I posted some measurements to the bottom of the image

Thanks, Mike, that's what I was looking for!

Check out the FAQ http://home.sc.rr.com/optomah30 now. I added some pretty useful info including Mike's throw calculations. Let me know what you think so far.

rsmith4321
very nice good work so far ;)

Again there so much info in this thread, but I can't sort through to find it all. So if you could post in on the site I could add it easily.

Tom ,

--- I am very curious to know why Wing would not just calibrate using Colorfacts from within the Service Menu [ doing it from the Advanced menu seems a bit odd to me , although doing the Calibration in the Advanced Menu for a fine tuning basis makes sense for each source [ 480i / 480p / 720p / 1080i ] .

--- I would think you would want the Service Menu adjusted as close as possible for all sources [ would make for a better balance of image from one source to the next IMO ] .

--- CRT is done this way as the Main adjustments are made for all modes and then each signal is fine tuned from there .

--- Maybe my CRT calibration experience is clouding my thought process here ;) .

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

jason no you are right ,but remember the old saying gray scale is not color decoding and in the advanced menu you can tweak for better saturation ,there is no scientific method here ;)

Joe ,

--- actually there is documented technical information on proper D65 calibration and I am certain that Wing knows it and fully understands its use but it does not sound to be applied in this circumstance which is what makes me curious ;) [ sounds as if there is something within the H30 that possibly contradicts the normal calibration process - this is what information I am trying to gather ] .

--- Now since many people do not have access to Colofacts the above mentioned method that Wing used on Tom's H30 would be perfect for home use with AVIA [ only doing the Black & White calibration from within the Service Menu ] .

---- I am not trying to 'rock the boat' here but I would like to know the technical reasons for not doing proper D65 calibration with Colorfacts from within the Service Menu ;) . Thus allowing Color Temp 2 to actually be what it should [ default values @ 6500K ] .

------ Jason

--- Now since many people do not have access to Colofacts the above mentioned method that Wing used on Tom's H30 would be perfect for home use with AVIA [ only doing the Black & White calibration from within the Service Menu ] .


\\jay you are right but to get proper blacks and whites the gray scale has to be done properly high and low :) ,but like you said if there is something different that can be done i would love to hear about like your self :)

Joe ,
--- I think you are mis-understanding what I am saying ;) .

--- I am saying the ENTIRE Calibration process should be done from the Service Menu [ and then fine tune each source as needed from the Advanced Menu ] .

--- What I am trying to figure out it why my thinking could be flawed in regards to the H30 ;) .


*** Oh and so everybody else understands , I am not meaning to say that a proper calibration cannot be done from the normal menu . What I am stating is that it makes more sense to have the calibration done from the service menu so that all inputs start out as accurate as possible and can then be fine tuned from the normal menu . ***

--------- Jason

--- I am saying the ENTIRE Calibration process should be done from the Service Menu [ and then fine tune each source as needed from the Advanced Menu ] .


OK i understand you now yes i theory you are right :)

Originally posted by DaGamePimp
--- I would think you would want the Service Menu adjusted as close as possible for all sources [ would make for a better balance of image from one source to the next IMO ] .

--- CRT is done this way as the Main adjustments are made for all modes and then each signal is fine tuned from there .

--- Maybe my CRT calibration experience is clouding my thought process here ;) .

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

I was thinking the same thing. If Wing had not calibrated mine, I was going to go through the process just as you're saying, Jason. But then again, I'm coming from a CRT background as well. ;)

Mike ,

--- Thanks , glad I am not babbling on about some mis-guided thinking ;) [ or am I ... ] .

--- Would be great to hear from Wing on this one :) .


*** again I must apologize for my true techno-geekness coming through , I get a little too techy for my own good sometimes - sorry ***

--------- Jason

It's been a long week since Wing was last here, hasn't it? :D

from what i understand and i have done alot of crt calibrations is that for a dlp or direct device pj if you have the rgb controls (bias and so on you can do a calibration


because Micheal tlv was going to come over to my place to set up my h30 but i had to cancel because if wisdom teeth operation i just had and he said if he had access to them then it would be great . so maybe next time he comes or i can get some info from one of the boys ,david ,eliab, chuck, micheal , maybe they can shed some lite here :)

gottahavapj ,

--- I am not touching that one , I have stirred up enough trouble already ;) .

____________________________

Joe ,

--- Certainly it can be done with the Normal menu [ I never meant to imply otherwise ] .

____________________________

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

Certainly it can be done with the Normal menu [ I never meant to imply otherwise ]


i knoww ;)

well i contacted David Abrams to see if he could come on here to shed some lite on the issue , so if he has some time today he will be here
;)

Say "Hi" to David for me. (He might remember me :D ).

Say "Hi" to David for me. (He might remember me ).

when he comes on mike you can say yourself ;) :D


i think he is on tour but he always makes time for people that is why he is a great isf tech. and a good person to boot

he has helped me out on alot of different situations and always dead on

"Wing knows it and fully understands its use but it does not sound to be applied in this circumstance which is what makes me curious"

Remember Wing did need to use the projectors automatic calibration features in the service menu. These alter all the other numbers automatically. Except the magenta which isnt perfect yet. He did say there will be a firmware making the Auto Magenta or color calibration right on. There after this sequence he went to the user Advanced adjustments and did a component and interlaced calibration.

So I'm guessing the auto calibration feature alignes a close to 6500k cal. But there in the service menu he had to re-adjust after the auto Magenta/Color Cal. He used his eye to fix for the pushed Magenta/color the auto cal added.

He said after the future auto cal feature they may have to raise the MSRP. :) lol

At that point anyones different type of electrical equipment and wires, etc everything will let the auto cal compensate and tune for what is see's.
At least that's the impression I got from Wing. Maybe these functions will be switched over to the user area also. I don't think they want everybody traipsing around the service menu.

According to the 4805 thread, the Infocus is delayed until June at best. Looks like Optoma may get some more sales if that's true. Let's just hope the delays on the H30 are temporary. I'm getting impatient. :)

At the rate we're going, there may come a day when the option of getting an H30 rather than waiting for the 4805 is moot.

Great news, sportsfans!

I just got an email from my contact at Optoma. Here's the direct quote I think many of you (like myself) will find to be interesting:

Our shipment just came in and we are shipping all Dell back orders tomorrow morning.

All I can say is....YES! So, while we won't have our projectors tomorrow, they're coming soon.

PS. He didn't mention shipments to other retailers, but I expect they'll be occuring soon, if not already.

valkyrie.....OH Yaaa thats great news

Originally posted by DaGamePimp
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


And better shielding for superior noise rejection. All three cables need to be same in (electrical) length to preserve the phase of RGB or YPrPb signals.

Originally posted by clamrade
And better shielding for superior noise rejection. All three cables need to be same in (electrical) length to preserve the phase of RGB or YPrPb signals.

If you want to go cheap on the cables go with S-video. Not as good as Component, but better than the RCA switchbox connector idea. I for one will be using S-video. You can always save up and get long component cables next year...

Good news on the Dell Shipments! WOOT

Hey man :)

So this thing crops a few pixels on the left and right of the screen?
Does it have VGA input?
Rainbows are minimal with this machine? I saw a Sharp XV 15000 and I saw rainbows.
Nice to have good contrast I admit. I'm curious. Would like to see one in action.

Hi Chris,
No component inputs, it has VGA/component sync, s-video, composite. Most will tell you rainbows are rare with the high speed color wheel. I'm not familiar with that Sharp but it sounds like a presentation model which all have a large rainbow effect.

well i emailed michael chang (tlv) and i hope he could also shed some lite on this calibration thing :)

Hi Guys,

1) Do you all watch widescreen materials on the H30 in 16x9, or 16x9 native? I can't really see the difference, except that it looks cropped in 16x9 native

2) When I disable the progressive scan on the my Panasonic RP82 to play PAL DVDs, the picture becomes dark and colors over saturated, this continues even if I pop back and play an NTSC DVD with PS off....any solution?

1) 16 X 9 gives you 800 X 450, while Native 16 X 9 gives you 800 X 480 (so it's cropping 27 pixels off each side.

2) You could use a custom user setting (using Avia or VE to more closely match the 480p output) on the RP-82 for when you're using 480i. Or, you could also change the H30 to Normal, Vivid or Cinema (whichever one you don't normally use) and adjust those settings.

Mike:

Do you have Any news from Optoma about shipping dates ?

Ariel

Nope. Spoke to the Optoma west coast sales rep today and he didn't have any new info.

He's supposed to call me as soon as he finds out anything.

Thanks, I hope he will call you soon with good news that will bring us all back to business. :)

Ariel

The Sharp was the new XV15000 and its a home theatre model. I'm curious about the H30. I'll check it out.

Many thanks Mike,

Will try and adjust the settings to match the 480P signal, just thought that 480i would look just as good in default, as the 480P signal.

Regards

Originally posted by guitarman
[BYes it doesn't work.[/B]

Thanks for the straight forward answer. That's what I like about your posts.

OMG. I hope this is true. if so, it'll be christmas in april at my house.

g

Originally posted by valkyrie
Great news, sportsfans!

I just got an email from my contact at Optoma. Here's the direct quote I think many of you (like myself) will find to be interesting:



All I can say is....YES! So, while we won't have our projectors tomorrow, they're coming soon.

PS. He didn't mention shipments to other retailers, but I expect they'll be occuring soon, if not already.

I just talked to Dell- i placed my order on March 15th. Now i'm not getting hyped on this but they are holding onto the "on or before april 16th ship date. "

I guess we'll see.

Does anyone know if optoma drop ships orders for Dell?

rudee

Well I have the april 15th date on the dell site, and the funny thing is that in the past, when they have delayed my order, they have sent a notification like a week in advance saying its been pushed back. I have not received anything yet from Dell, so I am hoping that they can get it to me by next week.

"well for a calibration down here in canada they don't do it they just set things back to default mode "

I agree, when optoma canada had my projector and you guys were getting recalibration and new firmware, will xing (head tech optoma canada) had no idea about the new firmware being out ,he said they were not official, so I didn't get recalibrate or new firmware.
I feel I live in a third world country sometimes I purchased from a reliable optoma dealer and should be getting the same service.
I hope they fix this...

