The 2nd Official Infocus 4805 Thread. [Text View] - Page 24

billymac

10-10-06, 02:40 PM

Right. My Bravo D1 and HD cable box have DVI connections ONLY.
I'm not going to go DVI to HDMI from those boxes to an HDMI splitter, then HDMI to DVI
to the 4805. I SIMPLY won't do it. :rolleyes:

Let's try this again. If anyone out there can recommend a good DVI splitter for their
4805 / Bravo D1 / cable box combo, let me know.

not sure why i'm replying because that did come accross a little jerky. spydy was SIMPLY trying to offer a suggestion.

i bought this one:
http://www.startech.com/Product/ItemDetail.aspx?productid=VS310DVIR&c=US

it works great and has a ir remote so you can program your uni remote with it. i currently use it for my htpc, my D1 and my receiver.

if that doesn't cut the mustard for you, then i'd suggest taking a look at Gefen products. they make several, but you'll spend more money.

oh and by the way, downstairs i use that manual switcher spydy recommended on my other D1 and it works great. ;)

cavu

10-10-06, 05:04 PM

Can anyone recommend a DVI splitter that works well with the 4805 and Bravo D1? I want to be able to switch between sources ... Bravo D1 and HD cable box.I'm sorry - I may have misled you in PM. I read "splitter" as a "Y-cord" to split one source between two displays.

I now realize you are just looking for an input switcher!!

I am using and very happy with the Zektor DVS5.1 switcher (http://www.zektor.com/dvs51/index.html).

Skywalking

10-10-06, 08:56 PM

I am using and very happy with the Zektor DVS5.1 switcher (http://www.zektor.com/dvs51/index.html).

CAVU, as always thank you. Thank you too billymac for your advice. Look, I think this forum is great. I've learned a lot from you guys. Thanks to CAVU, I bought a Bravo D1, got it 1:1 pixel mapped. I've solved my color wheel grind problem by cleaning the color wheel (learned how to do that here too). I've cleared some other problems up along the way thanks to everyone who offers advice in this forum. For that, I am thankful.

As far as my post being a little jerky, sure it was. I was bent. I felt like spyder was answering the question without reading it. I don't own one device with HDMI output. Bravo D1 and cable box are DVI output only. Which is why I asked more than once for advice regarding a DVI switch, not an HDMI switch. People make decisions based on recommendations in this forum. Sure it's their choice, but it happens all the same. With that said, I wouldn't recommend an HDMI switch to someone who only has DVI output. It wouldn't make sense.

spyder696969

10-11-06, 12:47 AM

Post 4918:
Factory default settings should be used for 480i. You might need to tweak the contrast/brightness a bit, depending on your room and lighting conditions, but likely nothing else should need adjustment.

Post 4919:
really? no RGB gain adjustments? Currently feeding it 480p, I had to adjust RGB gains to get a decent looking picture. I figured I would have to make adjustments, regardless of 480p or 480i source.

Post 4921:
Really, really, for real, really! I'm cereal.

Read this: http://japhule.collinsreport.com/48...html/index.html

Post 4961:
I'm concidering picking up a Bravo D1. Ideally, I'd like to pick one up with the cap mod done already (and loader replaced, if necessary). Anyone know if Vizio sells direct? If so, do you know if they have sent out D1s with cap and loader fixed if asked to do so? If Vizio does not sell direct, what would next best option be (newegg, ebay, etc).

Post 4962:
It's doubtful that you'll find one "new" from any source. Vizio, tiger, and newegg won't have ones that have the mods done. Best bet is a fellow AVS member. Loader replacement isn't really necessary, but cap replacement (scariest mod) and dampening methods are.

Now a peek into the future, to Post 5761:
As far as my post being a little jerky, sure it was. I was bent. I felt like spyder was answering the question without reading it. I don't own one device with HDMI output. Bravo D1 and cable box are DVI output only. Which is why I asked more than once for advice regarding a DVI switch, not an HDMI switch. People make decisions based on recommendations in this forum. Sure it's their choice, but it happens all the same. With that said, I wouldn't recommend an HDMI switch to someone who only has DVI output. It wouldn't make sense.

Yeah, I can see why you'd be supremely "bent". Silly me, answering your first two questions within minutes of asking, and with some brevity, I might add. That must have truly been an irritation. I can absolutely understand how one could fly off the handle getting a suggestion that tries to save you money to the tune of $200-$500+ over the easiest solution that doesn't require the addition of two adapters that take a grand total of 3 minutes to put on. It's perfectly acceptable that you, with your cumulative of 15 posts, would choose to berate someone that has over 2700 posts and makes concerted efforts daily to help everyone achieve D1/4805 perfection (including color wheel cleaning) in the least expensive manner.

Please forgive me for this heinous crime I have committed against you and my felow members. Perhaps, at your request, it would be best for me to delete each and every one of my posts and withdraw from AVS completely. I certainly feel ashamed to have caused you so much trauma and angst. Best of luck to you, and may you find "straight" answers in the future so you won't need to get so "bent".

PWEI

10-11-06, 08:38 AM

HUH??? :confused: I don't get it. How do you NOT have to pay post or VAT on an Oppo, like you would on a D1? Did I totally miss something here?

spyder696969,the only available D1's on the internet are on ebay US,and were charging over $100 for deliver.As I live in Europe (Ireland to be precise) I would
also have to pay Customs and Excise and VAT as its coming from the US.There are two sellers selling OPPO dvd players on Ebay UK and as its in the EU you don't have to pay Customs and Excise and VAT.And the price of delivery is only a fraction of the cost.It's just the unfortunate thing about buying anything from the US,they always sting you for the VAT unless the seller could mark the item as a gift but even then,Customs can still get you.

forklifter

10-11-06, 05:50 PM

Just curious when they order a part such as the ECA controller how long should it take its been sitting in the work shop since Sept 27 You would think they could get parts overnite or in a short time anyway

Gartseff

10-11-06, 07:22 PM

Question; monoprice says you can't use the Y splitters to use two different inputs on one device? Why is that?

Worm069

10-12-06, 05:24 AM

UPDATE:
On 9/15 I sent them an email asking what was up and got a reply that they were waiting on parts and it would be several more weeks. They gave me the option of taking a "WARRANTY EXCHANGE" projector. I accepted and when it arrived it was in better condition than my old projector and as a Bonus, it had a brand new lamp!!! YES!!!. :eek:
Needless to say, I'm a happy camper... :D

OH MY GOSH!! :eek: I just got HD hooked up last week. What the hell was I watching before.. I am completely blown away.. I'm gonna build a window frame around my 110" screen (which is now 2" too small for even the smallest size the projector er uh.. projects) because I'd swear I'm looking out a window. I was watching a football game and was tempted to get up and go over and smack Mark Brunell upside of his head for one of his throws and when I did, I swear he ducked and gave me a dirty look.. ;) I can't believe I watched that projector for a full year without HD. Well thanks to the Warranty Exchange (noted above) I'll be able to watch this one for a year with HD. Incredible.. Absolutely incredible!!

Just curious, anyone know what the biggest projection you can throw out of that thing? And what's the biggest you've thrown out? At 110" it's crystal clear.

cme4oil

10-12-06, 07:13 PM

Worm069

10-12-06, 07:41 PM

Pretty much as the title explains. I have just over 3000 hours on my lamp on a SP4805. I have been really happy with this projector and other than the "Replace Lamp" message that pops up briefly when you turn the unit on, it seems to be fine.

The question I have is this: Can I safely ignore or reset this message or better yet reset the lamp counter? Is it save to continue to use the Lamp with over 3000 hours on it? I figure there must be some reason they pop up this message when the lamp gets 3000 hours on it (at least that is what I assume has happened). Is there any other reason the warning to replace the lamp would come on briefly when turning on the PJ?

Thanks for any help

I really can't answer your question because I haven't gotten that far, but I seem to notice that as the bulbs get older they get dimmer.. I got a new bulb with a replacement projector and when I first turned it on I had my 100 watt room light on and it didn't wash out the picture. With my old lamp I had to have the room light off or I couldn't see part of the screen. I'm guessing it was either because of the new lamp or my newly acquired HD. Just an observation. Someone here can tell me if I'm mistaken..

spyder696969

10-12-06, 09:09 PM

scitek

10-12-06, 09:55 PM

I was watching a football game and was tempted to get up and go over and smack Mark Brunell upside of his head for one of his throws and when I did, I swear he ducked and gave me a dirty look..

I think he was probably surprised that you expected him to make a good throw. :D

Clams Canino

10-12-06, 10:13 PM

I'm well over 1500 hours now and still have the ND2 filter on it and am happy. I'll pull it for sure at 2000.

To the other poster.... screen size is a matter of taste.... the PJ has plenty of extra light to throw big.... but get too big and you can see the individual pixels. (SDE) Most users here agreed that 92" to 95" was about the best. I'm at 100.

-W

scitek

10-12-06, 10:37 PM

Is it possible to use the VGA to M1 adapter to use my PC as a means to watch HD movies on my 4805, or do I need a video card with an HDMI out instead? Also, is it possible to use a PC with an HD tuner card to receive OTA HD channels?

cavu

10-13-06, 12:45 AM

Is it possible to use the VGA to M1 adapter to use my PC as a means to watch HD movies on my 4805Yes.do I need a video card with an HDMI out instead?DVI, not HDMI. Better than VGA.is it possible to use a PC with an HD tuner card to receive OTA HD channels?Yes.

scitek

10-13-06, 02:55 AM

DVI, not HDMI. Better than VGA

Could someone recommend a good card for this? Would a Radeon work alright?

cme4oil

10-13-06, 09:01 AM

Some have pushed past the 3000 hours mark with no issues. I'm only 30 hours shy of that myself, but I reset the counter at 2500 (nice, round number) hours, just so I wouldn't have to see the message. Just reset the counter and keep on going. The message is IF's way of saying, "Hey, buddy! Send us some money." ;)

I just threw in a new lamp and the difference was just short of insane. I didn't realize how much mine had dimmed. Now I have that "plasma-ish" feel back. It wasn't like the old bulb was unwatchable by any means, but a dimming bulb is like the frog in the slowly heating pot story...it dims so gradually that you don't tend to notice. When your bulb "croaks", replace it. :)

You know, as the lamp has aged I think you just get used to it. I am still happy with the picture and am getting a new lamp under warranty. It will be interesting to see the diffence between my 3000 hour lamp and a new one.

I think I will do the color wheel cleaning, stick the old lamp back in and see what it looks like and then put the new one in and see what it looks like.

My thoughts were that why not just use the old lamp unitl it croaks... now my worry is that if there is a lot of difference with the new lamp (which I am thinking there should be) that I won't go back to the older one. I will just hold onto it as an emergency spare probably.

scooterboy

10-13-06, 10:52 AM

I just threw in a new lamp and the difference was just short of insane. I didn't realize how much mine had dimmed. Now I have that "plasma-ish" feel back.
And strangely, I had the opposite experience. I replaced my lamp at around 2700-2800 hours, and didn't really notice much difference at all.

Go figure...

utopia1956

10-13-06, 11:01 AM

Could someone recommend a good card for this? Would a Radeon work alright?
http://www.digitalconnection.com/Products/Video/mdp130.asp
I just ordered a MyHD MDP 130 based on info from these forums...just do a search for MyHD. You will also need an antenna capable of receiving OTA. Check out www.antennaweb.org

spyder696969

10-13-06, 11:02 AM

Plasma George

10-13-06, 11:24 AM

I'm very excited to get this today !
Running a silver Comcast HD STB (non DVR), so it has DVI output.
Is it as simple as getting a 25' DVI cable and making the connections ?

I'm hearing D1 and M1 connectors, bunch of abbreviations for adapters that I don't understand.

I already use the Svideo (kitchen LCD), RCA component (plasma), video composite (32 CRT), so the DVI will be the FOURTH source, am I missing something ???

krasmuzik

10-13-06, 02:24 PM

scooterboy

try cleaning your colorwheel

krasmuzik

10-13-06, 02:25 PM

As stated before, it's not as though my old lamp looked bad at all. In fact, it looked quite good, but after putting the new one in, I did see the difference, particularly on whiter/brighter HD material. With SD, there was noted improvement, but nothing that really popped, like HD. I haven't decided if I want to run the old one until dead or keep it as backup yet.

