Lots of fire, it's pretty cool having your house become the Movie Theater. Can't wait for Matrix Revolutions tomorrow and even better I haven't seen it yet. No problemo with the Optoma H30, blacks/colors/brights.

rsmith4321 ,
--- Just a joke based upon ' the waiting ' ;) .
--- I think you read too much into it .
------ Jason

Congrats to all of you diehards for passing post# 2500 :)

Originally posted by rsmith4321
I know you were trying to make a joke but I don't get it. I said if the 4805 is near the price of the H30 that's the one I would get. I never suggested I would pay a lot for a H30, it's only a 800x600 dlp, they are usually under $1000, but I do think this one is worth the $1239 I paid. Optoma better just hope infocus doesn't get it out for under $1400. They have an advantage of being the only one out currently, but they can't seem to get them into stores. It's just starting to get annoying.
rsmith4321- I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to just lighten up a bit. I feel your posts are entirely to negative. I suspect Optoma will survive just fine despite your wrath. I was especially appalled when you chose to berate ivo welch on page 122 of this forum for having the audacity to pose a question about published lumen ratings when he didn't understand the concept of inflated ratings for "business" projectors. I noticed he has not been back to post in this thread since which is to bad. People come to this forum with all different levels of knowledge and those with limited experience (like me) thoroughly appreciate the time and effort that the experts such as Tom, Mike and Jason are willing to give. Please respect the knowledge levels of all participants here or leave, it's that simple.

Thanks... end of rant

Relax Joe, we're not blind. :)

Now back to the future of the H30. Any new users pls post your review. :)

I have some tips for those using the PanaVise mount [ I should have mentioned this before but forgot - sorry ;) ] .

--- The unit new will have paint inside the ball sockets so be sure you swivel them around a bit and work that paint lose before you hang it [ you would not want any of those paint chips falling into the small vents on the H30 that are right under the mount once it has been connected ] .
--- Remove the Bottom ball section from the mount [ the one that has the threaded section for the 1/4-20 mount hole ] . Just loosen the adjuster to where the ball slides out , this will allow you to connect it to the H30 easier and also allow you to install the PanaVise mount on the ceiling a bit easier . Then once the PanaVise mount is installed you can simply slide the ball back into place [ with the H30 connected ] and a couple turns will have it locked in the socket [ then adjust as needed and tighten ] .
______________________

I also have a tip for those needing to extend the H30 power cord .

--- 'Target' sells a solid black 8' / 3 wire / medium duty / 13A-1625W / 16 Gauge Extension Cable for $3.50 (us funds) . I found this after looking all over for something to match up perfectly to the factory power cord [ since it has a special configuration at the H30 connection ] . The cable is made by "Woods" and the part # is 0260 ( sku# 0 78693 00260 1 ).
_______________________________

---- Hope that info helps somebody ;) .

-------------- Jason

Relax Joe, we're not blind



hmmmmmmm me or another joe :confused: :D

Great info on the Panavise Jason- thanks!!

Yeah Jason,
That is great info to have on both counts, printed that up.
Thanks!

Sorry Joe meant gottahavapj,

Jason, when Wing auto calibrated blacks & whites with Avia he used the full screen black and white pattern not the small window type. The black field and in grayscale adj's 100 IRE field.

Originally posted by DaGamePimp
I think 1/4 inch is about as far in as you would want to go with the 1/4-20 mount hole [ it does seem to have a closed end and you would not want to go right through it ].
-- For the three smaller 3mm machine mount holes I think 1/4 inch max would apply as well .

------ Jason

Thanks for this bit of info as well. Sounds like something I would do if you hadn't mentioned it. I am a magnet for trouble.

Understand Tom.. just don't want new people that could benefit from this wealth of information scared off by grumps.

Nuff said...

Ok who's getting the firmware? So far just me and Mike.

You know I'm starting to get use to the 120" 4.3 screen. The black level of the unused area is very black and there's no lighter shades when viewing a 2.35 movie. The fact that the picture is at the bottom of the screen actually puts it in a better viewing area.

All you have to to is line up a 4.3 image in Aspect 4.3 native and everything falls into place. 16.9native aspect for DVD looks very good and larger than the scaled version, you can even hit the zoom to zoom 2 and create a huge 2.35 movie. HDTV will fit nicely also producing quite a large image. Then any 4.3 material like Direct TV just hit aspect 4.3native and you get some giant eye popping picture. Those dithering artifacts I saw have about disappeared. DTV must hv had a bad day or bad channel. :)

Can't wait to watch American Idol tonight at 120".

All you have to to is line up a 4.3 image in Aspect 4.3 native and everything falls into place. 16.9native aspect for DVD looks very good and larger than the scaled version, you can even hit the zoom to zoom 2 and create a huge 2.35 movie. HDTV will fit nicely also producing quite a large image. Then any 4.3 material like Direct TV just hit aspect 4.3native and you get some giant eye popping picture. Those dithering artifacts I saw have about disappeared. DTV must hv had a bad day or bad channel.



OK tom i am going to pic up the screen soon and say if i do get the 4:3 in our size :) i would have to use native on the pj and the dvd player gets set to ?

and say if i go with the 16:9 screen for now and after the firm ware what are the optimal settings here ?

and i will get the model b and i hope there will no problem with waves with a high power screen ;)

Quote : " Jason, when Wing auto calibrated blacks & whites with Avia he used the full screen black and white pattern not the small window type. The black field and in grayscale adj's 100 IRE field. "

Tom ,
---- So he used the same Pattern for Black & White or are you just stating that he used Full Screen IRE 0 for Black and Full Screen IRE 100 for White ?

--- I used Full Screen 0 & 100 IRE for each auto calibration [ this is not how Wing does it ? ] .

--- I think what you are stating is that he did not use the Full Screen with the little square window in the middle , right ?

----- Thanks ,
------ Jason

Right he used the larger patterns, the grayscale 100 IRE and full screen black pattern. Each are in different parts of the menus. Which ones I forget.

I like the new feature coming adding in a perfect color calibration along the the B/W's so each partys different electronics will be optimized.

called in for my rmatoday and spoke to rep robert. he also said the lens mask is ready for shipping .50 bucks
tom, i see you are doing well with the 120" 4.3. screen both in 4.3 and 16.9 .is there still a need for the mask ?happen to have a fave pull down dalite model with very good light control?
cant wait to order the screen.

If the mask goes on and off easy then no problem for 4.3 screen users. The mask idea is a great one especially with the increase in contrast. I'll be the guinea pig and order one today.
Thx for the tip.

Let me know if you can confirm the lens mask availability, Tom. I just called sales and got voicemail, so I'm waiting to see what's up.

H30 lens not avail until 6 to 8 weeks. Wing said it will increase the contrast and does slip on and off easily. He did say a good tweak for it would be to use a small piece of black tape to the upper part of the opening for even more contrast with 16.9 material or 16.9 screen users.

With the mask on you can still view 4.3 800X600 but he recommended taking it off for 800X600. There's some what less light scatter but he said 4.3 is brighter without it.

So interesting item. 16.9 screen users or 4.3 screen users can use the tape tweak and increase the contrast by 500.1 for 16.9.

The item is coming from Taiwan. If you have a 16.9 screen just put on the tape. Or if you can remove it easy and have a 4.3 screen, put on the tape. :)

Thanks Tom. I might try some Duvetyne (Duvepro) theatrical tape (same as the material I lined the inside of my RPTV with). It's made to be removed without leaving any residue and is completely light absorbing. How well it will stick might be another story.

{in best Homer voice} mmmmmmm ... lens mask

---- if it goes on without touching the focus ring then I am in ... well as soon as I explain why I need it to my wife ;) .

--- Thanks again for the Confirmation Tom :) .
___________________________________

-- Just discovered an odd problem that has been mentioned in the thread before . I changed over my H30 connection to DVI -> VGA and found that when the HTPC is powered up it Powers Up the H30 as well . This did not happen with the VGA connection so obviously a signal is somehow present over the DVI output that was not there with the VGA output [ this is using a Dual Head Radeon 9500 Pro 128 modded to a 9700 ] . So for those using HTPC [with a Dual Head ATi Radeon] if you wish to keep the H30 from Auto Powering Up you will need to use the VGA output .

---------- NEVERMIND , figured out the above issue ;) -------------

____________________________

----- Jason

lens mask coming


yahhhhhhh babbbbbbby:)

weird . robert from rma dept even gave me part no 75.86510.001 and can take credit card order. but if wing says, then it is !

A part number and CC info just means a Pre-Order situation :( . Ah well I guess a couple months is no big deal .

---- Jason

C4Sip -

That's the part number for the H56 lens mask. Maybe that's what he was thinking of.

i guess it was for the 56 but we were clearly talking about the h30 since i was getting an rma out of the converstion.....
sorry bout pouring cold water .....

Tom,
Optoma's had my H30 since last Thursday to replace the bulb and do the fimware update . Haven't heard anything yet .

Tom, how do you like the letterbox expansion feature of the new firmware compared with letting your DVD player handle it? Have you tried that on your 16:9 screen?

Originally posted by DaGamePimp
--- You need a special adapter for HTPC component output [ if that is the way you wish to go ] , a standard VGA to Component adapter/cable will not work . If you are using a Radeon then you need the ATi adapter [ these can be built as a DIY project - look in the HTPC forum ] .
--- I do not like the Component output from HTPC as much as true RGB(vga) but that is just my opinion [ others have said they cannot tell the difference ] .


Jason,

Could you explain this a bit further? I can understand how there may be signal degradation if the RGB(VGA) is converted to YPrPb(Component) and then back to RGB(VGA). However, if I use "standard VGA to Component adapters" and RG6 cabling, the signal should stay as RGB throughout. Am I misunderstanding? In the latter case, do I really need five RG6 cables (two for H and V sync) instead of three?

I thought you were also using RG6 cabling instead of VGA cables, aren't you?

BTW, I need to run about 40 feet. And ATI doesn't seem to sell a VGA to YPrPb adapter for my Radeon 7000.

Thanks.

I'm a little confused on this myself as I prepare to order cables. I wanted to use my HT receiver as a component video switch between my DVD changer and my PC. I think I have figured out that if you are going to change VGA to component or YPrPb then you need a transcoder like this http://www.pacificcable.com/Picture_Page.asp?DataName=9A60 to do that. Not sure though and will certainly defer to the experts.

Thanks. I am hoping not to do transcoding, unless H30 projects a better image with YPrPb compared to RGB.

I have a custom made Component to VGA Belden cable, from my Panny RP82 to the Optama H30, I do not use a transcoder, just bring the supplied Optoma adaptor to the cable supplier and let them check the readings and they will know what to do.

By its nature (small wire diameter), VGA is not meant to be run for long distances. That being said, if your video device outputs VGA, there's no reason to convert it to component and back again to VGA (since the H30 does not have component inputs). If you're using a component output, you'd be better off to stay with it until you reach the projector, where the component-to-VGA adapter provided with the H30 will work very well.

In general, I'd say that over a long run, a higher quality VGA cable is more necessary to prevent signal loss than higher quality component cables over the same distance.

Good info gents... Thanks!

