Infocus IN72-IN74-IN76 [Text View] - Page 17

spyder696969

12-18-07, 10:20 PM

I've had my IN72 for almost a year and just got around to using an HDMI cable since I just got DISH with more HD channels. I had cable before with just a few HD channels and they looked pretty good through component cables, I figired it should really pop through HDMI.

I bought a Monster 6' HDMI cable with a high data rate for $120 so I assumed it would be a good cable but after hooking it up I noticed severe ghosting especially in darker images, and the HD channels just really didn't look all that great. When I would switch back to my component input, it seemed to look better with component.

Could the cable be bad or is there more setup I need to do other than simply switching the source?

OK, I was very snarky and just realized that my first reply was to your very first post. Shame on me. :o

Agree with the post above. Monster is an overpriced, overhyped, insanely expensive brand in which you pay through the nose for nothing more than print on the outside of the cable. To give you an idea of how much you overpaid, here's the $3 equivalent of the cable you paid 40X more for at $120:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024009&p_id=2412&seq=1&format=2

By the way, unless you absolutely need your audio via hdmi, component will do just as good.

yamaharuss

12-19-07, 01:16 PM

spyder696969

12-19-07, 06:56 PM

Apology accepted.

When I bought the cable it had some sort of data transfer rate or something of 10GB(??) .. compared to others rated at 4, 5 and 7 so I guess I was simply duped by great packaging.

Are you saying there is no video quality difference between HDMI and component??

Monster and Bose have most of the non-AVS public fooled. :(

Congrats to you for finding us, and welcome here! Prepare yourself though, it's easy to get hooked. :)

For your sat box, it's highly unlikely you'll see any difference with component or hdmi. While a very well-traveled, AV obsesssed, nitpicker that constantly suffers from upgraditis and the calibration bug might see a slight difference, most cannot. Now for other things, hdmi vs. component is a different story.

Martin Butler

12-19-07, 08:47 PM

HDMI from my cable box is clearly superior to component, better blacks, less hash, but it's a tolerable difference if it means re-wiring something. If you have a choice, go HDMI.

presenter

12-19-07, 09:38 PM

On the subject of component vs hdmi, a couple of other things:
Noise. If you have some noise on the analog component video it will be "traditional" noise, almost static like. With hdmi - digital, the image integrity, should stay clean, until you reach a much further point in terms of degradation of the signal, where things freeze momentarily and/or pixelize. That's also not uncommon on your satellite or cable feed - when there are problems on their end.

But another issue, which can be huge - and I've suffered it, with component. In a typical home theater projector installation, the power for the projector is far away from the power for the rest of the gear. It is not uncommon to end up with a ground loop. A horizontal line slowly moving from bottom to top of the screen - repeatedly. This can be cured, with expensive line filtering, (and often more simply by breaking off the ground (round) pin on the power cord of the projector. Of course doing the later could increase the risk of damage to the projector if you have a power surge.

So, those are some of the more practical differences. But, forgetting those, the two methods produce similar results, and actually, with component, I believe, you can pass a higher bit depth (larger color palette), at least until the Deep Color option for HDMI 1.3 is supported on the hi-def DVD titles. -art

spyder696969

12-19-07, 10:20 PM

HDMI from my cable box is clearly superior to component, better blacks, less hash, but it's a tolerable difference if it means re-wiring something. If you have a choice, go HDMI.

What model cable box is it and who is your provider?

two_shirts

12-26-07, 05:54 AM

I have an nearly new (long story) IN74 that has a couple of strange problems. Can anyone help, or is it back the shop?

Firstly - it ''flashes'' to vertical lines occasionally. This is probably only for a few frames at most and is over before you know it. It happens about 1-2 times an hour on average and seems to occur when the scene changes. It looks like it is losing sync, and then re-syncing. I would guess that there about 50-100 lines alternating black and white from the top to the bottom of the screen. I have tried playing with the sync threshold but no good.

Secondly and more seriously, on the composite input (only used for a Nintendo WII), it has '''crashed'' a couple of times. The screen goes completely blank, and it seems to only respond to being powered off. The pj is still running and the bulb is on, but the screen is blank. After power cycling it is fine.

The only thing I have thought to try is to flash it. It is running version 2.6 of firmware.

Any suggestions?

James A. McGahee

01-20-08, 01:15 PM

Is 2.6 the current firmware from In Focus for the IN76?
Thanks-

NoThru22

04-03-08, 09:53 AM

How is everyone's IN76 doing? I got my original IN76 replaced a few months ago and the replacement just blew up on me. Infocus wants $560 to fix it this time and I'm afraid they'll just give me another ticking time bomb replacement. Should I pay?

yamaharuss

04-03-08, 09:56 AM

Mine just died... started blacking out.. then one day I turned it on and got a bad electrical smell so I unplugged it. Called Infocus, they had me check the bulb.. determined it's probably a power supply problem and would "look at it" for $400... I said no thanks, I won't buy another one of these.

Camelot_One

04-03-08, 01:25 PM

Mine is still running, though in the year or so I've had it we've only put about 300 hours on it.

$560 to repair a 720p.....I wouldn't. I'd use this as the perfect excuse to upgrade to one of the 1080p models (not from Infocus) Quite a few options out there that have better specs than the 76, and they are dirt cheap. (comparatively anyway)

JeffKB

04-03-08, 10:38 PM

How is everyone's IN76 doing? I got my original IN76 replaced a few months ago and the replacement just blew up on me.
I noticed in another post you mentioned that your IN76 was replaced last April. Is the dead one a year old, or only a few months old? Doesn't really matter - it should have lasted more than a year regardless, but the reason I ask is that if it is indeed just a few months old you should be in a very good position to ask for a free replacement or at least a reduced repair charge. If it truly is a year old, not so much. :)

At the risk of jinxing myself, I've had my IN76 for 25 months and 1100 hours, and not a single problem (raps on wooden-laminate computer desk firmly).

Your other post said you had about 1000 hrs on the lamp. That coupled with the $560 repair charge would probably have me looking at an upgrade. It would be a tough decision for me however. I want to stick with DLP and there's no 1080p unit out there right now that I'm finding irresistable, at least in my budget (~$2500).

Good luck with the decision and hope your next PJ (IN76 or otherwise) is more reliable. :)

NoThru22

04-04-08, 08:54 AM

stanger89

04-04-08, 03:56 PM

Mine was running fine when I sold it with ~1500 hours on it, no sign of trouble.

But like someone said above, I'd have trouble paying $560 to repair a 720p.

JeffKB

04-04-08, 09:49 PM

I have a brand new spare bulb. I'm just worried about the reliability of a replacement (or repair) and Infocus' customer service. I can't really afford more than $600 right now, either. (I can't really afford $600 period, but what am I going to do with my home theater?)
Here's one way to look at it: right now your projector is valueless. You can't sell it because it doesn't work. If you upgrade to something else, the only thing you can do is sell the lamp (for probably $300 - $350).

If you get the projector fixed, and provided it doesn't die on you again, you can use it for another 6 months or more, then sell it when you're in a better position to upgrade. With the new lamp I would think you could get $800 or so, and essentially make the repair a freebie. Just a thought.

NoThru22

04-08-08, 10:56 AM

My projector was only 3 days out of warranty, so Infocus decided to take care of me. I'm very happy right now.

Camelot_One

04-08-08, 11:05 AM

My projector was only 3 days out of warranty, so Infocus decided to take care of me. I'm very happy right now.
Congrats. Though I think this might be the first time I've ever heard of InFocus going above and beyond, so consider yourself lucky! That or maybe they are turning around on their customer service.

NoThru22

04-08-08, 04:14 PM

They went above and beyond for me the first time my projector broke a year ago, so I was surprised when they weren't being responsive this time.

Ramb04

04-20-08, 06:48 PM

Martin Butler

04-20-08, 08:33 PM

There was a problem with some early models having a 1 amp fuse and InFocus changed it to 2 amps. perhaps that's your main trouble.

Camelot_One

04-20-08, 10:53 PM

I have a few questions, that I haven't been able to locate on this forum yet, so I hope this doesn't just pertain to my projector. As an owner of an IN76 1.5 years old, <1100 hrs on bulb, I want to say my projector just died out of the blue. No green light, or any light. Almost like a fuse. My questions are:

1) since this projector is still within the 2 year warranty, this kind of thing should be covered..?

2) I have a dud M1-DA port on the back. Nothing goes through it, PS3, upconverting DVD player, or HD satellite.... all have HDMI out so I am using a HDMI to DVI cable and a DVI to M1 adapter at the end. Its all digital signal, so what is the problem...? A dead M1 port.

3) My picture has a very odd, but slightly noticeable, curve at the bottom right corner of the video. My screen is perfectly flat and mounted, so what could be the cause? Keystone is pointless as the abnormality has nothing to do with changing the curve.

I think she needs a visit to the shop. But anyone having had any experience with some of these symptoms, I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

1- check the fuse, as posted above.
2. The In-76 has HDMI in, why would you need to use the M1? And to that end, that may be the very problem. On the earlier X models the M1 was used with adapters for VGA/DVI/HDMI, but since the 76 has the HDMI in, they may have just set it up to only accept HDMI on the HDMI jack.
3. It sounds like you don't have the projector centered on the screen. Check to see if the lens is a little left of center.

Ramb04

04-21-08, 09:35 AM

1- check the fuse, as posted above.
2. The In-76 has HDMI in, why would you need to use the M1? And to that end, that may be the very problem. On the earlier X models the M1 was used with adapters for VGA/DVI/HDMI, but since the 76 has the HDMI in, they may have just set it up to only accept HDMI on the HDMI jack.
3. It sounds like you don't have the projector centered on the screen. Check to see if the lens is a little left of center.

1. I read something about that fuse. Is it something I can change myself, or is it a repair shop only situation?

2. I am trying to use the M1 port as I haven't any HDMI switcher in my receiver or otherwise. It would be much more convenient to switch inputs on the projector than continually having to reach up and remove one HDMI cable for another.

3. How would I go about checking the lens for perfect center?

Thanks again. :)

Camelot_One

04-21-08, 11:15 AM

On the fuse, I really dont know. I've read about it, but I've never had trouble with mine, so there has never been a need to check.

I looked over the manual, and I don't see anything about it accepting HDMI on the M1. Doesn't mean it won't, but the fact that you are having trouble would suggest as much. I'd recommend something like this: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=3029&seq=1&format=2

or this:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=4066&seq=1&format=2 (I order from monoprice all the time, great company)

As for center, most people make the mistake of mounting the projector center on the screen. But the lens isn't centered on the unit, thus you end up a bit off. It normally isn't as noticable as you describe though, so your's is probably further off center. The easiest way I know is to measure off a side wall or other static object at both the screen and the PJ. Figure out how far center of the screen is from he wall, then measure how far the lens is.

Martin Butler

04-21-08, 11:45 AM

I have an HDMI to M1 cable from Blue jeans cable. Works fine from my cable box to In72.

Ramb04

04-21-08, 06:19 PM

I have an HDMI to M1 cable from Blue jeans cable. Works fine from my cable box to In72.

Hmm, must be the conversion from HDMI - DVI - M1 screwing something up. Shouldn't be the case as it is basically the same signal being transferred. My HDMI to DVI cable and M1 adapter is also from Blue Jeans. Great quality cable. Had I known about the M1 before I ordered the HDMI to DVI, I would have gone that route as well.

ktoolsie

04-22-08, 10:09 AM

Hmm, must be the conversion from HDMI - DVI - M1 screwing something up. Shouldn't be the case as it is basically the same signal being transferred.

No, because of the handshake that occurs between the source and the display, more often than not a different signal will be output from the source to a DVI/M1-input versus a true HDMI input.