For single guys - its like getting a new girlfriend - you finally realize how flawed the old one is - something you never notice when you are getting some :p

cavu

10-14-06, 02:30 AM

Is it as simple as getting a 25' DVI cable and making the connections ?Yes. Sorta.

In the SP4805 you have to set the RGB gains (3) to 58 and the RGB Offsets (3) to 28.5; this adjusts the DVI input to accept the "video" levels output by the Comcast Motorola box (the default is "PC" levels).

You want a Monoprice DVI-D to M1-D(P&D) 24AWG cable - 25ft (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10238&cs_id=1023801&p_id=2502&seq=1&format=2&style=) - $27.42 ;)

scooterboy

10-14-06, 08:34 PM

scooterboy

try cleaning your colorwheel
I had cleaned it about a month before getting the new bulb, but I could try it again I suppose.

mijoeldotor

10-14-06, 11:10 PM

I did the CW cleaning today, having 650 hs on my pj. Like you, It seemed not dirty at a glance, but when I saw the Q-tip I realized I was wrong. It was black.
First, I used water but could not quit the haze. Then I added some alcohol, hazing decreased but not disappeared.. :(
I did not played the pj to see how it looks like...it's too late.

Today I played the 4805 and saw an improvement in brightness!! Can't figure how many...but it's noticeable... :o

mijoeldotor

10-14-06, 11:13 PM

You're going too fast then. Just slow down, do the repeated 5-degree angle like I said, round and round, and it will go away. Remember that the last few Q-Tips should be nearly dry, but not 100% dry. Best way is to shake the hell out of a few tips and use those last, as the water will evapopate slightly while you clean the wheel with the others. :cool:

It's amazing how much crap can be on there, even if you don't see anything at all. :eek:

Lastly, use real Q-Tips, not cheap imitations. They're softer, absorb better, and they don't cost much. :)

thank you spyder for the tips!! : :) :)

Want2race

10-15-06, 08:29 PM

Can anyone explain this : http://want2race.net/infocus/line.JPG
I have developed a line down the right side only, Its fixed and doesnt go awy after i reset the settings, It happens on all sources on all channels.

Any ideas? Is it dead?

cavu

10-15-06, 08:33 PM

Any ideas? Is it dead?Looks like a light tunnel. Using the link at the top of this page, search this thread for that term. If under warranty, call InFocus. If not, check out the repair described.

spyder696969

10-15-06, 08:36 PM

CFH

10-15-06, 08:44 PM

My 4805 bit the dust and I am not sure what the problem was so I just bought an IN72. If anyone is interested in it (for parts) I have got it up on eBay right now.

http://cgi.*********/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280037677783

I am not sure if that is allowed to announce selling of old equipment so if its cool if the mods delete this post. Sorry if that is the case.

Martin Butler

10-15-06, 08:46 PM

Athough mine was thinner and more yellow I think I had the same issue and InFocus replaced the light engine.

spyder696969

10-15-06, 08:47 PM

thank you spyder for the tips!! : :) :)

You're welcome! Thinking back, I would recommend anyone doing the color wheel cleaning to make a 10% solution of ethanol (not aclohol) with deionized water (not distilled) . It's the same thing we use with acrylic slides in the lab. That should help a bit with the streaking.*

*Don't concern youself with getting exactly 10%. CW cleaning isn't like precipitation of nucleic acids or anything, so no worries if you're +/- 5%. Just eyeball it the best you can. :D

speed32219

10-16-06, 01:15 AM

OK, tell me again how do you guys like your SP4805 Big Screen Picture?

Down here in New Orelans for the past 3 weeks trying to get our old home fixed and up for sale and I'm watching (Don't laugh) a 19" RCA without a remote.

I feel bad for all those that got caught up with upgrade fever and sold their 4805 for a HD70. The last ten pages on the HD70 thread was interesting. :)

One more week and I'll be a Big Screen 4805 loving user again!

Martin Butler

10-16-06, 02:17 AM

I was at the Stereophile Home Ebtertainment Show a little over two years ago and carefully watched the 20k JVC D-ILA projector and never thought I could afford to get anywhere close to such a beautiful picture. The mighty 4805 is very close in color qualiity, calibrated out of the box and is actually brighter. Of course the resolution's lower, but from 16' back my 4805 delivers a big screen experience I once only dreamed of at a price I could afford. Do I like my 4805, you betcha, warts and all.

cavu

10-16-06, 02:23 AM

I never thought I could afford to get anywhere close to such a beautiful picture. My 4805 delivers a big screen experience I once only dreamed of at a price I could afford.Ahhh Martin! You are such a sweet talker.

You're just spoiling speed32219 by talking dirty to him!

And speed32219 just whispers "OK, tell me again .... "

Martin Butler

10-16-06, 08:56 AM

Still, the new design for the IN72/6 is rather sexy, I may have to consider cheating on my sweet little 4805 soon..

aaranddeeman

10-17-06, 06:10 PM

spyder696969

10-17-06, 07:08 PM

Could someone please guide me to this setting ?
If the SA boxes are anything like the Motos, soft power the unit off, then hit menu on the remote. There should be a menu that comes up after that.

krasmuzik

10-17-06, 07:48 PM

Still, the new design for the IN72/6 is rather sexy, I may have to consider cheating on my sweet little 4805 soon..

Maybe the IN72 calibration review on my website will have you thinking that shiny piano black case just cannot be ignored any longer.... :cool:

Not to mention the summer rebate became permanent $999 MSRP :)

A secret hint for you guys - the anonymous end-of-life projector used in the review format page charts - is one that has been viewed by millions. The lamp and color wheel have seen better days - and juniors marketed specs have faded - but can you think of a better DVD projector for the bedroom? :D

Martin Butler

10-17-06, 11:59 PM

Hmmm... very interesting Kras. I do fantasize about seeing that sleek piano black case up by the ceiling of my humble but quite stylish abode..

Ja Phule

10-18-06, 12:26 AM

Got my Comcast HD box ( Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250HD) yesterday.

This box send 1080i to the pj by default.

What is the recommended resolution to connect to 4805, is it 1080i or 720P.

I was also trying to find out how to change the default resolution of the box. But could not find any setting.

Could someone please guide me to this setting ?

Thanks in advance

Turn off the HD Box. Press the "Guide" and "Info" buttons at the same time on the actual box. This will activate the setup wizard on screen and you can enable all the resolutions. I'd recommend enabling all the resolutions and have the HD Box set to "pass-through" so 1080i channels will be 1080i, 720p be 720p, and SD be 480i.

PWEI

10-18-06, 03:35 AM

Got my OPPO OPDV971H yesterday,its a very nice machine.Just waiting for the 25ft DVI to M1 cable to arrive now.Just wondering when I connect the DVI/M1 cable do I disconnect all the S Video and component cables?

Adi

10-18-06, 08:49 AM

4805 could be the most popular projector ever. How many of these babies Infocus has sold? Any guestimates?

spyder696969

10-18-06, 08:53 AM

Just wondering when I connect the DVI/M1 cable do I disconnect all the S Video and component cables?
Only if you never plan on using anything else with it other than DVDs.

Plasma George

10-18-06, 12:28 PM

onion

10-18-06, 01:13 PM

WillyGib

10-18-06, 01:38 PM

New to the 4805, just got it setup this weekend to a 54x96 screen from 15' away, the pj is on a 3' book shelf.
This is the weird part where something doesn't seem right, the image shoots way over the screen and I have to raise up the back almost 2 VHS tapes, then adjust the keystone to square the image. :(

Searched this thread for "lens shift" and "tilt" and can't find this being discussed.

Is there an adjusment out of wack, to correct this ?
It was a refurb, that the previous owner "tested" it.

Thanks

Here is a link to Infocus in regards to offset. In your case you will need to turn the diagram upside down and replace the word ceiling with floor.

http://www.infocus.com/service/sp4805/faq-installation.asp?site_lang=1&site_region=1&cat=offset

Plasma George

10-18-06, 02:07 PM

curtis104

10-18-06, 02:41 PM

Here is a link to Infocus in regards to offset. In your case you will need to turn the diagram upside down and replace the word ceiling with floor.

http://www.infocus.com/service/sp4805/faq-installation.asp?site_lang=1&site_region=1&cat=offset

Are they any Athena Speakers in your setup? I was looking to get a pair AS-R1 and I was trying to get some opinions on them.

dagware

10-18-06, 02:51 PM

So if you have it mounted on the ceiling, you have it angled down pretty bad right? Is there a way to reverse the offset ?-or turn the 4805 upside down ?
Yes, it is designed for that. You mount it upside down and use the option in the menu to flip the picture. And no, you don't have to angle it much, depending on your setup. You can click on my signature for a picture of my setup, but I'm kind of unique... :rolleyes:

-Dan

Plasma George

10-18-06, 03:02 PM

Yes, it is designed for that. You mount it upside down and use the option in the menu to flip the picture. And no, you don't have to angle it much, depending on your setup. You can click on my signature for a picture of my setup, but I'm kind of unique... :rolleyes:

-DanThanks man.
That's very cool, if you see my gallery you can see I'm on the unfinished side of my basement, so no problem if it "blends in with the rafters".
You just gave me a weekend project.

Is "hanging" the only way to invert from the ceiling, you can't just bulid a shelf down from the ceiling for it to sit in ?

So it's true, you want to keep the smallest zoom to fit you screen ?
I have mine zoomed all the way out to fit the 110" at 15'.

Quaid

10-18-06, 03:27 PM

Plasma George,

The image from the projector is shot out of the unit at an angle. If the unit is right side up (sitting on the floor for example), then the image ends up above the projector. If the projector is upside down (hanging from the ceiling), then the image is below the projector.

You can invert the image by putting a check in the system properties under ceiling mounted (or similar, don't have the proj with me right now). Although you can invert the image, you cannot change the offset angle that the projector shoots the image at.

You also want to avoid keystoning like the plague. All of the goodness that the 4805 can provide is thrown out the window with digital keystoning. The same is true for any projector.

With regards to your ceiling mount options, there are a number of comercial solutions available. I actually bought a mount from Mandarax here on the AVS forum. He had a bunch made specifically for the 4805 out of some very strong and sturdy materials. It cost me about $90, I don't remember exactly. I am extremely pleased with it. I could not have built one better myself for less $.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=221782&goto=lastpost

The key to mounting your projector is to have it at the right position in space to shoot the image exactly where you want it. The second key is mounting your screen after the projector ;) :p

Also remember that the middle of the projector is not where the image comes from! On the 4805, the lens is off to the side!

cavu

10-18-06, 04:51 PM

Is "hanging" the only way to invert from the ceiling, you can't just bulid a shelf down from the ceiling for it to sit in ?You can shelf-mount the projector by flipping it upside-down; use these stick-on rubber feet (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103342&cp=&origkw=rubber+feet&kw=rubber+feet&parentPage=search) to prevent the buttons on the projector from resting on the shelf.you want to keep the smallest zoom to fit you screen ?Ideally. There is a small reduction of contrast ratio when using zoom.

WillyGib

10-18-06, 04:52 PM

Are they any Athena Speakers in your setup? I was looking to get a pair AS-R1 and I was trying to get some opinions on them.

All the speakers in my theater are Athena's. Mains are AS-F2's, center AS-C1, sub AS-P400, and four AS-R1's for surrounds. I like the R1's because the sound is not perceived coming from a single point, but from behind you someplace. You can't pin point it. The R1's are bi-polars.

I had a HT meet at my house last Saturday and receive complements on the sound system. If I can paraphrase, “Very nice setup without spending an obscene amount of money.”

dagware

10-18-06, 06:04 PM

Is "hanging" the only way to invert from the ceiling, you can't just bulid a shelf down from the ceiling for it to sit in ?
As others have pointed out, you can indeed use a shelf.

Let me tell you why I made my moveable mount. In the middle of last year, I bought a 60" HD TV. I ended up replacing it with the PJ. But one thing I noticed when I had the TV was that I got used to the picture size pretty quick. And since everything I watched was basically the same size, when I watched movies on a Friday night with the wife, it didn't feel "special" any more. In other words, it didn't feel like going out to the movies.