Well I got cheap VGA and cheap S-video cables at 50'. If I can get a decent screenshot when my PJ comes you guys can see what they look like. Paid < $25 for each with shipping.
I figured it was worth it just to check out for the price.
This is for all the cheap people out there like me :)

"Tom, how do you like the letterbox expansion feature of the new firmware ompared with letting your DVD player handle it?"

It works perfect and just like intended to do. Now anyone with any type DVD player or Laser Disc player can view Lettebox in the correcto format. Even those poor guys using the Farouja chip players which don't allow letterbox support.

I watched the Matix Revolutions tonight. Guys it doesn't get much better than this. This projector goes down in history for low price and best picture.

--- I am P.O'd at the moment so any questions for me regarding the H30 will be answered tomorrow [ after I cool down a bit ] - sorry .

--- My remote just died , no reason that I can tell ... worked earlier just fine ... so I pick it up off the shelf hit the power button and ... nothin' :( . Tried many different sets of batteries , wiggled them around and still nothin' . This is very upsetting since I just got my new 15' VGA cable today and was all set to re-calibrate with the new better quality cable . I know I can still do it using the buttons on the H30 itself but what a pain to do it when ceiling mounted [ with no remote ! :( ] .

-- The kicker of this episode is that I was trying to convince a buddy that the H30 is the way to go and I was about to show him how sweet the calibration features are when ... NO REMOTE . After the remote died he questioned the build quality [ I had to scratch my head too and give a shrug ] .

--- I hope Optoma can get me a remote right away [ considering the demand for the H30 out-weighs the supply ] . I will be on the phone tomorrow [ if anybody has a suggestion of a person to ask for that might get me faster results then please let me know - thanks ;) ] . Maybe they will send me a back-lit remote or a free lamp for my trouble :) . I really hope they don't want the entire package sent back in just for the remote [ unless they wish to send me a Brand New H30 with the new firmware ] .

--- I am sorry if I sound like I am bashing the H30 [ not my intention ] I am just irritated with the dead remote situation . I am expecting guests this weekend for some movie viewing too [ oh wait ... here let me climb up on a chair so I can switch sources/modes :( ] .

---- Ah well ...

------- Jason

--- I hope Optoma can get me a remote right away [ considering the demand for the H30 out-weighs the supply ] . I will be on the phone tomorrow [ if anybody has a suggestion of a person to ask for that might get me faster results then please let me know - thanks ]

Jason:
I think they will ask for the entire package since your problem can be the remote sensor on the projector.(I hope i am wrong)
if i remember correctly your OPTOMA dealer is close by so maybe you can "lend" a remote and check it out ...

Well I think it's not longer a secret ->The main drawback of this projector it's his Build Quality - Or maybe they have a really bad QA department... Well I guess this is the "trade off" for the picture quality but then again if you have to send it in all the time the picture quality it's not much of an advantage...

Ariel

--- I really don't think the H30 itself is built of any poorer quality than any other PJ in this price range but the remote needs to change for the better in my opinion [ I had to shift the batteries around in it when I first opened the box just to get the remote working - I thought I had a DOA remote - and now this happens only a month later ] .

--- I do somewhat agree on the Q&A end since this H30 had a large finger print right on the lens and also came with a power cord that had bent prongs [ much farther and they would have broken off when bent back into place ] . This was factory sealed and never opened [ I cut the tape myself ] .

--- I know it is not the sensors on the H30 because I programmed a Learning remote for the Power On/Off function [ but that is it ] and it works fine .

--- I hope they can send me a new remote quickly ... ;)


------- Jason

I got a Benq with a big finger print on the lens, and I've had numerous problems with the BenQ/HP projectors. I think the quality of all low cost PJ's in not so great.

I have a H30 on order which is supposed to ship 4/15 or so, hopefully I will get new firmwear.
I plan on using it with an iscan ultra outputting VGA, from what I understand this will put my 16:9 picture in the midle of the 4:3 panel. Now the kicker is that I have a very low ceiling where the PJ will need to be located, which will mean that the lens is level with the top of the screen, from what I had read the H30 has a fairly large offset too, so I will have to use alot of tilt & keystoning to get my image in place. Obviously I don't want to have to do this, so I am thinking of cancalling my order. Unless anyone can confirm if I can move the 16:9 image within the 4:3 panel & what the offset ratio is, and what will the effects be if I get the new or old firmware? I just don't want it to get here and not work in my room.

If you have a low ceiling, I don't think this is the PJ for you. I know the Benq 6100 throws the picture really really low below the lens. But the Infocus X1 doesn't have nearly as much offset, might want to try that.

Any new H30's that are not sitting in a resellers warehouse right now will definitely ship with the new firmware. I had an email exchange yesterday with Arun from Optoma where he indicated that H30's have been leaving there bound for resellers with the new firmware for a few weeks now. Not sure where they've been going though :)

I don't know what effect the Iscan Ultra has on the placement of the picture but it sure looks like a sweet unit. Please write back with your impressions of it- perhaps a "with it" and without it" comparison would be dynamite.

Here is a link to Mike's reference chart that shows where each type of source falls within the viewing area http://home.comcast.net/~jlcburg3/wsb/html/view.cgi-image.html--graphic.html It appears to me that you have options when watching a DVD for instance on having it in the middle or the bottom of the screen if you're willing to give up a few pixels. Again- I don't know if your Iscan will change this.

I'll defer to the experts on the amount of keystone you will need but I think it matters what your throw distance is which I did not see you mention..

Cheers!

Man that sucks to hear about your Remote Jason. You, Tom, and Mike are kinda the test pool for this PJ and now Tom is the only one who got out unscathed, not to mention having problems getting the remote to work in the first place. Hopefully they will get this resolved for you quickly as your experience with the PJ could have a big impact on sales, especially with everyone being backordered and the 4805 right around the corner. As long as they are responsive to the problem and resolve it quickly, everything should be ok. Definitely giving us folks on backorder something to think about.

Originally posted by rsmith4321
If you have a low ceiling, I don't think this is the PJ for you. I know the Benq 6100 throws the picture really really low below the lens. But the Infocus X1 doesn't have nearly as much offset, might want to try that.

I tried the Benq, it didn't work for both the offset, I needed mucho keystoning, and I saw many rainbows so a X1 is out also. I am probably either going to go with the HT1000 or the DT200 if the H30 won't work, I am convinced that I can make the HT1000 work with a little tilt & keytstoning, since you can move the 16:9 image in the 4:3 panel & the DT 200 has lens shift, so that would make an easy install.

As for screen size, I am currently using a 83" diagonal 16:9 screen, but plan to upgrade to 92" soon, so I plan to place the PJ to be suitable for either screen size, which gives me a throw distance between 11'-7" & 12'-7"

Also, Jason or others where did you get the panavise camera mount from? I see sjgreatdeals, but they are OOS, and everywhere else I see them on-line looks a bit dodgy.

I got mine at Amazon.

Originally posted by kfc75
Unless anyone can confirm if I can move the 16:9 image within the 4:3 panel & what the offset ratio is, and what will the effects be if I get the new or old firmware? I just don't want it to get here and not work in my room.

The 16:9 image will be at the bottom of the panel, regardless of whether it's ceiling or table mounted. The new firmware does not affect this. There is a future, planned firmware change that's supposed to allow you to move the image up in the panel, but who knows when that will happen.

Jason, sorry to hear about your remote. Believe me, compared to the crappy credit card remotes that come with the BenQ or the Epson, the Optoma remote seems like a great one. If you had a PC programmable universal remote (or access to one), I could send you a file for it.

Bought mine at spytown, I had the same feeling you did. I have a UPS tracking # though and it is scheduled to be delivered today so I can let you know how it goes from there tomorrow.

Originally posted by gottahavapj
Any new H30's that are not sitting in a resellers warehouse right now will definitely ship with the new firmware. I had an email exchange yesterday with Arun from Optoma where he indicated that H30's have been leaving there bound for resellers with the new firmware for a few weeks now. Not sure where they've been going though :)


I haven't been able to confirm any shipment from the Optoma reps or their distributors (even their #1 distributor hasn't received any), so I'm not sure where they're going (if any are) either.

Tom,
I ordered the H30 a day after you first posted the very first set of pics. Have been quitely
enjoying the projector, which now have over 90 hours on it, with just out of the box settings.
The screen has been a pull down shade from Lowes, 6ft wide. My Dalite is coming today.
It has been a great experience with various movies (good and bad transfers). The
whole family has been OK with it since they have been spoiled by watching movies on a smaller
plasma (42"). Last night with the Matrix, it was a WOW! they were finally speechless.
I can not imagine it can get better than this. Based on my recent family viewing of the Passion
at a local modern theater, I am pretty sure I have just as good if not a better home theater.

The review you asked for is simply WOW.


KB

Originally posted by MikeSRC


Jason, sorry to hear about your remote. Believe me, compared to the crappy credit card remotes that come with the BenQ or the Epson, the Optoma remote seems like a great one. If you had a PC programmable universal remote (or access to one), I could send you a file for it.

Is this a file for use with a JP1 cable?

If so I will PM you for the file....

Steve

Well in case anybody else is interested here is where I bought the PanaVise mount from [ I don't think AVS sells these so the link should be OK ;) ] .

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/securitysupplyhouse/wallmounts1.html

---- I got great customer service and received the mount within a week [ processing and shipping ] .

------ Jason

Originally posted by HiHoStevo
Is this a file for use with a JP1 cable?

If so I will PM you for the file....

Steve

Actually, I was thinking of a Pronto or Home Theater Master file. You could create a JP1 file from a Pronto file, but it would be easier to just make one directly from learning the Optoma remote.

"--- I know it is not the sensors on the H30 because I programmed a Learning remote for the Power On/Off function [ but that is it ] and it works fine .
"

I had a problem with my remote as well. a month into it's use it stopped working. A coupole of functions still worked (the on/off worked as I remember) but not any of the menu's. Turned out that one of the buttons I depressed was stuck down and so it wouldn't send any other signals. Worked the button a bit until it sprung back up and it's been fine since. Check and see if you might be having the same issue. The buttons don't go down very far so it took me a while to realize that it was stuck.

Oh man this is too strange ,

--- So I go to pack up the remote in a small box to ship to Optoma and just for a grin I try it ... Bingo , PJ comes on . What tha' ! So then I am thinking maybe what RichE stated above happened but just then it stopped working as I was going into a menu [ I checked all the buttons and none are stuck ] . So I toss the remote onto the couch and grab my shipping box , pick up the remote and accidentally hit a menu button ... it works again [ now by this point my hair is falling out on its own without me pulling it out ] .

--- ;)

-------- Jason

Pimp I think I know what it is....

Solar Flares

I think hikarate was hiding behind your couch with a remote of his own playing tricks on you :D

Nah , it's just a glitch in the Matrix ;) .
----- Jason

Originally posted by DaGamePimp
Nah , it's just a glitch in the Matrix ;) .
----- Jason

It's either that or a loose battery. :D

Quote : "It's either that or a loose battery. "

--- well it makes me wonder if my Battery is loose ;) .

