I got my HD81 today and roughed it in on my existing Stewart Studiotek 100" 4:3 screen,
which I will replace with a 100" wide 2:35 Studiotek. I have just stepped out of 12 years
of soft, dull CRT imagery into what looks like the best commercial theaters I've been to,
watching 35mm projection. The brightness and detail are fantastic. Native CR is impressive, black levels very good, except for fade to blacks--compared to CRT.

I also saw my first rainbow tonight and the DI is laughable. But I have spent most of my
time trying to reign in the brightness, I'm using the iris at 14 and still have plenty of punch at low bulb mode. HD DVD shadow detail required DVI PC setting, as found by Kevin and others, but "Training Day" made my jaw drop--absolutely stunning, the 3D effect is incredible, the image is so clean and pristine. I'm watching U571 right now and
the interior sub scenes have great shadow detail while giving more brightness than I
could ever get from my CRT.

It is so great having no convergence error, the HD81 is so much quieter than my CRT,
even next to my ear--when it's on the ceiling it will be close to a non-issue. As you
can tell, this is the first time I've had a digital pj in my HT and I'm wondering why I waited
so long! Way cool!!

Jeff Regan

Very cool Jeff!
Glad you are a happy camper. :)

Very cool Jeff!
Glad you are a happy camper. :)

Jason,

Thank you and AVS for all of your help, you made it all easy. I was just watching
"Grand Prix" on HD DVD, a movie I know well, and it was like watching it for the
first time with the HD81--it was so bright and three dimensional, just fantastic!

Jeff Regan

I heard from Optoma that there is an Optoma world wide test site where people have been
downloading new firmware--I assume this is how beta testers access it. However, each regional office does things on their own schedule, so we have to wait for Optoma USA to
make downloads available on their site. C07 should take care of most issues brought up
on the forum. I have found C06 to be stable so far. My biggest issue so far is the light
halo surrounding the image, which is out about two feet on the left and right side of my
80" wide screen. I'm hoping my Panamorph UH380 will block some of this.

Jeff Regan

As it has been pointed out here, several HD81 owners are doing well with their 8 ft. ceiling install. I have been following older threads and have found that at first, the permanent offset was being stated as 27% of screen height while lately there is talk about 36%. Any consensus yet?

Also, I take it that even if you plan to use an anamorphic lens, you should still use the 16:9 image size (rather than 2.35:1) in order to calculate throw distance. Right?

Looks like I might still get away with this (10' wide screen at 2.35:1 in a 13' x 19' room).

Thanks,

Luis

If you are using a horizontal expansion lens (not vertical compression) then you can just use the 16:9 calculator. to calculate throw. At least that is what I have done and I hope by tomorrow I will be up and running! (I also have an approx 10' screen and used the height of 52" in the calculator)

I noticed on the back of the scaler that there is an IR 3.5mm jack. I am putting in a Xantech IR system and wondered if I can just run a cable from this socket directly into the Xantech block? The guide doesn't say much about it. Before I run out and buy another cable has anyone done this?

If you are using a horizontal expansion lens (not vertical compression) then you can just use the 16:9 calculator. to calculate throw. At least that is what I have done and I hope by tomorrow I will be up and running! (I also have an approx 10' screen and used the height of 52" in the calculator)

I noticed on the back of the scaler that there is an IR 3.5mm jack. I am putting in a Xantech IR system and wondered if I can just run a cable from this socket directly into the Xantech block? The guide doesn't say much about it. Before I run out and buy another cable has anyone done this?

I am installing xantech too. My plan is to do exactly what you describe. I don't see any reason why it would not work unless the voltages don't match.

Joe

Has anyone who has an HD81 or has seen the HD 81 also have seen the RS1 and hae any comments how it compares?

I'm noticing two small problems and I'm curious if anyone else has noticed them.

1) Once in a while on turning on the projector, the image is very green. Simply switching to a different HDMI or component input and switching back fixes it.

2) I have never had difficulty turning the unit ON, but powering off seems to be about 20/80. I usually have to hit the StandBy button on the remote two or three times for it to operate. Obviously the remote could be bad, but I've also taught a learning remote the operation and it too is about 20/80. So anyone else ever have difficulty turning the projector off? This is very annoying because writing a macro to turn off all the equipment usually ends up with the projector still on (but one time in 5 it seems to turn the projector off as well).

I'm noticing two small problems and I'm curious if anyone else has noticed them.

1) Once in a while on turning on the projector, the image is very green. Simply switching to a different HDMI or component input and switching back fixes it.

2) I have never had difficulty turning the unit ON, but powering off seems to be about 20/80. I usually have to hit the StandBy button on the remote two or three times for it to operate. Obviously the remote could be bad, but I've also taught a learning remote the operation and it too is about 20/80. So anyone else ever have difficulty turning the projector off? This is very annoying because writing a macro to turn off all the equipment usually ends up with the projector still on (but one time in 5 it seems to turn the projector off as well).

I have never experienced item #1.

For item #2 you actually have to hit the remote button 3 times. 1 to wake the remote up, 2 to tell it to turn off, and 3 to confirm.

Joe

I have never experienced item #1.

For item #2 you actually have to hit the remote button 3 times. 1 to wake the remote up, 2 to tell it to turn off, and 3 to confirm.

Joe


Ahhhh - I wondered why I couldn't turn it off. I suppose you need to hit the front button twice in that case?

Also I tried plugging the scalar into the Xantech with no success. It works with the blinker. Could be a setting somewhere or maybe the cable. I let you know if I figure it out.

I'm almost afraid of saying anything negative for fear of being told once again that I have a negative personality. Nevertheless, I have 2 recurring failure modes that warrant discussion.

The first involves the remote. On half a dozen or so occasions or so the remote stops working, no lights, no signal nothing. In order to get it working again, I have to remove a battery and put it back in, i.e. break the circuit. Then, it works perfecly. I mentioned it before but no one responded. Has anyone else had this happen?

The second problem occurs while watching anything. The VXD light goes off and eventually returns to red. The projector's blue light starts blinking like a cool down light when the VXD's red goes off. Eventually, it goes to red and I am able to restart. No further interuptions occur. This has happened 3 times since I bought it.

No, I do not have weak batteries and heat does not seem to be a problem at the VXD. Failure occurs without an accompanying positive action on my part, like remote use, turn on of other equipment, etc..

Could be the RS-232 cable. Someone else had a problem with a aftermarket longer RS-232. Program up a universal remote, a Pronto if you have one. Send in for a new remote. Don't use email use phone calls.

The HD81 continues to blow me away with almost every HD image I've watched. "The Last
Samurai" in HD DVD was amazing in its lushness and 3D quality, "The Incredibles" was incredible for an SD DVD, "Open Range" in HD was great.

However, I saw my first projector video issue tonight. I was watching "Dexter" on Showtime HD. Some scenes were incredibly bright and contrasty, some great colors, but the look of the show has very dark blacks, really crushed looking.

There were two scenes that were very dark and both had an area of crushed blacks where
there were thin, green horizontal lines going across the screen. The source is a DirecTV HD
receiver via HDMI. It is the first unwanted artifact I've seen, besides compression artifacts
and a couple of instances of banding and rainbows.

I am wondering if this is due to having to put the HD81 in DV PC mode vs. DV Video mode?

I've been reading on another thread about how great the Marantz 11S1 and Sharp 20000
would be if they could offer good contrast, blacks, AND high lumens. They can do the former by reducing the iris setting, but that leaves them lacking in brightness. I believe people should look at the HD 81, with 16 iris settings, 1 being wide open and 16 being almost closed, I'm at 14 with plenty of brightness on a 92" diagonal ST130 temporary screen, while having amazing contrast and very good blacks. I believe the 300 watt bulb in the HD81, even on low setting, really makes a difference compared to the competition. I will be interested in seeing Jason's HD81 review and measurements.

Jeff Regan

Hi Art:

I agree with Tom. I haven't experienced that issue with the remote, so you may have a defective one.

It also sounds like you have a RS232 communication problem. Why it would be intermittent, I can't say, but it sure acts like the processor and projector lose communication.

Jeff: I really wonder if your crushed blacks and green lines are from the DirectTV box. Both cable and satellite providers are notorious for providing less than first-rate source material.

Jeff: I really wonder if your crushed blacks and green lines are from the DirectTV box. Both cable and satellite providers are notorious for providing less than first-rate source material.

I totally agree. In my temporary setup I have my dvd player, hd cable box, and satellite box all going into my receiver via component cables. I then go from my receiver via component cables to the Optoma.

I must say that the satellite images are extremely disappointing as compared to the other 2 sources. I actually don't like watching satellite any more because of this.

Joe

I have been researching a Blu-Ray player and a projector that will handle 1080p. I just read that the PQ between 1080i and 1080p is very little if any.

Is this correct?

The second problem occurs while watching anything. The VXD light goes off and eventually returns to red. The projector's blue light starts blinking like a cool down light when the VXD's red goes off. Eventually, it goes to red and I am able to restart. No further interuptions occur. This has happened 3 times since I bought it.

No, I do not have weak batteries and heat does not seem to be a problem at the VXD. Failure occurs without an accompanying positive action on my part, like remote use, turn on of other equipment, etc..

I had problems with the projector powering off with the flashing blue light when I had the VXD in my equipment cabinet. I took it out of the cabinet and haven't had a single problem since then. The problem would only occur after the unit had been on for 2-3 hours. I know you said that heat does not appear to be a problem, but if it is in a cabinet, it might still be worth a try taking it out and seeing if the problem goes away. The top of my VXD is cool to the touch, but there is a very warm spot on the underside.

Joe

OK - but is it worth the extra cost for getting a projector that does 1080p if there is no difference?

Any digital front projector is progressiv...

I have been researching a Blu-Ray player and a projector that will handle 1080p. I just read that the PQ between 1080i and 1080p is very little if any.

Is this correct?

For film-based material, there should be no difference. Since film is 24 frames per second, the same information is displayed on the DMD whether it gets there interlaced or progressively. Someone just posted that the next firmware release for the HD81 is supposed to allow the proejctor to display 48 frames per second for film-based material so there should be no judder from the 24 fps source.

If you haven't already done so, you may wish to check out the High Def digest at http://www.highdefdigest.com/. They review HD-DVD and Blu-Ray disks. Personally, I like HD-DVD. I have the Toshiba player and it looks great with the HD81.

Joe

I have been researching a Blu-Ray player and a projector that will handle 1080p. I just read that the PQ between 1080i and 1080p is very little if any.

Is this correct?
Blu-ray actually converts the image from 1080p 24 to 1080i 60 and then back to 1080p 60 -- in essence, the Blu-ray player performs the deinterlacing that is done by the Gennum on the Optoma.

My two cents is that if anything, HD-DVD will look better than the current Samsung Blu-ray player.

OK - but is it worth the extra cost for getting a projector that does 1080p if there is no difference?

OK - but is it worth the extra cost for getting a projector that does 1080p if there is no difference?

Any digital projector capable of 1080X1920 would be a 1080P projector, natively.
There is no such thing as a 1080I native digital projector.

Jeff Regan

Any digital projector capable of 1080X1920 would be a 1080P projector, natively.
But not all 1080p native projectors will accept a 1080p24 signal and display it at an exact multiple of 24 frames per second (actually 23.976 frames per second).

OK - but is it worth the extra cost for getting a projector that does 1080p if there is no difference?

It depends on what you are comparing it to. If you are comparing it to a 720p projector, you will probably notice quite a difference. 1080p has twice the number of pixels.

Joe

It depends on what you are comparing it to. If you are comparing it to a 720p projector, you will probably notice quite a difference. 1080p has twice the number of pixels.

Joe

Comparing it to 1080i.

I totally agree. In my temporary setup I have my dvd player, hd cable box, and satellite box all going into my receiver via component cables. I then go from my receiver via component cables to the Optoma.

I must say that the satellite images are extremely disappointing as compared to the other 2 sources. I actually don't like watching satellite any more because of this.

Joe

Joe,

My satellite images are coming from C Band Digicipher II, a motorola 922/HDD200. The 7 HD channels I receive this way are stunning. HBO E&W, Showtime W, Starz E& W, Discovery HD and Nebraska PBS. These are the feeds cable and the pizza pan dishes retransmit to their customers. Even so, my local HD feeds are slightly superior. They are both visibly better than cable HD bu that is a recent occurence. a year ago, cable and OTA were about equal in PQ.

BTW, locals get in via the 3 HDMI inputs, satellite and DVD player via YPrPb, and 2 SVHS recorders via the S connector. The latter looks terrible. I really miss not being able to connect the satellite system using VGA because it seemed to produce a better look on my CRT projector. In my CRT based system I moved everything around with VGA 5 wire connections. Never had a connector or continuity problem.

Also, regarding VXD shutoff. It did it today withing 2 minutes of turn on. Tried again and it worked for 6 hours with no problems from the VXD. Remote has worked perfectly all day.

Wonder when our Korean allies will get the upgrade site up? If someone verifies that his is not going to happen please let me know so I can send mine in for the upgrade.

I'm still waiting to get my hands on the new firmware upgrade.

I am leaning toward the JVC RS1 at present, but the HD81 is still a possiblity. Since I'm coming from a rptv, brightness is a major concern. With the JVC, I can use a HighPower screen, so even though it is expected to produce 'only' ~700 lumens (cal), this translates into ~47 ftL on a 119" diag HP screen. The HD81, however, will not allow use of the HP; so if its 950 lumens (cal) is put onto a 119" diag Firehawk, it generates 28 ftL.