Most DVI inputs only support raw RGB. Most HDMI inputs prefer the digital component signal, which is used to encode the source material.

It's rare that projectors have both inputs and it may be that the M1 port was designed to handle specific computer resolutions and does not handle the output resolution from your HDMI source.

However, assuming that the IN72 had both a M1 and a HDMI input, I don't understand why the IN72 would take the signal but the IN76 will not.

Camelot_One

04-22-08, 10:21 AM

However, assuming that the IN72 had both a M1 and a HDMI input, I don't understand why the IN72 would take the signal but the IN76 will not.
Well the 72 is a 480p isn't it? So it's not pulling an HD signal over the M1, or atleast maybe isn't requiring confirmation/handshake. Maybe it's an HDCP or similar issue, as all of the equipment the op listed is trying to send HD over the M1. (My HR20-700 for example won't even finish booting until it gets a handshake confirmation from the HDMI output, if a cable is connected. The XBox 360 is the same way, so I assume the Sony would be. And an upconverting-DVD player, when set to upconvert, would also require the HDCP handshake)

I suppose you could experiment to test my theory by setting the PS3 to output at 480i/p, then connect it to the M1, boot it, and see if you get a signal. But even then it could simply be that the 76 isn't set to handshake on the M1.

Ramb04

04-22-08, 07:20 PM

I have been in touch with Infocus and have a repair ticket to get the power issue fixed. I will try to get them to test the M1 port as well, then I'll know its not the projector for sure.

Got in just under the warranty period... I think I will be purchasing the extended plan now... that was too close.

Ole Dame

04-29-08, 08:00 PM

I have a few questions, that I haven't been able to locate on this forum yet, so I hope this doesn't just pertain to my projector. As an owner of an IN76 1.5 years old, <1100 hrs on bulb, I want to say my projector just died out of the blue. No green light, or any light. Almost like a fuse. My questions are:

1) since this projector is still within the 2 year warranty, this kind of thing should be covered..?

2) I have a dud M1-DA port on the back. Nothing goes through it, PS3, upconverting DVD player, or HD satellite.... all have HDMI out so I am using a HDMI to DVI cable and a DVI to M1 adapter at the end. Its all digital signal, so what is the problem...? A dead M1 port.

3) My picture has a very odd, but slightly noticeable, curve at the bottom right corner of the video. My screen is perfectly flat and mounted, so what could be the cause? Keystone is pointless as the abnormality has nothing to do with changing the curve.

I think she needs a visit to the shop. But anyone having had any experience with some of these symptoms, I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

1 - Yes, the IN76 has a 2 year warranty from the date you bought it. As with any nice piece of electronics, always keep your receipt/invoice.

2- Try an M1-HDMI adapter at the projector. We offer them or you can find them other places on the net. I'm just a sales guy but I'm guessing there is an issue with piggy backing the multiple adapters.

3- Sometimes it can be a sign that your projector isn't mounted completely square. Try putting up the grid test pattern in the menu system and see if you notice it. (pg 28 of users guide) If the projector is mounted sqaure the lines will be straight accross the screen. If that doesn't work, try calling tech support to see if they have any suggestions. 800-294-6400

sgibson

04-29-08, 09:18 PM

I have a few questions, that I haven't been able to locate on this forum yet, so I hope this doesn't just pertain to my projector. As an owner of an IN76 1.5 years old, <1100 hrs on bulb, I want to say my projector just died out of the blue. No green light, or any light. Almost like a fuse. My questions are:

1) since this projector is still within the 2 year warranty, this kind of thing should be covered..?

2) I have a dud M1-DA port on the back. Nothing goes through it, PS3, upconverting DVD player, or HD satellite.... all have HDMI out so I am using a HDMI to DVI cable and a DVI to M1 adapter at the end. Its all digital signal, so what is the problem...? A dead M1 port.

3) My picture has a very odd, but slightly noticeable, curve at the bottom right corner of the video. My screen is perfectly flat and mounted, so what could be the cause? Keystone is pointless as the abnormality has nothing to do with changing the curve.

I think she needs a visit to the shop. But anyone having had any experience with some of these symptoms, I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

With regard to question 2, I think you have a bad M1/DA port. I had the same problem with both SP4805 and IN72...a year apart, they just stopped syncing with my source. After some back-and-forth (try different cables/lengths, switch source connections,etc.) with Infocus Tech support, they approved RMA and in both cases the problem was solved by Infocus replacing the faulty M1/DA circuit. Suggest you use the Infocus Tech support online rather than phone in support. Seemed the better choice for me anyhow.

Good Luck,
sgibson

ratromblee

04-30-08, 07:35 PM

I have an Infocus IN-72 that had about 550 hours on it and the bulb exploded (gave me a heart attack at the same time). Anyway, when I took the projector apart to get out all the little pieces of glass I found a tiny red transistor (I think that is what you would call it) with the numbers 104K450 and NIS T83 on it. I look carefully at the circuit boards and can't see where it came from. I called Infocus tech support and they told me it came from inside the bulb when it blew out which I find very hard to believe. Before I go and spend $350-$400 on a new bulb can anybody give me any guidance on this? I am also looking for a service manual if somebody has one. Thanks! Raney

scrubsr1

04-30-08, 10:13 PM

It sounds like the IN series are ticking time bombs. I just purchased a refurbished IN78 and now I'm thinking I better get rid of it before something goes wrong. A one year warranty isn't long enough for this kind of investment.

JeffKB

04-30-08, 10:35 PM

I wouldn't worry too much. :) Because there's no need to do much tweaking with these PJs, this thread is rarely posted to. The occasional posts you do see are almost always regarding problems. That's because there's nothing else to talk about, and only those with issues are motivated to post. That skews the perception that problems are rampant.

If you have an early production IN72 or IN76 (maybe IN78?), then there was an issue with an undersized fuse that did blow for some people and needed to be replaced by a larger one - other than that, it's just the usual gamut of typical PJ problems.

I think the platform's been reliable. Certainly much more reliable than the SP4805, which everyone loved. All models and platforms have a certain percentage of problems - check a thread for any projector and you'll find them. I think the INxx series is as reliable as any, probably more than most.

Luis Gabriel Gerena

04-30-08, 10:43 PM

I agree, there is no PJ outthere, or for that matter, any product, that has a trouble free existance. You got a very nice projector there so it would be a shame to give it up :)

scrubsr1

05-01-08, 12:02 AM

Thanks for the reassurance guys. I figured since the 78 came out after the IN72/76 that most of the bugs would be worked out with this platform. Only time will tell I guess.

Ramb04

05-11-08, 10:37 PM

My IN76 projector arrives tomorrow! It has been a little over two weeks, and it is fixed. I agree with a previous poster, the IN76 is a great projector, but unless I am trying to tweak something or have a major problem I wouldn't post much.

You can do a lot worse for more money in my opinion. I have been happy with its settings right out of the box, and haven't felt the need for a professional calibration.

Now to square up that projector mount when it gets to my door...

JeffKB

05-13-08, 11:17 PM

Tonight I happened to stumble on the fact that a new firmware version was released back in Feb to address 1080p/24 issues. Does anyone have any feedback on the success?

I tried feeding my IN76 1080p/24 when I got a PS3 several months back. It was a disaster - lots of tearing. Hopefully this fixed the problem? And without introducing any other issues?

Ramb04

06-03-08, 10:11 AM

I have an interesting problem regarding the calibration of my IN76 projector. I have everything set at factory defaults, and using the test patterns provided with the Ratatouille BluRay disc in my player via HDMI.

The brightness and contrast tests just do not work. I don't know if it is the fault of the projector or the test themselves, but no matter what setting I put the brightness to, I see NO flashing bars to calibrate the blacks. With contrast it is much the same although there is one point at 37 that I can roughly see it flash for the whites. Is this a common problem for these bright projectors, or do I have to really tweak the factory settings more than the vanilla brightness vs contrast?

Thanks to anyone with some experience in calibration and input.

Martin Butler

06-03-08, 12:25 PM

Others here are experts, but one thing they'll need to know is what output are you using, HDMI or component. Certain things may not work from those outputs. Also, those tests that come free with a DVD are usually general and not specific, although I have no experience with the Ratatouile disc. Good luck!!

Ramb04

06-03-08, 03:25 PM

spyder696969

06-03-08, 05:37 PM

Thanks Martin. I am using HDMI out, which could be the problem. I also have the AVIA DVD calibration disc, although the video portion is for CRT sets, not DLP projectors. I will wait and see if there has been success with calibrating the IN76 and with what software, Avia, DVD extras or otherwise.

Crossing my fingers!

The IN7X series are pretty much calibrated right out of the box, regardless of input. Highly recommend you try another disc. The only thing I can think of offhand is that your White Peaking is set waaayyy to high or that you've somehow got it on a wonky gamma setting.

Ramb04

06-03-08, 06:21 PM

The IN7X series are pretty much calibrated right out of the box, regardless of input. Highly recommend you try another disc. The only thing I can think of offhand is that your White Peaking is set waaayyy to high or that you've somehow got it on a wonky gamma setting.

Thanks spyder, That is what I am wondering now as well. I am trying both the Avia video setup as well as the AVCHD that is available here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=948496
and see if I have any better luck with these. I'll post back with the results.

smithfarmer

06-03-08, 09:14 PM

spyder696969

06-03-08, 09:25 PM

Check this:

White Peaking = 0
Gamma = Film

Contrast and Brightness should be the only two things you may want to play with...but not much, if any.

Ramb04

06-04-08, 05:19 PM

smithfarmer

06-04-08, 09:38 PM

My bluray player is a PS3, and I believe there is some settings in the video settings of the player itself. RGB is engaged instead of YPb/CbPr/Cr super white. Some sort of full range setting is set to automatic.

This must be the issue, but I haven't found a rule of thumb setup yet for video on the PS3.
Xbox360 for me so sorry I can't help withthe PS3 but I'm sure that if you ask about the proper setup in the PS3/BluRay threads that someone will give you the correct advice.

adude

06-04-08, 11:24 PM

Ramb,

Do the following:

On PS3: set color space to RGB, limited instead of super white
on IN76: set the colorspace to RGB-Video

This will match the brightness levels between PS3 and IN 76 to video levels (instead of PC levels) Then set the gamma settings as suggested by Spyder. Try again with the calibration. You will most probably find it spot on at default. :D

laman

06-06-08, 05:15 PM

Greetings from Buenos Aires.

I have my IN74 sine oct 2006, last sunday I powered on the projector, the red presentation screen came up, and nothing else. I hit the source button and nothing happened, all the remote functions did not work. I tried the menu button on the projector but none of the buttons respond.
The light stays solid green after start up. I had to unplug the projector to get it to turn off. So I pluged it back in after awhile, and the same thing.

I connected mi new Denon 2308 via HDMI and set the source on the PJ, I read at the Infocus site that I had to actualize the firmware (version 2.8 repair the bug).

I tried in vain. My notebook did not make connection.

I read on page 14 a similar problem but here there is not an authoriced Infocus office.

Any help?

laman

06-08-08, 08:48 PM

I solve the problem.

Mike N Ike

07-15-08, 12:09 AM

Saturday my IN76 shut itself off unexpectedly. I was able to get it going again for a short while then it died again. This kept up for a while until finally it would shut off after being on for only seconds. Red light on top blinking 3 times - which the manual say is a dead lamp. Well, it's 2 years old and has nearly 3000 hours on the lamp so I ordered a replacement lamp.

Replacement arrived today - lamp flickers. Tried the switch to High Power and back without success.
Now it dies after just a few seconds -just like the old lamp.