--- I did check the batteries several times and even taped them in place inside the compartment [ didn't make a difference ] . I even checked the metal contact points .

------- Jason

Quick! Finish teaching your learning remote while the Optoma remote still has a little life. Then send it in for service. At least that way your movie watching weekend will be saved.

Maybe a bad battery, try different ones. The first thing I'd do is pry the metal spring contacts out. Could just be that wacky tabacy, gotcha

guys i am telling you it's those dam gremlins again :eek: :D


they come when they want and they go when they want ./

i suggest set up some really big trap and get one of those suckers :p



first it is tom now it is jay ,mmmmmmmm i wonnder who is next :eek:

Would anyone be willing to give me a photo of the H30 underside and the dimensions of the mounting holes? I want to begin work on a custom projector mount, but the manual doesn't list any of these, unfortunately.

How many holes and what diamter/thread? Spacing between them?

Thanks!

KB,
Glad you're enjoying the H30. What Dalite screen did you pick?

veggieguy ,

-- I taught my learning remote a few more remote codes for the basic stuff and will try to re-calibrate while the remote still functions . I thought of that too - good idea ;) .

__________________

Tom ,
-- I did all that with the remote [ doesn't make a difference ] .

--- Oh and ... I don't smoke :) - Back at ya' ;)

__________________

valkyrie ,

--- there was an image of exactly what you are needing posted in this thread but I cannot remember who did it or where it is - sorry . I will look and see what I can find ;) .

__________________

----- Jason

Would anyone be willing to give me a photo of the H30 underside and the dimensions of the mounting holes? I want to begin work on a custom projector mount, but the manual doesn't list any of these, unfortunately.

It was Veggieguy that posted pictures of the H30 bottom .


H30 gallery (http://gallery.avsforum.com/showgallery.php?ppuser=7441688&cat=500&thumb=1)

Ariel

Ah ha , nice find Ariel :) [ good job on the pics veggie ;) ] .

--- I am going to add that mounting hole shot to my website [ if you wish me to remove it then please let me know Veggie ] .

--- Ok , it is there with some more added to it [ and giving credit to Veggie ;) ] .

______________________

--- I decided to wait until after the weekend to deal with my remote issue [ as far as calling Optoma ] . It seems to be working ok for the time being ;) .


------ Jason

Ariel,

Thanks! That's exactly what i needed.

-Valk

PS. Does anyone know the hole size and thread? Is it 1/4-20?

Thanks.

It's a 3 mm machine screw (mentioned in the photo's description). Don't know whether there's more than one thread type available for that size though.

...mentioned in the photo's description

Heh...sorry about that, I didn't read the description. Thanks for pointing it out. :)

Good Point , I edited the Picture on my website to show the screw size .
--------- Jason

Well, like so many others this thread convinced me to purchase the H30. I was in the market for an entry level PJ and almost went with the X1. Then I stumbled on the avsforum and found this thread. Thanks to everyone that has contributed (THANK YOU, Guitarman!).

I received official blessing from the Mrs. last night and immediately placed an order. Projector, ceiling mount, cables an Avia shipped today and scheduled to be delivered tomorrow. I can't wait! The basement is finished and furniture came yesterday... just need the PJ.

I am a Newbie to all this, so I am likely to ask some "less than intelligent" questions... please bear with me!:D

dhubley well we all start from the beginning ,but in no time you Will become a pro at this stuff ;)

"immediately placed an order. Projector, ceiling mount, cables an Avia shipped today and scheduled to be delivered tomorrow. I can't wait!"

Boy that's fast action and so many others can't find one.
Welcome to the club. Let us know when you fire it up.

Tom,

I was skeptical that the H30 was actually in stock (even though the sellers inventory indicated that it was in stock). But, I received confirmation and a tracking number that it did indeed ship today. If it shows up as scheduled tomorrow I will begin to play immediately, and will take Friday off!

OK,

Where did you order from?. I have been looking for one like Crazy with no luck.

dhubley....

When you get it look back at either Mike or Tom's post on how to access the service menu and check out which version of the firmware your projector has... C04 or C05... be very interesting to see which is being shipped so quickly.

Steve

Optoma H30 Service Menu : [ On the H30 controls not the Remote ] Up + Enter (at the same time)-hit it twice /-> Left + Enter (at the same time)-hit it twice /-> First service menu screen should pop-up /-> Then Up + Left + Down at the same time for FULL service menu access [ Use at your own risk - Please DO NOT use the ColorWheel / Factory Reset / ADP adjustments ].

click on DaGamePimp's www link

tigerdirect had them in a few days ago. looks like its a 7-14 day wait now.

Jason,

Now that your remote's working again... ;)

Are your H30 and HTPC connected by a VGA cable? How long do you think it can go w/o signal degradation? I need to go 40'.

Do you feel that using RG6 with VGA connectors degrade picture because of RGB->YPrPb transcoding or the loss of HV sync? If I were to use five RG6 cables to maintain RGBhv, do you think the picture quality will be preserved?

Thanks.

Okay guys just waiting on the dealer to call that he has his shipment in. He seemed to think it would be this week. I will need a 45 foot run from my MC-8. Should I just use component cables and the adaptor that come with the H30 or order a long VGA cable. Which would be the best to prevent signal loss?

Steve

While we are on the subject of cabling :) If I could pose one please. I'm just about ready to pull the trigger on cables so they're here when an H30 comes to town. Please tell me if this will work:

VGA M-M 25' from H30 to DB15, VGA 2 into 1 manual switchbox. Port 1 of the switchbox would have a 10' VGA M-M to my PC's video port. Port 2 of the switchbox would have the VGA to component adapter that comes with the H30 plugged into it and from the other end of that adapter would have a standard component cable going to my DVD player. I realize I would have to get up and flip a rotary switch if I wanted to switch from DVD viewing to PC gaming, etc. Not a problem since I would have to go get the keyboard and mouse anyway. Whew... will that work? I don't think given this scenario that I need a transcoder or anything.

Thanks from the thick headed one :)

HD15 to component can be found at bluejeanscable.com and bettercables.com. They sure are expensive. I'm not sure how much better these are over cheaper cables.

"When you get it look back at either Mike or Tom's post on how to access the service menu and check out which version of the firmware your projector has... C04 or C05... "

The easy way is to just hit the 4.3native aspect button on the remote. If he gets a full 800X600 4.3 image same width as 16.9 but high and figures are natural, then he has the new firmware. Wing said Optoma is shipping 1,000 a month wordwide with the new firmware.

Re, cables long component cables to the adaptor are guranteed to be good. A component to VGA cable at 15' or 25' like I have should work well also. So safer is the component way. If you do like the smaller C-toVGA then the Belden HQ type would be best.

clamrade ,

-- I am now using a Good Quality 15' VGA cable [ uses 3 coax for RGB signal and is Triple Shielded with Ferrite Chokes at each end ] . I was using a decent quality 50' VGA cable that caused signal loss [ image distortion ] , I would suggest not going 50' unless you have a High End cable [ or use RG6 ] .

-- If you are going out from an HT/PC and plan to use RG6 then you will need to use 5 lines for RGBHV [ there is no transcoding being done here but you would need db15 to RGBHV adapters of some form at each end ] . You cannot use only 3 lines unless you have a Video Card that does Component output [ like the newer Radeons with the Component adapter ] . You should be fine with RG6 at 40' .

______________________________

labman ,

--- Do a Component run with RG6 and your signal should be just fine at 45' .

______________________________

gottahavapj ,

--- That will work with the switcher [ I do it the same way right now with short cable runs ] but you might have some signal loss [ consider the non-powered boxes can cause some signal distortion with longer runs and higher resolutions like 720p/1080i ] . You might want to try a powered switcher with a line amp if you get noise from the cable/switcher set-up [ just be sure it has enough bandwidth to do HiDef ] .

___________________________

------- Jason

Originally posted by DaGamePimp


--- That will work with the switcher [ I do it the same way right now with short cable runs ] but you might have some signal loss [ consider the non-powered boxes can cause some signal distortion with longer runs and higher resolutions like 720p/1080i ] . You might want to try a powered switcher with a line amp if you get noise from the cable/switcher set-up [ just be sure it has enough bandwidth to do HiDef ] .

___________________________

------- Jason

Jason or any of the HTPC crowd... do you have any names or model numbers of VGA switches that would be appropriate to this task..

Steve

Steve ,
--- You can check out many options here :

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_gen.php/form_keyword=vga+switch/topcat_id=1/mode=googlecp/ut=0cd42027cc5d72cc


--- The KVM's are usually the powered units and should work better than manual switchers .


----- Jason

PCWORLD has a very short review of the H30 here [ for those that have not seen it ] :

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,115332,tk,prx,00.asp


-------- Jason

Originally posted by DaGamePimp
gottahavapj ,

--- That will work with the switcher [ I do it the same way right now with short cable runs ] but you might have some signal loss [ consider the non-powered boxes can cause some signal distortion with longer runs and higher resolutions like 720p/1080i ] . You might want to try a powered switcher with a line amp if you get noise from the cable/switcher set-up [ just be sure it has enough bandwidth to do HiDef ] .
------- Jason

As always Jason- thanks for the help... I wish many happy thoughts for your remote contol :)

Bruce

Bummer

Dell changed their order status today from "Before April 30th"
To:
Delayed Items

Currently one or more items are backordered. Every effort is being made to complete the order.

Quantity: 1
Description: H30 DLP Micro-Portable Home Theater Proj

Originally posted by hikarate
Bummer

Dell changed their order status today from "Before April 30th"
To:
Delayed Items

Currently one or more items are backordered. Every effort is being made to complete the order.

Quantity: 1
Description: H30 DLP Micro-Portable Home Theater Proj

Are you sure? From the "Order Status" Page, try clicking on the order number, instead of the "In Production" link. If I click on the order number, it still shows "on or before April 30" for me, but if I click on "in production", it shows the message you posted.

Same here, still shows "on or before April 30."

well i am shipping my pj to get the firmware upgrade and i hope it will be a good experience :)

Oh you guys are right. I just clicked the other button and hadn't clicked that one before. Oh well, I guess no news is good news.
Good luck Joe, hope you have a good experience too!

thqanks :)

still waiting on my h30 but it should be worth it!!

just wanted to know if the black levels on the h30 good?

also if i want to use my receiver to switch video how would you recommend i connect my computer to it. I would like to run one component cable from the receiver to the PJ. is this a good idea? any better ones?

thanks guys

Well my H30 is still scheduled for April 15 from Dell, and I pray that it comes with the new firmware.

Originally posted by valkyrie
Same here, still shows "on or before April 30."

I hope you guys realize that the Dell estimated time is completly meaningless. They have no idea what is going on over there. On the good side, it could come a lot quicker. It just all depends on when Optoma ships them the units. I've ordered something with a 3 weeks time before and it shipped the next day. We can always hope.

rsmith, sadly I know your right. I had ordered a memory stick and I got the delivery date pushed back 4 times. Each time pushing it back 1 week. So I am hoping that they get their act together for more expensive items.

