thanks everyone for your feedback,
great dude, the conditions that i would be using the projection would be about 70movies/30 games and tv..
still new to the projection scene since i am only doing research. but size of the room is 18 feet long and 15 wide.
thanks for your imput guys
sam

thanks everyone for your feedback,
great dude, the conditions that i would be using the projection would be about 70movies/30 games and tv..
still new to the projection scene since i am only doing research. but size of the room is 18 feet long and 15 wide.
thanks for your imput guys
sam

My room is about the same size I have a 114" screen. We typically run with some sconces on the back wall dimmed low for some light....plus light spilling in from the adjacent room.

For serious movie watching, I can close the doors and turn off all lights, but for most viewing that isnt necessary.

My first post and I hope I'm doing this right. Brought in my PE7700 to the local BENQ authorized repair depot today after it blew its second lamp. Thanks to the other 7700 owners I knew what questions to ask regarding the firmware upgrade. Hopefully the next bulb will last longer than 50 (yes 50) hours. When it's running it looks great on my Carada screen.

Ok, thanks everyone.

smithsonga: What kind of screen do you have ? What is its gain ?

- great dude

Ok, thanks everyone.

smithsonga: What kind of screen do you have ? What is its gain ?

- great dude

Carada, BW 1.4gain

Question - are the new bulbs made in Germany?

Is there a tweak guide or has anyone posted their results from a full ISF with the old firmware? I looked through the thread and found a few settings but not a full blown ISF. I can't trust myself with avia and I sure can't afford an ISF right now.

Also has anyone done any experimenting with filters?

Look here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=654791) for some filter tweaking info.

lol I can't believe I missed that thread.

Thanks

Is there a tweak guide or has anyone posted their results from a full ISF with the old firmware? I looked through the thread and found a few settings but not a full blown ISF. I can't trust myself with avia and I sure can't afford an ISF right now.

Also has anyone done any experimenting with filters?

You can get a pretty awesome picture by simply using the 5 basic video test patterns on AVIA. They are VERY easy to use.

Not for somone who is color blind ;)

Question - are the new bulbs made in Germany?

No. They're made in the Czech republic.

I just use the THX Optimizer to calibrate mine. With the new firmware all I changed was brightness.

The lamp's are actually made in the U.S for the record




wise beyond my years

The lamp's are actually made in the U.S for the record




wise beyond my years

Wisebeyond: we're talking about the bulbs themselves, not the lamp assemblies. Since the bulbs are clearly marked "Czech", I have a hard time believing that they are made in the USA. Why would you say that?

NMJack -- I'd be really surprised if the assemblies are made in the USA. It's a lot cheaper to have the assembly (both the final lamp and lamp housing assembly - exclusive of the central high pressure bulb) done off-shore. Those parts just require precision alignment by skilled assemblers.

A lot of high tech electronics equipment is designed here and manufactured and assembled off-shore for US companies.

PS -- What you call a "bulb", I call a lamp. The actual bulb is the central high pressure glass cylinder inside the lamp reflector assembly. That, in turn, is installed in the plastic housing.

Not for somone who is color blind ;)

If you are color blind, then there is no need to calibrate.

I still have friends that come over who arn't. Also I am just slightly red/green color blind. Just enough that I wouldn't want to make the adjustment on my own.

My lamp was assembled in the Czech Republic.

Maybe WISE has just had a little too much Pilsner Urquell.

It's nice to see that everyone is now happy with their new lamp and upgrade, since the topics seam to have gone in a different direction!

Everyone now must really be tweaking!!

NMJack
PS -- What you call a "bulb", I call a lamp. The actual bulb is the central high pressure glass cylinder inside the lamp reflector assembly. That, in turn, is installed in the plastic housing.

Good point. It is, in fact, the reflector/bulb assembly that is marked "Czech." It is also marked OSRAM. Since OSRAM produces bulbs, I assumed that the reflectors were installed as part of the bulb production. That could, of course, be in error.

It's nice to see that everyone is now happy with their new lamp and upgrade, since the topics seam to have gone in a different direction!

Everyone now must really be tweaking!!

Not to rain on anybody's parade, I'm sure we all know the jury is still out on this upgrade. However, I'm hoping for the best but prepared for the worst.

Just wanted to toss in a little optimism!!

Just wanted to toss in a little optimism!!

You're right of course. I didn't mean to sound so negative. I haven't heard of any failures for a while. I'm fairly optimistic too.

Good for you, I'm hoping that this will finally be the end of some of the problems that we as Benq owners are experiencing and can finally move on and enjoy our projectors. Lets give each other some real advice as to how we all can really enjoy our home theaters once and for all! I'm glad that a tweak site for the 7700 has finally been started, i'm sure it will give all of us some good info as we all try to get the best out of our PE7700's.

"Good night and good luck"

One of the bulb boxes i received from toshiba (with a bulb it it) said "made in Germany"?

One of the bulb boxes i received from toshiba (with a bulb it it) said "made in Germany"?

SJK - the "bad" bulbs (the original design) were marked Germany. When the new designs showed up in December, they were marked "Czech." As has been pointed out already, we really don't know what is made where, since the production process could be:

bare bulb >> bulb/reflector assembly >> lamp assembly

One wise guy suggested that the bulbs themselves are made in the U.S., which we probably can't rule out. The original bulbs failed at the bulb/reflector level, with the electrical splice at the top of the bulb burning through. That is what changed in the design when that level was moved from Germany to Czech (based upon the markings on the reflector shell). I doubt we'll ever know for sure, unless the insiders who have been posting provide us with some real facts instead of just high level statements.

Ok,ok,ok so the product is finished here in the states sorry i worded it wrong,but that i am certain of

Ok,ok,ok so the product is finished here in the states sorry i worded it wrong,but that i am certain of

Hey, you're getting wiser already. :)

I'm just kidding. Despite the markings, we don't really know much of anything. If you're the person who actually performs the work, chances are you have a good idea of where you're at. Otherwise, we're all working off second hand information at best.

So I must admit that I have been following this thread for quite some time. I have been enjoying my PE7700 since December and thought I was more than likely in the clear regarding the bulb failure issue since I was approaching 700 hours on the bulb. This afternoon, however, the bulb, without any warning sign whatsover, decided it didn't want to work anymore. I'm not posting this to bash BENQ. I was well aware of the bulb issue when I bought my projector and did so with the hope that BENQ would ultimately take care of the problem(the huge price drop and free bulb didn't hurt matters either). I still have confidence that they will right whatever is wrong, if they haven't already. I'm hoping that they will still replace my bulb even though it had more than the alloted 500 hours. I'll keep you updated as to what they say. In the mean time, soak up some extra HD for me!

Me too. Sept 2005 build. Bought in December. I had about
180 hours on the bulb, when it blew Friday night.

Ok,ok,ok so the product is finished here in the states sorry i worded it wrong,but that i am certain of

Please, share with us how it is you are certain that the lamp assembly is done in the US???

I've been watching this thread and was hoping I would avoid bulb failure but my first unit failed after about 150hrs of use. My original projector had an August build date so this was expected. After one lamp replacement and a complete unit replacement, my new projector failed after 1.5 hours of use. The new projector had a January build date with new firmware. I hope this is a one-off issue and not a sign that the new units are still defective.

Did only your bulb fail, on your new unit. Or did the whole projector.

did the new unit have the .48 firmware. As i think the new firmware was only available in the last half of Jan.

I've been watching this thread and was hoping I would avoid bulb failure but my first unit failed after about 150hrs of use. My original projector had an August build date so this was expected. After one lamp replacement and a complete unit replacement, my new projector failed after 1.5 hours of use. The new projector had a January build date with new firmware. I hope this is a one-off issue and not a sign that the new units are still defective.

Benq should just go ahead and give us all 8720s so we don't end up bashing the company out of existence. They are staring into the abyss.

Benq should just go ahead and give us all 8720s so we don't end up bashing the company out of existence. They are staring into the abyss.

Agreed. With this attitude they are NOT long for this world.

I should have been more specific. It was the lamp that failed and yes it did have the upgraded firmware. It was the first thing I checked after installation. This was my third unit from BenQ and all had defects.

dpack -- It sounds like you have a very good case for demanding a refund.

[b]are We Having Fun Yet!!

I should have been more specific. It was the lamp that failed and yes it did have the upgraded firmware. It was the first thing I checked after installation. This was my third unit from BenQ and all had defects.

HO Boy.....if this starts a trend, watch out. Some of us have been quite patient, but that would be gone.

Well, after only 1.5 hours of use it would be more likely just a defective unit rather than the bulb problem.
Warren.

Well, after only 1.5 hours of use it would be more likely just a defective unit rather than the bulb problem.
Warren.

Let's hope so.

I should have been more specific. It was the lamp that failed and yes it did have the upgraded firmware. It was the first thing I checked after installation. This was my third unit from BenQ and all had defects.
Oh boy. Has someone consulted a lawyer re: a class-action suit for this company? Mine still works but I'm afraid it's any day now and hearing from folks like dpack with 3x failed units it may lead to that. And I'm not the sue-happy type!

Oh boy. Has someone consulted a lawyer re: a class-action suit for this company? Mine still works but I'm afraid it's any day now and hearing from folks like dpack with 3x failed units it may lead to that. And I'm not the sue-happy type!

Yeah.. a class action law suit... :yawn:

I've got better things to do over the next 10 years.

I'm guessing BenQ would do something before it reaches "class action status".

Read over on an Australian Forum that the lamp failures may be related to mounting- upside down on ceiling mount more likely to fail- anybody heard this or had lamps fail in other mounting arangements?

Yeah.. a class action law suit... :yawn:

I've got better things to do over the next 10 years.

I'm guessing BenQ would do something before it reaches "class action status".

Like what ...... send us another bulb?

I have over 200 hours now.

I purchased my PE7700 back in sept 05 and 1st bulb died after two months. They blamed the bulb manufacturer and it took two weeks for a replacement. The 2nd bulb blew two months later and I had to either send them the bulb back or give them a credit card before they would send me a replacement. Well, the 3rd bulb blew again after approximately two months and they have had my unit for almost three weeks now. I'm very dissatisfied with Benq support and I'm trying to get the reseller to allow me to return the unit. Even if the firmware does resolve the bulb issue, I do not want to have anything to do with Benq. I understand issues happen, but they are dealing with it poorly.

I purchased my PE7700 back in sept 05 and 1st bulb died after two months. They blamed the bulb manufacturer and it took two weeks for a replacement. The 2nd bulb blew two months later and I had to either send them the bulb back or give them a credit card before they would send me a replacement. Well, the 3rd bulb blew again after approximately two months and they have had my unit for almost three weeks now. I'm very dissatisfied with Benq support and I'm trying to get the reseller to allow me to return the unit. Even if the firmware does resolve the bulb issue, I do not want to have anything to do with Benq. I understand issues happen, but they are dealing with it poorly.


You are just one of many with the same experience and the same feeling for BenQ. A reputable company with a similar issue would have offered us a refund or a replacement product.

I have been a consumer electronics customer (like all of us) for many years, and I have NEVER had an ownership experience like this. BenQ’s handling of this problem is a textbook case of what NOT to do. Or what to do to NEVER have a customer purchase another product from you again.

Can you give me a single example of a company that has had a repairable defect in a product and just gave everyone their money back or gave them a much better product instead? I think BenQ is doing fine. They are taking care of everyone without question. They paid big bucks to get me my new projector on saturday before the Superbowl.
Warren.

I could go on for pages regarding the poor service I've received from BenQ but its all been said in previous posts. What I find most dissatisfying is that I built a home theater for fun, purchased the PE7700 as something special. Now when I look at it (even if it were working), all I can feel is anger and resentment.

They said they wanted to help make up for the poor service so....

- I asked BenQ for a swap to another product - "we don't have one"
- I asked for a spare lamp in case the next on goes - "we don't give things away for free"
- I've asked for a refund - "we don't give them"

The only thing they do provide is a poor quality product, supported by poor customer service. I would love to post the names of the engineer, service manager and director I've been dealing with but I assume that its against policy.

What did they offer - "we will send you a forth unit after you return the one you have"

I only post all this in the hopes that others will stay away from this company. If you're one of the lucky ones that does not have problems, I'm certainly happy for you. But if you do have problems, chances are you're not going to be satisfied with what they call customer service.

But they are fixing it. The Optoma users are not so lucky.
Quote:
"Do not buy Optoma H78/H79!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are lamp issues with these units and Optoma is not supporting the end user. They say 90 days on the lamp, sorry.

This is totally unacceptable because one of the selling features was the 3000 hour lamp life quoted in the specs. I would be happy with 2000hrs but 500?

My H79 has 500 hours (low mode) and I am down to 70lux at 13ft High lamp mode. It is no longer watchable and hasn't been for 2 weeks now.

Optoma offered a $50 discount off their list price of a bulb but guess what?
They are on backorder. Hmm wonder why.

And I have scoured the net for a lamp but so far no luck.

If I ever get a replacement lamp this thing is going on ebay."

Another Post

"As of today, I have to concur. I just got off the phone with Optoma customer support. They will not replace the dead lamp on my four month old projector and they also confirmed that they are back ordered so I can't even buy one. So for now, I have a nifty white $3600 paperweight.

Talking to a manager does not help. I talked to a Mr. Raymond Mar who informed me that lamp time is irrelevant. They will not replace a lamp after three months no matter what. WOW!"

I should have been more specific. It was the lamp that failed and yes it did have the upgraded firmware. It was the first thing I checked after installation. This was my third unit from BenQ and all had defects.

Why did you have to change your projector 3 times, was the projector bad also?
If that's the case, then there is a bigger problem here then just lamps!!!

I just finally sent in my projector because the lamp started to flicker pretty bad, but the projector was fine, in my opinion, it had 450 hrs on it. Although I do use a power conditioner on my home theater.

Can you give me a single example of a company that has had a repairable defect in a product and just gave everyone their money back or gave them a much better product instead? I think BenQ is doing fine. They are taking care of everyone without question. They paid big bucks to get me my new projector on saturday before the Superbowl.
Warren.