So 'on paper', the JVC/HP is substantially brighter, and will still produce ~23 ftL after the lamp is down to 50%. And if 47 ftL is too much, one can use the low lamp mode (500 lumens) to bring it down to ~33 ftL.

So the question: would this JVC senario REALLY be brighter? I realize that it is not possible to answer this at present, one reason being that the production version of the JVC doesn't yet exist! So I just looking for some reasonable speculation!

Related to this, a number of reports of persons seeing the JVC say that it is 'just as sharp as the Sharp 20K'. Does anyone have a comparison of the HD81 and the Sharp? Is the HD81 sharper than the Sharp?

So the question: would this JVC senario REALLY be brighter? I realize that it is not possible to answer this at present, one reason being that the production version of the JVC doesn't yet exist! So I just looking for some reasonable speculation!

Too often optimistic lumen specifications wind up falling far short in reality. I wouldn't count my lumens until they're hatched!!

Joe,

My satellite images are coming from C Band Digicipher II, a motorola 922/HDD200. The 7 HD channels I receive this way are stunning. HBO E&W, Showtime W, Starz E& W, Discovery HD and Nebraska PBS. These are the feeds cable and the pizza pan dishes retransmit to their customers. Even so, my local HD feeds are slightly superior. They are both visibly better than cable HD bu that is a recent occurence. a year ago, cable and OTA were about equal in PQ.

BTW, locals get in via the 3 HDMI inputs, satellite and DVD player via YPrPb, and 2 SVHS recorders via the S connector. The latter looks terrible. I really miss not being able to connect the satellite system using VGA because it seemed to produce a better look on my CRT projector. In my CRT based system I moved everything around with VGA 5 wire connections. Never had a connector or continuity problem.

Also, regarding VXD shutoff. It did it today withing 2 minutes of turn on. Tried again and it worked for 6 hours with no problems from the VXD. Remote has worked perfectly all day.

Wonder when our Korean allies will get the upgrade site up? If someone verifies that his is not going to happen please let me know so I can send mine in for the upgrade.

Thanks Art,

I have Dish with no HD source. I think maybe I am getting so used to the HD sources that the SD sources are pailing (pun intended) in comparison.

Joe

Too often optimistic lumen specifications wind up falling far short in reality. I wouldn't count my lumens until they're hatched!!

Very wise advice. BUT, what would you speculate assuming that these numbers were correct? (After all, people have seen the prototype, FWIW.) I presume the higher ANSI CR of the HD81 (anybody have a # for this?) would add to the perceived ftL's of the HD81 with regard to generating a 'punchier' image; but would this make up the diff?

Bill,

"So the question: would this JVC senario REALLY be brighter?"

You're asking, in part, if high gain screens really give a brighter image, and the answer is yes.

Bill,

"So the question: would this JVC senario REALLY be brighter?"

You're asking, in part, if high gain screens really give a brighter image, and the answer is yes.

Noah, yes, that is part of it, and that I believe (you and others have finally drilled that through my think skull!). But I was also wondering whether or not the higher ANSI CR of the HD81 would in some way make up for its fewer ftL's toward giving a 'bright', punchy image. I'm definitely leaning toward the JVC--especially since several very experienced reporters have said that it is 'just as sharper as the Sharp 20K'; but the allure of dlp is still strong with me! If the BenQ W10000 had had a short throw, so that I could have used a HP with it, I might very well have gone with it; but alas, is not to be. And neither can I use an HP with the HD81. [But I'm actually quite excited about the JVC; just still wanting to seek out all possibilities until the final decision point is reached.]

Too often optimistic lumen specifications wind up falling far short in reality. I wouldn't count my lumens until they're hatched!!

Good advice indeed, but it should be noted that JVC has historically been more accurate in this regard that almost any other manufacturer. Whether that will remain true with the RS1 remains to be seen. It should also be noted that they recently revised the 800 lumens spec to 700 lumens, probably in an attempt to be more accurate with this information as they get closer to production units.

Hey I better bump this up to the top. Jason how about that review?

I just receive an Optoma HD81 and I have some questions. I searching the forum and this thread for answers but can't find any.


Where can I get newer firmware and instruction how to upgrade the HD81? I have firmware C04.

What does the BW extenstion do? Does it impact contrast and brightness? gamma?

What does CTI do? I should be off right?

bgosselin,

My HD81 came from Minnesota. It came with C04. Where did you buy yours? Upgrades are available by requesting an RMA number at the number provided for warranty service. You will have to pay for shipping. One would think that they would pick up the shipping when the device is sent with software that is downright lousy. BW extension raises the contrast level and lowers the brightness at the same time in increasingg steps. It is quite effective for shows like the SD version of Battlestar Gallactica. CTI remains a mystery to me. It does not do anything to my picture.

bgosselin,

My HD81 came from Minnesota. It came with C04. Where did you buy yours? Upgrades are available by requesting an RMA number at the number provided for warranty service. You will have to pay for shipping. One would think that they would pick up the shipping when the device is sent with software that is downright lousy. BW extension raises the contrast level and lowers the brightness at the same time in increasingg steps. It is quite effective for shows like the SD version of Battlestar Gallactica. CTI remains a mystery to me. It does not do anything to my picture.

Hey Art,

You got yours from MN? I live there and got mine here to. Tierney Bros?

Joe

Joe,

Yes, Tierney Bros. We paid a bit more but after a close call with the Ny Broadway bunch, i was happy to pay little more. I am rather disappointd that they seem to have gotten a batch with the original software. I'm not sure why since my box had been opened at least once. Before I opene it, i thought it had been upgraded as many others were before shipment to dealers. This firmware business has been a real disappointment. I have an RMA number but getting it down, packing it up and driving 80 miles to ship it, is not something look forward to. I do not feel I should be paying for the shippng either considering the many defects in C04. Let's hope that Tom and Kevin's recommendation about waiting for C07 to be downloadable from a website turns out to be a reality. We do know that Optoma's previous attempts at such a solution ended in failure.

bgosselin,

My HD81 came from Minnesota. It came with C04. Where did you buy yours? Upgrades are available by requesting an RMA number at the number provided for warranty service. You will have to pay for shipping. One would think that they would pick up the shipping when the device is sent with software that is downright lousy. BW extension raises the contrast level and lowers the brightness at the same time in increasingg steps. It is quite effective for shows like the SD version of Battlestar Gallactica. CTI remains a mystery to me. It does not do anything to my picture.

I'm from Montreal. It has been send to me directly by Optoma. I have a H77 and the only way the firmware can be updated is by sending it to Optoma. When I saw the RS232 port and a USB port on the back I thought Optoma understood the importance of being able to upgrade firmware without sending it to the company.

Thanks for the info.

Bruno

Joe,

Yes, Tierney Bros. We paid a bit more but after a close call with the Ny Broadway bunch, i was happy to pay little more. I am rather disappointd that they seem to have gotten a batch with the original software. I'm not sure why since my box had been opened at least once. Before I opene it, i thought it had been upgraded as many others were before shipment to dealers. This firmware business has been a real disappointment. I have an RMA number but getting it down, packing it up and driving 80 miles to ship it, is not something look forward to. I do not feel I should be paying for the shippng either considering the many defects in C04. Let's hope that Tom and Kevin's recommendation about waiting for C07 to be downloadable from a website turns out to be a reality. We do know that Optoma's previous attempts at such a solution ended in failure.

I would wait a little. I believe the product was designed for on-site firmware updates. I have many products that I update via downloaded firmware. Once the process is established it should not be that difficult. I agree with you though, I would think the first firmware upgrade, if it requires shipping, should be completely covered by Optoma.

Joe

Optoma designed the HD81 to allow for firmware downloads all along. There is a test site put up by Optoma world wide that has been used for downloads successfully, but it's up to the regional offices to decide when to open the site to customers. So the question is when? A look at the various Optoma regional web sites does not show any firmware downloads for any product.

My CO6 firmware seems to be stable with my HDMI sources, so I'm not sure what CO7 will improve. I have had no user interface issues of any kind yet. I feel lucky to have CO6--
even though it is CO7 that is supposed to address HDMI issues.

It would be nice if Optoma would make new firmware versions available on CD Rom, like Toshiba has done for HD DVD players, but in that case, upgrades are simple because the disc is loaded directly into the player.

Jeff Regan

One of the slickest upgrade procedures is from Philips for their LCD panel display. You download the firmware file to a USB drive (thumb-disc), plug the thumb-disc into the USB port on the TV, and it automatically finds the file and performs the update.

Jeff,

Are you aware of anyone who has been successful downloading and upgrading the HD81 from Optoma world wide using your referenced "test site"? The key word here is successfully "upgrading". Downloading is straightforward normally. It's getting the device to accept the upgrade without destroying it. I expect the Optoma engineers are working on that.

Well folks, I took the plunge today. Having nixed the Mits 5000 due to insufficient lumens for my HT room and especially for the horizontal banding problem, I decided to go for the HD81. I had the pleasure of spending a weekend with it a while ago, and while the offset will pose some challenges, the image quality was quite simply breathtaking. Here's hoping Optoma gets its act together regarding firmware fixes.

I was an early adopter of the HD-81 for the PQ. Sorry if this is a dumb question but I'm not technically knowledgeable at all with the calibration process so I have an ISF calibrator lined up. I have followed all these posts trying to figure out if I need to cancel my ISF calibration until after a firmware upgrade is available. I have version C04 and was aniously awaiting a downloadable upgrade to 06 or 07. With the problems discussed in this thread it sounds like the 2 ISF modes may not even be functioning yet and that the ISF settings for the 3 HDMI inputs would not properly store or be set when changing sources. I use all 3 and each was to be calibrated separately. Especially if these need to go back to OPTOMA for the upgrade I assume it would come back with all factory defaults. Some advice from someone who understands the ISF calibration process well would be appreciated. Thanks

eridana,

I have C04 also and for all of the reasons you stated, I am waiting until C07 is out to perform a proper adjustment. I have done a preliminary set up and came out with the same results Kevin achieved using his colorimiter. My blue contrast value was lower. Instead of 9, I got 5. I would use Kevin's values because my colorimeter is 5 versions older than Kevin's. I find that the factory settings for Standard are pretty close the the values Kevin and I arrived at by measurement. I have an RMA number already and grow increasingly angrier each day that the device changes hue and color while I watch.

I can't say as to C04, but the ISF memories work in C05, and your ISF person can call Optoma and get the code to lock and unlock the settings. However, the ISF memories are no different than User1 - User3 memories. The only difference is that the ISF settings can be locked so that the customer does not lose the settings.

I think most ISF calibrators record settings (and I leave a copy with my customers) so that they can be restored if somehow erased. Because the Opotma is a pleasure to calibrate, your ISF person might be willing to come back and check the calibration after you get the firmware upgrade.

Kevin, I've you taken some ANSI contrast measure of the HD81? It's seem to me that the black get gray very fast when white text appear on the screen. It seem to me that the light leakage that cause those circular line on both side of the screen could also have a bad effect on ANSI contrast. I would like to see some measurement.

Bruno

Question, im trying to dedide if I should mount the projector 17 feet from the screen which would place it in the viewing room or 21 feet which will put it behind a wall in the audio room. I will have to make hole in the wall to have it in the audio room but thats no problem.
The screen will be 126 inches diagnal and positioned above a stage. My ceiling is 11 feet high.The problem is the further back I go the lower the the screen height might be . I cant tell if it will be too low if I place the projector behind the wall. Im not up on the technical part of the offset calculation. So my question is
Which would be the best projector position?
What will my height form the floor to the bottom of the screen be at the 21 feet position? Any sugestions will be most apreciated.
1gaman.

You say the screen is 26 diagonal. Is this 26 ft?

You say the screen is 26 diagonal. Is this 26 ft?

:eek:

Hi everyone!

I have a quick question about the fixed offset for the HD81. Will the vertical distance from the projector lens to the top of the screen change at different throw distances? In other words, will the top of the screen need to be lower at longer throw distances? If so, how do I calculate that difference?

Thanks :confused:

Michael

Hi everyone!

I have a quick question about the fixed offset for the HD81. Will the vertical distance from the projector lens to the top of the screen change at different throw distances? In other words, will the top of the screen need to be lower at longer throw distances? If so, how do I calculate that difference?

Thanks :confused:

Michael

I don't think so. The distance from lens center to top of screen should be 37% of the screen ht, independent of the distance the pj is from the screen.

I don't think so. The distance from lens center to top of screen should be 37% of the screen ht, independent of the distance the pj is from the screen.

My concern is that my screen will be in a niche that is 24" deep with a 14" facade that drops down from the ceiling. I am trying to figure out if the projected image will clear that 14" drop and if so, how far down will the top of the screen need to be?

Thanks for your help. :o

Michael

nietzscheman,

As you change the distance of the projector from the screen and maintain the same amount of zoom, the image will move upwards as you get closer to the screen and down as you move away from the screen. My lens front is 16 ft. from the screen. The bottom of my picture is 14" from the floor. The top of the image is 26" from the ceiling. I have an 8 ft. ceiling. The lens is zoomed to create as large an image as possible, i.e. fully unzoomed. I am certain that your image will clear your niche if it is 14" down. The top of my picture is nowhere near that.

nietzscheman,

As you change the distance of the projector from the screen and maintain the same amount of zoom, the image will move upwards as you get closer to the screen and down as you move away from the screen. My lens front is 16 ft. from the screen. The bottom of my picture is 14" from the floor. The top of the image is 26" from the ceiling. I have an 8 ft. ceiling. The lens is zoomed to create as large an image as possible, i.e. fully unzoomed. I am certain that your image will clear your niche if it is 14" down. The top of my picture is nowhere near that.