It's hard but I think we all just need to be patient. I am hoping any day to get that mail from Mike saying my number is up :) We'll hopefully laugh at our impatience 6 weeks from now when we've all had dozens of hours of pure enjoyment from our H30's and they're as readily available as an X1 is. Then we can chuckle cause the 4805 people still don't have theirs :D

hehehehe. Cheers!

Originally posted by gottahavapj
It's hard but I think we all just need to be patient. I am hoping any day to get that mail from Mike saying my number is up :) We'll hopefully laugh at our impatience 6 weeks from now when we've all had dozens of hours of pure enjoyment from our H30's and they're as readily available as an X1 is. Then we can chuckle cause the 4805 people still don't have theirs :D

hehehehe. Cheers!

Or we will all have the 4805 because we realize it has a better picture, cost the same, and we got sick of waiting for the H30. That's just a slight possibility but who knows.

Just got off the phone with Gateway , they are in the same situation as Dell. They told me first of May.

Steve

Originally posted by rsmith4321
Or we will all have the 4805 because we realize it has a better picture, cost the same, and we got sick of waiting for the H30. That's just a slight possibility but who knows.

That might work for you guys and if it does- have at it. A 4:3 projector will suit my needs much better over the next few years... I'll wait semi-patiently. :)

Well, I've contacted virtually every Optoma rep and distributor now and none of them have any. Optoma has not shipped any yet and the only word is "soon". :(

Hey Jason...

I was checking out the sales at the Gateway Country Stores which are all closing and ran across their FMC-901X which has the P4/3.0, ATI 9800Pro, Audigy2, Haupage TV tuner card, 250Gig drive, and a bunch of other stuff for $1,199. Just adding up the bits and pieces I did not think I could buy the pieces for that price, so I picked one up. (impulse buy... i should know better)

Now I am going to have to figure out how to run video out to the projector from the PC in addition to all of the stuff (DVD, X-box, Cable box, ReplayTV, VHS) that I am feeding through the Denon receiver!

Will probably be pestering you from time to time,................

Steve

Thanks for the update Mike... no great surprises there. .... must find another hobby temporarily.... :)

So- dhubley never responded from 2 pages ago as to where he actually found his in stock yesterday. Hope that wasn't a cruel joke a reseller played on him (or him on us :) )

Steve- I'm in the same boat although I don't have near that many input devices. Sure wish I could find like $800 under the bleachers and buy an Iscan Ultra- problem solved! Although you may even have to many inputs for that.

gottahavapj

Well the problem is becoming those darn DVI outputs. I have considered the iScan HD, but it only has a single DVI input... and with more components all the time going to a DVI or HDMI or HDCP... well you get my drift.

The Denon can handle all of my current stuff... but the PC adds another layer of complication... Jason mentioned that ATI has an adapter I am not sure if it is VGA to Component or DVI to component..., but that does not really solve my problems either. The Denon only has 3 component inputs (currently HD Cable box, DVD, & X-box) and gratefully the Denon will transcode the S-video sources and output everything over a single Component cable.... but that still leaves me with nothing for the new PC.

So If I get the H30 I will have to use the component to VGA adapter right after the Denon and then go into a VGA switch so I can switch between the receivers output and the PC... at least that is the only way I can think to do it presently.... if anyone has a better suggestion I would be thrilled to hear it.

Of course if I wind up with a projector that has a DVI :cool: input then another can of worms opens.......

Steve:p

Originally posted by HiHoStevo
The Denon can handle all of my current stuff... but the PC adds another layer of complication... Jason mentioned that ATI has an adapter I am not sure if it is VGA to Component or DVI to component..., but that does not really solve my problems either. The Denon only has 3 component inputs (currently HD Cable box, DVD, & X-box) and gratefully the Denon will transcode the S-video sources and output everything over a single Component cable.... but that still leaves me with nothing for the new PC.

So If I get the H30 I will have to use the component to VGA adapter right after the Denon and then go into a VGA switch so I can switch between the receivers output and the PC... at least that is the only way I can think to do it presently.... if anyone has a better suggestion I would be thrilled to hear it.
Steve:p

Almost my identical issue. I'm going to try the VGA switchbox avenue but hook up all the sources directly to the H30 first to establish as much of a baseline as my untrained eye possibly can. Then hook up the spaghetti mess and see if I can detect degradation and make a decision from there.

Good luck!

Originally posted by gottahavapj
Almost my identical issue. I'm going to try the VGA switchbox avenue but hook up all the sources directly to the H30 first to establish as much of a baseline as my untrained eye possibly can. Then hook up the spaghetti mess and see if I can detect degradation and make a decision from there.

Good luck!

To you also!

Please let me know how it works out, I will be very interested.

Steve

Tom,

The dalite MW model B, 4:3 (video) 8ft wide (I think it's 120" diag) came yesterday. I was
too busy with fixing a couple of computers to put it up. Will definitely have it up to
watch LOTRs and the Matrices over again this weekend. These are my kids favorite
movies so far along with Lion King 1.5 and Nemo.

I spent several weeks between all the different options for screens: DIY BO cloth, Model B,
model C, HCMW, MW, HP....I decided on the MW model B based on several posts here as the
best option for me. I was getting tire of waiting and reading....Just like I was tire and waiting
for an afforable projector until the H30 came along and have the features I needed. The #1
requirement is a good projector for DVDs that I do not have to put the house up as collateral.
Your call on the H30 have been right on as far as I am concern. I did not even have to use
my VE and DVE discs for calibration yet. Will see how this H30 looks on the MW screen.

My view of tech toys has always been, don't believe until you see it. Good luck to the other
people trying to get the H30. Wishing you all the best.



KB

Claims to be In Stock here :

http://shop4.outpost.com/product/3846807

--- but then who knows ;) .

--- I hope I am OK with posting that link since this is an Out Of Stock PJ alomst everywhere [ including AVS ] . Mods : please delete the link if you have to ;) .

------ Jason

But that means old firmware and $150 extra price. It's better to wait.

rsmith4321 ,

--- here we go back to the waiting issue again ;) - lol .

--- Besides there might be some folks out there that don't care to wait any longer [ if they can start enjoying it now vs. another month ] .

------- Jason

KB, did you get the new firmware or are you getting around it by using RGB/HTPC? Since you ordered a 4.3 screen.

I view allot of Direct TV so getting back to a 120" diagonal 800X600 4.3 view is great. The image is very bright with high contrast and colors are highly saturated/vivid w/no screen door, even at this large of a screen.

At Optoma's showroom they had the H30 shooting on a 116" wide screen and it still looked them same. This little machine blasts out some image. enjoy

Do you think there is much of a difference between watching 16:9 material on this projector vs true 1:1 16:9 on a projector like the infocus 4805?

fallenturtle ,
--- Honestly I would bet that most people could not tell the difference [ the added resolution is very minimal but does allow for better scaling of 16:9 material ] .

--- I see the 4805 being on par with the H30 for image quality [ which is a good thing for everybody ] and the fact that it is actually native 16:9 @ 480p will certainly appeal to many people .

--- The H30 will prove to be the more versatile of the two due to its 4:3 panel [ just my opinion of course ;) ] .

-------- Jason

Originally posted by jigrillo
Well my H30 is still scheduled for April 15 from Dell, and I pray that it comes with the new firmware.

Yeah these dates of course mean nothing. I just hope the fact that I re-issued my order and got a April 30th date (Had April 15th originally) doesn't cause me to wait an extra week or month. Totally not worth saving $25 if I end up having to wait longer for it. Guess we will see when you get yours Jigrillo.

Originally posted by gottahavapj
Almost my identical issue. I'm going to try the VGA switchbox avenue but hook up all the sources directly to the H30 first to establish as much of a baseline as my untrained eye possibly can. Then hook up the spaghetti mess and see if I can detect degradation and make a decision from there.

Good luck!

Yeah I am interested in how this works out for you guys too. I am planning on going with S-video for now, but might tackle this mess if a few of you guys get it to work and can help me understand what in the world you are talking about :)

I got the last one from TigerDirect on Monday and received it Tuesday. I did have one on order at Outpost but they pissed me off with their verification procedures so I cancelled it. It was their last one so that means they should have one left unless it has gone already.

Feel free to delete if this busts the rules.

Steve

I called them they got that one left ready to ship. With the older firmware most likely.

So Steve did you fire it up? What do you think? You gonna get the latest firmware?

Originally posted by DaGamePimp
rsmith4321 ,

--- here we go back to the waiting issue again ;) - lol .

--- Besides there might be some folks out there that don't care to wait any longer [ if they can start enjoying it now vs. another month ] .

------- Jason

I sure hope it doesn't take another month to start shipping again. It's already been a month.

I doubt it will be another month , I am sure many people now waiting will be enjoying the beauty of the H30 in the next couple weeks ;) [ hang in there guys , the wait will be worth it :) ] .


--- So who is gonna order that one from the above link ????



-------- Jason

Not me- I'm waiting for Mike :)

I was curious yesterday as well when shopping.com (I believe it was) showed that a reseller not yet mentioned had stock of "new and unopened" (that gives you a hint) at a pretty reasonable price. I called them just out of curiousity and they said they had just sent their supply back to Optoma last week for firmware upgrade, odd they would do that I thought rather than just letting the customer do it. He indicated they were getting 10 back in what he was told was 2 weeks and that not all 10 were spoken for yet. FWIW....

There is a discussion in the BenQ6200 thread about what scaler/deinterlacer the H30 has. Some say that it is the same pixelworks chip in the 6200 and others say that it is different. Anyone here know?

Mike posted what chip the H30 uses a while back [ in this thread ] but I do not recall which one it is using [ same as one in a higher end Toshiba - I think this is what he posted ] .

-------- Jason

Tom,

I think it is pretty much as described on the thread here. I had the chance to directly compare it to the PB6100 and X1 and have detailed the results in a separate thread.


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=388183 (http://)


As for the upgrade, I have a 16:9 screen and am happy with a 4:3 image in the middle so I don't think I'll bother. The lens cap will be on the agenda since I'm a bit of a black level contrast nut.

Cheers

Steve

The H30 arrived today! I have it connected to the ceiling mount and the kids are watching Stuart Little right now. All I can say is WOW!!

At this time I only have an S-Video cable run. I am temporarily using my sound system to select the S-Video output between Directv, VCR and DVD.

I have not entered the Service Menu yet to see the rev of the firmware. But, I am quite sure it is the older rev. I will confirm later.

The PJ came from TigerDirect... ordered Tuesday evening at my door by noon today. I had to make a trade-off to get it this quickly (delivery time vs. price). Based on the delivery issues everyone has been facing I opted to spend the $.

Originally posted by DaGamePimp
Mike posted what chip the H30 uses a while back [ in this thread ] but I do not recall which one it is using [ same as one in a higher end Toshiba - I think this is what he posted ] .

-------- Jason

Yes, it's a PW166. Here's the post you're referring to:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3557038#post3557038

Sounds good, Fyi gamma 1 & 2 are good and color temp 2 is 6500k. I tried S-video and it looks very good also and pretty close to component.

When you hit aspect 4.3native you'll know what firmware you have. If you don't get the full size 4.3 expanded beyond the 16.9 frame you have the original firmware. But if you plan on using a 16.9 it doesn't matter much. Only problem you have is in playing non-anamorphic DVD's. You can get around that problem with a JVC player.

