Not a bad movie either! It seemed a bit cheesy at 1st, but after many viewings it becomes more artistic to me. It is one of those movies you can watch many times.
I actually think it's a really good movie...but only after watching it a few times....

Fleaman

It does grow on you, doesn't it? BTW, another good movie/transfer with Milla in it is "The Messenger". You'll love the hairstyles of the day.

I forgot to mention it's another Luc Besson film from Columbia Tristar (Sony). (Most of the Superbit transfers come from them.)

Now it's a toss-up for best CGI for me. Add 'Shrek 2' to the current top honors if you please. It's right up there with Shark Tale.

Summer can be rough for extended viewing with the H31. This puppy puts out the BTUs doesn't it?
Have any of you clever guys figured out a way 'chill' this critter? Can the heat be ported/vented out sucessfully? Any ideas? Anybody sitting on the exhaust side of mine turns into a baked potato.

You and I both know the answer to that question: Hushbox.

The only thing you gotta worry about is fan-noise......and of course the fact tha tyou gotta build a hushbox, which means 6" or greater flexible tubing with a fan at the end of it to suck air into the box (and over the PJ) and then exhaust it..err..somewhere.

Dude you're in San Diego.....ain'tcha got no A/C!?!?!?!?! :D

Oh yeah, watched THIS ISLAND EARTH (my second or third favorite SCIFI movie of all time) on the H31......another amazing flick on the H31, grain and all :)

I tried using your "CRT LIKE" settings, but I wound up crushing whites. Another interesting thing, I have a touch of the old Red/Green colorblindness. Its never really affected me when it comes to *movies* before....but using AVIA's Color Decoder checking and the plastic filters, RED looksl ike its pushing about 5%....Blue is perfectly spot-on at 0, but Green. Green is way down in the -20% area....the green bars are green but the green in the screen is much, much paler.

And yet....when I adjust the RGB's individually, I can't correct for it....and then things look MORE green. So Avia says I'm at -20% on green, and yet at that setting I still think I see a greenish "tint" in some flesh-tones. I adjusted green a bit before watching THIS ISLAND.. yesterday...and man some of those green lawns were green alright...REAL GREEN. So I adjusted it back and decided my eyes aren't good enough to adjust this thing, and I've left it alone.

Without the green filter, just projecting "Green" on the screen, green looks..well...very green at defaults, so I left it alone.

I dunno, it wacky...but still beautiful. I also laugh that most movies I've seen so far have been mono or 2 channel old 50's sci-fi films, I haven't yet watched a big blockbuster on this thing...maybe today is a Fifth Element day to see the thing pop.

"You and I both know the answer to that question: Hushbox.

The only thing you gotta worry about is fan-noise......and of course the fact tha tyou gotta build a hushbox, which means 6" or greater flexible tubing with a fan at the end of it to suck air into the box (and over the PJ) and then exhaust it..err..somewhere.

Dude you're in San Diego.....ain'tcha got no A/C!?!?!?!?!"

Hushbox? Thems for noisey ass critters. I hardly ever hear mine. It likes to be seen not heard.
What I need is a heat exchanger. Some gizmo to port the heat to another room.
I figured one of you clever types fabbed up a working solution by now.

AC? What's that? Seriously, I live two miles from the ocean. A hot day here is 82 degrees. Windows and fans do fine. (only my HT has NO windows. Just a heater that puts out pretty pictures.)

Dude, you're in San Diego...AINTCHA GOT NO "QUOTE" :D

Seriously....doesn't the H31 exhaust heat from the front? Mines overhead mounted now....thanks to that whole "heat rising" thing, I notice no temperature changes where I'm seated.

But if the thing was floor or desk mounted, I could see it being a bit of a problem.

Dude, you're in San Diego...AINTCHA GOT NO "QUOTE" :D

Seriously....doesn't the H31 exhaust heat from the front? Mines overhead mounted now....thanks to that whole "heat rising" thing, I notice no temperature changes where I'm seated.

But if the thing was floor or desk mounted, I could see it being a bit of a problem.

HR,

It is setup between two leather viewing chairs approx 20 inches high (coffee table height) from the deck (floor to most). Only the guest gets baked.

It's set up this way for easy transport to the other rooms. (I have screens and PJs in 3 rooms...what can I say?) It stays primarily in the light controlled room. The others are for 'afterdark' viewing only.

Just think...with proper application I could heat up dinner while watching the show.

CMRA,

I respect your opinion and knowledge and would appreciate your input. I made a post on the Official H31 thread about some problems I am having with my H31. Perhaps you have some suggestions?

I'm away on a trip but will be home tomorrow and I'll see if I can get some screen shots of what my proj is doing so you can get a better idea of whats going on.

Thanks

"Any other suggestions for early viewing on this unit?"

I have been viewing and re-viewing Shreck II lately. Another excellent Dreamworks transfer. Go for it.

Well, maybe. Optoma snuck one by me/us.

Did you know (I didn't) the H31 has a frequency adjust just for matching your HTPC video card to it? Sure enough. Frequency and phase adjustments.

And the reason I missed it. It is supported under Analog RGB, not DVI.

So, could this be the end to the tearing problem? Stay tuned.

ARG! I envy you guys so much! I am in self imposed exile with my X1 waiting for the day when 720p spec DLP projectors reach the msrp of the H31. I may wimp out however if I keep reading AVS everyday ;)

Did akdude ever 'wimp' out? If not, what are the chances this time next year the h78 will be H31 priced?

