (with the wife's blessings.) Post your general location, and then stand back. :p

I've been out of town, thus my inability to reply.

I am a musician, so I am well aware of what it can be like to be absorbed by a hobby. Unfortunately, I seem to be attracted to hobbies that call for a larger wallet than that which I possess.

I am currently in the Washington, D.C. area (about twenty minutes south of D.C. proper in Lorton, Virginia). I moved up here four months ago from Greenville, South Carolina.

I'll admit that I did not give away my location on purpose, as I didn't know what I had on my hands, at first. If the 1271 listing turned out to be some fantastic deal, I didn't want people rushing to their nearest computer to snatch it away. Obviously, I was a bit too paranoid.

I'm glad I asked! You guys have been immensely helpful, thus far. I appreciate it.

I've been out of town, thus my inability to reply.

I am a musician, so I am well aware of what it can be like to be absorbed by a hobby. Unfortunately, I seem to be attracted to hobbies that call for a larger wallet than that which I possess.

I am currently in the Washington, D.C. area (about twenty minutes south of D.C. proper in Lorton, Virginia). I moved up here four months ago from Greenville, South Carolina.

I'll admit that I did not give away my location on purpose, as I didn't know what I had on my hands, at first. If the 1271 listing turned out to be some fantastic deal, I didn't want people rushing to their nearest computer to snatch it away. Obviously, I was a bit too paranoid.

I'm glad I asked! You guys have been immensely helpful, thus far. I appreciate it.

Ben, there are a ton of Virginia CRT guys on here so you might also try to see if one of them could demo their projector for you. Once you have seen what CRT can do you will be hooked I'm sure. It requires some time and patience but it's well worth it in my opinion. There are some really great deals to be had in CRT if you look around.

I'll admit that I did not give away my location on purpose, as I didn't know what I had on my hands, at first. If the 1271 listing turned out to be some fantastic deal, I didn't want people rushing to their nearest computer to snatch it away. Obviously, I was a bit too paranoid yeah maybe just a little.;) Not too many people left who will bother with a 1272Q anymore, they threw a pretty good pic in 1994 but by todays standards are more than a little soft and dim, even at their optimal 1080i resolution.

CRT's are still a much better value for the money than an lcd/dlp.

A nice 1272 might be available for you locally! but it all depends on condition as stated above!

For a started set I would suggest a marquee 8500...
I recently found another g90 locally and went and snatched it up for spares...

So the deals are around...you just need to be patient and look for them!

You also need to be ingenious in your approach in finding and dealing with the seller!

Not to mention the occasional yahoo that wants 15 k for a 1020Q...hehe

My approach is not to look at the asked price and just check it out in person...and then run a little reality check on the seller...

5 out of 10 they call back and then we deal!

Anyhow

Hope this helps!

May the dark side be with you!!!!!

Martin

CRT's are still a much better value for the money than an lcd/dlp.

A nice 1272 might be available for you locally! but it all depends on condition as stated above!

For a started set I would suggest a marquee 8500...
I recently found another g90 locally and went and snatched it up for spares...

So the deals are around...you just need to be patient and look for them!

You also need to be ingenious in your approach in finding and dealing with the seller!

Not to mention the occasional yahoo that wants 15 k for a 1020Q...hehe

My approach is not to look at the asked price and just check it out in person...and then run a little reality check on the seller...

5 out of 10 they call back and then we deal!

Anyhow

Hope this helps!

May the dark side be with you!!!!!

Martin

Was this the one on Craiglist for 150 bucks !!!???


Nashou

Nashou

Are you talking about the g90?

Actually it was on cl...but it wasnt for that amount!

Martin

Nashou

Are you talking about the g90?

Actually it was on cl...but it wasnt for that amount!

Martin

Yes there was a G90 for 150 bucks listed on CL

Nashou

Yah, I doubt that a mounted g90 has ever been stolen. If it was imagine the disappointment with the picture when they finally got it to its final destination.

here was the original thread for that SF G90.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1084362

Athanasios

I just bought a 720p dlp for 600 from woot.com...definitely better than that Sony you're looking at...also, smaller and quieter. Great color rendition and very good contrast...

But as usual, I sold it...it was just a tad too loud. But for most of the population, it would be a no-brainer to have a very good digital for $600. Plus, there was nothing to tinker with...it had pretty darn near perfect color, greyscale etc right out of the box...boring!

Crt's should not be bought by someone wanting to watch movies...they should be bought by someone interested in a new hobby....and one that is definitely addictive.

I have bought many crt's and I always sell them off and think, thank god I got rid of that boat anchor...but the fact is, they still throw the most film-like pic...unless you want to spend huge dollars for a digital...which I don't. I still love crt's....and maybe I'll buy another. But then again, my brother won't help me in the house with one...he told me to forget it after the 10PG I had...man that thing was big and heavy!