Hi guys,

As suspected, I do have the old firmware (C04) on the PJ I received today.

Thanks Tom, I did set the gamma = 2 and the color temp = 2. It has been a fun evening!

Steve Dodds and dhubley-

You guys enjoy those units now and don't rub it in to hard for those of us still waiting :)

Congrats and cheers!

"As suspected, I do have the old firmware (C04) on the PJ I received today.

Thanks Tom, I did set the gamma = 2 and the color temp = 2. It has been a fun evening"

That's ok like I said if you want to avoid getting the firmware you can use a JVC player for non-anamorphic dvds. Or get the firmware and use any player you want.

Enjoy, people question me and say "what do you mean better saturated colors and hardly any screen door" Now you know what I mean. ;)

Thanks for the clarification on your post Mike .

-- Noticed that the Pixelworks chip in the H30 offers PIP , I wonder if that can be enabled with a firmware update [[ wink,wink to Optoma ;) ]] . It is probably not possible but would certainly be a very cool feature [ I think the BenQ PB6100 offers it ] .

----- Jason

I doubt it will be another month , I am sure many people now waiting will be enjoying the beauty of the H30 in the next couple weeks [ hang in there guys , the wait will be worth it ...] .

-------- Jason

The question is why are we waiting :( ?
As far as i understand when they came out with H30 a few months ago it wasn't a trial version it was The "Real Thing" and from that point until today they are trying to fix what they have built... in my line of work this system called "Build and Fix, meaning you first build and then you are trying to fix what ever is wrong. Back at 99-2000 many start up's used this system in order to be first at the market, But it is the worst thing to do and the reason for many start up's to full down...
I think OPTOMA came out with a superior projector that will pull out a "WOW" reaction from everyone but they "draw" too fast...
Maybe if they just waited a bit longer and do a proper QA this thread would look much better without - melting bulbs, dead remotes, dead bulbs, power cord that had bent prongs and lots of wacky tabacy...


So, we just can all hope that they will do their best ... and if they don't they sure have a very good warranty policy :D

You forgot the finger print on the lens :P - lol


--- I think Optoma is prepared to stand behind the H30 [ sure sounds like it so far to me ] . I have had more issues than most people here after having 2 units but I still think this is the best PJ under $2K [ funny thing is that I bet those that have had serious issues would agree :) ] .

---- Jason

Originally posted by guitarman
That's ok like I said if you want to avoid getting the firmware you can use a JVC player for non-anamorphic dvds. Or get the firmware and use any player you want....


What does a non-JVC player (Like say my Panny XP30) do to non-anamorphic DVD's through the H30??

:confused:

Fleaman

Well I am just happy to not hear any negative responses concerning support. Everything that has been posted has been resolved to the customers expectation, or beyond. I hope I have the same experience if I run into any unfortunate problems.
Glad to hear S-Video looks good Tom. I know Component and VGA are an improvement, but it can't be like what you would see at higher resolutions. And I am running a 480i signal in either way, just seems like a lot of trouble for little improvement. You guys tell me when there is a good 5 disc changer progressive dvd player and then i'll move to component. Isn't Denon got one coming out based on the 1600? Or is that just a rumour.

Quick HTPC question Jason. Is there a way to edit discs and copy portions to the HardDrive? I'd love to get LOTR minus the disc swapping and credits. (No offense to the actors but I have already seen the credits enough times)
Just something I have been wondering, but unable to find any posts about. Maybe I just don't know what keywords to search for, or it just doesn't exist. TIA

Originally posted by fleaman
What does a non-JVC player (Like say my Panny XP30) do to non-anamorphic DVD's through the H30??

:confused:

Fleaman

I'm not sure but I'll try an answer since I think everyone went to bed, they can correct me in the morning:)

I believe it thinks that the non-anamorphic DVD is 4:3 so shows it in the window of the 16:9 screen like it would 4:3 material, but with black bars on top and bottom. Then you would have to zoom this out to get it 16:9 size and you basically lose tons of resolutions. If it isn't that, it is something close to it, Tom explained it a while back but I forgot exactly what he said.
Just remember it was BAD!
Good note though, this is only with the old firmware, new firmware doesn't do this.
Someone correct me if I am wrong (Probably am I very sleepyyyyyy........

Hikarate

A good 5 disc changer is a year or so old by now, but you might consider the Panasonic CP75 I believe the number is... it has the Faroudja de-interlacer chip.

Steve

hikarate ,

--- Very possible and very easy to do actually [ I had my LOTR:FOTR Extended Edition on my HD just like that - no swapping and only the movie with the DD 5.1 track ] .

--- Look here for all you will ever need to know : http://www.doom9.org/

---- Jason

Well I am just happy to not hear any negative responses concerning support. Everything that has been posted has been resolved to the customers expectation, or beyond. I hope I have the same experience if I run into any unfortunate problems.

hikarate:

No argue here, and more to that I think OPTOMA CS department can be an Example for all other CS departments...

Ariel

Guys

I'm intending to get my H30 permanently mounted soon and need some advice on the screen.

Some info....

. The H30 will be ceiling mounted.
. Ceiling is about 7.5ft high
. Screen will be approx 6ft Wide
. Room is narrow so viewing cone not a prob

I'm considering a high gain (2.5>2.8), glass beaded pull down - Would this be ok with this setup??

Also, when I test mounted the H30 on the ceiling I had to tilt it up by quite an angle in order to get the image at a decent hight on the wall - is this normal?. Noticed that the image wasn't as sharp when ceiling mounted as when table mounted :/

Originally posted by simong
Guys

I'm intending to get my H30 permanently mounted soon and need some advice on the screen.


Check my H30 screen thread in the screens forum for some advice (From Tom and Mike and others) on pulldown screens with the H30.

"The "Real Thing" and from that point until today they are trying to fix what they have built..."

This statement is flat out wrong.

Anyway I think just about everyone knows but not all it seems that the projector was slated as it is in a windscreen only masked 480p version.

People from Optoma have already commented that they set the projector this way and saw people complaining that they wouldn't buy it without the use of the 800X600 chip. Hey guess were they saw most of the complaining. Yep right here. lol

Optoma's service and product is over the top. I haven't heard of one complaint so far from anybody re a dead pixel. When I first decided on my NEC HT1000 I had three in a row with dead pixels. Then down the road I needed repair for color formity. So far so good with the H30.

About dvd players all the farouja type chipped DVD cannot open up NA-dvds, you get a widescreen squashed down image.

JVCs and the very lastest series of Panasonics will handle NA material ok. And the old Panasonic RP91

People were going nuts about this problem since the beginning of widescreen TV's. According to the DVD experts it's been the displays fault all along with each manufacturer. Like they made DVD players that wouldn't play NA on their own widescreen TV's.

Ok I'll change some of the info in my previous post. It seems the clamor over the 800X600 started in Europe/Asia. But it did continue over here and you can see some of it in the following thread. You read my old buddy Darin as one of the first. Funny thing is most of the poeple that were interested in the H30 didn't even give it a shot.

I was a late comer to the discussions but the first to jump on getting one. Lucky for me. :)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=324721&highlight=Optoma+H30

Originally posted by arieldr
The question is why are we waiting :( ?
As far as i understand when they came out with H30 a few months ago it wasn't a trial version it was The "Real Thing" and from that point until today they are trying to fix what they have built... in my line of work this system called "Build and Fix, meaning you first build and then you are trying to fix what ever is wrong. Back at 99-2000 many start up's used this system in order to be first at the market, But it is the worst thing to do and the reason for many start up's to full down...
I think OPTOMA came out with a superior projector that will pull out a "WOW" reaction from everyone but they "draw" too fast...
Maybe if they just waited a bit longer and do a proper QA this thread would look much better without - melting bulbs, dead remotes, dead bulbs, power cord that had bent prongs and lots of wacky tabacy...


So, we just can all hope that they will do their best ... and if they don't they sure have a very good warranty policy :D

Would you please name for us the projector that is built really good? You sound like you know so much on the subject please let us know. Let's see my experience. Epson Home 10 bad panel alignment. Infocus X1 bad scratches on interior lens. Benq 6100 died after a few hours, second one had visual problems. HP 6110 would not turn on if physical power switch was on for more than a few minutes, had to switch on and off to get it working sometimes. This is just from what I ordered recently. So again, please tell us this magic company you know that makes such quality projectors with no problems unlike Optoma and then I can order from them. Optoma is really terrible with a broken remotes and some dead bulbs.

Originally posted by simong
Guys

I'm intending to get my H30 permanently mounted soon and need some advice on the screen.

Some info....

. The H30 will be ceiling mounted.
. Ceiling is about 7.5ft high
. Screen will be approx 6ft Wide
. Room is narrow so viewing cone not a prob

I'm considering a high gain (2.5>2.8), glass beaded pull down - Would this be ok with this setup??

Also, when I test mounted the H30 on the ceiling I had to tilt it up by quite an angle in order to get the image at a decent hight on the wall - is this normal?. Noticed that the image wasn't as sharp when ceiling mounted as when table mounted :/

No no no, do not get glass beaded. It's aweful, especially for a ceiling mount. I had one. Get the video specta 1.5, it's as bright as the glass beaded and much brighter for ceiling mount. It might not have as much gain, but it doesn't disperse the light like the beads do.

If you're getting a non tensioned pulldown screen, High Power and Mat White are the only two the don't show waves with video. High Power being the better of the two at doing this.

Would you please name for us the projector that is built really good?

If I had one i would be watching a movie now and not typing answers. :)

rsmith4321:

So maybe, with all your experience, you have a better explanation why OPTOMA keep postponing the H30 release ?

Ariel

Originally posted by guitarman
If you're getting a non tensioned pulldown screen, High Power and Mat White are the only two the don't show waves with video. High Power being the better of the two at doing this.

I don't get waves with my video specta.

Are you two both a little tense because you don't have projectors to watch this weekend? :) Easy does it gents.....

rsmith- My god man- if I had your luck with projectors I would be huddled in a little room with a 27" direct view and I'd go to the movie theater a lot.

Just kidding... have a good day!!

You gotta be kidding? If you do extensive searches on waves and screen material you'll come up with only HP and a few for mat white.

My old video spectra, right here.
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/waves.jpg

Hey I think I found a bug in the firmware. Remember I spoke of no picture and a green bar at the top. Well I got it back. I was just checking sizes of HDTV vs a 1.85 DVD. Once I locked into an HDTV broadcast when I went over to interlaced DVD I had no picture and the green bar. If I went back to HDTV on Direct TV I would get a picture, but if I shoot over to a 480i Direct TV signal again no picture and the green bar.

Jason looks like it wasn't wacky tabacy. ;)

I make Wing aware of it later today.
Mike try to duplicate, thx

Gutiarman,

I watch on a 16x9 screen and mainly view 16x9. i was going to order the last one last night, question is it better with the old firmware or the newer. I don't want to buy one and then have to ship it out to optoma.

TOM- DON'T TELL WING!!!! Please do not tell them anything that will make them think about delaying the shipments further. I have no HD sources and don't care about that bug :D

Just kidding of course..