When I returned the TV and bought the PJ it was even more so, because I could get such a large picture with the PJ. Let's face it, watching Roseanne at 108" isn't really necessary, is it? I tried just changing the zoom, but that didn't make enough of a difference.

With my moveable mount, I can watch regular TV at 70" or 80", and when we have "movie night", we watch it at 108". It feels much more like going out to the movies.

OK, I'm off my horse now. :rolleyes: I seem to be the only one who feels this way, but my therapist says my feelings are important, so there! :p

-Dan

spyder696969

10-18-06, 06:10 PM

You can click on my signature for a picture of my setup, but I'm kind of unique... :rolleyes:

OK, I'm off my horse now. I seem to be the only one who feels this way, but my therapist says my feelings are important, so there!

Thereapy must be working, since he's got you thinking that you're "unique". Maybe you should talk to him some more about this Roseanne issue. ;)

aaranddeeman

10-18-06, 09:09 PM

Turn off the HD Box. Press the "Guide" and "Info" buttons at the same time on the actual box. This will activate the setup wizard on screen and you can enable all the resolutions. I'd recommend enabling all the resolutions and have the HD Box set to "pass-through" so 1080i channels will be 1080i, 720p be 720p, and SD be 480i.

Thanks Ja, so much.... :)

aaranddeeman

10-18-06, 09:16 PM

As others have pointed out, you can indeed use a shelf.

Let me tell you why I made my moveable mount. In the middle of last year, I bought a 60" HD TV. I ended up replacing it with the PJ. But one thing I noticed when I had the TV was that I got used to the picture size pretty quick. And since everything I watched was basically the same size, when I watched movies on a Friday night with the wife, it didn't feel "special" any more. In other words, it didn't feel like going out to the movies.

When I returned the TV and bought the PJ it was even more so, because I could get such a large picture with the PJ. Let's face it, watching Roseanne at 108" isn't really necessary, is it? I tried just changing the zoom, but that didn't make enough of a difference.

With my moveable mount, I can watch regular TV at 70" or 80", and when we have "movie night", we watch it at 108". It feels much more like going out to the movies.

OK, I'm off my horse now. :rolleyes: I seem to be the only one who feels this way, but my therapist says my feelings are important, so there! :p

-Dan

George,

You can also use a TV mount (the CRT TV mount not the flat panel) if you have a wall behind. Keep the projector upside down on this mount (with some rubber feet as indicated by Cavu). I had similar setup in my family room for more than a year till I got my basement finished.

dagware

10-18-06, 09:29 PM

Thereapy must be working, since he's got you thinking that you're "unique". Maybe you should talk to him some more about this Roseanne issue. ;)
Well, to paraphrase a line from Planes, Trains and Automobiles, "unique" is another word for idiot.

As for the Roseanne issue, have you ever seen her at 108"? I guarantee it will make you need therapy!! :eek:

-Dan

Plasma George

10-18-06, 09:38 PM

Well, to paraphrase a line from Planes, Trains and Automobiles, "unique" is another word for idiot.

As for the Roseanne issue, have you ever seen her at 108"? I guarantee it will make you need therapy!! :eek:

-Dan =The movable mount is brilliant, just need to clean it up.
How do you deal with different screen sizes ?
Let me guess, motorizes vertical and horizontal blinds. :eek:

jinroh

10-18-06, 10:01 PM

spyder696969

10-18-06, 10:23 PM

Greetings to all. I recently bought a 4805 from a friend.
The only cable included is a Monster M500SV S-video cable. My question is whether it is worth spending $30~$40 more to get a M1-VGA or M1-DVI, in terms of improving video quality?
Or this Monster cable is enough to get the best of 4805?

-Seth

What are you pairing the 4805 with? It's DEFINITELY worth spending the $30 for the M1-DVI cable + $35 for the Bravo D1 via Newegg.com.

jinroh

10-18-06, 10:35 PM

BTW, I will connect 4805 to my HTPC all the time, which has s-video/DVI/VGA output options.

jinroh

10-18-06, 10:49 PM

What are you pairing the 4805 with? It's DEFINITELY worth spending the $30 for the M1-DVI cable + $35 for the Bravo D1 via Neweggcom.

Thanks for the inputs. I will pair it with my HTPC most of the time.
btw, any comments on monoprice cables?

dagware

10-18-06, 10:51 PM

=The movable mount is brilliant, just need to clean it up.
How do you deal with different screen sizes ?
Let me guess, motorizes vertical and horizontal blinds. :eek:
I've actually thought of that, but haven't done it yet. The size difference doesn't affect my setup, because I project on a wall. I can get the room pitch black, and it actually looks good on my wall.

-Dan

Worm069

10-18-06, 11:06 PM

Thanks for the inputs. I will pair it with my HTPC most of the time.
btw, any comments on monoprice cables?

I've only bought one for the hookup between my SP4805 and my DirecTV HD box. (HDMI) 25' Heavy duty cable with gold tips. (about as big around as my finger) I was very impressed.

Martin Butler

10-19-06, 08:58 AM

Seth, the 4805 SHINES via the M1 and the component inputs as well, the S-video isn't even close. I believe most users here have DVI or HDMI.

jinroh

10-19-06, 10:44 AM

Seth, the 4805 SHINES via the M1 and the component inputs as well, the S-video isn't even close. I believe most users here have DVI or HDMI.

Thanks for the confirmation, Martin. I will go ordering a monoprice M1-DVI cable now.

Martin Butler

10-19-06, 10:57 AM

My pleasure and welcome to the forum.

spyder696969

10-19-06, 12:08 PM

As far as Monoprice cables go, ALL their cables are fantastic. I won't buy from anyone else now.

cavu

10-19-06, 05:16 PM

I've had five PM requests so far today for the current firmware but no-one has included their email addresses. :(

Please include your email address! It will save us all (me!) a lot of time.

RuleOf72

10-19-06, 09:03 PM

Hi,

I got the 4805 last Fall and love it. We have a 92" screen. We are in the process of looking for a new home. One that we really like for the rest of the floorplan has really only one room suitable for a HT that is smaller than our old one. The dimmensions are basically 14x14. The question is will our current 92" diag screen be too big for the room or will the 4805 work OK in it? It's just my wife and I most times. The room will be pitch black, no outside light at all since it's in the basement.

What is everyone's opinion?

Gartseff

10-19-06, 09:09 PM

I'd say, do you like a big screen experience or what?

Luis Gabriel Gerena

10-20-06, 12:58 AM

IMHO the screen should be as big as possible which means, sit down where you are gonna be watching movies and keep making it bigger until you get bothered my SDE or any artifact. Thats of course if you have some white wall or something decent to shoot at.
Regards

Clams Canino

10-20-06, 09:02 AM

You'll do fine in a 14' room at 92". At least I am easily happy with it. :)

-W

absolootbs

10-20-06, 09:12 AM

if you consider that, depending on what you read, recomended seating distance is 1.5 - 2.2 times the screen width, and the width of a 92" screen (assuming 16:9) is 80", that means that at a nice round 2x multiplier, your eyes should be 13'4" from the screen. sounds to me like you'd be about perfect with the couch sitting right up against the back wall in your new room.

with my 4805 in a pitch black basement i'm right about 14' from my 92" screen, and i too am happy with it.

Martin Butler

10-20-06, 09:27 AM

I sit around 15' from my 92" diagonal screen and it's perfect. Big enough for WOW! factor, small enough not to look ridiculous in my apartment.

homer1963

10-20-06, 11:08 AM

I just finished a remodel of my family room and I now sit 13.5' back from a 100" screen and it looks fantastic. I too have a SP-4805 and a light controlled room.

PWEI

10-20-06, 11:12 AM

Only if you never plan on using anything else with it other than DVDs.

My DVI - M1 cable arrived yesterday.I disconnected the three component cables (red,green,blue) and the S: Video,all of which were connected directly to the dvd player.When I got my 4805 I got it professionally installed by a guy who
installs sounds systems and projectors in clubs and bars.I have a marantz
receiver and mordant short speakers.He did a fantastic job,connecting everything
and putting the speakers on the walls making sure all the cables were hidden.
Anyway he had the three component cables going directly into the dvd player
from the 4805 but he also had a cable coming from the top left (or bottom right if the 4805 is upside-down) component connection.This one cable has loads of other gold cables running from it which are connected in to the back of the Marantz receiver.Not only is if for audio but it also enables me to play my PS2 on the projector aswell.So I'm probably better off leaving that one in.I don't think it interferer's with the picture coming from the DVI output or does it?
I'm really pleased with the improved picture quality,after connecting the DVI/M1 cable I put on Revenge of the Sith and couldn't believe how good it was.
Although the brightness and contrast were all over the place,I had to do
a couple Calibration tests with THZ optimizer.The brightness was set way too high on the dvd player.One great thing about the OPPO OPDV971H,you don't have to stop the film to go in to the settings menu.I don't suppose anybody could recommend some set up directions or is the set up totally different for the D1?

spyder696969

10-20-06, 11:33 AM

The setup is totally different than the D1, but there are a scant few members here that have the Oppo.

Notti

10-20-06, 01:35 PM

Did anybody recover from 3 red LED blinks? If you did, what did you have to do? I saw it yesterday. I could have turned it on again last night but decided to wait.

dagware

10-20-06, 02:49 PM

Did anybody recover from 3 red LED blinks? If you did, what did you have to do? I saw it yesterday. I could have turned it on again last night but decided to wait.
I don't remember how many red blinks I had the other day, but when I looked it up in the manual I thought what I was geeting was the thing that said the blub was dead or the filter was blocked (which of course it wasn't). I waited a few minutes and tried it again, and it worked fine.

I did, however, put a new bulb in a few days after that, because I had just gotten a new blub just in case, and someone pointed out that the 3 month warranty for the new bulb was from time of purchase, so I decided to run the new bulb for at least 3 months. My point being, I don't really know if my bulb is about dead or not. But it *did* work after I turned it on again.

Hope this helps.

-Dan

spyder696969

10-20-06, 03:00 PM

dagware

10-20-06, 05:01 PM

Sometimes, the PJ won't detect a source for some reason on initial power-up. If I turn the PJ on before my receiver, the PJ will sometimes not make the "beep" and it will just sort of sit there, blinking, perhaps wondering what to do. If I turn the receiver on first, it never happens. Just my guess on what's happening from my experiences.
Yeah, I know what you mean. I have lots of times when I switch my Moxi DVR from an HD channel to an SD channel, and the PJ refuses to sync. So I have to switch back to the HD channel and then try it again. I've messed with the Sync Threshold and the only thing I seem to be able to do with it is make it worse.

So I've learned to live with it. You figure out what works and continue doing it. You can't always get what you want, right? (Sing along, everybody...)

-Dan

rontron

10-21-06, 05:28 PM

Hi

I currently run the Denon 1600 DVD player to my 4805. Would there be any improvement in getting one of the less expensive HDMI w/ upconversion DVD players or am i better off letting the projector handle the upconversion.

thanks

Ron

spyder696969

10-21-06, 06:50 PM

Would there be any improvement in getting one of the less expensive HDMI w/ upconversion DVD players or am i better off letting the projector handle the upconversion.

Skip "upconversion" (I hate that term) altogether. It's all about pixel-mapping:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=660701

rkdeal

10-22-06, 09:04 AM

Anyone tried connecting phillips dvp5960 upconverting dvd player with infocus 4805 projector and get 720p or higher.I have connected the hdmi to dvi cable to dvd and projector and the hdmi options (720p,1080i) are greyed out in dvd menu.Is it because of hdmi dvi cable ?

I just want to see myself what's deal with upconversion.

Anyone connected with hdmi to dvi cable with this dvd player and are able to select the HD resoultions in dvd menu.

Thanks in advance

Adi

10-22-06, 09:57 AM

Last week, there was a significant reduction in the output of 4805 after the lamp hit 650hrs. Plus there were a couple of dust blobs in the unit. So, decided to open the unit and clean the color wheel.

Cleaned the color wheel on both sides and fired up the projector.

WOW!! Unit came back to its original brightness.

But, but....it also introduced a new irritant.

I am using 106" in screen from 16.5' distance, which works out to be 2.1x distance. Before cleaning the color wheel, I used be distracted by the screen door occationally. Now, screen door is visible about 50% of the time, when I wear glasses.