Hi Art!

Thanks for your help. My ceiling is 104" high, which is close to yours, and I am looking at projecting a 120" diagonal image from around 17' away.

Having read many of your posts, it looks like you have had many problems with the HD81. Firware, noise and placement issue aside, how happy are you with the image that the projector displays? I have a large room (28'x18.5'x104") and so placement and noise aren't a huge concern. I just want the best picture possible for the least amount of money. How does the HD81 stack up under those requirements in your opinion.

Thanks again for all the help. :)

Michael

netzscheman,

The HD81 is the best projector I could have chosen at any price for my installation. Its 2 pice design fit well into my prvious 2 piece CRT system. I believe it provides the biggest "bang for the buck" around. I looked at the small projectors for 6 years before finding one that I felt would provide a picture with which I would be comfortable. This has been the case. I love the picture.

Having said that, I am disappointed that my unit suffers from glitches that should never have been present in a production model. Mosquito noise takes some getting used to but the picture is so good otherwise that you will learn to dismiss the noise in the video. Optoma's umwillingness to send me a replacement unit with the newer software and not being willing to pay for the return of my unit for upgrading does not speak well for Optoma. The noise level is not trivial and is a source of irritation every time I turn the projector on. I expect electronic devices to work as advertised. This one does not. It takes a lot of playing around to get a satisfactory image in front of you. You're satisfactory may be different than mine but I feel i should be able to get a good picture without spending 1/4 of the program fiddling with the controls.

All in all, I believe it is the best projector available today at any price. Buy it, you will be glad you did.

Thanks for your honest feedback Art! I am really excited to take the plunge into front projection after spending 6 years with my Mitsubishi 63" CRT set.

I think I want to install a constant height setup using the Panamorph UH380 and a Carada Criterion 118"x50" 2.35:1 screen using their brilliant white fabric.

All of this should allow me to enjoy a 1080p Cinemascope image in my basement home theater for less than $10,000.

This is a really exciting time for home theater! :D

My only dread is retrofitting my room to run all the cables behind the existing sheetrock. I also think I want to run a dedicated 200 amp sub-panel off my main 400 amp panel and use an Equitech isolation transformer to provide balanced A/C power to all my components.

Any suggestions as far as retrofitting an existing room? Any tips or tricks are much appreciated.

Thanks again!

Michael

nietzscheman,

I am not the person to give asvice on the esthetic aspects of home theater design. I run my cables along the baseboards because I fiddle a lot.

Good Luck with your setup.

Does this accept 1080p via vga? Was wondering if it would work with the 360's vga output.

Where do u get a 1080p source?
What a good price range for ISP SETUP?
Is there an DVD out there for do it youself ISP setup?

1gasman

No, it won't accept 1080p vga.
1400x1050 is the limit on vga
At least according to the manual.

CHAP,

If you check through my messages in this thread, I believe you will find several dealing with the VGA and BNC inputs. I could not get 1080i to work through either the front panel VGA input or the BNC inputs. This is a real disappointment because in my previous system, I moved all of my HD signals via RGBHV connections. I can not understand why they limited the bandwidth and excluded true 1080i HD sources from the VGA and BNC inpus.

Got my HD-1 yesterday mourning, my HD81 arrived last evening, set them up,WOW!

I had a Mits XD300 for 3 years and was afraid I might not see a big improvement (buyers remorse I guess), but it is amazing! Especially with HD cable and HD DVD.
I have not totally calibrated it yet, just did Mr Andersons ball park settings. Thanks by the way, free advice from an attorney wow again .
The main reason I did'nt do a lot of calibrating is that I couldnt stop watching everything! I was up until 1:30 am, went to bed, could not really sleep, got out of bed at 4:00 am watched some more, then went to work.
I did have a problem with King Kong on hd dvd. It would start, show the Universal studio intro, then show a "error 0x4094c504". Might be a disc problem? Waterworld played perfectly!

Happy camper otherwise.

Tony

So guys where is the upgrade site? Is anyone actually testing the new software? Does it exist? There sure has been a lot of bad information regarding upgrade. Has anyone sent theirs in for upgrade? If so, how long did it take to turn it around? I am hesitant to send it in now with Christmas coming and all the stuff in transit. I'd hate to have it damaged. I am so disappointed and angry with Optoma over this. As far as I am concerned, Optoma does not know how to treat its customers. LG had a problem with the 3410A's firmware. They sent me a replacement unit with the latest firmmware and I then sent the original to them. Optoma should be doing the same thing for those of us with C04.

Does this accept 1080p via vga? Was wondering if it would work with the 360's vga output.
I just happened to order a XBOX 360 VGA cable the other day myself for this very reason and just assumed it would work.

Unfortunately, the other posters are correct. It will NOT accept 1080p (or 1080i) via the VGA or RGBHV inputs. I did some experimenting with my HTPC and verified this.

Yet another disappointment and missed opportunity with this product. Looks like there is no way to get 1080p out of a 360 to the HD81 since both of its supported 1080p outputs (component and VGA) do not support 1080p on the HD81.

-Dave

I did have a problem with King Kong on hd dvd. It would start, show the Universal studio intro, then show a "error 0x4094c504". Might be a disc problem? Waterworld played perfectly!
For King Kong to play, you need to download the latest firmware for your HD-A1 (you can do this by connecting your HD-A1 to the Internet). There should have been a little note in the DVD case that discussed this issue. You can also read a lot about it on the HD-A1 forum. Of all the HD-DVDs I've played on the HD81, King Kong has looked the best -- especially the Empire State Building scenes.

On the VGA issue, why can't you use a converter that will take the VGA and output via component at 1080i? I had one for my old RCA HDTV tuner (DTC100) that only had a VGA output and it worked fine. Here is an example of such a converter VGA-to-YPbPr Converter (http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/9A60.html)

The problem is that the HD-81 component inputs don't support 1080p. Only HDMI appears to.

-Dave

[QUOTE=Kevin R. Anderson]For King Kong to play, you need to download the latest firmware for your HD-A1 (you can do this by connecting your HD-A1 to the Internet). There should have been a little note in the DVD case that discussed this issue. You can also read a lot about it on the HD-A1 forum. Of all the HD-DVDs I've played on the HD81, King Kong has looked the best -- especially the Empire State Building scenes.

Thanks Kevin





tony

The problem is that the HD-81 component inputs don't support 1080p. Only HDMI appears to.

-Dave

That's right, and when C07 is implemented, the promised 1080P 48hz rate will only
work with HDMI. My guess is that when we see HD DVD XA2 and Sony and Pioneer
Blu Ray players, the 1080P outputs will be HDMI, not component analog.

Jeff Regan

Jeff,

Do you know if the pedestal issue is addressed in CO7?

Good points about the VGA/ 1080p issues.

I think XBox made a mistake not offering an HDMI connection (which at some point in the future may be remedied) and that Optoma made a mistake not accepting 1080p through the VGA input.

By the way, I have not yet seen the version C07 firmware.

I think XBox made a mistake not offering an HDMI connection (which at some point in the future may be remedied) and that Optoma made a mistake not accepting 1080p through the VGA input.
Well said. With Optoma's track record, however, my money is on Microsoft adding HDMI support before we ever see Optoma improving the input capabilities of the HD-81 (assuming it can even be improved via firmware updates).

I just hope the XBOX 360 addition is via some sort of cable that works with first gen consoles as opposed to the rumored second gen 360s with built-in HDMI ports.

-Dave

Jeff,

Do you know if the pedestal issue is addressed in CO7?

No, Optoma has said that, "many of the issues brought up on this forum will be
addressed by C07 F/W" and, "C07 will address HDMI issues". Nothing more specific,
although the 1080P 48Hz feature is supposed to be implemented--but I didn't get
that directly from Optoma.

On another note, Panamorph should be shipping the UH380/M380 in the next couple of days.

Jeff Regan

I am thinking seriously about purchasing one of these for my HT. It would be my first projector. Currently I have a Samsung 61 HLM DLP TV. Although I do not watch much SD occasionally I do. Would SD on this projector look better than my samsung? Also, Would I be able to run a long cable from the processor to the projector (25-35 feet) and keep the processor with my other equipment?

If no, I would probably run a long cable from my Denon 4806 and let it be my video switch. Although I would then have to send in the 4806 to get the 1080P upgrade.

--thanks

The problem is that the HD-81 component inputs don't support 1080p. Only HDMI appears to.

-Dave



There is an vga/component to HDMI converter out there on the market.

HD81 review at Audioholics. The review can be found currently on the AVS Forum home page.

Jeff Regan

HD81 review at Audioholics. The review can be found currently on the AVS Forum home page.

Jeff Regan

Here is the link to their site with review:

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/optoma-HD81p1.php

Does the VXD3000 support HDMI 1.3? If not, can we expect an upgrade of the firmware or is this not a firmware issue? I mention it because the soon to be released 2nd generation HD DVD players will support the new standard that is advertised to provide better skin tones and higher (36 bit) color resolution.

Does the VXD3000 support HDMI 1.3? If not, can we expect an upgrade of the firmware or is this not a firmware issue? I mention it because the soon to be released 2nd generation HD DVD players will support the new standard that is advertised to provide better skin tones and higher (36 bit) color resolution.
Everything I've read about 1.3 suggests it will require a hardware change and that no existing HDMI 1.2 devices (including the HD81) will be firmware upgradeable.

I personally don't get what the big deal is about 1.3. I think it won't make a bit of difference in image quality for us. Our processor (and most comparable ones out there) use greater than 8-bits per channel for doing computations which is where it really matters. If the source data coming from the HD DVD itself were greater than 24 bits I would understand, but we can already losslessly send that data to the processor so the extra bit depth on the HDMI link itself is useless.

Same thing goes between the processor and the projector (which is also not capable of dealing with greater than 24 bits of color data in any meaningful way).

-Dave

On the Audioholics review, it is interesting what catches the praise or criticisms of different reviewers. For example, Clint likes the remote, and I agree it is sexy, but I've found it to lacks IR strength and I really wish it had a CLEAR or EXIT button so you could get out of the menu with one click. Sometimes you have to click it 3 times (or more) to lose the menu screen (which really annoys my wife because I like to tweak and experiment with various settings as I watch a movie).

I was also surprised that he views the serial cable as a negative, but it is certainly better than running -- in addition to the HDMI cable -- a component cable, s-video cable, and composite cable. It also provides a cleaner look to the back of the projector (important if the WAF is an issue).

Finally, the ISF Day and Night settings are active, they just require the code that any ISF calibrator can get from Optoma. As a calibrator, I can see the logic for this approach. It is not uncommon for a customer to somehow "lose" the ISF settings, so locking the ISF memories should prevent this. As previously mentioned, the ISF memories are no different than the user memories, so no functionality is really lost by locking the ISF settings.

I agree with Clint's comments on turning off Edge Enhancement, B/W Extension, Noise Reduction, etc. I also agree with his comments about the difference between FILM and TV mode.

Clint doesn't mention the DVI-PC vs VIDEO issue, so maybe it was fixed on his unit or maybe he just worked around it. He also doesn't mention the color problem when you adjust contrast or color in HDMI, which makes me think this is why he showed undersaturated red and green primaries. My color space readings show fairly accurate primaries, with only green being slight oversaturated (see attached image).

I've always liked Clint DeBoer's reviews and he certainly knows what he is doing and has experience with lots of differenct projectors, and I think the fact that he was impressed with the PQ ("The HD81 is bright, colorful and visually stunning"), speaks well of the HD81 -- aside from it firmware idiosyncracies.

Kevin,

I wanted to thank you for your HDMI and component settings. I had been reasonably
happy with the HD81 colorimetry out of the box in warm mode until I watched black and white movies. Your RGB settings made things more neutral and your gamma/mode settings for shadow detail are very good.

I will have my HD81 ISF'd as soon as I get about 100 hours on the projector--which won't
be too long at the rate I'm going!

I need to correct something I previously posted, I have had some settings change on me--so CO6 is not as stable as I first thought.

Jeff Regan

By the way, I just wanted to let everybody know that the PlayStation 3 (which is a HDMI 1.3 device) works great in 1080p mode with the HD81. I'm not sure what the refresh rate is since the HD81 doesn't show that information; I'm guessing it is 60Hz since I seem to recall reading that somewhere.


-Dave

Update:
That darn 48hz over component and HDMI is holding up the firmware release. Wing says he's not happy with what he see's for 48hz right now. I told him to throw you guys a bone :) and at least get a version to fix the brightness level shift and color slider error. He'll try to get 48Hz seperated from the firmware from Taiwan sent in. They can work on the 48Hz at a later time. I told him I'll check in again next week, says he hopes he has good news then.

In the mean time graysale tune in PC/video level and don't touch the color slider. ;)

Hey Tom,

I'll even take version C06 if it can be loaded into the processor. I can not understand why Optoma has not put up a website with upgrades that work properly. Is it possible that this VXP3000 model will not upgrade properly? I ask again, has anyone been able to upgrade their unit eithe by sending it to Optoma or by any other means?

I was,
I was able to go from C04 to C06 with out a hitch but they had to give me an internal site. A site not for the public, they said they would clean it up for public use so it's coming. Just be patient there's really nothing super about C06 it just remembers 7.5 etc but still has the color shift when using the color saturation control. That fix s/b on C07 but the darn 48Hz has been trouble.