Are you two both a little tense because you don't have projectors to watch this weekend? Easy does it gents.....

I guess this is what long wait can do ;)

Ariel

If you can get one now and plan on a 16.9 screen just get a DVD player that scales non anamorphics. Or if you don't have and NA dvd's you'd be ok also. The main thing for the new firmware is full sized 4.3 for 4.3 screen users and letterbox support. If you don't need the letterbox support just get on with the old firmware.


Re, the bug with my machine, it may not be the firmware just my machine. Mike can confirm. Then again I know there's been times when I've viewed HDTV thru Direct TV and switched over to the analog channels with no prob. So may just be a slight bug with my machine. I'll keep testing.

Originally posted by guitarman
Once I locked into an HDTV broadcast when I went over to interlaced DVD I had no picture and the green bar.

Tom, how are you switching between the two? Just unplugging one then plugging in the other, or do you have a component switcher? I know you don't need it for DirecTV, but how are you doing it with the DVD-to-HDTV?

Tom your not saying this is something that happens all the time are you? I mean you can get to HD or DVD separately ok, its just when you switch between them? I don't have HD and will not even be running cable through this so I think I am ok, right?

Originally posted by guitarman
You gotta be kidding? If you do extensive searches on waves and screen material you'll come up with only HP and a few for mat white.

My old video spectra, right here.
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/waves.jpg

Well perhaps it's not as bad on a 16:9 picture size as a 4:3, there is less material to get wavy. Anyway, I plan on eventually building a frame for the screen anyway. It just doesn't make sense to me to pay twice as much for screen material, when the gain with HP will end up the same or worse that VS. And they are all going to be wavy without being stretched on a frame. It would make more sense to spend the extra on a frame or something and get DIY material. But I suppose some people wouldn't want to go through the effort.

And about your picture, it looks like you need to pull the material over on the bottom edges. It will move somewhat in the frame at the bottom. I have no idea why you have such severe waves, but I'm sure there are some ways you could stretch the material a bit to help.

Originally posted by gottahavapj
Are you two both a little tense because you don't have projectors to watch this weekend? :) Easy does it gents.....

rsmith- My god man- if I had your luck with projectors I would be huddled in a little room with a 27" direct view and I'd go to the movie theater a lot.

Just kidding... have a good day!!

Actually I'm starting to regret selling my 43inch HDTV. But I'm really hoping the Optoma will work well. I'll probably get the one who blows a bulb a couple weeks after the warranty on it runs out.

" Tom, how are you switching between the two? Just unplugging one then plugging in the other, or do you have a component switcher? I know you don't need it for DirecTV, but how are you doing it with the DVD-to-HDTV?"

With a clunky Radio Shack analog switch box. I have a few component feeds going into it with the one component feed out. So this morning I was measuring HDTV vs a 1.85 DVD. When I clanked :) the switch to get back over to the DVD, this is when I got the green bar blank screen. After that going back to the HDTV feed I could get the picture but then trying a analog Direct TV channel I got the green bar again.

I didn't re fire up the projector but I'll bet when I fire up tonight the problems gone. But I may be able to re-create it.

The ? about the very good Panasonic XP30. You won't be able to view a NA-dvd with any farouja chipped players with the original H30 firmware. Letterbox support was one of the additions to the new firmware.

New firmware =

1. Full 800x600 4.3
2. Lower increment zoom
3. Letterbox support.

I'm still testing sizes of HDTV vs 1.85 DVD & OTA 480p, but from what I saw this morning it looks like HDTV will be 3" lower in height over a 1.85 DVD, OTA/480p is about 1.5" lower than a 1.85 movie. I known they were trying to match all these different signal feeds to size up better. One thing for sure the signals are fine for a 4.3 screen because screen height doesn't matter.

Now with a 4.3 screen you can start buy squaring up a 800X600 4.3 image and get it perfect. Then all other images fit the width exactly the same, it's just the height that changes. I remember before when I used a 16.9 screen I had to use the scaling aspects to get HDTV, 1.85DVD & OTA to fit the 16.9 screen correctly. Maybe we can get some input from other users using a 16.9 screen as to how they're getting all these different signals to fit exactly.

"I have no idea why you have such severe waves, but I'm sure there are some ways you could stretch the material a bit to help."

I tried the hanging of weights with bungee cords with that screen but it didn't help. The key problem with some materials is you'll see shadows in the waves when video is shot on the screen. The way the mat white and HP reflects, even if they have physical waves. When you shoot video on them you don't get the shadow effect like I got with Video Spectra and have seen with the gray high contrast material they came out with recently. I scoured the search engine here to find the materials that show the least waves with video. High Power was the only one at first. But I ran across a member who stated the Mat White works the same way. So I gave it a try and he was right.

I do have physical waves on my mat white screen but with video is doesn't matter. You don't get the shadows. Another good thing about the High Power is the material is thick and doesn't get physical wave so easy. The High Power I had hung very flat with hardly any physical waves

I am a happy camper. Getting an H30 early next week to replace that DOA unit I received a couple weeks back. Old c03 firmware, but fine considering I'm using it for DVD/HDTV source as well as some still-shot output via my laptop...finally, I get to see this badboy in the flesh. This time doing something other than an impression of a paperweight. ;)

Is it the dealer that's replacing it? Wonder if it has the new firmware?

With a clunky Radio Shack analog switch box. I have a few component feeds going into it with the one component feed out. So this morning I was measuring HDTV vs a 1.85 DVD. When I clanked the switch to get back over to the DVD, this is when I got the green bar blank screen. After that going back to the HDTV feed I could get the picture but then trying a analog Direct TV channel I got the green bar again.

The switch box could be the culprit. I'll try my Audio Authority 1154 with HD and DVD and see if I get the same result.

Is it the dealer that's replacing it? Wonder if it has the new firmware?

Yes and No. ;)

Good going. I'm heading out now will see if I can re-create the problem.

I too have one of those Radio Shack switchers and I tried it as Tom stated but I did not have any issues when switching . So it would seem as though it might be a c05 bug [ I still have c04 ] .
---- Jason

Tom,

Do you have experience with Deluxe Model B? It has a built-in tensioner, which I am hoping will reduce the waves to the level of an HP screen.

If we weren't concerned about waves, what would be the best screen material for a ceiling (9 ft) mounted H30? The projection distance is only 12' (so the projection angle will be pretty steep -> no keystone) making me worry about the HP developing hot spots or non-uniform brightness across the screen.

I do like bright screens, but at that angle, I doubt I will get 1.5 gain out of HP. BTW, I'm getting an 80x60 screen.

Thanks.

Originally posted by rsmith4321
Actually I'm starting to regret selling my 43inch HDTV. But I'm really hoping the Optoma will work well. I'll probably get the one who blows a bulb a couple weeks after the warranty on it runs out.

I sincerely hope your experience is better this time around. Chin up! :)

I don't have anything to say and it's freekin 2AM my time. I just wanted to get to 100 posts before hikarate does. :D

hehehehe....

First of all excuse my bad english.

Im a new H30 owner and have now seen a couple of films with it.

And im really dissapointed or i have a failure with my H30.

Whats my problem:

1.) I have problem to get a sharp focus on the machine, when i yesterday saw the Master & commander it was no focus on the wide scenes, and also on the most scenes - i think about it all the time.

When i try to set the focus i think its diffucult, the deph of field is so small.

My H30 is over three meters from the screen. I dont know the feet distance.

But the subtitles get focus so i think its right.

How do you set the focus to get it perfect?


2.) On the white subtitles i get a little red on the right side of the text.

That appears also in the movie.

Maybe this can do that the picture look like its out of focus.



3.) The subtitles also sometimes have problems to display correctly - this problem is small.



Please help me with my problems and what you think about it.

Now im dissapointed with the H30 but i think it most be something wrong with H30 but before i send it back i must ask you about my problem.


Before i buy this one i tested a x1 at home and right now i get better picture with that.

Please help me

draags ,

--- Have you adjusted the outer 'focus' lens [ optical ] and also adjusted the menu sharpness adjustment [ electronic ] .

--- What type of Connection are you using ?



---- Jason

I have scart 2 vga cabel.


I have adjust the focus ring but not the other one.

Where do i do that.


But the red dirt/garbage around the subtitles and sometimes only on the right side - whats that?

Can you see that thing?

Have you adjusted the outer 'focus' lens [ optical ] and also adjusted the menu focus adjustment [ mechanical ] .




jay mechanical focus\\ do you mean the sharpness setting there is a mechanical focus ? where in the menue settings

While I'm waiting this month (and maybe next month also) for my h30 to ship, should i be thinking about getting a progressive-scan DVD player? I mainly use my Xbox for everything; is that DVD image going to suck? I know Jason would say to build an HTPC, which I do really want to do, but I just don't have the cash right now.

Any suggestions?

thanks,

geoff

well i just got this from another member here and check this out


Optoma H77 on the way !
Mustand HD2+ chip
1200 ansi lumen
contrast ratio ( minimum) 3000:1
Universal AC 90 - 264 Volts. 50-60Hz
Avaliable in June-July
Price below 320000 Baht. that equals 8000$


8 segments color wheel!!!

"experience with Deluxe Model B? It has a built-in tensioner,"

Yes it doesn't work. Better get the HP and 80X60 is perfect for that 12' projector distance. I'm at near maximum zoom with the PJ at 13' on a 92"X69.

Re focus, I get a super sharp picture and it's easy to do by eye. There's lots a room and a large area within the focus adjustment when turning the focus ring. It's like you can't miss the area where focus is sharp. Set the sharpness control in the menu to 28. if it's already there then there must be a problem with the machine. In shipping the optics may have shifted. I had that happen on a Seleco I had.

Seleco had me open up the projector and re align the optics. There were two lock down screws for the optics. I had to first put the focus ring to the center area. Then slid the lens up or back till focus was sharp. I wouldn't recommend you try this on the H30 and I'm not even sure the optics have available set screws.

Anybody wanna open up the projector to find out? Or maybe somebody already has. ;)

Thanks guitarman.

But what do you think about that red behind the subtitle text, its more or less and sometimes like on the Master & command film it was on the right side of the text, on that film i also discovered that on the main film, behind edges.

Have you seen that or anyone else?

I think this problem can make the picture look more defocus because of that.

I know its a diffucult wuestion but, is it the machine or can it be the scart-vga box or the cabel or what?

I also watch DVD over RGB-scart and I do not have any of the problems you describe. Picture is sharp, subtitles are also and never the red thing you are talking about.

Maybe you should try a better quality scart and/or vga cable?

Ronald

I don't have the red on subtitles also. The first thing the Tech dept. will tell you is to try other cables, s-video, composite, different component cables if you have others.

Hey, try a different area of zoom and refocus, like try full zoom, no zoom, middle zoom, refocusing each time.

Sorry , I should have said 'ELECTRONIC' Sharpness and not Mechanical Focus [ it was very late when I posted that last night ;) ] .
------- Jason

geoff ,

--- The Xbox is an OK dvd player but it will not compete with a Good Progressive DVD player . I was playing around with my Xbox the other day and pushed 720p & 1080i dvd playback to the H30 , it looked decent [ better than 480p ] but nothing like a good quality player [ Denon , JVC , Panasonic ] .