Summer can be rough for extended viewing with the H31. This puppy puts out the BTUs doesn't it?
Have any of you clever guys figured out a way 'chill' this critter? Can the heat be ported/vented out sucessfully? Any ideas? Anybody sitting on the exhaust side of mine turns into a baked potato.

It's a good thing I'm not on a boat. My audience would have me listing 30 degrees to port. None ya clever ones cumup with sumptin yet?

CMRA,

Hey, I just looked at this AVS thread that tries to compile a DVD disc reference list http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=372989 and was surprised to see that the 5th Element SB was removed from the list and replaced with the newer 5th Element Ultimate Edition. FWIR this edition contained the SB disc and 2nd 'Extras' disc. So I was surprised that there would be any difference between this Ultimate Edition and the older SB disc in the video quality dept.

http://www.dvdfile.com/ reviewed the Ultimate Edition (sorry, no direct link possible with this site), but the reviewer wasn't clear on whether the differences he was noting was between the non-SB disc or the SB disc. Maybe you can decipher his review better than me?

This review http://www.thedigitalbits.com/reviews3/spinsheet010505.html#5th states that it's the same superbit transfer being used (translated: Same disc).

This AVS thread http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5993261#post5993261 discusses the dvd's on the AVS dvd reference thread and I just made a post asking about the reasoning behind the 5th Element SB changes.

Any thoughts?

Fleaman

There was an extensive review of the 5th Element SB done once where someone took frame-by-frame grabs from each edition and zoomed them in. I remember it showing shots like "in this shot you can see every window on the Space Cruiseship, but on the regular version they are just 1 solid black bar"., etc....that sort of thing.

I remember reading the review and going "yes, the Superbit does look better. Provided I am sitting 5 feet from the screen and have the player zoomed in" :)

Beyond that, you're running into the 480p resolution limit of just how good things can start to look given a certain rez, or so thats the impression I was left with.

I'm sure guys with fancy HTPC's can probably filter this and process that, and get an even better image out of the thing....but I'd wager that for most folks the regular version (which isn't even on a double-layed DVD if memory serves) will probably be good enough...

Alot depends on your screen size too, however. At 106" now I can see that even the best DVD looks a little soft......simply because we're talking about 480 lines displayed on a very large screen. Those same 480 lines on a nice 42" set look razor sharp.

The larger you go screen-wise, the more the quality of whats in those 480 lines "Matters".
IMHO of course...

I'm not really posting about the SB vs. regular disc, but was surprised and curious as to the apparent claims that the newer SB version of the 5th E. was better than the older SB version. Enough for the Older SB to be replaced by the Newer (Ultimate Edition) SB disc on the AVS dvd reference list.

Fleaman

CMRA,

Hey, I just looked at this AVS thread that tries to compile a DVD disc reference list http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=372989 and was surprised to see that the 5th Element SB was removed from the list and replaced with the newer 5th Element Ultimate Edition. FWIR this edition contained the SB disc and 2nd 'Extras' disc. So I was surprised that there would be any difference between this Ultimate Edition and the older SB disc in the video quality dept.


Any thoughts?

Fleaman

Frankly, I'm finding superbit starting to look rather ordinary. Sure it's better than most, but hardly 'the standard'.
Reminds me when I took a 'blind' test with MIB II super and non super...I chose the non SB disc...twice.
As far as film transfers go, it's hard to beat ROTK. For CGI, the incredibles comes to mind. About as clean as they come.

There was an extensive review of the 5th Element SB done once where someone took frame-by-frame grabs from each edition and zoomed them in. I remember it showing shots like "in this shot you can see every window on the Space Cruiseship, but on the regular version they are just 1 solid black bar"., etc....that sort of thing.

I remember reading the review and going "yes, the Superbit does look better. Provided I am sitting 5 feet from the screen and have the player zoomed in" :)

Beyond that, you're running into the 480p resolution limit of just how good things can start to look given a certain rez, or so thats the impression I was left with.

I'm sure guys with fancy HTPC's can probably filter this and process that, and get an even better image out of the thing....but I'd wager that for most folks the regular version (which isn't even on a double-layed DVD if memory serves) will probably be good enough...

Alot depends on your screen size too, however. At 106" now I can see that even the best DVD looks a little soft......simply because we're talking about 480 lines displayed on a very large screen. Those same 480 lines on a nice 42" set look razor sharp.

The larger you go screen-wise, the more the quality of whats in those 480 lines "Matters".
IMHO of course...

No need to be humble. Opinion here gives way to fact.
Anyway, it never ceases to amaze me the variations out there. Some ATSC broadcasts can look awesome, some DVDs (480) can look awesome, even on occassion some NTSC can look 'pretty' awesome. And they can all look equally bad too. What a tradgedy. Higher resolution will be no guarantee of better imaging.

Is it match for the H31?

I may soon find out. Anyway, George, has one and calls me every other other hour saying how 'stellar' it is at 480p. Is this virgin territory or is someone in the know?

Try 'Pearl Harbor'. Skip past the love fluff to the action for some good movie making. Some real eye candy and H31 lovin' too.

Is it match for the H31?

I may soon find out. Anyway, George, has one and calls me every other other hour saying how 'stellar' it is at 480p. Is this virgin territory or is someone in the know?

...and Oppo, and Denon, and Onkyo, and S97, and Zenith, and, and...

Here's the scoop. I only saw it on a Tosh LCD HDTV but the image of the Skyworth 3050 simply takes top honors of any DVD player I've tested. It really is that good.
For the handful of members reading this thread I'm ordering one pronto and will match it up with the H31 asap.