I agree, when optoma canada had my projector and you guys were getting recalibration and new firmware, will xing (head tech optoma canada) had no idea about the new firmware being out ,he said they were not official, so I didn't get recalibrate or new firmware.


they have the firmware now but calibration nope ,well it is OK because i will be doing my own ...


that is when Dave or Michael get back to me :) here or private contact

Come on Optoma- SHIP 'EM BABY!! JUST SHIP 'EM!!!!! :D

Thought they just might need a little Al Davis type shove....

The tech support department here in sweden give me advice to use s-video cabel instead of using scart-vga. They said that the picture will be better with s-video than with component or scart.

hmmm doesnt sound logic - but what do you think about that????

Tom:

The matt white screen is very nice with the H30. I was a bit nervous about 92in wide
screen at 12-16 ft viewing distances, but man this H30 is smooth. With lights off in the
living room viewing area (lights are on in the back of the house), the image is very bright
in econo mode and all default settings. About the only complaint is on scenes with a lot
of people on the screen, each of the faces only get a smaller number of pixels, their faces
are not very clear and sharp (detail). This is to be expected for a low res pj and DVD?
We are enjoying movie watching on this thing too much to be tweaking it right now. I am
still switching between a PC and an older Pioneer player to watch movies. Will decide
on one or the other in a few weeks and then will spend the time to calibrate this thing. I
am not sure I can improve this with DVE and VE discs. Are you and the other tweakers
out there convinced that it is worthwhile? What about firmware upgrade? I am pretty new
at this stuff. I wish I can see a demo of how great this thing can be if calibrated properly
so I know what to aim for. With the H30 this nice out of the box (Did I get a lucky break?)
it is hard to know what to do. I am in the East Contra Costa area and can get to Milpitas
very easily. DO Optoma have the H30 setup properly in a darken viewing room that I
can stop by to take a look? What about bringing in the projector on a Saturday?


KB

I wonder how many posters here are ordering through dell. I know at least 4, plus probably a ton of lurkers.

I've been sitting by the sidelines waiting on the 4805 or the H30-

It was hard to beat the Dell deal- 10% off, some stacked coupons and now they have no payment til april '05.

Makes for a sweet deal to go with this sweet pj.

i know people have mentioned Dell's liberal return policy before but i think you should read their policy in regards to peripherals returns-


rudee

In your opinion, what is main advantage that the H30 has over the X1?

From what I understand, it is the speed and type of colour wheel which makes rainbows less visible on the H30 vs the X1. Is this due to the RGB-RGB 4 speed colour wheel? How does the colour wheel on the X1 compare? What speed and what segments? I have an AE100 and although I'm interested in getting a Panny 500, the H30 may be a less expensive option to replace my 100 for now, as long as I don't see lots of rainbows. Just curious.

Are there other advantages?
People who like the X1 over the H30, thats fine, and I'm well aware of the Faroujda processing in the X1, but this question is mainly asked to the H30 proponents, and why THEY FEEL the H30 is better than the X1. Just a simple short list is fine.

thanx

:)

Originally posted by cpc
In your opinion, what is main advantage that the H30 has over the X1?

From what I understand, it is the speed and type of colour wheel which makes rainbows less visible on the H30 vs the X1. Is this due to the RGB-RGB 4 speed colour wheel? How does the colour wheel on the X1 compare? What speed and what segments? I have an AE100 and although I'm interested in getting a Panny 500, the H30 may be a less expensive option to replace my 100 for now, as long as I don't see lots of rainbows. Just curious.

Are there other advantages?
People who like the X1 over the H30, thats fine, and I'm well aware of the Faroujda processing in the X1, but this question is mainly asked to the H30 proponents, and why THEY FEEL the H30 is better than the X1. Just a simple short list is fine.

thanx

:)

Check out my FAQ

cpc ,

--- X1 uses a 2x RGBW wheel [ white segment ]
--- H30 uses a 4x RGBRGB wheel [ better color , less RBE ]

--- the H30 is much brighter than the X1 when you turn off the White segment on the X1 [ which should be done for HT use ] .

--- the H30 is optimized for HT use while the X1 is a Multi-use PJ .

--- the H30 has less visible screen-door than the X1 .

--- the H30 has better Black Level .

---- there are other things that can be said but I think that covers the biggest issues .

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

rsmith4321,

Right. I will look at that again, I guess I'm always looking for multiple personal input from users of the product. I guess you like your H30 alot?

Jason,

Thanx. Thats pretty much exactly what I was looking for. I saw a Sharp XV-Z12000 I believe ( I thought it was a 15000) and I saw rainbows. I'm curious if the H30 is better than other PJ's for rainbows. If it is, I'll consider it as a replacement for my AE100 for now :)

CPC:

If you saw rainbows on the Z12000 Stay away from DLP technology and try some CRT / LCD projectors.

Ariel

cpc ,

--- take Ariel's advise here , if you had RBE on a Z12 then DLP is probably not for you . Some people see them at first and then they get used to it but others have serious eye strain and headaches .

--- Sounds like an LCD is in your future [ to replace the AE100 ] . Have you considered the Z2 ?

-------- Jason

""""Tom:

The matt white screen is very nice with the H30. I was a bit nervous about 92in wide
screen at 12-16 ft viewing distances, but man this H30 is smooth. With lights off in the
living room viewing area (lights are on in the back of the house), the image is very bright
in econo mode and all default settings. About the only complaint is on scenes with a lot
of people on the screen, each of the faces only get a smaller number of pixels, their faces
are not very clear and sharp (detail). This is to be expected for a low res pj and DVD?
We are enjoying movie watching on this thing too much to be tweaking it right now. I am
still switching between a PC and an older Pioneer player to watch movies. Will decide
on one or the other in a few weeks and then will spend the time to calibrate this thing. I
am not sure I can improve this with DVE and VE discs. Are you and the other tweakers
out there convinced that it is worthwhile? What about firmware upgrade? I am pretty new
at this stuff. I wish I can see a demo of how great this thing can be if calibrated properly
so I know what to aim for. With the H30 this nice out of the box (Did I get a lucky break?)
it is hard to know what to do. I am in the East Contra Costa area and can get to Milpitas
very easily. DO Optoma have the H30 setup properly in a darken viewing room that I
can stop by to take a look? What about bringing in the projector on a Saturday?"""""

KB everybody needs Avia or DVE. Each different persons electronics/setup - needs the blacks/whites & colors tuned. Get the discs and you'll never be guessing again.

What style screen, 4.3 or 16.9? If you got 16.9 don't get the firmware. Sounds like your projector's calibrated well. Things look great for each signal? progressive, interlaced?

Re Rainbows, don't scare Chris off to quick because he saw a rainbow once. :)

Rainbows don't mean diddly, it's the headaches that matter. I mean I can see a rainbow on a DLP anytime I want by a steady stare and a casual glance away. Learn to watch and not distract.

I hate to see him give up on the better HT technology. If he just has seen a rainbow and never got eyestrain. Well watch steady = no rainbow distractions

Tom ,

--- I guess we have different views there as I would never suggest that somebody buy DLP [ which I agree is superior to LCD ] even though they see RBE . This is something that can drive you nuts even if you don't get headaches from it [ just as VB can with LCD ] . Issues like these can make for an unpleasant viewing experience even if they do not physically bother you . CRT has a similar annoying issue called convergence and even though it does not give eye strain or headaches it can certainly distract enough to cause less enjoyable viewing [ it drives me nuts if it is not perfect ;) ] .

--- Just my opinion of course here and I mean no dis-respect :) . I just feel things need to be kept in check as DLP is certainly not for everyone even though so very many of us enjoy it ;) .

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

No sweat guys. I have gotten headaches from presenation projectors and I think DLP is not for me, but I guess I want to investigate some more. Just curious what the H30 picture is like. I'm likely going ahead with LCD as a replacement for my AE100, but I'll give the H30 a chance by going to see it in action. I'm jealous of the high contrast and lack of screen door.

Have fun boys :)

You can't tell me you don't see any rainbows? Or the minute you see a rainbow that's it dump the projector. :) What we need to know is if Chris is living breathing rainbow machine. If not and if he stops jarring his eyes around maybe he's got a cure.

Chris maybe you need to test youself and stay the course.


This just in! (cancel the previous humor)
" have gotten headaches from presenation projectors and I think DLP is not for me"

Tom ,

--- I think it is wrong of you to assume everybody that see's RBE is having some form of REM sleep while awake and viewing a DLP PJ . I know several people that see RBE while there is no eye movement [ just movement on the screen ] . Remember that we do not all react the same way to optical input [ some see what others do not ] .

---- Again I mean no dis-respect [ just a healthy debate on RBE ;) ] .

---- I edited out the previous comment as it did end up sounding offensive after re-reading it and that was not my intention ;) .

-------- Jason

Originally posted by simong
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 due 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 (Which is really the top of the chip in desk mode) to me it's using the worst area for clarity - Does this make sense?!

Sorry if this has been covered many times already.
Cheers

Hi Guys

Sorry to re-post my own post, but can anyone help me get my head around this one?.
Cheers :)

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 (Which is really the top of the chip in desk mode) to me it's using the worst area for clarity - Does this make sense?!


1. Since, as you noted, the H30 uses the bottom of the chip for 16:9, that creates a greater than normal offset when ceiling mounted, resulting in the need for tilt with low ceilings.

2. According to Wing, using the bottom of the chip gives the best 16:9 image and the lens is optimized with the chip in that alignment. It's using the bottom of the chip in either mounting, it's just that the image is inverted when ceiling mounted.

P.S. - If the rainbow discussion continues here, they might lock the thread. :(

Originally posted by MikeSRC
12. According to Wing, using the bottom of the chip gives the best 16:9 image and the lens is optimized with the chip in that alignment. It's using the bottom of the chip in either mounting, it's just that the image is inverted when ceiling mounted.

Thanks Mike :)
This is the bit that confuses me :confused:
In desktop mode I can understand why the bottom of the chip produces the best image - it's the straightest line through the lens.

Please correct me if I've got this wronng (Still a newbie ;)), but from my limited experience of my H30 (Yet to get mounted permanently) if you leave the H30 mounted on the desk and then switch it to ceiling mode it then uses the top of the chip and not the bottom. This is why the image is so low when celining mounted as there is already an offset and this is just increased by the image being at the top of the chip, making for a lower image when the PJ is inverted.

Am I going mad? :eek:

Mike ,
--- I would see no need for a thread lock here .