Martin Butler

10-22-06, 11:45 AM

My screen is 92" and I sit about the same distance away and see no screen door effect. Perhaps it's the screen size emphasizing it.

mike208

10-22-06, 12:01 PM

Hi guys, I have a question I was hoping I could get some help with. I have an SP4805 and I have followed this and the last thread on and off, and this may have been covered before, but its a huge thread.

I have had my 4805 for about a year or so I think, recently it has begun making a noise that is intermittent and I cannot reproduce at will. It almost sounds like the fan blade is gently rubbing against the plastic or something. It basically sounds like a high pitched power saw.

But again it happens randomly, sometimes as soon as I turn it on, sometimes after an hour or more of use, sometimes not at all after many hours use. Sometimes it happens quickly and then is done, other times it gos on for many minutes and sometimes it goes on for minutes but it stops and starts, not continuous.

I bought it at circuit city and did get the extended warranty on it. But if I take it in there and it does not happen for them, then what, will they just send me home? I am guessing it probably isn't anything to hard to fix, but if it is, or they just can't figure out whats wrong, then what happens? I don't think they carry this model any more, at least not in store.

Thanks

Adi

10-22-06, 12:31 PM

My screen is 92" and I sit about the same distance away and see no screen door effect. Perhaps it's the screen size emphasizing it.

You could be right.

Quesiton for people with 100+" screens:

How far is the screen from the viewing area. Do you see any screen door effect?

Martin Butler

10-22-06, 01:12 PM

Mike, the buzz saw sound has been mentioned many times before. I had it occasionally, but InFocus replaced my entire light engine due to a differennt issue, so the buzz saw went away. I think it's caused by a color wheel grinding. I haven't thought about it for a while, so perhaps some other members can be more helpful, but I believe cleaning the color wheel might help.

spyder696969

10-22-06, 01:12 PM

My work's cut out for me here:

Anyone tried connecting phillips dvp5960 upconverting dvd player with infocus 4805 projector and get 720p or higher.I have connected the hdmi to dvi cable to dvd and projector and the hdmi options (720p,1080i) are greyed out in dvd menu.Is it because of hdmi dvi cable?...I just want to see myself what's deal with upconversion.

Read the post just above your own. If possible, return that Philips immediately. I say this not only because of the "upcrap-version" but also because Philips are notoriously poor units.

Last week...decided to open the unit and clean the color wheel. WOW!! Unit came back to its original brightness.

But, but....it also introduced a new irritant....Now, screen door is visible about 50% of the time, when I wear glasses.

You've most likely done one of many things. 1) You've adjusted the focus slightly better after the CW cleaning, thus resulting in a sharper image. 2) You've truly unleashed some hidden brightness from under a very, very filthy wheel. 3) You've changed prescriptions on your glasses. 4) You're wearing your wife's stronger glasses. 5) You're watching really bright shows over and over that show SDE more, such as The Island.

Slightly de-focus the image to help with SDE.

Hi guys, I have a question I was hoping I could get some help with. I have an SP4805 and I have followed this and the last thread on and off, and this may have been covered before, but its a huge thread.

...my 4805...recently it has begun making a noise...It basically sounds like a high pitched power saw.

Pick almost any three pages in any of the 4805-related threads, start reading and you're bound to bump into "buzz saw" noise. Clean the CW to fix.

homer1963

10-22-06, 02:32 PM

You could be right.

Quesiton for people with 100+" screens:

How far is the screen from the viewing area. Do you see any screen door effect?

100" Screen sitting 13.5' away DVD's are playing on Bravo D1 and I have and HD Tivo. SDE is not all that noticable but if I want to see it I can. I think you need to just sit back and enjoy the programming and think of all the money you saved over a projection television. Besides you have to sit right square in front of one of those, with the 4805 you can sit anywhere and see the same picture. Cheap higher res units are just around the corner just be patient and enjoy!!!

mbrennan5

10-22-06, 02:54 PM

I dont think people make a big enough point that SDE is highly dependant on the quality of your eyes. I had been watching an 88" screen from about 14' but the SDE was too much for me. Both my brother and I have better than 20/20 vision and agreed the SDE was distracting. Today I shrunk the picture about 10" and am enjoying it alot more.

scitek

10-22-06, 04:57 PM

Can you have better than 20/20 vision?

cavu

10-22-06, 05:37 PM

Can you have better than 20/20 vision?Yes.

Johnny English

10-22-06, 10:26 PM

You could be right.

Quesiton for people with 100+" screens:

How far is the screen from the viewing area. Do you see any screen door effect?

106" screen @ approx 13 feet. Pixel mapped display from HTPC.

I know this might sound strange but....

If I watch DVD quality movies then I don't notice the SDE so much. I guess because the detail is not as >good< as HD material.

With HD material I do notice it - But rather than thinking OH MY GOD A 'DEFECT' I think mmm focus is spot... on enjoy the picture!

Clearly this difference does not make much in the way of logic, as the dispayed image is the same no. pixels X no. pixels

OR you can just get lost in looking for faults in the movie, display, decoding, colour, sound etc etc etc.... quick way to total disappointment -> early heart attack -> empty wallet -> divorce LOL

So my advice is enjoy what you get for the money you spent, and feel good that many others, who spent a great deal more, are probably still not satisfied.

Clams Canino

10-22-06, 11:48 PM

Clams Canino

10-23-06, 12:04 AM

Just a quick question for those that follow this stuff.

What's the current availability / price range of the newer DLP units that use 3 chips and no color wheel? Infocus doing them yet?

-W

Quaid

10-23-06, 12:15 AM

Infocus 777. Sell you car, buy one, and tell us what you think ;)

spyder696969

10-23-06, 01:07 AM

Dont' forget the crane to mount that 48-pound bad boy with either. :)

Tye7

10-23-06, 10:50 AM

Hi, I'm totally new to the projection world and I need some direction.
I'm going to admit that I didn't try that hard to look for answers in the forums. The 195 page, 4805 thread is a little intimidating and it would take me hours to find any real information. If you guys want to link me some information, wherever it may be, that would be great.

I'm getting the 4805 and I'm planning on using my pc as an htpc. I have a ATI 9800 pro with DVI out and I've got zoomplayer. After that, everything gets a little confusing lol.

Mostly what I watch from my PC is downloaded content (Divx, Xvid, 3ivx, Ogg, Kvcd, Mkv, H.264....etc.) Also, I watch dvd's.

So, what all do I need to do to make this content look best? I know that downloaded content is already pretty limited in how good it can look due to the compression.

First off I know that I need to get my PC 1:1 pixel mapped. Do I achieve this through powerstrip? I've played around with powerstrip in the past. I got my friend's 52" Dlp working as a desktop. Do you guys use something different?

As far as codecs go, my knowledge is a little limited. I know FFdshow handles most of the stuff. Do I need to just tweak out FFdshow or do I need to individually tweak out the different codecs? I think I need a quick lesson on how everything works. Right now all I've done is install codecs and play movies... I've never attempted tweaking.

Thanks, and I'm sorry if this is the millionth time someone has asked this question. Feel free to link another thread and flame away. :D

Luis Gabriel Gerena

10-23-06, 11:51 AM

Adi

10-23-06, 02:54 PM

I'm at 102" screen from 13' away. I only notice SDE when I *look for it* on bright scenes with little movement (action). I have regular 20/20 vision.

I agree with the poster that said that personal eye quality as well as unit focus help to make one see SDE. De-tune either the eyes or the focus a bit and it's gone. :)

-W

If you have an 102" screen and you cant notice SDE from 13ft, I seriously doubt your vision is 20/20. I have slight vision (distance) and I can see the SDE clearly. Ofcourse, SDE disappears when I get immersed in the movie. But then, I dont notice anything wrong with 20" std. def. TV either, when I get immersed in the movie.

Adi

10-23-06, 02:59 PM

So my advice is enjoy what you get for the money you spent, and feel good that many others, who spent a great deal more, are probably still not satisfied.

Aint that the truth. No matter, how much we spend, how SOTA gear we but, 'philes would never be satisfied.

LuisGerena

10-23-06, 03:07 PM

If you have an 102" screen and you cant notice SDE from 13ft, I seriously doubt your vision is 20/20. I have slight vision (distance) and I can see the SDE clearly. Ofcourse, SDE disappears when I get immersed in the movie. But then, I dont notice anything wrong with 20" std. def. TV either, when I get immersed in the movie.
I noticed mine in the THEATERTEK tittle screen mostly but when watching movies it is mostly gone. I ALWAYS find something wrong with a 20" tv so I think your analogy is a bit extreme. There is a fine line between seeing artifacts and looking for them and it takes time to find a balance. When you do, you get much happier until next upgrade bug bites.

Gartseff

10-23-06, 03:16 PM

How bad is SDE effect from less than 2x Screen Width? Would you say it is unwatchable?

9mileskid

10-23-06, 04:26 PM

Gart...

My front row is 13' from a 106" diag screen. On DVD (480i signal) it looks great, HDTV has some SDE but it is definitely watchable. We tried it at 9' as well, SDE was worse and depending how much you are affected it can be tough to enjoy.

I found that the SDE was much worse on the 4805 than the X1. Better picture but SDE was worse. I've wondered if 4805 owners were more inclined to go Panny with their smooth screen than sanyo with their sharpness...

DJ

Quaid

10-23-06, 04:43 PM

Those of you experiencing painful SDE would be well advised to defocus slightly. The X1 had less SDE because it had inferior optics. It was the sharpness and clarity of the 4805 that brought it to your attention.

spyder696969

10-23-06, 05:12 PM

/\ 100% confirmed. I'm sitting at 11.3' with a 90" screen = 1.5X distance. If I really try with my 20/20 vision to see SDE, I can find it on a very bright scene, but I'd rather just watch and be happy instead. I think of it the same way as people, cars, your job, your kids, yourself, etc...if you really try to find faults, you most certainly will.

PWEI

10-23-06, 05:16 PM

The setup is totally different than the D1, but there are a scant few members here that have the Oppo.

I thought that,I'll just have to try figure out the best possible set up for the OPPO.
There is one setting you might be able recommend for me.What's the best
possible display resolution.I have the dvd player set to PAL and the DVI button switches the output resolution in the following sequence:

PAL Output:
576p --> 540p 50Hz --> 720p 50Hz -->1080i 50Hz

mijoeldotor

10-23-06, 05:50 PM

How bad is SDE effect from less than 2x Screen Width? Would you say it is unwatchable?

I sit at 1.6X and do not notice the SDE. May be on a really bright scene...but you MUST look for it ;)

mijoeldotor

10-23-06, 06:33 PM

Plasma George

10-23-06, 07:08 PM

Dude you got to lower the projector.

3 feet is WAY WAY too high. My sp4805 sits 11 inches off the ground to project onto my screen. Im guessing this is your first projector ever? These projectors dont beam an image stright but in an angle which is needed when mounting on a ceiling
DONE...I just got a ceiling mount !
You guys are the best, soooo much information here in reading, but now I need some direct help.
What Keystone should I be at ?
Here's what happened...
After inverting, I had a small trapezoid picture from the Keystone previously set at 0...then I moved it up to 50, and it straightened the sides and made the picture bigger, but it's no longer filling the screen like when it was on the 3' shelf.
I can see on my WilsonArt screen where the 4805's projected screen is (or blank screen) and the Comcast or DVD image doesn't fill it.
Something's off...any ideas ?

Another thing....I had to disconnect all the cables, and power cord to mount it...could that have reset something ?....obvoiusly the settings in the Comcast STB or DVD player didn't change.

cavu

10-23-06, 07:29 PM

What Keystone should I be at ?Keystone should be at 50. Any other number and you are screwing up PQ!

Make sure the suspended projector is level and perpendicular to the screen.

What connections are you using for what sources?

What aspect ratio is the projector set to?

PWEI

10-23-06, 08:25 PM

Keystone should be at 50. Any other number and you are screwing up PQ!

Does it really screw up the PQ? To get a squarer image I had to increase the keystone to 60,at 50 it wasn't square enough.

Plasma George

10-23-06, 08:31 PM

Keystone should be at 50. Any other number and you are screwing up PQ!

Make sure the suspended projector is level and perpendicular to the screen.