I'm thinking maybe the "lamp flicker circuit" or the power supply. In any case, it's out of warranty and repair cost would likely exceed it's value.

Any one with an similar experience?

Thanks,
Mike

Mitch P.

07-15-08, 12:30 AM

Well, after two years and two months my IN76 decided to turn off unexpectedly. I checked the fuse as well and that is not blown. No led present at the power button either so I know the unit isn't getting power. Thus, I'm sitting here with a pj which is toast and am unsure what to do. I contacted customer service and they said $518+taxes+$30s/h - ugh! This is the same as me applying that money to a newer pj for crying out loud.

If anyone has any other suggestions for diagnosing I can probably do it as it's relatively easy to take the unit apart. I was about to pull the p/s out, but decided against it once I found out the fuse was okay.

Mitch P.

07-15-08, 04:09 PM

I found an authorized service center which is charging $84 for the power supply and $150 for labor. Much cheaper than infocus...

See link:
http://www.avidexav.com/

Mike N Ike

07-15-08, 06:37 PM

Thanks Mitch. They have an office here in So California so getting it to them and back may be pretty easy. I'll give them a call.

Mike

Dannol

08-13-08, 04:12 PM

Like several others posting on these forums, my Infocus IN72 has blown a capacitor on the mainboard. From my research this happens when the projector is ceiling mounted, but I'm not sure what causes it to occur. I'm guessing it has something to do with heat. Anyway, I've posted two pictures of the capacitor that blows off the mainboard. I have not yet successfully repaired it. Based on the numbers on the capacitor, here are the specifications for a replacement piece: 100,000 pF or .1uF capacitor, +/- 10% tolerance.

I replaced this with a capacitor rated at 50 volts and that blew too. I think it is because the power supply outputs 75 volts. I have not yet tried to replace it again.

I also called InFocus and got their standard estimate of $400+ for repairs. This is unacceptable because I only paid $500 for the projector new. If anyone else has ideas, especially qoutes for similar repairs from other service centers, let me know.

Links to pictures of the capacitor (before it blew):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22538208@N00/2760732478/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22538208@N00/2759888933/in/photostream/

Flickr:
Capacitor on Mainboard (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22538208@N00/2760732478/in/photostream/)
Capacitor Closeup (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22538208@N00/2759888933/in/photostream/)

Thanks!

Mitch P.

08-13-08, 05:46 PM

see the above post re repairs/cost/contact info :)

Typezer0

11-19-08, 08:03 PM

http://www.bluewatertech.com/BWGwebsite/service.html

$84 for the power supply
$15 shipping
$150 diagnostic fee (this goes towards the first hour of labor)
$5.94 tax

Total = $254.94

Infocus told me $518 + shipping (across the country for me) and the $518 does not include the optical engine or the lamp.

k-rob83

11-19-08, 08:47 PM

nathantw

11-20-08, 05:53 PM

When I come up with a blank screen on mine I usually put my hand in front of the lens to see if there's any light coming out of it. Luckily there is. I then press the source button on the projector itself and almost all the time something comes on.

JeffKB

11-21-08, 12:37 PM

Hey Everyone,
I have an IN72 that suddenly stopped working, and I'm hoping that someone here has some advice. I havn't been able to find anyone else on here with the same problem, so hopefully this isn't a duplicate post from someone else.
When I plug the projector in, it immediately powers up, and I can hear the color wheel like normal, but it never shows the opening screen. The bulb comes on, but it is like the projector is trying to display a solid grey picture. The light is blinking green the whole time, and all the buttons on bothe the projector and the remote are unresponsive.
I only have around 800 hours on it. I just recently got it mounted to the ceiling. Could this be the cause of my trouble?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!

Sounds like your projector is unable to successfully boot its firmware. My guess would be there's a hardware issue somewhere that is preventing the boot from happening. Could even be lamp related.

Good luck with the issue, hope you figure it out. :)

For reference, here is a breakdown of what the lamp colors mean (from the manual):

LED color/behavior:

solid green
The power button has been pressed and the software has initialized or the projector
has been powered off.

blinking green
The power button has been pressed and the software is initializing, or the projector
is powering down and the fans are running to cool the lamp.

blinking red
see page 32 for more information
A fan or lamp failure has occurred. Make sure the vents aren’t blocked (see page 16). Turn off the projector and wait one minute, then turn the projector on again. If the projector has exceeded its lamp life (page 29), replace the lamp and reset the lamp timer. Contact Technical Support if the problem persists.

solid red
An unidentifiable error: please contact Technical Support

WShawn

11-29-08, 06:11 PM

Hi:

What would happen if you hooked a 1080p high def Blu-Ray player (via HDMI?) to the 480p InFocus IN72 projector? Would the projector freak out, or would it be able to downconvert the signal from the Blu-ray to something it could project?

We've had our modest little IN72 for a little under two years, and we've been very happy with it so far. However, I'm at the point where I think it might make more sense to buy a Blu-Ray player now and start buying Blu-Ray movies instead of standard def DVDs. I'm itching to buy Wall-E, but I'm hesitant to buy the DVD version now, knowing that I'll almost certainly want it in high def eventually.

Adding to the mix, yesterday we bought a 46" Samsung LN-46A540 LCD direct view panel. As good as The Incredibles looked on it on NBC last night, we still plan to watch the majority of our movies on the IN72. An HD projector would be great, but I think I want to wait a few years before getting one.

Any advice or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks.

Shawn Marshall
Portland, OR

Luis Gabriel Gerena

11-29-08, 07:37 PM

Well, I used to run HD stuff on my 4805 (pretty much a IN72) and you will be able to tell the difference from DVDs for sure.
When you finally upgrade to 720 or 1080 you will be able to see even more detail but even with the IN72, I prefered watching HD over SD material for sure.
Regards

WShawn

11-29-08, 07:59 PM

Thanks for the quick reply, Luis.

So were you connecting a Blu-Ray player to your 4805 via HDMI or component or what? I know the IN72 won't project the HD quality delivered by the Blu-Ray. I just want to make sure it will work with a Blu-Ray player before investing in one. My plan is to keep using the IN72 for a few more years until the prices on HD projects come down more.

Shawn Marshall
Portland, OR

Luis Gabriel Gerena

11-29-08, 08:17 PM

I was using a M1 to DVI/HDMI connector. M1 is the port on the 4805...not sure if the IN72 uses the M1 or a regular HDMI or DVI port though.
I dont think there will be any issues since the IN72 is an updated 4805.

WShawn

11-29-08, 08:41 PM

Once again, thanks for the quick reply.

My IN72 has an HDMI port and the M1/DVI port you've used. So I should be able to run an HDMI cable from a Blu-Ray player to the projector and it will project a 480p version of what the player is outputting?

Another question. My current Denon receiver is around nine years old and doesn't have HDMI connections. If I got a new receiver with HDMI capability I should theoretically be able to run an HDMI cable from the Blu Ray player to the receiver, and then run HDMI from the receiver to the IN72, correct?

Shawn Marshall
Portland, OR

Opus33

11-29-08, 11:53 PM

My IN76 was working just fine, a little more than 2 years old, then I got a strong hot plastic smell, a "fzzt" noise, and the lamp went out. LED flashes 3 times.

If I unplug it, let it cool down, the lamp will light, the projector will run a few minutes and then the same thing will happen again.

Since the lamp works, and the smell would seem to be strongest at the rear of the unit, is this a power supply failure?

InFocus has fixed the unit once already, likely the fuse, but its long out of warranty now and if I have to pay almost $600 I might as well get a cheap 720 Optoma or Epson.

How do I go about finding a local shop to examine this? I'm in suburban Philadelphia.

Thanks,

Op.

JeffKB

11-30-08, 12:10 PM

Hi Opus33,

There were some posts earlier in the thread about members finding repair shops that did work for reasonable prices. You'd have to send your PJ out however. Below are two links that I found quickly, but if you spend time searching in the thread there may be more.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=14295834&postcount=4069

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=15108960&postcount=4073

Speaking for myself, if I could repair the IN76 for $300 or less, I would rather do that then get one of the cheapie Optomas or go LCD. Just my opinion. :)

Sounds like your problem could also be fan related. It's almost like your unit is overheating and a thermal shutdown is occuring.

Good luck.

spyder696969

11-30-08, 12:11 PM

My IN72 has an HDMI port and the M1/DVI port...So I should be able to run an HDMI cable from a Blu-Ray player to the projector and it will project a 480p version of what the player is outputting?

Yes. You won't be adding any resolution, as the PJ is 480p native, but you will enjoy a deeper color pallette.

If I got a new receiver with HDMI capability I should theoretically be able to run an HDMI cable from the Blu Ray player to the receiver, and then run HDMI from the receiver to the IN72, correct?

Yes. In theory (and most likely) you should be fine. You can also go direct HDMI -> M1 as well if you have 2 devices.

spyder696969

11-30-08, 12:13 PM

LED flashes 3 times.

What color?

If I unplug it, let it cool down, the lamp will light, the projector will run a few minutes and then the same thing will happen again.

Since the lamp works, and the smell would seem to be strongest at the rear of the unit, is this a power supply failure?

Agree with Jeff. Sounds like a fan failure and can be fixed inexpensively.

Opus33

11-30-08, 12:25 PM

spyder696969 - the LED flashes red 3 times

JeffKB - thanks for those links, I'll make some calls on Monday

spyder696969

11-30-08, 02:10 PM

spyder696969 - the LED flashes red 3 times

JeffKB - thanks for those links, I'll make some calls on Monday

Jeff posted on (for me) the previous page:

blinking red
see page 32 for more information
A fan or lamp failure has occurred. Make sure the vents aren’t blocked (see page 16). Turn off the projector and wait one minute, then turn the projector on again. If the projector has exceeded its lamp life (page 29), replace the lamp and reset the lamp timer. Contact Technical Support if the problem persists.

Alimentall

12-01-08, 06:43 PM

Anybody seen Bob Williams? I've got a freaky problem. We set up an IN76 for a customer over a year ago and it worked fine using a Gefen HDMI over dual Cat 5 link. Suddenly, it stopped working a week or so ago. We replaced it with another brand HDMI over dual HDMI link as a standard HDMI cable worked so we ruled out the PJ. No workie. Used another one. No workie. The same units work in other systems. But not with this IN76. But it will accept normal HDMI cables and work fine. And it used to work with HDMI over Cat 5. We even set it up with several different 1' ethernet cables and it wouldn't work. We're lost. I've never seen such a thing. How could it possibly tell if it's HDMI over ethernet? And why would it have worked up until now? Software upgrade didn't help.

Luis Gabriel Gerena

12-01-08, 06:46 PM

Now sure on the problem you are having but just wanted to say that Bob Williams works for Planar and not infocus anymore afaik.

spyder696969

12-01-08, 08:45 PM

Software upgrade didn't help.

How about firmware downgrade?

Alimentall

12-01-08, 08:50 PM

Now sure on the problem you are having but just wanted to say that Bob Williams works for Planar and not infocus anymore afaik.

Luis! Trabajas por Schifter ahora? Que bueno!

Alimentall

12-01-08, 08:51 PM

How about firmware downgrade?

Nope. We started off downgraded.

Mike N Ike

12-01-08, 08:53 PM

Try a different IN76? If it works then something went kaflooey on the original unit.

Alimentall

12-01-08, 08:57 PM

Yeah, we're going to do that as soon as we can. But the HDMI is working so.....????

spyder696969

12-01-08, 10:56 PM

Yeah, we're going to do that as soon as we can. But the HDMI is working so.....????

Sync threshold maybe?

claw

12-15-08, 01:52 PM

I mounted my IN76 to the ceiling this weekend after using it on a table for the past year and a half.

