I run a Samsung HD931 DVI @720p. The player itself is slow and doesn't pass blacker than black and I would not recommend it, but 3 years ago the DVI output, Scaling features, and $200 price tag sold me. Anyway for all that it doesn't do, it does work with this PJ. Ocassionally it fails to sync but that has been less than 4 times in the last 2 months. The fix is simply to turn the DVD off and on. Oh, and it is running through the Zektor DVI switcher, which is where I loose sync. The HTPC, HDTIVO via DVI have never lost sync through the switcher.

I scale the DVD and HDTIVO to 720p to match the PJ. The only white lines that I get are when running a standard def channel through the HDtivo scaled to 720p. And that is more like noise in the picture at the top of the screen. When I switch the HDtivo to 480p for non HD material, the noise goes away. So HD material at 720p is perfect through the tivo unit.

I’ve spent a lot of time using the Accupel signal generator looking at 720p vs. 1080i on the BenQ via DVI. The Accupel signals go down to one pixel width for each respective resolution. While the difference is subtle, and I have to be inches from a 104” screen to see it, there is a very slight smearing at 1080i. This is to be expected because the BenQ’s native resolution is 720p which generally results in 1x1 pixel mapping for 720p signals. That being said, it also evidences that the BenQ does an excellent job handling 1080i material.

Obviously, I can’t say whether the Zenith DVD player does a better job at upconverting to 1080i vs. 720p. It may be that there is some incompatibility between the BenQ and the Zenith player that creates the line. I use the Bravo D1 DVD player and a Samsung STB for HDTV – both over DVI – and I have never seen such a line at 720p or 1080i.

Unfortunately, I’m not aware of any way in the user menu or service menu to “blank” the top of the BenQ image to block the white line. Maybe someone else knows how to do this.

In the user menu, when we use the DVI input we are unable to move the picture.

It can there be a function for "resizing" treatment of the numerical signal in the service menu but I'm not find it.

And I do not seem to be only to have this problem... I read that the PE8700 to manufacture before date xx have all this small problem via DVI...

Fart-to be should I send an explanation as well as a photograph for show this directly to BenQ?

Will I be able to get 1080i and 720p through the BNC connection if I use a comonent cable with RCA to BNC adaptors for the RGB part of the 5 BNC plugs? Basically, do I need the horizontal and vertical sync cables in order to get 1080i and 720p through BNC using a component source.

Please help me, as I am having problems with the new projector and HDTV service.

Thank you!

Originally posted by dav2287
Will I be able to get 1080i and 720p through the BNC connection if I use a comonent cable with RCA to BNC adaptors for the RGB part of the 5 BNC plugs? Basically, do I need the horizontal and vertical sync cables in order to get 1080i and 720p through BNC using a component source.

Please help me, as I am having problems with the new projector and HDTV service.

Thank you!

No you don't need the horizontal and vertical sync cable to get 1080i and 720p through the BNC connections. These are the connections I am using off my Samsung D* HD receiver and the picture is great. I'm not aware of a DVD player of set top box that have horizontal or vertical sync outputs. As far as I know these are only used when the projector is used as a monitor off a PC.

I prefer the image from the DVI signal off my Bravo D1 but have not been willing to shell out the money for a DVI switch.

What kind of problems are you having? Occasionally on my system the image drops out from the Samsung D* tuner. The screen will flash turquoise for up to a second. This only happens over the HD component connections. I do not have this problem with the DVI connection. I don't think it is the projector. I think it is the Sansung. It also seems to happen when the room gets warm.

Okay, from what's transpiring from CES, it seems I won't be upgrading my PE8700 any time soon. So I'll try to make the most of it (it's amazing via DVI with a Pioneer 868).

My current plan is building a hush box for it. I have it upside down, on a shelf fixed on the back wall.

Do you think it's feasible?

Does anyone know what the custom settings should be on the Bravo D2 for the 8700+ ? Is there a difference if you use the custom settings or is it the same using the default setup already in there?

Carl, thanks for the comment on dropouts from your sat box on the component BNC inputs. My Toshiba 3100 does that on occasion and none of my other devices do. I was hoping the sat receiver wasn't taking a dump as I have only had it a few months. Seems like a total signal droput and then it comes back up. Now it sounds like it may be an issue related to the component input on the PJ and Imight have to think about getting a DVI switch. I have my eye on both the Gefen one and the Pacific Cables one - I am in "eeney meeney minee mo" mode while I am clearing credit card space for the purchase. Both seem to amplify the signal somewhat and I think that is important because I am using a 10M DVI cable.

I might hook the sat box up via DVI just for fun to make sure it works before I buy the switch.

simarddominic, try doing the DVI adjustments through the service menu instead of the User menu. Make sure you write all the existing settings down before you change anything so you can put it back if you screw it up!

I may have to get my 8700 replaced with the one year exchange deal from Benq.. Can someone explain how it works?

Do you cross-ship the old one or wait for the new one and then send back the old one?

Do you keep your lamp/bulb?

If I have a 8700 is there a chance of getting a newer generation model?

Thanks.

Elmer

Kevin.........

How did the ISF class go in Vegas???

Learn any new tricks for the 8700+?

Steve

Originally posted by AustinRI
Does anyone know what the custom settings should be on the Bravo D2 for the 8700+ ? Is there a difference if you use the custom settings or is it the same using the default setup already in there? Use the Bravo's existing 720p DVI setting for best results with the 8700 or any 720p native DLP.

I also tell my D2 that I have a 16x9 television because I am using that screen format.

Originally posted by Donb01
I also tell my D2 that I have a 16x9 television because I am using that screen format. Yes and set the 8700 to anamorphic.

Originally posted by Donb01
simarddominic, try doing the DVI adjustments through the service menu instead of the User menu. Make sure you write all the existing settings down before you change anything so you can put it back if you screw it up!

I did not see where to make these adjustments in the service menu. Where are these DVI adjustments?

Thank you!

Originally posted by emillika
I may have to get my 8700 replaced with the one year exchange deal from Benq.. Can someone explain how it works?

Do you cross-ship the old one or wait for the new one and then send back the old one?

Do you keep your lamp/bulb?

If I have a 8700 is there a chance of getting a newer generation model?

Thanks.

Elmer

No need to cross ship. Wait until you are satisfied with the replacement before sending it in. You have 30 days from the time they ship. You will have to secure the replacement with a credit card. I've done it twice. The first time, they charged my card MSRP (like $8K). The second time it was only $2400.

After 30 days of ownership, the policy is a refurb replacement and will arrive without accessories or bulb (you keep your originals). It is possible to receive a brand new unit even after the 30 days but its at BenQ's discretion.... it happened to me. I did an exchange in December and the refurb was DOA. BenQ had me send it back but didn't immediately send me another one since they were closed for 2 weeks over the holidays. They were back in the office on January 5 which is when I called back. They were very apologetic and said they would ship a replacement out that day. 3 days later I received a new, factory sealed unit. Manufactured date of December 2004... a HD2+ model to replace my HD2. Needless to say, I'm a happy camper.

OBTW, The problem with the original 8700? A small piece of dust somewhere in the optics was causing a small divergence in color uniformity at the lower right hand corner of the image. It was the size of a dime on my 92" screen. It was there since day one and I just ignored it since is was in the spill area of the screen masking. But, I knew it was there and I am admittedly anal about my hardware. I figured I had nothing to loose (I could always just keep it if I didn't think the replacement was worthy). It worked out quite well...

Interesting Kevin,

When did you get the unit with the blotch? I had the same thing happen to me in November 2003. I sent it back for a new one. I wonder if you got my old one?

Originally posted by Carl Holt
Interesting Kevin,

When did you get the unit with the blotch? I had the same thing happen to me in November 2003. I sent it back for a new one. I wonder if you got my old one?

Carl,

I received it November 7, 2003. It was factory sealed. Perhaps they had a bad production run.

Comparing my new one I received a few weeks ago with the old, I also notice a few other improvements, namely: 1- The color wheel is quieter (I can hardly hear it, even at startup). With the old one, I used to hear a slight bearing whine at start up. I also had a few occasions early on when the bearing noise got very (nasty metallic) loud as others have reported (It only happen a few times early in 2004 and never returned). 2- The optical misalignment I had with the old one (shows up as a "convergence error"...CRT speak) is gone with the new one (i.e. pure white cross hatch pattern). 3- The contrast looks slightly better (although I was happy with the old one). I assume all are attributable to engineering changes.

I think I found a bug with the Benq 8700's DVI and BNC (VGA) inputs. At least, when paired with a PC's videocard DVI or analog VGA output, the Benq does NOT resync the color wheel based on the card's output frequency.

For example, if I set the DVI output to 50 hz, the Benq's color wheel does NOT change speed to match the new rate - result is some juddery motion when running the JudderTest program with the moving bars set to a speed of 5.

If the DVI output or VGA output (through BNC) is set to 59.943 hz, the color wheel speed does NOT change to match the 59.94 timings, so every 17 seconds or so there is a frame repeat - easily seen with the JudderTest program with the settings I mentioned above.

However, if I use the component inputs with the videocard plugged into an AA9A60 (or is it AA960?) VGA-to-component transcoder, the projector resynces perfectly at all the frequencies I've tried.

My initial posts on this subject can be found here, in the HTPC forum:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5112680#post5112680

My Benq 8700 has firmware update 1.4. Manufactured some time in June. If any of you have the latest firmware (1.7?), can you confirm my findings?

What is needed:

A PC with DVI or VGA output. Powerstrip will be helpful for trying different frequencies.

JudderTest software can be found here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2843210#post2843210

Play with the refresh rates at 1280x720. Try 60 hz, then try for 59.94 hz, and then 50 hz - you don't have to get it exactly, but you should be able to hear the color wheel change if it is working. It doesn't on mine, unless I use the transcoder and component video.

Fastest way is to switch between ~60 hz and 50 hz, the color wheel change should be obvious.

Thanks guys - hopefully we can alert Benq and get a new firmware update to fix this...

Powerstrip timings that can be used for testing:
(you can copy the line, and click on the Paste button in the powerstrip Advanced Timings window)

60.000 Hz:

1280x720=1280,128,72,160,720,1,3,22,73406,0

50.000 Hz:

1280x720=1280,424,40,256,720,5,5,20,75000,15360

Note that the above timings are not the ideal ones - I have an NVIDIA card so it is a little harder to get them. An ATI card will likely be able to get very close without much effort. The latest NVIDIA drivers with the latest beta powerstrip makes things easier as well. I will later post my 59.943 Hz timings that work great on NVIDIA cards.

what is the latest firmware for the pe8700+ and where can i get it?
is there a way to verify what version is on currently?

thanks!!!

I believe the latest is 1.7, but it wasn't available for download last time I checked the BenQ site. I have 1.7 on mine (purchased in July 2004). I just did a hot-swap due to a fan noise problem, and my replacement is also version 1.7.

how can you tell what version it is? Mine was purchased Oct. 2004

I think you can find it in the Service Menu, either under the Factory menu selection or the Thermal one, I can't remember. I don't think 1.7 is available for download at all, and you need to make a cable. Do a search for posts by barrygordon, or look at the Benq 8700 product page on Benq's site for instructions on making one.

Enter the factory menu by pressing the "on" button of the remote while you have the regular menu on the screen. Hit the "menu" button a couple of times a nd you should see the factory menu pop up. You should be able to find the version number in one of the submenus - I can't remember which one at the moment. Be careful about changing any parameters in the factory menu, as you can really screw up you picture. Best to write down any original numbers before you change them, if you do want to play with any setting.

It seems only the old 1.4 firmware is available on Benq's website. Look for the firmware link on the right side of the page here:

http://www.benq.com/projectors/projector_pe8700.html

Originally posted by maxleung
I don't think 1.7 is available for download at all, and you need to make a cable. Do a search for posts by barrygordon, or look at the Benq 8700 product page on Benq's site for instructions on making one.

Actually it is easier than that. Go to the second page of this thread and scroll down to about the middle of the page to where you see a post by me. I spent one evening going through all the threads and providing quick links to the answers to just about every question.

No, 1.7 is not available for download.

Better yet, I'll quote myself.

Originally posted by Carl Holt
Thanks Drapp and Jim:

I had no idea how much those things cost. It's almost as much as the receiver (after rebates).

Back to the main topic. Here are some threads I have found interesting:

Brief mount discussion: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=458273&highlight=PE8700

Screen use with PE8700: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=451401&highlight=PE8700

Problem with happy ending: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=456037&highlight=PE8700

Accolades: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=452854&highlight=PE8700

Questions that led to firmware discussion: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=452157&highlight=PE8700

1.07 Firmware Discussion: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=449524&highlight=PE8700

PE8710 and PE8720 DIscussion: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=448717

AVScience Carries PE8700+, Call Jason: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=452600&highlight=PE8700

Focus: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=445800&highlight=PE8700

Fan Issue: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=443406&highlight=PE8700
and http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=422667&highlight=PE8700

Projector Central Review: http://www.projectorcentral.com/benq_pe8700+.htm

Anouncement on when 8700+ was introduced: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=385821&perpage=20&highlight=PE8700&pagenumber=1

Replacement Bulb: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=434732&highlight=PE8700

Big Service Menu Discussion: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=345564&perpage=20&highlight=8700%20secret&pagenumber=1

August 2003 Secrets Review (PE8700 not the +): http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_3/benq-8700-projector-8-2003.html

Best 8700 Firmware 1.04 Thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=379540&highlight=PE8700

Returns (This may scare some people): http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=409157&highlight=PE8700

Member review. Duate suggests an PE8700 without firmware upgrade: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=405317&highlight=PE8700

Calibation: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=383570&highlight=PE8700

Factory Settings: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=389873&highlight=PE8700


I'll add to and edit this list as time allows.