-- Tom and I are both well established members of the forum simply having a difference of opinion about RBE and I do not think either of us is upset with the other [ I know I am not ] .

-- The RBE discussion can cause serious issue however as seen in the past and before it gets out of hand with others jumping in I agree that we should put it behind us and move on :) .


----- Jason

As soon as Chris said he got eyestrain that ended it. I remember having a member over the see the HT1000 Robert Holloway, he didn't see rainbows but got a killer headache & eyestrain, he went for the DLIA JVC SX21 and is happy. I didn't think we were arguing. :)

Hey, I put a post up on the "any other native 16.9 thread"
4.3 vs 16.9 screen, there's another item for discussion.
The H30 works very well with a 4.3 screen, no sizing issue's.

Jason- what are your biggest(or any) disappointments with the H30? I am sure it IS as good as everyone says but I caught a few comments from you (if the ht1000 was only a few hundred bucks more it would be a no brainer and I might be one of the first to own a 4805). I plan on using it for similar situations (DVD, PC gaming, some HD all on a 92" widescreen). How bad is the light spill? Having dvi on my pc will i miss the input on the pj? Does the image blur in pc gaming?

Originally posted by DaGamePimp
Mike ,
--- I would see no need for a thread lock here .


Neither would I, just a reminder before it got there. ;)

kuvasz friend ,

--- Well in regards to my comment about the HT1000 you do have higher resolution [ for HD and PC gaming ] , you also have a better contrast ratio and a great choice of inputs [ as well as HUGE amounts of adjustment ability ] .

--- I am looking forward to the 4805 since it will be using the latest DMD design from TI [ same design also used in the HD2+ ] as well as offering DVI input . The fact that the 4805 is true native 16:9 @ 480p is nice but does not concern me as much as the other benefits . I use a 16:9 screen and always will as I just prefer the look vs. a 4:3 screen [ I actually plan to go with a constant height screen set-up when I order a Perm Wall screen ] . It does not bother me to shoot 4:3 within the 16:9 screen area since most of my viewing is from wide-screen sources .

---- Now as for the H30 short-comings :

---- It honestly is a kick-butt projector and the image is spectacular when compared to many other digital PJ's . It does have some tech issues that are getting worked out [ in all fairness to Optoma so do most other new model PJ's - especially in this price range ] and I do think that Optoma needs a better Q&A process but the CS has been reported to be OUTSTANDING thus far !
---- The image on the H30 is rock solid and smooth with great color , depth and black level [ it is about as close as you can get to CRT projection for under $2K IMO ] .

---- Gaming on the H30 is fantastic either via PC or Console and I get no blur [ even on very fast moving games - 60fps + ] .

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

quick question, how does the h30 handle 4:3?

Anyone want to take a stab at the H30 vs. the Benq 6200? I think Mike
mentioned that he had seen both side by side. I am still trying to decide
between the two PJs. I guess my viewing habits involve a little bit more
hidef than those in this thread. I probably watch 50% HDTV and 50%DVD.
I am currently using a Toshiba 65"RPTV and some of the hidef content
particularly from PBS-HD and Discovery-HD is spectacular. I am only guessing, but from the specs of both machines it would seem to me that the Benq is probably superior when it comes to HD sources. Either way I am going to be going HTPC so input wise for me they are identical(RGB).
I hope to be able to use this PJ for about 2 years at which point hopefully
some true HD resoultion displays will be available. The free bulb offer with
the Benq is nothing to sneeze at either. If my bulb goes after the 500 hour mark and I have to shell out 400 bucks for a new Optoma bulb I will be
seriously bummed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

H30 arrived (thanks Mike). Hooked it up to my DVD player via component and S-video, both worked fine. Tried hooking it up to my notebook via the s-video cable, H30 couldn't see a signal. Anyone have any ideas? Should I just picke up a monitor cable and go that route?

You might want to check your video output settings on the PC and make sure the signal is set to output via s-video. My guess is that it's a configuration problem. Also, if you're trying to input too high a resolution (over 1280x1024), the H30 can't see it (I think).

MAJOR DISSAPOINTMENT:

I just got home from work excited to watch some 24 on the big screen and found out that my H30 was not turning on. After some initial sounds the orange LAMP light comes on constantly. According to the manual that means a busted lamp no? How could that be when I've used only 250 hours on the lamp?

I believe Optoma has a 2 year warranty no? Can I RMA it with them?

Shifty ,
--- the Lamp has a 90 day warranty .
------ Jason

This is starting to be a bit worrying...exactly how many people have reported a premature dead lamp? I guess I'm glad they go quickly, if they do, but it seems to suggest an issue with the projector if it's this common. (Or I am just reading too much into this?)

so how does 4:3 ratio work with the h30?

Hey now-
okay a lot of pj's have some issues in the begining but we're talking $400 bulbs here- Maybe time to start looking into this bulb faliure rate. I'm thinking that it seems to be running a bit high- it's not like these babies are flying of the shelf these days but this power up bulb faliure seems to be a nagging issue. I hope whatever the issue is that optoma handles it well. First instance- what would a company do with an issue like this? say your bulb goes out on day 100 maybe of a known issue?

just ramblin'........

rudee

I too am worried about the bulb, but it seems to happen with a lot of PJ's. Look at the user reviews of the 6100.

Anyway, here is a question I haven't seen answered. I was under the impression that the 2000:1 contrast ratio of projectors was when they were using the clear segment of the color wheel. And that when they went into video mode the contrast ratio dropped significantly. However the H30 has no clear segment, yet still boast 2000:1 contrast, is this true, or even possible? I noticed the Infocus screenplay 110 has only 600:1 contrast. Perhaps it's just an improvement in the DMD. However, 4 segment color wheels must have higher contrast ratio than 6 segment, yet the highest rating I've seen is 2000:1, which leads me to believe the H30 can't have that much contrast. I'll add this to my FAQ if anyone can explain it. Thanks.

Gots me H30 on b/o for a month and now starting to think about the best
way to hook up the component cables.

Probably gonna get a 25ft component cable assy from bluejeans and use the component adapter supplied with the H30. Ok so far.

Since my HT Receiver only has one set of Component outs, I was going to use an RCA Y-adapter similar to this Y-adapter (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1&catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=274-303) directly on my XP30 DVD player with one set of component cables going to my TV and the other going to the H30.

Now the Question: Will there be any signal loss (pic quality) with this set up? I've noticed how awful the pic quality is at TV stores when split off a single feed into multiple sets:eek:
And, if there is a potential loss of signal, would it help/make a difference if only 1 monitor (H30 or TV) was on at one time (not both turned on)??

Or, would one of those mechanical Rat-Shack switcher boxes mentioned be a better idea? I want to avoid a box if at all possible.

Hope this is not going OT too much already, but (and I should post this in the DVD player section), when I enable my Panny XP30 dvd player to "Progressive out", I can still see a normal Picture on my TV, even though my TV is not progressive capable!!! Yes, I'm using the component ins/outs. How is that possible? How would I know that the H30 would be getting a Progressive in signal (if my Panny is broken in some way?)??

Fleaman

Still have not received my h30.
Ordered in Canada on April 5,2004.


What are you guys using to hook up your h30?
htpc - h30 ; VGA m-m cable (no adapter ) ? is 25 feet too long ?
A vga cable is cheaper and component may go the way of the do-do bird if
DVI/hdmi becomes available as output on amps (soon to be).

amp video options:
1)
surround sound amp (anyone try input s-vhs and letting amp upscale the output to component then to rgb on h30 side(dennon/hk can do this).
2) amp side :long component to vga adapter on h30 side
3) amp side: short component to h30 vga adapter using long vga cable to h30

direct from dvd:

4)pc/HD set-top box with Vga out switch boxes to h30
5) dvd to h30 via commpont (dvd side) to h30 convertor

I would like to watch DVD and standard (non hdtv) analog Stv.

Hmmmm Starting to like the sound of the 4:3 screen (100 diag could still
give me my 80 inches for 16:9 widescrren.
Ceiling is only issue ....80 inch high.
I will be testing with a white sheet to get best offset etc.


KenW

do you have to use component for both?

cause i use component for the PJ and s video for my tv

it works great for me

just a thought:)

torontomapleleaf,
I will try it .
I forgot there was an S-vhs input (still do not have my PJ).
How is the image via s-video with regular SDtv ?
KenW

PQ for me is better with s video than it was when i used a cheap box to split component. i would rather get a great unsplit component signal going to my projector and a good quality svideo signal going to my tv than getting an ok component signal going to both

does that make sense?

it makes sense in my head

i hope it helps

cheers

that is the same way i use mine ,s for sat. and component for dvd :)

Jason- thanks for the response.
off topic-
I just got confirmation from the Director of Events that Infocus is going to be at The Home Entertainment Show May 20-23 in NYC . Hoping the 4805 will be there! I was hoping that Optoma would be there also(a hint for Wing) so I could see an H30 in person but he did not say anything about Optoma being there and I specifically asked if IF, Benq or Optoma would be there. Oh well, at least I should be able to see a few more fp dlp before my basement is ready for one.

For the guy that asked about 4.3, 2X's ;)

4.3native will be the full chip 800X600 pixels

A 16.9 screen user would use 4.3scaled, scaled within the 800X450 16.9frame with black bars on the sides.

isnt it native 800x450 though?

I dont see how it could be 800x600 in 4:3?

wixy ,

-- the H30 uses a 4:3 800x600 DMD panel .

-- the panel is masked for 16:9 and can do either 800x450 or 800x480 in 16:9 modes .

-- the entire 800x600 panel can be used with the right source [RGB] on the c04 firmware or it can be used with any source using the new c05 firmware .


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

With the first series firmware 4.3 was set at either 800X450scaled w/black bars on the sides, or 800X480native w/bars. Many customers asked for the use of the whole 800X600 chip for 4.3, so Optoma gave it to them.

Hitting the Native 4.3 aspect button on the remote now opens up the full 800X600, when before it was set at 800X480 with black bars on the sides ofcourse. No black bars with 800X600.

The one cool feature the H30 has over any now or previous SVGA projector is it will display 16.9 in 800X480. While all the other machines will just display 16.9 in 800X450.

i wanted to be able to have it set up in 16:9 on a 16:9 screen and be able to play 4:3 with black bars on sides. So is this possible now?

