Goodafternoon,
Last night I set up my H77, ceiling mounted using a Mat White Screen.

What's great about the H77 -

Powerfull colors yet not over saturated.

Smooth film like picture, very much like a good CRT.

HDTV is highly detailed and bright, but yet very deep blacks.

The machine is the quietest projector I've ever not heard. :)

You have to love the Power Zoom & Focus, especially the focus you can stand right up to the screen and dial right in. So easy

These shots are to give you an idea on the color and they also show how a higher resolution can add more to DVD in details and sharpness. Quite a few shots, I used a Panasonic XP30 DVD player in progressive.

I'll add some stuff through DVI with a Bravo later and some HDTV freeze shots also. enjoy the fun :)

Oh some of these images came out unbelievably detailed, juicy is a good term for the image quality. Up live and personal of course what you see is 10times better.

(Note: first time you turn on your H77 look for an option (colorspace) and choose (Auto) factory sets it at YUU and colors may be off for your area, so choose auto.)

(Note: if you need to check your firmware, on the PJ hit
re-sync, source, enter at the same time.

Toggle down to exit. Don't hit anything in there or you may undo the factory tune up.)

http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77fifth1.jpg
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77fifth2.jpg

http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77dragon1.jpg
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77dragon2.jpg

http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77darla.jpg


http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77glad1.jpg
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77glad4.jpg
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77glad5.jpg




"Some tuning tips for all displays that have advance RGB-adjustments for grayscale.

After making changes take a look at the Avia Needle Pulse pattern to see that there's no color tints in the Gray to White steps in the upper part of the pattern. The Pluge pattern also in Avia called Black Bars+ Log Steps. It's found under Video Test Patterns/Gray Scale & Levels/Black & White levels -

If it's not dead on grays to white make final changes with the user advanced adjustments.

Test patterns like this -
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77vsteps.jpg

Example - you see red/pink tint in the light gray/white.
R-contrast -2
G-contrast +2
B-contrast +2

If you see green in the dark grays/black
R-brightness +2
G-brightness -2
B-brightness +2

You see how it works, color in the light grays you use the RGB-contrasts

Color in the dark grays you use the RGB-brightness to fix.
enjoy and get good at it, can really make a huge difference "

Also I would start by first deleting the color you need until it's out of the grays. Lets say it took 8 clicks minus on the red to get there. Instead of leaving this make it just 4 clicks and inturn add four clicks more to the Blue & Green for better balance.

What do you think about Projector Central's review of the H77? They claim it is very dim.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/optoma_h77.htm

IB

Well I guess Evan can't always be right. :) The projector glows. Perfect for Home Theater enviroment.

http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77trek2.jpg

So, does this mean you're selling your HT1000? I loved your many helpful reviews of the NEC. I take it that you much prefer the Optoma. Thanks for the screen shots.

What about dithering or rainbows or other noise.

Thanks,

John

Excellent! Now that they are shipping more hopefully we can get some more out there! I can't wait to see it when mine comes in.

I'm afraid I let somebody have the HT1000 a few months ago. Not that I didn't like it. But I do like changing occasionally.

I went up to the screen to check for mosquito noise and it's all but gone. Blacks and shade tones are very quiet and smooth. I didn't see one rainbow but it does have a five speed wheel.

The doing away with the dither plus the stronger colors and blacks are worth the few extra dollars. imo

Thanks for the pics Tom! You obviously seem impressed. Have you seen the JVC HX1 and if so, how would you compare that to the H77 in a dedicated, light-controlled HT environment?

Thanks again.

Jason, Fully loaded at a lower price. How can they do it. Every bell and whistle is on this thing. Except for maybe the auto cal eye like on the Marantz. But some things are still fun for the user, like tuning it yourself. :)

I just used Avia on this one and the picture looks pretty good.

They only plus with the extra green segment I've seen is the Marantz. Which I looked at again yesterday. The Optoma compares nicely and is brighter. If you like the color red you'll like the Optoma. Reds are deep.

Tom, thanks for your pics and review.

Evan Powell noted that DVI input resulted in a significant drop in lumen output, so your observations here will be interesting.

Would you say there's a noticeable improvement in the CR compared with the HT1000?

Dan

You could say it's stronger in the contrast area. Though the HT1000 was no slouch is this area. It was the first HC machine around.

This HD2 is somewhat juicier in color and depth.

I'll be bringing my HT1000 over to Tom's next weekend for a direct comparison, which should be fun ( if it still works with your schedule Tom )!

Craig, sounds good for next Sunday. I only have 11hrs on the projector now but maybe I can get over the 100 mark by Sunday.

I know you'll do your best. Perhaps some movie marathons with the neighbors!

How about the last Danny Devito shot? Is that allowed? ;)

Tom,

Sent you a PM.... can you check and get back to me?? Man is this Colorfacts stuff such a great tool!!

I guess Mark gave you some tips on using it.

What I got from users here is -

Start at the outer IRE fields like 30ire and 80ire, using the RGB-contrast for the highs and RGB-brightness for the lows, bop back and forth working your way to the middle.

I gave you the service menu but you should find the RGB's in the Image user menu enough. Let me know how the calibration goes?

Tom

Looks like the projector handles those over saturated movies very well.

Glad to see Optoma regaining ground:)

Originally posted by guitarman
I guess Mark gave you some tips on using it.

What I got from users here is -

Start at the outer IRE fields like 30ire and 80ire, using the RGB-contrast for the highs and RGB-brightness for the lows, bop back and forth working your way to the middle.

I gave you the service menu but you should find the RGB's in the Image user menu enough. Let me know how the calibration goes?

Yeah, I got a few inside tips on a number of things from Mark today.... and I pointed out a couple things that I am hoping he is going to do for existing owners that will dramatically improve the value of the product (at least to me and I am certain to everyone else as well).....

The latest version of the software that is just out has a new wizard called the calibration wizard. It does exactly what you are descibing by switching back and forth between the user predetermined low and high IRE fields until both are dialed in to your tolerance levels.

The RGB Brightness and contrast are not super fine adjustments. So it takes some massaging to get everything perfect. I was certain they weren't doing what they were supposed to be doing because of the really whacked out middle IRE values as I was changing the low and high... but everything eventually locked in.... don't ask me why it was so out of whack... but it was weird enough to make me question the advanced adjustments actually doing what I thought they did :)

I didn't realize just how far off the unit was out of the box. But when you dial it in......... WOW! I wish I could take screen shots like everyone else to help show even remotely how good this thing looks....

Originally posted by Alan Gouger
Tom

Looks like the projector handles those over saturated movies very well.

Glad to see Optoma regaining ground:)

They are gaining. They have some great Engineers designing and adding new idea's. The California Engineer designed the new bulb for the 56a with neat glass color lens in front of it, resulted in much better coloring.

The H77 is shielded from light emission all around. The fan exhaust is at the far back on one side furthest from the lens, heat vented away towards the back. They're thinking about it.

California Engineer designed the new bulb for the 56a with neat glass color lens in front of it, resulted in much better coloring.



this i can agree with tom on i have the h56a and it is a good pj very punchy and tom and my self are very picky with performance and we are on the same page also with the h77 it is a very nice pj , you will not be disappointed that is for sure ;)

Hi !

I'm glad people here can now talk about the H77 !!! I also saw the review at projector central which compare the 8700+, the 7205(MT800) and the H77.

I'm planning to choose one of these three and i'm happy to find your comments from your tests.
I'm dying to know if people here agree or not with projector central.

Difficult to choose between 7205 and H77 ? So what would you choose ? :)

thanks

"Difficult to choose between 7205 and H77 ? So what would you choose ?"

Choose the Optoma if you want the best contrast, the Infocus if you want very bright.

Manual for the H77 is up on their site.
H77 Manual pdf (http://www.optomahometheater.com/documents/H77_En_r2.pdf)

I'm thinking of replacing my MT8 with a H77 (for the noise improvement) and was delighted that the throw worked in a very similar way. Not so good news is the '100% offset' which seems to be a good deal less than 100% by my definition (see page 25 on manual for illustration). It'll mean taking my mount down and resiting it...not as good as I thought.

There is no mention in the manual as to how far that single exhaust port has to be from anything else to make sure it works.

I'm beginning to wonder how much quieter Infocus managed to make the 7205/MT800....

I also can't see any mention of overscan (there seemed to be some discussion of this being a problem). Do you just use the digital zoom?

The shine has gone off my excitement a little.......

Ian Guinan

You would want some room away from a wall for exhaust, maybe 6".

The overscan for unwanted video noise from OTA or some digital stations can be fixed with the signal adjustments. If you get white static line at the top of the screen you shift up and blot it out. The signal feature shifts up/down/right/left.

IF you want quiet there is no machine quieter than this one.

Originally posted by guitarman
"Difficult to choose between 7205 and H77 ? So what would you choose ?"

Choose the Optoma if you want the best contrast, the Infocus if you want very bright.


would not other factors weigh -in... for instance amb.light, distance of the projector to the screen/size of screen???

Yes you need to choose by your Home Theater enviorment. Mine is an average house hold, white walls, white screen, but I can make the room dark in broad daylight. I have the projector ceiling mounted at 14' from a 92" wide screen, 106"diagonal.

Hey, I got the Bravo D1 going and the image is par excellent. There's no bright push like I had with the HT1000. Just did the basics with Avia and a few adjustments with the RGB user controls to acheive the best colors. The image with the Bravo is clean and quiet. Still a big fan of the Bravo D1.

They call the new color wheel dark technology. What they mean is this projector screams very dark blacks, think oiley blacks. Probably why the few new users are thinking CRT.

Tom, do you notice a brightness difference between component and DVI input?

Dan

I have the brightness tuned to the same look for DVI and progressive components and didn't see a difference. Using gamma 2 or 3 puts the brightness at the level I need.

Hi,

I was wondering if it is possible to project a picture off angle with the Optoma 77?

I have problems with the projector set-up (WAF) and would like to place the projector slightly to the left of the screen. The lens would actually be a few inches left of the left egde of the screen. I have seen it be done on the Panasonic 500.

I also wonder if this would make the picture quality deteriorate to an unacceptable level.

Thanx!

John

Hi guitarman


thanks for your reply. I'm planning 136" diagonal, so i'm afraid that the H77 would be too dim ? That's why maybe IF7205 is a good choice too. However black level is important to me.
I don't know if i would be disapointed by the IF7205...

John, the H77 has horizontal and vertical keystoning which may work but I wouldn't recomend using that much keystone.


tomti21
If you're going with that huge of a screen your almost in Qualia territory. The larger picture will help the blacks on the 7205. How much blacker we don't know.

HI everyone,

Thanks for the review of the H77. I will be buying a package from AVS and this is perfect timing :)

Will a 119" screen be ok with the H77?

It will be a completely dedicated room with 100% light control.


Steve

I trust your opinions and realize you have more expertise in FP than most
on this forum including myself but I found the screen shots overall to be
too grainy or is that what you mean by film like?Also some of the shots
(Kill Bill)show jagged lines but is this from your dvd player or are my
observations not representative of the actual picture and more a result of
the camera taking the screen shot?