Funny the main slow up is the 48Hz and I think the only one that was pushing hard for 48Hz here doesn't even have the projector and bought a Pearl. lol

Funny the main slow up is the 48Hz and I think the only one that was pushing hard for 48Hz here doesn't even have the projector and bought a Pearl. lol
Not true. I'm extremely interested in the 48Hz update. It is sad when SD DVDs from my HTPC (at 1080p/48) look smoother than HD-DVD or Blu-Ray (both 60Hz).

However, I'd much rather wait on the 48Hz update so they can give us the more important BUG fixes now!

-Dave

Funny the main slow up is the 48Hz and I think the only one that was pushing hard for 48Hz here doesn't even have the projector and bought a Pearl. lol

I didn't buy a Pearl ;)

I didn't buy a Pearl ;)

Neither did I! :D

I didn't buy a Pearl ;)


Ah ha, what did you end up getting? I know at first you really wanted this light cannon HD81.

Ah ha, what did you end up getting? I know at first you really wanted this light cannon HD81.

Tom, I haven't really decided yet. I'm fighting with myself over the preference of "image depth", state of the art shadow details and a trouble free design (read: Sharp Z20000) versus brightness and "picture punch" (read: HD81)....

I will let Greg Rogers decide this for me ;) - his review of the Z20000 is going to be published tomorrow.

btw the Sharp Z20000 I saw in a brief demonstration was the very "best" and most striking, involving and dimensional picture I have ever seen...and all that @ only 9.4ft/l (measured) on a big screen setup.

btw the Sharp Z20000 I saw in a brief demonstration was the very "best" and most striking, involving and dimensional picture I have ever seen...
I'm bookmarking this comment for Friday :)

does the H81 combo accept 1080p 50 hz ??? seems not

thanks

does the H81 combo accept 1080p 50 hz ??? seems not

thanks

No, it doesn't (?yet?) :(

Hey guys,

Back before I gave up on my calibration attempts (thanks to the wonky bugs that have been beaten to death here already) I noticed that my projector was running out of red at the higher IRE levels. This is quite common with UHP bulbs and I was able to compensate by dropping the Green and Blue Contrast settings appropriately.

This unfortunately results in a drop in brightness and contrast ratio as well. Back in my JVC calibration days we used to use color correction filters to compensate for bulb deficiencies. Does anybody think that such a filter would help out with the HD81? If so, any suggestions on which one to try? Most of my experience in the past has been with Xenon bulbs so I'm looking for help from those of you with more UHP experience.

Also, does our lens have a common thread size that would allow us to screw these filters directly to the lens?

Thanks in advance. I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row so that when C07 is released I'll be able to get back to tweaking. :)


-Dave

dknight,

You and me brother. What are you using as a reference to set up your projector?

Art,

I've got a pretty budget calibration system: Spyder2 sensor with Calman calibration software.

I'm currently using Kevin's posted HDMI and Component settings; I was very happy with the HDMI settings he posted, but recently sold my HD-DVD Player and replaced it with an Xbox 360 HD-DVD add-on which is component video only and I am not at all happy with the component calibration. I'm now just waiting for Digital Video Essentials HD to come out (next week I think) so I have some HD test patterns to calibrate the component input. The Xbox 360 outputs SD-DVD at 480p and when I adjusted that with AVIA it looked nice but the settings didn't carry over to the 1080i output HD-DVD very well.

-Dave

I'm bookmarking this comment for Friday :)

Just to let you know, this comment did not go unnoticed Greg! ;)

I am about ready to take the plunge and order the HD81. However I have yet to see it in action.
Is there anyone in California that would be willing to let me stop by and take a brief look? I live in Central California (San Luis Obispo area) and would be willing to drive South or North to see it.
Thanks very much.

I am about ready to take the plunge and order the HD81. However I have yet to see it in action.
Is there anyone in California that would be willing to let me stop by and take a brief look? I live in Central California (San Luis Obispo area) and would be willing to drive South or North to see it.
Thanks very much.

Give Optoma a call (in south SF Bay area) and make an appointment to stop by and see it.

Hey guys,

... I noticed that my projector was running out of red ...

-Dave

I have an old color copier that does the same thing. Any ideas?

(Sorry, I just could not resist. ) :)

Joe

I live in Central California (San Luis Obispo area) and would be willing to drive South or North to see it.
Thanks very much.

Weatherby,

Yes, Optoma in Milpitas can demo it, or if weekends or evenings work better for you,
you are welcome to see the HD81 in my home theater. I live on the SF Peninsula,
and my HD81 and 100" wide 2:35 Stewart ST130 and hopefully Panamorph UH380
will be hung on Tuesday, the 5th. I'm currently viewing on my existing Stewart 4:3
80" wide screen with the HD81 in a temporary tabletop setup.

Templeton? My wife and I love McFee's Grill!

Jeff Regan

Hey guys,

Back before I gave up on my calibration attempts (thanks to the wonky bugs that have been beaten to death here already) I noticed that my projector was running out of red at the higher IRE levels. This is quite common with UHP bulbs and I was able to compensate by dropping the Green and Blue Contrast settings appropriately.

This unfortunately results in a drop in brightness and contrast ratio as well. Back in my JVC calibration days we used to use color correction filters to compensate for bulb deficiencies. Does anybody think that such a filter would help out with the HD81? If so, any suggestions on which one to try? Most of my experience in the past has been with Xenon bulbs so I'm looking for help from those of you with more UHP experience.

Also, does our lens have a common thread size that would allow us to screw these filters directly to the lens?

-Dave

Hi Dave,

Usually a CCR filter or an fl-day filter will do the trick to give you more red and allow more green and blue to be used. It will also dim the image to a degree and possibly by more than reducing the green and blue alone will do without the filter. You should gain a fair amount more contrast though.

I've found the Hoya HMC filters have the least detrimental effect on the image compared to some other brands, so I would recommend those.

What you can do is max out the RGBs and see how much green and blue needs to be reduced. You may then get an idea if you need to get a CCR or fl-day for best results.

This link may help to decide which filter you need:

http://www.aeimages.com/learn/color-correction.html

I can't help you with the threads though I'm afraid

Gary

Jeff thanks for the offer to view your setup. It might be nice to see yours and the one in Milpitas. Do you know what kind of setup they have there? Screen size fabric ETC?
Yes McPhee's Grill is our favorite. I am there often. If you come through this way again let me know.
Ed

-

I call Optoma Tech line. I have the c04 version and asked him about upgraded firmware to c06 .
He said he would get back to me. He then called me 1 hour later and stated that the only difference between c04 and c06 is that the language options were upgraded.
WHO DO YOU BELIEVE IN THIS DAY AND TIME?
I am happy so far with my unit and will check postings for future firmware upgrades that can be down loaded.

1gasman

OT Question:

What is the source resolution for Blueray and HD-DVD content?

Joe

OT Question:

What is the source resolution for Blueray and HD-DVD content?

Joe

1080p/24 for film based content

Jeff thanks for the offer to view your setup. It might be nice to see yours and the one in Milpitas. Do you know what kind of setup they have there? Screen size fabric ETC?Ed

Sounds good, Ed. Optoma in Milpitas has a 150" wide screen when in anamorphic mode, I think. It is a Da Lite, but I'm not sure about the gain. HD81 doesn't need much gain, even for a large screen. Wing was running at manual iris setting 9 out of
16 steps. On my 80" wide screen, 11-14 works well for me.

Jeff Regan

http://www.audiovision.co.uk/erol.html#15755x0&&http%3A%252F%252Fsearch.yahoo.com%252Fsearch%3Fp%3Doptoma+Th emeScene+HD3000%26ei%3DUTF-8%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial%26fr%3Dmoz2

http://www.audiovision.co.uk/erol.html#15755x0&&http%3A%252F%252Fsearch.yahoo.com%252Fsearch%3Fp%3Doptoma+Th emeScene+HD3000%26ei%3DUTF-8%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial%26fr%3Dmoz2


$4,043.35USD for the scaler. Oh my! That make the HD81 worth??? :D

1995 GBP includes VAT similar to sales tax sort of. Take that off and it is actually only 1645 which at current rates is $3,100 so an even split between PJ and scaler!

Anyone have a HD81 in SoCal?

I really need to see one. Now more than ever! ;)

My Panamorph UH380 anamorphic lens and M380 motorized sled arrive today! It will be
interesting to see how it looks on the sides since I am at minimum throw with my HD81. I am looking forward to seeing 2:35 anamorphic images in the home 50 years after being available in the theater!

Jeff Regan

Hi Jeff: How soon before we get a report on your 2:35 set up? Also, how about posting some photos? I would be curious what you think of the 2:35 processing of the Gennum.

Hi Kevin,

My installer will hang everything on Tuesday the 5th. I'm trying to get Optoma to consider a side stretch aspect ratio so that we could watch 16:9 material in 2:35:1 for fun, much like
Runco's "Virtual Cinema". The HD81 has two unused aspect ratios, so that's my vote for one of them.

My preliminary anamorphic viewing with the Panamorph UH380 has been very favorable.
I am not seeing any softening on the sides, overall sharpness is good and I see no CA
whatsover. This is encouraging, given that I am at minimum throw and that I'm viewing
a temporary setup. I have the motorized sled, but I could even live with leaving the lens
in place. The UH380 seems like a very good deal relative to its competition.

Jeff Regan

overall sharpness is good and I see no CA
whatsover

Jeff,

I have ordered HD81 and I am pondering on whether I should buy a new anamorphic lens. I am worried about CA because I have previously owned an old Prismasonic model, which had some CA. Are your observations on the PQ of the lens based on watching video or test patterns? How close did you examine the projected image?

I just have to say that Optoma have really come through for me.

My installer carried out a complete pre install check of the HD81 and processor and found that the RS-232 connection failed to 'talk' to our Crestron controller. After a couple of calls to Optoma my installer was instructed to return the unit. Now here's the good bit ... Both David Hwang and Wing were extremely helpful and instead of telling us to send the faulty unit back for repair they have promised to send a brand new, bench tested, HD81 in replacement. My hat is off to these two guys. I have been critical of Optoma's CS before, but this really has changed my opinion.

More good news ... the replacement PJ will have the very latest firmware (I currently have CO6) which apparently will include ethernet download capability. Good news indeed!

Thank you Optoma!

I just have to say that Optoma have really come through for me.

My installer carried out a complete pre install check of the HD81 and processor and found that the RS-232 connection failed to 'talk' to our Crestron controller. After a couple of calls to Optoma my installer was instructed to return the unit. Now here's the good bit ... Both David Hwang and Wing were extremely helpful and instead of telling us to send the faulty unit back for repair they have promised to send a brand new, bench tested, HD81 in replacement. My hat is off to these two guys. I have been critical of Optoma's CS before, but this really has changed my opinion.

More good news ... the replacement PJ will have the very latest firmware (I currently have CO6) which apparently will include ethernet download capability. Good news indeed!

Thank you Optoma!

Thanks for sharing your experience. Certainly seems like Optoma has come through for you. Keep us posted.

I ask again: ANYONE in SoCal have a HD81 I could take a look at???? :cool:

Am I the only one who is wondering what happened to Jason's HD81 review. He was posting 2 weeks ago that he is finishing it right then...

19-11-06 I didn't get to it this week, but I have it warming up as we speak. I plan to do it tonight.

Am I the only one who is wondering what happened to Jason's HD81 review. He was posting 2 weeks ago that he is finishing it right then...

19-11-06


No you aren't the only one!

Jason was too busy taking orders for the JVC-RS1, like mine ;)

FWIW,

I had a guy over to my home today who purchased my DWIN HD700 for the lenses. Apparently those lenses are superior to lenses that come on other CRT projectors. He designs simulators for the arme forces and is extremely knowledgeable about the engineering side of projector technology and what it takes to make what we look at appear real. I demonstrated my HD81 to him using the Discovery HD channel coming in via DCII directly from the originating satellite, C3 117. He believes digital projectors are very poor reproducers of reality with far too many artifacts present to ever make it possible to use them for simulators. He really like the HD81. He said it provided a very watchable picture, He found its picture to be far better than the Ruby, Qualia or Pearl sets that he repairs in his other job. He had two negative comments about the HD81. Like me, he found the mosquito noise objectionable. He also thought the blacks were not dark enough but that may have been because we were watching in a room whose light was controlled but it was not dark. It is quite impressive to talk to someone who understands the compromises made by manufacturer's to get products to market. He thought the Optom HD81 was the finest example of the digital medium technology that he has seen but wished it did not have the terrible mosquito noise. I agree. Wish we could tone it down.

MCBRacer,

I am very happy that you received such specialized personal help. I, on the other hand, havenot received any help from Optoma even though I asked. Please tell me how you reached the parties who authorized your receiving a new projector.

FWIW,

I had a guy over to my home today who purchased my DWIN HD700 for the lenses. Apparently those lenses are superior to lenses that come on other CRT projectors. He designs simulators for the arme forces and is extremely knowledgeable about the engineering side of projector technology and what it takes to make what we look at appear real. I demonstrated my HD81 to him using the Discovery HD channel coming in via DCII directly from the originating satellite, C3 117. He believes digital projectors are very poor reproducers of reality with far too many artifacts present to ever make it possible to use them for simulators. He really like the HD81. He said it provided a very watchable picture, He found its picture to be far better than the Ruby, Qualia or Pearl sets that he repairs in his other job. He had two negative comments about the HD81. Like me, he found the mosquito noise objectionable. He also thought the blacks were not dark enough but that may have been because we were watching in a room whose light was controlled but it was not dark. It is quite impressive to talk to someone who understands the compromises made by manufacturer's to get products to market. He thought the Optom HD81 was the finest example of the digital medium technology that he has seen but wished it did not have the terrible mosquito noise. I agree. Wish we could tone it down.