Hey guys,

just found out from an Infocus employee that the Infocus 4805 will be priced about hundred dollars BELOW the Optoma H30 here in Sweden. The competition will be fierce :D
I will be checking it out before I decide which one to get.

One question that I can not find the answer to in this thread: One of the downsides of the H30 was that it could not show non-anamorphic widescreen DVDs in zoom mode when using a 16:9 screen. They would be windowboxed in the middle or stretched out horizontally.

Was that ever solved with the new firmware, or do you have to use it in 800x600 4:3 mode to view non anamorphic widescreen DVDs properly? That would mean that you have to watch your non-anamorphic movies in the middle of the 4:3 screen, and you anamorphic ones at the botton in 16:9 mode. Is that really so?

wixy ,
--- yes , it can and does function that way .

__________________________

Dinn ,
--- yes , that has been fixed with the new c05 firmware [ from what Mike and Tom have reported ] .

_____________________


----- Jason

H30 arrived (thanks Mike)...

Del Laird, Mike

Finally good news ? :D

With all these bulb problems I guess the plan is to watch as many movies within the first 90 days as possible. There really does seem to be an inordinate amount of dead bulbs reported, and at the price to replace these that is just scary.
Hopefully this is something Optoma is aware of and even possibly already fixed in C05. Maybe Wing will come back and comment on all the dead bulbs reported, that would be very reassuring.

We are 33 days into our second H30 with 154 hours on the bulb, so far so good. The first one failed at 30 days and less than 150 hours, so we're hoping the bulb problem was resolved when the second projector was shipped.

Thanks for the update HT,
Keep us posted, we all hope you get your 3k hours on that bulb.

On the bulb subject, does anyone leave their pj running? Is that bad for it? Isn't turning it on while the bulb is still hot what really does the worst damage? Basically is there some type of misuse of the PJ that could cause your bulb to die earlier than it should? Thanks as always guys.

But on day 91 and after- are you (me) going to be rolling the dice everytime you power up?
shaking in your boots wondering if this is the one when your H30 bulb fails- as you have a roomful of guest?
Don't get me wrong i have an H30 on order but i would like to here something from Optoma especially since it seems to becoming a frequent issue. If this seems to be no more frequent than other pj's then i'd be able to deal with this as the nature of the beast. A $400 beast that is....

I know most pj manufactorers have the 90 day policy but it would be more assuring if it were kept in hours. For instance, summers coming up, and i know for my family our movie viewing habits change. I probably won't get my money's worth until fall-winter of this year.

just ramblin'

rudee

hikarate,

We keep our projector in "stand-by" mode, power is still turned on to it, however the projector itself is not powered up. As long as you wait for the fan to shut off and the green light to come back on, it is supposedly safe to power the projector back up. However, powering the projector up when the yellow light is present means you haven't given the projector sufficient time to cool down and should not be done. At least this is our understanding, perhaps someone else has a different answer.

Optoma should think about a "free bulb" with purchase like BenQ's mid-range projectors. That would ease a lot of fears about the H30. :)

Why do these bulbs cost so much anyway??? Seems like they're cleaning up on bulbs so they probably won't be giving out free ones. How much do you honestly think it costs to make these bulbs, what do you think their mark up is??

Two questions.

1) Watched more movies just now, and enjoying the H30 even more, only thing is I do notice some white crushing, what settings would reduce it? I tried adjusting the contrast levels but found that I had to turn it all the way down before noticing any effects, tried the color temp adjustment, no dice, also tried the white peaking but cannot see any difference, so how else do I tweak the whites?

2) Noticed that there aren't any instructions in the manual on cleaning the filters, even the X1 had them, so does it mean the H30 is maintenence free?

Giving away a free bulb that is worth ~25% of the selling price of the unit is something you do if you need to move stock and you're perhaps fearful of the competitions' offerings. I don't sense that here...

Sheesh.....I'm starting to worry about bulb life as well now.
Is there a recognised issue here or are we just getting a little paranoid?

(On a diff subject, if anyone could help with my cieling mount/tilt/top/bottom of chip question posted a few pages back it would be greatly appreciated :) )

So let us do some early research and see what our AVS - H30 user base can come up with [ as far as an idea of lamp failure rate ] .
_____________________________________________

---- Will those that have an H30 now please post your :

1] bulb hours {usage} / or bulb hours at FAIL

2] how you power down the unit {default power down using remote or Zero Power-unplugged}

3] Is the unit left in standby {green light flashing} when not operating {or unplugged-no power}


----- there are some other factors that could also contribute but we could go into too much detail with them [ such as room temp ] .

----- While I am certain that nobody has as many hours as Tom has/or had before the firmware update [ which seems to me was up around 500 ] and the fact that the H30 is so new we probably cannot have any real useful data it would still be interesting to hear so that maybe we can help Optoma with some free research if there is indeed a HIGH Lamp Failure Rate on the H30 .
_____________


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

1] 88 hours
2] Default power down method
3] Standby when not powered up

---------- Jason

Since the start of this thread and the many people owners worldwide, I think it's been a small handful of bulb problems. Maybe a half dozen if that much.

"We keep our projector in "stand-by" mode, power is still turned on to it, however the projector itself is not powered up. As long as you wait for the fan to shut off and the green light to come back on, it is supposedly safe to power the projector back up. However, powering the projector up when the yellow light is present means you haven't given the projector sufficient time to cool down and should not be done. At least this is our understanding, perhaps someone else has a different answer."

You need to let the projector fully cool down before turning it back on. This is one of the biggest reasons for bulb failure. I think the time amount is near 30mins or more.

Allot of threads asking if it's best just to leave the PJ on rather than turn it off and restart in a half hour. So maybe even longer the 30mins after cool down is better. It all has something to do with the mercury in the bulb.

I'll find out about the standby feature. It does say in the manual to unplug if not using the PJ for a long period of time. The PJ stays a little warm in Standby. I have mine on a surge protector and do switch that off overnght. Necessary - I don't know.


"One of the downsides of the H30 was that it could not show non-anamorphic widescreen DVDs in zoom mode when using a 16:9 screen. They would be window boxed in the middle or stretched out horizontally. "

There's two letterbox-non=anamorphic support aspects now.

4.3 native will show NA in the center of a 4.3 screen correctly

Window will display NA at the bottom of the screen for 16.9 screen users correctly.

Originally posted by DaGamePimp
2] how you power down the unit {default power down or Zero Power}


Jason are you referring to using auto shutdown versus manually hitting the Power button twice?

Mike ,

--- Either using the auto cool down procedure [ default with the Fan cooling the lamp down ] or just unplugging [ switching off totally - Zero Power ] .

--- Sorry I was not more specific ;) .

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

1] 105 hours
2] Default power down method
3] Standby when not powered up

Max

Thanks. I certainly hope that no one's just pulling the plug (Zero Power). :(

First bulb:

1) 4 hours before dying
2) Default power down method
3) Standby when not powered up

Current bulb:

1) 22 hours
2) Default power down method
3) Standby when not powered up

But you should be able to effectively "pull the plug" after at least a 1/2 hour correct? Does the fan keep running after power down at a greatly reduced speed similar to what I believe I read the X1 does?

600hrs
Power down with remote.
Standby during day use, never re power until 1hr passed.
Total electric shutdown overnight.

Mike ,

--- Bob Williams of Infocus stated that he thinks the X1 should be turned OFF 'cold turkey' as this allows the bulb to cool on its own [ without the forced air cooling it down faster ] .

---- So there might be somebody out there doing it this way .

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

"But you should be able to effectively "pull the plug" after at least a 1/2 hour correct?"

You can cut it from Standby and pull the plug right after the yellow light goes off.

Thanks Tom-
Does the fan or something keep running if you don't or why do you do it and why does the unit stay slightly warm as you mentioned?

1st projector --- <150 hours in 30 days
power down with remote
stand-by mode when not powered up

2nd projector -- 154 hours in 33 days
power down with remote
stand-by mode when not powered up

Does anyone know a dealer in the greater Washington DC or Baltimore area that has a demo room to show H30?

I've asked Optoma the same question but they referred me to AV Partner in Georgia. Too far for me to check it out in person. Sales guy offered a nice price though... But I still prefer to touch the projector in person before I pay huge amount of money from my own pocket.

Thanks for any information.

1) 110 hours
2) default power down (accidently zero power once by wife)
3) standby


KB

Good idea to keep track Pimp. As you stated though, the PJ is so new that we won't really get an idea until people start logging 1k+ hours. Thanks for the 30 min tip Tom, I think I will play it safe and wait an hr like you do after I turn it off.

Granted I don't believe ANYONE has had to actually purchase a replacement bulb yet. People considering this PJ should keep that in mind. All bulbs have been replaced by Optoma and in some cases even the PJ was replaced. Plus based on the CS so far, I have every reason to believe that they would fix such a problem if one exists.

In the end, you can't purchase new technology like this without taking such risks, thats all part of the game. But considering most of us are still on backorder, now is the time to decide if we want to take the chance or not. I for one am giving this PJ a chance if for no other reason than all the great support provided by other users in this thread. I really hope Wing posts again, seeing him post here is what original convinced me to go ahead and buy this PJ.

Hikarate,

The customer service at Optoma was outstanding, we were very satisfied to receive a brand new projector to replace the projector with the bulb problem. We are of the opinion that for the price, this projector has delivered a fantastic picture. A little hassle to get the bugs worked out is well worth the picture this projector delivers.

Tech support says regarding the Standby, if you're not planning on using the projector in say a 2hr period after shutting it down to switch if off from standby at the projector or a breaker switch like I have. I allways wondered what the manual meant by "long periods of time". Now we know 2hrs is a long period of time.

Originally posted by guitarman
Tech support says regarding the Standby, if you're not planning on using the projector in say a 2hr period after shutting it down to switch if off from standby at the projector or a breaker switch like I have. I allways wondered what the manual meant by "long periods of time". Now we know 2hrs is a long period of time.

I'll post that to the FAQ for Rsmith

That kind of begs the question that what's the use of having a standby mode that's only supposed to last a few hours on an HT projector? I would think that it would be more useful in conjunction with daily use, then doing a full power off if you were going to be away for a few days (my definition of "a long period of time"). The way it is, it seems that they're thinking of presentation use, where the plug is probably pulled at the end of the day.

1st bulb:

1) 100 hrs
2) default power down
3) standby when not powered up

I just received my unit back today with the new bulb, so as soon as I get a chance I will report how the firmware update worked out .