...For the handful of members reading this thread I'm ordering one pronto and will match it up with the H31 asap.

3050 in hand. More later.

3050 in hand. More later.

Well here's the SKYWORTH tally:

CRT: superb
LCD: superb
H31: very good

I spent some serious time going back and forth with this player vs my Tosh 5970(HDMI>DVI) on the H31. ( I used Shrek2 and POTC primarily) Though it edged out the Tosh, It didn't floor me as it did playing on the other two viewing options. The image was also way to 'soft' on any setting other than 480p, and that was with 'sharpness' set at maximum.

In the end, If I could only choose one, the Skyworth takes top billing not because of its H31 match up, rather because its superior image on other displays. Ease of use also comes into play but it doesn't take much of a player to trump the Tosh in that department.

BTW, I also spent some time with the NeuNeo 2085. This is arguably an outstanding player also. Had I not just purchased the 3050 I'd have no reservations buying this player.

So my quest continues to find the more perfect H31 matchup. Something on the order of HTPC sharpness with the color and silkiness of the Skyworth.

I think we've finally established now that the H31 really does its best job with a native 480 line feed.

I think we've finally established now that the H31 really does its best job with a native 480 line feed.

And DVI feeding it.

CMRA, I have the Momitsu V880DX which has the sigma designs chip, have any of the players you've tried had this chip? Have you tried the Momitsu?

The Momitsu can do custom resolutions too, so you can compare the difference between 720x480 and 854x480, etc.

Still, I think that when you get to comparing DVD players over DVI, the differences, if any, will be pretty small. At that point you're mind starts to play
tricks with you about noticeable improvements, if any.

Actually, I would like to see someone compare a correctly set up HTPC and a good DVI dvd player to see what real noticeable differences there are between the 2 on the H31 when playing dvd content. Maybe someone has done this, but I haven't run across it. With HTPC it seems that you can really fine tune to get the perfect desktop sharpness, but I've read that with dvd movies, the improvements are not as obvious (over say, an DVI DVD player).

Fleaman

Not the Momitsu DX, the original V880,yes, but not with the H31.

HTPC? 3x in that department. OK with CGI video based material but tears too much on 24 fps film transfer DVDs. Also, unlike my stand alone players, tends to bring out the SDE. Not good for someone who views at 1.6x. Again, CGI is rather excellent especially with Zoomplayer. BTW, did the custom 1:1 pixel mapping via HTPC. Preferred other viewing options.

Pixel mapping with the Momitsu? Not yet.

DVI vs Component? Some players do better one way, others the reverse. The Tosh 5970 via DVI is surprisingly good.

Of course, there's life beyond the H31 too.




And DVI feeding it.

CMRA, I have the Momitsu V880DX which has the sigma designs chip, have any of the players you've tried had this chip? Have you tried the Momitsu?

The Momitsu can do custom resolutions too, so you can compare the difference between 720x480 and 854x480, etc.

Still, I think that when you get to comparing DVD players over DVI, the differences, if any, will be pretty small. At that point you're mind starts to play
tricks with you about noticeable improvements, if any.

Actually, I would like to see someone compare a correctly set up HTPC and a good DVI dvd player to see what real noticeable differences there are between the 2 on the H31 when playing dvd content. Maybe someone has done this, but I haven't run across it. With HTPC it seems that you can really fine tune to get the perfect desktop sharpness, but I've read that with dvd movies, the improvements are not as obvious (over say, an DVI DVD player).

Fleaman

Yeah, when I put on the Incredibles dvd, I can't imagine it being any more sharp or perfect with DVI @ 720x480 or custom 854x480. In fact, I couldn’t really tell any difference between those 2 settings over dvi on my Momitsu. I couldn’t see how HTPC could improve on it, but I've never been able to compare.

BTW, the 'DX' version of the Momitsu only addresses usability issues (that the 1st unit had). I think the component out's were boosted in some way, like signal level. But I don't think anything was touched on the DVI outs (pic quality wise).

Fleaman

I couldn’t see how HTPC could improve on it, but I've never been able to compare.

Fleaman

HTPC's big advantage is customization. Members familiar with Zoomplayer know this all to well.
But, there can be disadvantages too. Deinterlacing and motion detection often suffer when compared to quality stand alone players. I find HTPCs combined with CGI an exceptional match-up for digital PJs.

i have called optoma 3x now about getting a firmware upgrade for the h31 so that dvi will work.

they don't seem to know anything.
am i missing something here? are people able to get this working without returning units?

thanks in advance.
-r

Baconman,

I told them I wanted an RMA - if you look on their site there is a policy for RMA's.
They will do a loaner H31 if you give them a credit card, or an older model (I got a H30) if you do not give them a credit card.

They had to reflash my unit. They said it 'didn't have all the information in there' or some such thing.

I sent my video card and H31 in - but I'm pretty sure that if yours has never worked with DVI-D then you likely have the same problem as I did.
When I got it back it worked right.

HTPC's big advantage is customization. Members familiar with Zoomplayer know this all to well.
But, there can be disadvantages too. Deinterlacing and motion detection often suffer when compared to quality stand alone players. I find HTPCs combined with CGI an exceptional match-up for digital PJs.

Have you been able to compare an HTPC against a good dvd dvi player with something like the 'Incredibles'?

I'm curious if you can notice a difference.

And while my Momitsu can do custom resolutions, I'm sure it's not as deep as an HTPC. But again, with a disc like the incredibles, I can't imagine it getting any better. Same with Sin City which looks just as good on the H31 as when I saw it at the Hollywood Arclight digital theater....and it looked stunning there too!