I was watching Chronicle of Riddick from my HD A1 and notice that mosquito noise all over. At first I thought that maybe the same noise was present with my H77 but I never notice it before. I plug my old Optoma just to compare and sure thing no noise is present. Not only the mosquito noise of the HD81 is terrible but it also cut image depth. I don't know if the scaler cause this or if its the projector?

I think the HD81 has too many issues. Optoma should have never release it.

The Benq W10000 seems to be a better purchase in the relatively affordable category. I need to get one of those for testing.

Bruno

FWIW,

I had a guy over to my home today who purchased my DWIN HD700 for the lenses. Apparently those lenses are superior to lenses that come on other CRT projectors. He designs simulators for the arme forces and is extremely knowledgeable about the engineering side of projector technology and what it takes to make what we look at appear real. I demonstrated my HD81 to him using the Discovery HD channel coming in via DCII directly from the originating satellite, C3 117. He believes digital projectors are very poor reproducers of reality with far too many artifacts present to ever make it possible to use them for simulators. He really like the HD81. He said it provided a very watchable picture, He found its picture to be far better than the Ruby, Qualia or Pearl sets that he repairs in his other job. He had two negative comments about the HD81. Like me, he found the mosquito noise objectionable. He also thought the blacks were not dark enough but that may have been because we were watching in a room whose light was controlled but it was not dark. It is quite impressive to talk to someone who understands the compromises made by manufacturer's to get products to market. He thought the Optom HD81 was the finest example of the digital medium technology that he has seen but wished it did not have the terrible mosquito noise. I agree. Wish we could tone it down.

I was watching Chronicle of Riddick from my HD A1 and notice that mosquito noise all over. At first I thought that maybe the same noise was present with my H77 but I never notice it before. I plug my old Optoma just to compare and sure thing no noise is present. Not only the mosquito noise of the HD81 is terrible but it also cut image depth. I don't know if the scaler cause this or if its the projector?

I think the HD81 has too many issues. Optoma should have never release it.

The Benq W10000 seems to be a better purchase in the relatively affordable category. I need to get one of those for testing.

Bruno

FWIW,

I had a guy over to my home today who purchased my DWIN HD700 for the lenses. Apparently those lenses are superior to lenses that come on other CRT projectors. He designs simulators for the arme forces and is extremely knowledgeable about the engineering side of projector technology and what it takes to make what we look at appear real. I demonstrated my HD81 to him using the Discovery HD channel coming in via DCII directly from the originating satellite, C3 117. He believes digital projectors are very poor reproducers of reality with far too many artifacts present to ever make it possible to use them for simulators. He really like the HD81. He said it provided a very watchable picture, He found its picture to be far better than the Ruby, Qualia or Pearl sets that he repairs in his other job. He had two negative comments about the HD81. Like me, he found the mosquito noise objectionable. He also thought the blacks were not dark enough but that may have been because we were watching in a room whose light was controlled but it was not dark. It is quite impressive to talk to someone who understands the compromises made by manufacturer's to get products to market. He thought the Optom HD81 was the finest example of the digital medium technology that he has seen but wished it did not have the terrible mosquito noise. I agree. Wish we could tone it down.

I was watching Chronicle of Riddick from my HD A1 and notice that mosquito noise all over. At first I thought that maybe the same noise was present with my H77 but I never notice it before. I plug my old Optoma just to compare and sure thing no noise is present. Not only the mosquito noise of the HD81 is terrible but it also cut image depth. I don't know if the scaler cause this or if its the projector?

I think the HD81 has too many issues. Optoma should have never release it.

The Benq W10000 seems to be a better purchase in the relatively affordable category. I need to get one of those for testing.

Bruno

Jeff,

I have ordered HD81 and I am pondering on whether I should buy a new anamorphic lens. I am worried about CA because I have previously owned an old Prismasonic model, which had some CA. Are your observations on the PQ of the lens based on watching video or test patterns? How close did you examine the projected image?

I have viewed standard def. test signals from a Tektronix test signal generator via
composite--I don't have any high def. test signals. Cross hatch, with and without
the Panamorph UH380, showed no discernable CA. The Panamorph seems to not
be adding any negative artifacts or much softening. I got right up to the screen
to really see things close. I won't judge geometric errors until the projector and lens are installed permanently.

I did see some white field uniformity issues with a flat field signal--the left half of
the image is slightly warmer than the right half with the projector, not the Panamorph.

BTW, the M380 motorized sled is pretty cool, with its own remote control. It can
be triggered from the HD81. You just press the LBX format button and the lens
slides into position.

Jeff Regan

I was watching Chronicle of Riddick from my HD A1 and notice that mosquito noise all over. Not only the mosquito noise of the HD81 is terrible but it also cut image depth. I don't know if the scaler cause this or if its the projector?
Bruno

That's odd, I've never seen mosquito noise or much else in the way of compression
artifacts with HD DVD. DirecTV HD, well, that's another story. If it's there, it is very
subtle in my display.

Jeff Regan

Cross hatch, with and without
the Panamorph UH380, showed no discernable CA.
I am happy to hear this. Thank you for your comments.

Kari

That's odd, I've never seen mosquito noise or much else in the way of compression
artifacts with HD DVD. DirecTV HD, well, that's another story. If it's there, it is very
subtle in my display.

Jeff Regan

Strange! So it differ from unit to unit. I've been trying to elimate it playing with control. Noise reduction control doesn't change anything.

Bruno

I have never seen mosquito noise either, but right now I'm only using HDMI inputs from the Toshiba HD-A1 and a STB for HDTV.

On what inputs are you and Art seeing the noise? My understanding is that the NOISE REDUCTION control does not apply to the HDMI inputs.

Bruno, what firmware version do you have?

The mosquito noise, or what I am calling mosquito noise, is present all the time on all inputs and is quite apparent when there is little or no movement in the field. What I am referring to as mosquito noise looks just like the graniness one sees when watching old movies on NTSC television. It prevents one from seeing a non textured image where one should occur. It is constantly moving litlle blackish looking things in the color. It is as if you broke the surface of glossy paint and the cracks were in constant motion. {That's the best I can do guys, I tried.] If anyone reports they do not see it, there is either something wrong with their eyesight or they are watching from far away. In my setup, a 96" wide 1.3 gain screen, the mosquito noise is visible to 12 ft. from the screen.

What I am referring to as mosquito noise looks just like the graniness one sees when watching old movies on NTSC television. It prevents one from seeing a non textured image where one should occur. It is constantly moving litlle blackish looking things in the color. It is as if you broke the surface of glossy paint and the cracks were in constant motion. {That's the best I can do guys, I tried.]
It sounds like you are you describing dithering artifacts.

Perhaps you are correct. The engineer who is far more knowlegeable than i called it mosquito noise yesterday. Perhaps someone could describe what mosquito noise looks like.

Whatever you wish to call it, it is not something that is present on the picture when I watch the same signal on a Sony 3" flat panel LCD, a 20" NEC Multisync FP1370, or any of 3 other older NTSC sets I own. It appears exlusively on this projector and it does not enhance PQ.

Perhaps you are correct. The engineer who is far more knowlegeable than i called it mosquito noise yesterday. Perhaps someone could describe what mosquito noise looks like.

Whatever you wish to call it, it is not something that is present on the picture when I watch the same signal on a Sony 3" flat panel LCD, a 20" NEC Multisync FP1370, or any of 3 other older NTSC sets I own. It appears exlusively on this projector and it does not enhance PQ.

It most certainly is not exclusive to the HD81. I saw this same mosquito noise on the $20,000 Marantz 1080p DLP projector at Stereo Unlimited in San Diego. The first thing I saw with the Marantz was an incredibly sharp, detailed, bright picture on a huge screen. But when you get up close to the screen the "crawling" noise is terrible. I could even see it on the Marantz from 10-12 feet back. The source was Serenity HD-DVD. Funny thing is I don't notice the mosquito noise as much on my $1000 HD70.

It most certainly is not exclusive to the HD81. I saw this same mosquito noise on the $20,000 Marantz 1080p DLP projector at Stereo Unlimited in San Diego. The first thing I saw with the Marantz was an incredibly sharp, detailed, bright picture on a huge screen. But when you get up close to the screen the "crawling" noise is terrible. I could even see it on the Marantz from 10-12 feet back. The source was Serenity HD-DVD. Funny thing is I don't notice the mosquito noise as much on my $1000 HD70.

As HHF indicated, this is dithering. All DLP's have this. It is their biggest drawback in my opinion (except for RBE if you are susceptible to that).

DLP's have got better wrt to dithering. But it is still an issue. It is noticeable mostly in dark portions of the picture.

The mosquito noise, or what I am calling mosquito noise, is present all the time on all inputs and is quite apparent when there is little or no movement in the field. What I am referring to as mosquito noise looks just like the graniness one sees when watching old movies on NTSC television. It prevents one from seeing a non textured image where one should occur. It is constantly moving litlle blackish looking things in the color. It is as if you broke the surface of glossy paint and the cracks were in constant motion. {That's the best I can do guys, I tried.] If anyone reports they do not see it, there is either something wrong with their eyesight or they are watching from far away. In my setup, a 96" wide 1.3 gain screen, the mosquito noise is visible to 12 ft. from the screen.

Art,

Here is some info on this:

http://www.itl.nist.gov/div895/docs/MosquitoNoise2000.pdf

John

MCBRacer,

I am very happy that you received such specialized personal help. I, on the other hand, havenot received any help from Optoma even though I asked. Please tell me how you reached the parties who authorized your receiving a new projector.

Art, I am sorry you have not had any luck receiving good CS from Optoma. My installer made the contact. He spoke at length to David Hwang, product manager, who apparently was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the HD81. Have you ever talked to David? My installer also has been in touch with Wing and has only good things to say about him also. I guess you just have to try again Art. Good luck.

As HHF indicated, this is dithering. All DLP's have this. It is their biggest drawback in my opinion (except for RBE if you are susceptible to that).

DLP's have got better wrt to dithering. But it is still an issue. It is noticeable mostly in dark portions of the picture.

You are probably right. It is dithering. But i've seen many DLP and I never saw it that bad.

Before anyone says it's because the HD81 is brighter I will point out that I compare it to my H77 in high lamp mode and was looking at the HD81 in low lamp with the Iris close all the way. The were outputting very similar light in those condition. The H77 has a 7 segments color wheel. What kind of colorwheel does the HD81 have? It's seems it's not a widespread problem. I'm stuck with the C04 software. I'm waiting for some info how to upgrade the firmware myself.

Bruno

I agree with MCBRacer. David and Wing have been very helpful to me. I just received a response to an email I sent last night to Wing--and this is Sunday!

It looks like Greg Rogers from Widescreen Review has an HD81 right now for review consideration. I would be very interested in his views and testing of this projector.

Jeff Regan

It looks like Greg Rogers from Widescreen Review has an HD81 right now for review consideration. I would be very interested in his views and testing of this projector.

Jeff Regan

You aren't the only one! ;)

Art and Bruno,

I think I have found the noise you are both seeing. I noticed it on flat field test signals, such as gray and magenta. It is not mosquito noise, it is dithering. I have to get within a few feet to see it. I know it's not a compression artifact because the source is a SD test signal generator.

When I get up close and watch HD DVD, I see too many other artifacts such as noise, film grain, pixelation and banding to clearly notice the dithering.

When I get back to my 12' viewing distance from an 80" wide screen, I cannot see the dithering on test signals that clearly show it when I'm up close, but it's there.

Jeff Regan

[QUOTE=bgosselin]

I'm stuck with the C04 software. I'm waiting for some info how to upgrade the firmware myself.

I think you have little choice but to return your HD81 to Optoma, unfortunetly. Firmware version CO7 is close to being implemented (a lucky few of us will have it tomorrow!) and this will include the necessary software to enable ethernet download capability of future firmware upgrades. Good luck.

I would appreciate an email address for Wing and or David so I can give them a chance to resolve my firmware issues. Please guys send me an address privately.

I would appreciate an email address for Wing and or David so I can give them a chance to resolve my firmware issues. Please guys send me an address privately.

Art,

If you think it would help I could drop my HD81 off and you could see if mine, with the new firmware, has the same issues. I am halfway through the drywall and will not be mounting the PJ for a week or so. Let me know.

John

Gee, two guys in MD with an HD81, but not a single person in SoCal with one (on AVS anyway)! :(

Gee, two guys in MD with an HD81, but not a single person in SoCal with one (on AVS anyway)! :(

I hear you Rob...none to be found locally either to check out....and somehow using 1080p/24 from my shiny new Sony BD player into my H-78....I feel I may have a few missing pixels or something ;)

I hear you Rob...none to be found locally either to check out....and somehow using 1080p/24 from my shiny new Sony BD player into my H-78....I feel I may have a few missing pixels or something ;)

Yeah, like twice as many! I know, cuz I'm in the same (sinking) boat! :eek:

I hear you Rob...none to be found locally either to check out....and somehow using 1080p/24 from my shiny new Sony BD player into my H-78....I feel I may have a few missing pixels or something ;)

I must say I'm excited. I'm on the JVC pre-buy list but currently use a Panny 500 with a Toshiba HD-DVD player (and a Comcast HD DVR). I have no feelings of missing pixels at all. I think it looks fabulous! So, can you imagine my reaction when I get the JVC? It'll blow my socks off unlike a lot of you who are wondering if you're gonna like it. I'm a neophyte. Ignorance is bliss. Being three generations behind in projectors has its advantages!