What connections are you using for what sources?

What aspect ratio is the projector set to? I'm thinking that shouldn't matter, cause this wasn't an issue yesterday when I had it on a shelf wioth the same connections-- DVI from Comcast STB, and component for DVD or DirecTV.
This "not filling the image" is now happening on all sources.
If I go close to the screen, I can see about a 2" border where there's light from the 4805, but no image. (watching Toy Story II now)
I'm pretty near level with it on the mount, I think I had to pitch is down a tad...it's a 9' ceiling.
IS there somethiing with resynching, or maybe I didn't power it up correctly after connecting all the sources including power ?

Gartseff

10-23-06, 08:38 PM

Can one of the 4805 gurus take some pics of the SDE? (cavu, spyder, luis?)

cavu

10-23-06, 08:48 PM

I'm thinking that shouldn't matter, cause this wasn't an issue yesterdayYou didn't tell me what aspect ratio the PJ is set to. I think I had to pitch is down a tad...it's a 9' ceilingThe correct solution is to drop the PJ lower - get an extension arm for your mount! Using keystone is not a good thing!!

cavu

10-23-06, 08:52 PM

pics of the SDE?I don't understand what you want to see! :confused:

Plasma George

10-23-06, 09:07 PM

:( You didn't tell me what aspect ratio the PJ is set to.The correct solution is to drop the PJ lower - get an extension arm for your mount! Using keystone is not a good thing!! I think it's 16:9 or native.
I obviously played with those setting first to no avail.
Watching MNF, and seeing the 2" border.
Keystone is at 40.
When I put "Blank Screen" on, that's a trapzoid.

Changed Comcast from 1080 to 720, no difference. :(

Don't get me wrong, the picture is gorgeous, I just can't figure out why it's missing that border !

speed32219

10-23-06, 09:16 PM

Screw SDE! Maybe you should join me watching Monday Night Football on Cox SD using a 19" RCA piece of crap. Yeah, I'm still in darn New Orleans, but I should be leaving here on Wensday. Yeah!!!!

Then I'll be looking for SDE on my 92" at 18'. NOT!!!!!!

Go ahead and tease me with a pic. :)

spyder696969

10-23-06, 09:36 PM

Can one of the 4805 gurus take some pics of the SDE? (cavu, spyder, luis?)

Maybe cavu can post his famous Carrie Underwear pic from American Idol. If you can see SDE in it, no projector on Earth will ever do, since you've got X-Ray vision.

Where's that pic, cavu?

Gartseff

10-23-06, 09:46 PM

Maybe cavu can post his famous Carrie Underwear pic from American Idol. If you can see SDE in it, no projector on Earth will ever do, since you've got X-Ray vision.

Where's that pic, cavu?
From some simple calculations, there should be about 10.5 pixels/in on a 92 in diag screen

cavu

10-23-06, 09:48 PM

Where's that pic, cavu?http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/508/thumbs/detail.jpg (http://flying-colors.org/TonightShowHD.JPG)
(click on the image for the full size pic)
:D

Luis Gabriel Gerena

10-23-06, 09:50 PM

How bad is SDE effect from less than 2x Screen Width? Would you say it is unwatchable?
Not at all! In fact HD material I can sit even at 1.5x and still enjoy it but with DVD 1.7 is the minimum that I can use and its quite nice but a slightly higher 1.8x is my sweet spot.

Gartseff

10-23-06, 09:52 PM

Not at all! In fact HD material I can sit even at 1.5x and still enjoy it but with DVD 1.7 is the minimum that I can use and its quite nice but a slightly higher 1.8x is my sweet spot.

This confuses me a little. Even though the 4805 is 854x480, 720p signals inputted to it will reduce the SDE?

cavu

10-23-06, 09:57 PM

Even though the 4805 is 854x480, 720p signals inputted to it will reduce the SDE?Not true. SDE is constant. BUT - HD material on the 4805 definitely has a noticably better PQ than SDTV. Perhaps its just better colours, lower noise, higher production values.

Luis Gabriel Gerena

10-23-06, 09:58 PM

Maybe I should elaborate more...first of all remember there is BIG difference in color resolution between HD and DVD which the 4805 can mostly take advantage of thus you can easily tell that HD looks much better on the 4805 than DVD. Now, as for SDE, it shouldnt be any difference BUT somehow I can sit closer to HD material than DVD without been bothered by SDE. There must be a good explanation for that I assume. I havent try that with NHL yet so thats a coming soon test.

spyder696969

10-23-06, 10:31 PM

One reason you see less SDE with HD is because of the colors. Your brain is far too busy processing the barrage of stimmulli that's being pushed into it. Try this: Watch an HD program with little action, long still shots, and people just sitting there, talking. Then, watch a program with tons of action and movement like sports. I bet you'll see much less with the latter.

I noticed this phenomenon last night when watching a DiscoveryHD program on Australia.

speed32219

10-23-06, 11:15 PM

Oh Yeah Baby! Love Carrie and what a gerat Pic. Thanks Cavu. What SDE?
That's just compression and de-compression artifacts. :D

Gartseff

10-23-06, 11:59 PM

A while ago, while viewing a XGA projector, I got up close and noticed the SDE and really it didn't bother me. Would you say it's much more distracting in WVGA

Clams Canino

10-24-06, 12:30 AM

Adi

10-24-06, 10:23 AM

Not true. SDE is constant. BUT - HD material on the 4805 definitely has a noticably better PQ than SDTV. Perhaps its just better colours, lower noise, higher production values.

HDTV is NTSC Free.

Isnt that reason enough for better PQ?

Plasma George

10-24-06, 10:53 AM

George... the easiest way to make sure digital keystoning is OFF is to reset the PJ to factory defaults. If you need to... it's much better to tilt the bottom of the screen closer to the PJ by a an inch or 2 to get rid of the trapazoid than to use the digital keystoning. Really.

As for the SDE... If you go around looking for trouble.... you'll always find it. :D

-W This is still an issue for me...the border around the screen.
I turn off the Power strip feeding the projector and the components at the end of the night, so maybe when I fire everything back up tonight, something will magically fix it.
I'm almost 100% the problem isn't keystoning, no matter what position I put the Keytone (0,50,90) I have the 2" border all the way around.

I realize how Kestoning stretches the image, but it ain't like stretching 4:3 to 16:9, it's stretcing 1" over 100".
I could stare at the before and after all day, and from 14' away, and have to concentrate until my eyes tear to "think" one is better than the other, it's insignificant to me considering I don't have to see shdows crossing in front of the screen !

The projector is mounted to the bottom of the studs, and I can now walk under it without my shadow on the screen.
VERY HANDY when people are in and out to the room and Torry Holt's going deep down the left side !

Quaid

10-24-06, 10:57 AM

:( I think it's 16:9 or native.
I obviously played with those setting first to no avail.
Watching MNF, and seeing the 2" border.
Keystone is at 40.
When I put "Blank Screen" on, that's a trapzoid.

Changed Comcast from 1080 to 720, no difference. :(

Don't get me wrong, the picture is gorgeous, I just can't figure out why it's missing that border !

It occurs to me that there are some key concepts about your projector that have eluded you thus far. There are digital and optical aspects to how your projector creates an image. Using digital controls to do anything to the picture is generally thought of as bad. It typically distorts, blurs, or otherwise degrades the quality. Digital keystoning is a perfect example of something that should not be used, ever. The way it works is by shaping the picture as an inverse trapezoid to that which is being optically shot at the screen. Resolution, clarity, and sharpness are all lost to this because there are pixels not being used and because the projector has made changes to the source. The optical controls of the 4805 are less complicated and less destructive to the picture quality. For example, the zoom and focus are optical controls. The zoom and focus are the two rings at the lens of the 4805. Some projectors have optical lens shifting, which can do non-destructive keystoning to some extent. The 4805 does not have lens shifting. Thus you are required to mount the 4805 so that the unit is exactly perpendicular to the screen. If the screen is 90 degrees to the floor (ie, it is on the wall, and the wall's perpendicularity is true) then the projector must be parallel with the floor. If you tilt the projector up or down from the perpendicular position with respect to the screen, you will end up with a trapezoidal picture. This is bad. The other motions of the projector also influence the location and shape of the image on the screen. If you spin the projector clockwise or counterclockwise while maintaining the perpendicular position relative to the screen, it will move the image to the left and to the right. You will get a trapezoid from this also, but the sides of the image will get larger/smaller rather than the top and bottom. If you have the projector perfectly perpendicular to the screen, and you have the projector pointed perfectly straight at the screen, the resulting image will be 'true', ie the edges will come together at 90 degrees. There will be no trapezoidal shape, but a perfect rectangle instead. From this position, if you move the projector left/right, up/down, you will move the image left/right, up/down, respectively. These are the movements you should make to get the image where you want it, rather than tilting or rotating. Keep in mind that the image shot out of the 4805 is done so at an angle, just like most projectors. The image will not be centered around a line drawn straight out of the 4805's lens. This is to accomodate being on the floor, or ceiling, and the image being between the two positions (it's a 'feature').

With regards to your ceiling mount, if you have to tilt your projector left or right, up or down, to get the image where you want it...you have the wrong length extension, or you have it attached at the wrong spot. Replace and relocate the mount to solve those respective problems.

The alternative solution is to move the screen to the position that produces the desired geometry and location. This is probably only feasible for small adjustments required to correct minor miscalculations, such as moving the screen an inch or two in any direction, or popping an edge out from the wall an inch to correct minor keystoning (still not recommended, keystoning should simply NOT happen).

If your image has a border around it's entirety, use the zoom to correct this, OR move the projector back farther from the screen to fill the screen.

If any of this is unclear, please ask specific questions.

Plasma George

10-24-06, 11:42 AM

It occurs to me that there are some key concepts about your projector that have eluded you thus far. There are digital and optical aspects to how your projector creates an image. Using digital controls to do anything to the picture is generally thought of as bad. It typically distorts, blurs, or otherwise degrades the quality. Digital keystoning is a perfect example of something that should not be used, ever. The way it works is by shaping the picture as an inverse trapezoid to that which is being optically shot at the screen. Resolution, clarity, and sharpness are all lost to this because there are pixels not being used and because the projector has made changes to the source. The optical controls of the 4805 are less complicated and less destructive to the picture quality. For example, the zoom and focus are optical controls. The zoom and focus are the two rings at the lens of the 4805. Some projectors have optical lens shifting, which can do non-destructive keystoning to some extent. The 4805 does not have lens shifting. Thus you are required to mount the 4805 so that the unit is exactly perpendicular to the screen. If the screen is 90 degrees to the floor (ie, it is on the wall, and the wall's perpendicularity is true) then the projector must be parallel with the floor. If you tilt the projector up or down from the perpendicular position with respect to the screen, you will end up with a trapezoidal picture. This is bad. The other motions of the projector also influence the location and shape of the image on the screen. If you spin the projector clockwise or counterclockwise while maintaining the perpendicular position relative to the screen, it will move the image to the left and to the right. You will get a trapezoid from this also, but the sides of the image will get larger/smaller rather than the top and bottom. If you have the projector perfectly perpendicular to the screen, and you have the projector pointed perfectly straight at the screen, the resulting image will be 'true', ie the edges will come together at 90 degrees. There will be no trapezoidal shape, but a perfect rectangle instead. From this position, if you move the projector left/right, up/down, you will move the image left/right, up/down, respectively. These are the movements you should make to get the image where you want it, rather than tilting or rotating. Keep in mind that the image shot out of the 4805 is done so at an angle, just like most projectors. The image will not be centered around a line drawn straight out of the 4805's lens. This is to accomodate being on the floor, or ceiling, and the image being between the two positions (it's a 'feature').

With regards to your ceiling mount, if you have to tilt your projector left or right, up or down, to get the image where you want it...you have the wrong length extension, or you have it attached at the wrong spot. Replace and relocate the mount to solve those respective problems.

The alternative solution is to move the screen to the position that produces the desired geometry and location. This is probably only feasible for small adjustments required to correct minor miscalculations, such as moving the screen an inch or two in any direction, or popping an edge out from the wall an inch to correct minor keystoning (still not recommended, keystoning should simply NOT happen).

If your image has a border around it's entirety, use the zoom to correct this, OR move the projector back farther from the screen to fill the screen.