---------------- Jason

Follow up on a progressive DVD player.

The deinterlacer on the H30 does extremely well on most any material. But there's one anomile I should point out. I probably shouldn't mention it because you'll now start noticing it. ;)

On rare ocasion they'll be block letters in red or sometimes like with the red fish in Nemo. What you'll see and it's just the color red, you'll see vertical lines appears on certain types of flagging. There's a part in the middle of Nemo where you'll catch this with the Red Fish. Or on DVD's like Star Strek Insurrection, or When Eagles Dare. These last two movies start with heavy red letter titles. Ok I ran these various times and with any dvd player set to progressive the vertical lines smooth out/dissapear.

The H30 will show any other things that need deinterlacing just fine, no jaggies, smooth movement on poorly flagged material like the opening spaceship part of the movie Galaxy Quest.

So if you want the absolute best type player, especially now that the H30 will handle letterbox material also. If you're keeping the old firmware then a JVC will have to do since it's covers letterbox material.

Otherwise get a Denon or Panasonic, Denon 1600 or 910, 1600 is better at passing pure black over the 910 but the 1600 is discontinued. Panasonic RP82, XP30, XP50 also are great but discontinued. You can find these if you shop around.

The reason these last players are great is the Mpeg & early
Farouja chip.

"MPEG Maker: MEI
MPEG Model: MN67753IKA
Deinterlacer Maker: Genesis
Deinterlacer Model: FLI2200"

The quote stats are from the Secrets shootout guys, hope they don't mind. :)

The combination of that Mpeg and the Farouja FL12200 make for the absoblute best sharpness & smooth deinterlacing. Good luck on the hunt. :)

Ok since you're my buddies :) I hv a tip for ya Shsssh!

ecost has Denon 1600's refurbed at $219.95 w/free ship.

Don't know how long they'll last but this player can be resold at a higher price than that. Good Luck!

yep saw that to tom


and for the Canadians (Sam's club has the rp62 panny dvd players ,shhhhhhhhh


and ecost has the DVD-1200 Faroudja DVD/CD/DVD-Audio player with progressive scan Reconditioned by Denon

jason, tom, joe: you guys are awesome. so a new dvd it must be. now any recommendations for less than two franklins and closer to one?

or am i just being cheap again?

g

again- somewhat related to the h30 (but probably off-topic) - is the Denon 1200 better than the 1600? cause i just got a residual check in the mail and maybe i can swing two bills.

g

I would go for the 1600 over the 1200. The 1600's a better built player.

Well I just got the green bar that Tom mentioned and I have the C04 firmware. It had never happened before but today I had a HD tuner hooked up and it happened. I was going back and forth between HD channels and non HD and going from 4:3 and 16:9 in each when it happened. It locked up everything and the green bar wouldn't go away. I shut the H30 down and waited for the green power lite to come back on and then turned it back on and everything was normal. I did try and duplicate the problem but couldn't. It doesn't seem to be a problem unless it happens frequently.

like i said if there is a sams close to you or you can order in the states there are the rp 62"s and there 1$$$$ and change and that is canadian..cheers



and also jvc's there are tons of them out there for less then what you guys are looking for .

Slow news day huh? Maybe they will start shipping some PJs next week *fingers crossed*
Gratz on 100th post Ghpj (You turkey:))

Originally posted by hikarate
Slow news day huh? Maybe they will start shipping some PJs next week *fingers crossed*
Gratz on 100th post Ghpj (You turkey:))

Thanks man! Just get a couple more in and we'll be a part of the bonified triple digit club. :)

crap. ecost has a "call us" listing under the stock for the 1600. i guess they are out of stock.

oh well.

g

well you can try here for a 1600 refurb


http://www.pcmall.com/pcmall/shop/detail.asp?dpno=113142&store=pcmall&source=zwb11607&adcampaign=email,zwb11607

and i would like to be the first one here to wish you and your families a happy Easter .

Isn't tt call thing on allot of items. I just went ahead and bought one. I got a confirm it's processing.

Burntfingers
So I'm not crazy :) I'd say just don't jump around allot shifting HDVTV to DVD to OTA to HDTV etc. If tt every happens again don't fire up your projector right away, it's not good for the bulb. I think you should wait for a total cool down.
I also wasn't able to duplicate the problem this morning so it seems far and few between.

thanks guys. 1600 ordered.

Jason & Tom-

you guys use a radio shack switcher to route your component video sources to the pj? is it any good? many of the component switch-boxes out there seem to cost $150 and up and up.

thanks,

geoff

Geoff ,
--- I do not use it for Component switching but I do have one [ which I tried to see if I would experience the issue that Tom described ] .

--- Here is the kicker , mine is just a 4 way A/V switch [ I think I paid $10.00 for it a while ago - bought it for a little TV that only had RCA style inputs that my son used for his playstation / vcr / dvd player ] .

--- The normal cheap manual A/V switches work for component just fine [ they do not have bandwidth issues ] . I think the ones you are looking at have Auto sense switching .

---- Jason

I also had a green bar issue yesterday. It happened when I decided to check out the S-Video output from my laptop as opposed to the VGA I normally use. The computer worked fine with the VGA, but when I manually plugged in the S-Video I had the green bar.

Trying it today starting with the S-Video all was fine. I have the old firmware.

Steve

I attached a file that i make in photoshop to demonstrate how the red on my subtitles behaves.

shatten22
where did you find the dvd ;)


tom what model jvc do you have and with the letter box issue what do i look for in a player because if i am correct my xp30 has the letter box choice on it ?

The Letterbox mode in all players is just for people that have a 4.3 TV, like an old tube TV.

Displaying na-dvd's in a widescreen TV is a different thing. I think I've covered all of the player types that handle na-dvds if the display cannot. RP91, any JVC, and the lastest Panasonic's. No farouja chipped player will do this - the chip doesn't allow it.

People that get the firmware can use any player they want. If you want to get around getting the firmware use one of the players I posted.

The Letterbox mode in all players is just for people that have a 4.3 TV, like an old tube TV. The Letterbox mode in all players is just for people that have a 4.3 TV, like an old tube TV.

Displaying na-dvd's in a widescreen TV is a different thing. I think I've covered all of the player types that handles na-dvds if the display cannot. RP91, any JVC, and the lastest Panasonic's. No farouja chipped player will do this - the chip doesn't allow it.

People that get the firmware can use any player they want. If you want to get around getting the firmware use one of the players I posted.

tom i know this it is not for myself it is for a friend of mine that is all because he wants to keep the old firm ware :) and he wants something like my xp30 style and i seen some jvc models that look pretty close (style wise ) to my xp 30 that is all .

The recent JVC's, man they go pretty cheap. He'll be good with one of those.

yep that is what i am thinking tom ;)

Originally posted by draags
I attached a file that i make in photoshop to demonstrate how the red on my subtitles behaves.

I noticed that a little bit on my infocus X1. But if you saw how a LCD PJ looks you wouldn't be complaining. Remember DLP uses the same mirrors for all colors, so it can't be an alignment problem.

I notice that there is a really nice FAQ for the Infocus X1, so I decided to start one for the H30. Here is the site http://home.sc.rr.com/optomah30 . I'm just getting it started and could really use some help, I want to take the info from the thread and organize it into the FAQ. If you can go to the site and submit things for the FAQ, or if you have Frontpage or HTML experience and help make submissions to the site directly please let me know.

Originally posted by new teq joe
shatten22
where did you find the dvd ;)


Well both ecost and pcmall said, "please call," so I ordered it from ecost cause it was ten bucks cheaper. it's processing, but whether or not it actually ships is another issue. my h30 is not due to ship until the 30th, so if I can't get something now, it won't be a big deal. thanks for the links. :)

geoff

Originally posted by rsmith4321
I notice that there is a really nice FAQ for the Infocus X1, so I decided to start one for the H30.

That's a great idea. There's some info on Da Game Pimp's website you could add.
I'll see what else I can dig up as well. :D

I didn't see it in the thread, so i'll ask.

My proposed setup:
106" 16x9 screen
Top of screen - 80"
Center screen - 54"
Bottom of screen - 28"

How high does the H30 need to be when coffee table mounted?

Thanks.

Originally posted by MikeSRC
That's a great idea. There's some info on Da Game Pimp's website you could add.
I'll see what else I can dig up as well. :D

Write me a private message if anyone can help work on the FAQ, it's easy to get the idea of the general organization. But I don't have time to add everything myself. I will give you name and password for site access, but you need frontpage. Thanks.

jason-

so in this respect, could I use regular av cables to connect my component gear? like, instead of buying some $60 component, i could instead buy some $10 RCA jobs and match everything up?

if so that would be insanely, ridiculously, great.

i hope it's possible.

g

Originally posted by DaGamePimp
Geoff ,
--- I do not use it for Component switching but I do have one [ which I tried to see if I would experience the issue that Tom described ] .

--- Here is the kicker , mine is just a 4 way A/V switch [ I think I paid $10.00 for it a while ago - bought it for a little TV that only had RCA style inputs that my son used for his playstation / vcr / dvd player ] .

--- The normal cheap manual A/V switches work for component just fine [ they do not have bandwidth issues ] . I think the ones you are looking at have Auto sense switching .

---- Jason

Geoff ,

--- Nope , you do not want to do that :( .

--- While it can work in can also degrade the image by a good margin . Component cables are built with a heavier core than inexpensive RCA type cables [ less signal loss ] .

----- Jason

My recently bought optoma H-30 produces a color distortion in the superior part of some film scenes, the distortion is a magenta color spread in the superior part of the image (about 10% of the vertical size) when projecting blue sky or quite clear images. This happens with two diferent dvd players, but does not happen with another dvd player and with a terrestrial digital TV tuner. The effect is quite disturbing, and disapears if I use svhs or video composite input instead of the scart video composite or rgb, but at the cost or worse image quality.

Has somebody had the same problem, or maybe my pj is faulty?

"This happens with two different dvd players, but does not happen with another dvd player and with a terrestrial digital TV tuner"

Like the doctor says if it hurts when you do that, "don't do that" :)

Sounds like a Scart compatibility problem with the devices not the projector. Someone else was having Scart problems also. He was able to do something in one of the device menu's but his phillips dvd recorder couldn't be adjusted.

ecost just puts you on backorder, no telling if they'll ever have more 1600's. I'd cancel and shop around.

I should probably post in screens but I want h30 input.
I am thinking of painting my wall cheap today I had to fill a pwr outlet hole.
What do you guys think?
behr ultra pure white.
flat white ceiling paint cause it actually looks pretty good now..
behr silverscreen gray or misty grey.
I am leaning towards white but not sure.... thanks

"ecost has Denon 1600's refurbed at $219.95 w/free ship."

This DVD player is almost exactly what I am looking for. Any thought on the same product with component progressive output as opposed to SCART?

thanks.

Can someone explain to me the difference between setting the aspect ratio at 4:3 verus 4:3 native? I will be using a 4:3 screen as most of viewing will be via DirectV (not HDTV). The size of the image projected is larger with the 4:3 native setting, but what are the trade-offs?