Steve, you can go with a 119" screen. I know the Optoma is new but to give you and idea it's a little brighter than the Marantz 12s3. Both have a similar image, maybe the H77 is a little deeper in blacks. I would have to see them side by side to be sure. So if you've seen the Marantz you can get and idea on a screen to use.

On the screen shots most look ok, the Enter the Dragon ones may look a little grainy due to the older movie and over the web. Try turning the brightness on your monitor down some. The shots are down resed to 800X600 for faster loads and thats were you pick up jags. Shots are good to give you an idea on contrast, colors, blacks ut detail is lost when down resing. WHy I say things look 100% better live.

I was watching Return of the King last night through DVI with the Bravo D1. This projector sure has the snap but it also has a new level of deepness which strengthens the colors. The new color wheel I assume is the reason.

Guitarman,

Does the H77 have both horizontal and vertical lens shift?

Nope, just vertical. The center of the lens can be aligned anywhere between the top edge of the image and the bottom edge of the image. It's also important to note that it is a manual shift (but it does have power zoom and focus).

Hey Michael, you up and running now? I tore down the Optoma H30 and adapted the chief mount in 1hr. :)

If you're not familiar with the H30 ask anyone it's a very bright projector. The H77 falls in the same category with just allot more contrast and black level. So far so good, I'm at 30hrs playing time.

I hv Comcast platinum and the HDTV looks superb. For DVD the Bravo D1 is perfect.

Originally posted by inky blacks
What do you think about Projector Central's review of the H77? They claim it is very dim.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/optoma_h77.htm

IB

Since Evan Powell of PC says screendoor disappears on a Sanyo Z2 at 1.15X the width of the screen one would have to suspect that he is visually challenged which would beg the question why is he doing projector reviews?

"Since Evan Powell of PC says screendoor disappears on a Sanyo Z2 at 1.15X "

From Evan's Z2 review:

"The image texture is smooth and well-integrated from a viewing distance of 1.6x the screen width or greater."

http://www.projectorcentral.com/sanyo_plv_z2.htm

This from Richard Evans of National Projector ( great folks by the way ) -

" Hi Craig,

Regarding the H77 Optoma's, I have had several come through and the image
quality is absolutely the best I've seen. Slightly more elegant than the
H76 and beats both InFocus SP7205 & Sharp Z12000. In addition to the
superior image quality, the whole package is top notch; vertical lens shift
adds installation flexibility and it is practically silent in operation.
Especially when given HDTV or DVD via DVI, images are pristine! Orders for
the H77 ship within a week; no problems with lead times like the H76 "

Originally posted by noah katz
"Since Evan Powell of PC says screendoor disappears on a Sanyo Z2 at 1.15X "

From Evan's Z2 review:

"The image texture is smooth and well-integrated from a viewing distance of 1.6x the screen width or greater."

http://www.projectorcentral.com/sanyo_plv_z2.htm

From PC....

"On close-up examination of the projected image, the L500 has a less distinct pixel structure than does the Z2. Thus it can be viewed at a slightly closer distance without pixel texture becoming visible. Pixelation typically becomes visible in solid whites such as text and credits before it becomes noticeable in the video image. In solid whites, the pixel texture becomes visible on the L500 at a distance of 1.0 times the screen width, or about 7.3 feet from a 100" diagonal image. Beyond this distance whites look solid white with no texture at all. On the PLV-Z2, the pixel texture disappears at about 1.15 times the screen width, or about 8.4 feet from a 100" screen. Therefore, though the L500 has an advantage in reduced pixelation, the advantage is not as great as it was on, say, machines like the lower resolution PT-L300 as compared to the Sanyo Z1. Thus if you plan to have a viewing distance of 1.3 times the screen width or greater, visible pixel structure is a non-issue on both projectors."

These comments would indicate he is visually challenged.

Evan sometimes drops the ball a little. The H77 isn't a dim projector. It gas a dark vibe because the blacks are deep. It still has nice luminance and glow at the same time.

Evan probably had a hang over from the 7205.

Originally posted by Craig Peer
This from Richard Evans of National Projector ( great folks by the way ) -

" Hi Craig,

Regarding the H77 Optoma's, I have had several come through and the image
quality is absolutely the best I've seen. Slightly more elegant than the
H76 and beats both InFocus SP7205 & Sharp Z12000. In addition to the
superior image quality, the whole package is top notch; vertical lens shift
adds installation flexibility and it is practically silent in operation.
Especially when given HDTV or DVD via DVI, images are pristine! Orders for
the H77 ship within a week; no problems with lead times like the H76 "

That's quite interesting, considering his statements in the review, where he said that the 7205 was the only projector in the comparison review that did not need an external processor.

I wonder if the statement above is just a sales pitch or if in fact he did recieve a faulty unit for the review, as someone guessed.

guitarman:

Have you seen the Sharp 12k in a similar enough situation that you could offer a comparison? I'll have a 100% light controlled room, and had settled on the Sharp 12k - but I've got a couple of days to change my mind.

Haven't seen the Sharp yet but got several good looks at the Marantz and there's allot of similarities. Once you've seen the Optoma colors you may think a liltte different though. I'm mean how good can colors be, try to demo an H77 and see.

Originally posted by jodi
That's quite interesting, considering his statements in the review, where he said that the 7205 was the only projector in the comparison review that did not need an external processor.

I wonder if the statement above is just a sales pitch or if in fact he did recieve a faulty unit for the review, as someone guessed.

You may be confusing this Evan with the Projector Central Evan. This gentleman is trying to describe in words what he's seeing in the picture image.

It's interesting he says elegant because I described the picture as classy/juicy. It's tuff to convey what the picture looks like over the air in words. But I try :)

There's nobody around that can't like colors like this. Since I've had an Optoma for a while I call it The Optoma Vibe. lol

You really should see one to understand. :)

Looks like I'm a little late to this party. Need to get over to this forum more often. :D

Tom, how was the setup right out of the box? What kind of adjustments did you do?

Everything looks great I just used Avia for the basic's with the XP30 and that's all that was needed. With DVI I first used Avia and then the Advanced RGB's to fine tune. The projector has an enormous zoom distance so it can be setup super long throw or short. Setup was a snap.

It's mount distance now is the same as the H30 was, about 14' back from a 92" wide screen. To give you and idea on the zoom swing. I'm at near the center of the zoom now. At this 14' distance I could zoom out even more maybe adding a foot or more to the screen size, or I could zoom down more shrinking the image a foot or more less.

With the H30 at 14' I was at a fraction of the maximum zoom. At the limit.

Tom,
What is the maximum vertical offset (lens center to top of screen)?

Thanks,

John

Originally posted by Guinan
I'm beginning to wonder how much quieter Infocus managed to make the 7205/MT800....

The 7200 and 7205 are about the same in noise volume. The 7205 has tighter tolarances for the color wheel bearings to prevent them from developing a color wheel whine.

Glenn

Originally posted by guitarman

I was watching Return of the King last night through DVI with the Bravo D1. This projector sure has the snap but it also has a new level of deepness which strengthens the colors. The new color wheel I assume is the reason.
The HD2+ machines that I have seen (Marantz, Sharp, and Infocus) all seem to have increased ANSI contrast compared to their predecesors, which creates a snappier (more contrasty) image in most movie scenes. This might be part of the improvement that you are seeing.

I haven't read the whole thread yet, so sorry if this info is posted later in the thread, but have you taken an on/off CR measurement with a light meter?

Glenn

Originally posted by jkirk
Tom,
What is the maximum vertical offset (lens center to top of screen)?

Thanks,

John

I hear ya, Can't measure exact as I'm at work. In a typical room height 8' you'll need a mount with an extension. This is similar to the Sharp Z9000 setup I had where the projector was maybe 6 or 8" down from the ceiling. Right now with my quick setup flush mount the screen is too high. Like my eyes aren't 1/3 into the bottom area of the video. Unless you like or need your screen high.

Another thing is now the PJ is about 14" away from the 92" wide screen, I have room to go back another 4' maybe and that would increase the offset.

Tom,

Thanks, you are always most courteous. My distance will be about 16' - 17' back, either in a cabinet at 8.5' high or hanging from a 10' ceiling. Offset is good, offset is your friend.

John

Tom, did Optoma fix the issues with the component input (not nearly as sharp as dvi) and the input scan issues they had with the h76? The h76 would go into input scan and get stuck there, causing one to turn off the machine and start over. HD via component was very "soft", and I saw someone stating the same thing about the h77. Hope they got it fixed?
Rick

Absolutely DVI and component both look the same sharpness wise, actually DVI with the Bravo could be called softer but lets call it cleaner.

You know allot of the soft talk could be user error a little. The Sharpness control is at minimum from the factory. If I want real sharp I'll go from 1 to 4. After a while the higher sharpness starts looking too sharp. Anyway that's a personal thing.

The projector will auto sync with any format with no glitches. In the system menu you choose color space auto and this will cover US/Australian and other markets that use various signals.

Adding a couple of HD shots. Cute tennis player, looks exactly like my daughter Zoe.

Taken off of Comast inHD channel. Pretty clean colors, OTB tune up only.

http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77hd1.jpg

This girl looks like Zoe
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77hd2.jpg

guitarman, could you find out when optoma has this beauty ready for europe?

Figure when they start hitting the States regular then they'll be showing abroad simultaneously.

I asked about deliveries today. The tech/engineers in Taiwan are working day/night with the final QC so deliveries start going out soon. With large amounts going out weekly. Keep tuned here and check with your local dealer.

My distributor just got some yesterday, so they should be more available soon.

When are the tube models coming out?
Analogman

The tube models are in another forum.

"CRT Projectors and Vintage Tube type amps" :)

Tom,

Do you know if this machine is compatible with all of the anamorphic lenses?

Thanks,Guitarman!!!;)
Analogman

Originally posted by jfinneru
guitarman, could you find out when optoma has this beauty ready for europe?

I have a demo model on order and have been told about 2 weeks here in the UK

Jeff

Are you joking RTFM? I have a feeling you are serious.....

RFTM is correct, our demo model will also arrive soon, in about 20 days. (we're in Belgium)

The first batch for Europe is however sold out right now, we were lucky to get about the last one available. A new batch will arrive mid-september i have been told by Optoma.

Greetings,

Nicolas

Originally posted by pinkerton
Are you joking RTFM? I have a feeling you are serious.....

If I was joking I would have said: There was this Englishman, Irishman and Scotsman...............:D

Jeff

How loud is the fan on the H77?

23db in eco mode. V quiet.

Tom,

How do you rate the optics ?

If you put up a white field are all the mirrors in focus at the top, bottom, sides and corners like they are on the Sim2 models ?

Thanks

Jeff

Uniformity is very good, I went up to the 100IRE field and corner to corner it's juat as bright and pixels are clear.

Thanks Tom

Jeff

Any report of this being used with a HTPC yet? I have a H77 on order and plan on using it with my new PC I'm building..

Also any word on the RS232 commands? I know they are not in the manual that's online. Are you able to update the firmware through that too?

Thanks.

Originally posted by Cactus Matt
Any report of this being used with a HTPC yet? I have a H77 on order and plan on using it with my new PC I'm building..

Also any word on the RS232 commands? I know they are not in the manual that's online. Are you able to update the firmware through that too?

Thanks.

I thought I reported that I was using HTPC??