If any of this is unclear, please ask specific questions.Excellent post, and thanks for taking time to write it (unless you cut and pasted ! ), but most of it I learned quickly from having the 4805 for almost 2 weeks, and being an Engineer, mathematics, geometry, angles is what everything in the world is all about !
So it's all crystal clear to me.
Your explanantion on the quality of the zoom makes sense, (optical vs. digital) cause I don't see much PQ loss from moving the projector back VS zooming.

It wouldn't be difficult to lower the projector a foot or so to lose the keystoning, but then you're getting closer to the heads, hearing the 4805 fan, and then having the shadows in the screen problem. Moving it back is not an option, the 4805 is backed up to a steel beam, then the main HVAC trunk, about 2' wide, then plumbing etc....it's where all the utilities are.

The image not filling the screen, is nothing the zoom wheel can fix. The zoom is maxed now with this damn 2" border, and when I shrink it, the border shrinks with it. :(
So the border is there, no matter what input, or aspect ratio, or keystone setting.

Quaid

10-24-06, 12:11 PM

All written, no copy past :)

You're welcome, and being an engineer it must have been overly simple for you. Sorry if it sounded that way.

Not knowing the exact dimensions and geometry of your room, I can only guess what the possibly solutions might be. Lowering the projector seems to be necessary to fix the keystoning, OR raising the screen to get the same result. If the screen is at a normal viewing hight (the bottom of the screen is around 2 feet above the floor on mine), then you shouldn't get shadows from people walking infront of the projector...unless they walk right up close to the screen. Is your screen very low to the ground? You can safely raise the screen to 4 or so feet from the ground without ANY strain in your neck at 2xwidth seating distance. Trust me, I've had my screen up to 6 feet off the ground (that was high! I have high ceilings) and the only problem I ran into was spacial disassociation of the audio and the picture. If you sit closer, your neck might cramp, which is no good.

Regarding optical zoom, it apparently DOES degrade PQ in theory..but I cannot personally observe this in practice. Ideally the theory dictates that no zoom should be used. If there is something in the way of mounting the projector farther back, you could use no zoom and move it even farther back. I'm sure you realise there is a range of positions that the zoom allows you to utilize to get the same size picture. If moving the projector is NOT an option, then I suggest moving the screen, and adding masking to it. If it is a store bought screen of the pull down type, the solution might not be as easy. If the screen is a DIY fixed screen type, just use black velvet masking to make the screen a little smaller to fit what the projector is giving you. The DIY screen thread is full of usefull info on this type of thing. Try the sticky at the very top of that forum. It is chocked full of goodness.

Regards,

Quaid

Plasma George

10-24-06, 12:27 PM

All written, no copy past :)

Regarding optical zoom, it apparently DOES degrade PQ in theory..but I cannot personally observe this in practice. Ideally the theory dictates that no zoom should be used. If there is something in the way of mounting the projector farther back, you could use no zoom and move it even farther back. I'm sure you realise there is a range of positions that the zoom allows you to utilize to get the same size picture. If moving the projector is NOT an option, then I suggest moving the screen, and adding masking to it. If it is a store bought screen of the pull down type, the solution might not be as easy. If the screen is a DIY fixed screen type, just use black velvet masking to make the screen a little smaller to fit what the projector is giving you. The DIY screen thread is full of usefull info on this type of thing. Try the sticky at the very top of that forum. It is chocked full of goodness.

Regards,

Quaid You said it, "In Theory" is exactly that, the theoretical world.
We don't live on paper or in the specs, we're live in reality, with human vision (which has its limits)
And HDTV looks fabulous on the 480p 4805, and my 480p NEC plasma !

Projector can't go back, and the screen is DIY laminate Wilsonart DW. I'll have to border the screen.
As soon as I figure out this other magical border that started since I inverted the 4805.

When I say border, it's the DVD image not filling the 4805 image field NOT the DVD image not filling the screen on the wall. (although I have that problem now since moving the projector forward about 1')
Simply put, the "blank screen" is 8' wide, the DVD or TV image is short of that, and I get a faint border. (on top too (like she said!))
I can see about a 2" illuminated border that the 4805 IS projecting, but the MNF game or DVD movie (regardless of input, resolution, aspect ratio) the image won't go into this area.

I'll try to take a digital picture of this tonight. Hopefully it's gone, but if it's still there, I'll really need to lean on you guys to help me T/S this.

mrpergo

10-24-06, 07:48 PM

Plasma George have you tried the overscan on the PJ ?
Maybe it was on before and got switched off.
Just a thought.

Plasma George

10-24-06, 09:14 PM

Plasma George have you tried the overscan on the PJ ?
Maybe it was on before and got switched off.
Just a thought.What's that ?
Just an on or off option ?

utopia1956

10-24-06, 09:58 PM

What's that ?
Just an on or off option ?
Overscan button on the remote is just an on or off feature but will not get rid of the border you mention. I have the border you mention and always have. It doesn't bother me too much. I made my screen bigger than I needed because I thought that I may move it to a different room. If you have a black felt or velvet border and the screen isn't too big, you should be able to zoom the image and let the black border absorb the light of the border. Also if the screen is on a dark wall you can just zoom to fill the entire screen and let the border fall on the wall.

Ja Phule

10-24-06, 10:48 PM

jjsaustin

10-24-06, 11:06 PM

I just added the Bravo D1 DVD player and a long DVI/M1 cable to my 4805. The image looks awesome. I also have a Time Warner Cable SA8300HD box with HDMI out.

My question is would it be best to use the HDMI output with the resolution set to 480p (to get the 1:1 pixel mapping) or with it set to 1080i?

Thanks

smithfarmer

10-24-06, 11:17 PM

There is a slight border around the actual image of the 4805. I notice this on my set up, however, I have the the projected image area fit my screen perfectly so the extra space blended in with my screen.
If I'm not mistaken, this is because of your dvd player. Some players crop the image by dropping a few rows of pixels. Some only do it on one side or the other, some on both sides and others that do it on all 4 sides of the image.

cavu

10-24-06, 11:40 PM

There is a slight border around the actual image of the 4805.This is completely dependent on the type of connection (ie. component, S-video, DVI) and the source.

Both the Bravo D1/D2 and the Motorola DCT64** STB via DVI use every single pixel lit up by the "blank" screen.

Sometimes an individual channel or program on the STB will have a very slight one or two pixel border.

I have noticed on other people's 4805s that the use of analog inputs causes a noticeably larger border.

Clams Canino

10-24-06, 11:46 PM

That may be true Cavu, but there's also an inherant "bright border" all around the screen (even on the spalsh screen - no input) because the DLP chip seems to have six "unused" mirrors all around the usable 854x480. Even though they are always OFF, they are still a bit brighter than the area totally outside them and off the chip. But that inherant border can then get bigger depending on source. I use that border as a cheap calibrator for reference black on different quality DVD's. If you turn up the (players) brightness so that the black bars on your DVD are any brighter than that 6 pixel border - you went up too far. That (6 dead pixel) border is for all intents the true reference black for the PJ.

In George's case, he just can't put the PJ back far enough to get rid of them off his screen, even when zoomed all the way large. His only option is to put a black border on his screen, or build a smaller screen on a black wall.

As for digital keystoning George, using it is "bad" because all it does is kill pixels from the area you want to narrow... and then "distort" the rest of the picture to cover that up. My solution was to tilt the PJ down a bit to get the pictire low enough on the wall, and then shim the bottom of the screen out 1.5 inches to get rid of the trapezoid. Other than lowering the PJ down to head-bump level, my method is the only way to lower the picture on the wall (using PJ tilt alone) and not have to resort to using the digital keystoneing tool. And it works well.

Also, there's never any excuse for any left to right trapezoidal effect, it's a mounting error... move the PJ or the screen left or right for a straight true shot on that axis.

-W

jjsaustin

10-25-06, 03:09 PM

I believe I have a dead DVI input (but VGA works) on my projector. I just got my Bravo D1 yesterday. I hooked it up and it looked great for 1 hour then I started screwing around swappping the cable to my HD STB and &#($ things up! Apparently this is a known issue that DVI can break, but VGA will still work.

My question is has anyone ever fixed the dead DVI problem or found out what it costs to fix it?

Thanks,

-jim

Plasma George

10-25-06, 04:03 PM

Overscan button on the remote is just an on or off feature but will not get rid of the border you mention. I have the border you mention and always have. It doesn't bother me too much. I made my screen bigger than I needed because I thought that I may move it to a different room. If you have a black felt or velvet border and the screen isn't too big, you should be able to zoom the image and let the black border absorb the light of the border. Also if the screen is on a dark wall you can just zoom to fill the entire screen and let the border fall on the wall. Thanks guys, that's what I wanted to hear, that the border is supposed to be there, and I don't have a defectalways there. It's about an inch after I set the Keystone to 50. I will lower the projector to rid the slight trapezoid (It's at the bottom of a stud on a 9' ceiling, so I'm figuring down 1' should do it, the screen is 2' off the floor)
I'm zoomed out to the max already.
Why the black velvet I hear so much about...why not just HD some nice wood trim, and create a picture box, and paint it black ?
(that should cover the border and the )

jjsaustin

10-25-06, 04:08 PM

DanC-P

10-25-06, 04:14 PM

I just got off the phone with IF and my projector is out of warranty. The fix is ~ $300.

Now I have 3 choices:
1) Stick with Component input for a few years until 1080 is cheap and sell the D1 and DVI cable ($100 sunk cost)

2) Buy a used 4805 for ~$500 and use it for a few years until 1080 is cheap

3) Spend about $1K on a new lowend 720p projector

Any advice?
This all depends on your budget. If it were me (and my wife wouldn't divorce me) I'd sell the 4805 to someone with full disclosure about the DVI - that only techo geeks like us care about - sell the D1 and cable, wait for a good special on a low-end 720p projector and embrace the world of HD projection.

utopia1956

10-25-06, 04:31 PM

Why the black velvet I hear so much about...why not just HD some nice wood trim, and create a picture box, and paint it black ?

Some people do use black painted trim. From what I have read, black paint tends to be more reflective than black velvet or felt, whereas black velvet or felt has better light absorbing qualities. There is alot of useful info in the DIY screen forum.

Clams Canino

10-25-06, 04:38 PM

homer1963

10-25-06, 05:03 PM

And don't forget the quick and dirty "flat black gaffers tape" method.

And George... 2' off the floor is LOW. Think about where the screen is in a theater. You still have the mindset of a TV person. :D
-W

3" Wood frame painted flat black works great for my setup... If your handy with a stapler I agree that the same frame wrapped in velvet would be nicer. Try the paint first and see what you think, you can always wrap later!

Plasma George

10-25-06, 05:11 PM

And don't forget the quick and dirty "flat black gaffers tape" method.

And George... 2' off the floor is LOW. Think about where the screen is in a theater. You still have the mindset of a TV person. :D
-W It might be a little higher, it's equidistant from the ceiling to the floor, so 9'-4.5/2=2.25.

You're right though, that's the engineer in me wanting it perfectly centered vertically and horizontally on the wall, no-one's mentioned it being too low yet.

spyder696969

10-25-06, 08:29 PM

You're right though, that's the engineer in me wanting it perfectly centered vertically and horizontally on the wall...

Symmetry and order? Nope. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaos_theory ;)

Mouw

10-25-06, 08:46 PM

And George... 2' off the floor is LOW. Think about where the screen is in a theater
General acceptance here in the Forums....
your eYe level needs to be about 1/3 up from the Bottom of the Screen.....

my seated eye height is 38in
bottom of screen is 20in (92x52)
so iam within 1in

Looking UP or Tilting your Head UP is fatiguing
the Center of your Computer Screen should be LOWER than your eYe level

Clams Canino

10-25-06, 11:38 PM

General acceptance here in the Forums....

Your eye level needs to be about 1/3 up from the Bottom of the Screen.....

The Center of your Computer Screen should be LOWER than your eye level

Well, which is it??
Those two sentences don't jive with each other.
Unless it's that "new math", or a brand new dialect of English. :D

-W

Mouw

10-26-06, 01:23 AM

Well, which is it??
Sorry.....2 thoughts really

1st part is in reference to HT PJ screens
Last is about Computer Displays

spyder696969

10-26-06, 01:27 AM

Sitting at the computer, you're in a straight-up position, hands on the desktop, good to look slightly down.