BTW, Sin City is up there in the reference disc category. It probably helps that it was filmed with HD digital cameras that Lucas gave Rodriguez. I don't think this movie used any film. Probably took some of the error factor out of the transfer to dvd process.

Fleaman

I dont know why people insist on using PIXAR movies to tell detail level...PIXAR movies look high-resolution even on SD broadcasts, so using them as an example of seeing a better picture is somewhat pointless, IMHO.

I dont know why people insist on using PIXAR movies to tell detail level...PIXAR movies look high-resolution even on SD broadcasts, so using them as an example of seeing a better picture is somewhat pointless, IMHO.

Well, at least you know the focus is always perfect!

What disc would you recommend for detail level?

Fleaman

I dont know why people insist on using PIXAR movies to tell detail level...PIXAR movies look high-resolution even on SD broadcasts, so using them as an example of seeing a better picture is somewhat pointless, IMHO.

Now imagine them at 720p and 1080p. More so for Dreamworks than Disney, it never ceases to amaze me the level of detail these CGI discs offer.
DivX-HD offers 720p clips (as well as other companies) that allow you to taste 'higher resolution' goodness.
Yes, they look good on SD broadcasts, but pale hugely to what can be seen.

Before I report...is there anyone who wants to know?

What's HVD? High Definition (720p) DVD.

Before I report...is there anyone who wants to know?

What's HVD? High Definition (720p) DVD.

Isn't that a Holographic Versatile Disc? I thought those won't be out until the end of next year? If that.

Or are you talking about something else?

Fleaman

Isn't that a Holographic Versatile Disc? I thought those won't be out until the end of next year? If that.

Or are you talking about something else?

Fleaman

HVD and EVD are China's answer to HD-DVD. While Sony and Toshiba are duking it out for position, the Chinese have performed an end around beating them to the punch.

So how did you get your hands on one? Is this a demo? With a demo disc with a movie on it?

Fleaman

He's a super secret agent! ;)

Wayne

So how did you get your hands on one? Is this a demo? With a demo disc with a movie on it?

Fleaman

I bought the Skyworth 3050, remember? Comes with 3 HVD discs. (Let's hope your chinese is up to speed)
Or, you can go to the neodigets website and purchase separately. (you will need a HVD player to enjoy)

Got HTPC? Got a Linkplayer?

On a budget but still want to see HD-DVD on your H31?
Will trailers do?

http://www.divx.com/hd/

Enjoy.

I bought the Skyworth 3050, remember? Comes with 3 HVD discs. (Let's hope your chinese is up to speed)
Or, you can go to the neodigets website and purchase separately. (you will need a HVD player to enjoy)


Ok, that's different than the HVD I've read about:

http://www.optware.co.jp/english/what_040823.htm

…which hasn’t been released yet.

Fleaman

"the same size as today's DVDs to store as much as one terabyte of data (200 times the capacity of a single layer DVD), with a transfer speed of one gigabyte per second (40 times the speed of DVD"

This could even humble Bluray.

I just got my first projector today and installed it. It will not connect through DVI-D with my Charter HD receiver. Any common reasons? I also am not seeing a better picture on the HD channels through component cables than SD it actually looks worse blurry haylow affect? It looks outstanding through component through my DVD player. Please help a newbie!!!

So at this point in time does the H31 work well with a HTPC? I am still interested in the H31 but want to use my HTPC. Has anyone solved the tearing issue? I read that someone their H31 back after sending it to Optoma and then DVI worked and it did not tear with an HTPC.
Has anyone else had good luck with the latest versions of the H31s?

Dan

Now imagine them at 720p and 1080p. More so for Dreamworks than Disney, it never ceases to amaze me the level of detail these CGI discs offer.
DivX-HD offers 720p clips (as well as other companies) that allow you to taste 'higher resolution' goodness.
Yes, they look good on SD broadcasts, but pale hugely to what can be seen.

My point is that in a computer generated image with those movies, you're looking at lots of flat, repetitious textures on objects. Oh sure its as high quality as they come, but its.........different.

Using a PIXAR movie is like CHEATING :)

I think when you look at a pixar movie it looks good and sharp and "WOW" even on an old 27" Curved-Glass GE television. So its not a good example.

When you see something shot in true HD and displayed on a device that can do true HD, something in the real world that gives you that "window" effect, thats when you really see HD or high quality transfers shine.

As for movies to recommend...thats a tough call since its a subjective kinda thing!

I think when you look at a pixar movie it looks good and sharp and "WOW" even on an old 27" Curved-Glass GE television. So its not a good example.



Ever so true but just remember we view in 'feet' not 'inches'. Wow me some more, Dreamworks!!!

Does anyone have good DVI settings to go along with the Oppo DVD player? PLEASE.

Say, does anyone have an update on this?

http://www.optware.co.jp/english/what_040823.htm

So at this point in time does the H31 work well with a HTPC? I am still interested in the H31 but want to use my HTPC. Has anyone solved the tearing issue? I read that someone their H31 back after sending it to Optoma and then DVI worked and it did not tear with an HTPC.
Has anyone else had good luck with the latest versions of the H31s?

Dan

I was waiting to hear a response to Dan's question also. I know 30fps video is not an issue on mine. 24fps with 3:2 pull down via HTPC is another story.

anybody?

I thought Optoma fixed the HTPC tearing issue with a firmware update....or at least reduced it greatly...?

Fleaman

Info must be in Tom's thread. Fleaman, link me up, if you please.

Info must be in Tom's thread. Fleaman, link me up, if you please.