Ah, thanks for the reminder Carl. :)

I sent an email to Benq support from their website. I notified them of my DVI refresh rate problem and also asked about the 1.7 firmware.

Max, maybe due to my BenQ's european origin, I get the total opposite results! When set at 50 hz I get excellent fluidity at the judder test AT BAR SPEED 10(!) without any frame drops .Onthe contrary, when I set it at 60Hz, the image seems fluid but I lose 10 frames per second! Really weird!

Do you mean you get frame drops (as detected by juddertest) or do you mean it doesn't move perfectly (ie. judder or the bars in judder test don't look solid)?

It certainly is odd!

frame drops as detected by juddertest.

Whoa, sounds like something running in the background that is stealing CPU cycles. 50 hz is slower than 60 hz, so that means whatever is running is isn't stealing so much that it affects 50, but is enough to wreck 60!

BTW, I got a reply from Benq, but it wasn't too helpful. They gave me a spreadsheet listing the frequencies supported for DVI-I, DVI-A and digital, and component/RGBHV. However, it does say that the DVI-I and RGBHV SHOULD support 720p@59.94hz, including 1280x720. The pixel clock for 59.94Hz is supposed to be 74.176 mhz. But, in theory, that shouldn't matter as long as the refresh is correct.

Interestingly, there is a "DVI-I Analog and Digital PC" list of supported resolutions, and it only goes up to 1024x768.

It's kind of confusing though, because isn't DVI-I digital too? Hmmm. I will need to do more testing before I reply back to Benq.

DVI-I does in fact include digital. DVI-I is the designation for a DVI input/output that will support both analog (DVI-A) and digital (DVI-D). I wonder if it picks up on HDCP and uses that to determine whether the signal is from a PC or from a STB (such as a dvd player or hd box)? Maybe?

That reply sounds like a standard first tier support reply. Delving a little deeper into BenQ should help.

Max- if you ever want me to write them something too to maybe bring it to more people's attention over there, let me know. I may not know enough about the PC's set up to test for you yet, but I'm sure I could help some way.

Sure Grant, that would be great. Um, as long as you don't threaten them or anything. ;) :)

Yeah, you're right about DVI-I. It's supposed to be both. I'll keep going with Benq on this - it could be that it is fixed with the 1.7 firmware - it should be verifiable with someone with a PC and a 1.7 Benq and Powerstrip.

Hey grant, yours is a 1.7 firmware benq right? And I hear you have a new HTPC... *hint hint* :) (You can try changing the refresh rate in Powerstrip and listen to the color wheel. Changing from 60 hz to 50 hz should be audible).

Yeah, i do have a BenQ with the 1.7 firmware and an HTPC :). But I don't have powerstrip or anything installed yet. Today is my day to play. I'll be setting it all up through the evening and try to see whats up. If I have questions, you can be sure i'll ask! :D.

Hey guys, what a great find... I'm new to this forum but have been reading many of the post in this great thread...

I've been playing around with my new 8700+ and my HTPC for about a week now and have a few questions... I want to be able to set up the projector as my main TV with Cox Cable HD service as one of my sources... But I want to be able to play DVD's using theatertek on my HTPC and access my email and windows as another source...

My questions are as follows:

1.) I thought I read somewhere that the PJ has the ability to do Picture in picture, is that true?

2.) If I can use DVI input with Cox cable, do I use a switchbox to be able to switch from cable to HTPC using the DVI to DVI cable?

3.) and, (I know I should look for this on the HTPC threads, but maybe someone can point me in the right direction) I'm using an ATI 9600 and I have the dongle (DVI to component).. I've tried using the DVI cable and played with resolutions on the card and was only able to make it work with 1280 x 786 @ 50 htz.. I tried it with the dongle and was not able to get it to work at all... then finally I triend the VGA to RGBHD connection and got lots of activity with that setup... But from what I have read, the DVI (with/ or without dongle) is the way to go for true HD... not sure if it's the video card linitaions or the operator...

Would be interested in knowing what others with similiar setup (Particularly w/ ATI 9600) have in their systems...

PS... and recommendations on swithbox with Audio digital sound capabilities (either SPDIF OR COAXIL) and Video (DVI or component)?

Any advise would be appreciated!

My HTPC setup:
Abit IC7-G MB w/ onbaord SPDIF
M-Audio 7.1 Revolution (Analog and Digital coxial)
ATI 9600
ATI HDTV Wonder
Maxtor 120 GB HD
Panasonic DVD/RW
Silverstone LC03 w/VFD
Benq 8700+

1. Yes it is covered in the manual
2. Yes a DVI switch would accomplish this
3. Supported timings are also listed in the manual, but I'd imagine 1280 x 720 @60 or (59.94) would be your best full-screen res. For PIP I haven't tried various smaller resolutions but will be interested in the results of your attempts. Such as an 800x600 window with an HD res main screen.

Hey Jim,

thanks for your comments... The maual I got with the projector was not complete... I ended up going to the BenQ webpage and got an updtaed manual... I found the information regarding the PIP (Video Group which is Interlaced and Graphic Group which is Progressive)... The graphic group supports both the PC and HDTV....


However, I still am having problems with the resolution....I have the DVI to DVI cable connected and I tried the 1280 x 720 @ 60 hz, but it's not available as a choice... All I have is the 1280 x 768 @56 hz and 60 Hz... 60 hz does nothing (blank screen) and 56Hz gets me the desktop, but only part of it... When I selected the BenQ as my main screen, I got a mouse pointer on the screen and was able to scroll side to side and up and down... Screen scrolled and allowed me to see the edges of the desktop..... The lower right corners shows the resolution as 800 x600 @ 56hz even though the adapter is set @ 1280 x 768 @ 56hz... Is there something else I' missing?...

even when I play dvd's I only see part of the screen.... I also tried accessing the Benq Menu (source, PC hdtv and then tried to change some of the inputs, namely frequency and Auto off.. How do you toggle the on/off and also change values below?) nothing was available to change resolution or frequency...

Is this a scaling problem or something else, let me know... Thanks!

You need to install the latest ATI Catalyst drivers (with control panel) and configure the display properties to 720p and 16:9. you can also use Powerstrip.

As clubfoot mentions you need PowerStrip.......

If you were using Window Media Center Edition as your operating system it has 1280x720x60 as one of it's standard resolutions...., but I am told this is only available with MCE unless you get a third party solution such as power strip.

I have the ATI 9800 card which is quite similar to yours... I was running the DVI off of the Cox Cable 3250 (HD Box) although I would recommend the Cox (Scientific Atlanta) 8300 (HD-DVR). I ran the DVI cable from the Cox box through a Geffen DVI switch to the projector. I also have my HTPC's DVI out feeding the Geffen switch. Then in addition I ran the component cables from my Denon receiver to the Graphic Component In's on the projector. My X-Box, stand alone DVD player, and my ReplayTV (PVR), all run via component from each device to the Denon. I also ran the digital audio out from the Cox box and my PC to the Denon.

It all plays wonderfully.... you have three memory settings (video adjustments) available for each input so you can setup one of the settings for each of your devices, thereby giving you a properly calibrated picture for each different device.

Steve

Hey Clubfoot and Hiho Stevo,

I DO have MCE2005 and I also downloaded the latest catalyst 5.1 from the ATI webpage.. It is available for the MCE2005 systems... I did select the 1280 x720 @60HZ and I still have a blank screen... Am I missing something?

Wow........ that is weird!

When I first booted up my machine (PC) it came up in 1024x768x60 (DVI from the PC to the BenQ... PC mode selected)... and then I simply went to the display properties and switched it over to 1280x720x60 (that was one of the optional settings available) and it worked.

You are running DVI cable from your PC straight to the BenQ?

I am running MCE 2004, hopefully that does not make any difference as I would like to switch over to MCE 2005!!

I would not think that having a 9800 versus a 9600 would make that difference...........

Seems pretty strange that you would not get anything, but a black screen.. with mine I only have the computer plugged into the projector... that is it's only monitor.. I do not know if that makes any difference, but I think I would set the pc to 1024x768 and then boot up with it plugged into the projector and only the projector... after/if the desktop comes up then go to the display properties change to 1280x720 and see if it switches over...?? worth a shot!

Steve

Hey Steve,

I got it working finally, what I ended up doing was un-installaing and then reinstalling the Catalyst 5.1 drivers... Reboot the system and the screen came alive.... I have it set @ 1280 X 720 @60 hz just like you and clubfoot said... That's a beautiul screen!

You mentioned something about updating to MCE 2005. you can purchase the MCE 2005 from Directron http://directron.com/xpmedia.html.. YOu have to buy hardware with it ( I got the mouse for 4 bucks).. I built the system from scratch with this OS... Everything seems to work finally....

BTW, what is the Denon Receiver model that you are using? You have the Xbox, DVD and PVR going into the Receiver and then into the BenQ is that right?

and finally, how do I calibrat the video for each device?

Marc

Thanks for the MCE link.

Yes 1280x720 is GREAT! (can you imagine how good 1920x1080 is going to look!)

I have the Denon 3805, but all of the new Denon's down to the 1705 have the same capability. Three component In and one Out. They also can up convert an S-video or composite signal and output them on component. I would like to have DVI switching built into the receiver..., but that one is out of my rent district.

I used AVIA to calibrate the DVD player over component, AVIA via the X-Box, then mark 1 "eyeball for the PVR. I saved the settings for each one using Memory 1, 2, 3. Then I fired up the DVD player via the PC/DVI and re-adjusted with AVIA.. and saved the memory.. then I used the settings section of MCE (guy in white shirt, guy in black suit and shirt, and billiards scene to do a little final tweaking. I thought the way MCE presented the settings was really excellent and very visual even for us non-experts. When you save the settings while using the DVI input they do not over-write the settings you plugged in for component... each input will store 3 separate settings... so when you switch from component to DVI just push the button for Memory 1 (if that is where you stored the settings).

Steve

Hello again everyone !

I will send my projector PE8700+ to a professionnal ISF calibrator.

I would like to know if somebody uses a color filter to optimize the picture and if yes, which filter to use and where to buy it?

Thank you

I've got the peerless (sp?) and can't get it to stay put once i adjust the ball. Anyone have a chief or similiar?

i have the chief but haven't mounted mine yet

I have the peerless also.... my first one had a problem where it would not stay put even after you tighten down on the ball.... but I had them send a replacement and it tightened up just fine.

The main problem with the Peerless is that you have to get it adjusted in all three dimensions (pitch, roll, & yaw) at the same time as there is only one screw to tighten... I believe they have changed this on their newer mounts.

hihostevo,

Thanks for the reply. How long did you have the mount before you returned it? Was it difficult to get the exchange? If not, I'll try the same thing...

Thanks again.

Guys, been reading this thread,
Excellent information - and excellent input from all involved.

I have an 8700+ question - hope this is the right thread to post it in.
I have an HD sat receiver connected to the DVI port.
I also want to connect an HTPC via VGA to 5-BNC component. The physical connection is no problem, the projo ships with the right cable. The problem is I see no output. The VGA cable tests good on another monitor.

The manual indicates the DVI port is for computer input - although it accepts the HD satelitte receiver. That being the case I need an alternative solution.
The problem may also be with signal synch.

Any ideas, suggestions?
gmale

I am doing what you are proposing, so it should work with the right settings (HTPC via VGA and 5-pin BNC). Here are some possible solutions, all of which assume the output on your HTPC is compatible with a supported BenQ resolution.

Go into the menu, select the "Display" option, select "PC & HDTV" and select "AUTO" which the manual says "adjusts the phase, frequency, and position automatically."

In the alternative, you can try to manually adjust these parameters using the "FREQ" and "PHASE" menus.

I've also found that it helps to have the HTPC on before turning on the BenQ.

Send me a PM if you need the supported resolutions for RBGHV.

I only had the mount for about a week... I purchased it with the projector so I just called up the retailer and they told Peerless I would be sending it back....

When I talked to Peerless Tech Support, they mentioned it was a "known issue" with some of the production. I think that is why they changed the design for the newer ones.

Next mount I buy will have to be able to adjust in all four dimensions if it wants my business!

Steve

Kevin thanks,

checked the setting, they were all fine,
rebooting the HTPC with the projo on did the trick.

I have a Radeon 9600 and am outputting the video (live or playback) on the second (DVI/VGA) port - works well.

gmale

gmale, make sure you are outputing 60hz. Also, be sure to use 1280x720 resolution if you can.

If you are using VGA, press the RGBHD button on the Benq's remote. Or, press PC for the DVI input. Make sure the Benq is in Anamorphic mode by pressing the ANA button.