I do HTPC over both RGBHV and also over DVI on another machine. All my OTA HDTV is recorded and played back via HDTV tuner cards in those machines.

DVI from the HTPC is absolutely spectacular. DVD, HDTV, SDTV, and regular media files all look stunningly good.

I have calibrated using Colorfacts and got this thing tuned pretty darn good. Greyscale tracks ridiculously close to 6500K. It's right up there with how darn good the Infocus units are. Colors are out of control with this machine.

The word "real" has been used so darn much in the past few days, it is getting old.... and I am not the only one saying it. Everyone who has demoed it is saying the same thing......It is now considered the best of any of the units I have had on display over the years.... and I've had 8 and 9 inch gun CRTs here........ while I don't completely agree with that assessment as CRT is still king for picture quality.... the size of the unit, the ridiculously low noise level of the unit, the ability to be very bright on a large screen, and the picture quality itself make it a unit that I can be incredibly satisfied with in lieu of said CRT units....... and I never thought I would ever say that.....

Hi hometheaterdoc

"It's right up there with how darn good the Infocus units are. Colors are out of control with this machine."


Can you elaborate on these lines ? English is not my 1st language (sorry !) and i don't understand what you mean. Do you speak of the Optoma or Infocus ?
And what do you mean about the colors ? You mean it's great ?

Sorry for my poor english and thanks to you

Shane, tell us how you really feel? ;)

The Optoma has excellent greens a reds, everything looks very natural. The Shire scene will tell you how the greens are.

The RS232 is for firmware among other commands for users with special remotes.

I have access to colorfacts I'm only at 40hrs right now, after I go over the 100 mark i'll fine tune. But I have to admit right now and you can see it with the screen shots the tuning right now is smokin. :)

Originally posted by jkirk
Tom,
What is the maximum vertical offset (lens center to top of screen)?

Thanks,

John

Ok the offset movement is about 7" above or below a horizontal plane which is why for a ceiling mount a slight extension mount s/b used. It's a easy setup for someone who wants to shelf mount or table mount and make use of a High Power screen.

Pretty happy right now with what I see on a Mat White but you got a multiple type of screens that can be used with this machine. Firehawk, HCCV might be good choices. No need for dark gray screens with the H77, blacks are no problem.

So, if I want to mount it on a shelf above and behind the seating and avoid maximum lens shift how close to the top of the screen can the unit be and still be "right side up"? I'm still figuring out this lens shift, offset combination thing...

Thanks,

Jay

The image is shooting straight out to the bottom or top of a screen in either ceiling or shelf mount. You'll have about a 7" movement with the lens shifter. A Little more if your projector is further back. The zoom distance can put the projector at 11' to near 18' to a 100" screen.

Right now I'm at 14' away from a 106" diagonal screen and the zoom is in the center area. At this spot the lens shift is 7".

Originally posted by guitarman
Right now I'm at 14' away from a 106" diagonal screen and the zoom is in the center area. At this spot the lens shift is 7".

Simply put, are you saying that the projector is 7" ABOVE the top of the screen?

look at the pic:

That's right. I could use a small extension so I could lower my screen a little. With the flush mount the lens is just 7" down from the ceiling.

Originally posted by jfinneru
look at the pic:

Good point, you can see that the image center is slightly higher than straight out, but that's hard to discern in the live setup. Maybe you get a inch or so extra throw. The image is not darting down like the many other throws we're use to seeing.

Originally posted by tomti21
Hi hometheaterdoc

"It's right up there with how darn good the Infocus units are. Colors are out of control with this machine."


Can you elaborate on these lines ? English is not my 1st language (sorry !) and i don't understand what you mean. Do you speak of the Optoma or Infocus ?
And what do you mean about the colors ? You mean it's great ?

Sorry for my poor english and thanks to you

The infocus units are known for being pretty close to tracking a perfect 6500K greyscale right out of the box. The Infocus 5700 is especially good of the units that I have had here on display and installed for customers. I've not had the same luck with projectors from other manufacturers. Even with a lot of tweaking on some units, I've flat out been unable to get consistent color temperature numbers throughout the various IRE levels.....

The Optoma I got was not anywhere near calibrated out of the box. It sounds like Tom's unit was a lot closer than mine. Taking a baseline with Colorfacts confirmed my suspicions.

All I was saying with my comment was that after calibration, the Optoma tracks an almost perfectly flat greyscale. In addition, the colors are spectacular with this unit. The Infocus reds look almost orange by comparison to the Optoma (I'm exaggerating of course). Greens are also much deeper with the Optoma.

This is in no way shape or form a knock against Infocus. I absolutely love their machines. Without question I prefer the Infocus 4805 over the H30 from Optoma by a good margin. I have spent many enjoyable hours with the light cannon otherwise known as the Infocus Screenplay 5700. I also really really like the 7205. However, it doesn't really begin to shine until the screen size gets big... that's where all those lumens really give it an advantage over the competition. On a big Firehawk screen, I could happily live with the 7205. On a smaller screen, I do prefer the Optoma because you just can't beat the blacks and contrast. It's just a different application, and different design choices were made for each model. I just installed a IF 5700 in an ambient light environment that would absolutely make everyone cringe. It made me cringe, but no amount of persuading for decor changes were going to be heard by the customer's significant other.... so we were forced to work within those constraints and put in a light cannon to overcome some of the ambient ligh issues.... Voila! IF 5700 to the rescue. Other projectors would have absolutely chocked in this situation and been totally useless. THe 5700 works surprisingly well in the worst of times, and pretty darn good in the best of times at night.... again, its all about the application that the unit will be used in....

According to my testing, I'm seeing 1% overscan via DVI when fed the projectors native panel resolution. I don't know what others are getting. That seems more than acceptable to me.

Also, another point in favor of the Infocus.... the faroudja processing makes component, composite, and Svideo sources look better than those same sources being fed into the Optoma. It's not a massive difference between the two units... but DVI is noticably better on the Optoma whereas the difference between those inputs and DVI on the Infocus isn't as pronounced....

The Bravo D2 looks waaaaaaaay better than it has any right to on the Optoma. HTPC is still a better overall picture.... but it's close....I can't believe I am demoing and selling a $250 DVD player with a $9K projector... something just doesn't seem right here.... :)

Hi homtheaterdoc

"On a big Firehawk screen, I could happily live with the 7205. On a smaller screen, I do prefer the Optoma because you just can't beat the blacks and contrast"


I'm planning as i may have said, a 136" screen (diagonal). IF7205 and Optoma H77 are my 1st choices (when available where i am)
Can i expect a black level near the optoma with the IF if i use a big screen ?(even a white mat one ?)

I've also read that the H77 was a bit dim. I've dark walls and light control so maybe it's not an issue. However i read that DVI on the Optoma was even dimmer and i'm planning HTPC...Moreover, when the lamp is going to get older, it's going to dim again !

I hope i'll be able to SEE these Pjs myself, because for now i still don't know which one to take !!! I've changed my mind several times...

Tom,
Users wanting to go with a 140" screen better go with a Sony SXRD or Infocus. You need a light canon when you go with that large of a screen. It's not the best way to go for blacks although the Sony looks very good.

Tomti21, guitarman's recommendation is often made in this forum and rightly so. However, I too am interested in a pj such as the H77, but only because it has the right price, throw distance and lens shift that'd allow me to maximize my High Power's ~3 gain deep within the viewing cone. I'd have the pj shelf-mounted immediately above and behind my viewing position and the reported quietness of this pj makes it even more attractive for this setup. My screen is 133" diagonal and I'm currently using a BenQ 8700 with the image at roughly 120" diagonal. With the H77 I'd likely also zoom the image down a bit, and increasingly so to maintain adequate brightness as the bulb dims some 50% with age. I have total light control and value black level over high brightness.

If you truly demand high brightness, want to use that entire 133" diagonal on a less than high gain screen, and especially if you happen to not have total light control, it sounds like you should not go with the H77.

Dan

Hi folks -
I'm new here, but have been reading this post on the H77, which seems like the PJ I want. Thanks to Tom/Guitarman for posting so much useful info.

The only bad news I have heard about this PJ comes indirectly, and I've not seen it mentioned here: there is a PJ called a Maxx Products Mustang II Pluss, which can be found here:
[oops url censored cause I'm new, please google for it...]

it looks like it is an OEM'd H77, judging by the pics and specs.

Well, this PJ got dissed pretty bad in the latest issue of "The Perfect Vision" (July/Aug 2004) by Shane Buettner, who usually seems to know what's going on. The web site is here, but they want $10 to download the issue. Or you can check it out on the newstand.
[again, please search for website for The Perfect Vision]
It's the article on 3 mid-priced DLPs.

He found 3 problems that made him call the PJ unnacceptable; color flash, color-banding, & motion artifacts. The color-banding sounded the worst to me: his example was blue sky or water in Finding Nemo "breaking into pixellated bands."

Anyway, just wanted to ask you experts about color-banding, motion-artifacts and the de-interlacer/scaler performance in general? What do you think?

Is it possible that that an OEM'ed PJ would have different performance in these areas? (The Maxx is claimed to have huge light output, which is not the H77 I've read about....)

Thanks for any insight you can provide....

paul

I heard the H77 has a newer better version of the pixelworks chip. I haven't seen any problems so far because I'm using progressive scan and HDTV mainly. Bravo D1 set at 720p and Comast through components for HDTV. I'll run a check with a player set to interlaced. But I would want to us a player in interlaced. Time to re hook up the Pany XP30.

Thanks Tom for mentioning Pixelworks. I'll look into that.

In TPV review, Shane said he used Bravo D1, and later mentioned that the defects he saw were from both DVI-D and component sources.

I'm really comparing apples & oranges here. I'm sure from the pictures that the Maxx is an OEM Optoma, but since this review is on the newstand now, he must have looked at it at least 2-3 months ago. So the H77 likely has different firmware and maybe even hardware changes.

I guess what I really need is to see one for myself. I also want to hear (not hear) the fan noise improvement. Does anyone know of a dealer in the SF Bay Area that has a demo?

thanks,

paul

I'll report my impressions after seeing Tom's H77 this Sunday too.

The Optoma h76 was sold as a Maxx Products Mustang and I wouldn't doubt that the H77 is to, although the later version. Tom, is the casing on your H77 labled as Maxx projector?
Rick

Originally posted by hometheaterdoc
Also, another point in favor of the Infocus.... the faroudja processing makes component, composite, and Svideo sources look better than those same sources being fed into the Optoma. It's not a massive difference between the two units... but DVI is noticably better on the Optoma whereas the difference between those inputs and DVI on the Infocus isn't as pronounced....


I used to own the Optoma H76 and it also had the pixelworks scaler. DVI was wonderfull on that projector, but Component, even true HD via Component always seemed soft. My HPTC via DVI looked better than really good HD on the component input. I ultimately had to get rid of the Optoma due this this issue as 3 of my 4 inputs to the projector are via Component. Hopefully, Optoma fixed this issue with the H77.

Rick

Here in the UK we have another OEM of the H77. It's the Mitsubishi HC2000.
Interestingly the H77 is cheaper at RRP of £3.5k.

Jeff

I am looking forward to Craig's opinion since he has another of Tom's recommended pjs - the HT1000.

