Hi,

I was thinking about upgrading from my Infocus 7210 to 1080p projector. And I came across a person selling Infocus 777 with around 150 hrs on lamp. I have a 12 feet wide 2.35:1 screen and the 777 is light canon so I got interested in it. My seating distance is 15 ft. Its the 3DLP and I had read lot of good things about it, so thought of asking here.

As for the resolution, the 777 would be a side upgrade. At the moment, I am still debating whether to go the route of 1080p or go with 777. I was earlier looking at Pioneer rebadged RS2 but now in dilemma. I know this is going to start a flame war but would I be better off with 1080P?

TIA.

You are going to be the best judge. Was the pixel structure on your screen bothersome to you with the 7210? If not, then it won't be with the SP777. If so, that may be your answer.

Note one thing...the SP777 is substantially brighter than the Infocus you have. But most of today's projectors are not, so be careful there (for instance the Pioneer would not have been bright enough for a 12' wide 2.35:1 screen).

Thanks Jason. We don't see the SDE unless moved closer. So its perfect for our sitting distance. My 7 yr old likes to seat closer, but she has not complained of SDE so far. ;)

I am going to demo the projector today. So, will know more about the projector. Are there any specific things that I should look for? I have the Darkchip2/Darkchip3 in mind, so will find out that as well.

The bigger issue is pricing this projector. I know its been cleared out (both here at AVS and other dealers) but haven't seen what could be the ballpark for this projector. Ebay turned zero completed listings for the pj. Can anyone give me a rough ball park?

If discussing the used price is no no.., then please disregard. Mods can delete the post.
Thanks again.

Well they are no more so not really an issue. Before when they were being cleared out they were in the mid $6k range. For a used one in great condition, I'd suspect you'll find $4-5k or so.

Good luck!

I have had a 777 for over a year. I thought about selling for it for a 1080p and glad I didn't. With the exception of the Sim C3X series of 1080p at >15K, all other 1080p projectors could not approach the 777 on brightness. If I found a C3X 1080p for around 10K, I would jump on it. I am still not used to it meaning it still amazes me when I see good HD material. It is a quality piece. Screen door is an issue with me and I can see it on some material at 1.8 screen widths.

I looked at the projector. For some reason, it did not seem so much bright to me compared to my 7210. It was uncalibrated and still at default levels.

Anyway, I am thinking about it and probably make an offer today.

Thanks all for the inputs so far.

Edit: One more question. I just talked to Infocus with the serial no. This has the DC2 (HD2) chip in it. My current projector is DC3. Will I see a big difference as far as Screen Door effect is concerned? Given the big size of my screen, I don't want to feel downgraded in this regard. TIA again.

Might be high hours on the lamp, thus it would dim.

DC2 will have essentially the same pixel structure as a DC3...less contrast in theory.

Briefly touched upon....about 1.5-2 years ago they were fetching $6500 new. Ballpark used...$4-5k maybe.

Briefly touched upon....about 1.5-2 years ago they were fetching $6500 new. Ballpark used...$4-5k maybe.

I think you are generous. I don't think it's worth more than 3.5k. First generation of infocus 3 chips using DC2. The last batch was DC3. You can buy a Qualia for 4500$ used with a new lamp. I would think that the Qualia is worth more than the Infocus. The Big sony should be bright enough for a bigger screen as well 1080p no pixel structure. Similar native contrast.

Qualia is not actually as bright. It can be out of the box new lamp, but that Xenon drops off fast. Regardless, you are right that a DC2 version probably would fetch less. Really depends on the buyer (there are still some companies, who I won't name, selling 720p 3 chip for premium pricing).

all right gents. The price is $1800 for this pj. Do you think should I bite?

No way ... just give me the contact details of the seller and I'll be happy to tell them off for you ... ;)

Wow. They are handing it to you. I'll buy it if you don't.

Yeah, thought so. I made that offer yesterday evening, picking up the projector today.

Thanks for all the inputs guys. very thoughtful advice.

Update: Got this projector on Thursday. I fired it up yesterday and its definitely brighter than my 7210 but not a lot. The lamp has 17 hrs on it. If this is correct numbers, then it shows that 7210 is really bright (mine has 800 hrs).

The picture looks great, the white is a lot bright than 7210. Still running at default values. Now, the big question is, which mount should I use to mount this big boy? I looked at Infocus, universal Premier mount and Peerless PRG-UNV mount. Any preference?

I used the Infocus mount but had to add custom everything to get my UH 380 mounted on it as well. Depending on how you mount you lens (unless you zoom) the mount you use may not make that much difference.

I have a 130 inch wide SMX AT screen, I think you will enjoy this PJ. You do not mention it as a factor but to me the 3 chip DLP has noticeable qualities relating to image that are a big plus.

The only down side for me is the 1,500 hour bulb life. I got the full rated life out of my first bulb but it still hurt when it had to be replaced.