Can you be more specific about what you are seeing in the Benq's on-screen display?

maxleung,

I was seeing nothing at all, just a white screen with the RGBHD button pressed.
The ATI Radeon 9600 was configured with a second monitor on the DVI port, set to 60Hz and locked in at 720p. The DVI port has a DVI/VGA converter.

I did some basis troubleshooting - checked the video card for output on another monitor - there was output.
Next I checked my VGA cable - at 50 feet it is a long cable but it worked in the past with a different projector.

I think the real trick was to power down & up the HTPC with the projo on.
That gave me video - first in an extended desktop configuration. I then switched the 9600 to Theatre mode (in which only video is output to the DVI port).
It has been working now for the past three hours.

I am using BeyondTV for live/replay video, with the NVidea decoder. I will also be testing Zoomplayer and WinDVD.

Next I'll go into the ATI control utility and play with contrast, colour and intensity.

thanks
gmale

Just got an 8700+ and tried the different settings that are listed here. BTW, thanks a lot.

My biggest question is about the sharpness level that was listed in both. One was at 0 and the other +1. However, at those settings (and through DVI) I am seeing a very thin line outlining the image. When I ran DVE for sharpness it seemed like the appropriate setting was -8. But then the image looked a bit soft. I know appropriate sharpness is in the eye of the beholder, but I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't having equipment problems.

Is this normal? Is anyone else seeing a thin line at those settings?

Thanks,
Troy

I didn't notice that Troy. Could be the source device? I usually have sharpness set to 0 using DVI input. What input is giving you the line?

gmale, I'm glad you seemed to have solved the problem! *fingers crossed*

maxleung,

Source is Denon 1910 going to an Iscan HD+. All DVI. Denon is doing the deinterlacing and the Iscan is scaling to 720p.

Thanks.

maxleung, Kevin

follow-on question on resolution re: HTPC/8700/5-BNC.
Been paying around with maximixing the resolution out to the 8700 and so far I am stuck at 1280x1024. I know the 8700 can do 1080i so what gives? Is it the case the PC outputs progressive so 720 would be max?

I am working with a ATI Radeon 9600. Anyone else with a 9600 have any words of wisdom for maximizing video quality?

The native resolution of the BenQ is 720p, so you will do better at that resolution because, under optimal circumstances, it will result in one-to-one pixel mapping.

If you output 1080i, the BenQ will simply convert it to 720p, resulting in artifacts.

I've verified this with the Accupel signal generator using the multi-burst pattern at 720p and 1080i. At 1080i, the one-pixel width lines are slightly smeared. It really is a case of being unable to put a round peg (1080i) into a square hole (the BenQ's native 720p).

That being said, you should be able to send 1080i to the BenQ via 5-BNC.

thanks Kevin,

I just finished a PowerStrip test - and although I am new to PS - I encountered the same problem at 1080, 60Hz - the projo did not recognize the signal. Stepped it down to 1024 and I have image. So I will step it down to 720 and go with that.

Separate problem: I noticed my left edge is about an inch longer then the right. Keystone does not help here. Took a look at the service menu and did not see anything that would help - any ideas?

...right, yes, I'd prefer not to have to move the mount - it's on the ceiling and it will be a pain to move it.

Still looking for a little help on the sharpness of the 8700. Would like to hear from more of you.

Thanks,
Troy

Could it be that the iScan is doing too much sharpening? I really don't have any experience with your combination of player and iScan. :(

gmale, the benq cannot accept 1080i at 60 hz. Only 30 hz, 29.97 hz, and 25 hz.

According to the service manual, the timings should be close to (but doesn't have to be exact):

Index Format Name Line Rate(kHz) Pixel Rate(MHz) Frame Line(HZ) Line Active Line Total Frame Active Frame Total H Back Porch H Sync Width V Back Porch V Sync Width
6 1080i25 28.125 74.25 25 1920 2640 1080 1125 148 44 15 5
7 1080i29 33.716 74.176 29.97 1920 2200 1080 1125 192 44 15 5
8 1080i30 33.75 74.25 30 1920 2200 1080 1125 192 44 15 5

Excellent, thanks maxleung,
that explains why I was not seeing anythgin at 1080/60Hz!
I've decided I'll stick primarily with 720p, the machine's native resolution

gmale

Originally posted by SEARCH1990
I've got the peerless (sp?) and can't get it to stay put once i adjust the ball. Anyone have a chief or similiar?

The BenQ 8700 is quite a large heavy piece and the weight is not evenly distributed from side to side or front to back.. The standard mounts made have some great difficulty handling this with ease.

I have about 45 of my mount design left for this chassis and that is going to be it unless the the 8720 shares the same chassis...

The mount can be wall or ceiling mounted .... The plates are all precision cnc laser ... the mechanical arms are solid 5/8 solid nc steel that is cnc machined.

Here is a pic of the wallmount config... as you can see from the pic it is fully adjustable on any axis..

The ceiling mount comes in three alternative drop distances.. or can be made to any specific drop distance if you have unusual ceiling heights..


Robert

Here is a few other pics of the mount... The finish is a black satin powder coat finish..

This is a pic showing the precision of the cnc laser cutting... on the projector plate... the plate itself is a very solid 12 ga crs steel.

Robert

Here is a link to an interesting DIY design http://www.xs4all.nl/~etmriwi/ht/benq_pe8700.htm

With a little imagination, the wood could be covered with something attractive and acceptable to a significant other.

Here is another pic.. Alan from AVS was gracious enough to offer these to AVS members BTW..

Robert

Here is another pic..

Hello,

Newbie considering his first front projector purchase.

Have you guys read the posts regarding panning artifacts on the H77 thread? Examples of scenes where these artifacts show are Gandalf lighting his staff in the mines of Moria or in Spiderman 2 where P. Clark is dragging his beat up scooter and the face of MJ breaks up in the posters that are on the wall.

It would be great if an owner of the Benq that has seen these artifacts on the H77 could chime in. I read a couple of reports of people that sent back their H77's after finding them unacceptable. Seeing this in person is hard as I have called all the local AV shops and none stock front projectors anymore (except for Runco).

Thanks.

Robert...........

I cannot tell from the pictures... with your mount is it possible to hold the projector secure in two axis while you adjust the third? (roll, pitch, or yaw)?

Thanks,

Steve

Artifacts can come from the DVD player, an out board scaler, or the projector's internal processor. Therefore, it is hard to say if the problem originates from the projector or elsewhere.

I have not seen the artifacts you mention in the two movie scenes, but then again I use a Bravo D1 DVD player, which, in spite of all its idiosyncrasies, does an excellent job scaling 480p to 720p.

When I first got the BenQ, I did use its internal scaler via s-video, and found it to be very good.

Yesterday, I was playing around with the BenQ's HD component inputs (the 3 BNC connectors) using the Accupel signal generator and was surprised to find, at least on my projector, that when displaying the multi-burst pattern (used to test resolution), the BenQ did a better job with a 480p signal than a 720p. This is counter intuitive because the BenQ's native resolution is 720p and it should look the best. I should note that with DVI at 720p, there is exact 1x1 pixel mapping.

The point is that if you are using the HD component input, put up a multi-burst or other resolution pattern and see if it looks better using a 480p or 720p signal.

Can one of the HTPC users running DVI at 720p post the EDID that your PC received from the PE8700? You can find it in the registry at something like:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Enum\DISPLAY\
BNQ2701\5&35b74bbc&0&00000210&01&00\Device Parameters]

If you export it and select the output as a text file, then you'll be able to copy and paste it.

The EDID is the packet of information passed from the projector back to the source device (DVD player, HTPC, etc) which describes all of the supported display modes of the projector.

I am looking at some strangeness with my DVD player, and I think it has to do with the EDID that the projector passes back to the source. Currently, when I get the information from my computer that does not support 1280x720, the EDID has some bad information defining the supported display timings.

joatmon, here is my EDID entry in the registry:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Enum\DISPLAY\BNQ2701 \5&85c692&0&11335587&02&00\Device Parameters]
"EDID"=hex:00,ff,ff,ff,ff,ff,ff,00,09,d1,01,27,26,00,00,00,19,0e,0 1,03,80,00,\
00,78,ea,05,a0,a8,57,4e,93,24,70,50,54,ff,f6,00,81,c0,61,59, 45,59,31,59,d1,\
c0,01,01,01,01,01,01,64,19,00,40,41,00,26,30,18,88,36,00,00, 00,00,00,00,1e,\
8c,0a,d0,90,20,40,31,20,0c,40,55,00,00,00,00,00,00,18,00,00, 00,fe,00,42,65,\
6e,51,0a,20,20,20,20,20,20,20,20,00,00,00,fc,00,50,45,38,37, 30,30,0a,20,20,\
20,20,20,20,00,25,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00, 00,00,00,00,00,\
00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00, 00,00,00,00,00,\
00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00, 00,00,00,00,00,\
00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00, 00,00,00,00,00,\
00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00, 00,00,00,00,00,\
00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00

I do not get an EDID at all...and I am connected to the PE7800+ via the DVI port (with VGA adapter) of an ATI 9600.

Question 1: is this because I am connected via VGA adapter/cable and then via the 5-BNC cable?
Question 2: Can anyone confirm the video quality via DVI (DVI cable direct) is significantly BETTER than DVI/VGA (DVI/VGA adapter)?

gmale

DVI direct is digital. DVI through VGA adapter is just analog RGB. DVI digital is not alway better (it depends on the display device), but in the case of the BenQ, with a good 720p signal, you can achieve 1x1 pixel mapping. With analog, it is difficult to get a 100% mapping of each pixel, which results in moire and digital noise.

I believe you can achieve 1x1 pixel mapping with an analog signal, but you need to be both very lucky and skilled.

There has been a lot of discussion about whether digital DVI looks better than analog component. There are many reasons for this, but a good rule of thumb is use a digital connection on a digital display device (DLP, LCD, Plasma, etc), and use an analog connection for analog displays (CRT).

Whether the difference is significant to you can be determined by looking at a multiburst pattern and looking for artifacts in the high frequency lines (see attached file for example of multi-burst pattern).

gmale, if I use BNC my Benq 8700+ doesn't get recognized by windows either. I have the same issue using BNC to my 19 inch CRT monitor. Unfortunately, I cannot figure out how to hook up the VGA output on my videocard to the DVI input on my Benq. It would be nice to use the DVI-A portion of the projector with a VGA card, and retain the monitor plug-and-play abilities.

maxleung,

my unit came with a VGA/DVI-I cable...so I would use that cable to make the connection.
If you do not have this cable you can alternatively buy a VGA/DVI adapter (~$25) and that will pass through the analog RBG signal - but then you'll loose plug-and-play.
In my case I also had to use powerstrip to tune vertical synch to 61.5Hz (going from memory - this is precise to 1 decimal) to eliminate "shake" effect.

gmale

Thanks maxleung for your EDID.

Just as I suspected. There appear to be a couple of problems with the EDID from the PE8700. There are four detailed timing descriptors in the EDID. The first one is supposed to be the preferred/native resolution of the display device. It should be 1280x720 along with the parameters for refresh rates etc. BenQ has put 1024x768 in this field. Also, one of these four is supposed to contain the display range limits (horizontal, vertical refresh rates etc). BenQ doesn't have one of these at all.

This could be why we don't always get what we think we should out of the projector.

Does anyone else hear the sound of a can opener on a can of worms :)

I have already sent this info to the BenQ engineer "working" on the problem I am having with my Panasonic DVD-S97 DVD player. If I don't get a solution soon, I might have to get some help from some AVS members to encourage BenQ to get this corrected to help all of us out.

joatmon, interesting observation! I had looked at the EDID info using the Viewsonic EDID reader/writer. But, I did not know what a proper EDID looked like - I guess I should have examined my 19 inch CRT's EDID to get theproper idea.

What you described could be why I can't get anything other than 60 hz to work without judder (using JudderTest 1.1). The color wheel on the Benq does not change if I try to feed it 59.94 hz or 50 hz, and maybe the EDID is part of the problem.

I still haven't heard back from Andy at Benq on my request to fix the lack of color wheel sync when I use VGA or DVI.

BTW, what firmware is in your Benq 8700? Mine is 1.04.

Originally posted by HiHoStevo
Robert...........

I cannot tell from the pictures... with your mount is it possible to hold the projector secure in two axis while you adjust the third? (roll, pitch, or yaw)?

Thanks,

Steve

Steve.. Sorry for the delay in response... yes it is possible... It is quite easy to do actually... For the pics I installed the entire mount and took the pics in less than 5 minutes.. You will find that when you use precision machined parts it tends to be better than plates bent with slots in them.



Robert

Pity for me you did not have it done when I bought my projector...

I may have to buy one anyway....

By the way it appears to me that the new 7700 and Toshiba MT-700 use the same case as the 8700, so I would not throw away the templates yet!

That is one of the big problems with the mount that was recommended to me... it adjusts in all three axis at the same time... which is a major pain to deal with!

Steve

Steve...

They are not templates... I do them up in autocad... and the cnc laser reads the drawing and cuts it exactly to the drawing within 1/3000 of an inch including the hole locations.. I have to do them up in large batches... If I did them up one at a time just the plate alone would cost more than I charge for the entire mount... hardware kit... and shipping... Amber and Stephanie (my daughters) take care of the shipping and invoicing and remarkably they still are enjoying doing it...