Well, maybe I heard it wrong :cool: I thought that the later units were not having problems with HTPC, and I did run across a few posts about this (Below), but not really the post that I thought I read. In any case, maybe a call to Optoma to see if they have a new firmware for this problem....or, maybe posting this question in Tom's thread might get you a current consensus of the issue.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6561333&&#post6561333

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6775011&&#post6775011

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6857412&&#post6857412

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6889726&&#post6889726

Fleaman

"In any case, maybe a call to Optoma to see if they have a new firmware for this problem...."

I get so spoiled here at AVS I seldom think to do the obvious. Now where did I put my paperwork?

Hey, have been reading posts for two weeks, first researching, then narrowing down between a 4805 and the H31, now getting settings from you guys, and just want to thank you all for the postings. My H31 arrives tomorrow, and i feel confident that all I've read here and at Projector Central helped me make an informed decision. You guys are great.

Hey, have been reading posts for two weeks, first researching, then narrowing down between a 4805 and the H31, now getting settings from you guys, and just want to thank you all for the postings. My H31 arrives tomorrow, and i feel confident that all I've read here and at Projector Central helped me make an informed decision. You guys are great.

...came and went. Are you charging admission yet?

Newguy, KNOW this, the only problem with tomorrow is there's always another PJ on the horizon (actually several) you want even more and the reading, narrowing down, and decision making starts all over again. BTW, welcome.

I thought Optoma fixed the HTPC tearing issue with a firmware update....or at least reduced it greatly...?

Fleaman

well, well, well...Optoma lost me in the eMail shuffle. My 24-48 hr response goes unanswered.

but, all is not lost. According to my manual when using a PC the user only needs to adjust the "phase" control to thwart the tearing issue.
I'm too flatout pooped tonight or I'd hook up an HTPC and give it a go. Wish me luck.

CMRA,

I could be wrong but I seem to remember that when I had my H31, it wasn't possible to access the 'phase' control from a PC unless you were only using a VGA cable. So DVI may not be able to 'see' that function.

Again, I could be mistaken. It's been a while since I played with an H31.

Wayne

CMRA,

I could be wrong but I seem to remember that when I had my H31, it wasn't possible to access the 'phase' control from a PC unless you were only using a VGA cable. So DVI may not be able to 'see' that function.

Again, I could be mistaken. It's been a while since I played with an H31.

Wayne

Roger that, amigo. That isn't the first time I've been tripped up from the Optoma manual. It has a way of listing all the features only to find some disabled in the various modes. Still worth a try.

I am about to purchase a H31. I need a couple of questions addressed first though please;
1. With an upscaling DVD player do I lose it's benefits by using component hook up vs DVI/HDMI?

2. How well wil this PJ perform as a text projector for the occasional presentation?

Any and ALL info and insight you couls share is appreciated. Please feel free to offer alternative suggestions for the best results.

Steve

1, no
2, not recommended. Get an XGA ot higher res unit for that.

almost all digital pjs look their best at native res.

1, no
2, not recommended. Get an XGA ot higher res unit for that.

Thanks for your promtp reply,

almost all digital pjs look their best at native res.
What would be a good compromise for home theatre and presentations (the presentations would only be less than 5% of the usage

what is native resolution?

Steve

In your situation, I'd give this a long hard look:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=638598

Native res is the 1:1 pixel map of the DMD chip.

Hmmm..at less than 5% I dont know if it would matter....

If you need to project text, windows at 848x480 is large. Set your desktop to 640x480, there you go. Of course yours will be widescreen....so factor that in. Powerpoint should be fine.

Your other option is to consider one of the other 16:9 LCD projectors....."last years model" Sanyo can be had in the same genreal pricerange as the H31, but you'll take a hit in Contrast Ratio....

I am about to purchase a H31. I need a couple of questions addressed first though please;
1. With an upscaling DVD player do I lose it's benefits by using component hook up vs DVI/HDMI?

Steve

I have both a Momitsu V880DX DVI upscaling player and a Panny XP30 (one of the best progressive component players out there).

I had to send in the Momitsu about 3 times in the last 2 months (they are not reliable!), and had to use my panny XP30 w/component. After spending a little time calibrating, it's hard for me to tell much of a difference between the component (Panny XP30) and the DVI of the Momitsu. But I wasn't doing side-by-side A/B comparisons. It just seemed like I wasn't really missing anything with the Panny.

Now, one of the benefits of the H31 on the DVI input is that they seemed to be calibrated much better out of the box than the component inputs. That alone is quite a bit of a selling point.

Also: I spent quite a bit of time trying all the upscaling resolutions of the DVI player and even doing a custom resolution of 854x480 (so the Momitsu scales instead of the H31). I couldn't really tell any differences with any of the resolutions, so I just left it on the standard 480 stock setting. Mind you, when changing resolutions on the Momitsu, you can't do it with a picture up, so there is a time lag and since the resolution switch isn't instant, I couldn't tell a difference...although there might be a difference, just too much time between set ups to notice.

BTW, my Momitsu is finally fixed (again), so I'm back to that player...

Fleaman

I hope I did not miss anything. I am sitting in my office reading this ;) and I read quite a legenthy thread last night about the H27 and all of its offset issues. Does the H31 suffer from the same troubles?

I have a 10' ceiling there is really no issue there, however, I have a ceiling fan smack dab in the center of the room and it measures down about 2' so I really only have 8' of workable room, right? I am planning on either just getting the H31 and a diy screen or the H31 / 92" screen bundle.