I used a Chief ceiling plate, a Chief bracket and projector plate, and a short NPT pipe close nipple that connects the ceiling plate to the bracket.

Before mounting the projector to the bracket I used a carpentry level and adjusted pitch and yaw of the bracket so it was plumb.

Mounted the projector, and measured the distance from the ceiling to the middle of the lens at 6.5".

I had figured that the image should be 15.5" from the ceiling. 9" offset for a 118" diagonal image + 6.5" drop.

Instead the image is 18" from the ceiling. Could there be that much variance in the lens of this projector that caused this?

I really wanted the 15.5" drop. Will pointing the projector slightly higher to raise the image 2.5" be much of an issue?

Tiga

12-15-08, 10:59 PM

Hello all - so I've been enjoying my new (yes new) IN72 for a few months now and lately I've noticed the picture dropping out after watching it for an hour or so. (I don't have the projector hooked up all the time now, I just bring it out and set it up on weekend evenings for movie night).

With some troubleshooting I've found that the HDMI port is losing the signal. When I wiggle the wire the picture comes back on - it feels like the port is a little loose inside. If I place something under the hdmi cable to support it then the picture stays on - but if there is any downward pressure on the cable it drops out. Am I looking at a bad port here? Has anyone seen this before?

I've only had the projector for a few months so it's still under warranty. Since I only run one hdmi cable to the projector is it worth sending it back or should I just run the hdmi cable to the m1/dvi port? Not sure what to expect with customer service/shipping/turn around etc. I appreciate everyone's advice and assistance. I will say that this is my first projector and I'm amazed how nice of a picture it provides. Thanks.

Tiga

jeahrens

12-16-08, 11:39 AM

claw

12-16-08, 09:09 PM

I determined that the projector was not level. So leveled the projector again as best as could since the IN76 does not have many flat surfaces.

Then raised the angle of the projector until the image squared out. Ended up with a 14 inch drop - less than I expected. At least this way I can replace the short NPT pipe with one a bit longer.

ritter

01-04-09, 11:25 AM

I posted that my IN76 with 1330 hours has gone 100% failure. No bulb, no LED-Nothing.

Reading back through the thread it seems it could be a variety of things including power supply, capacitor burn out or even just the fuse to wit; where is the fuse actually located?

ritter

01-06-09, 09:52 AM

Bump-

I opened it up and a few parts need replacing- are InFocus parts readily available from them and/or other suppliers?

JeffKB

01-09-09, 11:10 PM

Hi Ritter,

Hate to say I joined the club, but my IN76 went belly up tonight as well. The dreaded no power problem. I must be psychic - just this morning, out of the blue, I started thinking about how it would suck if my PJ died tonight. Too bad I can't channel that psychic energy into knowing what tomorrow's lottery numbers will be. :D

I plan to call the closest authorized service centers and see what they charge for a new power supply and/or new fuse (not sure which is the problem). From what other people have been charged, should be around $250.

Just curious, how did you get the case open? I tried to get the side panels off without success. I removed the screws on the bottom, which allowed me to pry the bottom of the side panel away from the main body, but could not get the top of the side panels off. I assume there are tabs which hold the top of the panel in place, but I was leary about snapping them off. Is there a trick?

Also, how did you determine that "a few parts need replacing"? Did you have multiple blown fuses?

I'm already starting to have withdrawal from not having a projector.... :(

henrik-t

01-16-09, 07:04 AM

i finaly got my PJ/screen mounted in78 i know this is the 72-76 tread but i can t find the in78 tread anywhere

I di mess up a bit i mounte the PJ lens about 5 cm to the left of the screen´s middel, i did the middel of the whole PJ, duhh not the middel of the lens, but i works fine anyway...??? only a tiny bit off axis horizontal ---------- to get picture to fill the screen, i proberly have to move the mount, so the lens is dead in the middel of the screen...??

I have some Q about the menu, i know its the 78 but some of you guys maby have had one in your house..

1. is it in eco mode when its not in high mode, or is it a seting of it s own..!

2.i read somewhere it haves a isf 3 14 step user setting but i cant find it.

3.i think my blacks are a bit washed out "little grayish" is ther any tip´s to improve it

4. i updating nessery i have 1.3

5. anyone know the optimal start settings, film/pc/video - 6500 7500 9500, and so on

6. do i have to turn the deinterlace to auto or off, is it a good thing to do.

7. can i manuel change the iris on this model..??

8. any ohter thing s i have to do turn on or off, to get better picture.

sorry for tho long list of question.

i really like the picture is close to my plasma, only thing is the black´s and a little bit poor shadow details....
Thx for a super tread...

Henrik

JeffKB

01-16-09, 11:28 PM

Hi Henrik,

I own the IN76, but the menu options are mostly identical between that and the IN78. Here's my take on your questions:

i finaly got my PJ/screen mounted in78 i know this is the 72-76 tread but i can t find the in78 tread anywhere

I di mess up a bit i mounte the PJ lens about 5 cm to the left of the screen´s middel, i did the middel of the whole PJ, duhh not the middel of the lens, but i works fine anyway...??? only a tiny bit off axis horizontal ---------- to get picture to fill the screen, i proberly have to move the mount, so the lens is dead in the middel of the screen...??
Yes, for perfect geometry you'll need the lens centered on your screen. That's very difficult to achieve unless your screen mounting hardware allows you to slide the screen left/right, or your projector mount allows you to move the PJ left/right. Many universal projector mounts with "spider legs" allow that sort of adjustment, and at least some pro screen mounting methods allow screen movement as well.

Minor geometry errors can be hard to notice however, so it really depends on how bad the error is, and what your tolerance is.

1. is it in eco mode when its not in high mode, or is it a seting of it s own..!

Yes, it is in low lamp mode unless the "High" mode is checked.

2.i read somewhere it haves a isf 3 14 step user setting but i cant find it.

That is a menu option unique to the IN78, the IN76 does not have it. I believe those are an option meant to be available only to ISF calibrators, and a code is needed to unlock. It is meant to lock in settings after a calibration so the user doesn't accidently erase or change. You shouldn't need to worry about this option.

3.i think my blacks are a bit washed out "little grayish" is ther any tip´s to improve it

How big is your screen?

Like all Infocus projectors, the IN76/78 are known for their brightness. The downside to a bright projector is that black levels suffer if the screen is too small. To lower your black level, you can increase the size of your screen, or if that is not an option, use an ND2 filter, which will cut the light output (and black level) of your projector in half. Note it won't change your contrast ratio however (or shadow detail), because your peak white level will be cut in half also. ND2 filters are cheap and available online from camera stores. The IN78 is not threaded to accept one, so you'll need to jury rig it with tape. Somewhere around a 62mm (or a little larger) diameter filter should work. Just measure the lens.

Also, if you just give it time, your new lamp will lose some initial brightness after a few hundred hours as it settles in. That may make a noticeable difference to you.

4. i updating nessery i have 1.3

Not necessary unless you plan to take advantage of 1080p/24hz playback with Blu-ray discs. FW1.4 supposedly fixes some playback issues with 24hz playback.

5. anyone know the optimal start settings, film/pc/video - 6500 7500 9500, and so on

Film gamma matches exactly the standard used for mastering DVDs, so that is the best choice. CRT can also be used if you have a "bat cave" for a room - it increases perceived contrast at the expense of shadow detail. Avoid the rest, especially PC. Once in a while I do use "Video" gamma for video based content however (i.e. not film), but that is rare.

Use 6500 for the temp setting (the default).

6. do i have to turn the deinterlace to auto or off, is it a good thing to do.

Leave on auto is fine.

7. can i manuel change the iris on this model..??

No iris on this model. The only way to change the light output is with the above mentioned ND2 filter. ND2 filters are not as good as an internal iris bacause an internal iris can actually improve contrast ratio when used, an ND2 does not.

8. any ohter thing s i have to do turn on or off, to get better picture.

Infocus projectors are know for their good performance out of the box, so you should not need to do any major tweaking. Use a calibration disc or the THX Optimizer found on many DVDs to set the brightness (black level) and contrast (white level). These are found on the "picture" menu. The factory settings should be very close, if not spot on.

Leave the sharpness at the default setting of "Standard", and don't try messing with RGB gain/offset. You really need calibration gear to set that accurately. The out of the box colors should be close.

Make sure "White Peaking" is set to off.

Hope those help, and enjoy your new projector!

henrik-t

01-17-09, 11:06 AM

Hi Henrik,

I own the IN76, but the menu options are mostly identical between that and the IN78. Here's my take on your questions:

Yes, for perfect geometry you'll need the lens centered on your screen. That's very difficult to achieve unless your screen mounting hardware allows you to slide the screen left/right, or your projector mount allows you to move the PJ left/right. Many universal projector mounts with "spider legs" allow that sort of adjustment, and at least some pro screen mounting methods allow screen movement as well.

Minor geometry errors can be hard to notice however, so it really depends on how bad the error is, and what your tolerance is.

Yes, it is in low lamp mode unless the "High" mode is checked.

That is a menu option unique to the IN78, the IN76 does not have it. I believe those are an option meant to be available only to ISF calibrators, and a code is needed to unlock. It is meant to lock in settings after a calibration so the user doesn't accidently erase or change. You shouldn't need to worry about this option.

How big is your screen? 92" from 3,5 meters, white walls and celing..!

Like all Infocus projectors, the IN76/78 are known for their brightness. The downside to a bright projector is that black levels suffer if the screen is too small. To lower your black level, you can increase the size of your screen, or if that is not an option, use an ND2 filter, which will cut the light output (and black level) of your projector in half. Note it won't change your contrast ratio however (or shadow detail), because your peak white level will be cut in half also. ND2 filters are cheap and available online from camera stores. The IN78 is not threaded to accept one, so you'll need to jury rig it with tape. Somewhere around a 62mm (or a little larger) diameter filter should work. Just measure the lens.

oki, are thise expensive, and is the name just ND2 filter, no model number or grade..!?

Also, if you just give it time, your new lamp will lose some initial brightness after a few hundred hours as it settles in. That may make a noticeable difference to you.

oki thx

Not necessary unless you plan to take advantage of 1080p/24hz playback with Blu-ray discs. FW1.4 supposedly fixes some playback issues with 24hz playback.

i have ps3 so yes to 1080p/24

Film gamma matches exactly the standard used for mastering DVDs, so that is the best choice. CRT can also be used if you have a "bat cave" for a room - it increases perceived contrast at the expense of shadow detail. Avoid the rest, especially PC. Once in a while I do use "Video" gamma for video based content however (i.e. not film), but that is rare.

Use 6500 for the temp setting (the default).

Leave on auto is fine.

im using the 6500 now , and the film setting , so thats good
No iris on this model. The only way to change the light output is with the above mentioned ND2 filter. ND2 filters are not as good as an internal iris bacause an internal iris can actually improve contrast ratio when used, an ND2 does not.

Infocus projectors are know for their good performance out of the box, so you should not need to do any major tweaking. Use a calibration disc or the THX Optimizer found on many DVDs to set the brightness (black level) and contrast (white level). These are found on the "picture" menu. The factory settings should be very close, if not spot on.

yes i have used this, and my settings where 52 and 45 on the B ans C levels, is there a better disk to use , i have Downloaded the free AVCHD disk is that a good one, or shoud i look for ohters...

Leave the sharpness at the default setting of "Standard", and don't try messing with RGB gain/offset. You really need calibration gear to set that accurately. The out of the box colors should be close.

Make sure "White Peaking" is set to off.

Hope those help, and enjoy your new projector!

Thanks Mate

smithfarmer

01-17-09, 06:43 PM

oki, are thise expensive, and is the name just ND2 filter, no model number or grade..!?