If the manufacturers had a rental programme - say $500.00/month we could simply rent the newest and greatest and when we're tired of it (say in 2 or 3 weeks) we could move on. Sure would save us some money! I had a Marantz for 24 months and it lost 5/6s of its value! I am not going there again (bitter - who me?)

Great screen shots Tom! Have you seen the extended version of Underworld yet? PQ is simply outstanding, better IMO than the original version.

Can't wait for your next pj review in about 6 to 8 months - highly entertaining Tom - thanks! (last two paragraphs added)

Cheers,

Grant

My H77 just says Optoma on it.

Grant,
Knowing the HT1000 very well, it still does video right up there with the 720p machines. Plenty of resolution with the HT1000. The advantage I see in the 720p is no visible pixels in white text and background details are smoother with the extra pixels for the smaller images. Lets say everything is a little more detailed because of the increased number of pixels. Things like hair strands and facile bumps become clearer. :)

Here I took the same screen shot from Underworld on Optoma's SVGA projector. (Extended version on the way, thx) it's one of my favorite new movies.

Same brunette shot but on the Optoma H30.
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h30under1.jpg

Now with the H77
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77under2.jpg

It looks good tone wise but a little softer with SVGA res. You can't see the hair strands as well.

Originally posted by glenned
The HD2+ machines that I have seen (Marantz, Sharp, and Infocus) all seem to have increased ANSI contrast compared to their predecesors, which creates a snappier (more contrasty) image in most movie scenes. This might be part of the improvement that you are seeing.

I haven't read the whole thread yet, so sorry if this info is posted later in the thread, but have you taken an on/off CR measurement with a light meter?

Glenn

Glenn,
I don't have a meter, we'll have to wait for someone with the equipment and I
can't wait.

I do have white walls and ceiling. I haven't even painted the white case on my Dalite screen and it shows. ;)

Home Theater Mag s/b be getting a demo and I trust Geoffrey's review's. He always states he's using the best tools for accurate results. I think he uses the Sencore 650 and Minolta LS100 light meter.

Originally posted by guitarman
I heard the H77 has a newer better version of the pixelworks chip. I haven't seen any problems so far because I'm using progressive scan and HDTV mainly. Bravo D1 set at 720p and Comast through components for HDTV. I'll run a check with a player set to interlaced. But I would want to us a player in interlaced. Time to re hook up the Pany XP30.

When Craig was at my house today I ran the interlaced test from the XP30 to see how the projectors newer Pixelworks chips handled the 2.3 and scaling. It passed in flying covers. No vertical line anomaly that I can see with the Otpoma H30 using it's earlier pixelworks chip. At this point the newer chip will do everything a Farouja chip will do. It will pass the Galaxy Quest opening spaceship video which many other chipped players will hang up on. The scene pans smooth as glass.

My guess is the gentleman that viewed the Maxx saw the vertical fall off that the earlier chip has. Anyway this problem can always be avoided by sending a progressive signal.

The Bravo is a good player in DVI but it can't handle the Galaxy Quest Intro. It acts like the JVC players I have. It show the image movement as jerky.

So the H77's new pixelworks chips final report is excellent.

Craig got to see some interesting a/b's of the H77 and HT1000, also a look look at the budget priced SVGA H30. We viewed HDTV with Comcast and DVD with a Panasonic XP30 and DVD with the Bravo D1 with the H77.

What did he like about the H77, just about everything. :)

Hi Tom

I'm not around much at the moment. Glad your new PJ is all you say. Your HT100 was awesome :-)

Rob

Hi Rob,
Craig will probably be adding to the review in a bit. How is that SX21 doing?

Hey Craig thanks for the wine and the quick smoke Montecristo. :)

Oh my! I'm watching Harry Potter Chamber of Secrets in HD. If you like the colors red/green/blue & the non-color black, you have to like this machine. Believe me there's a new King in town. :)

guitarman

i have to agree it does have a nice image, and unlike most dlps it did not give me a headache in less than thirty minutes. I wonder what is different with this machine that would cause it not to make me ill.

i was amazed how good it looked with only 410 lum of output on a 144 firehawk screen.

In the future, those of you looking for films to test a projector's black level reproduction, watch for a DVD release of "Collateral". This film, most of which was shot at night using 1920x1080 24P video cameras, will put projectors through some severe tests. According to my contact in the business, there are very few large venue DLP projectors able to handle the film although all of the previews, premier, and Academy showings of "Collateral" have been or will be done digitally.

Somebody give it the ultimate test (U-571) and please tell us what you see. How much detail and color in the detail do you see in those interior scenes?

Finally! Tomorrow is the H77 ready to be tested. It's the first H77 to get to Norway and we will test it against Projection design action one mkII, Benq 8700+ and we also have on Infocus 7205 with filter (hoya, reduces the light output with 50%)and a nec ht1100. since we have tested all the other very much already, we will focus on how the H77 will perform next to the action one mkII, wich is my numero ono before the H77 enters the test room.

Originally posted by George_Stenbeck
guitarman

i have to agree it does have a nice image, and unlike most dlps it did not give me a headache in less than thirty minutes. I wonder what is different with this machine that would cause it not to make me ill.

i was amazed how good it looked with only 410 lum of output on a 144 firehawk screen.

Probably no eyestrain because of the increased black level. Don't let the number 410lumens worry you. We don't know how well Evan over at PC runs tests or what equipment he uses. When Andrea ran his Mother of all shootouts all the projectors when tuned showed numbers like 383, 235, 414, 975 etc. The 975 high rating was the Infocus 7200. Other numbers were for the Marantz, HT1000, Seleco, Yamaha

The 400 level number was for the HT1000 I think. I'd go over to Andrea's site to double check but my contest winning subscription just ended. :)Yesterday comparing the HT1000 and the H77, brightness was about the same, plenty bright.

FWIW, I had a demo of the Mitsubishi HC2000 today (second time). I currently have a Marantz S3 and whilst I love the picture it produces the fan noise always bugs me. I must say this is not because it is loud in itself but rather due to my room means I have to have it fixed under a sloping ceiling which is then above the seating position and the slope of the ceiling amplifies and channels the noise to the listener. Hence me looking at the HC2000.

Fisrt impressions were the depth of colours and image and also the detail level. Both absolutely superb. It also is brighter than my S3 by enough to enable viewing with ambient lighting in my room (fully light controlled).

The general quality of the image is absoutely first rate via both component and DVI. Hi-Def (Bad Boys 2) looked amazing. The one area where it was let down was in shadow detail. Even using the Black Stretch option the detail resolved by the S3 is way above delivered by the HC2000.

The scaling and processing of the HC2000 also appeared top notch with no discernible difference between it and the S3. Although if pressed I would say panning shots on the S3 are slightly smoother.

The biggest difference was fan noise. In Low mode the HC2000 is eerily quiet and even when switched to Normal it was barely discernible, and I was sitting with my head no more than 2 feet from the exhaust port (boy was it warm :) )

I'm now waiting for an H77 to see how it compres to both the HC2000 and S3.

PS Sorry to hijack the thread but I felt there would likely be enough people reading here to get some interset from this.

Tom,

What are you quick impressions of the 77 compared to the HT1000? I'm looking to upgrade but if it's not worth the $$ I can wait. Currently have the NEC.

Question # 2. Are you running the XP30 in interlaced or progressive mode? I have it and a Bravo D but the XP30 is in the bedroom and was wondering if I'd be better off using it in the theater. How does it compare to the Bravo? As always Tom, thanks for you input. You've steered me in a good direction in the past.

Scott

Sorry for taking so long to report - when I got home and re - installed my HT1000 on the ceiling, and finally figured out the settings to get a component picture switched thru my new Denon 3805 to work, a Peter Gabriel concert was on HDTV on INHD2 and my wife went wild watching it on the HT1000!! It looked awesome ( and made me wonder what an H77 would have looked like on my set up - uh oh, credit card time approaching? )!!

Scotty - I loved the H77!! Colors were ( believe it or not ) far richer than the HT1000. Reds rock on this Optoma! And boy is it quiet - I could never hear it at all!! In my opinion it's plenty bright for a CINEMA projector - just like the HT1000, it's meant to be watched in the dark. We increased the picture size to 104" x 58" - plenty bright enough on low power mode ( certainly plenty bright on a 92" wide 106" diagonal screen ). When the bulb ages you could kick it to high power setting if you wanted - still really quiet. I love the power zoom feature too!!

We compared the H77 and my HT1000 by running them at the same time thru a component splitter box and putting a card board box in front of one or the others lens - instant A / B picture comparison. I recommend this method - it works great!!

Took a look at U-571 and details in the darker scenes are very open with very good color saturation. That's viewing the night raid on the submarine. The H77 has Five gamma settings. It comes factory set at gamma 2. Going to gamma 3 for a dark movie will open up detail even more without effecting the contrast.

Vs the HT1000 resolution aside the H77's colors are noticably richer and pleasing. Same thing for the tone of black, noticably blacker.

We tested the XP30 in progressive and interlaced and the Bravo set to 720p. The Pansonic is a great player but the cleaner image on the Bravo is still better even if the deinterlacing isn't farouja.

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting a 2.05:1 screen to be able to zoom the wide aspect movies. I'm planning on 102 to 104" wide, seating at 11-12'. When you zoomed out the projector to 104, could you see the pixels?

Thanks,

Jay

Tom:

Does the H77 offer aspect ratio control for HD signals (720P and 1080i), or does it lock into 16:9?

Thanks

Pip

We tested a 106" wide image because Craig would want to use a Firehawk this size. The brightness and color saturation weren't affected. Pixels weren't noticeable a 1.5 away.

Originally posted by Pip
Tom:

Does the H77 offer aspect ratio control for HD signals (720P and 1080i), or does it lock into 16:9?

Thanks

Pip

The different available aspects take effect for HDTV. Like Window will stretch up a widescreen image. Not sure what you're looking for?

" I'm thinking of getting a 2.05:1 screen to be able to zoom the wide aspect movies. I'm planning on 102 to 104" wide, seating at 11-12'. When you zoomed out the projector to 104, could you see the pixels? " -

It should be fine - I'm looking at a screen that size, and I had to get well under 10' to start seeing pixels.

Tom:

I'm looking for proper display of 1080i 4:3 and letterboxed (non-anamorphic) images. Sounds like the Optoma does it.

Thanks,
Pip

Tom

Gotta be honest. I've been averaging about 1 theater movie a week for the last three months.

SX21 is working very well on the 120" Hi Power.

If I'm honest I crave the contrast / black of my friends DLP with the detail film like appearance and color of my SX21

I guess they call that 3 chip and $30k :-)

Glad to see the H77 is good for you though.

My hobby has also switched to photography a little - kids if you know what I mean. I've been spending far too much on Canon DSLR's and very expensive
lenses :-(

Stay well
Rob

Thats funny robert, the two of us have preached sx21, panamorph, phelped for some time and now you spend two hours a week watching your projector because of your camera hobby, and i spend 2 hours a week in my theater and 10 hours a week in the gym. Part of my problem is that i am on the road so much, but even when i am home, summer is not theater time of year for me.

Finally! Tomorrow is the H77 ready to be tested. It's the first H77 to get to Norway and we will test it against Projection design action one mkII, Benq 8700+ and we also have on Infocus 7205 with filter (hoya, reduces the light output with 50%)and a nec ht1100. since we have tested all the other very much already, we will focus on how the H77 will perform next to the action one mkII, wich is my numero ono before the H77 enters the test room.