Originally posted by rocker999
I should probably post in screens but I want h30 input.
I am thinking of painting my wall cheap today I had to fill a pwr outlet hole.
What do you guys think?
behr ultra pure white.
flat white ceiling paint cause it actually looks pretty good now..
behr silverscreen gray or misty grey.
I am leaning towards white but not sure.... thanks
Rocker-
I've been trying to keep up with this myself over in screens. I will be doing a DIY BO cloth on a frame and was wondering about painting that as opposed to just leaving it the matte white it comes in. From what I could gather most people didn't feel a gray or silver screen was necessary with a DLP like an H30 unless you were making a pretty large (over 120" diagonal perhaps?) screen or had room lighting problems. That was behind my descision to stay matte white. I guess we'll see :)

and someone correct me if I'm wrong.

4:3 native uses the whole 800x600 resolution. 16:9 puts a 16x9 image in the center of this image with bars on the top and bottom.

16:9 native uses the bottom of the 800X600 chip to display an 800x450 image that is masked. 4:3 puts a 4:3 image in the middle of the 16:9 native display with bars on the right and left.

Therefore for either a 16:9 screen or a 4:3 screen you can display both types with one type being the primary format.

I think. ;)

With the new firmware: Native 4:3 does use the full 800 X 600. 4:3 gives you a reduced (600 X 450?) size picture. Native 16:9 uses 800 X 480 and crops the sides slightly. 16:9 gives you 800 X 450.

(Looks like I hit the "Send Message" a split second before Tom :D )

"Can someone explain to me the difference between setting the aspect ratio at 4:3 verus 4:3 native? I will be using a 4:3 screen as most of viewing will be via DirectV (not HDTV)."

I'm liking my 120" 4.3 screen. You'll find things work out very easy with a 4.3 screen.

4.3native will cover the entire screen

16.9native will be for all HDTV and Widescreen DVD's

The only negative I see is OTA 480p, it will be shown as a small window like everybody see's when using a 16.9 screen. It can't be expanded to cover the whole 4.3 screen. Things were this way with my Sharp DT200. The OTA image is a little larger than what people see with 4.3scaled. You can also zoom it one time for an even bigger image.

The picture quality of analog Direct TV channels is excellent with the H30. We watch all our prime time in analog at full 120" diagonal.

4.3scaled aspect is for a small 4.3 window within a 16.9 screen
16.9scaled scale a widescreen image for 16.9 screen users.

Regarding screens, unless you have a lot of ambient light or are using a really big screen, matte white works great.

thanks jason-

cheaper cables would have been nice. :)

tom-

i just called, got the status and canelled. I was coming back here to warn the hordes and I saw your post. thanks for putting me on to the 1600, i'll be keeping my eyes open now.

g

I'm using a really big screen in Mat White and it works great. The H30 is very powerfull. At the Optoma Headquarters showroom they had the H30 shoot on a 116" wide screen, that would make around 125" diagonal, and it looked amazing.

Hey Jason,
I got a pm from a member today who picked up a H30 and was an HT1000 Z2 user. Anyway as you should know he's shocked at how great he H30 compared to these more expensive machines. :)

He's been using his Pany XP30 and just now realized he never turned on the progressive signal in the Pany menu's. :)

When he turened the progressive on, guess what (green push). lol
Anyway I gave him some info in the PM but told him you did a small serive adjustment in the Picture area.
Exactly what numbers and change did you end up with. Also did this effect the interlaced calibration, since the service menu effects all inputs.

Jason, just another tip, when Wing calibrated my H30 with Colorfacts. The first thing he did was in the user menu's adjust the blacks and whites with Avia. Then he went into the service menu and made the colorfacts calibration.

He's been using his Pany XP30 and just now realized he never turned on the progressive signal in the Pany menu's.


tom with my xp30 when i set it to progressive i don't get green push :confused:

"This DVD player is almost exactly what I am looking for. Any thought on the same product with component progressive output as opposed to SCART?"

As I am an idiot and I feel the need to view European specs as oppossed to American ones. :rolleyes:

Same with mine. Seems a few got out of the factory without a calibrating for a progressive signal.

I'm pretty sure the fix is just two clicks back on the service menu's "Picture" green gain.

Will the H30 be okay on a white wall in a room that will have light leaks during the day time. I am shooting from about 12" away. The projector I had before (NEC VT45) had more lumens and was sometimes difficult to see during the daytime... but H30 has even less lumens... but perhaps this is different when dealing with DLP (the NEC was LCD).

Tom - I had (have) the progressive green push, and made service menu adjustments to 'split the difference' since service menu affects all inputs. Then made color adjustment using the regular menu to make up for too much red (interlaced) and too much gree (progressive). There must be a better way - I'm waiting for RMA confirmation to send mine in for firware upgrade and color calibration.

John F

Quick question when ceiling mounting....

When desktop, the H30 uses the bottom of the chip so the 16:9 image is quite low. When I ceiling mount it it stil projects the image at the bottom (Top in reality now) if the chip.
The problem is that this is now far too low and I have to tilt the projector up about 15-20 degrees. Due to this til there seems to be quite an effct on the focus die to key-stoning.

My question is two fold....

1. Is it normal to have to tilt the H30 so much when ceiling mounted? (Ceiling about 7.5 high)
2. When ceiling mounted, as it still uses the bottom of the chip to me it's uning the worst area for clarity - Does this make sens.

Sorry if this has been covered many times already.
Cheers

well for a calibration down here in canada they don't do it they just set things back to default mode . for my self i don't care to much because i can do it my self , but this is concerning me because the people down here have the same pj but don't have the same support and that should not be like this , because that is the only beef i have with optoma is that there is no consistency .:(

By the way, if no one cars about the FAQ I will just forget about it. I don't have the time or commitment to do it all myself.

"There must be a better way"

John, you first calibration the black and white with Avia in the user menu for a progressive signal. Then in the service menu use the 50% approach. Like if you have to move green gain back 6 digits to delete the green push. Go and put the green gain to minus 3 digits and push up the Red & Bluce gain 3 digits. So instead of using the minus 6 figure for green gain, you use a balance by lower it to half -3, then counter by increasing the Red&Blue an eaual amount +3each.

Joe, The green push problem isn't that huge. There are a few and Optoma will re calibrate them for you under warranty. They did Mike's and it came out great. I would hope that every outlet for Optoma service would be the same. Maybe members in other area's should ask what equipment they use to calibrate the interlaced & progress signals. Here in California they use Colorfacts 6500.

FAQ, sounds like a good idea, I could edit a link into my opening post once it gets rolling. I figure everybodys trying to find a way to write on the page Direct.

Tom ,

--- I am not 'shocked' at all that he was 'shocked' with the performance of the H30 :) .

--- I only adjusted my "PICTURE" settings by a couple digits to correct the Green Push issue .

--- I am not certain of the Interlaced image being affected since I do not use any interlaced sources [ my HTPC , HiDef box & Xbox are all set for Progressive ] . I am sure it does change [ 480i sources ] however since as you stated the service menu effects all inputs .

--- My experience has been that changing the service menu adjustments will reset many of the standard menu adjustments so I am not certain how Wing was able to calibrate the normal menu and then use the service menu adjustments after [ I would think it should be the other way around by setting all the normal menu adjustments to defaults and then calibrate from the service menu using AVIA or Colorfacts - then any fine tuning can be done from the normal menu since a properly calibrated service menu adjustment should get you 90% there ] . This sounds the most logical to me but then obviously Wing knows this projector far better than I do ;) .

--- A curious issue could be if all the DEFAULT modes are auto set to the same numbers but yet each PJ seems to have a different level of service menu Calibration . This would cause each person to have a different experience with regards to image tuning . Therefore it would seem to me that the best possible solution here is to send the units in to Optoma for a Proper D65 Calibration [ I am sure Wing just cringed at that one ;) ] .

----------- Jason

I may have missed it, and I apologize if so, but can someone tell me the image angle on the H30 in Native 16:9. In other words, if the projector is mounted level on a table, how far up is the top of the image at some given distance.

See my my picture for what I mean (I'm looking for the values in red from the setups people are using). I am designing a DIY mount, and I'd like to know how much angle-adjustment to build into it .

H30 angle drop (http://www.geocities.com/valkyrie.rm/)

(Or just see the image in my gallery). Thanks!

"I am not certain how Wing was able to calibrate the normal menu and then use the service menu adjustments after "

He used he blacks & whites as a starting point before going into the service menu and doing the auto cal items. Since the Magenta auto cal as it is now pushes the red a little. While in the service area he used the picture settings by eye to delete the red. Ok now when he went out of the service area he turned on the colorfacts program and calibrated the progressive signal with the user advanced adjustments.

He the did a similar thing with the interlaced signal but just in the user area. Started with the blacks and whites than used Colorfacts with the user Advanced Adjustments

Just thought of something. I should ask Mike if he has factory numbers other than zero in the user advanced asjustment settings, since he got the PJ back from Milpitas?

Originally posted by guitarman
FAQ, sounds like a good idea, I could edit a link into my opening post once it gets rolling. I figure everybodys trying to find a way to write on the page Direct.

What I was hoping for was some help in making it. If anyone has a question and then a good answer than has been asked on this message thread that they could post over on the site http://home.sc.rr.com/optomah30 then I will add it too the page. I will give credit for whatever is posted when I add it to the FAQ.

Originally posted by valkyrie
I may have missed it, and I apologize if so, but can someone tell me the image angle on the H30 in Native 16:9. In other words, if the projector is mounted level on a table, how far up is the top of the image at some given distance.


I posted some measurements to the bottom of the imagehere (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=3611738&highlight=offset#post3611738).

BTW, as I believe Tom mentioned last week, Matrix Revolutions looks awesome with the H30. Great shadow detail and solid blacks. For those who don't have it, you should at least rent this DVD to see it on your H30.

"I posted some measurements here."

Yeah Mike, put that one on the FAQ. It's the one asked most. Other than where and when can get one. :)

Hey maybe this is ship em in the US week. Remember I was told they've been shipping 1,000 a month but that's worldwide. I think I was told about a few hundred will go out in the US but there's a thousand dealers. So you got a 1 in 5 shot at finding which guys got one.

He used he blacks & whites as a starting point before going into the service menu and doing the auto cal items. Since the Magenta auto cal as it is now pushes the red a little. While in the service area he used the picture settings by eye to delete the red. Ok now when he went out of the service area he turned on the colorfacts program and calibrated the progressive signal with the user advanced adjustments.


ok that makes sense after the firmware everything goes to default settings then you go in to the service menu to get a proper gray scale and after if there is a need to tweak a little bit then use the advance mode for a better saturation ;) now that makes sense to me ;)

Well my Dell order still says the 15th, but its still inproduction and I have ground shipping. I don't think I am going to get it by then..:(

Well my Dell order still says the 15th, but its still inproduction and I have ground shipping. I don't think I am going to get it by then..


hang in there buddy i know it is hard ;)

All the Z2, HT1000 post are getting me weak at the knees. Its so tempting to just get one of those since I know I could have them by this week.