As JeffKB stated, the 62mm should be the correct size. Hoya makes the best filters and a quick google search for Hoya 62mm HMC ND2 Filter produced the following link for the UK:

http://www.shopwiki.co.uk/detail/d=Hoya_62mm_HMC_ND2_Filter/

henrik-t

01-19-09, 07:43 AM

thanks mate

justi

02-28-09, 12:51 PM

I solve the problem.

how did u solve the problem

Mitch P.

04-18-09, 12:46 AM

JeffKB

04-18-09, 11:31 AM

Sorry to hear about that Mitch, that stinks.

As long as finances permit, I would trade up to 1080p. You should be able to get a few hundred+ for the new lamp. I saw a non-working IN76 go for $290 on eBay a little while back, although that seemed high to me. There is another one on their now, it will be interesting to see where that auction ends at.

Too bad the X10 can't work in your setup. That would have been perfect. Refurb BenQ W5000's have been available at a good price too, but that PJ is also a long throw like the X10. If you want to stick with DLP, and can stretch a budget, the Planar PD8150 has been getting glowing reviews in the >$3K forum. :D Even that is a 1.85 throw according to PJC, so even that may not work. IIRC you have a short room?

Good luck with the choices. :)

Mitch P.

04-19-09, 02:24 AM

I'm just going to get it fixed again, especially since I want to wait for the 1080p LED pj's to come out. I'm still on my first bulb by the way so I have plenty of "knock on wood" life left LOL.

RS25

05-04-09, 11:47 AM

I just brought a used In72 last week.
I worked well the first day, but when I tried to start it the next day it freeze on the "Infocus" orange startup screen. I tried all the button, nothing worked. I had to unplug it to stop it. I start it back with the same results.

Is there anything I could do correct the situation?
Thanks

JeffKB

05-04-09, 12:17 PM

Do you have all sources disabled in the source enable menu except for HDMI? If so, there was a firmware bug that caused lockups. If that is your problem, if you download the latest firmware you should be all set. If you can't boot the projector because of the bug, I would call Infocus for instructions on how to boot past that - there's a way to do it. I believe I remember reading something about this a while back.

Recent release notes for IN72 firmware from the Infocus support webpage:

Version Date Notes/Enhancements
v3.0 25-Jan-2007 For manufacturing reasons only

v2.8 26-Oct-2006 System lockup on boot-up when only first item in Source Enable menu (HDMI) is enabled (all others disabled).
Offset the menu from the top and left edges by a few pixels (5% of native horizontal resolution).

RS25

05-04-09, 12:44 PM

OK, it could be it since the only thing I changed in the menu was disabling the inputs others then component, the only one im using atm. I did'nt started back since that day.

I will try to get a cable and flash the new firmware.

Thanks

JeffKB

05-04-09, 01:07 PM

Yes, that's got to be your problem. The release notes aren't 100% accurate I believe, since I recall it being an issue whenever you just had 1 source enabled, regardless of which one.

Here's a post that has an attachment showing you how to get past the boot lockup in order to enable another source. Hope you're good at beat the clock! :D

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7474302#post7474302

If you don't want to buy the cable and install the firmware, just enable a 2nd source. You definitely want to do a firmware upgrade if you are on the original release though. Release 2.6 made a noticeable improvement in fan noise volume - I would highly recommend you are on at least that release.

RS25

05-04-09, 03:03 PM

Thanks JeffKB.
I manage to get it running back again by using your link. This will same me (and my seller) a lot of discussions. :cool:

My firmware is only 2.2. It wont hurt to upgrade it to 3.0. At least, I will be able to watch some movies until my cable arrive.

Thanks again. :)

wasmey

05-26-09, 06:59 AM

Maybe someone may help me here. My Infocus IN78 had been replaced (by courtesy, since I was a little over two years warrenty) and now I am wondering why the automatic black level calibration (I use DVD via HDMI) is no more available (it only works with composite). I do not remember if this was the same with my old IN78, which had firmware 1.3. This one has firmware 1.4. It also seems that black are just black, with my older IN78 I had much more shadow detail (e.g. a black trouser now is simply black, no detail at all). An if I change the color gamut settings in the menue there are no visible changes at all.

Did someone experience this too? My idea was it has to do with firmware 1.4 but tech support says it does not. Wondering if I should send it back.

JeffKB

05-26-09, 11:35 AM

Hi wasmey,

I would do 2 things:

Check that you are using FILM gamma and not CRT. CRT gives more perceived contrast but does crush black detail.

Verify your brightness setting (picture menu) is properly calibrated. You can use a calibration disk for this, but if you don't have one no problem. It's easy to calibrate black level on a DLP with this trick: using a widescreen film that has black letterbox bars, raise your brightness level until the pixels in the black bars are clearly dithering. Then lower your brightness until you reach the setting where the dithering stops. You should be right up close to the screen while doing this so the dithering is easy to see. That should be the correct brightness setting.

wasmey

05-27-09, 06:18 AM

Hi JeffKB,

Thanks for your post. Raised the brightness slightly, looks a little better now (I was using film mode already). I am still wondering why the "automatic black level calibration" is off when using HDMI. If you check your menue while having HDMI as source, does it look the same to you? I thought black level calibration is a new feature to the IN78 and it should be available with HDMI too?

JeffKB

05-28-09, 11:33 PM

I had the IN76, which did not have the black level calibration option, but now have the X10 which does have it. I'm pretty certain that it's greyed out for HDMI however. Perhaps it's only available on analogue inputs.

It doesn't really matter however. You'll get a properly calibrated black level with the dithering trick I mentioned. :)

Or you can use the free calibration patterns found here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12373254&postcount=1

wasmey

05-30-09, 10:02 AM

Dear JeffKB,

Thanks for the link, I already achieved good values with your dithering method. Will try the tool, too. However, thanks a lot for your help.

kbgl

06-02-09, 10:34 PM

My IN72 has 1500 hours on the bulb. I only use low lamp mode. Does anyone have an idea how much life is left in the bulb. Will it likely go 3000 hours?

Martin Butler

06-03-09, 01:04 AM

I believe it will. From what I recall, many people got even more life out of it!

JeffKB

06-03-09, 01:14 AM

I think you'll be fine on the bulb life for a while. I'd be more concerned about power supply or fuse trouble. That's more likely than early bulb failure based on the history of the IN7x platform. :(

kbgl

06-03-09, 09:25 AM

I think you'll be fine on the bulb life for a while. I'd be more concerned about power supply or fuse trouble. That's more likely than early bulb failure based on the history of the IN7x platform. :(

I had a fuse / power supply failure right at the one year mark and 1200 hours that was repaired under warranty. As you know I bought an X10 recently. I'm trying to decide what to do with the IN72. I could setup a second room, store it, or sell it. If it has another 1500 hours left in it, its worth much more to me than what I could get for it. I seem to recall reading that long term storage is not good for a projector, but I don't remember where I read that.

JeffKB

06-05-09, 10:17 PM

I'm trying to decide what to do with the IN72. I could setup a second room, store it, or sell it. If it has another 1500 hours left in it, its worth much more to me than what I could get for it. I seem to recall reading that long term storage is not good for a projector, but I don't remember where I read that.
I'm in the same boat. My IN76 has around 1600 hours on the lamp, and right now it's just stored away in its box. I really can't think of a use I would have for it, except for a backup PJ in case of a problem with my X10. That's not enough of a reason for me to hang on to it though, so I plan to eBay it soon.

I've never heard anything about long term storage being bad for a PJ though.

Mitch P.

06-16-09, 04:51 PM

Ugh, 8 mos ago I reported about the no power on and had Avidex diagnose/repair the power supply. Now it turns on, but the lamp doesn't come on. I replaced the lamp and same thing. Nothing but the pj trying to strike the lamp on then it turns off and has a red blinking led. Is this the balast gone bad?

I don't want to spend another $300 to have something else go wrong less than a year later. I'd almost rather take that money and put it towards a 1080p pj?

Ugh, they are having difficulty debugging my unit. I sent a spare bulb, but I am unsure if it was a known working bulb. Does anyone local to Portland, OR have a spare that I could borrow to test?

brycov

07-05-09, 07:57 AM

Hey this is my second time here and I am replying to myself, go figure. I found out that there is a software glitch in the INXX series. If you turn off all the sources except one, the projector locks up on you. I have attached the solution that IF sent to me. They were very courteous and helpful when I called. They said there will be a software fix in the future.
My 3 year old IN76 now has the screen frozen on the Infocus Logo due to my disabling all sources other than HDMI. I tried the IN72/IN74/IN76 Procedure to Clear Source Freeze many times but could not get it to work properly afterwards. Perhaps I am not fast enough pressing all the buttons within the 20 second limit specified. Are there any tips that you can offer which will enable me to succesfully install this fix?

kbgl

07-05-09, 10:33 AM

My 3 year old IN76 now has the screen frozen on the Infocus Logo due to my disabling all sources other than HDMI. I tried the IN72/IN74/IN76 Procedure to Clear Source Freeze many times but could not get it to work properly afterwards. Perhaps I am not fast enough pressing all the buttons within the 20 second limit specified. Are there any tips that you can offer which will enable me to succesfully install this fix?

So you've dissabled all inputs except HDMI? When you turn the projector on, does it show that it's trying to setup an image on HDMI? Is there something plugged in to HDMI?

brycov

07-05-09, 02:18 PM

So you've dissabled all inputs except HDMI? When you turn the projector on, does it show that it's trying to setup an image on HDMI? Is there something plugged in to HDMI?
KBGL, I could use the remote to turn on the projector but then no other buttons on the remote or on the projector would work. The orange/red InFocus logo would be displayed on the screen and frozen there. I inadvertently caused this to occur when I disabled all the sources except for one HDMI source. I did this because I bought a new Pioneer Elite SC-7 receiver and I was rerouting all video thru the receiver. I then had only one HDMI cable leading to the projector and I no longer needed the M1 and component cables into the projector. It made sense to me when I then disabled in the projector menu everything except one HDMI source. Even though I caused the problem, InFocus is directly responsible for allowing their software to disable the projector. This never should have been possible.

After one full day struggling to overcome the screen freeze on the InFocus logo, I could not get the "Procedure to Clear Source Freeze" to work as written. Therefore, I revised the procedure to do a factory reset which is less steps and therefore faster. Using the 4 buttons on the projector in the following sequence restored my projector to full operating status. See the sequence below:

Plug projector into receptacle
Press Power button
Wait for the first faint signs of the InFocus Logo
Immediately Press Menu button (you have 20 seconds to press Power button off)
Press Down Arrow button
Press Down Arrow button again
Press Select button
Press Up Arrow button
Press Select button
Press Down Arrow button
Press Select button
Press Menu button
Press Power button to turn projector off
Unplug the projector
Wait at least 90 seconds and plug in projector
Press Power button and you are done

My projector is now operational again!

kbgl

07-05-09, 06:22 PM

KBGL, I could use the remote to turn on the projector but then no other buttons on the remote or on the projector would work. The orange/red InFocus logo would be displayed on the screen and frozen there. I inadvertently caused this to occur when I disabled all the sources except for one HDMI source. I did this because I bought a new Pioneer Elite SC-7 receiver and I was rerouting all video thru the receiver. I then had only one HDMI cable leading to the projector and I no longer needed the M1 and component cables into the projector. It made sense to me when I then disabled in the projector menu everything except one HDMI source. Even though I caused the problem, InFocus is directly responsible for allowing their software to disable the projector. This never should have been possible.