Yes I can, my brother purchased a TV from Sears, and wound up with a lemon. The repair guy came out 3 times to fix it and it never worked right, it always had problems. My brother finally told them that another repair was un acceptable and they gave him a brand new TV even though it was, by this time 9 months later. I'm not talking about a 12" either, this was a 25", at that time! So some companies do take care of things the right way, as should be in this case also!

But they didn't do it right away, they tried fixing it three times and is still didn't work. I am sure if that was the case with BenQ they would refund you too. If the current fix really doesn't work I could see pursuing that and I honestly believe they would do the right thing. It seems so far the current fix actually works.
Warren.

Well then how come some of the people on this forum that have had there units in 3 or 4 times already are not getting an upgrade to a new projector like the 8720, like my brother did with his TV?

most likely because the 8720 costs a bit more then a 27" tv unless his new tv was $4000. You are still not comparing apples to apples. Your brother got a new tv to replace 1 bad tv. Sears didn't go out and replace a few thousand tvs with newer bigger ones. There is a big difference between replacing 1 tv and a few thousand. If all of the 12" tvs of the same model were bad sears would have done a recall and replaced all the 12" tvs with repaired 12" tvs. Wow and what is benq doing? They are having the customer return the defective unit to be replaced or repaired.

But they didn't do it right away, they tried fixing it three times and is still didn't work. I am sure if that was the case with BenQ they would refund you too. If the current fix really doesn't work I could see pursuing that and I honestly believe they would do the right thing. It seems so far the current fix actually works.
Warren.


Hey wnielsenbb,
Can I get your extension at BenQ, so I can check the status of my RMA'ed unit!

most likely because the 8720 costs a bit more then a 27" tv unless his new tv was $4000. You are still not comparing apples to apples. Your brother got a new tv to replace 1 bad tv. Sears didn't go out and replace a few thousand tvs with newer bigger ones. There is a big difference between replacing 1 tv and a few thousand. If all of the 12" tvs of the same model were bad sears would have done a recall and replaced all the 12" tvs with repaired 12" tvs. Wow and what is benq doing? They are having the customer return the defective unit to be replaced or repaired.

Originally Posted by wnielsenbb
Can you give me a single example of a company that has had a repairable defect in a product and just gave everyone their money back or gave them a much better product instead? I think BenQ is doing fine. They are taking care of everyone without question. They paid big bucks to get me my new projector on saturday before the Superbowl.
Warren.

If you look at the original question, "wnielsenbb", wanted an example I gave it to him. Sears gave my brother a better TV! In your opinion it's not apples to apples in my opinion it is, he paid around $900 for that TV at that time. Now maybe to you $900 is peanuts but to some other it isn't. Plus I would like to know how you know that only 1 TV was replaced not a few thousand? They gave him a brand new upgrade not repaired, like Benq. And who knows how many others they replaced also!

It's nice to see that you guys are so understanding about Benq, try to explain to those that are still having problems after 3 or 4 replacements to be as understanding as you are, I'm sure they will appreciate it!!

No I said "gave everyone". They just replaced one persons TV and only after they couldn't fix the problem.

No I said "gave everyone". They just replaced one persons TV and only after they couldn't fix the problem.

So what you are saying is that Benq has fixed the problem? Like I said, tell the people who have had theirs repaired 3 or 4 times, and see it they feel the same!
And as I also said, how do you know that Sears only replaced my brothers TV and not many others, you are only guessing to make things look good for Benq!

Can you give me a single example of a company that has had a repairable defect in a product and just gave everyone their money back or gave them a much better product instead? I think BenQ is doing fine. They are taking care of everyone without question. They paid big bucks to get me my new projector on saturday before the Superbowl.
Warren.

Warren,
You're making an assumption that this defect is repairable. The major issue is that they are not providing adequate customer support. Have you called them? Either you have never dealt with their customer service or you work for them (which is still up for debate).

I have dealt with their customer support a lot. I understand they have some bad ones. Most companies do. If you get a bad one you just need to call back. That trick works for any company. I only called once and got an e-mail contact that I have used for all my problems since. You could try her: Lisa.Sierra@BenQ.com. Lisa has been very helpful to me.
Warren.

I have dealt with their customer support a lot. I understand they have some bad ones. Most companies do. If you get a bad one you just need to call back. That trick works for any company. I only called once and got an e-mail contact that I have used for all my problems since. You could try her: Lisa.Sierra@BenQ.comLisa has been very helpful to me.
Warren.


Lisa assisted me back in January when the 2nd lamp blew. I called and was informed that she is no longer with the company. It appears that even the customer service supervisors are running from this company.

I'm sure we all have different perspectives on what is acceptable and what is not with regards to customer service.

My history of ownership:

- I got a single outright lamp failure on the original lamp design - lamp replaced with new design variant by benq (2.5 weeks out of service waiting for back-ordered lamp)
- reported lamp flicker after about 250 hrs - free lamp sent by benq and assurance that the flickering lamp will still be covered if the problem were to get worse. The flicker can easily be remedied so I considered it a nuisance and not (yet) a symptom of impending failure. I tried the new lamp and it flickered as well. The flicker tends to appear when I switch between display modes, i.e. Cinema to Home Theater or whatever and I think it usually happens when the unit has just started up and has not yet warmed up completely. I'm not absolutely certain of this though.
- At 335 hrs. on that lamp, the notice of an available firmware was published and I sent in PJ reporting again of the intermittent flicker, which hadn't gotten any worse btw, and asked for a firmware update - benq replaced the bulb and updated the firmware. This took one week, sent in Monday and returned Friday, with upgrade done by the Canadian repair depot. Incidentally, I'm really happy PQ wise with the firmware upgrade.

Personally I'm OK with benq's customer service but certainly not happy with being in this situation where I wonder how long the machine would continue to operate. For me, I'm going to wait it out and see what happens, continue to monitor this thread and wait for developments. On the other hand, if it were me with three outright failures it would be a different story. I would be way more forceful with benq about getting a refund or possibly a replacement. Try and get to somebody higher up the support chain if possible. If a CSR is stonewalling, call again and talk to another person.

P.S. I had a situation once years ago where I had an epson photo printer with reports of inks fading to red over a relatively short period of time. I never actually had the problem but I called in and they provided me with a refund with absolutely no hassle. I was happy enough with the result that I ended up buying their recently upgraded model. Now mind you the economics of printers I'm sure is different than PJs as printer manufacturers are really in the business of consumables and printers only help them sell more consumables, although at that time it was a $400 dollar machine.

I have dealt with their customer support a lot. I understand they have some bad ones. Most companies do. If you get a bad one you just need to call back. That trick works for any company. I only called once and got an e-mail contact that I have used for all my problems since. You could try her: Lisa.Sierra@BenQ.com. Lisa has been very helpful to me.
Warren.

Out of curiosity, how many problems have you had since???

I had three bulbs blow before getting a new projector.
Since I got the new projector the day before the Superbowl I have had no problems. In a way I am glad for the defect. I got a new projector 9 months after buying the projector and the PQ is much better than before. Now, if it fails again I will be upset. After hearing how Optoma is treating their customers I will stick with BenQ though. Hopefully it will hold out till they have a 1080p projector. I could see jumping to a Sim2 projector with thier 6000 hour bulb life. That would be nice.
Warren.

Anyone elses posts showing up in GIANT BOLD PRINT??? All the posts I'm reading are showing up that way all of the sudden. Anyone help me out on this?

Thanks, Steve

Anyone elses posts showing up in GIANT BOLD PRINT??? All the posts I'm reading are showing up that way all of the sudden. Anyone help me out on this?

Thanks, Steve

Hold the ctrl button and play with your mouse wheel ;)

The wife fixed it. My daughter changed the font. She is too smart. Thank God for wives that can fix stuff! LOL By the way Jon O's tip was correct!!! Thanks, Jon!

Steve

I don’t think either the argument that the projector is expensive or that there are many of them with the defect is an EXCUSE for BenQ not to support/replace this product.

Projectors are expensive – but we paid for them with our hard earned money, we didn’t get these for free.

There ARE many of these with a problem – therefore it is evident that it is BenQ’s fault. This clarity should make them more likely to replace or refund these units. And nobody said they “should do it right away”. 2-3-4 failures under warranty is not unreasonable to ask for some recourse.

Yes, good companies will do right for their customer base. I had a PDA that kept crashing. I emailed the CEO, they responded with an apology, and admitted there was a problem with that particular PDA. They offered me their top of the line PDA, no extra charges, FedEx it to me the next day, and allowed me to keep the old unit for a week to transfer my data to the new one. And I mean, top-of-the-line, costing several hundred more. That company is...two letters in the alphabet make up the company name. No, not GE.

Like what ...... send us another bulb?

I just wanted to say that that ^ was funny.


(Sorry I'm late. My second child was born yesterday! I have a son! Okay, gotta run. So much to do!)

And to think just a few pages back we were discussing actual settings and tweaking of our projectors and now were back here again.

This thread is useless it should just be renamed to *OFFICIAL* Benq Bitch Thread and then we could start a new projector thread. I supose everyone has the right to complaing but its the same posts over and over and over and over and ... well you get the point (well wait maybe you don't because you keep posting the same thing over and over and over and over and over again). Please if you have read the ENTIRE thread and you are about to post the same thing somone else already posted (probably multiple times) don't. Its just that easy. Keep your hands off the keyboard and go about your day. Your opinion has already been stated by somone else and you don't need to repost the same thing yet again.

Thanks BlakeN

That also goes for posts like "Ditto" and "Same Here".

A number of us subscribe to this thread and don't necessarily feel like logging in to see that kind of stuff. We don't get new notifications until we do log in. Lately, this has been a huge wast of time!

I just wanted to say that that ^ was funny.


(Sorry I'm late. My second child was born yesterday! I have a son! Okay, gotta run. So much to do!)

Congratulations. I have two and they are the joy of our (my Wife, their Grandparents and my) life. Have fun with him. Oh…and I hope he will grow to enjoy the movies.

And to think just a few pages back we were discussing actual settings and tweaking of our projectors and now were back here again.

This thread is useless it should just be renamed to *OFFICIAL* Benq Bitch Thread and then we could start a new projector thread. I supose everyone has the right to complaing but its the same posts over and over and over and over and ... well you get the point (well wait maybe you don't because you keep posting the same thing over and over and over and over and over again). Please if you have read the ENTIRE thread and you are about to post the same thing somone else already posted (probably multiple times) don't. Its just that easy. Keep your hands off the keyboard and go about your day. Your opinion has already been stated by somone else and you don't need to repost the same thing yet again.

This post reminds me of the bulbs we keep getting in the mail.....

That was kinda funny :)

Ya, lets get back to basics, lets just here from people who have the New firmware, with a new bulb design. And if they have any problems, or how successful its going. No offence, but the when a new member pops in from knowwhere and enlightens us with the fact thats his Benq he bought in Nov, with an old bulb , and is finding out it burned out. And how he is gonna Burn Benq to the ground, or hire 80 lawyers to launch a class action lawsuit. Maybe people should go back about 40 pages of threads, and read how this problem has progressed from the start, evolved, and how it now appears solved.

So if you have a pre 0.48 firmware model, and a new or old bulb. But are still up and running. Send your unit in and get it fixed, the odds are your bulb will blow prematurely without the the firmware and the bulb fix. I know it sucks to be without it for 2-4 weeks, but getting is solved now is better than waiting for your bulb to blow again. Im sure we will know by late April or May how well this fix is working, but i certainly see almost 0 fresh complaints on the new upgraded units, with new bulbs. And i do mean New units, from late Jan till now.

Lets keep this thread from going way off base,

Following up on my previous post further info from Australian forum, following is quote from a member.
" There was a lot of failures up untill about last month when they started updating firmware. The issue was that when the machine is inverted, the fans should speed up to compensate for reduces air flow - that wasn't happening so the bulb over heated.

The new firmware also seems to extend the shut down cool down time."

Have asked member where this info came from.

It would be interesting to know if those people who have had multiple lamp failures have ceiling mounted their projectors.

I for one is ceiling mounted. I mean if you look at your projector offset angle, this projector must be ceiling mounted or else you have sure have keystone problem if put on the coffee table unless you put it on a shelf behind your seat.

Mines on a coffee table- had to slightly adjust keystone but then my screen is not that high
Approx 1.45 mtrs from floor to top of screen

Following up on my previous post further info from Australian forum, following is quote from a member.
" There was a lot of failures up untill about last month when they started updating firmware. The issue was that when the machine is inverted, the fans should speed up to compensate for reduces air flow - that wasn't happening so the bulb over heated.

The new firmware also seems to extend the shut down cool down time."

Have asked member where this info came from.

It would be interesting to know if those people who have had multiple lamp failures have ceiling mounted their projectors.

My 7700 was on a coffee for 6 months while I finished my HT room in the basement. I had 2 bulbs go bad on the table and 2 bulbs blow on my ceiling mount.

I now have the updated firmware and can confirm the fan does run a little faster so it should cool a little better but according to my watch the cool down time has not changed. My basement theater never gets above 65 in (summer) it's a cool room indeed, and all HT seats have blanket shaws for the comfort of my guests who get quite cool watching a movie.

Only time will tell if this is the fix, I was at 220 hours when the last bulb blew it will take me 6 months to get back their as my wife and I only watch 1 or 2 movies a week. My kids are gone to college so it won't get a workout until this summer.

Guys, try to ignore those that you disagree with. Arguing with them just makes things worse.
Some of you have to understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
This thread is useless it should just be renamed to *OFFICIAL* Benq Bitch Thread and then we could start a new projector thread. I supose everyone has the right to complaing but its the same posts over and over and over and over and ... well you get the point (well wait maybe you don't because you keep posting the same thing over and over and over and over and over again). Please if you have read the ENTIRE thread and you are about to post the same thing somone else already posted (probably multiple times) don't. Its just that easy. Keep your hands off the keyboard and go about your day. Your opinion has already been stated by somone else and you don't need to repost the same thing yet again. .
I like hearing the experiences of others. That is why the thread is called *OFFICIAL* Benq PE7700 Thread. We are all trying to resolve the lamp issue AND enjoy our projectors. :)
-tom

I am checking back in to report that my five week old refurbed replacement projector has recently started the slight flickering problem again. Yes, this is 0.48 and a new bulb. I have about 110 hours on the bulb. And, my projector is mounted right up by the ceiling. The room is 68 degrees constant.