Here's some pictures of what things look like with the new firmware and a 4.3 screen. The camera is set at the same distance.

native 4.3 800X600 pixels
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h304.jpg

aspect 16.9native - 1.85image 800X480 pixels
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h301.jpg
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h30480p.jpg

aspect 16.9native - 2.35image 800X480 pixels cropped
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h302.jpg

aspect 16.9scaled 800X450 pixels
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h30scaled.jpg

aspect 4.3scaled 800X450 cropped
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h30scaled4.jpg

The scaled aspects will work good for 16.9 screen users

The other aspects all fit in a 4.3 screen well.

Whoa ...
--- 2 hours for standby time [ never heard of such a thing with electronics but if that is what they suggest then so be it ] .

_________________________________________


Well it would seem from what we have so far and what has been posted in the thread previously that all the lamp failures have happened below a few hundred hours of use .
-- Maybe we can convince Optoma to extend the Lamp warranty to read : " 90 Days or 300 hours " . There are many other PJ manufacturers that do it this way and offer even longer Hour warranty so I really do not think it would be asking for too much from Optoma :) .
--- Consider users like myself that might have about 200 hours use at 90 days and on day 100 the lamp fails :( . This could certainly tarnish the reputation of Optoma if the lamp were to not be replaced under some form of warranty condition even though the 90 days had expired . I know such low use from a $400.00 lamp not being replaced by the manufacturer would stop me from buying that particular PJ [ or another PJ from that manufacturer ] .
--- Or what if somebody bought the PJ while waiting to complete an HT room that went beyond the 90 days from the purchase date and upon firing it up [or shortly there after] it does not work .

________________________


------- Jason

Here is a direct copy and paste from an email I received 3 minutes ago from an "unnamed source" :) at Optoma.
Quote-

"Thanks for your enthusiasm regarding the H30. Yes, I agree it's a great product and a great value. We are shipping the H30, just sent a bunch out yesterday. If you need one soon you can purchase one from a number of channels.

1.Internet: CDW, Dell.com, PC Mall, PC Connection, Gateway.
Just make sure they have on in stock to ship you, because the supply is limitted."

Sweet huh??? I'm GUESSING (the operative word) that you guys with the Dell backorders are gonna be smiling soon. Now- don't go calling Dell this afternoon and telling them "they're on the way to you- get mine shipped out! :)

"I know such low use from a $400.00 lamp not being replaced my the manufacturer would stop me from buying that particular PJ [ or another PJ from that manufacturer ] ."

I think just about all the companies put a 90 day date on bulb warranty. Pretty sure their rules comes down from what the bulb company will do for them.

Hey, did you see Optoma has an upgrade exchange policy?

really Tom, what is it? The upgrade policy that is.

The way it's currently written, the upgrade policy only covers the EzPro line, but they may be expanding it to the HT line. Here's the info: Upgrade Policy (http://www.optomausa.com/warranty/trade_in.asp)

(post deleted - Already answered my own question :) )

well Michael has finally gotten back to me and to be honest i can't put what he said on the thread and he says hi to every one . well tom the only thing i have to say if you like the pic then beautiful . but the way he did the set up well was not the proper way ( it works ) but now just waiting to see what David says ?


oh mike David says hi by the way ;) :D

Tom and others, I stumbled upon a Pany S75 supposed to have the Faroudja DCDi FLI2200 , now it states it only outputs 480p ntsc.
So does this mean if I play a PAL disc it won't work (display)? Or will it just output in 480P?

Is 480P stricly a ntsc format (timing) and pal video on 480P is impossible?

Would be nice if they had an upgrade to 576P, but I think it doesn't help much on the 480 lines displayed o the H30?

Denon 1600 and all others Xp30/50 are not available here in europe, just the S75.

Just got my NEW replacement H30 with latest firmware and new lens cap which corrects the light spill. What an improvement over previous unit. Much happier. Directv now fills up the entire screen and my voom HD seems cleaner due to lack of light spill. Very happy. Image appears higher too, I think, which is great for me.

you got the lens cap with the new pj ?

adidadi ,

--- How the heck did you get an unreleased product [ or is the lens mask done and we just do not know it ] ?

--- And it sounds as if you got it for free [ or did you have to pay for it ] ?

--------- Jason

Wing or someone from Optoma TS is sitting there reading this going "Shoot!! That's where the prototype lens mask went!!" :D

HAHAHA - LOL !!!!

---- OMG , almost fell off my damn chair !

----- But wait that might slow down production for the rest of us ... :( .

-------- Jason

Adidida,
Can You post a pic with the lens mask on the H30?


rudee

Good news, sounds like the lens mask idea works well.

Free in the box should open a can of worms. Where's mine. lol

adidadi,
You say replacement, I forget did you have a faulty projector. I see you're happy with the 800X600, good. I may try Voom now that the start prices are getting lowers.

Wing did tell me you can keep the lens cap on even when viewing 4.3 material. Is that what you're doing and it looks ok?

vjren
Re the Panasonic DVD player. There are some new models coming out that people are hot about. Not sure if s75 is one of them. Better check the DVD hardware forum. Sounds good if it is and has Farouja, I may have to get one.

Man and here I thought for sure that Tom would have the first lens mask made available to the consumer .

--- If this thing actually ends up being free then I can see the wait list going beyond what is probably available very quickly .

--- So sign me up too ;) [ Tom , Jason , Mike , and on it goes .... ] .


-------- Jason

Maybe their is hope for the Dell backorders getting the lens mask as well. When you say you can keep the mask on, do you mean that the 4:3 will be squeezed into the middle of the 16:9 screen?

so what is going to happen us people that have the fist set of h30's are going to have to pay for the lens mask :confused:

To be honest- I don't care. Just send me a projector!! I'll buy the lens mask...

I am pretty close to making a purchase. I started out looking at Mits 42" RPTV but have always had a projector in the back of my mind. Reading this forum has convinced me that it is the way to go. Mostly I will be watching stuff from digital cable and DVD. I am toying with the idea of adding HD to my cable but the box and tier pricing put it at ~$20 extra a month for 7 or 8 channels so I dunno. Anyway, given that, I am wondering about the Optoma 735, which is 1024x768 and has DVI in. How does that rate with the H30 for almost exactly the same price as the H30? What do I gain from loosing the digital in and the resolution? Optoma warns against using 800x600 on HDTV signals and says that 1024x768 is a minimum. I can't find much out about the 735 on the web other than one comment here that the colors aren't any good. Any info on the speed of the color wheel for the 735. I think that I am someone who might be bothered by the flicker because CRT monitors set to 60Hz drive me almost insane - like it physically hurts my eyes to look at them.

There is a local retailer that has the X1 for $900 and would only charge me $45 bucks or so to return it after a few weeks if I didn't like it. I think this is a totally good deal, not that I would want to keep the X1, but it would give me an idea if I can handle watching TV on my wall with the lights out.

I'll buy the lens mask...


nope not me . no no no no nope because of the lite spill ,there better be a lens cap:)

"When you say you can keep the mask on, do you mean that the 4:3 will be squeezed into the middle of the 16:9 screen?"

Wing did say the best benefit is with 16.9 and for the best and a brighter 4.3 image to take it off as an optionm it can be left on also.

I'll get some info on what's up with the lens in the box. I'm thinking it's from the new shipment from Taiwan which arrived earlier.

"I am wondering about the Optoma 735"

Get a Home Theater model you're better off. Details are in the many corridors of this thread.
Welcome to AVS :)

eobiont-

Welcome to this front projector bizarro world. I haven't been here long myself but I'm enjoying the stay.

I think the X1 trial idea sounds like a good one although places like the one with the big yellow sign will let you try it out with no restock if you take care of the packaging, etc.

I have not seen anything to indicate that any of the EzPro line make good HT projectors but someone who knows what they're talking about in this area will probably address it.

Cheers!

Originally posted by guitarman
Re the Panasonic DVD player. There are some new models coming out that people are hot about. Not sure if s75 is one of them. Better check the DVD hardware forum. Sounds good if it is and has Farouja, I may have to get one.

None of the new Pannys released in the U.S. will be using the Faroudja chip. I don't know about other countries though.

I want that lens cap!!!

adidadi - We need details! :)

Jason, here are my responses to the questions:

1) about 257 hours on the bulb and FAIL time
2) I power down using the remote everytime
3) unit is left on stanby all day long, still plugged into the wall


Originally posted by DaGamePimp
So let us do some early research and see what our AVS - H30 user base can come up with [ as far as an idea of lamp failure rate ] .
_____________________________________________

---- Will those that have an H30 now please post your :

1] bulb hours {usage} / or bulb hours at FAIL

2] how you power down the unit {default power down using remote or Zero Power-unplugged}

3] Is the unit left in standby {green light flashing} when not operating {or unplugged-no power}


----- there are some other factors that could also contribute but we could go into too much detail with them [ such as room temp ] .

----- While I am certain that nobody has as many hours as Tom has/or had before the firmware update [ which seems to me was up around 500 ] and the fact that the H30 is so new we probably cannot have any real useful data it would still be interesting to hear so that maybe we can help Optoma with some free research if there is indeed a HIGH Lamp Failure Rate on the H30 .
_____________


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

mike i agree with you on that one and i don't care if it comes from tim buck tu . it is only fare for people like us to get one ;)


tom you agree there ?

This came in Monday afternoon and shipped out Tuesday via overnight. Got it today. The lens cap device was included. It has to be inserted once focus is done. It can darken top if not centered perfectly. Looks much better and more high end with this in. Light spill is contained and many glitches fixed IMO. Here are some crap screenshots of Voom. However, actual image is stunning. Very impressive. Glossy and snaps off the beige wall. No need for a screen since it is above firplace in bedroom. Looks great. here are the shots.

Voom

Directv. Looks much better and bigger. Fits the screen in 4 X 3 native. Very happy with this improvement.

Hi Eobiont,

I too was looking for RPTVs and fell on this thread. I feel very lucky.
I was "this close" to buying the Mits 55 btw.
Welcome to the forum!

Our tech buddy's maskingcap. Actually, it was a sealed packet in the acessories box.

adidadi,
looks great. How was the installation of the lens cap? Is the 16:9 image still on the bottome of the screen? It looks like the cut out on the lens cap is on the top portion. How does the cap work with 4:3 material? Is it easy to remove?