Crt's should not be bought by someone wanting to watch movies...they should be bought by someone interested in a new hobby....and one that is definitely addictive. ! i'll disagree with that. I have sold and installed many to people who do nothing but turn it on/off. For one, You NEVER have to worry about a bulb exploding .

I've been out of town, thus my inability to reply.

I am a musician, so I am well aware of what it can be like to be absorbed by a hobby. Unfortunately, I seem to be attracted to hobbies that call for a larger wallet than that which I possess.

I am currently in the Washington, D.C. area (about twenty minutes south of D.C. proper in Lorton, Virginia). I moved up here four months ago from Greenville, South Carolina.

I'll admit that I did not give away my location on purpose, as I didn't know what I had on my hands, at first. If the 1271 listing turned out to be some fantastic deal, I didn't want people rushing to their nearest computer to snatch it away. Obviously, I was a bit too paranoid.

I'm glad I asked! You guys have been immensely helpful, thus far. I appreciate it.
I'll dust off a NEC XG and an Electrohome ECP from my closet if you want to see how they compare.

The ECP is about the same cost/performance as the 1271. The XG is quite a bit better.

Of course you can also see my Sony G90 and then we can walk a few houses down and see Wallace's nice NEC PG.

I'll dust off a NEC XG and an Electrohome ECP from my closet if you want to see how they compare.

The ECP is about the same cost/performance as the 1271. The XG is quite a bit better.

Of course you can also see my Sony G90 and then we can walk a few houses down and see Wallace's nice NEC PG.


I still can't believe how good Don's PG-Xtra looks. I think Ken sprinkled some magic dust on that one. Of course I had been driving all day so it just felt good to sit down in a comfortable chair but I perked up quickly when Don queued up "I Robot" on his system. Then there was the demo at your place Clarence when we watched some of Planet Terror from a HD cable recording. I went home and ordered Starz HD just so I could record that only to find out that my provider doesnt' have the HD version of Starz yet. Even after I must have said "HD" about a dozen times and they just said, "sure, no problem". So, I cancelled that the next day.

I just got myself a Runco DTV 1100 (aka Barco 1209s). I used to have 3 (three) VPH-1271Qs sitting in my basement. One was the prefect one with new tubes and the one I spent time calibrating. The other had tubes that weren't prefect but not bad either. I had mine projected onto a white wall in a light controlled room and it look absolutely fantastic! I was driving it with a HTPC originally then with a DVD player with the Faroudja processor built in. It wasn't brightest or sharpest picture in the world, but it did look amazing - even at 120" 4:3. Friends and family would come over and basically freak out over the size then the quality of the picture.

The 1271/1272Q are not bad, but better ones can be had.

I still can't believe how good Don's PG-Xtra looks. I think Ken sprinkled some magic dust on that one.

well, fwiw, I still haven't replaced my Runco 980ultra. - which is the factory tweaked version of the PGx. HD box or HD-disks, now thru the Edge, into the Runco and it looks gorgeous - approaching 4 years in my possesion.

I know, I know - Ken hasn't touched it yet, but it was gone thru by someone flown out from Runco...;) - and it looks so good, I haven't pulled it down and mounted my 9" pjs yet; nor have I kept any of the bulb units I've auditioned.

BUT - I do have to tweak the convergence every now and then, so I imagine things are starting to show their age. But still no bulb replacement. :p

well, fwiw, I still haven't replaced my Runco 980ultra. - which is the factory tweaked version of the PGx. HD box or HD-disks, now thru the Edge, into the Runco and it looks gorgeous - approaching 4 years in my possesion.

I know, I know - Ken hasn't touched it yet, but it was gone thru by someone flown out from Runco...;) - and it looks so good, I haven't pulled it down and mounted my 9" pjs yet; nor have I kept any of the bulb units I've auditioned.

BUT - I do have to tweak the convergence every now and then, so I imagine things are starting to show their age. But still no bulb replacement. :p


That's awesome! It's always great to hear how much staying power our CRT's have. I have never had a professional calibration done but I'm seriously considering it. That's no fault of the machine though, just my own limitations in setup. I get better at it every time I do it but now days I just enjoy watching movies instead of trying to correct little things that nobody else notices anyway.

Good news (I think)!

I opened up my e-mail account today, intending to offer the guy $150 for the 1271 (he had reposted it on Craigslist), but before I could do so, I noticed that he had sent me an e-mail saying he'd give it to me for $125, if I'd pick it up today. Otherwise, he's going to trash it tomorrow.

I know there are better projectors available, but, as much as I want one, it will likely be awhile before I can spare enough money to purchase one. As such, I figure I'll give this a whirl. Hopefully it'll provide a good starting point and, who knows, just maybe I'll be able to get the image looking good, eventually.