Robert

maxleung, I have the 1.07 firmware.

It looks like the only resolution they support at 50Hz would be 720x576.

VESA does have a copy of the EDID spec free on their web site. It is old and not complete, bit it does indicate which parameters are required for the 1.3 rev of the EDID.

I, like you, am waiting for Andy to provide me info/get a fix for me. He is the one I sent the findings to at BenQ.

Robert............... I was just indicating that Amber and Stephanie might have more work to do.... at CES the case that BenQ was using for the 7700 and the case Toshiba is using for the MT-700 look like the same case that my 8700 uses... with different coloring of course.

Steve

Originally posted by gmale
Question 2: Can anyone confirm the video quality via DVI (DVI cable direct) is significantly BETTER than DVI/VGA (DVI/VGA adapter)?

gmale

Gmale,

I have the same setup as you do with the ATI Radeon 9600 and I'm using the DVI out on the video card to the projector via the DVI to DVI cable that comes with the projector.... You should use it in you setup.... You can later add a DVI switch in between the projector and your HTPC, HDTV and DVD player if you so choose... Digital is the way to go!

I have the projector setup as the only display device at this time, but I also received a BenQ Monitor/TV with my projector from the projector people when I ordered my 8700+... I'll be adding that at a later time

Also, download the latest 5.2 Catylist drivers from ATI, you will find the 1280 x 720 resolution @ 60 hz...

And, I too am building a projector mount (as we speak) similar to the monkey mount that is refereneced in other posts on this forum... I should have it done in the next couple of days and will posts pictures, once it's done... weight is the issue with this projector, so the plexiglass may be substituted with metal or wood....

I'll keep you all posted!

whodarem,

thanks for the input on DVI, I agree digital is the way to go.
My setup is a bit complicated, it includes
- an HD satellite receiver connected via DVI (excellent PQ at 720p),
- HTPC connected connected via DVI/VGA into 5-BNC - this gets me PVR on SDTV, and a monitor on the HTPC. I have 5.2 Catalyst but every time I switch the primary to the projo (so I can maintain OSD) it assumes the resolution of the monitor (which is set to 1280x1024).

I have to figure out how to lock the DVI/VGA output to 720p, even though the monitor is at a different resolution. So far it's been a pain.

Gmale,

I ran into the same problem to get between the display devices... It was a real problem, So removed the monitor and ran the projector by itself... Fo now that OK.... I'll get back into that when I hook up the benQ monitor.... It's more like a TV so I think it will not act the same and I'll be able to use the same resolution on both devices.... In the mean time, try setting the monitor and projector to the same resolution...

How are you going to play DVD's? the reason I ask is if you plan on using the HTPC, you gonna want to use DVI... check out this web page

http://www.digitalconnection.com/products/video/ds41r.asp

The switch will allow you to go from satelite, to HTPC and back without disconnecting... Anyway, let me know what happens with the suggestion... I'll be doing the same in a couple of weeks.... (Lot's of honey do's I have to catchup on..)

Also, what video capture card are you using for HD?

Marc

whodarem,

We agree, the Radeon 9600 is NOT that good at maintaining two discrete resolutions....I am sure we'll find a solution....PowerStrip may do better here...I'll keep digging.

My DVDs can be played two ways,
1. via a Denon DVD player connected via 3-RCA component...it's 480i...ouch...but it's reliable and it works till my HTPC stabilizes,
2. via the HTPC and Zoomplayer, via DVI/VGA/5-BNC composite connection...its 720p and fairly clean with 5-BNC...but I expect direct digital/DVI will be cleaner...however I will need a powered switch and the nice ones are expensive. Take a look at Zektor
http://www.zektor.com/dvs51/index.htm

On the HD capture card, I am not using one. My HD sat receiver goes directly to the 8700 via DVI/DVI.
HD capture cards are not there yet (based on my limited research), so for now the HTPC is only doing SDTV PVR duty on cable and satellite.

gus

At a Spanish forum a guy says he ordered the 8700+ last week from a big etailer. Today they've told him that the projector was discontinued and that they were refunding his money.

So, is it official - bye bye 8700?

As an authorized BenQ dealer, I know I can still get the 8700+.

However, it is my opinion (and only an opinion) that BenQ may beef up the PE7700, raise the price (I believe it will have the Senseye feature), and sell it as the replacement for the 8700+ with the 8720 becoming their "flagship" home cinema projector.

Again, this is just a guess.

Kevin, what's the "Senseye" feature?

Here is a link that will explain it in some detail: http://www.benq.us/senseye/index.cfm?article=10

Basically, it is a form of processing that purports to increase contrast, color, and sharpness.

At CES, BenQ had a 8720 showing a split screen -- half with Senseye and half without. My initial impression was very positive. However, I always wonder what artifacts such processing will introduce into the picture. I am anxious to run the 8720 through some of the "torture test" patterns on AviaPro to see how it performs -- hopefully sometime in May.

Question on HTPC output at 720p and "ticker stuttering".

My setup includes and HTPC with a Radeon 9600. The 9600 is configured to 1280x720 at 61.9Hz. PQ is excellent - except for ticker stuttering. For example when viewing CNN or other SDTV news channels that present a ticker bar at the bottom of the picture...the ticker stutters.

Any ideas or thoughts on how to address this?

gmale, do you get judder when running JudderTest 1.1 on your HTPC?

On the other hand, it could be a deinterlacing artifact you are seeing - since SDTV is normally interlaced, the deinterlacing algorithm used by your media player may be introducing the stutter.

maxleung

I do not have JudderTest... how do I get this? I'll do an online search.

Good point on SDTV being interlaced - I will check the HDTV config (HD set receiver connected via DVI) shows the same thing.
The HTPC serving SDTV is using the Hauppage WinTV350 in board encoder and the NVidia decoder.

gus

Has anyone had the following problem: On all video signals (dvd, hdtv) there is now active white noise on black transition scenes, and all video now has a slightly grainy appearance due to the video noise in the background. I have had the pj for 10 months and this just started about a week ago. Nothing has changed in the theater (new electric runs, etc) and I have checked all the obvious things - cables, settings, etc.

Should I send it in for repair??

I haven't noticed that myself, however I do see some interference patterns in nearly-black scenes, which I assume are a result of a possible groundloop in my equipment. However, in regular scenes I don't see extra noise.

It helps to try and isolate if the noise is from the projector or from an external source (power cord, component, DVI, RGBHV, s-video, etc.).

What inputs are you using? Do you get noise on all inputs? If you unplug all inputs, do you still have noise (you may need to check this by putting up some of the test screens found in the service menu)?

If the noise is internal to the projector, I think you should send it in -- what you are seeing is not normal.

I have some pics of my version of the monkey mount for the BenQ8700 but am unable to load them here to view.... Can someone tell me how they are uploaded....

There are limits to picture size and resolution that you can upload - I think 640x480 and filesize less then 512000 bytes. Also, I think you need to hit the Post Reply button, and not use the Post Quick Reply window at the bottom of the page, otherwise you won't get the Attach File option.

Hi!

Is it normal that the 8700 displays a black bar (about 2" wide) on the far right side of the screen when fed with 720p via DVI ?
DVD-Player: Panasonic S-97







Regards.

No it isn't normal. With the DVI input selected, use your 8700 remote control to go to Menu-Installation-Pattern and you'll see the entire available picture marked where the white pattern extends on all sides. Insert a DVD set up disc such as DVE or AVIA into your player and go to the Anamorphic or 1.78:1 set up screens. These should fill the entire available picture you saw from the 8700's pattern. If you can't, this is referred to as overscan and the player is cropping the original source material.

I have a question I hope someone can help. I have the Benq8700+ and the panasonic s97 hooked up via the dvi using a monster adaptor HDMI-DVI. I have set the resolution to 1080i but when you go into HDMI update it is listing 576p resolution?? Can anyone explain? Is it running at 1080i or 576p? Is the monster adaptor doing something? Can someone explain?

cooper784, I'll try and explain what is happening. I asked both Panasonic and BENQ about this and Panasonic Canada came through with the explaination.

I should first point out that the Panasonic is sending the correct signal to the BENQ, whether it is 480i/p, 720p or 1080i. The HDMI update is just displaying information that is being send back to the player.

Both the projector and the source device (S97) communicate through a file called EDID. In this file, the projector sends the source device all the resolutions that it is capable of displaying. For some reason the BENQ is sending back 576p as the only compatible resolution.

This is why why we change the output resolution on the player, it asks us if we are sure ... because the information that the player has is that the projector can only display 576p. Once we confirm the 720p or 1080i resolution ... everything is happy and everything operates normally.

I have not run into any problems with this glitch with the player. This has nothing to do with HDCP encryption as I am able to view copy protected HDTV content through HDMI - DVI.

Myself with another AVS member (joatmon) spoke with the engeneers at BENQ to try and get a resolution on the issue. I haven't followed up with then in a while on their progress. Once Panasonic explained what was happening, I was able to better explain the issue with BENQ to get then to better focus their attention. Hopefully we'll see a firmware update that will correct this.

I hope I explained what is going on correctly.

I would recommend that you do follow up with BENQ so they are aware that more people are having this issue and they can put a higher priority on the issue log.

Cheers!
Mass

I have exactly the same issue with my BenQ PE8700+/DVB318.

Hungrilly waiting for a comparison between the Sharp 2k and the MT700. I've been waiting since December on something that is in the same price/spec. range as the Sharp before making a decision.

Uh oh, chazmo I think you're in the wrong thread.

Mea Culpa

Uh oh, chazmo I think you're in the wrong thread. Well, at least the price is in the right ballpark though! :)

Hmmm, the EDID issue might be a factor in why my 8700 locks in at 60 hz regardless of what refresh rate I choose on my HTPC.

Thank you Massimo, I really appreciate your response. I was worried that I was only gettting 576p despite my setting 1080i. You are definitely sure we are getting the 1080i resolution though?

Massimo.. are you running the dvd at 720p or 1080i for the best picture?

cooper784,

I would strongly recommend you upgrade to firmware 85E540 for the Panasonic if you haven't already done so. The only issue with this version of firmware is that it introduces a little shift in the picture when running 720p. Because of this, I set the output to 1080i where this issue is not there.

Here are my calibration results. I borrowed the grey scale settings from one of the posts here (I appologise if I'm not giving credit, but I can't remember where I pulled these settings) ... and then fine tuned with AVIA and DVE. These are the settings I sent another member about a month ago. The only thing I've changed is with the S97, I've left the Brightness @ 0 and bumped up the brightness on the projector. I'll update the post the next time I turn on the projector.

Usual warning ... please write down all values in the service menu if you decide to go into it. Press menu on the remote, power on, on the remote and menu on the projector. Sequential ... not at the same time.

My projector doesn't have a lot of hours on it, only about 80, so brightness and contrast may be affected, and I'm using a moderate gain screen (Carada Brilliant White, 96" Diagonal and it has a rated gain of 1.3)

S97 DVD Player User Menu (All 480i, 480p and 720p)
Contrast: 0
Brightness: +2
Sharpness: 0
Color: 0
Gamma: 0
Depth Enhan: 0
MPEG DNR: +1
3D NR: +1

SET-UP (S97)
TV Aspect: 16:9 (Obviously)
TV Type: LCD TV/Projector
Still Mode: Auto
Black Level Control: Darker (only affects component)
HDMI RGB Range: Enhanced

Projector (User Menu)
480i (Component through BNC)
Brightness: +33
Contrast: +19
Colour: +38
Tint: +17
Sharpness: -1
Colour Temp: +2
Filter: +1
Red: +15
Green: +18
Blue: +17
Yellow: +19

480p (Component through BNC)
Brightness: +26
Contrast: +18
Colour: +31
Tint: +17
Sharpness: +2
Colour Temp: +2
Filter: 0
Red: +15
Green: +18
Blue: +17
Yellow: +18

720p (DVI-D)
Brightness: +27
Contrast: +18
Colour: +34
Tint: +18
Sharpness: +2
Colour Temp: +2
Filter: 0
Red: +15
Green: +18
Blue: +17
Yellow: +19

Factory Menu Changes (BENQ8700+) I list the original first, then what I changed them to.

Color Balance
..Gamma
....Index: 66/70
....Red: 66/68
....Green: 66/70
....Blue: 66/69
..Gamma Gain
....Red: 512/512
....Green: 438/480
....Blue: 445/455
..Gamma Offset
....Red: 11/11
....Green: 11/11
....Blue: 11/11

Save to Video Temp 2 6500. I cant remember if I saved to the Data Temp. I will have to try and find my notes on this. I just have written down save to 6500.

DLP
I changed the Degamma Table from Graphics enhanced to FILM.

Save in the Factory Section, Save Settings.

Please let me know how these settings work. You cannot just copy my calibration results and get a perfect match, but it should get you in the ballpark.

Cheers!
Mass

Thank you again Massimo.... I will go into the menu and work on it. I am not completely sure how to adjust the factory setting as you speak. So you press the following with the power on.... Menu... power on(on the remote).... and then menu on projector?....The power on will not turn off the unit?... None of this is in the menu. I will go down and see... By the way, I do have the 540 firmware upgrade... Had it done in Mississauga last week.