The problem can be fixed by changing from full (which I use all the time) to economic mode for a while and then toggling back. So far, it is not too big a deal, but I will definitely be watching. Based on my bad luck before the SB (which BenQ made right by delivering a bulb quickly with a Sat delivery), if it is going to fail, it will do so during the final four or some other equally inappropriate time.

I don't have time to call and wait for BenQ on the phone right now. Off on spring break next week so I won't be using it for a while.

The issue was that when the machine is inverted, the fans should speed up to compensate for reduces air flow - that wasn't happening so the bulb over heated.


I don't understand how inverting the projector will reduce air flow. The inlet, fans and exhaust are all centered wrt the sides of the PJ.

I don't believe that inverting the projector reduces airflow.

In my experience, many projector models automatically increase the fan speed when switched from desk to ceiling mount mode. I'm sure this is a design feature due to the consideration that warmer air in the room does collect at the ceiling, and that means the fans must move more air in order to have the same cooling effect.

The air temp at the ceiling in my theater can be 6 to 8 degrees warmer than the air lower in the room at the seating or desk position.

I for one is ceiling mounted. I mean if you look at your projector offset angle, this projector must be ceiling mounted or else you have sure have keystone problem if put on the coffee table unless you put it on a shelf behind your seat.

Greetings,

Let me clarify...

The PE7700 has a 0 offset....
Translated:

If you are ceiling mounted the center of the lens should be dead even with the top of the screen surface.

If you place on a table or shelf (right side up), then the center of the lens should be even with the bottom of the screen surface.

Those that wrote that they were on coffee tables, etc., and needed some keystone correction, have their tables either below bottom of screen surface or above...

Hope that helps... -art

- reported lamp flicker after about 250 hrs - free lamp sent by benq and assurance that the flickering lamp will still be covered if the problem were to get worse. The flicker can easily be remedied so I considered it a nuisance and not (yet) a symptom of impending failure. I tried the new lamp and it flickered as well. The flicker tends to appear when I switch between display modes, i.e. Cinema to Home Theater or whatever and I think it usually happens when the unit has just started up and has not yet warmed up completely. I'm not absolutely certain of this though.I'm having the same issue with my PE7700, which was purchased in December. It's most noticeable when I have a solid color on the screen like grey or white. Switching modes generally resolves it. I only have about 100hrs on the unit with the latest firmware and new bulb design.

I'm sure we all have different perspectives on what is acceptable and what is not with regards to customer service.

My history of ownership:

- I got a single outright lamp failure on the original lamp design - lamp replaced with new design variant by benq (2.5 weeks out of service waiting for back-ordered lamp)
- reported lamp flicker after about 250 hrs - free lamp sent by benq and assurance that the flickering lamp will still be covered if the problem were to get worse. The flicker can easily be remedied so considered it a nuisance and not (yet) a symptom of impending failure. I tried the new lamp and it flickered as well. .

I don't know if I would call it a nuisance! My lamp started to flicker and it was very annoying. My PE8700 never had a flicker at all, even after 700 hrs on it. If I wanted that kind of a picture I could have set up my brothers old 8mm projector.
There should be no reason for these lamps to be flickering, they should provide us with a nice bright even picture. Flickering lamps are not acceptable. When my projector returns, I hope I will not see that again! :cool:

There should be no reason for these lamps to be flickering, they should provide us with a nice bright even picture. Flickering lamps are not acceptable.

Just in case there are some newbies out there, I think it is worth mentioning that many instances of lamp flickering are not a defect, just the normal behaviour of these types of bulbs as they "wear." With these projectors, if the lamp is flickering, the first thing to try is switching the lamp from low to high (or the reverse) for a few hours. Many reports of flickering are on the low setting and a few hours on high will generally eliminate it (even after switching back to low).

So what it seams you are saying is that projectors that have an eco mode and a normal mode have a flickering issue. Because my PE8700, which had only one mode for the lamp, never had a flicker. Which means that by having a different level of brightness it might flicker. I wish I new that prior to my purchase.

I guess it kind of makes sense. It sounds to me like the lamp is probably going between two different modes and not locking onto any particular one, which I'm still not to thrilled with. Hopefully that won't be a regilar thing!

It sounds to me like the lamp is probably going between two different modes and not locking onto any particular one, which I'm still not to thrilled with. Hopefully that won't be a regilar thing!

No, that's not the flicker I'm refering to. There are some real experts on the AVS forums that have explained this to us before. At risk of mis-stating the facts; the flickering is caused by the arc within the lamp shifting positions. During most usage, and particularly at the higher power, the lamps strike an arc that "burns" consistently. At times however, the arc shifts back and forth within the lamp, due to uneven "wear" or some other atypical material condition. Switching the lamp to high power reestablishes a stronger arc that burns through whatever irregularity was causing the flickering. I'm sure someone will fill in any details I've neglected to mention. :)

edit: I forgot to mention, but I think this is a characteristic of all lamps used in our PJ's, somewhat independent of make/model.

No, that's not the flicker I'm refering to. There are some real experts on the AVS forums that have explained this to us before. At risk of mis-stating the facts; the flickering is caused by the arc within the lamp shifting positions. During most usage, and particularly at the higher power, the lamps strike an arc that "burns" consistently. At times however, the arc shifts back and forth within the lamp, due to uneven "wear" or some other atypical material condition. Switching the lamp to high power reestablishes a stronger arc that burns through whatever irregularity was causing the flickering. I'm sure someone will fill in any details I've neglected to mention. :)

edit: I forgot to mention, but I think this is a characteristic of all lamps used in our PJ's, somewhat independent of make/model.


I'm wondering if the flicker might also be caused by the variation in utility power coming into the house. I don't know what the standard is for voltage variation for utility power but I'd bet it's +/- 5 volts AC. So there's a swing of 10 volts which could account for the flicker. In a double conversion UPS such as Tripp Lite's they guarantee a +/- 3 volt tolerance so perhaps those of us who have problems with utility power maintaining a +/- 5 volt tolerance should consider purchasing a double conversion UPS.

I'm wondering if the flicker might also be caused by the variation in utility power coming into the house. I don't know what the standard is for voltage variation for utility power but I'd bet it's +/- 5 volts AC. So there's a swing of 10 volts which could account for the flicker. In a double conversion UPS such as Tripp Lite's they guarantee a +/- 3 volt tolerance so perhaps those of us who have problems with utility power maintaining a +/- 5 volt tolerance should consider purchasing a double conversion UPS.

FremontRich - if it were the power supply, then switching the PJ to high lamp wouldn't fix it. It does in many cases, so that may rule that out.

Now I am more confused? With all the problems with the bulbs for the BenQ projectors, is the probelm finally fixed? In addition, should I wait awhile to purchse this unit or just dive into the fun with everybody else. Please let me know. Thanks!

I don't understand how inverting the projector will reduce air flow. The inlet, fans and exhaust are all centered wrt the sides of the PJ.

I blame it on the "new math". [old man voice]Back in my day......[/voice]

So now, you think that this thread has become the "bitching thread" because all you hear is the same complaints over and over. The reason for this is simple, the same problems keeps happening even with every so-called "fix". Well get ready for another "bitching session". As this has now risen to hysterical proportions, humor is included as it keeps me from losing my mind. My apologies.

My newly fixed projector finally arrived back from BenQ's Hopeless Hospital after going in for some fancy procedures which they said would cure the patient, the PE7700. Of course, I was delighted that the patient was now home and given a clean bill of health by Hopeless Hospital. Yes, even like before, the patient looked great on the outside and seemed eager to get back to work, projecting. I even ignored the "little voice" that kept saying, "here's a clue, BENQ...Bum Equipment No Quality. My son-in-law (who is a computer/video freak professional, and owns his own business) came over to re-install it as he has done too many times already. Thank God, he doesn't charge me for this. He must either enjoy my misery or feels sorry for me and this continuing saga. He personally doesn't believe this whole "firmware" story for a number of reasons and from his professional experience and knowledge.

Anyway, back to the story...now everything is hooked up, HDMI, Comp 1, Comp 2, SVideo, RGBHV, all DVD's, HiDef, video switchers, HT Audio, all systems are good to go. The patient is eager and ready, and switched on. The moment of truth has arrived. Drumroll please...Look, Behold, images and video now appear on the often lonely and abandoned screen. But wait, do I see what I see...the images don't appear to have a realistic appearance or color. Everything seems to have a huge halos around it, even halos inside halos, grass looked purple instead of green, faces, backgrounds, and everything looked smeared, like something out of a Halloween horror movie. Houston, we have a problem. Euphoria quickly turned to shock, and shock turns to hysterical laughter. That this Hopeless Hospital can achieve this kind of result is mind-baffling. I also noticed the "patient" was also flickering, almost like it was "winking" at me and telling me..."see fooled you once, twice, three, four times and now five. And guess what, the "patient" was right.

Of course, I called BenQ Hopeless Hospital, ready to inflict the most brutal verbal assault known to man. However, the CS guy apologized over and over and over again. I actually felt sorry for him to have to be the guy on the front line getting bashed so many times through no fault of his own. Since the "fix" did not fix anything, and actually made it even worse, he told me, Again, I'm sorry, since you have had so many problems with this projector, we will ship you a brand new PE7700. You will be getting a UPS shipping label in your Email to send us the projector back. OK, we'll uninstall it, pack it again, and wait for the Email shipping label.

I waited, and waited, and waited, and am still waiting for this Email shipping label. Of course, today is Saturday, can't call them now. Yup, should have listened to that voice a long time ago.

That is my continuing saga or "bitching" as some would call it.

Since I've owned this PJ I've experienced two different kinds of flicker. The first, happened about 150 hrs on the original bulb. It looked like it was flipping from low to high lamp mode about once a second and very noticeable. The frequency was very consistent. I normally run my lamp on economy. I switched to high mode for a few hours, switched back and this problem never came back - then my bulb failed not too long after that episode.

The other flicker is quite slight, pulsates at a much higher rate, but is not nearly as intense. Switching the mode to high then back again immediately will cure it. I have not seen this behaviour for quite a while now. I find that it happens when I go into tweak mode to check out PJ settings. I did this whenever I got a new bulb and when I got the new firmware. I did a lot of switching from low to high, Cinema to Home Theater, etc. It is always during these occasions that I get the slight flicker. Since I've left things alone I've not seen the flicker. I've had this flicker on three separate bulbs now, one at about 350 hrs (replaced by benq), another at about 20 hrs (brand new spare), and my current bulb. I think I may have about 100 hrs now on my current bulb. In all cases I haven't seen the flicker since I first played with settings.

My pj is on a surge protector if that means anything.

I've also seen flicker on my old Infocus X1 the odd time. This flicker is like my second description, a high rate sometimes barely noticeable flicker. It too goes away after switching to the alternate mode for a while. That lamp is about 2.5 years old and on about 1500 hrs right now.

I don't really know if I should be concerned about this or not. I'm just going to wait it out and see what happens. For now I'm really enjoying the PQ on the PJ. As others have noted, sometimes viewing these sometimes speculative postings can get your blood pressure going :-) For the last couple of months now I've heard of maybe one or two on the outside, cases where there had been failures with new lamp and new firmware. For now, I'm going to consider the problem fixed and enjoy my PJ without unnecessarily worrying about it. My experience with Benq support has so far been great. IMO I believe they'll help me if it fails again.

IMO for those of you still on old or new lamps with old firmware I would suggest that you get it updated. That way at least you'll know you're on the latest and greatest. If that fails you would have much more leverage with benq if it comes to asking for refunds or upgrades.

"Anyway, back to the story...now everything is hooked up, HDMI, Comp 1, Comp 2, SVideo, RGBHV, all DVD's, HiDef, video switchers, HT Audio, all systems are good to go. The patient is eager and ready, and switched on. The moment of truth has arrived. Drumroll please...Look, Behold, images and video now appear on the often lonely and abandoned screen. But wait, do I see what I see...the images don't appear to have a realistic appearance or color. Everything seems to have a huge halos around it, even halos inside halos, grass looked purple instead of green, faces, backgrounds, and everything looked smeared, like something out of a Halloween horror movie. Houston, we have a problem. Euphoria quickly turned to shock, and shock turns to hysterical laughter. That this Hopeless Hospital can achieve this kind of result is mind-baffling. I also noticed the "patient" was also flickering, almost like it was "winking" at me and telling me..."see fooled you once, twice, three, four times and now five. And guess what, the "patient" was right."

Jake, I had this once when I first got my machine. I had a funky component cable to component/vga adaptor to vga cable to benq vga/bnc cable to pj just to get a a temporary coffee table setup going as I had nothing of the proper length. It wasn't always consistent and in the twenty hours I ran this setup I got what you're seeing twice. Since I've fixed my cabling I've not seen this problem since. Once I got into the situation nothing I did short of turning the pj off then back on fixes it (note to not immediately turn on the PJ - give it about 15 minutes).

I did all that, (actually, my son-in-law did), ran different cables, disconnected HDMI, all with same results using different modes, different DVD players, etc., nothing worked. My son-in-law (who has an Optoma), joked about maybe how this projector was probably used as a doorstop while in the shop or maybe contracted Mad Cow disease. You have to find some humor now or else lose your wits.

Now I am more confused? With all the problems with the bulbs for the BenQ projectors, is the probelm finally fixed? In addition, should I wait awhile to purchse this unit or just dive into the fun with everybody else. Please let me know. Thanks!

Personally, I'd wait for the pool to be filled.

I'm wondering if the flicker might also be caused by the variation in utility power coming into the house. I don't know what the standard is for voltage variation for utility power but I'd bet it's +/- 5 volts AC. So there's a swing of 10 volts which could account for the flicker. In a double conversion UPS such as Tripp Lite's they guarantee a +/- 3 volt tolerance so perhaps those of us who have problems with utility power maintaining a +/- 5 volt tolerance should consider purchasing a double conversion UPS.

The pj has a built in step-down transformer. It would take some very wild swings on the supply side to have any impact on the converted power that the lamp actually sees. Now, if that internal transformer (ballast) were defective...