Kicking back in a theatre seat, watching a movie, good to look slightly up.

Two completely different sitting positions, two completely different angles recommended.

ravenus

10-26-06, 04:58 AM

I got a doozy of a problem, - my 4805 wont power up - I turned it on, it started to do its thing, I left the room, came back and it was off - no blinking lights or anything - it is 5 months old and I had about 1000 hours left (I was just under 2 grand at the time) - firmware updated and all that.

now, when I try to turn it on, she doesnt do anything - no sounds of promise or anything - its the sexiest paperweight I have ever seen - I tried cleaning the bulb and the filter screen on it and nothing.

Im hoping one of you fine gentlemen would be so kind as to shed some light on my problem - I'll thank you very much in advance.

ravenus

mrpergo

10-26-06, 07:35 AM

did the breaker pop ? Try another outlet.

kevlarklh

10-26-06, 11:38 AM

Martin Butler

10-26-06, 12:00 PM

Kev, I think that you can send all resolutions except 480i through HDMI/M1 to the 4805 and it scales to it's native rate. (Even less certain about 1080p )
If I'm wrong the other guys will correct it soon enough :)

Plasma George

10-26-06, 12:30 PM

Clams Canino

10-26-06, 12:33 PM

Sorry.....2 thoughts really

1st part is in reference to HT PJ screens
Last is about Computer Displays

Ahhh soo..... My 4805 is driven by a computer... so to me it looked like the same sentence. :)

My home theater has reclining chairs... that might account for my height seeming fine. Also, we only use the 4805 for 2 hours at a time - movies only. So fatigue may not be as big a deal.

-W

Clams Canino

10-26-06, 03:01 PM

You're the man...I'll have to play with teh brightness like you suggest !
And of course biuld a new frame, after I lower the PJ.
Hopefully it won't be more than 1'.

Remember nothing beats using a calibration disk. Even the THX calibrator is better than nothing. All I'm saying is that if you get a bad DVD tranfer with too bright black levels - you can see it on the fly againt that border.

-W

homer1963

10-26-06, 04:05 PM

Folks,
I have been an interested observer for quite some time (since Oct 05 when I bought an SP4805) and my multi-part question is as follows:

I have a SP4805 and I am considering purchasing many A/V components and cables to upgrade the HT with an obivous eye to "trying" to future proof as much as possible.

First, A/V receiver. Has anyone purchased and used an A/V rcvr with HDMI in/outs that allow up to full 1080i/1080p thru? I have come across a couple that have HDMI in/outs but limit at 576i. Any experiences here are greatly appreciated!

Second, HDMI into SP4805. I realize that a M1 adapter is needed, but I was curious if any resolution is limited due to the M1 adapter. Using the M1 adapter with an HDMI cable would help future proof.

thx in advance.

My receiver has HDMI pass thru (Sony STR-G800). It won't affect your video at all.The adapter as far as I can tell has no effect at all on the picture quality. At 1080i (NO 1080p sources) the picture looks fantastic. I think my Sony receiver does an excellent job, it has 2 HDMI 2 Component 3 s-video jacks. I have 2 dvd players (1 DVI/HDMI, 1 Component) an HD-DVR (HDMI) and a VCR Hooked up via composite (upconverted to s-video through receiver). It handles all this with out a hitch and sounds great to boot!!! The best part about it all that for very little $$$. :D

I hope that helps

Homer,

Notti

10-26-06, 06:47 PM

On October 19, my 4805 shut down, and I saw 3 red LED blinks. I turned it on next day, and it worked fine. Yesterday, the brightness was noticeably low when I turned it on, and the 4805 shut down again. Yes 3 red LED blinks again. I cleaned the ramp filter yesterday and will turn it on again when I get home. The lamp housing is closed properly. Is there anything else I can do that you can think of?

mijoeldotor

10-26-06, 09:27 PM

I just got off the phone with IF and my projector is out of warranty. The fix is ~ $300.

Now I have 3 choices:
1) Stick with Component input for a few years until 1080 is cheap and sell the D1 and DVI cable ($100 sunk cost)

2) Buy a used 4805 for ~$500 and use it for a few years until 1080 is cheap

3) Spend about $1K on a new lowend 720p projector

Any advice?

If I were you, I won't go for a cheap 720p projector, specially coming from the 4805 club.
Take a look here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8645295&&#post8645295
So, if you think you own a good unit and the lamp is barely new, stick with it and make the $300 fix. Otherwise, go for a warrantied refurbished unit.

krasmuzik

10-26-06, 09:37 PM

jjsaustin

Most of my installs used component 480i because it was proven time&again that most upconverting digital players were in fact not better. Certainly it is not $500 better to be buying a used projector to get running again, or $300 on a repair. While the Bravo D1 put you ahead of the game with it's 1:1 pixel and frame mapping - you can recoup your sunk costs by selling them to someone who can use them. You will be amazed how damn good a DVD player with good interlaced output can be - especially vintage ones without digital outputs before they started to cheapen them. Being that the only 720P with the same bright calibrated picture you are used to is $3K - best to "limp" along with component for now.

OTOH if you are now addicted to the 48Hz of the Bravo - pony up the $300 - as it is the cheapest way to get it back again.

mijoeldotor

10-26-06, 09:49 PM

First impression using the Oppo DV 970 and the SP4805

OK. I received it. I notice an improvement on the PQ, but do not blow me away. The most important thing is ringing was eliminated. I used to have a cheap Pioneer. I am using it over component. Some issues:
1- 480i do not pass BTB.
2- 480p/720p has a noticeable vertical pixel cropping. I'm trying to find a solution.
3- In order to obtain a calibrated WTW level with DVE, I had to set the contrast on the 4805 to 25. This is not common. On 480i the set are close to 50.
4- As I expected, at 720p there are no noticeable difference than 480p.

Because no one replied me :( , I decided to e-mail Oppo customer service. They told me:
1- there are some displays input that does not pass the BTB the 970 send over component. Because someone does, they think there are some problem with the ADC video decoder of the display. Can the 4805 ADC has this issue?
2-to check the overscan setting. It is disabled on the 4805 menu. Should I mark it? They told me 970 has a very slight pixel cropping over component, but I notice it. Is it a big trouble? No it isn't. I used the vertical adjustement over the 4805 menu to move down the image and I hide the bug on the botton.
Apart from this, IMHO the PQ is good. I decided to use it al 480p.
Posted this to share the information.
Regards

Cubfan

10-27-06, 09:05 PM

Want2race,
You've developed a light tunnel problem. You can send it in for repair, live with it (but it will get worse), or repair it yourself using this guide: http://www.willswebdesign.com/sp4805/sp4805.htm

Has anyone successfully fixed this problem themselves? If so, how difficult was it? Any tips for the clueless?

judsonp

10-27-06, 09:34 PM

I searched and searched in both the first and second IF4805 threads only to come up with no answer to my problem.
I have a 4805 with original firmware, HTPC running 848X480 at 60hz. A 25 foot Monoprice DVI to M1 cable connects my projector to my 6600GT PCIx. Just recently I noticed what I can only call red snowy pixels scattering all over my screen. It is only noticable on dark scenes or black backgrounds. I am able to make this go away by changing the resolution to 48hz but the image becomes much more jerky.
Any suggestions? Could it be the cable...?

spyder696969

10-27-06, 11:32 PM

I am able to make this go away by changing the resolution to 48hz but the image becomes much more jerky.
Any suggestions?

Try 72Hz.

cavu

10-27-06, 11:51 PM

I am able to make this go away by changing the resolution to 48hz but the image becomes much more jerky.You must know what what your source material is. If it is "video"-based, you must use 60Hz. If it is "film"-based (virtually all movies) you can use 48Hz or 72Hz. If you use the wrong refresh rate, it will be "jerky".

BE AWARE that when we refer to the nominal rates 48Hz, 60Hz or 72Hz we actually mean 47.952Hz, 59.940Hz and 71.928Hz but these numbers are too hard to remember. To calculate the actual number, divide the nominal rate by 1.001 .

If you mistakenly use the nominal rate instead of the actual rate, the image will still be somewhat jerky as it will drop about one frame in a thousand.

billymac

10-28-06, 12:05 AM

just a thanks again to cavu for all your help. like the song...i think axle rose sang it best, "i used to love her, but i had to kill her" ;)

:)

spyder696969

10-28-06, 12:38 AM

...when we refer to the nominal rates 48Hz, 60Hz or 72Hz we actually mean 47.952Hz, 59.940Hz and 71.928Hz but these numbers are too hard to remember...

Apparently, not for you, cavu. ;)

Can we expect you to be the next in line to make a headline like this? http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=2525927

cavu

10-28-06, 01:22 AM

Can we expect you to be the next in line to make a headline like this?Yeah. Right.

I actually used to know pi out to about 30 places but, since my stroke, I can't remember a phone number long enough to dial it!#$%

Cubfan

10-28-06, 07:31 PM

So has anyone successfully repaired a light tunnel problem? How difficult is it, and how did you go about making the repair?

Mine has started to have difficulties (a little yellow on the right) and though I can live with it for now, I'd sure like to correct it.

The website posted as "instructions" is nothing more than a post that shows the insides of the 4805.

utopia1956

10-28-06, 08:09 PM

So has anyone successfully repaired a light tunnel problem?
Two users in this thread have reported successfully repairing the light tunnel. Lynzoid and hdrider. Do a search on "light tunnel" or on those users' posts and you will find out how they did the repairs. If you are under warranty you should go that route as many have failed at this repair.

jjsaustin

10-28-06, 10:09 PM

Well, I sold my 4805 today for $475. Told the person no DVI and I'm ot sure he even knew what DVI was and he didn't seem to care. He was just going to run XBAX and DVD over component. I think I'm going for a IN72 for $720. I think what I will be getting for the extra $250 will be (rank ordered):

1) a quieter projector,
2) 2 digital inputs vs none (one for Bravo and the other for my HD box),
3) a warranty (my old 4805 was over 2 yrs old and out of warranty),
4) a slightly better picture,
5) and bulb with 0 hrs on it vs my 4805 had ~900hrs

Did I get tis right? Did I miss anything?

This should be able to hold me off for 2 more years until 1080 is < $2K.

The next step up would have been the HD70 for $1K which is almost 40% more, not sure I could justify this for an interim solution when I am really waiting on 1080.

Anything else I should consider at this sub $1K pricepoint?

Sounds reasonable?

speed32219

10-28-06, 10:13 PM

Oh No, 4805 problem. I'm back from New Orelans finally after being gone for 30 days and have the house up for sale. Yeah, took me 10 months to repair it and I'm finally finished!

Anyway back to the SP4805 problem.

EYE fatigue, never had it before but my eyes are getting tired and burning. What can cause that?

Oh, what a dumb A$$ I am. I haven't been to bed for 36 hours and still have a good 24 more hours to go with all the HD football. Plus rented 5 video's and I am on the second viewing of those. Guess I fixed my own problem. :) Not to mention that TNT HD is running back to back movies which are great also.

I Love my 4805 and its image is fantastic with HD and D1 DVD.

Ahh, back to the ESPNHD game, hard work but someone has got to do it.

Martin Butler

10-28-06, 11:14 PM

Cubfan, I don't know if anyone's repaired it, but when I had the yellow line problem InFocus replaced the light engine, which if I'm not mistaken includes the DLP chip.

Cubfan

10-29-06, 12:30 AM

I'm way, way out of warranty. If it gets fixed, it will have to be myself. :(

spyder696969

10-29-06, 12:40 AM

Well, I sold my 4805 today for $475.

:eek: Wow. Wish I could find someone with too much money and too little brains to give me that much for mine...with a working M1 port.

jinroh

10-29-06, 01:37 AM

Hi all,
I plan to use a 50 feet Monoprice toslink cable to connect my DVD player and AV amplifier, because I put the DVD player quite close to my 4805.
Will the length cause any trouble or signal loss?
Thanks,

cavu

10-29-06, 01:41 AM

I plan to use a 50 feet Monoprice toslink cable ... Will the length cause any trouble or signal loss?None.

jjsaustin

10-29-06, 08:08 AM

jjsaustin

10-29-06, 08:53 AM

:eek: Wow. Wish I could find someone with too much money and too little brains to give me that much for mine...with a working M1 port.