I must say I'm excited. I'm on the JVC pre-buy list but currently use a Panny 500 with a Toshiba HD-DVD player (and a Comcast HD DVR). I have no feelings of missing pixels at all. I think it looks fabulous! So, can you imagine my reaction when I get the JVC? It'll blow my socks off unlike a lot of you who are wondering if you're gonna like it. I'm a neophyte. Ignorance is bliss. Being three generations behind in projectors has its advantages!

Oh it looks great for now as far as a 720p pj goes......I was making fun of the fact that the H-78/79 accepts a 1080p/24 or 60 signal for some unknown reason. ;)

John,

Thanks for your generous offer. It will be fun to comare the two side by side. I emailed you privately.

You are probably right. It is dithering. But i've seen many DLP and I never saw it that bad.

Before anyone says it's because the HD81 is brighter I will point out that I compare it to my H77 in high lamp mode and was looking at the HD81 in low lamp with the Iris close all the way. The were outputting very similar light in those condition. The H77 has a 7 segments color wheel. What kind of colorwheel does the HD81 have? It's seems it's not a widespread problem. I'm stuck with the C04 software. I'm waiting for some info how to upgrade the firmware myself.

Bruno

Bruno,
It has a 7 segment (one dark) 6x speed color wheel. If anybody see's dithering then their black level isn't tuned to the optimum point. If you use Avia go up to the screen when tuning the left moving bar, tune till the dithering is gone in the left moving bar. You'll barely be able to see the bar.

I prefer the Sound & Vision brightness tuning pattern and the Accupel. With these you again get up close to the screen and find the spot where the left moving bar is totally gone, dithering is gone also.

Fight dithering with better tuning. :) Plus there's an offshoot, you're increasing your contrast results immensely.

Bruno,
It has a 7 segment (one dark) 6x speed color wheel. If anybody see's dithering then their black level isn't tuned to the optimum point. If you use Avia go up to the screen when tuning the left moving bar, tune till the dithering is gone in the left moving bar. You'll barely be able to see the bar.

I prefer the Sound & Vision brightness tuning pattern and the Accupel. With these you again get up close to the screen and find the spot where the left moving bar is totally gone, dithering is gone also.

Fight dithering with better tuning. :) Plus there's an offshoot, you're increasing your contrast results immensely.

Ah, that explains why I haven't seen the dithering. I did exactly what you describe with the left bar in Avia.

Joe

I agree with Tom. I have to be within a foot of the screen to see any kind of luminance dithering on the HD81.

Usually, I set black level on DLPs by turning down brightness until you just see the dithering stop (e.g., the micro-mirrors are in the full OFF position). On all other DLPs, this is very easy to determine. With the HD81, I have to really look hard to see the mirrors stop because the transition between luminance levels is so smooth (a result of the much greater pixel resolution on a 1080 chip and the color wheel used by the HD81).

Bruno,
It has a 7 segment (one dark) 6x speed color wheel. If anybody see's dithering then their black level isn't tuned to the optimum point. If you use Avia go up to the screen when tuning the left moving bar, tune till the dithering is gone in the left moving bar. You'll barely be able to see the bar.

I prefer the Sound & Vision brightness tuning pattern and the Accupel. With these you again get up close to the screen and find the spot where the left moving bar is totally gone, dithering is gone also.

Fight dithering with better tuning. :) Plus there's an offshoot, you're increasing your contrast results immensely.

I doubt it's that. I ususally kill black a bit to hide dithering. I don't see any on my H77 and none of the other DLP have tested ever show dithering that bad. I will give it a second try. I may have plug my HD DVD player in a different input than the one I calibrated? The HD81 keep setting per input right?

I let you know if it fix anything.

Bruno

I want to point out that I don't see it in completely black scene. I see the effect on out of focus image mainly but not necessarily dark background.

Bruno

I doubt it's that. I ususally kill black a bit to hide dithering. I don't see any on my H77 and none of the other DLP have tested ever show dithering that bad. I will give it a second try. I may have plug my HD DVD player in a different input than the one I calibrated? The HD81 keep setting per input right?

I let you know if it fix anything.

Bruno

I believe it stores it by input and resolution combined.

Joe

I was at Optoma today and spent time with Wing. I brought up the dithering and he said that
the color wheel has a dark green segment to reduce luminance dithering, but that it is still
possible to see dithering in the red and blue channels, although they make up a small percentage of a signal vs. green. This does explain why I saw it clearly in the magenta bar
in color bars.

Jeff Regan

Further to my visit to Optoma:

This is a preview of things to come for the HD81 firmware and not yet finalized or released, please don't call Optoma customer service about the following:

CO4 and CO5 require projector and processor to be returned for firmware upgrade, they are not fully upgradeable via internet download. C06 may work for full upgrade via net, not sure yet until C07 is finalized.

Having said that, I now have C08, dated 11/30 in my HD81. It is really more like 7.5. Here is what it offers:

A selectable mode where you tell the projector that you are using an anamorphic lens,
then you tell the projector that it's fixed or moveable. In either mode, as long as you select
anamorphic lens you get a new format called "Autoscope". Whenever a 2:35:1 source is
displayed, the projector will automatically go into anamorphic mode. If you have a motorized lens transport sled like the Panamorph M380, and have it connected to the
trigger output of the processor, the lens will slide into place. I saw it work in their demo
theater and it is working in my home theater now. Pretty slick.

Film Mode 48Hz has been added for HDMI. It works some of the time, but not reliably enough. It will work much better with the forthcoming true 24P sources such as Pioneer
Blu Ray and Toshiba XA2 HD DVD players. This mode causes the screen to flash blue
momentarily when it senses film material, but it often goes into a weird, steppy motion if
it doesn't trigger on just the right frame. It easier to just double true 24 frame sources
than deal with 2:3:2 60i sources, so true 24p sources should look great for smooth motion.

The DVI-PC/DVI-Video issue was supposed to be corrected, but I still must use DVI-PC for
proper black detail in video sources.

Please understand that both C07 and the early version of C08 are still in beta testing and
may not be bug free(we know 48Hz film mode is problematic), so Optoma will need a little
more time to release a final C07 which will be put on their site for download, assuming C06
will allow a full upgrade to C07 via the net. At this point, I am happy to be a guinea pig because I live so near to Optoma.

I believe the HD81 is the best projector on the market for anamorphic setups, with the
exception of Runco Cine Wide models. The combination of the HD81, Panamorph UH380
and M380 are a very high quality, low cost alternative to the Runco Cine Wide offerings,
IMO.

Jeff Regan

So Jeff, are you an official beta tester for Optoma?

So Jeff, are you an official beta tester for Optoma?

Rob,

I couldn't tell you--but at the moment, I'm the only customer in the country with C08!

When Film Mode 48Hz is turned on, I can hear the color wheel slow down. I was
watching credits roll on an HD Net movie and it seemed like first they had more judder when I turned 48Hz on, then it seemed to smooth out, then judder again.

Autoscope continues to work well, it takes longer to go from 16:9 to anamorphic as
the processor is sampling the black area at the top and bottom for up to 10 seconds
to make sure it isn't fooled by a false black area. It seems to switch back very quickly from anamorphic to 16:9, such as when changing channels.

Jeff Regan

A selectable mode where you tell the projector that you are using an anamorphic lens,
then you tell the projector that it's fixed or moveable. In either mode, as long as you select
anamorphic lens you get a new format called "Autoscope". Whenever a 2:35:1 source is
displayed, the projector will automatically go into anamorphic mode. If you have a motorized lens transport sled like the Panamorph M380, and have it connected to the
trigger output of the processor, the lens will slide into place. I saw it work in their demo
theater and it is working in my home theater now. Pretty slick.

I believe the HD81 is the best projector on the market for anamorphic setups, with the
exception of Runco Cine Wide models. The combination of the HD81, Panamorph UH380
and M380 are a very high quality, low cost alternative to the Runco Cine Wide offerings,
IMO.

Jeff Regan

Jeff

Are you in fact now testing the HD81 and "Autoscope" with a Panamorph UH380
and M380?

Jeff

Are you in fact now testing the HD81 and "Autoscope" with a Panamorph UH380
and M380?

That's correct. I have the same setup that Optoma has in their demo theater.
My setup will be hung from the ceiling tomorrow, but I have been testing the Panamorph equipment on a table top temporary setup since Friday, when I received the Panamorph llens and sled and Autoscope since this afternoon.

Jeff Regan

My problem is fix. It's seem I had B/W enhanced set to 5. I was on the false impression that this function was only playing with brightness and contrast setting so setting it to any value was not important if you adjusted contrast and brightness after. But every setting else than "off" cause noise similar to dithering. I would like to find out if MrHifi has the B/W enhanced turn on as well. My picture is now way smoother and that noise I was seeing is completely gone.

Bruno

That's correct. I have the same setup that Optoma has in their demo theater.
My setup will be hung from the ceiling tomorrow, but I have been testing the Panamorph equipment on a table top temporary setup since Friday, when I received the Panamorph llens and sled and Autoscope since this afternoon.

Jeff Regan

Jeff

How would you rate the performance of the Panamorph UH380 & M380 on their own?

How's the build quality, and, can you percieve any abberations, or distortions?

Does the M380 operate smoothly and quietly?

Murray,

The Panamorph UH380 has only 3% light loss, does not seem to soften the HD81, has no CA that is discernable with a cross hatch signal.

The UH380 is very heavy, all elements are glass. I do not want to judge geometric distortion until I've installed it permanently on the proper screen.

The M380 is smooth, it is audible. I would recommend using the slow motor speed vs. fast
in a celing mount configuration, I think the fast speed could cause some slight torqueing
of the sled due to the off-center weight of the lens.

Jeff Regan

If it is true about having to get Optoma to do the firmware for C04 owners (of which I am one), then that really pisses me off. I imported this thing from the U.S and FedEx took a month to deliver it. I would probably have to return it to the U.S. to get updated and if FedEx displays the same level of competence I would be without my projector for up to 2 months and have to spend another $100 or so for shipping and insurance.

I have finally caught up on all the posts on this projector. This thing is perfect in just about every way for my application and seems as though it may have the best picture out there.

But why, oh why, does it have to have a loud (louder than all other comparable) fan? That's just a deal killer, even installed relatively high and behind me.

So , those of you who feel as I do, that the Optoma is almost perfect 1080P, sub $10K (2 piece design, bright, can be installed (must be) well above screen, DLP, can handle 120" plus, etc): what would be your second choice? JVC (though unreleases of course)? Pearl (no way for 120" +)? Mitsu? BenQ? I will pay up to $10K. From what I have read recenlty, I am considering JVC or Mitsu and will probably get a DVDO 50.

I have finally caught up on all the posts on this projector. This thing is perfect in just about every way for my application and seems as though it may have the best picture out there.

But why, oh why, does it have to have a loud (louder than all other comparable) fan? That's just a deal killer, even installed relatively high and behind me.

So , those of you who feel as I do, that the Optoma is almost perfect 1080P, sub $10K (2 piece design, bright, can be installed (must be) well above screen, DLP, can handle 120" plus, etc): what would be your second choice? JVC (though unreleases of course)? Pearl (no way for 120" +)? Mitsu? BenQ? I will pay up to $10K. From what I have read recenlty, I am considering JVC or Mitsu and will probably get a DVDO 50.


I have my 81 mounted high and about 4 feet behind me. I have a sound panel below it, and sound is not an issue with it at all.
My entire ceiling is made up of sound panels to help keep it acoustically sealed.

Now you can not see or hear the projector unless you really try.

Thanks
Tony

I have finally caught up on all the posts on this projector. This thing is perfect in just about every way for my application and seems as though it may have the best picture out there.

But why, oh why, does it have to have a loud (louder than all other comparable) fan? That's just a deal killer, even installed relatively high and behind me.


mark34,

Brite mode is very loud, normal isn't bad(so much quieter than my CRT!). Remember
that the HD81 has a 300w bulb--more than the competition--so it needs more cooling.

Jeff Regan

mark34,

Brite mode is very loud, normal isn't bad(so much quieter than my CRT!). Remember
that the HD81 has a 300w bulb--more than the competition--so it needs more cooling.

Jeff Regan

I agree. I have no need for bright mode. It is extremely bright without it.

Tony G.

I agree. I have no need for bright mode. It is extremely bright without it.
Same here, and I'm projecting on a microperf Grayhawk screen (which probably has a gain of around .75).

I still don't understand the concern about the fan noise on this projector. If it is mounted behind you (which the throw ratio of this projector almost requires) you will be hard pressed to hear the fan. And this is coming from somebody whose previous projector was in a completely sealed room behind the theater and was 100% silent.

-Dave

sstephen,

Take it from one who tells the truth on here, if you have C04 or C05, your projector must be upgraded by Optoma at their facility. Jeff verified this and I mentioned it a while back but no one believed me after I was told that by the head of service. Do not try to upgrade your own unit if it has C04 or C05 regardless of what you are told. You can damage it.

dknight,

At a measured 34dB, the fan/color wheel noise is annoying. I sit 4 ft below and 3 ft in front of the projector. At low speed, the color wheel noise is the predominant annoying factor, not the blower. I often turn the unit to brite in order to have the whine masked. BTW, the picture looks better when one uses brite mode. On most program material, crushed blacks disappear. I believe the original factory setup was accomplished with the bulb in brite mode. Try it, you might like it. If it is too bright, dial back your contrast settings.