The pj has a built in step-down transformer. It would take some very wild swings on the supply side to have any impact on the converted power that the lamp actually sees. Now, if that internal transformer (ballast) were defective...

I believe the projector lamps are high intensity discharge type lamps which require an initial high voltage (20k+) to strike the arc after which the ballast drops the voltage down to whatever voltage required to sustain the arc.

Primer on HID lamps:

http://www.advancetransformer.com/support/faqs.jsp?pcid=4&faqsubcategory_id=1&faq_id=105

Of course, I called BenQ Hopeless Hospital, ready to inflict the most brutal verbal assault known to man. However, the CS guy apologized over and over and over again. I actually felt sorry for him to have to be the guy on the front line getting bashed so many times through no fault of his own. Since the "fix" did not fix anything, and actually made it even worse, he told me, Again, I'm sorry, since you have had so many problems with this projector, we will ship you a brand new PE7700. You will be getting a UPS shipping label in your Email to send us the projector back. OK, we'll uninstall it, pack it again, and wait for the Email shipping label.

I waited, and waited, and waited, and am still waiting for this Email shipping label. Of course, today is Saturday, can't call them now. Yup, should have listened to that voice a long time ago.

That happened to me back in February. They wound up issuing me another UPS label, and lo and behold BOTH of them showed in my inbox within 5 seconds of each other. So I'd call them and ask them to issue another one.

So far so good on my replaced PE7700... Broke either the hundred or hundred-fifty hour mark not too long ago. (the PE7700 is basically my TV, so I rack up the hours fairly quickly.) I figure I'll know in June whether or not "the sun is shining" regarding the firmware upgrade. Both previous bulbs blew somewhere around the 800 hour mark for me.

In the meantime, just happy to have a working PE7700 back. Despite the bulb issues, the darn thing just puts out a *darn* impressive picture! (*crosses fingers!*)

One satisfied customer....

PE7700 premature bulb failure, but out of 90 day warranty. No hassle from BenQ, issued 2 day UPS to pick up PJ, and returned to me with new bulb and firmware within 10 days.

I was frustrated at first, but after hearing how Optoma is handling their problems with the H78/H79 I am very pleased.

No problems so far, only 15 hours of NCAA action over the weekend. BTW, picture quality is greatly improved.

I'm wondering if the flicker might also be caused by the variation in utility power coming into the house. I don't know what the standard is for voltage variation for utility power but I'd bet it's +/- 5 volts AC. So there's a swing of 10 volts which could account for the flicker. In a double conversion UPS such as Tripp Lite's they guarantee a +/- 3 volt tolerance so perhaps those of us who have problems with utility power maintaining a +/- 5 volt tolerance should consider purchasing a double conversion UPS.

All I know is that my home theater is on a surge protector and also a Monster power conditioner, which should keep my power clean and stable. My old PE8700 never had a flicker at all. That's why i am still a little weary of the quality of the PE7700. As soon as I get mine back I will pay attention to all the changes, hopefully they will be good ones! I never really had any problems with the projector as far as the picture quality, only the lamp, so far. I'm expecting the quality to be as good or better then before, although some of the input on this forum makes me a little nervous about the picture, after the new upgrades.

Sorry to hear that some of you are still having problems. Our CSD is working very hard to "turn around" and turn over is always part of that. Please keep in mind that I do watch this thread diligently, (that is until it turns into mindless dribble) I have personally contacted members on this thread to address their issues, and help solve their problems. i have purposly not responded to the thread directly to prevent the "dribblers" the ability to lambast me and my company. I watch, I read, and I respond to the issues or their appropriate departments within our company to improve them and notify them of your "issues". if you keep the thread productive, I will remain and continue to solve and move along the issues.

FYI - I DO WORK FOR BENQ!

I can purchase a new PE7700 (Feb. 06 build) for $1499, should I do it?

BEN Q DUDE: What are the chances of a Feb. 06 build projector of having the bulb issue?

I can purchase a new PE7700 (Feb. 06 build) for $1499, should I do it?

That is a great price for this projector, the picture is great! If the lamp issue is definitely resolved, I would recommend it. Although others on this forum will probably disagree. But then again I have purchased other Benq products like the PE8700 last year and I was very happy with that projector. I will be receiving my projector back tomorrow, so I will be able to start to keep track of the new lamp and firmware upgrade to see the difference. I'll keep this forum informed!

Sorry to hear that some of you are still having problems. Our CSD is working very hard to "turn around" and turn over is always part of that. Please keep in mind that I do watch this thread diligently, (that is until it turns into mindless dribble) I have personally contacted members on this thread to address their issues, and help solve their problems. i have purposly not responded to the thread directly to prevent the "dribblers" the ability to lambast me and my company. I watch, I read, and I respond to the issues or their appropriate departments within our company to improve them and notify them of your "issues". if you keep the thread productive, I will remain and continue to solve and move along the issues.

FYI - I DO WORK FOR BENQ!

Could you please do the owners of the Toshiba MT700 a favor and find out if our projector has the same issue as the PE7700? We are all told that the firmware update for us does nothing to resolve the lamp issue.
Thanks,
Tom

I can attest to the fact that BEN Q DUDE does indeed work for BenQ, and he is certainly in a position to help get the 7700 back on track. I can also confirm that he has contacted some members directly, and addressed concerns with the 7700.

It's still early in the process with the updated firmware. Let's hope that the one reported failure since the update is a fluke.

Keep things civil and respectful, and you'll have the ear of someone at BenQ who can make a difference, both with the product, and the customer service department. There may not be enough time in the day for him to post back much, but he is 'listening.'

I just got a call from my girlfriend telling my that my 1 month old lamp just went out in my PE7700. This will be the third lamp for my projector in about year that I have owned it.

I understand BEN Q DUDE's desire to keep the thread productive. However, he needs to understand how frustrating this is for people like me who have spent $2500 on a product and had so much trouble. I have always been courteous when calling BENQ support to get a new bulb. I was understanding of the situation the first time I had to get a replacement. The second time, I was very mad, but I was still understanding and courteous when I called. Now I am starting to get furious.

I work in a technology company that has 7 projectors which we use for presentations. Half are Infocus and half are Sanyo. They are all at least 2 years old and they get dragged and bumped from meeting room to meeting room to car trunk. They are subjected to users which are not educated and pull the power out before the cool down is finished. Yet they all keep right on working.

My PE7700 is mounted permanently, far out of reach from any one, on the ceiling. It is in a dedicated home theater room which is clean enough to polish silicon wafers. There is no way for a person to remove power from it. Yet this will be the fourth bulb I need to order with less than 300 hours on it. I understand that there was a manufacturing problem. What is BENQ supposed to do, they trust that there vendors which were reliable in the past will be reliable in the future. However, after the volume of problems they had and are having with this projector, you would think they would take this situation more seriously.

BEN Q DUDE:

Please tell me what I need to do to get this resolved?

Please tell me why BENQ should not have had this situation resolved by now? If it is a reasonable explanation I will be more understanding.

Thanks,

David

Did you have the firmware updated with the last lamp change?

If not, that's what BenQ is instructing owners to do.

Did you have the firmware updated with the last lamp change?

If not, that's what BenQ is instructing owners to do.


No BENQ did not ask me to, but I see reference to that in the forum now. I am going to call BENQ right now.

David

I will tell you what frustrating is...dealing with FedEx ground. I sent my 7700 to BenQ to get the firmware update and new bulb after my second bulb failure (March 2005 mfg date, average 165 hrs/bulb). BenQ returned to PJ and it was scheduled for delivery last friday. Of course, since people work no one is at home when they try to deliver. No problem, it will be like UPS and i will call them and drive over and pick it up. WRONG.
The CST told me I had to wait out all three delivery attempts before I could pick it up (which I find out today - day of third attempt - that i could have put it on hold last Friday and picked it up on Monday). Now after three attempts, the driver decides a fourth attempt is in order...hopefully I got this delivery attempt stopped so that I can pick it up tomorrow (6 days after initial delivery attempt).
HOWEVER, they will not provide any contact info for the pick-up, I have to wait until FedEx call me to arrange a time (of course I should mention that they were supossed to call last Friday but didn't). I will also have to leave work early, as the site closes at 5:00pm sharp and is over 60 miles from DC (Hagerstown, MD). Only 30 miles past where I live!
Why does BenQ provide UPS delivery tags for returns and then use FedEx for delivery. I hate FedEx.

That happened to me back in February. They wound up issuing me another UPS label, and lo and behold BOTH of them showed in my inbox within 5 seconds of each other. So I'd call them and ask them to issue another one.

So far so good on my replaced PE7700... Broke either the hundred or hundred-fifty hour mark not too long ago. (the PE7700 is basically my TV, so I rack up the hours fairly quickly.) I figure I'll know in June whether or not "the sun is shining" regarding the firmware upgrade. Both previous bulbs blew somewhere around the 800 hour mark for me.

In the meantime, just happy to have a working PE7700 back. Despite the bulb issues, the darn thing just puts out a *darn* impressive picture! (*crosses fingers!*)

Interesting that you got that many hours on two bulbs before failure. Don't remember a single post in this thread that came close to those # of hours. Would not be a good thing to see this thread change in the coming months to new bulb design+new FW and now instead of failure at 150-200 hours or so 800 to what 1000 ? My unit, old FW, but new design bulb at almost 500 hours economy mode throughout. No flicker and that great PQ.

On a related issue how long have you folks been waiting for the free bulb from the rebate promo to arrive ? BenQ recieved my form on Dec. 23 and as of today status remains "Recieved, Submission is being processed" Just hope I don't need a new bulb for, well, maybe the NCAA final four.

I sent my bulb rebate in about the same time and
they said I would get it late June or July. It would
have come in handy last week when the original
one blew out.

I have been waiting for mine for 3 months now, they originally told me it could take as long as 6 months. Makes alot of sense, huh,! They have plenty of lamps to exchange for the problem ones, but will not send out the rebate ones for 6 months. That's the worst rebate program I have ever seen! At least when I purchased the PE8700 last year the free lamp arrived one week later. I understand that originally they had a lamp problem, but they have since received plenty of new ones, so there is no reason why it should take that long at all! Pretty sad rebate service!!

I sent my rebate in early December and got the bulb in late January. Guess I got mine in right before you guys and before any 'shortage'... of course they probably gave me an old bulb design.

yep, bulbs are a problem, and contrary to belief, unless it is a planned problem, it takes three months to solve from a manufacturing standpoint. We have plenty of defective bulbs in inventory, but, nobody would like those, so the factory had to make new bulbs to solve yor problems, and mine, and then new product, so rebate bulbs will come next. About a month away.

Phillips Shipped 2500 Defective Bulbs, Phillips Replaced 2500 Defective Bulbs, New Bulbs Operate At A Different Temperature Than The Original Specs, Firmware Needs Updating To Compensate For New Operating Temperature Of New Bulb, No Conspiracy, Just Facts...jeez!

I'm a little confused, in a previous post you said that 2500 lamps have been replaced with new ones. So are you saying that over 2500 new ones have already been used to replace bad ones and there are none to send out for rebates?

BEN Q DUDE,

You have opened up a new question for some of us. Before I purchased my 7700 I contacted BenQ support, spoke to two different reps. This was back in late november. Was told that the problem had been solved for units with manufacture dates after Aug. 05. My pj has a man. date of Sept. 05 and firmware version: 0.44,A00 release date July 21 2005. You state that the new bulb operates at a different temp, requiring the firmware upgrade. So you can understand my confusion. Were there two bulb redesigns? Since I have the older firmware, will I need the firmware upgrade to be able to use the rebate bulb, which I assume will be the latest design? Any insight you could provide would be appreciated.

Thanks

yep, bulbs are a problem, and contrary to belief, unless it is a planned problem, it takes three months to solve from a manufacturing standpoint. We have plenty of defective bulbs in inventory, but, nobody would like those, so the factory had to make new bulbs to solve yor problems, and mine, and then new product, so rebate bulbs will come next. About a month away.

I know this sounds crazy, but just think about this for a moment...

If you have a bunch of *bad* bulbs just hanging around, why not send them out to people to use to 'tie someone over' in case of a bulb swap?

Heck, I'd even pay the shipping! (seriously, I would!)

Mmmm, I guess from a legal standpoint you really can't because you know they're going to fail anyway, but... if you want to drop a few in the mail, I wouldn't complain!

Unfortunately, I bought my pe7700 too early to be eligible for a free bulb. Sucks, doesn't it?


And is there really such a thing as a planned manufacturing problem? ;)

Interesting that you got that many hours on two bulbs before failure. Don't remember a single post in this thread that came close to those # of hours. Would not be a good thing to see this thread change in the coming months to new bulb design+new FW and now instead of failure at 150-200 hours or so 800 to what 1000 ? My unit, old FW, but new design bulb at almost 500 hours economy mode throughout. No flicker and that great PQ.

I'm pretty good about cleaning the dust filter; normally take it out once a week and blow it out with compressed air opposite to the normal airflow. You'd be surprised at how much gook gets trapped by that thing.

Well my projector came back today, after only 9 days, which was nice to see! So I'm ready for the future with new lamp in hand and new firmware! Time to see what happens in the next episode of the never ending saga of the PE7700! "And, action!!"

I'll keep everyone abreast or is that informed?

Hello,

I have owned a pe7700 since june/july of 2005 and just found this thread today. I was very suprised to see all the problems everyone has been having with the bulbs. I am creeping up on 800 hours on the original bulb, and the only problem I have had is some dust inside the projector that leaves a faint grey spot on the screen. I feel sorry for all of you that had to deal with all the headaches with this projector, but when its working, its an awesome projector.
I was going to talk to the people at the place where I purchased the projector about getting that dust removed, but now it looks like I may soon have to send my projector in and get the update also.

All I can say is incredible, and may the force be with you!!

Actually it's nice to hear a positive story about the PE7700! My original PE8700+ had no problems, so hopefully the upgrade will resolve this whole issue.