Posted by jfinneru
______________________________________________________

This will be a really worthwhile test, of currently available competitors.

Prepare for some killer greens and reds.

jfinneru,

How did the H77 test go...any results yet?

Brian

Here's a few shots I took with the Bravo D1, DVI looks very sharp up close and personal. It's also as bright as progressive.

I can see live and from the screen shots that the contrast is very high. Notice the whites and the coloring of the boy in the fifth element shot.

http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77bravo1.jpg
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77bravo2.jpg
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77bravo3.jpg

http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77bravoboy.jpg
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77bravovivor.jpg

However the highlights on Bravo2 & 3 look crushed on my monitor.

Go to the immersive site and tune your monitors blacks.

http://www.immersivephoto.com/Adjust_Monitor.html

I see what you mean the whites. The H77 is so deep that I set the contrast to the high point where the right moving bar just disappeared, than back a click till it re appeared. Guy did tell me contrast or picture adjustment could also be good setting the right bar half the brightness of the left moving bar.

Another thing I didn't realize I had the PJ in high bright mode last night. So yes maybe the whites were off some. Pretty sure I tuned DVI in low power mode.

But when have you ever seen the Fifth Element Boy shot look so intense? :)

I think Tom (guitarman) is correct, the Fifth Element shot looks really good contrastwise !

I also can't wait till the H77 arrives, it's 13 days away from the arrival here...

Greetings,

Nicolas

I have now had the pleasure to play around with the H77 a couple of days. We connected it to my Pioneer 868dvi( in the us this one is called elite 59 something). we powered it up and and we thought: hmm very nice and low sound level! And then after a few minutes the internal fan shifted to a lower rpm! Wow, this is the most quiet projector I have ever NOT heard. Without the soundsystem on , we had to consentrate to hear a sound from it, and the frequency og the sound was very pleasant. First we calibrated it with DVE and then we run the usual test scenes. for blacklevel and dithering we use the opening scene from underworld. The black level from this unit is excelent and dithering was not visable from seating. you could see some if you went up to the screen, but so you can on any dlp. So the blacklevel is on par with action one MkII. For contrast we use The Rock chapter 16 when the marines comes up from the water with flashlights. very good contrast in this scene, but one click below the MkII in this area. Colors are exelent and on par with MkII. The onboard deinterlacer/scaler seems to be doing a good job. no big diferences feeding it a intelaced signal and feeding it a progressive signal. I have to take a closer look on the menues and the manual, and watch some more film, but this was my first impresion of the unit. btw this is a "beta" unit, and not the final release here in europe. Do I remember wrong or did someone mention in a post that there has been a software/firmware release? If so, can someone tell me what this release did?
feel free to ask questions, I was lucky enough to keep this unit until monday.
:D

Sounds like a winner, pretty great for this price level.

Hi jfinneru


According to you, is the H77 bright enough for a 136" diagonal (or 3 meters width screen) ? I think with H77, for such a screen, i would have to use max brightness. And what to do when the bulb will begin to dim ?

For that reason i was wondering whether IF7205 was a better choice : eco mode then bright mode when the bulb starts to dim ?

I have to say that i have total light control so maybe i still can consider H77. I don't know. What are your feelings about max screen size in a light controlled room ?

regards

for a screen of that size the 7205 might be a better choice, but I am not sure. I use a greyline screen 230cm wide with a gain of 0.8 and I now have the brightness set to 13, that's around the middle of the scale. I think I will take this baby to visit a friend of mine and try it on some other screens. He have a vutec silverstar. the we can see what that does to the image. I will keep you guys posted on my findings;)
Btw, I ordered a H77 today! That's how much I like this baby:D

jfinneru......does this mean you prefer the Optoma H77 to the ProjectionDesign Action One Mk2?.

BTW which of these two is the brighter projector?

Jfinneru,

i am happy that u liked the H77 cos i wanna go for its cousin, the HC2000.

But do u have one or two main arguemnets why u wud go for the H77 rather than the Infocus 7205 (except price)?

Also, my main concern is having enough brightness. Can u set the brightness on the H77 so that it is "too much" for u?

tks in advance...

asherpat, I'm going to be presumptuous and answer for jfinneru by referring you to his post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4060568#post4060568

Read the statements about the 7205 - it is built to be bright and blacks therefore aren't as black as the other HD2+s.

It looks like he's also answered his question about whether or not the H77 is competitive.

Dan

Good answer;)
I can give you three reasons for buying a H77 over the 7205: contrastlevel, blacklevel, and noiselevel. the blacklevel can be dealt with, because it¨s possible to put filters in front of the lens. we tried with a hoyafilter that redused the brightness with 50%, and the blacklevel became better. But you just can't add contrastlevel to a projektor. So the total package you get with the H77 is a killer combo.

I've taken the fifth element Boy picture with many projectors. It's easy to see the blacks and contrast difference here.

Sharp Z90
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/boy.jpg

Optoma H77
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77bravoboy.jpg

The contrast and blacks are ten fold. :) Not to mention the detail, but that's not fair vs an SVGA machine.

Originally posted by guitarman
I've taken the fifth element Boy picture with many projectors. It's easy to see the blacks and contrast difference here.

Sharp Z90
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/boy.jpg

Optoma H77
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/h77bravoboy.jpg

The contrast and blacks are ten fold. :) Not to mention the detail, but that's not fair vs an SVGA machine.

But I'd also point out that the SVGA pic is not set as close to D6500 as the H77, plus the SVGA is crushing whites. Look at the difference in detail in the boy's head peice.

The Z90 was Sharp's idea on what their 6500k button would look like. Not bad, but look at the deep tan the boy got with the H77. First time I've ever seen this sequence look so good.

I just saw a IF 7205, supposedly calibrated, on a 60" x 80" Firehawk screen, playing several dvd's ( at Magnolia ). Frankly, the picture was quite noisy compared not only to the H77, but to my HT1000. The colors on Nemo weren't any better than my HT1000, and the H77 is probably more saturated too. It was on low brightness. They wouldn't let me zoom it out to a bigger screen size, so I wasn't able to tell how different ( if any ) it would look on a larger screen. Bottom line for me is I like the H77 better. Whether or not it will work for what I want to do ( dedicated 2.35:1 screen - 108" x 46", maybe Cinema Vision material would make it bright enough along with an anamorphic lens - Isco II maybe ?) I don't know. But I'd have to do a lot more testing of an IF 7205 before I'd be ready to buy one at the clone price, let alone a higher price. After seeing 6 different projectors in the last 5 days, I'm reminded that there is one hell of a lot more to projector picture quality than just resolution.

And the IF 7205 is a lot noisier than the H77.

And I still like my HCCV screen better too - brightness sure changes walking around the room on that Firehawk!

Exactly one of the finer points of the old HT1000. Smooth picture quality.

Craig remember we were talking about waves with video and that the mat white and HP are best for not showing them.

Take a look at the first boy picture on the Z90, that's with the Video Spectra material. Wave city.

Tom, I might have to beg you to let me come down and visit you again if you still have your H77 after 100 hours, to see how bright it looks at 108" x 46" !!

Anyone know if an anamorphic lens will work with an H77 with it's recessed lens?

True it's lens is recessed about a 1/2 inch or more. I'll measure it if you want. Last I looked I was at 85hrs. Sure you can always check it out again. There's a member here coming over tonight to check it out. He's interested in either the Marantz or this one. Lets see what he thinks.

Craig:

If you are concerned about brightness, try the Highpower. It's bright, great at ambient light rejection, inexpensive, and uniform from any given spot. The Optoma's lens shift will enable you to use as much of the screen gain as you want.

The overall brightness of the Highpower will change as you move about the room, but not the uniformity. The screen will be perfectly uniform from any given seat. What bothers me about the Firehawk is that as you move from side to side, one side of the screen becomes much brighter than the other.

Pip

I was thinking that Cinema Vision material might be a good choice too, seeing as with that screen size, and this projector's black levels, a white screen with some ( 1.3 ) gain might be just what the doctor ordered!!!

Any one want to venture a guess as to foot lamberts off a 46" x 108" Cinema Vision screen after 500 hours?

Craig, I just talked with the Optoma Engineer/designer about the Anamorphic lens. Yes it will work and he tested it. He did say you need a large panmorph becuase the Optomas lens is pretty big. You would use the Letterbox Aspect on the H77.

Excellent Tom. Quite frankly, the H77 is so quiet, that's a huge plus in my book. And the power zoom, focus and lens shift mean I can put the projector pretty much where I want to, not where it says I have to - another big plus.

It sure looked bright enough to me for cinema movie viewing on a 104" wide screen - and that's what I'm doing - watching movies. If I had to kick it into brite mode after 400 hours, and change bulbs every 1000 hours to get a better movie like picture than a brighter machine - so be it!

I really liked the High Power screen at 1.5gain with the HT1000 ceiling mounted. It would probably work well with the Sharp,Marantz, Benq also. I didn't think the blacks were effected.

HT1000 w/HP screen.
http://www.cigarbest.com/sales/elf.jpg

The 1.3 or High Power would be good matches. Users also have the option to shelf mount the H77 for a full 2.8gain due to the easy offset.

Hi !

Like of all you i'm a H77 enthusiast !
However i've yet to see one or read that someone successfully use it on a big screen (at least 136" diagonal).

I also wonder how we will deal with a 900 lumens Pj when the bulb will start dimming. Maybe there's no issue. I don't know. Is there anything to learn here from previous models from Optoma ? Like Craig said it is possible to replace the bulb earlier but i'd prefer to avoid it ! :) ...


Still trying to make the right decision...

Thanks to all of you guys

will it work on a 136 diagonal image.... yes, it will.... will it work ideally or without help from a higher gain screen and be super bright as the bulb ages?? Not as well as some of the brighter projectors. If you are looking for 40 ft/l on a 135 inch screen, this won't do it.....

I really think this Optoma would work well with the High Power from Da-lite... it's got such great black levels that it really doesn't need the help of the Firehawk screen... the high power wouldn't hurt the black levels too much and you would still have some ambient light rejection because of the nature of the screen....

I'm still a fanboy of the Stewart screens, though.... even though I sell all the others... I never thought a screen would have this much impact on picture quality.... worth every single penny....

George,
Just when I got my PJ my business took off and I've been travelling endlessly :-(
The camera hobby tends to be in the light hours anyway :-)
I still browse here most days.
Rob

PS - The SX21 with Phelps and Anamorphic lens still rocks

Just realized
My last two movies really showed off the SX21
Tarzan The Ape Man 1932
Trainspotting (non anamorphic)
grrrr
Rob

Wanted to thank Tom/Guitarman for allowing me to come over to see the Optoma H77 in action. Wow, what a great picture. Contrast and colors are excellent. We watched some football in HD tonight that was fantastic. DVD looked excellent. It is also unbelievable how quiet this projector is vs. some of the others that I have looked at. Really a tribute to the engineers of the H77. Now to decide between the 7205 and the H77.... SJ

Originally posted by hometheaterdoc
I really think this Optoma would work well with the High Power from Da-lite... it's got such great black levels that it really doesn't need the help of the Firehawk screen... the high power wouldn't hurt the black levels too much and you would still have some ambient light rejection because of the nature of the screen....