Sorry for all the questions, but thats what you get for being the first......Lucky

1] 101 hours
2] Default power down method
3] Standby when not powered up, hasn't been unplugged since I got it.

The cap looks different from the H56 cap. It fits inside the lens. I figure you'd get even better light control this way. All the new shipments in from Taiwan will probably have this accessory. Looks like the ship has landed and allot more people are going to be happy H30 owners.

About getting free lenses sent out to all the people who bought the masked version. I don't know, I know they came up with an after market lens for the H56 but it's marketed as an accessory even though I'd bet any new H56's come supplied with it.

Hey I'm all for a free ride but being a bussiness man, everything tells me if you want a new item you might have to pay for it. :(

Just think about it, a company invents a new idea and the public that bought the past machine that it now will work for wanna get one free. So like I say, I don't know.

I know I'm adding a sour note but I'm thinking in reality. Sri

I don't think this question has come up yet.

I am planning on a 16:9 screen, will i be able to use a pc with the 4:3 picture in the centre of the screen? Or even stretch the pc image to fit the 16:9?
Anyone?

My wife is a little more level headed than me. She's says Optoma should treat the lens cap like any company would as like a software upgrade. She says if you buy a software and the company comes up with an upgrade, previous buyers will get the upgrade for free. Says they could put a time limit on it like maybe 6months.

Mike,
They're talking about the Pany with DCDI now in DVD land. Here's a picture and details per another member Johnny I think.

http://www.nbtelectronics.com/images/DVD-S97.JPG

I don't know. How many units actually have shipped already? Seems like only a few people actually have this PJ, but I know that can be misleading as only a small % actually post. I just hate to see you guys who did all the work to really sell this PJ for Optoma have to buy one.

Well if the new H30's are now shipping with the lens mask then I would say it should be a free item for current owners [ this is only fair IMO ] .

-- Even if I had just bought one with the lens mask included I would still feel that previous purchases warrant the lens mask as a free item , besides that the H30 lens mask does not look like it should be a $50.00 item to me .

-- The one on the H56 is much different and looks like it actually takes some time to build [ the H30 mask looks like a plastic cut-out - which does not make any difference to me as long as it works well ] .

--- Hopefully we will have some solid information from Optoma tomorrow as I am sure that both Tom and Mike will be on the phone in the morning ;) .


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

*** I added the Image of the lens mask to my website : on first page top left corner image - click it for larger size [ I gave credit to adidadi for the image - thank you ! ] . ***

Tom,

Tell Wing the Canadian distributors for Optoma dropped the ball and are not going to get an H30 to the Canuck Shootout. It sure would have been nice to have one there with the update....

However, I think Joe is going to bring his.... Joe do you have it "tuned up" and looking "fine!!"

Steve

benos55 ,

--- with the more common c04 firmware you cannot do what you ask via a PC [ true RGB connection ] as this opens the entire panel in either 4:3 or 4:3 Native .

--- Now the new c05 firmware might allow what you want with an RGB connection but I don't think it has been tested by anybody as of yet .

---------- Jason

Hey Jason- while we're on the subject of cables: I should be able to get this RGBHV M-M cable from RAM and run it from the H30 to my PC's video card or to the included VGA to component adapter right?

http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/hdtv-cables.html#vgamm

Thanks!

gottahavapj ,

-- Well you can use it directly from the PC to the H30 but not with the Component to VGA adapter [ the adapter has a male VGA as well but why would you want to use the VGA cable with the adapter ? ] .

----- Jason

Originally posted by DaGamePimp
gottahavapj ,

-- Well you can use it directly from the PC to the H30 but not with the Component to VGA adapter [ the adapter has a male VGA as well but why would you want to use the VGA cable with the adapter ? ] .

----- Jason
Whoops- sorry. My convoluted- envisioned wiring scheme is to run that cable I gave you the link to in a 25' length up to the projector from the output of a VGA 2-1 manual switchbox. One input from that box will have the same cable in a shorter length going to the PC's video port. The other input will have the H30's adapter in it with a standard component cable coming out the other end to the DVD changer.

See any problems other than shovels full of signal loss with all those connectors? :)

Whhhhaaaaattttt the lens mask is finally there!?!?!?! :-)

I wanna have one soon so I can remove that ugly black tape I used as a workaround. Does anybody know where we can order one?

Best regards,

Ronald

gottahavapj ,

--- Ah , ok - gotcha .

----- That should work ;) .
_____________________

tingtong5 ,

--- We do not know any more information on the Lens mask yet other than 1 has been found in a NEW H30 box along with the other accessories .

--- Hopefully things will be figured out shortly ;) .

_______________________


---------- Jason

I hope the lens mask is a no cost option as I bought my H30 2-weeks ago.
Also, bearing in mind that Optoma UK market the H30 as a 16:9 PJ when in reality it's a 4:3 PJ with the associated light-spill in 16:9 mode then really it should be supplied free.

Having said that, I'd reluctantly pay a small fee but certainly not $50

However, I think Joe is going to bring his.... Joe do you have it "tuned up" and looking "fine!!"

well my h30 is tweaked and the pic is looking fine ;) and today i am going to order the 52X92 high power and then i will dial it in for the screen ,

as for the shoot out i offered to bring it but they did not sound like they wanted it there at that time and now i am not bringing my pj there :(


but it will not effect me any but the people that wanted to see the pj shine ,well they will have to look to see it else where


sorry steve :(

Really disappointed there won't be a H30 at the Canuck shoot-out. How a company can drop the ball on such free publicity and exposure is beyond me. Too bad you're not bringing yours Joe, I would have liked a peek too.

If it is as nice as Guitarman says you probably saved yourself some drool damage though ;)

Jason, here are my responses to the questions:

1) about 257 hours on the bulb and FAIL time
2) I power down using the remote everytime
3) unit is left on stanby all day long, still plugged into the wall


Originally posted by DaGamePimp
So let us do some early research and see what our AVS - H30 user base can come up with [ as far as an idea of lamp failure rate ] .
_____________________________________________

---- Will those that have an H30 now please post your :

1] bulb hours {usage} / or bulb hours at FAIL

2] how you power down the unit {default power down using remote or Zero Power-unplugged}

3] Is the unit left in standby {green light flashing} when not operating {or unplugged-no power}


----- there are some other factors that could also contribute but we could go into too much detail with them [ such as room temp ] .

----- While I am certain that nobody has as many hours as Tom has/or had before the firmware update [ which seems to me was up around 500 ] and the fact that the H30 is so new we probably cannot have any real useful data it would still be interesting to hear so that maybe we can help Optoma with some free research if there is indeed a HIGH Lamp Failure Rate on the H30 .
_____________


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

If it is as nice as Guitarman says you probably saved yourself some drool damage though


:D well it is like i did not offer but like i said when i have everything set up some of the guys are welcome to check it out .;)

Originally posted by guitarman
Mike,
They're talking about the Pany with DCDI now in DVD land. Here's a picture and details per another member Johnny I think.

http://www.nbtelectronics.com/images/DVD-S97.JPG

Yeah, but I was told by the Panny product manager (see here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3239907#post3239907)) that they would not have DCDi. They even changed their website press release to reflect it. Maybe the Canadian and European versions will though, who knows?

Anyway, time to call Optoma about the lens mask. ;)

Originally posted by new teq joe
:D well it is like i did not offer but like i said when i have everything set up some of the guys are welcome to check it out .;)

Joe,

As quoted from the Canuck shootout thread two days ago by Mandarax "Optoma H30... distributor dropped the ball... but an attendee is going to bring one... ". Are you not the attendee bringing the H30?
I really wanted to see this projector on Saturday!

John:(

As quoted from the Canuck shootout thread two days ago by Mandarax "Optoma H30... distributor dropped the ball... but an attendee is going to bring one... ". Are you not the attendee bringing the H30?

no that must be some one els not me i have not talked to Mandarax in a while so if there will be one there it won't be mine .


but i think Toronto maple leaf here on the forum is bringing his not sure :(

"Anyway, time to call Optoma about the lens mask."
Asking I did that two days ago when I talked to the Tech people about the standby/power down? He said the lens masks didn't arrive.

This isn't a job for the Technical people or parts people. When I asked them both before, they didn't think they could let the lenses go free. But in their position they really don't have the power. The product manager called me early on, he's the person to call. I hope he's in town.

"Mandarax "Optoma H30... distributor dropped the ball..."

I wouldn't blame Optoma, there was no ball to drop. I think they've been sold out for some time. I'll bet projector central didn't get one either. I've asked Evan where's there review a couple of times. Just wasn't enough to go around.

The ships landed here in Oakland though and with the lenses. lol

Originally posted by guitarman

Asking I did that two days ago when I talked to the Tech people about the standby/power down? He said the lens masks didn't arrive.


Thanks, Tom. If you hear anything, let us know. I don't mind paying for one, just want to get one. ;)

The product manager called me early on, he's the person to call. I hope he's in town.

Regarding the mask?

Originally posted by new teq joe


as for the shoot out i offered to bring it but they did not sound like they wanted it there at that time and now i am not bringing my pj there :(


but it will not effect me any but the people that wanted to see the pj shine ,well they will have to look to see it else where


sorry steve :(

Bummer.............. i think Rob thought you were bringing yours... he mentioned that Optoma dropped the ball and won't deliver one, but that one of the attendee's was bringing one............ I thought that would be you, as I remembered you asking Rob if you should bring yours some time ago..... Oh well:confused:

Steve

Originally posted by adidadi
Our tech buddy's maskingcap. Actually, it was a sealed packet in the acessories box.

Sorry to be thick here and I guess I could just wait for mine to arrive- but would you have to remove that lens cap/mask everytime you want to view full screen 4:3?

Thanks! Cheers!

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
" The product manager called me early on, he's the person to call. I hope he's in town.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Regarding the mask?"

A couple of months ago he wanted to thank me and ask if it was ok to quote some stuff from the thread. Let's keep are fingers crossed that I can convince him.

from what i learn from taiwan's forum. taiwan's optoma is going to provide the len cap for all the old users for free. hope all u guys get it also. anyway, enjoy the pj, enjoy the movie

Just got a delay of shipping notice on my H30. :( Was supposed to ship by today, but new estimate is by the 26th.