Max: Thanks for the reply.
Kevin: I ran thru your checklist - still no fix. Benq is doing a hot-swap. Thanks for the help, I appreciate both replies.

Ken

For those of you wondering about the EDID packet.

Here is the EDID packet provided by the PE8700+ to the source device. As you can see BenQ has the incorrect preferred display resolution. The first Detailed timing spec is required to be the native resolution of the projector for a fixed pixel device such as the PE8700+. They have 1024x768 instead of the 1280x720 native resolution. They also do not have an entry for the supported refresh rate ranges for the PE8700+ as required by the VESA EDID spec. BenQ is claiming they don't have a fix for these problems. Since I haven't been getting anywhere with the technical support engineer, I have been e-mailing the director of customer service. I would definitely encourage all of you who want this problem fixed to get in contact with BenQ. They will be unwilling to develop a fix unless we pressure them. I am hoping that the pixel cropping issues that most people see at 1280x720 could be addressed with the fixes. I think we all have paid enough for these projectors to expect that BenQ at least follows the basics of the specifications they claim to support.




EDID:
00 ff ff ff ff ff ff 00 09 d1 01 27 4e 00 00 00 ...........'N...
2a 0e 01 03 80 00 00 78 ea 05 a0 a8 57 4e 93 24 *......x....WN.$
70 50 54 ff f6 00 81 c0 61 59 45 59 31 59 d1 c0 pPT.....aYEY1Y..
01 01 01 01 01 01 64 19 00 40 41 00 26 30 18 88 ......d..@A.&0..
36 00 00 00 00 00 00 1e 8c 0a d0 90 20 40 31 20 6........... @1
0c 40 55 00 00 00 00 00 00 18 00 00 00 fe 00 42 .@U............B
65 6e 51 0a 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 00 00 00 fc enQ. ....
00 50 45 38 37 30 30 0a 20 20 20 20 20 20 00 ec .PE8700. ..



[0x00-0x07] 00 0xff 0xff 0xff 0xff 0xff 0xff 00

[0x08-0x09] Manufacturer: BNQ

[0x0a-0x0b] Product code: 0x2701 (9985)

[0x0c-0x0f] Serial #: 0x0000004e (78)

[0x10] Week of manufacture: 42

[0x11] Year of manufacture: 2004

[0x12-0x13] EDID version: 1.3

[0x14] Video input definition:

Digital input, interface is not signal compatible with VESA DFP 1.x

(TMDS CRGB, 1 pixel/clock, up to 8 bits, color MSB aligned, DE active high)

[0x15-0x16] Maximum image size not specified

[0x17] Display gamma: 2.20

[0x18] Feature support:

DPMS support: Stand-by Suspend Active off

Display type: RGB color display

Preferred timing mode specified in first detailed timing block

[0x19-0x22] Color characteristics:

Red x = 0.656 Green x = 0.306 Blue x = 0.143 White x = 0.312

Red y = 0.340 Green y = 0.575 Blue y = 0.439 White y = 0.328

[0x23-0x25] Established timings:
720x400 @ 70 Hz 720x400 @ 88 Hz
640x480 @ 60 Hz 640x480 @ 67 Hz
640x480 @ 72 Hz 640x480 @ 75 Hz
800x600 @ 56 Hz 800x600 @ 60 Hz
800x600 @ 72 Hz 800x600 @ 75 Hz
832x624 @ 75 Hz 1024x768 @ 87i Hz
1024x768 @ 70 Hz 1024x768 @ 75 Hz

[0x26-0x27] Standard timing: 1280x 720 @ 60 Hz, 16:9
[0x28-0x29] Standard timing: 1024x 768 @ 85 Hz, 4:3
[0x2a-0x2b] Standard timing: 800x 600 @ 85 Hz, 4:3
[0x2c-0x2d] Standard timing: 640x 480 @ 85 Hz, 4:3
[0x2e-0x2f] Standard timing: 1920x1080 @ 60 Hz, 16:9
[0x30-0x31] Standard timing: not used
[0x32-0x33] Standard timing: not used
[0x34-0x35] Standard timing: not used

[0x36-0x47] Detailed timing:
1024x768 (48.37 kHz, 60.02 Hz)
Pixel clock: 65.00 MHz
H active: 1024 H blank: 320
V active: 768 V blank: 38
Hsync offset: 24 Hsync width: 136
Vsync offset: 3 Vsync width: 6
H size (mm): 0 H border (pels): 0
V size (mm): 0 V border (lines): 0
Non-interlaced
Normal display (no stereo)
Digital separate syncs, positive Hsync and positive Vsync

[0x48-0x59] Detailed timing:
720x576 (31.25 kHz, 50.01 Hz)
Pixel clock: 27.00 MHz
H active: 720 H blank: 144
V active: 576 V blank: 49
Hsync offset: 12 Hsync width: 64
Vsync offset: 5 Vsync width: 5
H size (mm): 0 H border (pels): 0
V size (mm): 0 V border (lines): 0
Non-interlaced
Normal display (no stereo)
Digital separate syncs, negative Hsync and negative Vsync

[0x5a-0x6b] Detailed timing block is being used as a descriptor
ASCII string: 'BenQ'

[0x6c-0x7d] Detailed timing block is being used as a descriptor
Monitor name: 'PE8700'

[0x7e] Extension flag: 0

[0x7f] Checksum: 0xec



Presets:
720x 400, 0 bpp @ 70 Hz 720x 400, 0 bpp @ 88 Hz 640x 480, 0 bpp @ 60 Hz 640x 480, 0 bpp @ 67 Hz
640x 480, 0 bpp @ 72 Hz 640x 480, 0 bpp @ 75 Hz 800x 600, 0 bpp @ 56 Hz 800x 600, 0 bpp @ 60 Hz
800x 600, 0 bpp @ 72 Hz 800x 600, 0 bpp @ 75 Hz 832x 624, 0 bpp @ 75 Hz 1024x 768, 0 bpp @ 43 Hz
1024x 768, 0 bpp @ 70 Hz 1024x 768, 0 bpp @ 75 Hz 1280x 720, 0 bpp @ 60 Hz 1024x 768, 0 bpp @ 85 Hz
800x 600, 0 bpp @ 85 Hz 640x 480, 0 bpp @ 85 Hz 1920x1080, 0 bpp @ 60 Hz


Preferred timing: 1024x 768, 0 bpp @ 60 Hz

joatmon,

I thank you for your effort in the name of all the owner of PE8700!

I sent an email to BenQ as you suggested it and I encourage all the users of PE8700 to do it.

Joatman:

Great work.

Can you tell us how difficult it is for BenQ to fix this? My uninformed opinion is that this is simply a firmware update that could be easily downloaded and installed (with the right cable of course).

Would it be possible to amend the EDID and re-load it ourselves?

I just sent an email too. Hopefully we can get somewhere.

Me too

Hi all,

I am connected between an HTPC (with a Radeon 9600 card) and my Benq PE8700+ via high quality DVI-D cable. I am having great trouble, because the HTPC is not seeing the projector. I am therefore unable to get the video displayed via a digital signal, and now reverted to using the same DVI cable, but at the DVI input into the projector I am using the DVI to VGA adaptor that came with the projector. This works fine, but I would really like to have the 720p digital feed via DVI-D from the HTPC back (it worked once and since I have been unable to get the Benq signal to be recognized by the HTPC. Do I understand correctly that some of you folks had the same problem, and that you fixed this problem by rebooting the HTPC with the projector on? What else can I try?

I would be most grateful for your assistance.

Louis Geeringh

Yes, this pixel cropping when using upconversion is particularly annoying. I thought it was the fault of the player and returned a Denon 1910 and Tosh player before I decided to stick with the Panny S97. I hope we see some results from BenQ.

I would assume that it should be as easy as fixing the EDID data in the firmware. That is unless the processor manufacturer or BenQ did something totaly stupid and stored the table somewhere besides the firmware image.

I have tried to find the EDID in the 1.04 firmware that used to be available on BenQ's web site with no success. I didn't spend a huge amount of time trying to figure it out. BenQ doesn't have the 1.07 firmware available to the public on their web site which should be the latest.

I'm not sure if you could trick a Windows PC by editing the EDID in the registry. It may just re-read it every time you try to change it.

joatmon, Thanx for pushing this issue. I have sent yet another e-mail (this time to the person you linked) requesting a status update on the issue. I have 2 open case numbers on this issue (one logged through their web site and the other through phone support).

Hopefully we can get this resolved. As I've said in the past, I don't think this is an issue with the current source devices available, but it may be a problem once HD-DVD or Blue Ray devices start entering the market.

This is really interesting to me. I'm on my FIFTH 8700 projector, and they were all returned because they failed to respond to my DVI input from my PC.

I had to swap out new projectors each time.

I hope BenQ gets their head out of their #$%%'s and fixes this problem.

Does anyone use or have tested a color correction filter with the PE8700+ to improve contrast?

Example: http://www.xs4all.nl/~etmriwi/ht/tweaks.htm

If so, with which filter and there is a significant variation?

Little bothered here. Since people here say this is a Benq related problem I''m quite curious why this never encountered when using 720p on Momitsu to Benq?

I replaced my Momitsu with a Panny S97 and as everyone else running this setup - quite p*#%ed off with the cropping at this resultion.

Originally posted by simarddominic
Does anyone use or have tested a color correction filter with the PE8700+ to improve contrast?

Example: http://www.xs4all.nl/~etmriwi/ht/tweaks.htm

If so, with which filter and there is a significant variation?

I didn't find the need to use any filter tweaks. Smart 3 calibrated, my 8700+ showed perfect tracking across the board for RGB.

With the RGB tracking perfect, the measured on/off CR was smack 2500:1.

A neutral density filter may help if you're using a screen with more than a 1.3 gain.

karlceasar,

I assume you had the Momitsu hooked up through DVI.

I would guess that the Momitsu made a better "guess" at the resolution and refresh rates than the Panasonic does. I don't know if the problems are completely with BenQ, but there are some obvious flaws in the information that BenQ is passing back to the source device. And hopefully if BenQ can fix these problems it just might fix the cropping as well.

It all comes down to how poorly a company implements the spec in their hardware.

Originally posted by simarddominic
Does anyone use or have tested a color correction filter with the PE8700+ to improve contrast?

Example: http://www.xs4all.nl/~etmriwi/ht/tweaks.htm

If so, with which filter and there is a significant variation?

I found some improvement in CR and perceived black level, but the latter may come partly from a brightness reduction that comes with the use of a filter. If you have a smaller screen or find your picture too bright, you might try a CC20R or a Hoya FLD. After the bulb ages you could try a CC10R which will reduce brightness less. After my BenQ 8700 bulb aged I sometimes used the CC10R and with that filter I'd say the results are more subtle. For details see here. (http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=366809&highlight=drapp1952)

Dan

I'd like to see everyone get these problems fixed. I know Benq's VP of Sales and he's a pretty good guy! (formerly with Samsung as most of the current Benq team)...

If you're not getting anywhere with the Benq customer service team, you could go up a notch and send an email to the VP.

I hope he gets things cleaned up!

markdonnelly@benq.com

I have now tried all avenues to get my HTPC / ATI Radeon 9600 videocard hooked up to the PE8700 via a DVI-D connection. I reinstalled all drivers, rebooted the HTPC with the projector on etc. The ATI simply does not want to recognize the projector. I have narrowed down all the options - cable, videocard / driver and the Benq. The problem is the Benq. The HTPC sees other digital display devices (such as my Sony Plasma) perfectly.

My only option was to purchase a DVDO HD+ and now my problems are all sorted out. The ATI sees the DVDO, and the DVDO outputs perfectly to the PE8700.

A warning to all prospective Benq purchasers - if you are interested in a direct DVI-D connection to your projector, budget for a DVDO as well. Based on other comments in this tread, it is a problem that Benq will have to address if they are interested in keeping their customers in future!

Louis

Louis,

I am able to output from my PC to the Benq without problems. I have the AIW 9800 Pro and Windows XP Home Ed. I'm currently configured with the Catalyst 5.1 drivers.

The issue may just be with the ATI 9600 series?

What about nVidia cards? I was going to build a PC with a 6600GT. Anybody tried that on an 8700?

Louis,

I can confirm Massimo N:s experience. I am able to output from my PC to the Benq without problems running a 10 meter Lindy DVI-cable. I have the AIW 9800 SE and Windows XP Prof. w. SP2. I'm currently configured with the Catalyst 4.11 drivers.
Originally I had the same problem but I connected a std. CRT display, minimized screen resoultion, switched back to the projector "live" and then installed powerstrip to get 1:1 pixelmatch.

I have also successfully used my ATI 9700 Pro DVI out to my 8700+ using the ATI Catalyst 5.X driver and selecting, in the advance display properties, "Displays" tab, Monitor and then "Troubleshoot" tab, check off "Force 720p mode".

Me Too...............

I have an ATI 9800Pro in my Gateway 901X running XP Media Center Edition 2004 and it outputs to the 8700+ with no hassle. (12 meter DVI from RAM)

Hey steve! How's it going! Good I hope.