By the way I just finished watching my first movie, about 15 minutes ago, on the new lamp and firmware. My projector just arrived today. My only gripe is that the new lamp already shows 69 hours on it!
The picture quality pretty much seams the same, no real difference. Which is fine by me, because it always was great. I still think, that for the money, the picture is awsome, especially in Hi Definition. I often watch PBS's Soundstage concerts, and they just floor me on this projector as far as the picture goes. I'm not sure what the people out there, who spent $15,000 for a projector are seeing on their screen, but I bet it's not worth the the extra money compared to what I'm seeing for what I paid!

P.S. I'll keep track of how the new upgrades affect the lamp life and picture and keep everyone posted on the results! I can't wait to see King Kong!!

I concur with Dorito: I purchased my PE7700 from AVS in June of 2005 and have had no problems. I have nowhere near the hours that Dorito has on his PJ. And what's this about a firmware update? Should I contact BENQ about lamp/firmware concerns

I bought my PE7700 in August 2005, I have around 250hrs on it so far and have had no lamp problems with this awesome PJ at all. Except for some flickering which gets annoying when I play some PC games, it does get tedious switching from economy to high and then back to economy lamp mode to get the flickering away. I've also noticed that the flickering comes back 15 to 20 minutes after going back to economy mode.

I will eventually send in the PJ to get the new firmware but i'd like to wait until it is confirmed by "the people" that the new upgrade will actually fix the lamp issue.

My PJ is connected to a brickwall surge protector/power filter which in turn is connected to an Uninteruptible Power Supply on which I can watch a complete 2hr movie in case power fails (subwoofer is not connected to UPS though).

I live in slidell, Louisiana so a UPS is a must have when annoyances such as a Katrina hurricane passes through! (I was one of very few people who had absolutely no damage/flooding).

It would be nice if BenQ could design an LED lamp assembly which we could install instead of the ones we have now, then maybe they would last about 3000hrs.

Glad to hear a few good stories. :)

I did have the stock and 2 replacement lamps go out on me with only one of the reaching 200 hours(got all the way to 216 :rolleyes: ). But each time I was taken care of promptly Projector People next day aired me the first 2 replacements so I was only down for a day or two.

Then sent it into Benq for the fix and had it back in just 8 days :) . Hopefully this will cure the problem and I can just sit back and enjoy the great picture this projector puts out.

Dorito, Is your bulb in echo mode or full power mode. I bought my PE7700 in May 2005. Used it in full power mode from day one and the lamp died after approx 220 hours. Got the new design bulb from BenQ in Nov-2005 and used in economy mode for about next 120 hours. I do need the extra brightness for my HT but did not wanted to be without a PJ during holidays. Then after BENQ offer the new FW and the bulb replacement, I turned the full power mode and the bulb died after few days (maybe after another 20 hours). To me, the problem looks like not adequate cooling of the bulb. Both of my bulbs (old and the new design) failed with the top lead to the bulb blown (melted) away.

After the second bulb failure, sent the unit for new bulb and new firmware and got it back in about two weeks. The unit comes back with bulb economy mode as default and I did not change it ( do not want to be without a PJ again). My room is not very dark and I would like to get as much lumens as possible but I am not sure if BenQ has really solved the problem and raised the bar to the point where we can have decent lamp life in high power mode. Also my room temp is normally 75 to 80 degrees which may qualify my setup to want BenQ describes as the special conditions causing lamps to fail.

So my questions to people with 300+ lamp hours is: Are you using you PJ in full lamp power mode and without the high altitude fan settings. And what are the other conditions such as normal room temp.

I don't know about hearing good stories, since "aerospace" has the same flicker problem I have, I just received my projector back yesterday with the new firmware and after only 2 hours its already very annoying with the flickering. Which means the upgrade will not resolve the flicker issue. Which really aggravates me, my PE8700 never had a flicker at all, the PE7700 sucks in that area. If I have to keep watching movies with this irritating flicker problem then they could have their crappy projector back. I was originally sold on Benq with my PE8700 purchase, but I and quickly changing my mind about this companies quality.

So my questions to people with 300+ lamp hours is: Are you using you PJ in full lamp power mode and without the high altitude fan settings. And what are the other conditions such as normal room temp.

My projector had over 400 hrs. on it before I sent it in, and the only real problem I was constantly experiencing is an annoying flicker, while others were blowing their lamps. I personally don't think it makes a difference if its in eco mode or full, or the temperature in the room, I feel its just a poor design and none of those things will matter. My unit ran fine at the beginning for almost 200 hrs. I even eventually installed a power conditioner to keep the power clean and ran it only in eco mode, it still didn't help. I wish I never sold my PE8700+. I really regret it. All I wanted from the 7700 was to get as close to 3000 hrs. of lamp life in eco mode as possible, since I have a dedicated home theater. That's the only reason I sold my 8700 and bought the 7700. What a mistake!!!

For those with flickering. Have you run on the alternate lamp mode for at least a while (I would say for the next 10 hours or so) prior to switching back to your normal mode?

I had it initially, went through the above procedure, and it hasn't come back since I did it.

I had a flicker shortly after I got my current 7700. I switched modes for a few hours then switched back and it has been fine since (220 hours or so now.)
Warren.

I will try to do just that, and see if the problem goes away, thanks! I'm just confused why this projector(7700) does this at all, like I already said several times my 8700+ never had a flicker at all. That's why I am very weary about whether I will see anything close to 3000 Hrs. in Eco mode on the 7700, the main reason I made the puchase. The 8700 only had Full, no choice of settings, but I bet it would have given me 2000 Hrs. of use on a lamp.

Well, this is the 4th lamp failure. 2nd failure with the new bulb design. Guess I'll get to send it in and get the firmware update... although I'm not certain that will work either. I live in the state of TX and we have a lemon law... I wonder if it would apply to this purchase? Frustrating to have this happen again... and right before the final four.

Less than 100 hours on the bulb this time around...

I will try to do just that, and see if the problem goes away, thanks! I'm just confused why this projector(7700) does this at all, like I already said several times my 8700+ never had a flicker at all. That's why I am very weary about whether I will see anything close to 3000 Hrs. in Eco mode on the 7700, the main reason I made the puchase. The 8700 only had Full, no choice of settings, but I bet it would have given me 2000 Hrs. of use on a lamp.

Outright lamp failure is one thing. Lamp dimming is another problem. There's a bunch of current threads in this and the other forum with regards to premature lamp dimming. Some people are saying that at relatively low hrs., the lamp may well be dimmed significantly and that this may be typical of normal lamp behaviour. I have an X1 with about 1500 hrs on it. It used to light up a 100" display when new. It's now being used on a BO cloth screen of less than 50" diagonal and it still looks dim. From reading those lamp problem posts it would appear that anyone who gets about 1000 hrs. of use out of a bulb without noticeable dimming is actually doing very well.

The flicker issue had been documented very well by Bob Williams of Infocus on this forum as possible normal behaviour that can be rectified using the previous posted procedure. If it persists then it should be brought to the manufacturers attention.

IMO, with front projection using current lamp technolgies, we're going to get lamp problems generally at somewhat less than the posted lamp spec. we're used to seeing advertised by the manufacturers. Even without failure, they may be too dim to use sooner than we'd think or would like.

I wonder if maybe we notice and comment on lamp limitations on this forum more often mainly because buyers at this level are very sensitive to having to shell out $400+ dollars for replacement bulbs whereas buyers in the pricey forum see it as an inconvenience at worst when their bulb goes. Up until recent times, front PJs were enjoyed by folks with the financial means to play with them. Bulb replacement to those folks may not be as big of an issue as users here .

I tried doing the math on how long the Sim2 with it's 6000 hour lamp life would take to pay for the many extra bucks it cost. I decided I would rather get a cheap projector now and wait till 1080p to make any such decisions.

OT: I see Warner is encoding HD DVD's at 1080P even though the first players are 1080i only. Very cool.

Warren.

I wonder if maybe we notice and comment on lamp limitations on this forum more often mainly because buyers at this level are very sensitive to having to shell out $400+ dollars for replacement bulbs whereas buyers in the pricey forum see it as an inconvenience at worst when their bulb goes. Up until recent times, front PJs were enjoyed by folks with the financial means to play with them. Bulb replacement to those folks may not be as big of an issue as users here .

Shelling out $400 would not be a problem for me and probably most people on this forum if I could do it when my lamp actually has reached its life span of 3000 Hrs. like Benq advertises, in Eco mode. I would be happy with 2500 Hrs.! But it's not acceptable, in my book, to have to replace lamps every 4 months! I would like to know what the average lamp life actually is on other projectors, whether they cost $20,000 or $2000? :rolleyes:

P.S. I think that the people who spend big bucks on there projectors would be screaming alot loader then us if they had to replace lamps 3 time a year!

So my questions to people with 300+ lamp hours is: Are you using you PJ in full lamp power mode and without the high altitude fan settings. And what are the other conditions such as normal room temp.

Nominal room temp in winter is 68 degrees, plus or take a two depending on where the thermostat swing is at.

In the full on heat of summer, usually around 75 to 77.

Lamp in economy mode always, and *never* on high altitude.

No power conditioner or any hoo-ha like that, except for an el-cheapo surge suppressor that's most likely far outlived its MOVs. :)

OT: I see Warner is encoding HD DVD's at 1080P even though the first players are 1080i only. Very cool.

But... I believe that Warner is going to implement ICT on its releases which means that the 7,000,000 who own legacy HD sets will only get 540P over their component connection.

Not much of a factor here on the digital projector forums, but we are by far in the minority. Between the format war, downrezing over analog (snubbing the current installed base), and a limited selection of S/W, HD DVD is in for a tough road.

My setup: always econo mode & normal fan mode. Room temp pretty constant at around 68 F. Do have a good, new surge protector (NC is second only to FL in lightning hits). Also a UPS/Line conditioner. Went to 510 hours watching the amazing Ms. Latta do her thing for our Tarheels. So far so good.(the pj & UNC)

Do agree with CRS59. It is not so much the cost of a new bulb but a manufacturers claims versus reality. Bulb life spec may be similar to rated lux capability in camcorders esp. going back a few years. Yes there is a signal, but do you really want to watch it? Upon purchase My thought was hope for 2000 hours but accept 1500. Difference would be $0.13/ hr. @ 3000 hrs. v. $0.27/hr. @1500 hrs. I can live with that real world performance. Remember back when reviewers like TJ Norton talked about those NTSC 275 lb. CRT front pj's? And 50% reduction in output? 1500 hours ok by me but if I don't get past the final four well....

BenQ Dudes comment about the new bulb "REQUIRING" the new firmware, any opinions?

OT but in response, HD DVD& Blu-Ray - what a mess. As the HT guys said in todays podcast i'll pass for now. Let's go watch some HDTV.

Dorito, Is your bulb in echo mode or full power mode. I bought my PE7700 in May 2005. Used it in full power mode from day one and the lamp died after approx 220 hours. Got the new design bulb from BenQ in Nov-2005 and used in economy mode for about next 120 hours. I do need the extra brightness for my HT but did not wanted to be without a PJ during holidays. Then after BENQ offer the new FW and the bulb replacement, I turned the full power mode and the bulb died after few days (maybe after another 20 hours). To me, the problem looks like not adequate cooling of the bulb. Both of my bulbs (old and the new design) failed with the top lead to the bulb blown (melted) away.

After the second bulb failure, sent the unit for new bulb and new firmware and got it back in about two weeks. The unit comes back with bulb economy mode as default and I did not change it ( do not want to be without a PJ again). My room is not very dark and I would like to get as much lumens as possible but I am not sure if BenQ has really solved the problem and raised the bar to the point where we can have decent lamp life in high power mode. Also my room temp is normally 75 to 80 degrees which may qualify my setup to want BenQ describes as the special conditions causing lamps to fail.

So my questions to people with 300+ lamp hours is: Are you using you PJ in full lamp power mode and without the high altitude fan settings. And what are the other conditions such as normal room temp.


I have basically ran the projector the whole time in eco mode. My theater room is 100% light controlled so I do not need the extra brightness. I have not used the high altitude fan speed. My projecter is ceiling mounted in the basement in a room I try to keep as cool as possible. I never run the projector for more than 3-4 hours at a time.

Like I said, the only problem I have is a spec of dust that got inside the projector that leaves an annoying grey spot on the screen, but other than that I have been real happy with the projector.

(snip)
So my questions to people with 300+ lamp hours is: Are you using you PJ in full lamp power mode and without the high altitude fan settings. And what are the other conditions such as normal room temp.

I got mine June 2005 and now have 500+ hours on orig bulb. PJ is ceiling-mounted in bonus room (room above garage) which stays around 65-70 deg F. I have 2 ceiling fans in the room, one blowing down and the other blowing up to facilitate better air circulation. Lamp is in eco mode, fan is in high-alt mode, and using a Liebert surge protector/power conditioner. I clean the dust filter once a month, but also run an air filter in the room once a week.

"If I don't get past the final four, well..."

Well, I wrote that yesterday and there we were watching LSU v. UCLA time shifted by DirecTV HD TivO after a great meal at a new bistro. So 27 hours after my last post I've joined the club. Never saw a hint of flicker in the approx. 520 hours on the bulb before it blew. No notice at all of failure, screen just went dark. The only "environmental" change to my basement home theatre was an ambient temp change from 68 to 73 deg. F after a warm Winston Salem day. Guess the PE7700 can't take blistering hot "environmental conditions". Maybe we have to treat our rooms like computer rooms from 30 years ago.

There is some humor and hope in all of this. One reason I chose the 7700 related to my brothers wonderful experience with his PE8700. Replaced twice in the first 18 months under the "hot swap" program. Neither issue was a blown bulb. Has BenQ changed that much in support in the past two years?

The humor, Edison managed to finally provide a practical filament based light bulb and demonstrate such on Dec. 31, 1879. And we are all having a problem with this great and inexpensive product over a light bulb?

Lots of questions for BenQ when I call Monday. Response from them to follow.

Thanks to all of the regulars here. About the outcome of LSU v. UCLA, the chance to go lo-tech is calling. Either wait for the Sunday newspaper, or better yet, tune in on an FM station on my 35 year old marantz recievier. No leaking caps or a single bad transistor/diode. Makes you think. Now in what room do I have it placed?

You're going to be superstitious from this day forward. ;)

So far it looks like Zilla's formula of two ceiling fans, spinning opposite directions in relationship to their positions wrt the North and South Poles, along with an ionic breeze and a German power conditioner that plays "Abend ist's geworden Dunkel hüllt uns ein" may be the secret recipe for the perfect environmental conditions.