Thanks yipchunyu ,
-- that should pretty much finish it off for Optoma USA ,Optoma Canada and Optoma Europe on the lens mask being a freebie [ at least we hope that they follow suit with Optoma HQ Taiwan ;) ] .

--- Problem I see for the rest of us pre-existing owners is that there will probably be a wait on getting the Caps by themselves from Taiwan .

--- I will gladly pay the shipping for a lens mask if Optoma USA decides to go that route [ heck at $3.85 for USPS Priority Mail I don't think anybody would have a problem covering the shipping cost ] .

--------- Only time will tell ....


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

I just spoke with Optoma Europe -> They say that as a standard The H30's are shipping now with the Lens mask as a part of the accessories and also the new remote with the Light is include.

They also said that as for now The one's that have the H30 and want the new remote and the Lens mask will have to pay ??? I hope Optoma will come to their senses and give it for free for all the pioneers out there...

Ariel

Ariel ,
--- well that is bad news :( [ at least for pre-existing owners ] .

--- the back-lit remote would be nice too ;) [ this I could see being offered as an upgrade however ] .

---- Jason

"new remote with the Light is include."
adidadi did you get a backlit remote also?

I talked to a the Marketing Mgr's mail box. :(

Gave him the whole story and asked if they could run a free mask deal amnesty for a few month period for recent buyers.

I've finally got through the thread and I'm excited about seeing the H30 at a local retailer today. I'm taking my camera so I'll take some pictures of the H30 and the H76 to compare.

I have a few questions about my proposed setup:
1. Distance to screen = 15'
2. Screen size = 119" Diag.
3. Ceiling mount with room height at 7'6"

If anyone has a similar setup please let me know if this will work.

Thanks in advance.

Tom, you should get a lifetime of free firmware and accessory upgrades for all the H30 sales you've stimulated. :D

I don't have a problem with paying for the mask, I just want to try it out.

BTW, I tried some DIY lens mask variations, but the masking needs to be very close (of not right on) the lens to avoid shadows creeping into the image. Flush with the face of the focus ring doesn't cut it. From the picture adidadi posted, it looks like the mask is recessed.

Sorry- gotta ask again from previous page:

"Sorry to be thick here and I guess I could just wait for mine to arrive- but would you have to remove that lens cap/mask everytime you want to view full screen 4:3?"

Thanks! Cheers!

Has anyone heard a update on the shipping of the units to stores. I was hoping they would be back in stock today.

I think the lens cap is actually 4:3, it was suggested to put some tape on it for 16:9. Could be wrong tough. I could add this to the FAQ if someone gives a good answer. And Tom, would you consider adding the FAQ to you first page somewhere, I'm getting a good bit of info on it. It still needs more work of course.

You guys are God sends. I just read the lit remote portion and bolted to the front door to retrieve that from the box before it went back to Optoma. I didn't see a change on the remote so I kept the new one sealed until reading about it lighting up here. Now I have the lit remote. Thanks.
A couple of answers:

The lens cap fits inside the lens, so it has a more snug fit and better light control.
The cut out is at the top.
The image is now higher, which is great for me because I needed it to project up over my bedroom fireplace.
I am thrilled with the picture from Directv on S video. It is much better. I don't know why, maybe scaled, but it is big and quite clean. Very happy here.
Also, the power button light seems slightly different when lit. More of the button seems to light up rather then just the green cut out in the actual button. Maybe a distinguishing feature.
Overall, VERY impressed with the newer unit. BIG improvement.
Yes, they just got a big shipment in, apparently.
Good luck and thanks for the remote heads up.

I don't see how the lens mask could make the image any higher, unless new unit's entire lens setup is different. Who knows. And do you mean higher when mounted overhead or on a table?

Originally posted by adidadi

The cut out is at the top.
The image is now higher, which is great for me because I needed it to project up over my bedroom fireplace.


Thanks for the info, but now I'm confused. When I was trying to make a DIY mask, the cut out needed to be at the bottom for masking the the light spill above the 16:9 image. Also, I don't see how the image could be higher unless the projector was set up that way. The lens mask shouldn't affect that.

Sorry to bug you about this, but could you give us a little more info?

The image is projected higher up on the wall when desk mounted. The image eminates from the lens higher, so the cut out is higher.
I also assume that when ceiling mounted, the image would be lower.

That seems to be different from the others. Can you check the firmware version?

Oi! I finally placed my order for the H30 and was told that at the latest they would be shipped out at the end of this week... now I just found out that Optoma isn't shipping them to the reseller until the 23rd! Ugh... well I hope since these are brand spankin' new units that they have the above mentioned lens cap/mask and back lit remote.

Originally posted by adidadi
The image is projected higher up on the wall when desk mounted. The image eminates from the lens higher, so the cut out is higher.
I also assume that when ceiling mounted, the image would be lower.

I hope this change isn't by much, it sounds like the H30 has too much offset the way it was already. Are you positive this is true, a slight change in the legs of the projector can make a big different of where it throws onto the wall. I can't believe they would make a change like this. It's going to throw all calculation off. Now I will have to have a separate FAQ for the old and new H30 :)

Jason- are you still pleased with the Panavise before I order one? How many times a week do you touch the projector now that it's up there? My only concern is if you're taking that lens cap/mask off frequently I suspect it will loosen the mount a bit.

Thoughts? Thanks!!

Originally posted by DaGamePimp

--- the back-lit remote would be nice too ;) [ this I could see being offered as an upgrade however ] .

---- Jason

Pimp,
Considering all the problems people had with getting the batteries to work in the original remote (You included) I think they owe you one.

Gotta,
I don't have my Panavise mount up yet, but man it really opens up options. I got the 9" version and it will basically give me an 9" half-sphere to play with after I get it mounted. This comes in really handy if your joist isn't lined up with your screen just right. Gives you a little more flexibility with hanging both your screen and the pj. Great price too! Thanks again Pimp!

gottahavapj ,

--- The Panavise mount is very strong once tightened and I don't see you having any problems from simple lens adjustments , caps , masks , etc. .

--- I have done several things with the H30 up there on the ceiling and it has not moved a bit , although I am sure that you could move it if you really wanted to ;) . I have done Zoom In/Out , Focus , Lens Cover On/Off , used the menu buttons on the H30 case , changed cables and it has not moved at all [ test grid still lines up perfectly - same as when I mounted it ] .

--- You do need to get the locking bolts pretty tight so you might want to invest in a little longer Allen key with a handle at one end , it looks like a ' T ' [ if you buy the Allen key model as I did ] .

___________________________________

hikarate ,

---- Thank You ;) !
--- and Your Welcome :) !


------- Jason

Originally posted by hikarate
Gotta,
I don't have my Panavise mount up yet, but man it really opens up options. I got the 9" version and it will basically give me an 9" half-sphere to play with after I get it mounted. This comes in really handy if your joist isn't lined up with your screen just right. Gives you a little more flexibility with hanging both your screen and the pj. Great price too! Thanks again Pimp!
That's a great point hikarate... I've been sitting here stressing over how to get my screen mounted properly- absolutely perpendicular to the light throw when it will be ceiling mounted slightly away from and not quite parallel to the wall. Having that almost full half-sphere for positioning should make up for any poor alignment work....

Thanks!!

And thanks Jason!- appreciate the response...

I just talked to Harvey he's the Marketing Mgr. at Optoma here in California. He understands the want for a free lens mask and will talk about it at the meeting they're having. Keep your fingers crossed.

well ordered my 92x52 model c high power screen today and i hope to have this baby hooked up and dialed in soon ;)

Thanks, Tom. Here's hoping!

Can you guys help me out, I'm trying to add a list of service menu adjustments and what they each do. If you could post any info on my site that I could put in the FAQ that would be great. Thanks for the help.

Originally posted by new teq joe
well ordered my 92x52 model c high power screen today and i hope to have this baby hooked up and dialed in soon ;)

Good luck Joe. The case on that thing is built like a howitzer!

Good luck Joe. The case on that thing is built like a howitzer

yep i know around 40 pounds , but it is a better screen then the b models :)

I just got back from my demo of the H30 and was impressed!
I took some pictures but they didn't come out so I wont be able to post any. I saw the H76 there as well and it is a truly awesome machine. I'll be placing my order for the H30 soon.

The screen door was virtually non existent even at 9' with the projector set up about 12' back shooting on a Stewart grey 1.3 gain (84" wide)
The contrast was great and black levels were amazing. (maybe due to the stewart) We paired it up against a Panasonic AE500 and I liked the DLP better. It is crisp and bright.

Tom thanks for starting this thread! You saved me alot of cash.

Dave, thx "screen door = non existent at close up. This is one of the H30's best features. It's acts like and HD2 res, you just see a smooth resolution.

-- SDE is evident at close range when you use a Pixel Mapped HTPC [ 1 to 1 pixels ] and have the focus dialed in . However this is where the H30 really shines IMO . The image is so sharp when pixel mapped that you almost get the same illusion of depth as that of CRT projection [ when contrast levels are tuned properly of course ] .

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

DaGamePimp:
I am testing HTPC for the H30. Very much interested in the components you are using for PQ:
DVD drive and video card. I read too many different opinions from the HTPC thread and not
sure what are the good options. Looking for help from fellow H30 owner.


KB

"We paired it up against a Panasonic AE500 and I liked the DLP better. It is crisp and bright."

Just another winner, it's not the first time the H30 is preferred. There's been a couple of Z2 comparisons also. The LCD projectors were always considered as having an edge in color. Not so much the case with the H30.

Why I love my H30 :)

1. Screen door
2. Colors
3. Blacks
4. Luminance
5. Detail in blacks
6. Vast Menu Adjustments
7. Super low price

Originally posted by guitarman
Why I love my H30 :)

1. Screen door
2. Colors
3. Blacks
4. Luminance
5. Detail in blacks
6. Vast Menu Adjustments
7. Super low price

8. Great ideas and help from this forum. :D

bui ,
--- Well there is always much debate over what the 'Best' is and that will certainly never end but I will tell you what I like ;) .
--- The DVD Drive itself will not make a difference for image Quality [ unless you end up with stutter from the drive itself ] . I like Toshiba , Pioneer and LiteOn dvd-rom drives [ I do not like the Pioneer slot load drives however as I feel that they create too much heat - the dvd's come out Very Hot ] . DVD burners also make great dvd-rom readers since they have larger buffers [ less chance of stutter ] . I use a DVD burner for my reader .