I have no problems outputing to the 8700+ with my 6800GT AGP card. Using NVIDIA drivers 67.66 and up works very well. However, I do recall problems with the PC not sending a proper resolution to the 8700 if I don't have the projector connected to the DVI port when I first install the driver - the Benq constantly puts up a sync out of range and then continuously searches. I have to force the NVIDIA driver into Clone mode, and select 1280x720 manually. Then I attempt to put it in single display mode on my CRT monitor, and then try to get it into single display mode for my Benq.

With that said, if I use Dual-display mode things work out well - but I'm paranoid about VMR9 tearing or misbehaving in this mode, so I try to use single display mode as much as possible.

I should also mention that I cannot output anything but 60.000 hz to my 8700. Any other refresh rate results in judder and tearing! To those with a DVDO, is it outputing 59.94hz to the benq 8700, and do you get any judder or tearing?

I get judder at 59.94Hz DVDO to benq.

I'm guessing its normal since the wheel spins at 300hz (5 x 60hz), there will be some frames that will be out of place if the DVDO outputs at 59.94hz.

I guess 60hz to the benq is a much better choice than 59.94hz.

Ouch. SOunds like the Benq 8700 isn't suitable for digital processors - I know that if I use component video, the Benq's color wheel WILL sync to the proper refresh rate. But NOT on the VGA or DVI! I'm surprised the review magazines didn't catch this...

Ken......... nice to hear from you....

All is well down south we have had some much needed rain, but other than that a mild winter.

Steve

Hi everyone,

My 8700+ seems to flicker once in a while. That is, it makes a funny noise (a similar noise to when I switch resolutions at the source, say from 720p to 480i) and then the screen goes white for a split second. It did it three or four times with my HDTV cable box (through component). I thought it might just be the signal sent to the projector. However, last night it did it twice with my DVD player over DVI (Zenith 318).

It only did this once or twice after the projector was first turned on. The bulb only has about 100 hours on it.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Are there any news on a probable Firmware fix about the DVI input?
Since I live in a PAL Country I would have to use 720p@50hz. Unfortunately the Benq displays heavy tearing with this resolution :(
Also I get some kind of pixel cropping when using 720p (both at 60/50hz)from Panasonic S-97

Regards

Originally posted by Riddick
Are there any news on a probable Firmware fix about the DVI input?
Since I live in a PAL Country I would have to use 720p@50hz. Unfortunately the Benq displays heavy tearing with this resolution :(

Regards

That's weird...I also live in a PAL country and my 8700 as the 8700 of all my friends (a total of 5) has NO substantial tearing at 720 p 50 Hz.It is as smooth as 60Hz.Tested with 1,04 and 1,07 firmware.

gthal, could it be bad power? Or a bad power connection somehow? Also, I assume your Zenith is outputing in DVI digital (not analog) - if so, that is very strange, I would have thought that the video signal is going over spec, which would make sense over component video.

Riddick, are you using an HTPC?

@maxleung: I was using a Panasonic S-97 DVD player but I returned it due to the DVI problems of the 8700. Guess I'll have to stick with component for another while...

Apparently the problem is that the Benq can't resync to 50hz when connected to DVI (always 60hz). Component input works fine.

Some my not notice the tearing, but for me it's pretty annoying!
Also, as I already said, when fed 720p via DVI, the Benq displays a black bar on the left side of the screen (about 2" wide). I'm not sure if this was a problem with the Pana S-97 or indeed another fault with the 8700.



Regards

Oh missed the S-97 part of your post. :)

I'm in NTSC land, and I have to stick to 60 hz on my HTPC to get smooth playback with no tearing or judder. I think it's an 8700 problem. The cropping problem may be an S-97 issue - but I haven't followed the S-97 threads in the DVD player forum for a while.

I changed the setting on the benq to the settings you suggested and went from there. After working with it for some time I have now made the Satellite channels all look green and I cannnot fix it. I hit the button to go back to factory defalt but it did not help. Can someone possily send me your original settings etc so that I may be able to get this thing back to normal. I wrote down my original settings that I changed, but something else must have got changed as well

cooper how about hitting default button on the remote?

I feed my 8700+ 720p from both an HTPC as well as HDTV......

I have never seen this two inch black bar of which you speak.

@HiHoSteveo:

are you using DVI from your HTPC? If so, I guess this bar comes from the Pana S-97!
But there is still the tearing problem with the 8700 at 50hz/720p. This is definetely Benq related.







Regards.

I have tried default in the factory settings page but it just isn't right. To yellow/ green. Anyone have the complete list of the settings?

Here are my default values:

Color balance

Gamma
Index +66
Red +66
Green +66
Blue +66

Gamma gain
Red 512/410/406
Green 512/438/445
Blue 477/462/512

Gamma offset
Red 0
Green 0
Blue 0

cooper, did you go into the factory test patterns menu and select some pattern there?

Of course, maybe your red and blue cables are unplugged? (Hey, you never know!)

Have you tried factory reset in the service menu?

Riddick

Yes, I run DVI from my HTPC and my RCA DTC-210 cable box through a DVI switch to the BenQ 8700+. I used to run my Scientific Atlanta 3250 HD Cable box through the DVI switch also... for some reason when using the DirecTV HD box the projector will no longer "stretch" a SD television signal..., when I had the cable box hooked up I found that when watching a 4x3 show I would use the "wide" mode on the 8700.. I found that this left the center of the picture normal and just stretched the sides a bit to fill the 16x9 screen. With most programing this looked great and avoided that short/fat look that most tv image stretching seems to do. However, when I switched over to the DirecTV receiver that function no longer seemed to work as well... so I am limited to the pillar box, zoom, or normal modes on the RCA box... no idea why.

Cannot speculate on the 50hz situation... as I am in a 60hz world.

you have given the 3 sets of values for gamma gain for each colour. What does each column conform to?

Hi Forum,

We have designed a Pole Mountable WhisperFlow Projector Hushbox for the BenQ 8700 projector! Hushbox is available in multiple colors and features.

All the best!

Dave
www.whisperflow.com

cooper784, I've sent you a PM with my full factory menu default settings. I wanted to re-post a solution to the green tint, as the original post a couple year back now appears to be archived.

To fix the green tint on the component cables, change the Pb and Pr settings from the original 62(ish) to 52(ish).

Thank you Massimo... The pb and pr settings to 52 got rid of the greeen. I am very happy with that. Several of the other settings you gave are different from mine but I cannot change them. One thing I am unclear about is the save to data and save to video... What is the difference and what does each do?

I would like confirmation from others, but it is my understaing that the save data saves the global settings, and save video saves the colour temperature settings (3 different banks representing each of the selectable colour temps in the user menu).

Save Date Temp is for a component input that is 480p or higher (720p and 1080i) and DVI-A and DVI-D inputs.

Save Video Temp is for component that is less than 480p, composite, and s-video.

If your video source is component at 480p or higher, or DVI, you want to save your color temp settings using the "Save Data Temp" option.

Originally posted by Riddick
@HiHoSteveo:

are you using DVI from your HTPC? If so, I guess this bar comes from the Pana S-97!
But there is still the tearing problem with the 8700 at 50hz/720p. This is definetely Benq related.







Regards.

The Denon 1910 also had severe pixel cropping when hooked up via DVI to the BENQ when using upconversion. My guess is this is BENQ's issue.

The BenQ doesn't have any pixel-cropping or any overscan with other DVI DVD players like the Bravo D1/2.

any of you hear a slight buzz when your projector is in standby mode? i can hear it when i put my ear almost up to the back of the unit. the buzzing immediately stops if I flip the master switch off, or turn the projector on. Only in standby mode does it buzz...

I have my Chief ceiling mount for the Benq 8700/8700+ for sell on home theater maketplace/videogon if anyone is interested. We can work out a good deal if interested. I am selling the complete setup for $55. It was purchased new for $200. Chiefs website is www.chiefmfg.com

Just select projectors-other to view my add.

Thanks
Tom

Tom,

which Chief mount do you have??

does it have seperate adjustment/locks for each of the 3 axis (pitch, roll, yaw)?

It's the RPA Series.

Yes, it has adjustments/locks for pitch, roll and yaw.

My ad in videogon.com projectors/other and has detailed info. You can see pictures of the RPA at www.chiefmfg.com. Let me know if you have any further questions.

Tom

I was playing around with the InFocus 4805 recently and found that in the menus it has a white peaking adjustment. Setting this to zero provides a very desireable white output that doesnt look overblown.

Does the 8700 have such an adjustment or equivalent?

.I was playing around with the InFocus 4805 recently and found that in the menus it has a white peaking adjustment. Setting this to zero provides a very desireable white output that doesnt look overblown.
Not that I am aware of. On the Benq, you can adjust contrast in both the user and service menu, with the service menu providing a finer degree of control.

Using one of the many high IRE test patterns on AVIA, DVE, THX Optimizer, etc., it is pretty obvious on the BenQ when you start crushing white detail

Originally posted by Ou8thisSN
any of you hear a slight buzz when your projector is in standby mode? i can hear it when i put my ear almost up to the back of the unit. the buzzing immediately stops if I flip the master switch off, or turn the projector on. Only in standby mode does it buzz...

Listened the other night while in standby mode and I do detect a very slight buzz/hiss on the ac cord input side. Wouldn't have know it was there if you didn't tell me.

Just thought I'd give an update on the BenQ 8700+/Panasonic DVD-S97 problem. I got an e-mail back from BenQ that stated that they have 5 engineers working on this in Taiwan. They will be contacting Panasonic this week, and the USA contact said he will have a conference call with the BenQ engineers next Monday on the status. I'll post any updates I get.

Thanks everyone for e-mailing the Director of Customer Service, it might just get them to fix some of these problems.

Do they also work on the DVI 720p@50hz problem?

Riddick,

I'm not sure about the 720p@50Hz. I assume if they get the refresh rates correct to what they support, then it might get fixed. From the EDID, the only resolution I see that they specifically support at 50Hz is 576p (720x576).

Maybe that is another problem with the EDID.

Originally posted by joatmon
Just thought I'd give an update on the BenQ 8700+/Panasonic DVD-S97 problem. I got an e-mail back from BenQ that stated that they have 5 engineers working on this in Taiwan. They will be contacting Panasonic this week, and the USA contact said he will have a conference call with the BenQ engineers next Monday on the status. I'll post any updates I get.

Thanks everyone for e-mailing the Director of Customer Service, it might just get them to fix some of these problems.


WHOA! whats the problem??? I am " " this close to buying an S97 specifically for the Benq. Link to thread?

Quote from Massimo N:
I would like confirmation from others, but it is my understaing that the save data saves the global settings, and save video saves the colour temperature settings (3 different banks representing each of the selectable colour temps in the user menu).

I too would like to know the clarification.I would like to know how you are to have different settings for the different modalities such as dvi-d and component running on a colour temp #2 for both?

Ou8thisSN,

There are some small issues. There is some pixel cropping on one or both sides. On the DVD-S97 the HDMI status always states that the player is in 576p mode no matter what mode you pick. We are pretty sure the player is actually outputting the correct mode, but with the pixel cropping. At 720p the projector should be in its native format which should provide a 1:1 pixel mapping when using the HDMI-DVI digital link. From what other 8700+ owners have tested, there are cropping problems with some of the Denon players and others. If you look back a few pages on this post, I have listed the problems with the packet of data that the projector provides back to the DVD player. There isn't any cropping at 1080i, but I think the picture looks slightly better at 720p even with the cropping.

Other than an HTPC who makes the best "upconverting" DVD player for the 8700+????

I'm quite happy with my Pioneer 868AVi (Euro version of the 59AVi), but other BenQ owners had no luck getting the two devices to talk to each other via HDMI.

Originally posted by HiHoStevo
Other than an HTPC who makes the best "upconverting" DVD player for the 8700+????
Boy Steve, you are controversial. I know there are some passionate opinions about this topic, but I've been very happy with the Bravo for the money, and it does an amazing job on the AviaPro torture tests.

I also have the Denon 2910, which is better built and much better audio, but I think it is only neck and neck with the Bravo as to PQ (not to mention being $400 more expensive).

The Bravo definitely has some quality control issues, but mine is 1.5 years old, and while it needs an occasional "re-boot" to properly load a DVD disk, I've not had any serious problems.

As a stop-gap measure while waiting for HD-DVD (or Blu-Ray), I would go with the Bravo because of its substantially lower price.

Thanks for the information Kevin..............

What are your feelings about the Denon 1910?


Did you get my PM?

Originally posted by Grubert
I'm quite happy with my Pioneer 868AVi (Euro version of the 59AVi), but other BenQ owners had no luck getting the two devices to talk to each other via HDMI.

My 59AVi works great with my 8700+. I also have a Bravo D1 but prefer the 59AVi. For the money, though, the D1 is hard to beat.