Spyder,

Try craigslist. I put mine on there and it sold in two days (be careful of money order scams). There was another 4805 listed for $550.

But once you sell yours, you then are faced with a tough dilema... What to buy,? How much to spend?, etc.. These projectors depreciate fast and there are so many new good ones on the market. Besides the picture on the 4805 is pretty damn good.

Spongeworthy

10-29-06, 10:31 AM

I passed 3,000 hours on my bulb last night. Still looks great. :D

Martin Butler

10-29-06, 10:45 AM

Just wondered if I did the same as jjsaustin and upgraded from my 4805 to the IN72 can I still find a way to use the Chief mount I have, or do I have to get a different mount? I like the quick snap off feature of the Chief and it's easy to adjust.

Gartseff

10-29-06, 12:58 PM

:eek: Wow. Wish I could find someone with too much money and too little brains to give me that much for mine...with a working M1 port.
So, do you think a 4805 with Mount and Circuit City Warranty (Covering Unlimited Bulbs and PJ ) through September 2009 is a rip for $520?

t3h_l337_n3wb

10-29-06, 03:28 PM

I'm having some problems with my Xbox and SP4805. It's connected via component, and the resolution is set to 480p. The projector works fine with my DVD player, and the Xbox works fine with my TV, but when I put the 2 together, it looks like crap. There is banding on the screen, sort of like this:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cf/Posterization_example.jpg

I believe it has something to do with the color settings, but I've tried every adjustment option on the SP4805, and nothing seems to work.

spyder696969

10-29-06, 03:55 PM

So, do you think a 4805 with Mount and Circuit City Warranty (Covering Unlimited Bulbs and PJ ) through September 2009 is a rip for $520?

No. You paid $45 more and got a working DVI port and free bulbs for 3 years. $475 for a unit with no DVI and 900 hours is ridiculously high.

Ja Phule

10-29-06, 05:58 PM

t3h_l337_n3wb

10-29-06, 07:16 PM

I tried 2 different component cables from Ebay, none of them official, but they should be fine since lots of other people us them. Banding occurs in movies played in XBMC and also in games.

Jeradin

10-29-06, 07:26 PM

I purchased a 4805 (37 hours) + 106" pull down screen + ceiling mount for $488 shipped...
Which I felt good about till, reading here... that isnt a bad deal is it?

I do understand that there is no warrenty, but I didnt have the extra 500 dollars to buy a HD70, which is what I most likely would of bought instead...
I have no HD equip... and sit about 15.5 feet from a 106" screen right now with my IF X3.

Plan to get Bravo D1..... Hopefully the screen that is coming with the projector is an ok grain... What is the best to use for the IF4805?

Thanks

Gartseff

10-29-06, 08:22 PM

Can anyone post pics of a 4805 in a room with ambient light? Think its be ok for football watching?

bluegreenturtle

10-29-06, 08:33 PM

Ja Phule

10-29-06, 08:42 PM

I tried 2 different component cables from Ebay, none of them official, but they should be fine since lots of other people us them. Banding occurs in movies played in XBMC and also in games.

I switched recently from cheap component cables to the official xbox component and the picture is much better now. The picture before was softer and I noticed more jaggies in addition to ghosting.

sgibson

10-29-06, 08:52 PM

Can anyone post pics of a 4805 in a room with ambient light? Think its be ok for football watching?

Here you go,

Directv HD on 96" screen 15' from 80w O.H. flourescent light. Controlled light area is dedicated for Home Theater viewing: Llights out for Movies and some ambient light for TV/Sports viewing. (Excuse the hand-held cam shot.)

Regards,
sgibson

t3h_l337_n3wb

10-29-06, 08:56 PM

I switched recently from cheap component cables to the official xbox component and the picture is much better now. The picture before was softer and I noticed more jaggies in addition to ghosting.

The picture may not be as good, but it shouldn't be THAT bad. It's so bad that I can barely recognize faces.

Ja Phule

10-30-06, 12:34 AM

The picture may not be as good, but it shouldn't be THAT bad. It's so bad that I can barely recognize faces.

I know I'm not getting what you're getting with my xbox/xbmc set up.

If anything, I'd try to reset the 4805 settings to default, maybe do a factory reset. Make sure your gamma is in film mode and that your color temperature is at 6500k in the picture settings.

judsonp

10-30-06, 10:13 AM

You must know what what your source material is. If it is "video"-based, you must use 60Hz. If it is "film"-based (virtually all movies) you can use 48Hz or 72Hz. If you use the wrong refresh rate, it will be "jerky".

BE AWARE that when we refer to the nominal rates 48Hz, 60Hz or 72Hz we actually mean 47.952Hz, 59.940Hz and 71.928Hz but these numbers are too hard to remember. To calculate the actual number, divide the nominal rate by 1.001 .

If you mistakenly use the nominal rate instead of the actual rate, the image will still be somewhat jerky as it will drop about one frame in a thousand.

As always gang, thanks for your help! This absolutely fixed the problem. It was this forum that got me into this hobby, and it is this forum that routinely bails me out!

jjsaustin

10-30-06, 03:44 PM

Well, I'm off to the IN72 thread (for a couples years). Ordered one today $649 after $300 rebate and free 72" screen and shipping. Only bummer is I had to pay taxes as they were located in TX.

I hope I don't have the fuse problem.

Thanks for the useful info over the years!

spyder696969

10-30-06, 08:09 PM

Congrats to DaveDander, Gartseff, jjsaustin, and the many others that went on over to woot and kicked the crap out of the morons degrading the IN72 and other projectors in general. Hilarious!

t3h_l337_n3wb

10-30-06, 08:16 PM

I know I'm not getting what you're getting with my xbox/xbmc set up.

If anything, I'd try to reset the 4805 settings to default, maybe do a factory reset. Make sure your gamma is in film mode and that your color temperature is at 6500k in the picture settings.

I tried resetting it, and I'm pretty sure the other settings are correct too. I just stuck in a DVD, and it looks great. So the problem seems to be with games and AVI files. That's really strange...

Devedander

10-30-06, 09:22 PM

Congrats to DaveDander, Gartseff, jjsaustin, and the many others that went on over to woot and kicked the crap out of the morons degrading the IN72 and other projectors in general. Hilarious!

LOL Thanks!!! That has to be the 10th threadcrap about projectors (mostly at woot but elsewhere as well) that I have tried to smack down but they keep comming... bah... maybe it's better they don't know... after all why do they deserve the joy of FP :rolleyes:

Oh no!! It's an analog DLP!!! I can tell because it's only 848x480! That's an analogue resolution :D

Seriously... it scares me that some people are allowed to operate heavy machinery.

Clams Canino

10-31-06, 01:22 AM

Ya... looking at the Woot discussion, it's like somebody left a PC on in the day room at the loony bin. :D

-W

Devedander

10-31-06, 12:32 PM

I'm having some problems with my Xbox and SP4805. It's connected via component, and the resolution is set to 480p. The projector works fine with my DVD player, and the Xbox works fine with my TV, but when I put the 2 together, it looks like crap. There is banding on the screen, sort of like this:

I believe it has something to do with the color settings, but I've tried every adjustment option on the SP4805, and nothing seems to work.

Are you sure your XBMC is not set to upscale video or something? That's the same effect I get when watching lower quality videos upscaled by XBMC on the 4805...

Double check everywhere in XBMC is set to 480p or NTSC.

scitek

11-02-06, 09:39 PM

cavu

11-03-06, 12:59 AM

From: AV Interactive (http://www.avinteractive.co.uk/News.aspx?Action=1887186931&ID=c98ad31d-1440-4b71-8093-f439a6cd4d93):

INFOCUS PARTNERS WITH JUST LAMPS

31 October 2006 12:27

InFocus has partnered with Just Lamps for the supply of lamps for their projector models. With a commitment to provide long-term support to over 90 per cent of all Infocus projector models ever made, Just Lamps will hold extensive stock of lamps that would otherwise have been discontinued.

‘InFocus has always been a pioneer in the projector market, developing over one hundred different models in the last twelve years. Given this legacy, we have found it increasingly difficult to maintain long-term product support, especially when bulb manufacturers turn off specific production lines,’ stated Richard Lomar, senior sales manager for InFocus. ‘This agreement offers us a perfect solution, allowing us to focus on new product, whilst Just Lamps concentrate on maintaining supply of replacement lamps for the older models for as long as possible.’

www.infocus.com

www.justlamps.net

Xylon

11-03-06, 03:42 AM

Does anyone here have an HD-A1/4805 combo that may be able to answer some of these questions? I tried asking in the HD-DVD player forum, but the thread hasn't gone anywhere.

- I was wondering if using component would look noticeably worse on the 4805 than using HDMI?

- How do SD-DVDs look on the 4805 through the HD-A1?

- Would it be best to let the player do the deinterlacing on SD-DVDs or the 4805 itself? Actually, can the HD-A1 even output in 480i?

Thanks for any help you can give me!

1. Depends on the length of the component cables. If you have it at 50' or more you will probably notice some image degradation. Use HDMI if you can so its just 0s and 1s.

2. As good as a 480p PJ can give you.

3. You let the 4805 do the deinterlacing using the built in Faroudja chip.

HD-A1 480i - - - - - - - >4805 480p - - - - - - >Screen

Yes. HD-AI can output 480i.

spyder696969

11-03-06, 12:16 PM

From: AV Interactive (http://www.avinteractive.co.uk/News.aspx?Action=1887186931&ID=c98ad31d-1440-4b71-8093-f439a6cd4d93):

INFOCUS PARTNERS WITH JUST LAMPS

www.justlamps.net

:eek: $412 for a replacement lamp for the 4805 from them! :mad:

At about $100 more than everywhere else, I think I'll pass... :(

jinroh

11-03-06, 01:35 PM

I have replaced S-video cable with DVI cable as people here suggested. The difference is HUGE!

I have a problem with the TheaterTek software. I setup the 2nd monitor (which is 4805)'s resolution as 848x480, then move the TheaterTek window to 2nd monitor, (BTW, video has to be VMR7 or VMR9, Overlay will show blank), Then I double click the window to fullscreen. But, only upleft part of content shown on the whole screen, look like TheaterTek think I have a much bigger resolution than 848x480. My video card is Geforce 6200 AGP.
If I use PowerDVD or KMPlayer, they fullscreen as it should without problem.

Any suggestions welcome,
Seth

billymac

11-03-06, 02:14 PM

Does anyone here have an HD-A1/4805 combo that may be able to answer some of these questions? I tried asking in the HD-DVD player forum, but the thread hasn't gone anywhere.

- I was wondering if using component would look noticeably worse on the 4805 than using HDMI?

- How do SD-DVDs look on the 4805 through the HD-A1?

- Would it be best to let the player do the deinterlacing on SD-DVDs or the 4805 itself? Actually, can the HD-A1 even output in 480i?

Thanks for any help you can give me!

i own the IN72 and HD-A1. SD DVD's look great on my display. best setting is to let the HD-A1 upscale to 1080i. there's not a huge difference in PQ between component and HDMI at least in my setup.

krasmuzik

11-03-06, 02:40 PM

:eek: $412 for a replacement lamp for the 4805 from them! :mad:

At about $100 more than everywhere else, I think I'll pass... :(

At some point it becomes cheaper to fleabay the projector and buy a new one.

Supply and demand - such companies stockpile obsolete lamps and have to pay for that stockpile. Some of which will never be bought - but they have to keep for years just in case the odd request comes in.

I bought a Runco VX1 in 1999. Five years later they charged me $650 for the lamp - originally $500. Sold it with the house - they call me up and say they need a lamp. Referred them to the Runco dealer who quoted them $1200 - of which $400 was the change the light bulb fee. I told them I could get them the equivalent NEC lamp and install it for $800. :D Even so wholesale costs had risen to the previous retail cost - simple supply and demand - it even took a while to get the order in.. Yes that means I had a $150 light bulb change fee - you have to know these folks - they are "while you are here can you fix our hot tub speakers too so my daughter can plug in her ipod" type.

LED lamps cannot get here soon enough.