--- The general consensus right now is that WinDVD 5 is the best available software player but that will soon change when Nvidia releases its latest Forceware Multimedia Player [ the beta has had RAVE reviews ] .

--- For Video Cards as long as you go with a Radeon 9200/9500/9600/9700/9800 or the Latest Nvidia offering you should be very happy [ the latest Nvidia cards are said to be even sharper than the long time favorite ATi Radeon ] .

--- There is some more detailed specs of my HTPC on my website [ click on my www link above and go to "ABOUT" ] .


*** by the way I use ZoomPlayer Pro with the WinDVD 5 filters and FFDSHOW ***


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

Tom ,

--- Mike gave number 8 but you also forgot number 9 :

9. Working for the Optoma Marketing division gives me more time to smoke my favorite cigars :) .



----- LOL ,

---------- Jason

*************** WOW , PAGE 100 !!! ****************

Damn it, I recieved my delayed notice from Dell to the 26th. Its now been a month since I have placed my order. Grrrrrr


D williams, can you comment a little more on the H30 vs Pan AE500. Would you say that it is much better than the AE500. Details brotha!!!

Actually now that I look around the web and HT magazines , I have discovered that Tom is THE Optoma Marketing Division !

--- ;)
-------- Jason

"THE Optoma Marketing Division"

Seems so, and lets hope that clout helps us all get our hands on a Lens Mask & Maybe New Remote.

The Marketing guy said he heard I was at Optoma recently and was sorry he missed me.

tough being a celebrity eh' ...

--- You should ask them to make a Signature edition where you sign the cases and have a pack in cigar to enjoy with the first movie .


--- ;)
------- Jason

Tom & Jason:

If it's O.K with you guys i will send an Email to Optoma explaining them how important it is , to my opinion, that you will have all the new accessories for free and ASAP so that you will keep up the good work on this thread. :D

Ariel

That sounds a little like extortion Arieldr :) I'm sure they'll take care of their marketing department :D

Im seriously considering purchasing the h30 now, but i need to clarify a few questions:

1 - Can I watch it on a 16:9 screen with 4:3 material in the centre?

2 - Is it 800x450 or 800x480? How much information (if any) does it lose from the picture?

3 - How would it go with pal 576p? Would it be much different to my current hitachi pj-tx10 854x480 projector with 576p?

4 - Would it be better than the pj-tx10!?

Cheers.

Ariel ,

--- Very kind of you but I don't think Tom needs the bump [ The entire Optoma Company knows who he is by now ] .

--- Now me on the other hand , I need all the help I can get ;) .

--- Heck I don't live an hour away from Optoma USA , I can't call Wing my buddy , I didn't start this thread , my wimpy website probably offends Optoma , I have actually posted about problems with the H30 , and I am not up to date on the latest wacky tabaccy .

--- I am not worthy .... so I shall go crawl back under my recliner until I can contribute more to HT society .




---- :) j/k - thanks Ariel !!!

-------- Jason

Got my H30 back yesterday from Optoma with the new firmware installed. I mounted it to the ceiling and watch Nemo and get some screen size measurements. My throw distance is only about 10 1/2 feet so I get about a 6 1/2 foot diagonal 16:9 image. I don't see any SDE at this distance and I didn't notice any RBE either. The colors looked great. The text of the DVD menu and the projector's is a bit fuzzy, but that's probably to be expected with the low resolution of the projector. I haven't done any tweaking yet. I'll probably wait until I make a DIY screen. The buttons on the remote sometimes stick. I'm thinking of hooking up an HTPC. I can't wait till ATI starts shipping their HDTV Wonder card. It sounds awesome from what I read. Right now I only have my DVD hook up to the H30 using a component cable but I want to get OTA HDTV, regular cable TV, and possibly an X-Box. I have to figure out how I'm going to switch between them all.

Sign me up for the G-30 (Guitarman) edition!

OT : am I a bit off today ?

--- I only slept about 3 hours last night and 4 the night before so if I seem silly please excuse me . I just actually read a few of my posts and Oh Boy , I sound like the one smokin' the wacky tabaccy ;) .

--- I now return you to your regularly scheduled program ...

------ Sorry ,
------- Jason

"Got my H30 back yesterday from Optoma with the new firmware installed"

SGOne, how long was the turn around time?

"I sound like the one smokin' the wacky tabaccy"

Exactly what I was thinking.

hey now ...
--- watch it buddy !
--- Just cause I said it you don't have to agree .


---- :)
-------- Jason
[[[ I need a nap ]]]


************* All in good fun **************

Pimp- I was wonderin' when you slept- now i see that you don't.:D

now shut off the computer and get some sleep!

rudee

That would be cool if Pimps Avatar would display his level of awareness. Maybe a couple different screenshots where you are yawning and your hat is crooked. Then we would know what to expect of the post before reading it. Just a thought :)

The turnaround time was about 1 week. I shipped it using UPS 3 day, they received it early on a Wednesday, they didn't work on it till either Thursday or Friday and finished up Monday, then they used 2 day shipping to send it back.

jigrillo:

The Panasonic AE500 was a nice machine with about as much brightness as the H30 but it had "that" LCD look to it. It had somewhat of a warmness to it that I
didn't like, especially when watching a movie like X2 (saw at demo today). X2 and other movies like it (Matrix) should (IMHO) have an industrial likeness to it, sharp/crisp/accurate color representation. Don't get me wrong, the H30 looked great on Moulin Rouge but the AE500 did too.

I don't know, I liked what I saw and I'm going to buy one for less than $1400.00. It seems to me the best bang for your buck at this point and I've seen a few projectors. The H76 is incredible but I don't have $5k sitting around for that. I figure in about 2-3 years I will be able to buy a machine like the 76 for under 2k.

I have followed the whole projector rodeo for the last year and it is crazy. Initially I was set to buy one of the new Mustangs but why? I'll wait for a couple of years for the prices to come down and enjoy the H30 now! You can't beat it for the quality/price, enough said.

Hey Jason - any chance you could post the powerstrip timings you got to work for your H30?....can't figure it with my Mac yet...Thanks in advance!!

nomit ,
--- I will look at my Powerstrip settings over the weekend since I actually have to re-install it after messing with Catalyst drivers [ my HTPC only gets fired up when I use the H30 ] .

-- I guess I should ask what resolution you are trying to pixel map ?
-- 800x450 or 800x480

-- 800x600 uses standard timings .

___________________________

--- Well at least I got a couple hour nap in there :) .

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

Had the H30 for 2 weeks. just noticed a "dead pixel" which has appeared, but I thought DLP did not suffer from this? There is a square pixel which does not work anyway, right in the top centre of the picture which is noticeable to an extent in bright scenes. Aslo the brightness seems to randomly re-adjust its level from time to time, every now and again the picture drops off in brightness by about 20% and slowly creeps back up again to normal. not on the source disks.......any ideas?

I've been lurking around here for a while and have learnt heaps - thank you AVS Forum!

I'm at the point where I really want to buy the H30 (I've seen one in my own home and it was spectacular) However I'm in Australia (where the retail price is nearly twice that of the USA). A friend of a friend will be visiting here from the USA and I'm hoping to have him pick up a unit in the USA and bring it over with him (no shipping or taxes to pay :-) Before I do this I do have a question regarding compatability that you guys may be able to help with. The local importer of Optoma products advised me to buy locally as compatability may be a problem... he said:

"Australian TV Standard Compatibility:- Australia is the ONLY country in the world which has legislated the 1080i 50Hz HDTV transmition standard. The US standard is different and the Europeans are still deciding on a final standard with several variations possible. The product sold in the USA may not work correctly with our signals and US manufacturers and distributors will not offer upgrades or solutions to an incompatibility issues with Australian standards (What ever the dealer tells you)..."

From the product information I've read on USA websites and the local importers site the product doesn't seem to be any different no matter where I buy. The unit I saw here in Australia is definitely the 'Optoma H30' not the European version - 'Themescene H30'.

So my question (finally) is... do you guys see any reason that a US purchased H30 would work any differently than a locally sourced, Australian H30? Is the importer just trying to worry me into a local purchase?

If there are no compatability issues I'll be looking for an Optoma dealer in the Chicago area where I could ask my friend to pick one up (in a month or so) and bring it with him to Australia so any suggestions for a reputable dealer in the Chicago area would be great too!

Thank you (and sorry for the long post)
Cheers,
Steve

One week turnaround,
"they used 2 day shipping to send it back"

That's a decent turnaround time. A key advantage with the firmware is you can use any preferred DVD player (Farouja Chip) since the firmware adds letterbox support. I just ordered a Phillips Q50AT with Farouja, I'll post how it works out.

"Had the H30 for 2 weeks. just noticed a "dead pixel" which has appeared"

You lucky dog. Not kidding, Optoma has a zero dead pixel policy now you'll get the new machine with the lens mask and back lit remote.

I know one pixel for some could be tolerated but I think in terms of resale value. Get a new one. You're right dead pixels are far and few between with DLP's but it can happen. I had three NEC HT1000's in a row with dead pixels. Yours is the first H30 I've heard of with the problem.
Enjoy your new remote and lens mask.

Dell shipped my H30 on the 15th- one day ahead of schedule. Now i wished i had gotten next day delivery.

okay now to play the tracking game..............:D

rudee

rudee...thats my H30. Give it back. I had the same 15th shipping date

Very cool, let us know if you get the new package (backlit remote/lens mask) odds are yes and with the new firmware.

Steve re Ausie 50hz
I can only tell you in the Manual it says compatible with
480i/P, 576i/p, 1080i, 720p

1920/1080 60hz Mode 13 pops up on the screen when I send a 1080i signal. Whether that would change to 1920/1080 50hz down in Australia I couldn't tell you. One way to find out for sure is call Optoma USA and say you're considering moving to Australia with a USA model H30 and worried about the 50hz compatibility.

Good thinking on the call to Optoma USA also...

Tom- you should throw in a filler post or two to ensure that you get post# 3000. Would only be fitting! :)

Cheers!

sorry jigrillo-

i thought we had ordered around the same time - i did call on Monday and have them "expedite" my order early- She said it was a shot in the dark but she would process it anyway. Now if that helped i don't know for sure. I was trying to upgrade my shipping method- all this great talk had me antsy since i ordered it a month ago. But that didn't work and i have days to wait.

rudee

There is now a short review of the H 30 at pcworld.com