Originally posted by Louis Geeringh
I have now tried all avenues to get my HTPC / ATI Radeon 9600 videocard hooked up to the PE8700 via a DVI-D connection. I reinstalled all drivers, rebooted the HTPC with the projector on etc. The ATI simply does not want to recognize the projector. I have narrowed down all the options - cable, videocard / driver and the Benq. The problem is the Benq. The HTPC sees other digital display devices (such as my Sony Plasma) perfectly.
Louis

Thanks Louis for that post. I just found this thread and it has now answered two of my problems. I can't get my videocard to work with it either. My card is this Sapphire-ATI 9600: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-320&depa=1
At first it DID, and this is how: I just built an, "htpc", I built it in the kitchen, but I figured I better make sure that I had the settings right so I wouldn't damage the Benq (PE8700). I used a computer out to dvi adapter, in to my KDS 19" monitor. It worked just fine in to the KDS. I followed some advice by Maxleung, and then I walked the computer in to the front room. I plugged it in (Straight D.V.I.) in to the Ben. I turned the BenQ on, turned the computer on, and presto! I was looking at the largest boot screen that I've ever seen. I was using power d.v.d. a portable keyboard and a mouse. I was shocked at how good the picture looked. For a couple of days it was fine.---Then I moved the KDS, and all the other computer stuff in to the front room, plugged the comp back in to the KDS, and after two days of not being able to get the dual head thing to work with a normal T.V. I hooked it back up to the Ben and nothing.

I have tried the following: New dvi cord, uninstalling/reinstalling the drivers, uninstalling/reinstalling the software, un/re dirvers software at the same time, plus unplugging the Ben for overnight. Of course after all of that I went back to the adapter in to the KDS to try to re-create the success of the first attempt. The KDS worked fine but unlike when I first put it together, it is still d.o.a. in to the BenQ.

From what I've read on this thread, I think it is possible that it's an ATI 9600 problem. Something happened when I messed around with it for that two day interval. I just bought a Toshiba SD-5980 (Finally a great cheap DVI machine), and it works fine.

Louis, I wonder if there is any other computer hardware in common. My computer: P-4 3.4 1 meg cache, Evalue 9277 mobo, 4 gig of Patriot DDR ram, LG multi-format d.v.d. drive, 2 maxtor Sata 300 gig drives, cheap blaster sound card for now, Win X.P. Pro sp2.
Obviously, any suggestions, or comparisons to what Louis experienced are more then welcome!

Thank you all for a great thread. :)
Dave

What backup UPSes are you guys using to protect your bulbs from damage in case of black/brown outs?

Sorry if this has been answered. But as far as UPS, how do you folks provide protection for ceiling mounted projectors? I plan to run power near the mount point, where the PJ will plug into of course. But then this is tapped of anoter circuit. Other than putting up a UPS up there with it (somehow) how is it done?

Any news of BenQ for the firmware's fix for the pixel cropping with 720p?

Has anyone got the MEMORY function for menu settings to work on thier BenQ PE8700+?

I have tried several times and have not been able to get the thing to remember menu settings 1 thru 4.

How do you do this?

Hi,
A Benq dealer in Austria has successfully flashed the Runco cl710 Firmware into the 8700!

He states that after some tweaking in the Runco Service Menu, the 8700 can indeed display 720p/50hz via DVI without the reported tearing problems.
So, most if not all the reported problems with the 8700 are not hardware related but software bugs!!!

If the Benq engineers are unable to fix these things (shouldn't be too hard) maybe we should install the Runco FW on the Benq.

Just where can I find this 710 FW?





Regards

Originally posted by Zilla
Sorry if this has been answered. But as far as UPS, how do you folks provide protection for ceiling mounted projectors? I plan to run power near the mount point, where the PJ will plug into of course. But then this is tapped of anoter circuit. Other than putting up a UPS up there with it (somehow) how is it done?

I ran the PJ power to an outlet behind my equipment rack and hooked up a 350VA APC UPS to it there from my line conditioner.

Riddick: if true, it would be amazing!

Maybe it will fix my problem with the Benq 8700+ not syncing to 59.94hz over DVI too - I HAVE to use 60.000hz otherwise it stutters! I suspect this will also fix stutter for those with upscaling DVD players through the DVI port...

No update thus far on the pixel cropping issue. They are still "working" on it.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=534061

anyone have a procedure to clean the 8700's air filters, etc.

did you call benQ tech support? i didnt see any instructions on how to clean it either. we have about 290 hours on our pj.

Hmmm, I have 400+ hours on mine now...am I due for a cleanup? :)

Originally posted by Zilla
Sorry if this has been answered. But as far as UPS, how do you folks provide protection for ceiling mounted projectors? I plan to run power near the mount point, where the PJ will plug into of course. But then this is tapped of anoter circuit. Other than putting up a UPS up there with it (somehow) how is it done?

Panamax Sub-Woofer surge protector plugged into the ceiling. It is small to it does not stand out.

If you really want a UPS the basically run a cord to the unit though a conduit hidden above the ceiling and in the wall. The conduit lets you pull the cord if you need too.

Originally posted by HiHoStevo
Other than an HTPC who makes the best "upconverting" DVD player for the 8700+????

Bravo ( I have a D1 and have never had a problem with it, knock on wood.)

Momitsu http://www.extremephono.com/momitsu_dvd_v880.htm

LG LST-3510A http://www.lge.com/catalog/prodmodeldetail?actType=search&page=1&modelCategoryId=CTG1000472&categoryId=CTG1000442&parentId=ROOT&modelPrefix=40AVSD&globalCode=LST-3510A&globalSuffix=000000&model=NOTHING

All very good. The LG unit had some issues with what order the projector and DVD player needed to be turned on. It also gives you an OTA HD Tuner.

Never used the Momitsu but know it is popular. I thought the LG unit gave a better picture.

These three are less than $300. It does look like some of the Momitsu dealers are starting to carry something by Oppo. I have not head anything about this unit.

I will not say how I know, but while the BenQ color wheel is "enclosed" it is still subject to the dreaded color wheel haze that has been discussed in other threads.

If your projector has 600+ hours, and is looking dimmer with less punch, it may not be your bulb but a build up of crude on the color wheel. Do a search on how to clean a color wheel (basically pure water, lots of Q-tips, and lots of patience).

I am not aware of any "filter" in the BenQ, but you can use canned air to blow off the dust that has collected on the internal fan blades (actually little rubber fins). Carefully remove the bulb, and you should be able to see the color wheel and one of the fans.

The Momitsu puts out a great picture via DVI at 720P and 1080I. Scaling quality is very good, but deinterlacing for "video" is very poor...and it uses flags so only properly flagged film-based material with clear 3-2 pulldown instructions gets done right IMO.

The Momitsu also has a few other reasons why it's so popular:

* 1-touch button on remote for zooming non-anamorphic WS material to 16x9 (no changing projector settings)

* Very good high-res analog component performance. If you have a CRT projector or lack DVI on your HDTV the Momitsu looks fantasic running 720P or 1080I via component (the Bravo has overly soft analog output)

* Region free! Play Region 2 PAL discs with ease...they play just like R1 NTSC discs...no fussy menu to deal with to switch back and forth...just open the tray and press play...

Originally posted by Kevin R. Anderson
I will not say how I know, but while the BenQ color wheel is "enclosed" it is still subject to the dreaded color wheel haze that has been discussed in other threads.

If your projector has 600+ hours, and is looking dimmer with less punch, it may not be your bulb but a build up of crude on the color wheel.

Funny you should mention this Kevin......... my 8700+ has about 1200 hours on it and this last week I was thinking the picture was noticeably dimmer than it once was...........

Perhaps it is time to wrestle the monster off the ceiling and have a look!

wait... Kevin, you've done THAT to the color wheel? so in like 400 hundred hours i have to get like those kind of glasses that surgeons wear and try to clean crud off the color wheel?

have you all done this type of thing?

Not me....................

I do recall reading about the procedure a year or so ago in the NEC HT1000 thread..............

There is a better chance that the bulb actually has lost something rather than a issue with the color wheel cover. Get a back up bulb and throw it in and you'll see an obvious increase in lumen output. Rather than that run through your calibration and you'll see it may a bit of tweaking after the bulb has "matured."

I just got a new bulb after only 650 hours. Measuring output with the meter that came with SMART III, and plugging the number into the software, it was only putting out ~80 lumens. New bulb, 297 lumens. The numbers are low for both, makes me think the meter is off, but at least the difference between old and new bulb is quite noticable. The projector can deal with some ambient light now. The projo was ISF'd last fall.

If your projector has 600+ hours, and is looking dimmer with less punch, it may not be your bulb but a build up of crude on the color wheel.

How does one determine this and how does one clean it?

Originally posted by DaViD Boulet
How does one determine this and how does one clean it?

Good question.

Start by reading very carefully this thread

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=381733

The picture posted by Guy Kuo and the difference between a dirty and cleaned color wheel is exactly what I saw on the BenQ.

Proceed at your own risk, but you should be able to evaluate the condition of your color wheel by removing the bulb and shining a flashlight into the small, glass "porthole" intended to protect the color wheel. For the adventurous, the "porthole" is easily unscrewed to allow access to the color wheel.

Let me start out by saying I am not trying to fuel the flames or create a debate.... just curious.........

An acquaintance who is knowledgeable on projectors commented that he felt the H77 was pretty much the same as the BenQ 8700+... perhaps a little dimmer, but with the benefit of lens shift and much quieter operation.

If any of you folks have A/B'd the two of these I would be interested in how your views compare to his.

I realize that as most/many of you in this thread have already made your selection and most of us tend to put our money where are opinion's are... I am still curious as to what any of you might have observed if you had the chance to directly compare these two.

This is a mount that I made for the PE8700. The description is all in the text. I know there are a lot of adventurous people, on this site, who like me, want to save a few bucks.
Dave

http://gallery.avsforum.com/showgallery.php?ppuser=7446426&cat=500

The sun'll come out Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar That tomorrow
There'll be sun!
(I get my new PE8700 Lamp Monday 5-9!)
Just thinkin' about Tomorrow Clears away the cobwebs,
(I don't think I'll try to clean the color wheel though.)
And the sorrow 'Til there's none!
When I'm stuck a day that's gray,
(My whole life is grey without my BenQ. I've been watching a 13" Orion @ 5 feet!)
And lonely, I just stick out my chin and Grin, and Say, Oh
The sun'll come out tomorrow so ya gotta hang on 'til tomorrow
(Easier said then done you little........)
Come what may Tomorrow! Tomorrow!
I love ya Tomorrow!
You're always
A day
A way!
(A day is way too long. Definately buying a back-up bulb!!--And instead of watching Annie, I think I'll watch Apocolypse Now.)

Dave

*** Question about the 12V DC output on the BenQ ***

Is there a "size" to that jack? I want to buy a jack from Radio Shack to fit it but I can't find any documentation. Do these jacks even have documented "sizes" or do I need to physically take my PJ to the Rad Shack and open up the packaging and try out the various sizes to find one that fits? Seems odd...

All the manuals say (both user and service) is that it is a "mini-jack." Generally, that means 3.5mm or 1/8th inch, but who knows. It is odd that the specifications are not included.

Another thing about that jack - the 12 volts is only applied when the lamp is turned on. When you shutdown the projector, you lose the 12 volts right away as the lamp shuts off immediately. It's not a good idea to attach additional fans directly to this jack if they are in an enclosure.

The projector isn't in an enclosure...I just have the little add-on fan sitting in front of the exhaust to help the (anemic) built-in fan expell the hot air a little more efficiently...and it does so amazingly well. It can shut off the moment the PJ turns off without any worry...

That should work really great then. It works for me ... it never goes past fan speed 0. :)

Originally posted by Carl Holt
Bravo ( I have a D1 and have never had a problem with it, knock on wood.)

Momitsu http://www.extremephono.com/momitsu_dvd_v880.htm

LG LST-3510A http://www.lge.com/catalog/prodmodeldetail?actType=search&page=1&modelCategoryId=CTG1000472&categoryId=CTG1000442&parentId=ROOT&modelPrefix=40AVSD&globalCode=LST-3510A&globalSuffix=000000&model=NOTHING

All very good. The LG unit had some issues with what order the projector and DVD player needed to be turned on. It also gives you an OTA HD Tuner.

Never used the Momitsu but know it is popular. I thought the LG unit gave a better picture.

These three are less than $300. It does look like some of the Momitsu dealers are starting to carry something by Oppo. I have not head anything about this unit.

I've been using the Oppo player now since early February. The only problem I've run into that appears to be Benq 8700+ related is that when attempting to set the Oppo for the native 720p resolution, the image shrinks in all dimensions and a slightly bright white border is displayed on all sides. When using 1080i or lower progressive option the image size is just right. There are other things that need fixing in the Oppo but all in all, it's a very fine upconverting player when running DVI-DVI to the Benq. And if you read the very lengthy posts in the DVD section of the forum, you'll find far more on this exceptional player.

but it can't properly mate with the benQ at the native 720P resolution via DVI? That's a pretty big limitation to pairing up these two devices...why else would you *want* a DVI-scaling player if not to take advantage of going in at native-scaled 720P???

Got my 8700+ back from Benq service (there was a color wheel problem) and everything seemed great. However, last night I was watching a movie called P.S. (ok, it's a chick flick but my wife had had enough of my movie choices of late :o ). Anyway, at various places in the movie, the color in peoples faces and even on inanimate objects looked WAY off. You could see bands of color or blotches. On faces, it looked like they had rashes. This was only on certain scenes and not throughout the movie.