After one full day struggling to overcome the screen freeze on the InFocus logo, I could not get the "Procedure to Clear Source Freeze" to work as written. Therefore, I revised the procedure to do a factory reset which is less steps and therefore faster. Using the 4 buttons on the projector in the following sequence restored my projector to full operating status. See the sequence below:

Plug projector into receptacle
Press Power button
Wait for the first faint signs of the InFocus Logo
Immediately Press Menu button (you have 20 seconds to press Power button off)
Press Down Arrow button
Press Down Arrow button again
Press Select button
Press Up Arrow button
Press Select button
Press Down Arrow button
Press Select button
Press Menu button
Press Power button to turn projector off
Unplug the projector
Wait at least 90 seconds and plug in projector
Press Power button and you are done

My projector is now operational again!

Wow!

James A. McGahee

08-09-09, 10:48 AM

I posted this in a different InFocus thread. Hope it will get additional responses here.

Two weeks ago I put in my third lamp. Never had a problem with the first two but this time my IN76 projector shut down 4 times in about 10 days.

I had discarded my 1st lamp (as directed by the warranty company [thought I was going to have to return it] so I put in my 2nd old lamp, that I got from INFocus, and everything is fine now, although it is a lot dimmer because of the lamp's age.

The manual says if the projector goes dark and the power light is flashing red to:
1.Turn off the projector (I disconnected it from the power cord as it was already off)
2.Wait a few minutes and start it back up.

That worked 3 times but the 4th time I couldn't bring it back up until the next day.

The manual states that if the red light is blinking it indicates either a defective bulb (over heating I believe) or a fan problem (which I assume could also cause over heating). Called the extended bulb & projector warranty company, whom I might add have been great so far, and they said I would be getting a call today from the company they bought the bulb from. Never happened. I can't help but wonder if the fact that the 1st two bulbs came from INFocus and the 3rd bulb came from a different company could have anything to do with the problem.

Anybody else have this problem or a solution?

Thanks

CineRik

08-10-09, 12:59 AM

CineRik

08-10-09, 03:27 PM

Hi, I have an IN72 which had a blown bulb (properly blown - cracked front), which I've just replaced. I powered the projector up, but I didn't get a logo screen, just a completely blank (though illuminated) one. After a few minutes, the projector shut down to the 3 blink 'dead bulb' screen.

I've tried reseating the bulb to no avail. Should I assume that the new bulb has a fault and return it? Or is there something else that might be an issue here?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Just tried popping the broken bulb back in and a similar thing seems to be occurring - lamp flickers (little difference if any between the brightness of the broken bulb and the new one - dim but visible rectangle on wall in shaded room) but doesn't shut down to the three flashing red led pulses. Do you think I've just lucked out on the bulb, or could this be the capacitor problem I've read about. It doesn't seem to fit the exact symptoms that others have posted, but I'd appreciate any help or pointers you can offer. I'm concerned that neither bulb gives me the infocus logo screen

kteague

08-10-09, 08:33 PM

I love my IN72, but a few days ago, a lint fiber appeared at the bottom of the screen, and I can't get rid of it. I have removed the projector bulb assembly and thoroughly cleaned it (including the small square glass piece), and I have applied gentle vacuum suction to other areas, but I can't eliminate the fiber. The blurred fiber wavers with the air from the unit's fan, and wavers even faster when I speed up the fan by switching to high power, but it won't dislodge. I believe it is somewhere near the DLP chip itself.

I searched online for disassembly instructions or photos, but have come up empty-handed. Can anyone help me get into the area behind the lens so I can remove the annoying fiber?

Thank you!

James A. McGahee

08-11-09, 12:41 AM

I'm having the same problem. Luckily it's not visible on the screen when there is a picture.

I've taken out the lamp, cleaned its surfaces, used a vacuum cleaner to pull air/dirt back out, and blown canned air in both sides of the projector. I can get the lent/dirt to move around but not go away. I'm still under my IN76 extended MacK warranty for another year so I don't want to void my warranty by opening it up.

If anyone knows a solution please let us (kteague and me) know.
Thanks-

teekayindia

08-28-09, 08:45 PM

my pj in72 has done only 800 hrs. now the pj starts with flickering pictures and shuts down after 10-15 minutes with red blinking led.If I restart the pj after few minutes same flickering pictures and shutsdown after 15 minutes. can somebody suggest a remedy to this problem thanks.

kannan

CB33

08-29-09, 12:09 AM

If anyone's interested in an IN72 for parts, I posted one in the classified section today.

JeffKB

09-01-09, 10:09 PM

I searched online for disassembly instructions or photos, but have come up empty-handed. Can anyone help me get into the area behind the lens so I can remove the annoying fiber?

You didn't search well enough! :D

If you're still looking for instructions, here's a link to a thread I posted about removing the lens assembly on an IN76 to clean out dust blobs:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15764906#post15764906

It was pretty easy to do. If you have any questions, don't hesitate.

Yen

01-17-10, 06:22 PM

Hi everybody, I know this might be a question that may have been asked many times before, but at least I didnt find anything about it via searches.

I replaced my well performed 4805 with a secondhand IN76. The problem is that with 4805 I didnt notice any symmetrical projected black bars around my picture with 4805, but there are with the IN76.

I am using a DVB-T digital box (hdmi-dvi-M1-DA 576i) and BBK DVD-player (component 576i) as sources. I just cant fill any of the black bars with "real" picture. If I use the letterbox-aspect ratio mode, I can replace few bits in the diagonal bars with picture info, but nothing else.

So, is this just something I have to live with, let the projected black bars be absorbed to black edged of my screen, or do I have some settings wrong either on the PJ on my sources?

JeffKB

01-17-10, 09:16 PM

Hi Yen,

The IN76 doesn't use a true 16:9 DLP chip, it uses a 768x1280 chip that TI manufactured for a while. Therefore you get 24 rows of pixels above and below the image that are always projected black. There's nothing you can do about them but absorb them with your screen surround.

Yen

01-18-10, 02:19 AM

Hi Jeff, thanks for a fast answer.

That's what I have doubted, but the black bars are also on the left and right side of the picture, but a bit smaller than the top and bottom bars. Are they also a feature not a fault somewhere? The side bars are around 4cm thick and bottom bars 8,5cm thick with a picture projected to fill 90" (200cm width) screen.

James A. McGahee

01-19-10, 12:21 AM

JeffKB

01-19-10, 09:57 PM

That's what I have doubted, but the black bars are also on the left and right side of the picture, but a bit smaller than the top and bottom bars. Are they also a feature not a fault somewhere? The side bars are around 4cm thick and bottom bars 8,5cm thick with a picture projected to fill 90" (200cm width) screen.
I've noticed the small bars on the left and right of the image on all the Infocus PJ's I've owned - 4805, IN76, and X10. Not sure why they exist, or if other mfg's DLPs are the same.

I have a borderless DIY screen, and the left/right bars never bothered me, but the larger horizontal bars on the IN76 did bother me to the point where I started using a light absorbing surround made out of this material (which works great BTW):
http://www.fpi-protostar.com/flock.htm

JeffKB

01-19-10, 10:06 PM

I don't know if this has anything to do with it but the black disappears when I use my HTB anamorphic lens.
Hi James,

If you look closely you should still see the bars. I used an anamorphic lens with my IN76 also, and the unused extra 24 pixels top and bottom were still there. The problem is that the chip used in the IN76 has 768 vertical pixels, and only 720 of them are used. The remaining 48 are always projected black no matter what you do, or what scaling mode is used.

James A. McGahee

01-19-10, 11:21 PM

:eek:Need to order a new lamp/bulb. My last two were under warranty so this is the first one I'll have to shell out cash for.

Where are you guys getting the best deal on new bulbs for the IN76?
Thanks-

Yen

01-20-10, 09:40 AM

I've noticed the small bars on the left and right of the image on all the Infocus PJ's I've owned - 4805, IN76, and X10. Not sure why they exist, or if other mfg's DLPs are the same.

I have a borderless DIY screen, and the left/right bars never bothered me, but the larger horizontal bars on the IN76 did bother me to the point where I started using a light absorbing surround made out of this material (which works great BTW)

I replaced my old and trusty 4805 with this one, and never noticed the sidebars of 4805. I wouldnt mind the bars that much, but the bottom bar is projected past my screen to a white wall of the living room, so it is sometimes really visible. Apparently, this is something I just have to get used to cos the WAF doesnt want to redecorate the living room. Thanks for the help, Jeff.

Outflying

01-20-10, 04:00 PM

I need a bulb too. Did you purchase one yet?

James A. McGahee

01-20-10, 09:34 PM

Haven't ordered yet.
Wonder if AVS here sales them. That's where my IN76 came from.
My first bulb replacement came from InFocus (top $) and the other one came from Pureland. It was defective but they did, with support from Mac Camera, replace it. I've seen bulbs from over $400 to around $230? (Ebay bid).

Maybe we could get a bunch of folks for a power buy. If I get my hand slapped I may have to omit this post. PM me here if I have to take this down or take out the amounts, companies, etc.

PWEI

02-17-10, 10:36 AM

thedjgary

02-23-10, 01:13 AM

Apologies for replying to the the IN76 owners thread but I could only find one IN78 forum on another website but the thread was closed..
I recently upgraded from an SP4805 to an IN78 and was hoping somebody could advise me on some colour control. What should I set the Red/Blue/Green gain and offset? Or would I be better off just leaving them alone? For my 4805 tweaking the Colour control made a huge difference to the picture quality. I'm using the projector in an attic room with black out blinds and 11.5 feet throw distance.
I used a thx optimizer for the brightness and contrast,I'm just not sure about the colour control.Any advise would be appreciated.Thanks.

The in78 has a cool "Blue only" feature in the settings menu to help set color, etc. The test patterns I found on this site helped, also.
It wouldnt help you much to give you my color settings as your screen and environment are going to differ. Besides, Mine's getting replaced and won't be in till tomorrow so I couldn't give them to you, anyways.

Good luck to ya!

James A. McGahee

02-23-10, 11:17 PM

Apologies for replying to the the IN76 owners thread but I could only find one IN78 forum on another website but the thread was closed..
I recently upgraded from an SP4805 to an IN78 and was hoping somebody could advise me on some colour control. What should I set the Red/Blue/Green gain and offset? Or would I be better off just leaving them alone? For my 4805 tweaking the Colour control made a huge difference to the picture quality. I'm using the projector in an attic room with black out blinds and 11.5 feet throw distance.
I used a thx optimizer for the brightness and contrast,I'm just not sure about the colour control.Any advise would be appreciated.Thanks.

I have the IN76. I'm guessing the IN78 is similar. I have changed my color settings several times. There is a default on mine which you can always fall back on if needed. On the IN76 you can also save your settings. Hope this info. helps. Good luck.

PWEI

02-24-10, 07:25 PM

Thanks a lot for the info.Where's that "blue only" feature,I can't seem to find it in the settings?

Martin Butler

02-28-10, 11:07 AM

Guys, I have an emergency request for help.. I've been keeping my pj in the closet for months now. I took it out a month ago, plugged it all in and everything was fine. Tried setting it up tonight to watch a movie and something's really wrong., everything's set up the same, but I'm getting a vertical white stripe projected on the screen that travels the whole screen, it's about 4" wide, straight down the screen, about a foot from the center. Anyone have a clue what the heck it is?

e39mofo

03-09-10, 01:08 PM

airscapes

03-09-10, 01:40 PM

Have a look at this thread from a few days ago..
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1233115

e39mofo

03-09-10, 03:31 PM

Have a look at this thread from a few days ago..
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1233115

Thanks for the link, it's always good to know. I actually found a site that states it sells Genuine Infocus Lamp Modules if anyone is interested...

http://www.infocusprojectorlamp.com/infocus-lamp-in76-splamp025.html

James A. McGahee

03-09-10, 09:20 PM

Hey guys, to bump the last few posts, where has anyone bought a lamp without any problems? I have found a few websites that offer them cheap, just curious to what you guys think. Secondly, where can I find a not too expensive Anamorphic lens for the IN76?

http://www.lcdprojectorbulbs.com/lcdprojectorbulb.asp_Q_ID_E_4051

Cheers

I had no problems with my original IN76. I ordered my first replacement bulb from InFocus and had no problems. My next bulb came from Pureland. Had a problem right away but they replaced it immediately w/o any hassle.