I've read that you can't use the High Power screen with ceiling mounted projectors. Can anyone confirm this?

The HP is retro reflective and sends the light back to the source, so if the pj is ceiling mounted, the equivalent gain to the viewer is around 1.3 yto 1.5 unless you stand up. :).

Even so, I'm sure I've read of some people saying that little extra works well.

Gary.

With my ceiling mounted HT1000 and the HP screen I compared it to a Video Spectra material which is 1.5 gain. The HP still looked brighter.

The H77 is very bright but with blacks like this you could go with a 1.3 or higher gain to account for bulb wear. The balance should be ok, you wouldn't need any filters. Image brightness level should fall right where you need it.

Hey Steve, thx or the wine. You guys are going to keep me in booze with the home demo's. :)

Glad you liked the projector. I forgot to demo the power zoom and focus. One of the cool features this one has, that the others you saw don't have.

Originally posted by Gary Lightfoot
The HP is retro reflective and sends the light back to the source, so if the pj is ceiling mounted, the equivalent gain to the viewer is around 1.3 yto 1.5 unless you stand up. :).

Even so, I'm sure I've read of some people saying that little extra works well.

Gary.

Does this mean that stray light from flush-mounted ceiling lighting fixtures (cans) will not affect black levels (at seated position) on the retro screen as much as diffused screen surfaces?

Originally posted by barrysb
Does this mean that stray light from flush-mounted ceiling lighting fixtures (cans) will not affect black levels (at seated position) on the retro screen as much as diffused screen surfaces?

In theory no, as the light will go back towards the source, and not the viewer. Higher gain screens tend to help with ambient in that respect, though grey screens such as the Firehawk go one better by giving better contrast and black level as well.

What was your experience with the HP and ambient light Tom?

Gary.

Actually I've been impressed with the DDR projectors at handling ambient light since they came out.

HP was brighter and very watchable for Sunday football games. Even with daylight filtering in.

Tom, can you tell me about 48hz on this thing? something I read somewere. inverce telecine for 60hz 3:2 material.

There's a menu feature called (auto Yuv RGB) that will help sync for different markets. If that's what you mean. It seems in Austrailia they had a problem with the TV feeds so Optoma setup this syncing feature.

no I ment the ability to put the film back in the original 24 fps. like the 3:2 pulldown to get the 24 fps to match 60 hz, but with 48hz you could get a 2:2?

I talked with my buddy Wing at Optoma he says you could get 50hz 2.2 but it would be very hard to go 48hz. You might sync 48hz if you're lucky.

" Wanted to thank Tom/Guitarman for allowing me to come over to see the Optoma H77 in action. Wow, what a great picture. Contrast and colors are excellent. We watched some football in HD tonight that was fantastic. DVD looked excellent. It is also unbelievable how quiet this projector is vs. some of the others that I have looked at. Really a tribute to the engineers of the H77. Now to decide between the 7205 and the H77.... SJ "-

I'd like to add thanks again Tom, although thanks to you I'll be spending more money on home theater ( like that wasn't going to happen sooner or later hanging out here, eh?)! Regarding how quiet the H77 is, I wanted to ask Tom to unplug his refrigerator so I might have a chance to hear something, but even when it wasn't running ( and it's a quiet refer too ) I couldn't hear the H77. Now I think my HT1000 is loud in eco mode - grrrr!

More good news for you Craig. Optoma is making a attachment for the use of mounting an anamorphic lens. It will attach to the bottom mounting area on the PJ to make for an easy slide set up of the lens.

Boy O Boy, this pj just gets better, before I've even bought one!!

one more thing Tom. We have tested the H77 some more here now. especially interlaced and progressive component input. this unit is not good on interlaced compared to faroudja. what kind of scaler/deinterlacer is it? It's almost "unwatchable" in interlaced compared to progressive. take a look at peoples faces in motion. the faces are lagging(hope it's the right word) it's almost falling behind. when the horses are riding in the patriot, it's impossible to count the legs on the horses. in progressive and in dvi, this is not a problem, so we have narrowed it down to the deinterlacing done by the H77. we tested both ntsc and pal with the same result. It might have something to do with us getting a pre-version of the pal unit, at least I hope so. Why can't every brand use the faroudja? Could you be so kind and find out what kind of scaler/deinterlacer they are using, and why they couldn't use the faroudja, who is with out a dought the best chip around. Can't be that expensive either, since they use it in the cheapest infocus model.

It's a newer version Pixelworks chip. Everything looked perfect on the few video tests I made. Galaxy Quest intro, Insurrection roof tops pans. I'll take a look at some more tonight. Mainly the onboard scaler deinterlacer is for TV in my setup and it sharp and clear. Otherwise I'm using the Bravo/sigma for DVD or the Pany with it's farouja chip. Top pick the Bravo :)


Pixelworks, go to Products, then Technology Overview.
http://www.pixelworks.com/index.phtml

Ok, and thanks Tom. I ordered one for myself, so I will get a final edition of the pal H77. hopefully this isue is long gone then. Otherwise I will get angry;)

To make it easy, I think this is the info we need. I can check for the exact chip number.

"The Photopia ImageProcessor family offers the following list of features:

* DNX(TM) Deinterlacing with LAI technology uses video processing algorithms, including advanced motion-adaptive deinterlacing for both standard television formats and also high definition television formats, automatic film mode detection with 3:2 and 2:2 pull-down, advanced noise reduction and low angle edge detection to virtually eliminate 'jaggies' and other image artifacts.
* DNX (TM) PixelBoost(TM) technology improves pixel response rates to eliminate blurring in fast-motion video as seen on some LCD panels.
* DNX(TM) Rich Color Processing technology is the first low-cost technology for rendering more than one billion colors with 10-bit color processing and also remaps a display's color palette intelligently to optimize content appearance based on specific characteristics of the particular display technology.
* DNX(TM) Advanced Scaling technology intelligently resizes HD and standard-resolution images to fit a wide variety of standard and widescreen displays.
* DNX(TM) Video Enhancement technologies such as DCTI/DLTI, white/black level expansion and digital luminance peaking produce sharp, rich picture quality.
* Enhanced Inte lligent Windowing allows total user control for managing multiple content, including Split Screen, POP, and PIP with alpha blending.
* Advanced 256-color bit-mapped on-screen display features provide for high-quality user interfaces.

The Photopia ImageProcessor IC family includes the following seven products: PW318, PW218 and PW118 for the advanced television market; and the PW388, PW385, PW288, and PW185 for the digital projector market. Photopia ImageProcessor ICs are currently sampling to customers and will begin production shipments in the first half of 2004 ramping to volume shipments in the second half of 2004. For maximum video quality, Pixelworks will introduce new versions of its innovative 'TV in a Box' Production Reference Designs based on Photopia ImageProcessor ICs that include Video SignalProcessor ICs for a complete design solution."

Actually, Tom ran dvd video set to interlaced to demonstrate how good it looked on the H77 compared to the H30, which needs progressive scan video. And it looked fine on the H77. That said, my HT1000 looks better with pro. scan and I try and use it exclusively anyway.

well interlaced does not look good here, but since this is a pre-model I will wait for the final one before I make any final statements about the deinterlacing.

jfinneru..............would love to see some H77 & Action Mk2 screen shots from your grey screen!!!

I will se what I can do later. I have the H77 in my house, and my friend have the MkII at his house. Btw I took some other photos to compare the size of the H77 and the MkII. I also took a pickture of almost al the projectors we tested. the onlyone missing was the infocus 4805.

picture1

picture2

pickture3

Nice bundle of projectors. I see many fine models and a bottle of Coca Cola :)

So you like the H77 the best? Beta bug aside

Got one of the HT1000 and the H77 together? :)

Gary.

Originally posted by guitarman
Nice bundle of projectors. I see many fine models and a bottle of Coca Cola :)

So you like the H77 the best? Beta bug aside
If I only take the picture the projectors makes, the mkII is still king of the hill, this due to a little better contrast and a better scaler, but if I consider the whole package with the lensshift, the motorized zoom/focus and the noiselevel, then the H77 gets the edge.

Thanks jfinneru.......Kudos to ProjectionDesign for packing so much into such a small package. I'd say the interior designers would love this baby. Personally, I'm all for a small sized projector with a great picture!.

Now jfinneru....regardless of price.....purely on image quality......H77 or Action Mk2?...Please! :)

Edit: You answered my question....thanks kind Sir!

Originally posted by Gary Lightfoot
Got one of the HT1000 and the H77 together? :)

Gary.
it's actually a ht1100, but since it's been delivered back I can't take a photo of them together.
The ht1100 is also a very nice projektor, and I am looking forward to the forthcoming widescreen nec projektor. That will be a killer. It will be out later this year.

I wonder what the Action with a 8 segment wheel will be like?

An NEC 16:9..........now that should be interesting.....any more information?

Thanks!

jfinneru - I think the problem you were seeing with Interlaced video is a software issue.
It sort of looks like a "smearing" problem with the video.
I was looking at a pre-production unit also and after we did a software update the problem went away.
The new shipping units wont have this problem.

Tony

Originally posted by AJW
jfinneru - I think the problem you were seeing with Interlaced video is a software issue.
It sort of looks like a "smearing" problem with the video.
I was looking at a pre-production unit also and after we did a software update the problem went away.
The new shipping units wont have this problem.

Tony
Right, I ran most of the Patriot Movie in interlaced and it looked the same as progressive with a Pansonic XP30 Farouja chip. Horses, pans everthing.

Patriot does have poor color rendition. DVD's fault not the projector. :)

hi,

I am about to place an order for the H77. My screen size is around 92" diagonal and it will be in my living room. I think the H77 should be bright enough for a 92" screen even with ambient light right?

Anyway, I have read plenty of good points about this projetor but what are the bad points? compared to lets say If7205 or benq 8700+.

Tom, as an upgrade from the HT1000, how much of an improvement would you say it is? Do you have any contrast measurements and Colorfacts data to show us such as a CIE chart or greyscale graph?

Thanks.

Gary.

I am looking forward to the forthcoming widescreen nec projektor. That will be a killer. It will be out later this year.

What NEC widescreen projector? Has this been announced, or do you have an inside source?

Thanks,
Pip

Originally posted by Pip
What NEC widescreen projector? Has this been announced, or do you have an inside source?

Thanks,
Pip

Sorry for the OT, have no more info on the nec's. It was just some info from my friend who got it from the importer here in norway.

Hi Folks

This is my first post here after many months of voyeurism, soaking up useful information on the threads and slowly stoking a burning desire to instal a DLP projector in my attic. Armed with the knowledge gleaned from spending many hours hunched sweaty palmed over this forum (to the extent that my wife was almost pressing me to buy one just to get me off the computer at night), I drove across the country (England) to see a demo of both the H30 and the H77 (there are apparently only 4 currently in the UK with proper shipments due from September). The H30 was the first projector I'd ever actually seen and I was relieved to find that I didn't seem to suffer from the rainbow effect mentioned so often here. Both projectors were being fed the same component signal from a Panasonic DVD player. The H30 is at a lower resolution than UK PAL DVD, so I expected a poor image at 7' in diameter, but no! Witnessed a lovely picture, beautiful colours, contrast totally acceptable and no motion artefacts. We flipped our way through scenes from Two Towers, Bande A Part (no probs with black and white here), Amelie and X-Men 2 and I was delighted at the images (I had been budgeting for an H56A or Infocus 5700 to match PAL). The only criticism was that some straight lines could be slightly jaggy, this being mainly noticeable with on-screen text. But overll I thought it was a great image.