Zilla, are they Hampton Bay's or Hunters, and 3 blades or 4? I want to be sure that I move just the right amount of air. I ordered the breeze from the infomercial last night, and I'm headed to Home Depot today.

Bronco70, my wife and I rebuilt a '68 Bronco, assuming that's what your username refers to. It's the only car that we were fond enough of to give a name.

I have a Marantz 2220 and 2235B. The 35B has been rocking my daughter's college roommates for the last 2 years, and if she takes decent care of it, I'm sure it will rock her daughter's college roommates.

Now, if we can just get more than a few hundred hours out of this projector...

Maintaining a sense of humor does help, no?

Bubbawilly, my user name refers to my sons pop warner football jersey from two seasons ago. Funny thing this past season he was Bronco 68.

My wife and daughter were shocked that I did not have a replacement bulb on hand. "Can't you just go to Radio Shack tomorrow and pick one up?". Would be nice if the rebate bulb had come sometime in the past 3 1/2 months. But then BenQ Dude states that it would need the newest firmware due to a different operating voltage, which suggests to me they are changing the ballast also. But the story was that all units with man. dates after aug. 05 had the new design bulb. As I said, lots of questions for the Ben folks. Would be nice if they could find a way to make this unit work for 2 years or so until we can all replace them with a 1080p pj with led light engines. Hey maybe they could send blister packs of say, 10 bulbs. That would work.

My 7700 replaced a 10 year old 60" Pioneer RPTV. Donated it to our church for the youth center. Went there with Video Essentials to recalibrate. Amazing to see how good it still looks, the montage stills still looked great. I can only imagine how many hours on those tubes at this point!!

At least I get to listen to Ben's toe tapping hold music. There is a silver lining.

Sorry to here about your bulb Bronco.

I have a question for those who used paint instead of buying a screen, what paint color(s) are you using with this projector and are you happy with the results?

I am currently using flat illuminous white painted on a wall. I used AVIA to callibrate and the colors and everything look real good, but the blacks could look a little better.

Thanks Dorito. You will probably find your answer about screen paint over at the DIY screen sub forum. I thought about going that route and there is a lot of info. Decided to go with a Da-Lite high power model C pull down. It's 133" diag., cost was very reasonable from a forum sponsor and it looks great, at least when one has a working pj. Good luck.

Took out my dead bulb today. It has one scorch mark on one of the two screens. There are two ID's on it. On the bulb itself: SLO5.01 and on the tan housing in front a hand printed: 8/26 A1617. Could not find anything else. There was as I recall other markings posted here some time back.

Thanks Dorito. You will probably find your answer about screen paint over at the DIY screen sub forum. I thought about going that route and there is a lot of info. Decided to go with a Da-Lite high power model C pull down. It's 133" diag., cost was very reasonable from a forum sponsor and it looks great, at least when one has a working pj. Good luck.

Took out my dead bulb today. It has one scorch mark on one of the two screens. There are two ID's on it. On the bulb itself: SLO5.01 and on the tan housing in front a hand printed: 8/26 A1617. Could not find anything else. There was as I recall other markings posted here some time back.

That sounds like the previous batch of bulbs...although that does not seem to matter unless you also have the firmware update.

Sorry to here about your bulb Bronco.

I have a question for those who used paint instead of buying a screen, what paint color(s) are you using with this projector and are you happy with the results?

I am currently using flat illuminous white painted on a wall. I used AVIA to callibrate and the colors and everything look real good, but the blacks could look a little better.

On my screen I used several coats of primer white then put a couple light coats of Behr silverscreen. I am very happy with the picture I get with this combo.

That sounds like the previous batch of bulbs...although that does not seem to matter unless you also have the firmware update.

Jim, Clarify please. Previous batch, as in the original design? Firmware, well again, questions for the home office.

Good luck tomorrow Bronco70. I'm still waiting for my original bulb to blow also. Just passed 600 hours today!! August build, Sept bought. Of course you posted with your hours and blew the bulb the next day! I live about 10-15 minutes from Benq in Irvine. I'll be walking it in when it happens..... until then it continues to impress me:)

I'm still waiting for my original bulb to blow also. Just passed 600 hours today!!

My original bulb made it to 633........but don't let that make you nervous! :)

Good luck tomorrow Bronco70. I'm still waiting for my original bulb to blow also. Just passed 600 hours today!! August build, Sept bought. Of course you posted with your hours and blew the bulb the next day! I live about 10-15 minutes from Benq in Irvine. I'll be walking it in when it happens..... until then it continues to impress me:)

Blasst, 3 different Ben Q rep's told me " problem solved if a build date after August 05." My unit has a build date of Sept. 05. This was all conversation back in Nov. 05. What is the real truth? I will do my best to find out. We all deserve answers.

Anybody know the pinout configuration for the serial cable for the PE7700- is it a nul modem or straight thru?

"If I don't get past the final four, well..."

Well, I wrote that yesterday and there we were watching LSU v. UCLA time shifted by DirecTV HD TivO after a great meal at a new bistro. So 27 hours after my last post I've joined the club. Never saw a hint of flicker in the approx. 520 hours on the bulb before it blew. No notice at all of failure, screen just went dark. The only "environmental" change to my basement home theatre was an ambient temp change from 68 to 73 deg. F after a warm Winston Salem day. Guess the PE7700 can't take blistering hot "environmental conditions". Maybe we have to treat our rooms like computer rooms from 30 years ago.

Mine (Tosh MT700) died in similar fashion last Wed. My room was fairly normal that night. Thermometer said 61 F. In the summer, it skyrockets to near 65 F. I'm currently on hold to ask if they've fixed it yet, I sent it in (3rd time in 11 months) Thursday. Environmental is NOT the cause of our continuing problems.

Jim, Clarify please. Previous batch, as in the original design? Firmware, well again, questions for the home office.

The letters/numbers you note in your message appeared to be common for the older design (a new design was released in Oct timeframe last year)...but it doesnt really matter as the latest firmware release (Jan this year) apparently is also needed to solve the issue, again in theory. both bulb and firmware. that is what I mean. Good Luck.

The letters/numbers you note in your message appeared to be common for the older design (a new design was released in Oct timeframe last year)...but it doesnt really matter as the latest firmware release (Jan this year) apparently is also needed to solve the issue, again in theory. both bulb and firmware. that is what I mean. Good Luck.

Thanks Jim, Appears Ben Q was a bit confused about the timing on the new bulb design. I was told any pj man. date after Aug. 05 included the new bulb. Since mine has a Sept. 05 date who knows. Does'nt really matter since the FW update is also required.

Just got off the phone with the home office. Tech stated that there was only one bulb redesign. The firmware update has to do with lowering internal temp. He was not more specific. No hardware changes. English is not his native language so I did'nt prolong the conversation. No hot swap available, which appears to have been the situation for months. Gee, I only got to listen to "crazy for you" for 3 min. Will have to search for an mp3 file.

BenQ released their 2005 gross sales # on their web site last month: $162.3 Billion.

I just am so tired of this whole mess! My projector just came back several days ago and all they did was upgrade the firmware, even though I was having alot of flickering. When I called to ask why they never changed the lamp they told me that it was only written up for a firmware upgrade. That shows you how well they listen and how they are addressing the issue. I even wrote all the info and placed it in the carton on top of the projector. So now they are telling me that I would have to send the whole projector in again.
The flickering is still there, so obviously the new firmware does nothing for it! I know people on this forum said to change modes, which I have, but it flickers in both modes. And the most annoying thing is that it always comes when I'm into a good movie at some intense scene, such as in Crash. I know that some have said it's not a real problem and you have to get used to it, that' like telling someone to get used to the rainbow affect. All I know is that when I am into a good movie, nothing spoils it more then a constant flickering. Then you have a choice, keep watching with the annoying flicker or go into the menu and change modes, which lasts for awhile. But the whole movie experience for that scene is lost!! This is getting too frustrating!

Maybe what I need to do is find an old retro store and buy myself a strobe light and keep it on so I can get used to the flicker!

Besides those who have not gotten the firmware updated with the latest, it seems to me this tread has quieted down a bit. Hopefully this means that those with updated firmware are running up hours trying find out if the problem has been solved. Any new firmware users have any updates?

I would also like to ask any new firmware and new lamp upgrades, if you are experiencing any problems at all, or is everything so far working well??

I would also like to ask any new firmware and new lamp upgrades, if you are experiencing any problems at all, or is everything so far working well??
I have had a couple occasions of slight flickering. Changing modes fixed it. In the last week or so, no flickering and no problems. I have about 120 hours on the new bulb.

Thanks I appreciate it, hopefully when I receive a new lamp it will resolve the flickering problem. Mine is very frequent, but then again they only upgraded the firmware.

I have about 60 hours on the new firmware and lamp and so far very good. Still amazed at how beautiful the image is on this projector. Can't watch The Sapranos any other way.

Got my 7700 back from Benq 3 weeks ago and so far so good with 45 hours on the the new firmware/lamp/etc..
My new firmware is dated June 16,2006.The update was done mid-March and has a futur date-curious,to say the least!

I'm sure the revision date is a type, and that it should be Jan 16, 2006.

The saga continues...and I mean saga. All will be well soon, or all hell will break soon. How this finally plays out now is totally up to BenQ. Plot thickens.

I just am so tired of this whole mess! My projector just came back several days ago and all they did was upgrade the firmware, even though I was having alot of flickering. When I called to ask why they never changed the lamp they told me that it was only written up for a firmware upgrade. That shows you how well they listen and how they are addressing the issue. I even wrote all the info and placed it in the carton on top of the projector. So now they are telling me that I would have to send the whole projector in again.
The flickering is still there, so obviously the new firmware does nothing for it! I know people on this forum said to change modes, which I have, but it flickers in both modes. And the most annoying thing is that it always comes when I'm into a good movie at some intense scene, such as in Crash. I know that some have said it's not a real problem and you have to get used to it, that' like telling someone to get used to the rainbow affect. All I know is that when I am into a good movie, nothing spoils it more then a constant flickering. Then you have a choice, keep watching with the annoying flicker or go into the menu and change modes, which lasts for awhile. But the whole movie experience for that scene is lost!! This is getting too frustrating!

Maybe what I need to do is find an old retro store and buy myself a strobe light and keep it on so I can get used to the flicker!

Sorry to hear about the persistent flickering. Obviously it's no good if it keeps on happening. Have you tried running in the alternate mode for a period of time, not just switching it back and forth? If it doesn't go away with this procedure then it should be sent in.

BTW, I never had flicker on my old failed lamp and have had it on three instances of the new lamp, one was brand new. On mine, it really doesn't begin to flicker unless I make a lot of successive mode changes with the pj. I could use it all week and not see it at all but as soon as I get into a tweaking mode to check out how settings look it may flicker.

The saga continues...and I mean saga. All will be well soon, or all hell will break soon. How this finally plays out now is totally up to BenQ. Plot thickens.

Currently, Costco is selling the PE7700 but I wonder if these pjs have the current mods or will purchasers have to send their projectors to BenQ to have the firmware upgrade performed. Any one out there purchased a PE7700 from Costco care to comment?

Anyone know if there is a cable that can convert the bnc inputs
to a three plug component output from a tuner or dvd. Thanks.

Sorry to hear about the persistent flickering. Obviously it's no good if it keeps on happening. Have you tried running in the alternate mode for a period of time, not just switching it back and forth? If it doesn't go away with this procedure then it should be sent in.

BTW, I never had flicker on my old failed lamp and have had it on three instances of the new lamp, one was brand new. On mine, it really doesn't begin to flicker unless I make a lot of successive mode changes with the pj. I could use it all week and not see it at all but as soon as I get into a tweaking mode to check out how settings look it may flicker.

I did try to run it for some time on alternate modes, it would be fime for awhile then it would start all over again in the mode it was in at the time. I'm hopeing that it's only the lamp, since they didn't change it when they upgraded the firmware. Although I'm wondering which lamp I actually have, since my Mfg. date is Nov. 05, and some people on this forum were saying that it might be the new design. But there is no way for me to actually know!

I try to keep my power consistent and clean, by using a power conditioner and surge protector, that's why I am so weary of the lamp issue with the 7700!

Currently, Costco is selling the PE7700 but I wonder if these pjs have the current mods or will purchasers have to send their projectors to BenQ to have the firmware upgrade performed. Any one out there purchased a PE7700 from Costco care to comment?

Interesting, Costco's wesite has a disclaimer re: the 7700. Backed by their return policy because the manufacturers warranty may not cover as Costco is not an authorized dealer. One would purchase there because...

"Anyone know if there is a cable that can convert the bnc inputs
to a three plug component output from a tuner or dvd. Thanks. "



yes there are actualy end pices that will convert it to comp video.

Costco will take anything back, anytime no questions asked. If BenQ won't take care of issues like the bulb or firmware, just take it back and get a full refund, even if it's a year later. I bought a digital camera nine months ago and when the shutter button fell off last week, they gave me a full refund and I didn't even have the sales receipt.

Interesting, Costco's wesite has a disclaimer re: the 7700. Backed by their return policy because the manufacturers warranty may not cover as Costco is not an authorized dealer. One would purchase there because...
...you can take it back at anytime. That's the whole purpose of Costco's warranty. They are not authorized dealers for anything that I know of. So they need some form of warranty.

is there anyone who bought this pj from projectorsolution? I bought my PE7700 from this site last december, but I couldn't get lamp rebate because this site is out of business from January something.. (Actually I was told the salesman who sold me this pj that only seller can apply rebate to benQ.. but I couldn't reach him any more... with my original bar code...) I called BenQ rebate center but they refused because I didn't have a rebate form... even I got copy of barcode, receipt and whatever... (also they mentioned it pasted 30 days from purchase, but I told the seller before 30 days...)

Even this site was in the prefered on-line site list by BenQ web site before I called them...

Costco will take anything back, anytime no questions asked. If BenQ won't take care of issues like the bulb or firmware, just take it back and get a full refund, even if it's a year later. I bought a digital camera nine months ago and when the shutter button fell off last week, they gave me a full refund and I didn't even have the sales receipt.