So, I start to get annoyed and begin messing around with my settings but nothing fixed it. I tried another movie, Star Wars IV, and couldn't see it. Looked fine. HDTV and SDTV also looked OK. Maybe it was just some sort of MPEG compression issue but it made me nervous. :(

One other question while I have you, in the service menu, I can't change ANY of the settings in the HD menu if I am looking at a DVI source. Maybe I'm out to lunch but I was sure I could make adjustments prior to sending the unit in for service. Any thoughts.

I noticed the same thing when I received my player from BenQ. I found a menu item that let me perform a factory reset and that solved my problem.

I noticed the same thing when I received my player from BenQ. I found a menu item that let me perform a factory reset and that solved my problem.

Was this a user menu item or in the service menu?

Was this a user menu item or in the service menu?

The reset is done from the Service Menu. Had the same thing when they shipped me refurb for a hot swap at one time (which was then returned for other reasons).

The reset is done from the Service Menu. Had the same thing when they shipped me refurb for a hot swap at one time (which was then returned for other reasons).

Thanks Kevin... do you happen to recall what service menu you reset. I think that there are two menu items in the service menu that look like they would reset the settings.

OK...

For those interested, I fixed the color blotching/banding problem noticed above. It was quite bad and noticeable on various DVDs. Anyway, further to the suggestions above, I did a factory reset as noted. Didn't help. So I start playing the detective...

I sent the projector in for a color wheel problem and they replaced the color wheel board. So, I decided to play with the Color Wheel Delay parameter in the service menu. I paused my DVD player on one of the blotchy face scenes and moved the adjustment on the CW Delay from a factory default of 10 down to 0 (as low as it will go). Guess what, as I reduced it, the blotchy/banding color went away.

It is now totally gone and back to the wonderful image I had before. It would make sense that a new color wheel would necessitate calibrating the color wheel delay but it very obviously wasn't done. If anyone else has this problem (i.e. blotchy color), you should at least consider this.

Thanks for the tip gthal.

Anyway, at various places in the movie, the color in peoples faces and even on inanimate objects looked WAY off. You could see bands of color or blotches. On faces, it looked like they had rashes. (Davespectral's editing here...)
For those interested, I fixed the color blotching/banding problem noticed above. It was quite bad and noticeable on various DVDs. Anyway, further to the suggestions above, I did a factory reset as noted. Didn't help. So I start playing the detective...

I sent the projector in for a color wheel problem and they replaced the color wheel board. So, I decided to play with the Color Wheel Delay parameter in the service menu. I paused my DVD player on one of the blotchy face scenes and moved the adjustment on the CW Delay from a factory default of 10 down to 0 (as low as it will go). Guess what, as I reduced it, the blotchy/banding color went away.

It is now totally gone and back to the wonderful image I had before. It would make sense that a new color wheel would necessitate calibrating the color wheel delay but it very obviously wasn't done. If anyone else has this problem (i.e. blotchy color), you should at least consider this.

Yes I had that same problem. (I never sent mine in though) It looks like a solarization. I don't know why, but it really shows up on faces. Mine was going in and out every couple days. I goofed around with mine, found the same setting that you did, and for now it's o.k. My PE8700 is just before the 2+. Mine has a setting of 1-100. For a few days, I was varying mine form 20-80. I pick a face shot, (Kate Bozworth works REAL well :)) that is looking right toward the sun, or bright stage lighting, freeze it, then adjust it. Another thing to consider is that when you adjust the wheel timing, it changes the color a little also. I recalibrate mine (Avia) before I watch a film. I don't think there is a connections, but it quit doing it after I recently changed the bulb.

So my questions are: Why would the wheel vary? Does the color wheel come loose? Does anyone really know what the "Color wheel timing" is? Also I'm wondering if any of the calibration d.v.d.'s have an adjustment for it.

Dave

Wow. I may have to play with that color-wheel delay myself!!!!

Here is a link to a post I made about setting color wheel delay

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5553632#post5553632

Thats great Kevin.
Thanks.

Kevin..........

Did you ever discuss the color wheel discoloration with BenQ?

If so, what was their stand on the issue?

Hey 8700+ fellows........... I had something strange happen yesterday.......... I am wondering if anyone else has seen this behavior?

My home is up for sale and some folks were coming by to look at the house. So I figured I would fire up the projector and have it playing Finding Nemo while they walked through.

I turned on the projector with the remote as usual and then left the room for a few minutes.

When I came back in I was surprised that their was no image on the screen... now the projector was left on DVI from my HD STB which does lock up from time to time, so I turned the STB off and on to make sure it was working... it was. I looked at the projector and I could see light coming from the lens but it was not very bright... not bright enough to illuminate the screen and I could not see an image when I held my hand in front of the lens, just a small rectangle of light. The red bulb lamp was not illuminated... and I do not think any of the other lights were on either. The projector would not respond to any selections from the remote (including OFF) and it would not respond to pushing the POWER button on the projector itself.

I finally moved to the back of the projector and switched the main power switch off and left it that way for about an two hours. When I came back in I flipped the main power switch back to ON and then using the remote started the projector. The normal start sequence ensued and in a few minutes I was watching the normal HD picture from the STB.

Any ideas what would cause a situation like this?

Has anyone else experienced a similar problem?

Thanks................

This has happened to my 8700, but the green light is on with the red light blinking intermittently. I had to turn if off and re-insert the bulb and have had no other problems. Maybe a bulb is going bad early?

Thanks for the response Jim............

No, I did not have any lights blinking at all.........

I have about 1350 hours on the bulb.

Thanks for the response Jim............

No, I did not have any lights blinking at all.........

I have about 1350 hours on the bulb.
Weird, I have quite a bit of dust built up at the air-flow discharges, but don't see in the manuals how to open and clean them. Has anyone cleaned these areas and know of the correct way to open the case and perform this?

Has anyone else experienced a similar problem?

I have also had that happen, I powered up the unit getting ready for some freinds to come over. Went upstairs to meet them and when I returned to the projector 10 minutes later, I found no image, almost as if a screen saver were on or something. Although when looking into the lens I could see a light of sorts. My power light was on but I don't remember about the red light, if it was blinking or not. But any attempt to power down or up was useless, and I finally reverted to the main off switch. After powering back up 5 minutes later everything was normal. Only happened once that I can remember.

Pretty bizarre Jim............ your experience is the exact duplicate of mine.... other than the amount of time I left the projector sitting with the main switch off?

Obviously there is something amiss.......

My 8700 has gotten noisier lately. Maybe it's because of the higher temperatures, but I want to make sure it's not because of a dirty air filter. The manual says nothing about this, but I remember reading it somewhere.

Any information welcome.

The 8700 does not have a filter, but it can collect a lot of dust on the fan blades that have resulted in overheating.

Dan Rapp (somewhere in this extensive thread) described how to do this by taking out the bulb and using compressed air and a computer vacuum to losen and then suck up the dust.

My 8700+ is getting louder as well. I believe it is the fans that are causing the racket and not the color wheel.

Although, if I switch off the projector (using the rocker switch) and leave it off for a day, turning on the projector will result in a nasty horrible grinding noise, not unlike a circular saw cutting through wood. It's probably the color wheel bearings - if they are cold they grind - well at least that is my theory.

This is after the 600 hour mark.

My 8700+ is getting louder as well. I believe it is the fans that are causing the racket and not the color wheel.

Although, if I switch off the projector (using the rocker switch) and leave it off for a day, turning on the projector will result in a nasty horrible grinding noise, not unlike a circular saw cutting through wood. It's probably the color wheel bearings - if they are cold they grind - well at least that is my theory.

This is after the 600 hour mark.Max-
You have to watch more, I'm on my second bulb with a total of 2700 hours!

Found these posts by drapp1952 on cleaning but only for the bulb assembly-I'm sure diagrams can be found in the pj manual. Anyway, to access the bulb chamber you need to: 1) slide the front center plastic piece up and off the projector; 2) unscrew three screws to take off a protective/circuit-completing mental plate; 3) remove three more screws on the bulb assembly itself; 4) pull the bulb assembly out using the small handle on it. The filter/fan is in the bottom of the chamber.

Cleaning the fan cured my overheating-caused lamp failure problem on my 8700.

Dan
and
The fan/filter opening is accessible enough to use a regular household vacuum cleaner with its narrowest attachment and I've done so successfully. You would get more thorough cleaning, however, using something like this:

http://govacuum.com/minatsetfora.html

Dan

Thanks for the info Jim!

And yes, I'm working on getting more hours. I think I've been averaging 2 hours a day in the last couple of months now. :)

Hi everyone.

What with the dust and some other small issues, I decided to call BenQ and they've told me to send in the PJ, possibly for an exchange. Not bad, considering I bought it in October 2003.

Maybe if I wait a little more before sending it they'd give me a PE8720 instead...? :D

i'm at 630 hours and get the circular saw sound occasionally. if anyone has their 8700 fixed for this please post what was done and the cause.

thanks
muncey

FWIW my projector is a little above 700 hours.

I'm a bit wary of refurbished units because it's unlikely that the previous owner has been taking as much care of his/her projector as much as I have of mine. Has anyone done the swap and gotten a unit in worse condition than what they had in the first place?

Hello,
I have a PE8700 and am spoiled by the picture that I get with my DVB318 using component cables, upconverting to 1080i... But I have a question and an issue
Equipment:
3.00 mhz Pentium HTPC running Microsoft Media Center 2005(MCE).
Video card is GeForce 6600GT 128mg (Using purevideo) connected by DVI

The question: Can I get a HTPC using Microsoft Media Center 2005 to have as nice a picture as my DVB318?

The issue is:
When I try 1080i the picture gets the severe jutters, how do I get 1080i to work with my HTPC?
I have tried verious default settings in the 6600's software, and powerstip to no avail....

I can get 720p to work great... but cannot get 1080i to work...
If you have a suggestion for a better (under $200.00) video card if need be, that's fine, considering I do not game at all....
... Any help would be greatly apprecated...
Thanks
Jamie

Your BenQ should do the best job with a 720p signal because that is the projector's "native resolution." If you convert a DVD at 480p to 1080i, then the BenQ has to "down-rez" the 1080i signal to 720p. By only converting once from 480p to 720p, you save the down conversion which should minimize the number of artifacts.

I can tell you that using the Accupel signal generator, a 720p signal will actually have greater resolution and fewer artifacts on the BenQ than a 1080i signal.

My two cents is to use the 720p, because that is what your BenQ likes the best.

Has anyone looked at prices on the 8700+ lately? I just pulled up an online retailer through pricegrabber and couldn't believe what the price on these has come down to.

I checked ebay and found even lower prices putting this projector well into the "other forum" price range.

Is there a new BenQ projector out, or one that is coming out that is that much better? FYI, these prices I saw were for the "+" models.

8720's coming out .... soon? ... someday?.....maybe never.......

beestea.........

I am sure the "street" price of the BenQ 7700 and Optoma H77 has had an effect on the 8700+ prices...

arkhamsouth....

I use an HTPC running MCE 2004 (still need to upgrade) with my 8700+ and I found that simply setting the resolution in the normal windows "display properties" to 1280x720 gave me the best image. The DVD image is much crisper and sharper than it was from my Panasonic DVD player that had a faroudja de-interlacer built in.

Jamie, the 6600GT is known to have issues with 1080i - you would need a DVD software player that supports VMR9 Exclusive Renderless mode - Zoomplayer and Theatertek are great players that can support that and give you less stutter or tearing at 1080i.

With that said, 720p will give you smoother playback overall - for the time being I would use 720p as much as possible if you are going to stick with using MCE as your playback software.

Hello...
Yea... 720p, and 1080i seem to be the great debate... But man this projector looks pretty good at 1080i with the dvd player... But I do see the bluring on fast moving scenes....

My desire would be able to actually compare 1080i, and 720p from my computer... 1) To be able to compare
2) I just bought this card (6600gt) and can take it back if I am not able to use it to it's fullest potential...
Thanks
Jamie

Your BenQ should do the best job with a 720p signal because that is the projector's "native resolution." If you convert a DVD at 480p to 1080i, then the BenQ has to "down-rez" the 1080i signal to 720p. By only converting once from 480p to 720p, you save the down conversion which should minimize the number of artifacts.

I can tell you that using the Accupel signal generator, a 720p signal will actually have greater resolution and fewer artifacts on the BenQ than a 1080i signal.

My two cents is to use the 720p, because that is what your BenQ likes the best.


Hello,
I have a PE8700 and am spoiled by the picture that I get with my DVB318 using component cables, upconverting to 1080i... But I have a question and an issue
Equipment:
3.00 mhz Pentium HTPC running Microsoft Media Center 2005(MCE).
Video card is GeForce 6600GT 128mg (Using purevideo) connected by DVI

The question: Can I get a HTPC using Microsoft Media Center 2005 to have as nice a picture as my DVB318?

The issue is:
When I try 1080i the picture gets the severe jutters, how do I get 1080i to work with my HTPC?
I have tried verious default settings in the 6600's software, and powerstip to no avail....

I can get 720p to work great... but cannot get 1080i to work...
If you have a suggestion for a better (under $200.00) video card if need be, that's fine, considering I do not game at all....
... Any help would be greatly apprecated...
Thanks
Jamie