I was by now rubbing my hands with glee at the prospect of seeing the H77 after all of Tom's glowing posts. On it came with the Nightcrawler attack scene on the Whitehouse which had looked great on the H30, and immediately it suffered from all the motion artefacts suffered by jfinneru. However, the blacks were indeed black and the colours were glossy and beautiful, it was just unwatchable with the smearing. The same was true on The Two Towers, and I left the shop wondering how Optoma could charge £2400 more for the thing.

After reading the posts, I'm glad it only appears to be a software glitch, but now I'm left wanting to see an upgraded version with the problem solved. I suppose this should be a warning to other Europeans to make sure Optoma have sorted this out before they make a purchase.

I'll be visiting the shop again after I have cleared out and darkened my attic and hope to demo some 1024x576 models, although I feel I might have to wait for the H57, though the H30 is very tempting at the price and an absolute steal.

Cheers for all the info here. Great forum.

It was proberbly a premodel you laid your eyes on there. why didn't they give you a demo with progressive input or Dvi? No problem there, and then you could see the true potensial of this thing. When I deliver my premodel back on monday, I will adress all isues about the H77, and get a feedback.

I did ask to see it with DVI, but they didn't have a DVD player with that output to hand. They'd only just had it in the night before from a rep. It was the first time they'd laid eyes on one and I was in early that morning, so I don't think they'd actually twigged that the problem was specific to the input. Shame really, because the depth of field and colours were really filmic as Tom has said. The Two Towers scene during the battle of Helm's Deep was glossy, deep and evocative, so I could see what he's been raving about. The smearing was just bloody awful.

I need to demo it again with the bug fixed or through DVI, don't I!

I must say that the H30 impressed me so much, I will be looking very closely to see if the quality shift between resolutions is actually worth the price hikes. I would be more than happy with that little baby playing films to me for some time to come.

Originally posted by alantkh
hi,

I am about to place an order for the H77. My screen size is around 92" diagonal and it will be in my living room. I think the H77 should be bright enough for a 92" screen even with ambient light right?

Anyway, I have read plenty of good points about this projetor but what are the bad points? compared to lets say If7205 or benq 8700+.

Bright enough you bet. It's more than bright enough now in econo on my 1.0gain 106". With blacks so deep there's plenty of room to check out 1.3 gain screens. On the higher gain screens while the bulb is young you could choose gamma 1 which is really deep if it's too bright. Then step up the gamma's half way through the bulb life.

Gary, a/b'ed with the HT1000 what we saw is much deeper blacks increased vividness of the colors & contrast is very high. HT1000 still looked good but the H77 was allot richer and HDTV was way better also. How much is that worth, you have to balance street numbers. But consider the original HT1000 street price.

Maybe I can get hold of colorfacts to get some ball park numbers.

squibbly,

which scene in the two towers do you recommend me to watch to spot the smearing problem? The battle of hornburg? (the start of the batte at helms deep) But I think the shop's demo here is in 480P so should have no problem. but then doesn't it all depend on the deinterlacer on the DVD player right? If that guy is using a lousy DVD player, I may see the same problem.

I wouldn't pay to much attention to the "smearing problem" since this is an isue only on the pal pre-model. We need to wait for the final edition to evaluate it. tom says this is not an isue on the final version in the states, and I find it hard to belive this will be an isue with the final edition of the pal version. I will get my final edition later in august. Not before then will I judge it's abilities regarding deinterlaceing/scaling etc. Be patient gentlemen;)

I am not in the states but in SE Asia. We use PAL in our country. I think I will be buying one soon so I need to see whether it is a problem to me.

Anyway is there a difference in Model between the projectors?? I thought optoma should only have one version that can handle BOTH PAL and NTSC signals right? When you mean PAL, I guess you are saying that H77 has a problem handling the 576 lines PAL DVD input izzit? If my DVD is set to 480 lines, there should be no problem correct?

sorry for so many questions. quite new to all these

Alantkh

The problem is obvious, no matter what film you watch. The player was outputting PAL format DVD through component out.

I'm surprised Optoma have allowed this fault to go out on early demo models here in the UK, though as you can see from posts above, no-one imagines that this fault will persist.

that bad huh? I definately did not see anything on the 480P demo I had a few days back so I guess it is okay. will double check again.

Does anyone know how to check the firmware version for H77? And what is the latest version?

How do you connect a computer/laptop to the H77? My laptop has a normal/VGA monitor output. Thanks. SJ

Hi SJHT,

Really easy, you can do this trough the 5 BNC connectors (RGBHV), you probably just need a VGA (DB15) to 5 BNC adaptor. This should be easy to find.

Greetings,

Nicolas

about the PAL "smearing" thing you are all mentioning, like jfinneru i would also rest assured that this is fixed already in the newer units.

Things like that are normal on the first models, i think because they are built first for NTSC, and then need to be updated / adapted for PAL scaling.
I suspect that the pressure from clients / dealers got really high for Optoma europe (thanks to the "hype" that was started early) so that there wasn't much time to check all these things first before sending the first units out...

In less then 10 days i can hopefully share you my experiences, since then our (european) unit will arrive. If it isn't fixed, i'll get optoma on the phone myself :D I'll keep you up-to-date.

Greetings,

Nicolas

There were similar issues with the early NEC HT1000 - it would suffer from tearing with PAL images if the source was anamorphic IIRC. It was soon ironed out with a firmware upgrade though.

Looking forward to a demo in September. :)

Gary.

Originally posted by alantkh
that bad huh? I definately did not see anything on the 480P demo I had a few days back so I guess it is okay. will double check again.

Does anyone know how to check the firmware version for H77? And what is the latest version?

Guess many end users and ISF'ers could use this info so here goes.

On the projector hit Re-sync, source and enter at the same time.

Now you're in the service menu. Firmware will be visable, mine says
V.C08 June 30th NTSC

Navigate with the arrow buttons. Open a service area with the enter button. You want out of a sub service area hit the menu button. You want totally out of the service menu's toggle down to the Exit Icon.

All these commands are done on the machine.

The picture menu will show you more RGB's, these effect all signals.

DLP-brightness and DLP-contrast, these effect all signals.

ADP brings up some more RGB's, these effect all signals.

Each set of RGB's are keying off different area's of the electronics.

In ADP if you see an auto cal feature for Magenta don't use it. Auto-black and Auto-contrast are ok and are supposed to calibrate for your particular electronics-dvd player. But if you're happy with the setup now, avoid as these auto features will automatically alter many of the different service numbers.

Well at least you can find out what firmware you have. :)
enjoy

Great info thanks.

hey there is a difference between the firmware for PAL and NTSC? why is there a difference? The projector should be able to accept both NTSC and PAL signals regardless of firmware version. I may need to watch both signals on my projector.

Lets see what European firmwares say. NTSC/Pal

The other Optoma modes covered both signals.

from some websites they say the H77 is using a pixelworks 465 scaler. which is the same as the H76

dunno if that is good or not :)

" Got one of the HT1000 and the H77 together? " -

I'd have to say that as good as my HT1000 is, the H77 is a step above it in color saturation, resolution and is vitually silent. I want one!

Took a look at the Sharp Z12000 yesterday and my Optoma setup at home looks 10 times better. Of course setup is the key. :)

Just picked up an older favorite movie of mine "Hombre" a western with Paul Newman. I have to say some of the scenes were incredibly 3 Dimensional. So 3D is was scarey, my HD tube tv can't do this.

guitarman,

so any suggestions for the setup??? Which DVD player should I get? Do I need a ISCAN? the ISCAN cannot be found locally in my country so it is a hassle to get it.

I am thinking of getting a momitsu V880 and using the DVI output.

Thanks for all your comments and info

Originally posted by Craig Peer
I'd have to say that as good as my HT1000 is, the H77 is a step above it in color saturation, resolution and is vitually silent. I want one!

Thanks Craig. :)

Looking forward to my demo even more now... :D

Gary.

I know the feeling, mine is ordered and just waiting for it.

I will have the framing done on my HT by the weekend. I have 110 ft (24x15 home theater and 12x15 craft room for the misses)of wall to put up and 32ft are done :).

My SVS (PB2 Plus)sub is being put into my garage as I type :):)

:D :D

Steve

Originally posted by alantkh
guitarman,

so any suggestions for the setup??? Which DVD player should I get? Do I need a ISCAN? the ISCAN cannot be found locally in my country so it is a hassle to get it.

I am thinking of getting a momitsu V880 and using the DVI output.

Thanks for all your comments and info

Don't think you'll need an Iscan. The scaler deinterlacer is so good that I just realized this morning that I watched the entire Hobmre Movie in interlaced from the Pany XP30. Whoops, but who cares it looked great.

The Bravo or momitsu would be a good hold over till DVI players come out with Farouja without the EE. :)

Hey Tom,

So when I get my H77 and have to do a SET-UP.

What are you refering to? calibrating? or? and is there a manual or something for the set-up?

Steve

Just tune you basics with Avia, no need to use the service are for anything really except to see what firmware you hv if you're curious.

In the user picture menu's start with Cinema and Film, gamma 2 and color temp 2. Then tune the blacks, contrast and color with either Avia or DVE. You should be all set with just these adjustments. I you need any help, let me know.

If you don't hv Avia or DVE you could use the THX optimizer on DVD's like Nemo and many others. At least with the optimizer you'll set your contrast and brightness correctly.

I know you're talking about the auto-cal stuff in the service menu but you really shouldn't or need to use those.
Can't wait to here your thoughts on the projector.
enjoy

How much is a DVE calibration DVD?

and where is the best place to get one is this it?

www.cam-corders.com/cam-corders-id-B00005PJ70-st-AsinSearch.html

Thanks

Steve

I'm picking up my H77 tonight.. Of course I don't have any of my screens built, so I'm going to throw my computer up on it and see what I can see. Maybe I can find a nice white sheet until my BO cloth arrives, at least!

DVE is $20, Avia is ten times better and it's $59. They can be found a DVD CD stores, out here we hv Tower Records. Both can be found on line at Amazon, there Avia is $38.

Matt, good news, let us know it goes?

My VERY early impression:

I got the H77 home and found a 4 foot piece of drywall to project on and I'm very impressed so far. I'm still a bit new to the DLP game, only having seen the Infocus 5700 and the 7205 in action at some local dealers, but the results are better than I hoped for.

First thing I did is connected it to my PC via DVI (from PCCables.com) and it found it right away and looked good without me tweaking anything. I popped in Finding Nemo and gave the new WinDVD 6.0 a try. I'm getting ready to hunt down my copy of VE and tune it to make it really shine. But the picture I'm getting from this projector (untuned) and a piece of drywall is amazing, already putting my 65" Toshiba to shame.

Doom 3 and Far Cry looked great too.. Now I have to get to my painting tests to see what makes it really sing.