I hope I did not miss anything. I am sitting in my office reading this ;) and I read quite a legenthy thread last night about the H27 and all of its offset issues. Does the H31 suffer from the same troubles?

I have a 10' ceiling there is really no issue there, however, I have a ceiling fan smack dab in the center of the room and it measures down about 2' so I really only have 8' of workable room, right? I am planning on either just getting the H31 and a diy screen or the H31 / 92" screen bundle.

Chadci,
In you case a 'coffee' table/ottoman setup just might make the most sense. (works for me) Removing or changing the fan's location are other options.
Lucky you, TEN foot ceilings. Makes for a nice BIG image.

Coffee table wont work at all, we have kids and a dog and I am.. well, lazy so I would rather get it mounted and let it go rather than have to drag it out and set it up every time I want to use it.

As for the ceiling being 10', yeah, thats great but....

the room is a 14x14 square, so that puts my viewing distance at the 12' mark. I only have one "full" wall and I cannot even use all of it because the front door swings into it, I do have an archway that divides the living room and the dining room so the screen will probably have to hang over the arch which is why the pull down appals to me.

well, I'm a ludite I guess.

my 25-buck Cyberhome300 using component and no upscaling to my H31/HiPower looks fab to me.

CMRA I have a similar ceiling height and dining room chandier(sp) layout.

I ended up making an extention and mounting the H31 4ft below ceiling ( and of course 6ft above gound) - sets the projector to a staight shot to the screen too (a good thing if you are using a HiPower).

I had to send in the Momitsu about 3 times in the last 2 months (they are not reliable!), and had to use my panny XP30 w/component. After spending a little time calibrating, it's hard for me to tell much of a difference between the component (Panny XP30) and the DVI of the Momitsu. But I wasn't doing side-by-side A/B comparisons. It just seemed like I wasn't really missing anything with the Panny.



I had a similar experience with both the Oppo and the Panny S77. I had my H31 calibrated by Tom to the XP30/480p and I found that the new players via DVI did not produce any noticeable improvement over the XP30.

Coffee table wont work at all, we have kids and a dog and I am.. well, lazy so I would rather get it mounted and let it go rather than have to drag it out and set it up every time I want to use it.

As for the ceiling being 10', yeah, thats great but....

the room is a 14x14 square, so that puts my viewing distance at the 12' mark. I only have one "full" wall and I cannot even use all of it because the front door swings into it, I do have an archway that divides the living room and the dining room so the screen will probably have to hang over the arch which is why the pull down appals to me.

Kids and dogs...that'll do it every time.
I suppose gaffo's suggestion is looking pretty good about now. Works for him.
BTW, 'lazy' guys don't buy pull downs, they get electric screens. (And, ones with no kids or dogs get electric-tensioned screens).

Anyway, looks like you are on your way. Good install, mate.

If only I could afford an electric screen.

My only concern with ceiling mount is the offset, but it sounds like it is pretty straight?How high would the top of the screen need ( not counting masking and housing) to be if I mount the projector in the 7.5' - 8' range?

I just got back to my desk from Lowes. I went down and looked at shelving materials and think I came up with a pretty decent plan. I am going to run a shelf along the back wall above the windows / door. There are curtains there now so I am just going to add black out cloth to the backs of them for darkenss when I want to use the setup during the day. I will suspend the projector from the shelf and put my rear speakers on the top of the shelf and maybe a few (silk) plants as well to satisfy waf.

And while I am at it, should I go with the OPPO 971 or is there another dvd player that works well with this setup? Right now we have a decent ( for the 32") JVC dvd player but it only goes up to component out, nothing digital.

And while I am at it, should I go with the OPPO 971 or is there another dvd player that works well with this setup? Right now we have a decent ( for the 32") JVC dvd player but it only goes up to component out, nothing digital.

Owning an H31 myself I find DVI the way to go using my Tosh 5970. Should you be a costco member you can get a Tosh upscaling HDMI player for ten hamiltons. Your call. Easy take back too. You'll need a dvi/hdmi cable.
HTPC via DVI is working well for me these days too. Minor occassional tearing is the only issue.

Yeah, I am going to get a Costco membership just for the H31, I have found lower prices but I want the more liberal return policy. I will check into the player, thanks!



* I am not having much luck finding it*

Owning an H31 myself I find DVI the way to go using my Tosh 5970. Should you be a costco member you can get a Tosh upscaling HDMI player for ten hamiltons. Your call. Easy take back too. You'll need a dvi/hdmi cable.
HTPC via DVI is working well for me these days too. Minor occassional tearing is the only issue.

I don't get tearing at all on my Momitsu via DVI.

I thought tearing was only an issue w/HTPC guys....

Fleaman

I don't get tearing at all on my Momitsu via DVI.

I thought tearing was only an issue w/HTPC guys....

Fleaman

Please reread my post. HTPC hooks up via DVI also.

Please reread my post. HTPC hooks up via DVI also.

Wow, my eyes totally censored the 'HTPC' out of your post.

Oh well, it happens.

Fleaman

I read some 'happy' chatter on Theater Tek 2.2 these days. Any Optoma H31 owners opt for this route? If so, what am I missing?

FWIW, screenies!!!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7495355&&#post7495355

Hope you like Leeloo.

No Leeloo this time. My H31 on S-I-L-V-E-R.
It's one year old this month.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7663827&&#post7663827

Just a post to let all know My H31 passed its one year anniversary without a hitch. Lamp at 500 hrs seems no different than day one. Knock on wood, two more years under warranty.