I have finally caught up on all the posts on this projector. This thing is perfect in just about every way for my application and seems as though it may have the best picture out there.

But why, oh why, does it have to have a loud (louder than all other comparable) fan? That's just a deal killer, even installed relatively high and behind me.

So , those of you who feel as I do, that the Optoma is almost perfect 1080P, sub $10K (2 piece design, bright, can be installed (must be) well above screen, DLP, can handle 120" plus, etc): what would be your second choice? JVC (though unreleases of course)? Pearl (no way for 120" +)? Mitsu? BenQ? I will pay up to $10K. From what I have read recenlty, I am considering JVC or Mitsu and will probably get a DVDO 50.

I would add the Sharp 20000 to your list of potential projectors. It isn't all that bright though.

Thanks for the responses. My quick calculation tells me that I would mount the projector about 4.75 feet behind my primary seating and 5.5 feet above my head. The room is a dedicated home theater with no windows and dark colors. I suspect normal mode will be sufficient.

How might the volume of the fan compare in that circumstance to a quieter projector mounted a foot or two closer behind me and a foot and a half lower?

Also, I know this was beaten to death, but want to verify my vertical offset calculation. 5ft high screen, times 27%, equals about 16 inches above the top of the screen.

Thanks,
Mark

I have finally caught up on all the posts on this projector. This thing is perfect in just about every way for my application and seems as though it may have the best picture out there.

But why, oh why, does it have to have a loud (louder than all other comparable) fan? That's just a deal killer, even installed relatively high and behind me.

So , those of you who feel as I do, that the Optoma is almost perfect 1080P, sub $10K (2 piece design, bright, can be installed (must be) well above screen, DLP, can handle 120" plus, etc): what would be your second choice? JVC (though unreleases of course)? Pearl (no way for 120" +)? Mitsu? BenQ? I will pay up to $10K. From what I have read recenlty, I am considering JVC or Mitsu and will probably get a DVDO 50.

Who in gods name told you "it may have the best picture out there"? Go out and look at a demonstration of the HD81 - and much better yet a shootout versus some alternatives - and never base your buying decision on some raving hype statement found on a public forum. All in all I would say the HD81 is on par with the Sony Pearl, VERY different with its distinct advantages/disadvantages but in the end on par. It is in no way "the best picture out there" - not even close even considering its price point. Can you do better for the money??? - depends on your personal preferences but IMHO yes.

And excessive fan noise is definitely one of the smallest issues with the HD81 - a hushbox is your friend!

to TheLion: fair points, thanks. I did do a comparison with the Pearl at Cedia. Pearl is also great. I agree that I unintentionally overstated things with "may have best picture out there". I meant to say that the ability to project and excellent and sufficiently bright image on the largest of screens positions it pretty uniquely in the sub $8K 1080p projector. From my viewing and reading it appears at least on par with other projectors in its class and the fine video processor does not hurt. I would probably buy a Pearl + DVDO 50 in a heart beat (given price and fan noise and very good PQ), but there seems to be very consistent warnings against using the Pearl on a 123" screen. The Pearl at $5K is amazing, in that it becomes an easily replaceable device very two years.

I would agree with not basing a buying decision based on "raving hype" but many devotees of AV are shut ins who rely on the available reviews to make their decisions. In my case, I waited almost 10 years before giving up on CRT technology. I did so because of the "hype" in this forum and elsewhere about the HD81. That started me looking at 1080p offerings. I almost bought a ruby but when I saw that for less money I could get a VXD3000 and therefore keep my physical AV system configured as it has been for many years, that sold me on the HD81. While it did not mesh with my system as I had hoped, its picture quality blew me away. Optoma is now helping to resolve a number of issues that I have discussed in this forum and I am pleased. I will report on the results of this effort by next week.

to TheLion: fair points, thanks. I did do a comparison with the Pearl at Cedia. Pearl is also great. I agree that I unintentionally overstated things with "may have best picture out there". I meant to say that the ability to project and excellent and sufficiently bright image on the largest of screens positions it pretty uniquely in the sub $8K 1080p projector. From my viewing and reading it appears at least on par with other projectors in its class and the fine video processor does not hurt. I would probably buy a Pearl + DVDO 50 in a heart beat (given price and fan noise and very good PQ), but there seems to be very consistent warnings against using the Pearl on a 123" screen. The Pearl at $5K is amazing, in that it becomes an easily replaceable device very two years.

Mark, you are right. If brightness is what you are after the HD81 is hard to beat - although Greg Rogers measured over 900 ANSI lumen calibrated light output in his Sharp Z20000 review - with open iris - that's on par with the HD81 (assuming comparable measurements). I better not mention the measured On/Off and ANSI contrast figures of the Sharp Z20k around here :p

IMHO to put it simple - if you are after brightness and punch go for the HD81! If image depth, dimensionality and shadow details are high on your list other options will suit you far better.

I should point out that I am building a new house that includes a dedicated home theater. The screen is on a "false wall" 2.5' from the wall, behind which the speakers will be placed (but not behind the screen). the approximately 123" diagonal 16:9 screen will be 14 feet from the front row (primary seating) with 6.75 ft behind those seats to the back wall (second row seating). There is a furr down aound the outside and back at 11 ft height from the lowest floor with another foot in the center. This leads to almost perfect location for the HD81 at the back wall and about a foot down from the ceiling.

I appreciate all those who know much more than me on these boards. I will not move in until May, so I have some time beofre purchase, but the time will come in Q1 of 2007 that I will have to make some decisions. I am trying to have a rolling preference as new projectors are released. I am anxious to hear more about the JVC. I have budgetted $10K for a projector, though spending less is always good (will raise my acoustical treatment budget). I will base my decision whether or not to add an externall video processor on the PJ I choose, though I have somewhat of a predisposition to a unit like the DVDO 50 so as to also benefit from more HDMI inputs.

Just thought I would put my comments about the HD81 in context. Also, would love to do a 2.35:1 CH set-up, but the screen alone (Stewart) is an additional $5K! Then comes the lens and more moving parts to confuse the less technical in my household. But that's another story. Thanks for listening.

For those who care, I am currently planning on the Klipsch THX Ultra 2 speaker set-up (almsot 100% home theater versus 2 channel audio). Still not converging on the right choice for prepro and amps, but have a budget in the $10K to $12K for prepro / amps combo. Any thoughts on these choices also appreciated, though I realize this is an HD81 thread.

Thanks TheLion. Not sure I am "after" brightness. Seems almost binary: in other words, enough brightness such that lamp life degredation doesn't drop brightness to an unsatisfactory level. After that things like image depth, dimensionality, shadow details, etc. rule the roost. I do like an image that is alive (vibrant, yet accurate and lifelike), though not sure how that translates to my priorities for PJ characteristics.

Thanks for the responses. My quick calculation tells me that I would mount the projector about 4.75 feet behind my primary seating and 5.5 feet above my head. The room is a dedicated home theater with no windows and dark colors. I suspect normal mode will be sufficient.

How might the volume of the fan compare in that circumstance to a quieter projector mounted a foot or two closer behind me and a foot and a half lower?

Also, I know this was beaten to death, but want to verify my vertical offset calculation. 5ft high screen, times 27%, equals about 16 inches above the top of the screen.

Thanks,
Mark

Also, Mark, the vertical offset is 37%, rather than the 27% originally announed. So it needs to be ~22" above the top of the screen rather than 16".

Thanks MillerWill, I saw both numbers and mistakenly thought that 27" was the latest. What do you believe is the minimum distance from bottom of projector to ceiling for circulation, etc.

oops 27%

Thanks MillerWill, I saw both numbers and mistakenly thought that 27" was the latest. What do you believe is the minimum distance from bottom of projector to ceiling for circulation, etc.

Kevin Anderson and Jason Turk have stated, I believe, that 5" to 6" is the closest that one can get the LENS to the ceiling. This is using a Chief Univeral mount, as I recall, and thus must put the bottom of the pj to within ~ 3" of the ceiling. Maybe you could cut into the ceiling and get the lens a couple of inches higher if necessary. But I'm not the most knowledgeable one to ask, for this large offset (and long throw) has pretty much eliminated the HD81 from my 'list' of possibles.

Kevin Anderson and Jason Turk have stated, I believe, that 5" to 6" is the closest that one can get the LENS to the ceiling. This is using a Chief Univeral mount, as I recall, and thus must put the bottom of the pj to within ~ 3" of the ceiling. Maybe you could cut into the ceiling and get the lens a couple of inches higher if necessary. But I'm not the most knowledgeable one to ask, for this large offset (and long throw) has pretty much eliminated the HD81 from my 'list' of possibles.

Other members have listed that a slight tilt of the projector results in a very small
keystone. I did just that. I am about 5" above what the 37% offset requires and the keystone is less than 1/2 inch on each side. Also, the 1/2 inch is hidden in the felt of my Firehauk.
If anyone could see any distortion (showing non calibration material) with that small amount of keystone, then they are very gifted (or cursed depending on how you look at it) in terms of vision.
I have no problem with that aspect of the machine. I do have some occasional dithering / artifacts, but as I keep working with the set up it seems to be getting better. Not perfect, yet but pretty darn good.
The problem is every time I start trying to calibrate I get engrossed in whatever I'm watching and forget about what I started doing.
I guess things could be worse.

Tony G

Optoma HD81
115"FireHauk
Toshiba HD 1A
B&k Ref 30
4 Sonus faber Concerto surrounds
Kef Ref fronts
Dynaudio Center
Energy sub
Adcom GFA555, Adcom 2535, Adcom 545

This works for me. for example. I could put the screen up to 36" from the ground. Add 60 inches for the screen, then 22" offset: that puts the lens at 118" from ground. That leaves me with 14" from the lens to the ceiling.
For conservatism let's call the lens the bottom of the projector. The projector is 4.6 inches tall. That leaves 9.4 inches clearance. I have more than enough room (even more if I lower the screen a bit).
Make sense?

This works for me. for example. I could put the screen up to 36" from the ground. Add 60 inches for the screen, then 22" offset: that puts the lens at 118" from ground. That leaves me with 14" from the lens to the ceiling.
For conservatism let's call the lens the bottom of the projector. The projector is 4.6 inches tall. That leaves 9.4 inches clearance. I have more than enough room (even more if I lower the screen a bit).
Make sense?

Sounds good to go! (The advantages of a HIGH ceiling.)

sorry to dominate this thread today. Have been lurking. Appreciate it.

This works for me. for example. I could put the screen up to 36" from the ground. Add 60 inches for the screen, then 22" offset: that puts the lens at 118" from ground. That leaves me with 14" from the lens to the ceiling.
For conservatism let's call the lens the bottom of the projector. The projector is 4.6 inches tall. That leaves 9.4 inches clearance. I have more than enough room (even more if I lower the screen a bit).
Make sense?


This is a great projector for your ceiling height. You need a large offset or your projector would be hanging to low, as in too noticable.

Tony
G

Tjgar, precisely what I was just thinking. Wanted a sophisticated housing for my projector, but I know myself, and know that I will change projectors fairly often (couple of years) so have been reluctant to build a "permanent" strucutre. Most projectors will hang low and look a little too pronounced. This has been one of the things that has attracted me to the HD81.

That is why some of the issues have been dissapointing. I suspect that most issues that are firmware addressable will be fixed by the time I purchase next year. The fan noise is my remaining concern. I like the idea of having the processor unit neatly installed in my equipment rack to access the three HDMI inputs. I will want more (satellite, HD-DVD, PS3, iTV (eventually from Apple), XBox360 (though I guess component will suffice), computer, others?).

Tjgar, precisely what I was just thinking. Wanted a sophisticated housing for my projector, but I know myself, and know that I will change projectors fairly often (couple of years) so have been reluctant to build a "permanent" strucutre. Most projectors will hang low and look a little too pronounced. This has been one of the things that has attracted me to the HD81.

That is why some of the issues have been dissapointing. I suspect that most issues that are firmware addressable will be fixed by the time I purchase next year. The fan noise is my remaining concern. I like the idea of having the processor unit neatly installed in my equipment rack to access the three HDMI inputs. I will want more (satellite, HD-DVD, PS3, iTV (eventually from Apple), XBox360 (though I guess component will suffice), computer, others?).


Just so you understand the the processor will most likely not work other projectors when you do change in a couple of years.
I just changed in a little less than 3 years, and to tell the truth I don't think my eyes will be good enough to apreciate anything better than the 81. Even with my Glasses!

Tony g

tjgar, thanks for that input. I am well aware that the processor is for the 81 only. we'll see, maybe the replacement down the line will be 2 piece as well or I will buy a seperate video processor. I don't think I would get a DVD 50 with the HD81, but I might for a different PJ.

I have a sound panel below it, and sound is not an issue with it at all.
Hey Tony -- Can you post some photos of your set up? I would be very interested in seeing what you have done.

ditto, I would like to see that picture!

Kevin Anderson and Jason Turk have stated, I believe, that 5" to 6" is the closest that one can get the LENS to the ceiling. This is using a Chief Univeral mount, as I recall, and thus must put the bottom of the pj to within ~ 3" of the ceiling. Maybe you could cut into the ceiling and get the lens a couple of inches higher if necessary. But I'm not the most knowledgeable one to ask, for this large offset (and long throw) has pretty much eliminated the HD81 from my 'list' of possibles.

After reading these posts, I just went and measured my screen and ceiling. I have 30 inches from the top of the screen (actual white part of the screen) to the ceiling. A 37% offset means the lens must be 22" above the screen.