First thing I noticed was a deeper black level and very deep and vibrant colors over past DLP's I've had.
Check out the Shire scene for green & shots with the color red in them.

Tom, could you give me and maybe other some colors for dummies regarding optoma and the way they calibrates colors? I personally finds the benq/infocus way much easier, with +/- for the colors, and not the optoma way with r/g/b brightness and contrast. for example if I want to get lighter red or darker green. I am using DVE. is avia better with optomas color corrections?

ya,

DVE tips would be very helpful to me too as I just paid the deposit for a H77 :) though it will be delivered like 2 months later as my house is still not done...

Thinking of getting the DVE as AVIA is not available locally.

hi,

i own a Mits HC2000 for about 3 weeks now.
checked the H77 service menu yesterday but did not succed, heavy button combination pressing did not help either.
did not check the label "made in" but im gona check today.

or can anyone tell me how enter the service menu/ find out the firmware rev.?

with the overall performance im quite pleased. but i encountered one problem which was new for me, its like a pc screen having too few colors, not enough depth, and especially the faces get some kinda shaded.
perhaps its just the bad DVD quality or my Player, i use a Pioneer 747 (Elite 47 in us i think) via progr. component.

brgds

Originally posted by jfinneru
Tom, could you give me and maybe other some colors for dummies regarding optoma and the way they calibrates colors? I personally finds the benq/infocus way much easier, with +/- for the colors, and not the optoma way with r/g/b brightness and contrast. for example if I want to get lighter red or darker green. I am using DVE. is avia better with optomas color corrections?

The RGB adjustment are professional adjustments that just about all high end displays have. These are used by ISF technicians to balance a grayscale.

Normally you start with the basic user color saturation and and Tint. If after this you want to fine tune colors you can use the RGB's.


The RGB contrast affects the high end of the grayscale or whiter parts of video.

The RGB brightness affects the lower part of the grayscale or dark parts of video

One fine tuning method is to view a pluge pattern with steps of gray from dark to white. You want the steps to have no color in the shades of black to gray to white.

If you see lets say a tint of red in the dark parts of pluge you increase green brightness and blue brightness, or try subtracting a little red while increasing the green and blue.

If you see color in the lighter grays to white, same procedure but you use the RGB-contrast.

We could discuss this down the road and I'll give any tips I can to help with the fine tuning.


Another thing most likely you won't need to do any of the fine tuning. I was told that the H77's are put through a strick QC for color settings calibration at the factory.

read some of the old posts in this thread mentioning that H77 uses a newer pixelworks chip. Can anyone confirm this?

Because I did a google search for "optoma H77 pixelworks" and the first link shows that H77 uses the Pixelworks 465 chip which is IDENTICAL to H76.

got mail from my optoma distributer and he told me that the scaler is PixelWork 465 , and Trident 10bit deinterlacer.

The H77 is doing a top notch job on scaling and deinterlacing. Passed every test I through at it.

Yippy mine is coming Aug 19th :):).

Now I must fine a blank wall somewhere, hehehehe

Maybe I will just hook everything up on my framed walls, who need insulation/drywall/etc....... LOLOLOLOL

Steve

Congrats, You could literally nail up a piece of Parland plastic to the naked stud. Touch up the nail heads with a little white out. :)
Let us know how it looks on day one.

so optoma kept the scaler from the H76 but change the deinterlacer from Silicon Image Si504 to Trident....

Is the trident better? not much is heard about this chip. Does anyone have the exact model? Just want to know a bit more about the machine I got. Did a google search about trident deinterlacers and only found Trident DPTV chip. Is this the one?

I know there have been some posts/threads about this, (too many to search for one in a hurry), but does anyone have a reasonable answer yet as to IF the H77 shares exactly the same model as a Mitsubishi.
Or have we come up with a Mitsubishi model which is much the same in some areas?

Hi People,

I am thinking of getting a 92" diag stewart fixed screen. Any recommedations for the fabric? One dealer recommends me studiotek130 another recommends me firehawk.

My H77 will be set up in the living room with a floor to ceiling windows on one side. The windows will have blackout curtains but I do not know how effective it will be. The H77 will be mounted on a shelf at around 1.7 m height.

Originally posted by alantkh
Hi People,

I am thinking of getting a 92" diag stewart fixed screen. Any recommedations for the fabric? One dealer recommends me studiotek130 another recommends me firehawk.

My H77 will be set up in the living room with a floor to ceiling windows on one side. The windows will have blackout curtains but I do not know how effective it will be. The H77 will be mounted on a shelf at around 1.7 m height.

Firehawk: rejects ambient light, helps contrast even more, not as pure whites...

Studiotek: purer whites, ambient light rejection nowhere near as good

The projector will work with both as it has more than enough contrast on its own to work with a white screen... it just depends on your priorities and viewing situation as to which to choose because neither is perfect and each has its advantage....

If you don't know how much light you will be able to reject with those curtains, its safer to go with the Firehawk.... I have the H77 on a Firehawk here in my main demo room and it is kinda good :)

Stewart recommends firehawk with ceiling mount projectors. Mine will just be shelf mounted behind and above my sitting position. Will that give me subpar performance with the firehawk?

I am thinking of using the studiotek130, because of the wider viewing angle and hotspotting issue with Firehawk I have read about.

The 1.3 gain should work great with the H77 the projector has blacks to spare. If you want a little brighter image and help for when the bulb gets older a higher gain screen would help.

Has anyone used a video pattern generator with the H77 on the DVI input? I noticed something with the H76 and I was wondering if it was fixed on the latest model. There appeared to be some aliasing on vertical bars that I didn't see with any other DVI-based projector. It appeared as if the sample rate was not synchronous to the incoming video (beat frequencies). The result was several vertical bands across the screen instead of constant black/white bars. I was using a Sencore VP403 during my tests. Thanks for any info on this.

isfman.

Check down the road with Michael Grant. He's going to calibrate his H77 with the Accupel 3000 DVI generator very soon.

OK the UPS driver just dropped off my H77, who has the popcorn, hehehhe.

I probably will not test it out until the weekend, I want to get the framing done tonight if I can :)

Steve

Originally posted by isfman
Has anyone used a video pattern generator with the H77 on the DVI input? I noticed something with the H76 and I was wondering if it was fixed on the latest model. There appeared to be some aliasing on vertical bars that I didn't see with any other DVI-based projector. It appeared as if the sample rate was not synchronous to the incoming video (beat frequencies). The result was several vertical bands across the screen instead of constant black/white bars. I was using a Sencore VP403 during my tests. Thanks for any info on this.

This may have been the early pixelworks scaler. I have the Optoma H30 also there's no DVI but when you send an interlaced signal sometimes with certain video you'll get vertical lines noticeable in the color red. Like the Insurrection DVD's opening red Movie Title. I checked the same sequence interlaced on the H77 and the newer scaler/deinterlacer fixes the problem.

Originally posted by SteveFred
OK the UPS driver just dropped off my H77, who has the popcorn, hehehhe.

I probably will not test it out until the weekend, I want to get the framing done tonight if I can :)

Steve

Right, you're very happy to receive your new toy. :) Who wants to make a bet the box is opened and a dvd player gets hooked up tonight. You can't fool us. :)

I know I would have it up tonite! How many hours you got on yours now Tom?

I keep telling myself I MUST GET THE HT DONE, I MUST GET THE HT DONE :)

Heck the box was opened already in my office, I might try it out late tonight :), gee I think I am feeling sick and have to take a day off(wish I could)

I gave he PB2+ and the Rockets a test with Starwars II last night , I think my heart almost skipped a beat, The sound from the sub was just awesome. The fiance came home to me having all the equipment spread out over the floor in the great room and a few of her pictures on the wall were crooked, I said it must have been the cats, hehehe.

Steve

Just follow the advice of you sigtag and you'll be ok.
enjoy

Originally posted by JimmyR
isfman.

Check down the road with Michael Grant. He's going to calibrate his H77 with the Accupel 3000 DVI generator very soon.

Thanks for the info. If anyone has the iScan HD they can also try this out using the vertical bar test pattern. Thanks again.

a question regarding calibration.

If I get a NTSC DVE calibration dvd, will the calibration settings be kept when I watch a PAL DVD? If they are kept, will it be accurate with PAL DVDs?

Basically, must I buy a PAL DVE to properly calibrate for PAL DVD watching?

Well I did get to watch about 1 hour of HDTV of the olympics on the H77 tonight.

First impressions, Very very nice picture. The reds were just standing out and the blacks looked pretty deep to me.

I wish I had my Iscan with SDI, becuase I would love to see the upscaled DVD's on this machine, but will have to wait a few weeks.

We were in the great room and only about 10ft away and no screen door until I get about 5 feet away. My normal mode will be 119" screen at 17ft once the HT room is done.

Now this is right out of the box, no calibration and projecting a 92" image on a white wall.

I could not get the DVI to work, I think it must be my Timewarner HD box, maybe there is a setting I am missing.

I did watch about 10 mins of an NFL game in HD and seen 1 or 2 lines of overscan on top, but its minimal at best.

Well time to put it back in the box for the night. The H77 is on a coffee table and a TV tray on top of that and the cats are sure to knock it over if I leave it there, LOL.

Steve

Now I know why the DVI didnt work from the Timewarner HD box. They do not have them enabled yet, I was told a few months yet. Is this the way it is everywhere in the US, or just my area?

Steve

I have a Comcast HD box with DVI and it's not functional. I even looke in the service mode to see if I could turn it on. No go. Guess I should call in to see what they can do. Actually when I tried it it sync locked my pj and I had to reset.

Pretty 3D like picture on the H77? They all don't have colors like this. I'd say simliar to the Seleco type colors and maybe just a little nicer.

I ran some deinterlacing tests vs the Bravo, Pany XP30 useing Faroudja and Pany XP30 interlaced letting the projectors deinterlacer do the job.

I used the end of Gladiator chapter 12. Just after Commodus Puts the toy Gladiators in the Toy Ring. Here you'll see hard to deinterlace points right at the stairs of the center building just before the pan over the roof of the Coliseum. The Coliseum top edges can show a little activity also.

Ok,
Pany XP30 with Faroudja showed the sequence best at cutting down noise.

The H77 doing the deinterlacing was very very close. Pany set to interlaced.

The Bravo D1 was in last place but very acceptable and close to the projectors deinterlacer.

Overall high marks across the board for this very tuff spot to deinterlace.

The H77 is on a coffee table and a TV tray on top of that and the cats are sure to knock it over if I leave it there, LOL.

WOW, those cats are going to need to have big muscles.

"I did watch about 10 mins of an NFL game in HD and seen 1 or 2 lines of overscan on top, but its minimal at best."

Steve, in the top right menu there's a place named "Signal" to delete the TV channels garbage at the top, move the vertical adjustment to clean it up. Works great.

Thanks Tom worked like a charm :).

I watched Pearl Harbor last night and the picture is just amazing and I will not have my screen up for the Pj for about 4-5 more weeks?

and I for sure do not ever need bass shakers, with the frickin SVS PB2+ rockin the house. I cant wait for the HT room to be done, the fiance off at school and bring the room up and past ref levels, hehehehe.

Also the H77 is so quiet, I turned the sound off for about 10 secs and neither my Fiance nor I could hear the machine running at about 5ft away :)

Steve