PWEI

04-13-10, 07:30 PM

Can anybody tell me if running a M1/DVI cable is there a noticeable loss in picture quality when compared to a regular HDMI cable? The reason I ask is because I have a 10meter M1/DVI cable running over my ceiling which I have connected from my IN78 to my OPPO dvd player.I used have this cable connected to my old SP4805 so I decided just to leave it there.I recently bought a PS3 and I'm also running a 10meter HDMI cable from the projector to the PS3.If I was to connect this HDMI cable to my OPPO would it give me a better picture than the M1/DVI? Thanks in advance.

Martin Butler

04-13-10, 08:37 PM

No difference at all between the HDMI and the M1/DVI on mine.

hconwell

04-17-10, 04:10 PM

Please excuse if this has been answered ... but I can't find anything so far. I have an IN76 as well as an IN78. I can't get either one of them to display 1080p/24 when my Panasonic BD-50 is set to 24 fps output. Same goes for my HD DVD XA2. What I get is 1080p/60.

I understand that there is a question about these players ability to "force" the 24 output ... but, please the short version, is there a way to make this projector display 24 fps from my players?

JeffKB

04-18-10, 01:07 PM

You may want to ask the question in the individual player threads, but I have the Panny BD55 and there was no way to get it to force 24p with my IN76. Because the IN76 is a 720p projector, the BD55 did not think it was 24p compatible, and the option to turn on 24p in the player was locked out.

Since the source controls the refresh rate (the projector just syncs to the incoming signal and displays what it is given), if you can't force 24p from the player you are out of luck.

hconwell

04-18-10, 04:47 PM

Jeff -

Any experience or advice with the XA2?

moceanu

04-24-10, 01:13 PM

JeffKB

04-24-10, 04:40 PM

Jeff -

Any experience or advice with the XA2?
Hi Hank - unfortunately no. :(

JeffKB

04-24-10, 04:41 PM

Hi guys,

I have a small problem with my Infocus IN72. Yesterday I changed the old lamp with a new one and everything looks great. I tried to play with the zoom button(wheel) and it got stuck at maximum zoom. I can not get it back to the initial zoom(about 75% from minimum). The zoom wheel is moving from minimum to maximum but is not zooming. Any ideas ar advice will be appreciated.

Thank you.

Cris
Hi Cris,

There is a pin that connects the zoom wheel to a gear inside the PJ that adjusts the zoom. My guess is that the pin somehow is no longer connected to the gear, or the gear is off track.

It's easy to open the IN7x series case. Here's instructions that I posted a while back when I had to open the case to clean dust blobs. The last picture clearly shows the gear.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=15764906&postcount=1

I would open it up and reseat the pin, or see if it's broken.

moceanu

04-25-10, 03:15 PM

Thank you Jeff, you're right the the pin that connect the zoom wasn't connected to the gear. I opened up and fix it. Now everything is back to normal.

Thanks a lot for advice, really appreciate!

Cris

Hi Cris,

There is a pin that connects the zoom wheel to a gear inside the PJ that adjusts the zoom. My guess is that the pin somehow is no longer connected to the gear, or the gear is off track.

It's easy to open the IN7x series case. Here's instructions that I posted a while back when I had to open the case to clean dust blobs. The last picture clearly shows the gear.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=15764906&postcount=1

I would open it up and reseat the pin, or see if it's broken.

Nightman116

11-15-10, 10:16 PM

James A. McGahee

11-16-10, 12:57 AM

I've been searching for a M1 cable for my computer so i can hook my IN72 up. Two questions

#1 I'm going to get the cable from monoprice, is this the right cable?
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10238&cs_id=1023801&p_id=2502&seq=1&format=1#largeimage

#2 From what i have read, the max display output is 1024x768 correct?

It looks right to me. I use the M1 adapter so I can use an HDMI from the projector to my HDMI computer connection. I do remember when I ordered the adapter calling Monoprice and talking to them about it. They were great so you might give them a call.

James A. McGahee

11-16-10, 01:04 AM

I have really been happy with my IN76 but I'm thinking of replacing it.

Does anyone know of a 1080p projector in the $2000 that has the same throw distance but with maybe more brightness and an even better picture?

Thanks!

claw

11-20-10, 12:37 PM

barry.daly

11-20-10, 06:31 PM

Hi Everyone,

New to the site and i'm having major trouble with an IN76. It just stopped working about 3 weeks ago. I have replace the ballast in the projector today and its still broken. When the mains plug is put in nothing happens when i plug it out you hear a discharging noise but still no lights.

I have read about some sort of a lock up problem on this model when 1 source is set. I did this quite recently but can't even get power on to fix that.

Any ideas. I'd really like to solve this for christmas. Infocus want €800 to fix it but no way am i doing that. Buld is 100%. The only other thing i haven't checked are the fans. Does anyone have expierience of the fans stopping it from coming on.

Would there be any of you who have done a firmware upload to the memory using a data cable to serial cable when the power light was off??

I would really appreciate some feedback on this as i'm running out of options.

Many Thanks,
Barry

Osamede

11-20-10, 09:03 PM

Same here. Been very happy with my IN76. Just passed 6000 hours on my second bulb - when it finally goes I will put the original bulb with 3500 hours back in.

What I don't see is a replacement projector that screams out buy me, like the IN76 did.
I almost have similar feelings about mine, but in all honestly I must say that I find the operating noise too be too loud - and that is what will lead me elsewhere in the end. But on most other counts its pretty hard to fault this model.

James A. McGahee

11-21-10, 12:39 AM

claw

11-21-10, 02:08 PM

When the mains plug is put in nothing happens when i plug it out you hear a discharging noise but still no lights.
Same question. How old is your IN76?

Mine is over 4 years old. Shortly after 1 year, the internal fuse died. There was a problem with the fuse in the early units. InFocus was replacing the fuse for free on units that failed.

barry.daly

11-21-10, 03:09 PM

its 3 years old. the fuse was changed with the 2A fuse. Its really strange i've been in AV for about 6 years and never seen this before.

barry.daly

11-21-10, 03:10 PM

only 380 hours on the whole machine and still original lamp. rarely used

mabgab

12-23-10, 05:11 PM

Hi.....I'm trying to find a stock swivel base for an IN 72,74,76 projector. I tried Infocus and its no longer avail. so I thought about all the people that bought them, which most would have used a ceiling mount and have the swivel base just sitting around collecting dust.....lol Anyone willing to part with thier dust collector......lol Shoot me PM if you are......Thanks :)

Martin Butler

12-23-10, 06:41 PM

Too bad you didn't write this a month ago. I threw my 72 out, even with the bulb working. I just couldn't deal with it after it developed a white line down the screen, ( bad pixels).

huge

12-26-10, 09:02 PM

I've been using my IN72 with an HTPC system for over a year. I did some experimenting with different screen resolutions to set my video card, and it felt best with 1280x720 resolution - video seemed fine and text was readable, if not crisp. I started a thread and got some helpful replies last year (LINK) (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1163523&highlight=) but never really figured out the perfect solution.

After returning from vacation a few days ago, I fired up the HTPC and the screen was messed up - my desktop now fills up much more than the PJ screen, so that if I maximize a window I can only see about half of it. I can select a different resolution and the sizing is better, but now the text is fuzzy and harder to read. Even a slightly different resolution, like 1280x768, results in a radically different (better) desktop sizing, but less-clear. It is as if when receiving 1280x720 signal the PJ goes crazy about what size screen it's supposed to be displaying.

Just noticed something that seems relevant... When I select 1280x720 on my video card and check the IN72's "Source Info" menu, it correctly shows the resolution as 1280x720 and the signal format as 720p, but if I change the resolution to *anything* else, it reports the resolution of the source as 1920x1080 and the signal format as 1080i.

Again, the weirdest thing is that I'm not aware of having done anything that could have caused 1280x720 to get messed up. We had a house-sitter who watched some DVD's on the PJ, but never fired up the HTPC.

Any ideas on how to solve this?

jkim5453

01-07-11, 02:09 PM

Hyper_Eye

02-27-11, 05:50 PM

After 1700 hours (pj purchased in 2008) my lamp developed flicker in low power mode. Switching to high power mode resolved it for a while. I would switch it back to low power mode and the flicker would be gone for an hour or two. After a while that wasn't working anymore. The flicker would come back almost right away. After that I started running in high power mode only but eventually it also flickered. So I decided it was time for a new lamp. I have my new lamp installed. I ran it for about 15 hours on high power mode before switching back to low power. After an hour or so I saw that low power mode was flickering slightly. I have switched back to high power mode.

How long should I keep the new lamp running in high power mode before the strike point is burned in enough to switch to low power mode without worrying about flicker? Has anyone figured out a typical amount of time that works? I really don't want to always run in high power mode because it doesn't buy very much when considering the extreme increase in fan noise. Thanks.

Mupi

02-28-11, 08:12 AM

I have 4300+ hrs on IN72 and still going. Never had any flicker. When I bought it directly from Infocus, they said the PJ had a new fuse installed.

tremor13

02-28-11, 09:25 AM

My IN72 was plagued with the flicker and I never resolved it. New unit that started flickering in less than 100 hours. I tried high-power burning in, keeping it on high power, etc. and eventually InFocus did replace the bulb and "QC'd" the unit on their dime when it was just out of warranty.

They assured me that the flicker wouldn't return.

It did, within another 150 hours on the new bulb / QC'd unit. I ended up selling it with about 450 hours on it and the flicker was there, not noticeable to most, but it bugged the hell out of me.

twisted_oak

02-28-11, 11:07 PM

My flicker was solved by moving it to high output for a while.

Hyper_Eye

03-01-11, 01:10 AM

claw

03-17-11, 12:31 AM

hohosr

03-23-11, 09:30 PM

My IN72 has been flickering for about 200 hours and has been getting worse then yesterday when i tried to turn it on it flickered badly for a bit then died with 3 red blinking lights. I have been reading another part of this site where they are saying its a controller board. Just wondering if anyone out there has theirs turn to scrap let me know. I need parts. I have both my projectors down and no tv. This makes my home entertainment system pretty useless as I use it for all of my watching.

activebass

04-12-11, 06:01 AM

My almost 5 year old IN76 just went up in flames, literally. Smoke coming out the sides and I could see flames inside the unit.

Fortunately, I wasn't in another room. Had to pull the power plug to stop it.

Now to decide what to replace it with.

Whatever you do, don't get another InFocus. Their current screenplay models are oversized and poorly engineered. They have a very good picture out of the box but as the SP8602 showed, have serious quality issues. And with InFocus, once the model is about 18 months old and close to being EOL, you will have problems getting a replacement unit or have to wait weeks and sometimes months to get a unit repaired, because they have problems getting parts to complete the repairs. It's a shame, cos the picture quality is very good. Just not the build quality.In case you're wondering I still have friends who work at that company. They are much more focused on business projectors now and home theatre is an after thought. In fact the SP8602 is based on their IN53xx series and then just speced it for the home theatre market.

The SP8600 and SP8604 are completely OEM with their logo pasted on top. You can find the same model from Optoma cheaper.

two_shirts

04-27-11, 03:21 AM

Hello

I have a problem with my IN74 that sounds similar to previous posts but not exactly.