I'll let you guys know how it all progresses.

Good news (I think)!

I opened up my e-mail account today, intending to offer the guy $150 for the 1271 (he had reposted it on Craigslist), but before I could do so, I noticed that he had sent me an e-mail saying he'd give it to me for $125, if I'd pick it up today. Otherwise, he's going to trash it tomorrow.

I know there are better projectors available, but, as much as I want one, it will likely be awhile before I can spare enough money to purchase one. As such, I figure I'll give this a whirl. Hopefully it'll provide a good starting point and, who knows, just maybe I'll be able to get the image looking good, eventually.

I'll let you guys know how it all progresses.


:) Better yet, find out where his dumpster is and dig it out of there tomorrow! I'm sure Curt can tell you the best way to do that. :D

Dollars to donuts: He'll take $100 cash for it. He'll probably take $50.

Well, so much for that.

He pulled out at the last minute. Apparently, he decided earlier today to give it to someone else.

I had high hopes for the machine, because it apparently had very low hours (800 or so) and was set up in a home theater where the guy lived. He moved in and the previous owner had just left it mounted to the ceiling, possibly because of the weight.

I'm glad I called before driving over an hour to pick it up.

well when soemone is selling something nice for super cheap, like $200., I don't see the reason for trying to pry another 25 bucks out of their pocket. If i was in his shoes I would have given it away too rather than indulge a bone picking vulture.:(
Not directed at you Ben, just an overall observation. there's a lot of people who just get their jolly's doing this. I think it ranks right up there will Walmart stampedes for most pathetic consumerism behavior.

I'm not sure that many people would consider a 1271 in unknown condition necessarily "nice" or "definitely worth $200". You're not taking $25 OUT of their pocket, you're putting $25 less INTO their pocket and getting a big (compared to digitals), clunky, not useful to them projector out of their house.

I think you must have a pretty strange value function if openly negotiating the price for a 20 year old PJ of unproven condition with a seller with freedom to refuse your offer "ranks right up there" with taking the hinges off the doors of a Walmart 5 minutes before opening and trampling a security guard to death. Strange indeed.

I think you must have a pretty strange value function if openly negotiating the price for a 20 year old PJ of unproven condition with a seller with freedom to refuse your offer "ranks right up there" with taking the hinges off the doors of a Walmart 5 minutes before opening and trampling a security guard to death. Strange indeed. my comment was a little over the top but desides that. The PJ had 800 hours on it, it's a good chance it was installed in that house new, and it was set-up and running in his house. Compare that to $200. just for freight on an e-bay gamble. I mean for measly 200 bucks he probly would have even showed the buyer a quick run through to get him started.
I guess what i'm trying to say is if you treat people with respect what you get back is worth more than a measly 25 bucks. When you try to chisel the last few dollars out of their pocket it usually just creates animosity.

Who knows. Maybe the seller was secretly lurking this forum and put two and two together. This is one reason I think it's not a good idea to count your chickens before they hatch. Us CRT folk are vultures for a good deal so when you are potentially on the receiving end of what you feel to be a good deal...keep it to yourself. When you get it home and confirm that it's in cherry condition, then you can come here and do all the shameless gloating you want. Sorry you missed out Ben. Don't worry, there are lots of good CRT deals out there. You will find one soon I'm sure.

1251, 1252, 1271, 1272 projectors sell for $100 to $250 on ebay all the time. A $250 unit would be mint with very little bulb wear/use. I still have mine with 8000 hours, and have it listed locally at $150 (though I'm in Canada so no good to you).


Or 18000 hours or 28000 hours.

In the 12xx series, the hours counter rolls over at 9999 to 0000, and you start fresh. These units are now so old, they typically have 20000 to 40000 hours on them. I use my 1272 for regular TV watching - when I bought it some years ago it had 7800. A couple years ago it had rolled over and had 4200. Last time I checked, last year, it had 6000 something as I recall. I'll check it again tonight out of curiosity.


IN SHORT: never believe the hours counter on these things - it's really useless. These machines were made 10 to 15 years ago - if they were used only 4 hours a day, then the counter would have rolled over at least twice in that time. Since many were in professional environments and saw higher duty cycles, well you get the idea.


A

These machines were made 10 to 15 years ago - if they were used only 4 hours a day, then the counter would have rolled over at least twice in that time. A
10 years ago was 1998, none of the CRT's made during that time roll over at 10K hours AFAIK, certainly not the Braco's and Marquee's.

Whoever said it would take you a couple of days to tweak the machine to get a usable picture is either a perfectionist or nuts! After you get the machine facing a screen, you'd be able to get a respectible pic in 3 or 4 hrs of adjusting. Go for it! CRTs are a fun hobby and (as it's been said before) addicting! Sonys are a good way to go (imho).