Just a post to let all know My H31 passed its one year anniversary without a hitch. Lamp at 500 hrs seems no different than day one. Knock on wood, two more years under warranty.

Same here - 1 year and about 450 hours. I keep getting the upgrade itch, but everytime I watch a decent dvd on my H31/UH50 setup I can't really find a reason to jump ship anytime soon.

Same here - 1 year and about 450 hours. I keep getting the upgrade itch, but everytime I watch a decent dvd on my H31/UH50 setup I can't really find a reason to jump ship anytime soon.

Indeed. My next upgrade will NOT be a projector. Rather, an HDDVD!!!!

Yup, hopefully HD-dvd's will reduce (eliminate??) crappy mastered/transferred movies.

At this point, an upgraded PJ isn't gonna make my crappy transferred dvd's look any better....and sometimes, it just gets worse :eek:

Fleaman

My H31 will be 1 year old in a few weeks and I just passed the 100 hour mark on my bulb. Unforuntately, I don't think I will have it for much longer due to the fact I just picked up the new Toshiba HD-DVD player! I hope I can sell my H31 for a decent price and then I am going to look at getting the HD72 or the HD7100. As of today, I am not sure what the big difference is between those two models....

Can anybody direct me to a good comparison post on those two 720P units?

Thanks,

My H31 will be 1 year old in a few weeks and I just passed the 100 hour mark on my bulb. Unforuntately, I don't think I will have it for much longer due to the fact I just picked up the new Toshiba HD-DVD player! I hope I can sell my H31 for a decent price and then I am going to look at getting the HD72 or the HD7100. As of today, I am not sure what the big difference is between those two models....

Can anybody direct me to a good comparison post on those two 720P units?

Thanks,

I have no reason to believe you won't be totally delighted with your H31/Tosh HD combo. Give it a go first.
Now, about those 100 hrs...working too much overtime?

Through out the year I have several things going on that take away from movie watching.

In the fall, I travel almost each weekend to the Georgia football games. In the late fall - winter, I am coaching basketball on the weekends. In the spring, I do my heaviest travelling for work and then the summer is vacation and outdoor activities along with going to the movies!

Yup, hopefully HD-dvd's will reduce (eliminate??) crappy mastered/transferred movies.

At this point, an upgraded PJ isn't gonna make my crappy transferred dvd's look any better....and sometimes, it just gets worse :eek:

Fleaman

Oh so true. Oh so true.

Just a few quick questions.... I'm looking around for a projector for my friend and this is on my short list because of the lowerd price and rebate.
Does this projector have a filter or sealed optics?
Can this projector handle a 72Hz fram rate from a Bravo D1?
What DVD player are most using with this projector?
Thanks

I know someone's going to ask sooner or later, so might as well say it now. I can't speak for HDMI, but component HDDVD at 1080i and the H31 are no match made in heaven. What's crystal clear on my other displays is a disappointment on the Optoma.
Don't anyone take this wrong. At 480p it's just fine. But, you don't invest in 1080 to settle for 480. HDMI testing comes after I get the SW upgrade. Hopefully, this will offer the benefit I'm accustomed to.

HD cable looks like a really really good DVD transfer title on my H31. Sometimes it seems it might be a little better. But yeah, I can see how a real HD PJ could open up HD.

Currently the Mitsubishi HC3000 or HC3100 (if the latter ever gets release here) are at the top of my list for future upgrades. For me an upgrade has to improve more than just resolution, there has to be a real improvement in Contrast/shadow and smoothness. The Mits seems to be an improvement in All areas, even color accuracy. Plus the offset appears to be the same/close to the H31.

Fleaman

I'll second Flea's sentiments...I've still got my H31....have thought about upgrading, but then reconsidered because I dont do much HD watching to begin with, and I have no intention of buying to HD discs anytime in the short term.

When I do upgrade, it'll have to be an improvement in all areas.....not just resolution....and the H31 is a pretty good projector, it throws a nice image, so I dont want to make a lateral move and only get higher rez.

The only thing steering me towards an Infocus would be its smaller offset...I have low ceilings, the less offset I have the better.

I'll second Flea's sentiments...I've still got my H31....have thought about upgrading, but then reconsidered because I dont do much HD watching to begin with, and I have no intention of buying to HD discs anytime in the short term.

When I do upgrade, it'll have to be an improvement in all areas.....not just resolution....and the H31 is a pretty good projector, it throws a nice image, so I dont want to make a lateral move and only get higher rez.

The only thing steering me towards an Infocus would be its smaller offset...I have low ceilings, the less offset I have the better.

So, HR, with the arrival of the HD70, where do you stand?

Me no HeadRusch, but the HD70 is just a DC2 machine and it would seem the most noticeable improvement will be resolution. As I mentioned, and HR seemed to concur, there would have to be an improvement in most areas, especially (for me) contrast/shadow detail.

A HD70 in the position of my H31 would just mean I could sit a foot or 2 closer to the screen....and that is not a big deal for me.

But I'm a patient man, I can wait for the HC3100...even if it takes a year.

Fleaman

Me no HeadRusch, but the HD70 is just a DC2 machine and it would seem the most noticeable improvement will be resolution. As I mentioned, and HR seemed to concur, there would have to be an improvement in most areas, especially (for me) contrast/shadow detail.

A HD70 in the position of my H31 would just mean I could sit a foot or 2 closer to the screen....and that is not a big deal for me.

But I'm a patient man, I can wait for the HC3100...even if it takes a year.