I have just connected it via HDMI for the first time, and decided to disable all other inputs except HDMI to simplify things. Big mistake. This appears to have triggered a firmware bug that is referenced in a previous post (I cannot post URLs!, but googling "infocus in7x disable all inputs".)

It will now not power up at all. No lights, nothing. The only thing that happens is a very brief high pitched squeak when I pull the power cord out. The fixed referenced assumes that it gets to the first level of powering up. It seems too much of a coincidence, that this has triggered the problem.

The other suggestion was that it could be a blown fuse on the power board. I have dismantled and found 'a' fuse that is not blown.

I have also been searching how to do a firmware upgrade with no luck either.

Any ideas out there?

Fritz23

05-05-11, 10:53 AM

Hello

does any one have a wiring diagram from
Power board 1: 520-0124-60
Power board 2: 510-2111-00

it is build into the IN74.

Regards

Hyper_Eye

07-17-11, 11:20 PM

Well I ran it for a few more hours in high output today. Still no flicker in high output with the new lamp so I am hopeful this is not an issue with the pj. I will run it in high until about 50 hours and then try low again. Thanks for the responses.

I have 262 hours on this new lamp and it is flickering all the time. It doesn't matter if I run it in low power mode or high. I started filling out the form to get out-of-warranty repair but I found that they have a $200 minimum labor charge. I don't think it is worth it to get it repaired at this point. I think I will just continue to use it while I shop for something to replace it with. It is a shame because I really like the IN76 and I would have had no problems using it for a few more years without upgrading.

airscapes

07-18-11, 03:35 PM

I have 262 hours on this new lamp and it is flickering all the time. It doesn't matter if I run it in low power mode or high. I started filling out the form to get out-of-warranty repair but I found that they have a $200 minimum labor charge. I don't think it is worth it to get it repaired at this point. I think I will just continue to use it while I shop for something to replace it with. It is a shame because I really like the IN76 and I would have had no problems using it for a few more years without upgrading.

Was this new lamp you purchased and OEM lamp or a knock off? If the box did not say Infocus and cost you about $300 it was a knock off and flicker, dimming, exploding and simple failure to light are all typical of these crap lamps.

blowninfocus72

11-14-11, 02:42 AM

guida74

11-16-11, 02:19 PM

Hellow fellow AVS members. I just purchased my 1st projector, an Infocus IN76 with just over 600 hrs. on it/ original bulb. I am very happy with the projector and was just curious about peoples comments/ experiences with upgrading the firmware on their projector.

I have been reading this thread over the past 2 weeks and seems like the general consensus here is that most people experienced issues after updating their firmware; blown fuse/ overheating and 1080p 24hz playback was still problematic.

Without starting a debate; was the blown fuse issue related to the fan algorithm change? Perhaps it was, the only way I can logically think that fan noise would be supressed would be to lower the RPM's of the fan which would result in reduced air movement and effective cooling capacity.

I am on the original firmware release 2.1, the fan noise does not bother me and 1080p 24hz. is not a priority. I would also like to know if there would be any other performance/ functionality improvements with updating the firmware before I make a decision.

Your comments/ recommendations would be much appreciated!

Ramb04

11-16-11, 06:42 PM

guida74

11-17-11, 08:30 AM

The IN76 can display 1080p through a firmware update?? I'd double check that one first, if it does, thanks in advance for the great heads up!

Fixing the fan noise is a welcome improvement you'll be glad you fixed after living with it for a few months.

Ramb04,

Did you apply the firmware update? How did the process go? I spoke to Infocus Customer Service and they told ma that I should run the firmware update on a Windows XP or Vista platform and to avoid Windows 7 as there may be driver issues.

Have you tried feeding projector 1080p 24hz since firmware update? Was there any playback issues?

Ramb04

11-17-11, 11:35 AM

Guida74, I haven't done the update yet, as I just realized I am still running 2.5. I will as soon as I figure out the update process... I have a USB to serial cord, and an m1 da to dvi-USB adapter from blue jeans cable that has a female USB end, as does my laptop, so as soon as I find a dual male end USB cable, I'll update ASAP...if I can.

Ramb04

11-18-11, 09:03 PM

guida74

11-18-11, 11:44 PM

To update I now have everything setup, unfortunately the FlashUSBIII utility for the firmware is not showing the "Flash Mode" button at all, nor is the projector connecting. I hope this isn't a Vista/Win7 conflict with the utility, as XP has been out to pasture for quite a while now, and none of my computers run it. Surely it's a setting in Vista somewhere... I'll keep digging.

Ramb04, the Flash USBIII has to be run in a Windows XP environment. Remember, the IN76 projector was released in 2006 at which time XP was the current operating system. I confirmed this with a phone call to Infocus 2 weeks ago.

I have not tried flashing my IN76 as I am waiting for my cable to arrive from Monoprice. I am still undecided about going ahead with the firmware update. If we get some +'ve feedback from others I might give it a try.

Ramb04

11-19-11, 08:37 AM

Ramb04, the Flash USBIII has to be run in a Windows XP environment. Remember, the IN76 projector was released in 2006 at which time XP was the current operating system. I confirmed this with a phone call to Infocus 2 weeks ago.

That's too bad, I thought it was just Win7, looks like I'll have to borrow an older laptop. Thanks.

I had the pj flashed only once, and that was after a fuse problem that required a service. The pj was sent back with the newest firmware at the time, 2.5. The upgrade from 2.1 to 2.5 was well worth it, fan noise etc, so I hope the jump from 2.5 to 2.9 will be the same.

pompeyjohn

11-20-11, 04:55 PM

Does anyone know what the record is for bulb life hours for a IN72? We are currently at......... 6633 !!!

guida74

11-20-11, 06:25 PM

Does anyone know what the record is for bulb life hours for a IN72? We are currently at......... 6633 !!!

That's great to hear considering I only have 655 hrs on my IN76. Have you updated your firmware pompeyjohn?

pompeyjohn

11-20-11, 06:32 PM

Yeah Infocus should throw me something nice for the positive promotion!

firmware 27.7
configuration 2.6
boot 2.1
DLP 0.8

How are you liking in the 76?

guida74

11-20-11, 06:35 PM

Yeah Infocus should throw me something nice for the positive promotion!

firmware 27.7
configuration 2.6
boot 2.1
DLP 0.8

How are you liking in the 76?

Love it! The colours and warmth of the picture is outstanding. It's like being at the movies.

Pat43Da2

11-20-11, 09:19 PM

that Mitsu is still looking better). http://www.quandulps.info/1.jpg
http://www.quandulps.info/2.jpg
http://www.quandulps.info/3.jpg
http://www.quandulps.info/4.jpg

huge

11-21-11, 02:54 AM

Well, all that talk about 6500+ hours on an IN72 bulb is impressive, but a little confusing...

I've just had the "Replace Lamp" message start showing up at startup on my IN72 - I think it started happening right at 4000 hours (now at 4050). The PJ seems to be working as normal, and the "Replace" message goes away after a few seconds.

I've seen cautionary tales of people's bulbs exploding that make me think I should replace mine immediately, but stories of 6500 hours make me wish I could squeeze some more life out of the one I have. How do I make that choice?

@pompeyjohn, did you just ignore the message when you got it? Is there something you're doing to extend the life of the lamp? What made you confident to keep running it so long?

Someone asked you about firmware - does that have anything to do with lamp longevity? I'm still at (from memory, could be slightly off):

firmware 2.7
configuration 2.6
boot 2.1
DLP 0.9

Is there any way to tell when a lamp is about to fail, like warning signs to look for? And how often does a lamp fail by actually exploding? I mean, if there's a 1-in-50 chance that the lamp will explode and destroy my projector, I'm probably willing to risk it in the interest of getting more life out of the lamp (as long as it doesn't burn my house down), given that the cost of the lamp is a hefty percentage of the value of the PJ. But if that's how they usually fail, and often at 4200 hours or whatever, then I really should pull the trigger now.

The truth is, I have a spare IN72 with a failed circuit board but presumably a good lamp, so I don't have to buy a new lamp, but it will be a pain taking it down from the ceiling mount and putting it back up, and I just always like to get as much life out of things as I can...

Any advice would be much appreciated.

pompeyjohn

11-21-11, 01:17 PM

huge

11-21-11, 08:37 PM

Hi Huge,

Yes I get the replace bulb message - been getting it for ages. I just ignore it. I figured that it the bulb was dying that it would start to get dimmer. I have not seen that happen yet. This is the first I have head that it might explode. Oh well, if that happens it happens. Like you though, I have no idea what though could mean for the rest of the projector (or house)

I have no idea what the firmware information means, or how it may effect longevity. I just posted mine because it was asked for.

Cool, thanks ... good luck (to both of us) in not burning down or blowing up anything.

If anyone else knows anything about how serious the danger is of a lamp exploding without warning, please chime in.

I've seen a couple of accounts on other threads/forums of people who have had their PJ stop working with a flashing red warning light coming on, and they have tried turning the PJ off and on, and *THEN* the lamp has exploded. So maybe that's one thing to watch out for ... if you get warning lights, don't immediately power-cycle it (and maybe at that point just figure that you've had a good run and replace the lamp).

I guess for now I'll just be careful not to leave it running unattended for any length of time.

James A. McGahee

01-03-12, 09:12 PM

I am interested in hearing from anyone who has had an IN 76 projector, been happy with it, and has now moved to a newer 1080p or 1080p 3D projector.

Has your new projector been an improvement? Does it have a better, clearer, cleaner, more vivid life like picture?

I am very happy with my IN76 but am thinking of getting a new projector.

Any information would be helpful. I am interested in the new Epson projectors.

Thanks-;)

Blunderbuss

02-02-12, 11:18 AM

Hi James,

Just replaced my IN76 with an Optoma HD300X.

There is a considerable improvement in HD, with the change from 720p to 1080p, 3D is stunning.

Regards

Blunderbuss

02-02-12, 11:21 AM

Hi Barry,

Can you tell me where you got the new ballast for the IN76? Mine has packed up and Infocus want loads of money to fix.

Cheers

Ramb04

02-02-12, 02:06 PM

Hi James,

Just replaced my IN76 with an Optoma HD300X.

There is a considerable improvement in HD, with the change from 720p to 1080p, 3D is stunning.

Regards

Great to hear! I am about to start looking now that I am getting my second lamp needs to be replaced warning. I don't see much of a dimming but I think the hours must be up.

I was wondering what a worthwhile upgrade would be for my IN76, now this Optoma seems like it fits the bill. I enjoy the out of the box color accuracy of the Infocus but with the price point of the Optoma being $3000 less than my In76 was @2006, I'll throw in for the calibration too.

guida74

02-02-12, 04:25 PM

That's too bad, I thought it was just Win7, looks like I'll have to borrow an older laptop. Thanks.

I had the pj flashed only once, and that was after a fuse problem that required a service. The pj was sent back with the newest firmware at the time, 2.5. The upgrade from 2.1 to 2.5 was well worth it, fan noise etc, so I hope the jump from 2.5 to 2.9 will be the same.

Great to hear! I am about to start looking now that I am getting my second lamp needs to be replaced warning. I don't see much of a dimming but I think the hours must be up.

I was wondering what a worthwhile upgrade would be for my IN76, now this Optoma seems like it fits the bill. I enjoy the out of the box color accuracy of the Infocus but with the price point of the Optoma being $3000 less than my In76 was @2006, I'll throw in for the calibration too.

Ramb04,

I see that you are looking to upgrade you IN76, but did you ever update your firmware from 2.5 to 2.9?

I have the M1 cable but still afraid to do the firmware update as reading through these forums several people have had different issues after installing the updated firmware.

You know the old saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it".

What to do????