Now where has it been said that BenQ is not replacing bulbs/upgrading firmware? My 7700 is being picked up by UPS tomorrow for a bulb replacement/firmware upgrade. This required a 5 minute phone call today. As to a simple return policy, pj's tend to need a considerable amount of attention to detail in mounting of both the display and the screen. Consider the popular chief ceiling mounts that are dedicated mounts. Then consider the screen, installed with the careful consideration of both vertical and horizontal offset. Then there is the cabling to the projector. Want a professional neat appearence? It all becomes a fixed deal for a specific application. I would not want to spend another 20-30 hours with a redo. BenQ's warranty is 3 years. I'll trust that. Granted their hot swap promise is on hold. As a pro photographer I have purchased from unauthorized/grey market dealers back in the pre internet days. Was always a crap shoot. I won't get into price/shipping and that other avoidable charge. The avs forum sponsers make it easy and confident. Sorry if this sounds a little strong.

Anyone know if there is a cable that can convert the bnc inputs
to a three plug component output from a tuner or dvd. Thanks.
You can buy a cable with BNC on one end and RCA on the other from the online guys like bettercables. Or make your own if you DIY. Or there are adapters (http://www.123av.com/DetailPage.asp?Brand=KTL&ProductID=ADP1005). But you'll need to watch out for cable strain with adapters like this. It makes the connector too long and they tend to fall out or strain the machine's connectors.

Anyone know if there is a cable that can convert the bnc inputs
to a three plug component output from a tuner or dvd. Thanks.

You might want to also check cablewholesale.com, that's where I have purchased some adapters for my previous projector the 8700, good luck!

Costco will take anything back, anytime no questions asked. If BenQ won't take care of issues like the bulb or firmware, just take it back and get a full refund, even if it's a year later. I bought a digital camera nine months ago and when the shutter button fell off last week, they gave me a full refund and I didn't even have the sales receipt.

It would be interesting to know whether Costo's 7700's are current production, or whether they are NOS that would have to be sent in for the firmware update.

is there anyone who bought this pj from projectorsolution? I bought my PE7700 from this site last december, but I couldn't get lamp rebate because this site is out of business from January something.. (Actually I was told the salesman who sold me this pj that only seller can apply rebate to benQ.. but I couldn't reach him any more... with my original bar code...) I called BenQ rebate center but they refused because I didn't have a rebate form... even I got copy of barcode, receipt and whatever... (also they mentioned it pasted 30 days from purchase, but I told the seller before 30 days...)

Even this site was in the prefered on-line site list by BenQ web site before I called them...


Thats interesting about Projection Solutions I bought mine in May. I received $50 coupon for new lamp. So I can kiss that goodby. I also bought their extended warranty " Real Pro" and it looks like they invented it so thats no good too.

Reading this thread for 8 months some people talking about the dealers not being happy with BenQ because of lamp issues. When mine went out 45 days (66 hrs.) all I got was " Past 30 days here's Benq phone #........). I really feel sorry for these dealers?


Mark

I have the upgraded firmware and new bulb and everything works great. No flicker to this point. I am not sure how many hours I have on the new bulb (out of town so I can't check) but I do the have free bulb in reserve. I just hope it holds out for another year or so until I get the $$ to upgrade to a 1080 projector.

Thats interesting info about Projector Solution. I bought my 7700 in Sept. from them in person in their office!! Art (Presenter) maybe could chime in here since he would know more about the situation. Art?

It brings a smile to my face to think a bunch of fat lying pressure salesmen are out of work.
Warren.

Projector Point is the same company. Are they out of business too?

Projector Point is the same company. Are they out of business too?

Apparently not:

http://www.projectorpoint.com/landing.php?category=Projectors

Projector Solution was a Tierney Bros company as well. For those with PJ Solution's Pro Plan, call Projector Point and see if they will honor it.

Projector Solution was a Tierney Bros company as well. For those with PJ Solution's Pro Plan, call Projector Point and see if they will honor it.

Thanks for the tip "bubbawilly" I sent an e-mail asking if they were last owners of Projection Solution. And that I had a "PS" extended warranty.See if they answer but I don't have my hopes up.Thanks again

Mark

PS: pretty quiet around here things must be going good!

Thanks for the tip "bubbawilly" I sent an e-mail asking if they were last owners of Projection Solution. And that I had a "PS" extended warranty.See if they answer but I don't have my hopes up.Thanks again

Mark

PS: pretty quiet around here things must be going good!


Vince at Projector Point, Tierney Bros. sent me e-mail and he said they were not connected to Projection Solutions.He didn't know that they were closed. Oh well still have 3yr. warranty. And when it comes down to it I was stupid to get it (extended warranty) in the first place 3 yrs. is plenty. By then I will want new one any way.

Mark

yep, bulbs are a problem, and contrary to belief, unless it is a planned problem, it takes three months to solve from a manufacturing standpoint. We have plenty of defective bulbs in inventory, but, nobody would like those, so the factory had to make new bulbs to solve yor problems, and mine, and then new product, so rebate bulbs will come next. About a month away.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BEN Q DUDE
Phillips Shipped 2500 Defective Bulbs, Phillips Replaced 2500 Defective Bulbs, New Bulbs Operate At A Different Temperature Than The Original Specs, Firmware Needs Updating To Compensate For New Operating Temperature Of New Bulb, No Conspiracy, Just Facts...jeez!



I'm a little confused, in a previous post you said that 2500 lamps have been replaced with new ones. So are you saying that over 2500 new ones have already been used to replace bad ones and there are none to send out for rebates?

I'm still waiting to hear from BEN Q DUDE, from posts a week ago about the lamp rebate! He's nowhere to be found! I guess I only have 3 more weeks to wait according to his post, which will be 4 months for me since they received my rebate!
Now it won't be so quiet!!!

just have a question about the 8720 and the 12 volt trigger,has any one on this forum heard of any problems with them ?

Found the bnc to rca cables on Monoprice.
Thanks for the help.

Hello All,

My NEC 75XG CRT Projector, finally gave out. And to fix a couple of the tubes would cost me over $2000 (US).

So I am considering going into digital, and my buddy recommended his Benq 7700.

The question I have is. Can I reuse my Faroudja NR scaler, it's native rate is 1024x768, with this projector. Without having to ship it back to Faroudja to change it to the native rate of 1280 x 720P?

And how do I use my HD PVR Cable box for both standard cable and HDTV. My cable box outputs DVI or HDMI. Would the Benq internal scaler upconvert my stand Cable, and leave the HDTV set as is?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks in Advance, BK

Hi All,

I bought my BenQ PE7700 in November 05. I had to send it back to BenQ becuase the lamp when out. It turns out they had a bad batch of lamps and had to upgrade the firmware. No problem I can understand I'm a Manufacturing Test Engineer needs an ECO to fix a flaw. I get it back and have 8 hours on it and the darn temp light goes on and shuts off the lamp after 10 minutes. BenQ get your act together.

Hi All,

I bought my BenQ PE7700 in November 05. I had to send it back to BenQ becuase the lamp when out. It turns out they had a bad batch of lamps and had to upgrade the firmware. No problem I can understand I'm a Manufacturing Test Engineer needs an ECO to fix a flaw. I get it back and have 8 hours on it and the darn temp light goes on and shuts off the lamp after 10 minutes. BenQ get your act together.

A bulb went out on a 7700 and BenQ had a questionable response?!?! Why hasn't somebody mentioned this before?!?! :eek:

I have been reading this thread for some time now and I have been on pins & needles everytime I watch my PE7700. I purchased in May of 2005 w/a manufacture date of March 2005. I used my projector for 502hrs and the lamp blew. Need to send in for new lamp and firmware upgrade. I have read the horror stories and a few good stories re:Customer Service @ Benq. Does anyone have any info or insight on how to make the process of getting the lamp and firware upgraded quickly and smoothly?

Thanks all

Hi guys,

When sending the PJ back to BenQ for the firmware/bulb repair, is it necessary to send the power cord with the projector?

Hi guys,

When sending the PJ back to BenQ for the firmware/bulb repair, is it necessary to send the power cord with the projector?

All you have to do is just send PJ only.

Mark

Hi All,

I bought my BenQ PE7700 in November 05. I had to send it back to BenQ becuase the lamp when out. It turns out they had a bad batch of lamps and had to upgrade the firmware. No problem I can understand I'm a Manufacturing Test Engineer needs an ECO to fix a flaw. I get it back and have 8 hours on it and the darn temp light goes on and shuts off the lamp after 10 minutes. BenQ get your act together.

I'm guessing ECO = engineering change order(?). If that is the reference, than I'm not sure there is a parallel here. A true engineering change on the PJ would involve, as an example, increasing the cooling by putting in higher volume fans or physically changing the PJ to increase air flow. I guess firmware might qualify if it actually was directed at the lamp problem. BenQ claims it is. Toshiba claims it isn't.

Hi All,

I bought my BenQ PE7700 in November 05. I had to send it back to BenQ becuase the lamp when out. It turns out they had a bad batch of lamps and had to upgrade the firmware. No problem I can understand I'm a Manufacturing Test Engineer needs an ECO to fix a flaw. I get it back and have 8 hours on it and the darn temp light goes on and shuts off the lamp after 10 minutes. BenQ get your act together.

Blow out / replace your dust filter.

How do you replace the dust filter?

The question I have is. Can I reuse my Faroudja NR scaler, it's native rate is 1024x768, with this projector. Without having to ship it back to Faroudja to change it to the native rate of 1280 x 720P?

And how do I use my HD PVR Cable box for both standard cable and HDTV. My cable box outputs DVI or HDMI. Would the Benq internal scaler upconvert my stand Cable, and leave the HDTV set as is?


You'd probably be better off using the BenQ's scaler alone than converting to 1024x768 and then using the BenQ scaler to get to 1280x720. Assuming the Faroudja outputs a VGA signal then you can hook it up and see. As to sending in your Faroudja to have it switched to 1280x720, depending on the age/quality of the Faroudja, the BenQ's scaler may do as good a job - it really is a good scaler to my eye.

For your cable box, the scaler will upconvert std cable for you.

All the above apply to any other recent ht digital projectors as well. If I were you I'd look elsewhere given the bulb problems, or at least purchase it from that place with an open ended satisfaction guaranteed return policy.

"How do you replace the dust filter?"

Just did it myself a couple of hours ago. If your proj is ceiling mounted, looking at the front, its on the left side. There's a little black pull tab. Just pull the filter out towards the front. A quick vacumn is all it needs.

The accessory box that came with the BenQ has a replacement filter that can be taped to the filter frame if you damage the filter when cleaning it. This is literally a 2-3 minute maintenance operation and should be done regularly.

CBLAZ -- You have to contact BenQ first and get an RMA before you send it anywhere.

Hi All,

I am a new owner of PE7700 couples with Gray Wolf 92" screen. The pictures are simply amazing after calibrating with AVIA. Thanks for all people, who contribute their experiences and knowledge to this forum. Those info save me a lot of time and money.

However, I have a question about my PE7700, which was made at SEP 2005 and the lamp is still working. So, it needs an update and a new lamp.

My question is that can I keep the lamp when sending the projector for service. So, I can use the lamp as a spare. And, if the new lamp fails around 1000 hours with new firmware updated, would Benq still backs up the new lamp?

Thanks in advance,

Hi All,

I am a new owner of PE7700 couples with Gray Wolf 92" screen. The pictures are simply amazing after calibrating with AVIA. Thanks for all people, who contribute their experiences and knowledge to this forum. Those info save me a lot of time and money.

However, I have a question about my PE7700, which was made at SEP 2005 and the lamp is still working. So, it needs an update and a new lamp.

My question is that can I keep the lamp when sending the projector for service. So, I can use the lamp as a spare. And, if the new lamp fails around 1000 hours with new firmware updated, would Benq still backs up the new lamp?

Thanks in advance,

Benq would probably ask for the PJ with the lamp. However, there's no harm in asking if you could keep the old lamp.

I don't think anyone who has posted in this forum has reached 1000 hrs on the new lamp yet so it's a good question. IMO I would think it is unlikely. Again, please check with benq and let us know what the answer is on that one.

My patience with BenQ has reached its end. My PE7700 went down about a month ago and I am still waiting on a replacement (second failure in less than 1 year). After receiving promise after promise that they will take care of the problem - and time keeps dragging on.

Here are two people who have repeatedly failed to follow thru with their promises: 1) Andy at 949-255-9556 (Direct to Desk) or 866-600-2367 (ext. 6556); and 2) Jesse at 949-255-9566 (Direct to Desk). each of these individuals gave me their word that they would rectify the problem - but still no PJ. I have owned the PJ for 10 months, and it has been out-of-service for almost 3 months. This statistic is completely unacceptable.

Tomorrow, I am sending one last email to the American president of BenQ (Email address available upon request), if I do not get an appropriate response I will seek legal council.

If you field a product with identified design flaws the greatest priority should be taking care of those people who already own the product (mine had a mfg date of MARCH 2005). To that end, until they replace each and every defective unit they should not be selling this product to new customers, period!

I have made at least 15 phone calls, only once was a call returned and everyone you talk with at BenQ gives a different answer. However, the end result is the same....nothing but lip service and promises. :mad:

Why anyone would even consider purchasing a projector, or any product, from this company after all the reported problems is unexplainable. This is a business that cannot succeed over the long-term. I feel for any other PE7700 owners, for if they are not where I am now they soon will be.

This may seem to be pointless, but i have to do something...they have my PJ and I have nothing!

Maybe you should post a message to "Ben Q Dude" on this site, since he seams to have all the answers as to what is going on with Benq!

That's if he is willing to respond, since he is supposed to be in a good position at Benq.

I just recently received my projector back and all they did is upgrade the firmware, and now the picture quality sucks. It was great with the old firmware. I will probably have to calibrate everything. When I watch scenes that are dimly lit, such as a night scene, it looks like someone used a paint brush to to achieve color affect!