Fleaman

Methinks I'm in the same boat you are...just not as patient. I'm guessing DC3 will do it for me too. Close enough to CRT blacks without sacrificing all the digital goodness. (So I hope)

I have hesitated to respond to this thread for one main reason: I'm still not sure how I feel about the thing. Most of the time I'm in love with it, and the other few times...I'm not.

The H31 was a no brainer...I loved it the minute I had it out of the box and tweaked it out a bit. The HD70 on the other hand, I'm still messing with. I haven't watched much content on it since I got it, and when I do fire it up I tend to want to fiddle with things. For most things I've watched the image has been excellent. But its clear, I still dont have it properly tweaked out to my liking. And thats the reason why I'm a little dissatisfied (but satisfied).....I'm still messing with the thing, which means I'm not really enjoying what I'm watching yet.

I'm going to try out BobL's numbers tomorrow, he claims he got a fine D65 calibration out of it. I want to see what those numbers look like when I plug them into my PJ.

Like CMRA, absolute black level is important to me. I dont mind if I lose shadow detail, I want blacks to look as black as possible. The H31 was pretty good in this regard. The HD70 however, is a bit of a step backwards, because its got a white segment on the color wheel and that means that even "black" is brighter. It looks a little more LCD-like in that regard...its not grey at all, but that white segment and added lumens are working against me in this area.

Now....having said that....the image kinda kicks the H31's ass in just about every other department :) Resolution, of course, but also the brightness makes the image pop....furthermore, the colors (even in their not-quite-calibrated fashion) are pretty impressive. And lastly, even though I did some bitching about the absolute black level, black definately looks deep and rich if there's adequate contrast on the screen. Again, black still looks black...its just a brighter black than I am currently accustomed to :)

I'll chime in again when I play more with the numbers I'm seeing posted on the Tweaks thread.

And, of course, then we've got RedDog who's already cracked his case and blacked-out the white segment on the color wheel, with supposedly stellar results. I'm keeping an eye out for his review as well.

I am currently continuing to tweak out the HD70 to see what it can do. I ALSO have my eye on DarkChip 3 DLP. However only at a $1500 or less pricepoint.

UPDATE: Having performed the Color Wheel Mod on my HD70 my gripes about the unit are history and I'm back to loving it full time.

Like CMRA, absolute black level is important to me. I dont mind if I lose shadow detail, I want blacks to look as black as possible. The H31 was pretty good in this regard. The HD70 however, is a bit of a step backwards, because its got a white segment on the color wheel and that means that even "black" is brighter. It looks a little more LCD-like in that regard...its not grey at all, but that white segment and added lumens are working against me in this area.

Now....having said that....the image kinda kicks the H31's ass in just about every other department :) Resolution, of course, but also the brightness makes the image pop....furthermore, the colors (even in their not-quite-calibrated fashion) are pretty impressive. And lastly, even though I did some bitching about the absolute black level, black definately looks deep and rich if there's adequate contrast on the screen. Again, black still looks black...its just a brighter black than I am currently accustomed to :)

.

This has XR10 written all over it. That white segment is angel and devil alike. Hmmm...perhaps a DC3 with a white segment wheel could be...perfect? (OK, closer anyway)

So...with the arrival of the HD70, where does that leave 480p projectors?

HR? fleaman?

480p's are still bargain darlings for the $500 crowd......their only fault is the seating distance limitation.

So...with the arrival of the HD70, where does that leave 480p projectors?

HR? fleaman?

Hanging from my ceiling.

Resolution alone ain't gonna change out my PJ. Need deeper blacks, more shadow detail and less image noise.

The newer crop of DC3's might just be the tipping point, but I think I'm gonna wait for the HC3100 Mits., even though it may be well into next year before it comes to the U.S.

Fleaman

Projectors, gentlemen, projectors.

On top of that, I support both CRT and digital alike.

My preferrences, clearly stated over and over here on AVS, are CRT for film based transfers and digital for CGI and gaming.

The advent of the HD81 may finally be close enough to bridge the two for me. We shall see.

My preferrences, clearly stated over and over here on AVS, are CRT for film based transfers and digital for CGI and gaming.

The advent of the HD81 may finally be close enough to bridge the two for me. We shall see.

Have you seen the LCOS likes of the Pearl, etc.?

Not my cuppa tea, but if you're not diggin DLP for film sources, the LCOS definitely have a different look to them...film like, soft..., etc.

Fleaman

Have you seen the LCOS likes of the Pearl, etc.?

Not my cuppa tea, but if you're not diggin DLP for film sources, the LCOS definitely have a different look to them...film like, soft..., etc.

Fleaman

As in SXRD? Yes, the Ruby. Also, SXRD side by side against 1080p DLP RPTV at CC.
HDDVD and DLP combo (XGA and higher) has a film-like appearance of its own especially when you back off on the 'sharpen' as recommended by Toshiba.

We all have our preferences, don't we? Frankly, It's all getting so good, I could live with any mentioned solutions. And, it only keeps getting better all the time.

Just last night I had a rather nice 'Optoma' moment.

Some of you may recall my disappointment with my H31 and HD-A1 via HDMI. I'm here to report the visual just got a whole lot better.
Not having a long enough DVI/hdmi cable for my new theater setup I was forced to hook my H31 via component. Guess what? Not half bad at all. HDDVD at 1080i over component. I had to do some tweaking to get the colors right, however. (HDMI is so much easier in that regard)

OK, my XGA and 720p projectors do look better, (resolution and SDE) but, from what was smeary and unwatchable via HDMI was absolutely viewable. Had fate not stepped in, I would have never known.

Now if I could just get "Gladiator" on HDDVD.