As a note from a human eye/brain perspective doubling the brightness is not that noticeable from the reading I have done. I put on an ND2 filter thinking to remove it at bulb half life. The drop in contrast due to adding another piece of glass in the path was more noticeable than the lumens drop. This was a good filter, not just a dark piece of glass. This is a perceived not measured observation.

Update: Got this projector on Thursday. I fired it up yesterday and its definitely brighter than my 7210 but not a lot. The lamp has 17 hrs on it. If this is correct numbers, then it shows that 7210 is really bright (mine has 800 hrs).

The picture looks great, the white is a lot bright than 7210. Still running at default values. Now, the big question is, which mount should I use to mount this big boy? I looked at Infocus, universal Premier mount and Peerless PRG-UNV mount. Any preference?

At 17 hours it should be WAY brighter...could they have just reset the lamp and reality it is higher?

The lamp reset may be a possibility. But the guy seemed nice and honest, so I just took his word for it. I checked the lamp, and there were no creases on the back of it, indicating some heavy usage. Its not even a proper way to see the life of the lamp. Anyway, I had the lamp cost factored in. If the lamp warning comes up, may have to buy one.

About the mount, I am leaning towards Premier Mount PDS-Plus. Right now, the anamorphic lens is Prism based, but I am seriously contemplating buying a Panarmorph/Prismasonic. The prism based lens in front of the Minolta of 777 just does not sound right. Till I get a better lens, might as well zoom the image.

As for the picture quality: As I was going through it and watching, my better half pointed out that the picture seems to have more depth than the earlier 7210. And she does not even know what 3DLP and 1DLP or what DLP for that matter means. First time, wife is more happy with the upgrade. :D

I would look at Cheif mounts. They are a little more money but MUCH better quality.


scott

Another BIG vote for Chief mounts. Buy one of their universal mounts...best money you'll spend. Chief allows you to make each adjustment separately (yaw, pitch etc) and it doesn't impact the other settings...will save you time and headaches in the long run.

If you go the panamorph route, send me a PM.

Ron

I just looked at my 1,500 hour plus shelf bulb and it has no visible wear that I can see.

I have not seen you previous model PJ anywhere so no way to compare brightness.


The lamp reset may be a possibility. But the guy seemed nice and honest, so I just took his word for it. I checked the lamp, and there were no creases on the back of it, indicating some heavy usage. Its not even a proper way to see the life of the lamp. Anyway, I had the lamp cost factored in. If the lamp warning comes up, may have to buy one.

About the mount, I am leaning towards Premier Mount PDS-Plus. Right now, the anamorphic lens is Prism based, but I am seriously contemplating buying a Panarmorph/Prismasonic. The prism based lens in front of the Minolta of 777 just does not sound right. Till I get a better lens, might as well zoom the image.

As for the picture quality: As I was going through it and watching, my better half pointed out that the picture seems to have more depth than the earlier 7210. And she does not even know what 3DLP and 1DLP or what DLP for that matter means. First time, wife is more happy with the upgrade. :D

As much I would love to have Isco III, its very much out of my budget atm. If only I had this projector little sooner, then I could have swung for the 'B' stock. Wife will not approve a big expense in this economy. :(

I am taking the wait approach. Wait till some nice powerbuy/used anamorphic lens comes around. :)

About the mount, looking into Chief Mounts. I like the RPMA. Should I look into a particular other model?

Thanks for the offer GetGray. Hometheaterdoc has a mount for 777 and has no use of it after selling the projector. (I believe he sold the 777 to you) I am exchanging PM's with him and most likely will buy that mount.

If I go with Chief mount, then will get back if decide to use the adapter plate. Thanks again. This forum is great with all the advice and help.

adude: Shane would have the same mount I'm talking about. He must have kept it from when he sold his 777. I recommend using the one he has.

Good choice with the Chief mount. I've used them on my last two projectors. SJ

The lamp reset may be a possibility. But the guy seemed nice and honest, so I just took his word for it. I checked the lamp, and there were no creases on the back of it, indicating some heavy usage. Its not even a proper way to see the life of the lamp. Anyway, I had the lamp cost factored in. If the lamp warning comes up, may have to buy one.

About the mount, I am leaning towards Premier Mount PDS-Plus. Right now, the anamorphic lens is Prism based, but I am seriously contemplating buying a Panarmorph/Prismasonic. The prism based lens in front of the Minolta of 777 just does not sound right. Till I get a better lens, might as well zoom the image.

As for the picture quality: As I was going through it and watching, my better half pointed out that the picture seems to have more depth than the earlier 7210. And she does not even know what 3DLP and 1DLP or what DLP for that matter means. First time, wife is more happy with the upgrade. :D

Hopefully then that isn't the case.
Congrats!

Yeah, as they say. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst...

I say go enjoy your projector and don't look back! :)