I just recently received my projector back and all they did is upgrade the firmware, and now the picture quality sucks. It was great with the old firmware. I will probably have to calibrate everything. When I watch scenes that are dimly lit, such as a night scene, it looks like someone used a paint brush to to achieve color affect!
You should calibrate anyway. I was just watching mine (Tosh) via Svideo for the first time after getting the new firmware last week. It was horrible, dark and almost no color, completely unwatchable. I'm not even sure what the settings were. Once I started hitting presets, it got much better. Haven't even calibrated yet, that will come. My component and HDMI inputs were much better than the Svideo, but I need to check calibration for them, too.

I just wish that Benq would have at leat spent some time to recalibrate the upgrades so that the picture quality would be good out of the box. It was great with the old firmware right out of the box without any calibrating at all. They're obviously just rushing through the upgrades to get them out, they didn't even exchange my lamp. They left the old one in there!

I thought that the uncalibrated settings were supposed to have been improved with the firmware update. :confused:

Did BenQ just send Art a ringer for his review?

All I know is that my picture quality now is nowhere close to how it was originally. Which, in my opinion was great. Which means that is was calibrated very well when manufactured, but since the upgrade its probably a hit or miss as to who does it or how much time they spend on it.

Have you noticed any changes in the fan speed since the upgrade?

Have there been any reported failures from owners that have the firmware upgrade and the new bulb?

You should calibrate anyway. I was just watching mine (Tosh) via Svideo for the first time after getting the new firmware last week. It was horrible, dark and almost no color, completely unwatchable. I'm not even sure what the settings were. Once I started hitting presets, it got much better. Haven't even calibrated yet, that will come. My component and HDMI inputs were much better than the Svideo, but I need to check calibration for them, too.

s-video is not a big deal for me but on a whim I tried it and it does look pretty horrible out of the box, just as you've described it. However, I never tried it on the old firmware for a point of comparison. I will say that the HDMI and component video inputs look fine and is better than on the old firmware. On these inputs the only adjustments I've made are to set brightness and contrast and everything looks pretty reasonable.

Hi

I have been following this thread for some time but this is my first post. (just realised it shows my posts on the left, LOL)

I borrowed my brothers Toshiba T30 projector and was hooked on the big screen dream from that point on, my twin Toshiba 43" rear projection TV's were no longer enough.

Having researched my alternatives I was all set to jump into the BENQ PE7700 owners club when I came accross this board.

I would really appreciate some guidance from any of you guys/girls as despite the nightmares reported here I still find myself drawn towards to 7700 which seems to meet all of my needs.

Does anyone know if this problem effect units sold in Europe (I live in the UK)

Has there been any reported issues with units manufactured after Jan 06

Has anyone had contact with European Customer Services (probably not but its worth asking)

Thanks in anticipation.

:cool:

I've just recieved my 7700 (Sept. build date) after sending it in for the firmware upgrade. I did not replace the original bulb which has 106 hours on it. Checked the new firmware version and it is showing Version 0.49, A00 March 17, 2006. Anybody else with this firmware version?

I've just recieved my 7700 (Sept. build date) after sending it in for the firmware upgrade. I did not replace the original bulb which has 106 hours on it. Checked the new firmware version and it is showing Version 0.49, A00 March 17, 2006. Anybody else with this firmware version?

Wow that's surprising to see! I wonder if they have already revised their new 0.48 version?

Just got mine back from firmware update as well- colour was horrible- had to adjust the colour wheel delay from new setting of +70 back to +58 were I had it before.
Fixed blotchy colour effect, and now skin tones are better than they were when new.
Also noticed fan does not slow down now when turned off, but runs for about the same time after power button is operated.

I thought that the uncalibrated settings were supposed to have been improved with the firmware update. :confused:

Did BenQ just send Art a ringer for his review?
The presets are better, I think. Mine was set in who knows what fashion, not one of the presets, just some random bunch of settings it seems.

s-video is not a big deal for me but on a whim I tried it and it does look pretty horrible out of the box, just as you've described it. However, I never tried it on the old firmware for a point of comparison. I will say that the HDMI and component video inputs look fine and is better than on the old firmware. On these inputs the only adjustments I've made are to set brightness and contrast and everything looks pretty reasonable.
My point was just that actual straight out-of-the-box may be something crazy, and you certainly need to look at changing it. The presets appear to be pretty decent, so that's a good place to start. Dynamic doesn't look quite as nuts as it did before, but that's pretty much all I can really compare. I always used User settings before, so I have little to compare with in my memory. I think I'm using Theater 1 (not sure what that is in BenQ version) on HDMI right now until I calibrate. Certainly usable.

Has anyone heard anything about this new version, "0.49", that "rbkeats" just received?

Ben Q Dude, can you let us know what this new firmware version does, that the other new version did not do, and does this mean we all have to upgrade again after just upgrading?

P.S. Is this finally the real fix????

I just got off the phone with BenQ and my 7700 will be arriving by 4:30 tomorrow. The day after my frustration "rant" I received a call from one of the manager's at BenQ and everything was quickly resolved.

Look forward to re-tweaking and watching movies again. :)

If you have .48 you do not need to get too excited about.49, it is a minor, AND I MEAN MINOR, adjustment to fan monitoring, milliseconds. If you have .48 you are good to go!
My apologies for the inconvieniences, to all, we are passed the issue, and look forward to all enjoying their 7700.

even CRS59!

If you have .48 you do not need to get too excited about.49, it is a minor, AND I MEAN MINOR, adjustment to fan monitoring, milliseconds. If you have .48 you are good to go!
My apologies for the inconvieniences, to all, we are passed the issue, and look forward to all enjoying their 7700.

even CRS59!


Really should have made this projector upgradable via a local firmware upgrade...that way we all could be using the latest firmware. Minor upgrade or not, it obviously was done for a reason.

Hi

I have been following this thread for some time but this is my first post. (just realised it shows my posts on the left, LOL)

I borrowed my brothers Toshiba T30 projector and was hooked on the big screen dream from that point on, my twin Toshiba 43" rear projection TV's were no longer enough.

Having researched my alternatives I was all set to jump into the BENQ PE7700 owners club when I came accross this board.

I would really appreciate some guidance from any of you guys/girls as despite the nightmares reported here I still find myself drawn towards to 7700 which seems to meet all of my needs.

Does anyone know if this problem effect units sold in Europe (I live in the UK)

Has there been any reported issues with units manufactured after Jan 06

Has anyone had contact with European Customer Services (probably not but its worth asking)

Thanks in anticipation.

:cool:


Calling BEN Q DUDE ............

As you seem to be 'In The Know' please take a look at my post above, any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated..

Thanks
:D

Sent mine in on the 3rd and got back on the 13th, 10 days total. It has firmware revision .48 A00 Jun 16, 2006 ( a typo in the projector not here, probably should be Jan 16,2006). The red still defaults to 511 and still seems high to me. I manually have to changed it down to ~480 and it looks so much better. The picture seems the same using HDMI, noticable brighter from the new bulb.

I took a look at the bulb and it has some definite changes. 2 wires to the middle section instead of 1. The bulb now sits on springs attached to the main housing, probably to help with thermal expansion. The glass cover where the light exits is now on an angle, not 90 degrees to the housing. Hopefully with all these improvements the bulb will last the stated number of hours.

Mr Crackers

I have a question about keystoning for this projector. I am considering getting the PE7700 and according to Projector Central the optics on the PE7700 is quite good and some keystoning is possible without loss of image quality. My question is how much keystoning. I plan to use my current hifi cabinet to mount the PE7700. Sitting on the hifi cabinet the projector's lens centerline will be approximately 48" above the floor. If I want to bring the bottom of the image to around 30" by using keystoning will that be too much and thereby ruin the image? Thanks!

In responding to your question, it would be helpful to also know the size of your screen and the distance of the projector to the screen.

Generally, the electronic keystone correction will always create a moire artifact in the image (see example of moire artifact (http://www.mathematik.com/Moire/) ).

Obviously, avoiding keystone is the best practice, but sometimes it is unavoidable and many people seem willing to live with the artifacts because other installation options are either not possible or too expensive.

In responding to your question, it would be helpful to also know the size of your screen and the distance of the projector to the screen.

Generally, the electronic keystone correction will always create a moire artifact in the image (see example of moire artifact (http://www.mathematik.com/Moire/) ).

Obviously, avoiding keystone is the best practice, but sometimes it is unavoidable and many people seem willing to live with the artifacts because other installation options are either not possible or too expensive.


Thanks for responding, Kevin.

I plan to get a 92" diagonal screen and the throw distance will be approximately 12'.

Projector Central's review of the PE7700 and keystoning mentions optical keystone but doesn't mention electronic keystone. I agree it's best to avoid any keystone correction but I was curious whether my proposed change in image height would be too much keystone correction and degrade the image to where it would be undesireable. If it does then I'll have to reconsider and look for another projector.

Have a question.
FP was bought in Aug 05. Picture was fantastic from Day 1.
First bulb replaced after ~400 hrs with supposedly new type. Pix great
Second bulb went last week after ~120 hrs and new firmware 048 installed. Now pix is like 'paint by numbers' if you remember that from years ago. rough uneven transition from less dense color area to more dense area.
A check on the Color Bar Pattern shows why.....it is bad on the left one-quarter side of pattern with poor progression down to less saturation.
Brightness and sharpness/definition as good or better than ever.
Anyone experience this and is it maybe due to the new firmware?

Sounds like BenQ still doesn't have their act together. This is past becoming a farce.

BEN Q DUDE, now you have problems with your technicians, in addition to CS. How could a projector be returned to a customer this way? :eek:

richper, go into the service menu under DLP, and reset the color wheel timing. I'm guessing that you'll find it set to "70." Back it down into the 50's, or until the banding is gone and the color transition is as smooth as possible.

Bubbawilly,
Only have access to the User Manual choices right now.
I feel silly for asking, but how can I get into the Service Menu "under DLP"?
Thanks for response.

Its: Menu, up, down, up, down, up, down, menu. Good Luck.
Before you change any setting, write down the previous settings in case you want to set them back.

Bubbawilly, thanks so much.
Your suggested tweak was done and the gradations in the Color Bar Test Pattern are much better.
This translated into a super picture again.
With all the premature bulb failures that people, including me, have had, I still am a super fan of this DLP machine. I have seen numerous others in action, including LCD ones and others at three times the price, and I am still blown away by the images it produces.
As long as BenQ keeps changing bulbs and makes required firmware/hardware revisions, I will go along.
Hope that all the ED and SD programs get changed to HD but that will take time.
Many thanks......

Anyone else having problems with HDMI sync up after the .48 firmware upgrade??

Never had any problems before the upgrade. After the upgrade it worked once but it will no longer sync up. I tried unplugging it and wiggling it for 30mins to no avail. Finally switched back to component and that worked fine.

I know there is minimal if any picture quality difference between HDMI & component. It is my understanding that HD formats of the future will require HDMI in order to produce the highest quality picture. Component video will have limited features which is the reason I am concerned about the HDMI port.

Thanks in advance,

Mr Crackers

HDMI won't sync with what source? Be sure you didn't set your source to a 480i output, this PJ doesn't accept it via HDMI.

Unless he has a modded player, or a Pioneer Elite 59AVi, he is not outputting 480i over HDMI.

Which player are you using Mr Crackers? Have you tried more than one HDMI source?

Yes, I did have problems syncing the first time. I unplugged my cables then plugged them back in, and tried changing my resolution. That worked. I went to 480p I think. Not sure which part of the above fixed the problem. Never any problems since.
Warren.

I just hooked up a new build (Feb. 06 mfg. date) PE7700 with 0.48 f/w installed this past weekend. I have a new Sony DVPNS75H DVD player connected, and am picking up a new HD box from Comcast in about an hour. I will report on my findings once I get some time to play with the stuff tonight.

Matt

HDMI won't sync with what source? Be sure you didn't set your source to a 480i output, this PJ doesn't accept it via HDMI.

:) That is EXACTLY what I did. I sent my MT700 in for firmware upgrade and, in the meantime, set my Comcast DVR to 480i to use with my analog display. I wasn't happy when I got my PJ back, hooked it up, and kept seeing HDMI-unsupported format. After an hour or two of grinding my teeth the brain kicked in and I figured it out. It's worked great ever since.

I am using an LG-4200 HD receiver set to 1080i. Again before the firmware no issues with sync up. Before the firmware i had to physically unplug the cable multiple times to adjust my overhead mount. I would plug the HDMI cable back in and it would sync the very first time.

I dont have another HDMI source to test with the projector. While messing with it last night once I got it too almost work. the picture was being displayed but the colors were wrong. i barely touched the cable and it unsynced immediatly.

thanks for the help,

Mr Crackers

Mr. Crackers,
You may have a bad connector on the HDMI cable. I damaged one just by fishing cable when building my HT. Very sensitive stuff.

Well I've played around a bit with the new PE7700 and here are my 1st impressions.

HD looks good thru component. I need to get a HDMI to DVI-D adapter to get the true digital signal, but HD looks good thru component.

The new Sony DVD player (75S) produced a less than spectacular, clouded, dull image thru HDMI (DVD player set to output 720p, PE7700 set to REAL mode). When I set the DVD player to output 480p thru HDMI, the picture looked good, but in REAL mode, the picture was much smaller than my 120" screen. Setting the picture mode to ANAMORPHIC increased picture size, but not picture quality. I tried every setting imaginable with the DVD player, and got no improvements. Tried it also thru component, and the projector detected the signal as 560p, and though the picture looked really good with good color and clarity, the picture was much smaller at REAL mode. Again, setting the component to be viewed at ANAMORPHIC made the picture quality worse. I have the Sony player packaged up to return tomorrow after work. I'll likely try the new Panny S52 next, and will report on that tomorrow evening/Wednesday morning.

Overall, the picture seems a bit dark with the default factory settings. I've only played with a couple things: changed preset to Cinema, gamma to Film, and sharpness to 3. I will be ordering DVE to calibrate the projector later this week. I'm going to Orlando on Thursday for a 5 days, so I'll order DVE there and should have it waiting for me when I come back.

So I have read a lot of the posts here and there seems to be some consistent problems with this PJ. Have they been solved? Is this a PJ that everyone would recommend? I have found it selling for a really low price from one of the sponsored sites and have thought about getting it. Should I? This will be my first PJ and I really do not have the dough for a more expensive one.

Thanks,

Kemical