That leaves 8" for the projector and mount.

So I have a whopping 2 inches to spare, with 10 foot ceilings? :eek:

My problem is fix. It's seem I had B/W enhanced set to 5. I was on the false impression that this function was only playing with brightness and contrast setting so setting it to any value was not important if you adjusted contrast and brightness after. But every setting else than "off" cause noise similar to dithering. I would like to find out if MrHifi has the B/W enhanced turn on as well. My picture is now way smoother and that noise I was seeing is completely gone.

Bruno


Sounds good Bruno, Wing told me maybe 1 on B/W enhance and maybe none. :)

Killer combination Scaler Projector? A little more money than the cheaper SXRD but it sure offers allot.

My installation is complete. For the first time in twelve years of viewing movies in my dedicated home theater, tonight was the first night it truly felt like a theater. The effect of a 2:35:1 fixed screen being filled by a scope movie using an anamorphic lens is incredibly dramatic.

The images are amazingly bright, three dimensional, with stunning contrast and resolution, good shadow detail, great color, but not oversaturated and it all looks more like a film because of the screen.

It takes more time to install a moveable anamorphic lens in addition to a projector and
screen, as my installer said, "lots more variables"--but the end result is worth the expense
and effort, IMO.

The HD81/Panamorph setup is a sweet combination, everything I had hoped for image wise. I urge anybody who hasn't seen an anamorphic setup to do so with whatever projector.

Jeff Regan

Hey Tony -- Can you post some photos of your set up? I would be very interested in seeing what you have done.


Kevin / Mark

I guess I'l have to get me a new digital camera!


will post pics asap!

Tony

bgosselin,

I only use b/w enhancement with very soft sources like SVHS tapes or NTSC programming. The stuff I see is there regardless of the settings. Its visibility changes with program material and color.

My installation is complete. For the first time in twelve years of viewing movies in my dedicated home theater, tonight was the first night it truly felt like a theater. The effect of a 2:35:1 fixed screen being filled by a scope movie using an anamorphic lens is incredibly dramatic.

The images are amazingly bright, three dimensional, with stunning contrast and resolution, good shadow detail, great color, but not oversaturated and it all looks more like a film because of the screen.

It takes more time to install a moveable anamorphic lens in addition to a projector and
screen, as my installer said, "lots more variables"--but the end result is worth the expense
and effort, IMO.

The HD81/Panamorph setup is a sweet combination, everything I had hoped for image wise. I urge anybody who hasn't seen an anamorphic setup to do so with whatever projector.
Congratulations, Jeff! My ISCO II lens is still sitting on the floor because I'm awaiting the Cineslide before installation. With the new anamorphic modes in the scaler it sounds like the HD81 is even more anamorphic-friendly than ever!

I went 2.35:1 almost 4 years ago and will never go back. Being without my anamorphic lens since I got the HD81 has been really painful!

-Dave

Jeff congratulations!! Your setup sounds Awesome. Was hoping to get up there this Friday but doesn't look like it will work. I'll PM and let you know for sure.
You must be loving it!!!

bgosselin,

I only use b/w enhancement with very soft sources like SVHS tapes or NTSC programming. The stuff I see is there regardless of the settings. Its visibility changes with program material and color.

Art,

Being as you are the only one that has ever said anything about a color wheel noise and the fact taht you are seeing dithering at every setting, I would wager that you have a faulty color wheel motor or bearing. It is probably not spinning at the correct speed and hence providing the artifacts you are seeing.

Just a guess.

Joe

Art,

Being as you are the only one that has ever said anything about a color wheel noise and the fact taht you are seeing dithering at every setting, I would wager that you have a faulty color wheel motor or bearing. It is probably not spinning at the correct speed and hence providing the artifacts you are seeing.

Just a guess.

Joe

Joe,

Now that I have firmware allowing 48Hz frame rate, I hear the color wheel slow
down, and once you hear the difference, you realize the sound that the color wheel adds to the projector--it's quieter in 48Hz. Wing also confirmed that it is possible to see dithering in more than just the green channel--the color wheel has a dark green segment to reduce luminance noise, but does not address chroma noise dithering in the red and blue channels, which makes up a much smaller percentage of the signal. I found the dithering obvious up close to the screen in the magenta bar of color bars and flat field gray. Art has a very good eye(and ear), which can be a blessing and a curse.

Jeff Regan

Joe,

Now that I have firmware allowing 48Hz frame rate, I hear the color wheel slow
down, and once you hear the difference, you realize the sound that the color wheel adds to the projector--it's quieter in 48Hz. Wing also confirmed that it is possible to see dithering in more than just the green channel--the color wheel has a dark green segment to reduce luminance noise, but does not address chroma noise dithering in the red and blue channels, which makes up a much smaller percentage of the signal. I found the dithering obvious up close to the screen in the magenta bar of color bars and flat field gray. Art has a very good eye(and ear), which can be a blessing and a curse.

Jeff Regan

LOL, Maybe you are right. It might be time to get my hearing checked! :)

Joe

My installation is complete. For the first time in twelve years of viewing movies in my dedicated home theater, tonight was the first night it truly felt like a theater. The effect of a 2:35:1 fixed screen being filled by a scope movie using an anamorphic lens is incredibly dramatic.

The images are amazingly bright, three dimensional, with stunning contrast and resolution, good shadow detail, great color, but not oversaturated and it all looks more like a film because of the screen.

It takes more time to install a moveable anamorphic lens in addition to a projector and
screen, as my installer said, "lots more variables"--but the end result is worth the expense
and effort, IMO.

The HD81/Panamorph setup is a sweet combination, everything I had hoped for image wise. I urge anybody who hasn't seen an anamorphic setup to do so with whatever projector.

Jeff Regan


Jeff , sounds like a nice setup, congratulations.
I have three questions for you.

#1= I currently purchased h81 a month ago and have c04 , will optoma ugrade it to c07 at no charge, once all the beta stuff is done , could you ask Wing or do you know?.

#2= I have no screen yet, just viewing it on a temporray screen. Im considering a 2:35 screen.
I was wondering, at what projector aspect setting do I set the projector to see the 2:35 image? ( I want to see what the 2:35 will look like)

#3= Whats the difference in viewing 2:35 without the anamorphic verses with it?

1gasman

General question, Im seeing a blurd image when viewing tv source material in 16:9,and not in HD.
The image sharpens when I set unit to native , but the picture gets real small.
Anyone have any answer?

1gasman

Jeff , sounds like a nice setup, congratulations.
I have three questions for you.

#1= I currently purchased h81 a month ago and have c04 , will optoma ugrade it to c07 at no charge, once all the beta stuff is done , could you ask Wing or do you know?.

#2= I have no screen yet, just viewing it on a temporray screen. Im considering a 2:35 screen.
I was wondering, at what projector aspect setting do I set the projector to see the 2:35 image? ( I want to see what the 2:35 will look like)

#3= Whats the difference in viewing 2:35 without the anamorphic verses with it?

1gasman

1gasman,

#1 Yes, Optoma will do a free firmware upgrade now to CO6 for sure. You will
have to send in both the projector and processor.

#2 When viewing a 2:35 source, you need to use the "LBX"(Letterbox) mode,
which does a vertical expansion allowing for full vertical height and resolution
(all pixels being used for active picture area vs. wasted on black bars).

#3 Without an anamorphic lens, you will see a vertically stretched image that
becomes unstretched horizontally and wider than a 16:9 frame when using a
"Horizontal Expansion" anamorphic lens. Using my setup as an example; my
HT only allows for a 12' throw, so the HD81 cannot project an image any
wider than 78" in 16:9. When I move the anamorphic lens in, it gives me a
100" wide image while preserving a "Constant Image Height".

The HD81 is a very good projector for anamorphic setups for many reasons. I'm
happy that my 14'X13'5" HT room with 8' ceilings, given the inflexibility of the HD81 installation wise, can support a 100' wide screen that is 36" above the floor,
or less if preferred.

Jeff Regan

Hey Tony -- Can you post some photos of your set up? I would be very interested in seeing what you have done.

Keven,

I got the camera, took the pics but not sure how to post them.
Every time I try, I get an error saying the file is too large. jpeg 1.2 mb.
not sure how to zip them down?

Any help would be appreciated.

Tony Garippo

Greetings:

I'm confused by the apparent difference of opinion about whether the vertical offset is 27% or 36%.

I'm using a "test screen" that is exactly 45" x 80". The top of the white part of this screen is exactly 71" above the floor. The center of the projector lens is 83" above the floor, or almost 27% of the screen height above the top of the screen.

The projector is perfectly level, and there's no keystoning. I'm zoomed all of the way in, if that's important to know.

Where is this 36% number coming from?

Appreciate your advice,

-doug-

Greetings:

I'm confused by the apparent difference of opinion about whether the vertical offset is 27% or 36%.

Where is this 36% number coming from?

Appreciate your advice,

-doug-

Doug,

I just ceiling mounted my HD81 on Tuesday and my vertical offset was 27%.

Jeff Regan

Hey Tony -- Can you post some photos of your set up? I would be very interested in seeing what you have done.




If I can't post the pics here I can email them to you. just PM me to give email address.

Tony

Keven,

I got the camera, took the pics but not sure how to post them.
Every time I try, I get an error saying the file is too large. jpeg 1.2 mb.
not sure how to zip them down?

Any help would be appreciated.

Tony Garippo

I've had good luck down resing to 800X600 jpgs.

So, which is it...27% or 37%?

The projector central site says the HD81 has a "4x speed" color wheel. Is that accurate?

edit: hey, look who was first to post on page 100! ;)

I'm planning to buy HD81, and want 120" to 130" wide screen (2.35 CIH setup).
What will be best screen for me. Its not a dedicated theatre. But i will be watching movies at night only. Although ceiling and rug are light colored, and walls are dark beige.
I'm leaning towards Stewart ultramatte 130 or 150

any suggestions??

Thx
mani

HD81 has a 7X color wheel. Optoma has 136% offset listed in some places, originally 27%,
my setup shows a 27% offset.

Jeff Regan

Guitarman,

Ok I think I may have it now!

Multi-purpose/Theater room

28' by 26'

will try to add more pics soon.
Tony

Kevin'
I have to put the photo's on 3 sep posts. but here they are.
Also the camera flash makes the room appear brighter than it really is.

Tony G

HD81 has a 7X color wheel. Optoma has 136% offset listed in some places, originally 27%,
my setup shows a 27% offset.

Jeff Regan

Thanks Jeff.

Did you plan on a 27% offset? Or did you just deal with it when you got the pj? How did you determine the offset before mounting it?

Try to open these.

More pics.

More pics.


last pics, could only load 3 files at a time!

Sorry for taking up so much time here.

Tony

can anyone give a link to review of HD81, stating 900+ callibrated lumens?

Thx
mani

can anyone give a link to review of HD81, stating 900+ callibrated lumens?

Thx
mani

The only one I've seen is the report by Guitarman, way back in this thread.

The only one I've seen is the report by Guitarman, way back in this thread.


But it doesn't mention , what the iris setting was?..was it in highlamp mode? etc

But it doesn't mention , what the iris setting was?..was it in highlamp mode? etc

I imagine, since I think he was trying to find the max calibrated lumen output.

I imagine, since I think he was trying to find the max calibrated lumen output.


If you look at this review, they only got 655 lumens at full brightness mode.??
http://www.projectorcentral.com/optoma_hd81.htm

I want to get 120 in wide Stewart ultramatte screen. I want to be sure of brightness before i order the screen.

Which review to believe??

Mani

I don't think there have yet been any 'professional' reviews.

If you look at audioholics review:

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/optoma-HD81p3.php

" At maximum output, we measured over 152 cd/m^2 reflected off the 100-inch Stewart StudioTek 130 screen"

Now what does that mean in layman terms?.. How many lumens does that translate into??

Can anyone help

mani

Jeff,

I agree, mine came out to in the area of 27%.

Jeff,

I agree, mine came out to in the area of 27%.

Good to know, thanks Art.

It's funny how I keep coming back to the HD81. It's hard to find another pj that will have sufficient brightness for my size screen.

Greg Rogers says that Optoma sent him one (Thanks Optoma!), so we should get a review before too long. Needless to say, I am really looking forward to Greg's comments.

Hi guys,

Anybody else have a PS3 for Blu-Ray playback? I'm having some issues playing Fox Blu-Ray movies via HDMI to the HD81. All of my non-Fox titles seem to work fine. I suspect it is some sort of HDMI compatibility issue since these same titles work fine for other people with other display devices.

Thanks.

-Dave

Jeff:

After posting my question, I re-visited the Optoma web site spec page, and the math does work out to 36%, but OUR installation really is 27%.

Maybe this has to do with the Zoom setting? I understand geometry, and I don't see how the zoom could affect this, but one of the number HAS to be wrong, and I cannot understand why we can't get a definitive answer on this.

Either way, I'll be OK since I have cathedral ceilings.

-d-

Doug,

I just ceiling mounted my HD81 on Tuesday and my vertical offset was 27%.

Jeff Regan

It really would be good to know the offset more precisely, in my case it would be at the max zoom (i.e., pj as close to the screen as possible).

In my case the projector's zoom is adjusted for the largest possible image. The offset is around 28% or slightly less. I will be hanging my replacement unit tomorrow and performing a complete set up including gray scale tracking and level settings shortly thereafter. I am eager to see the effect of the upgraded software. Whatever the software version they sent me, I look forward to getting this thing installed once and for all and to finding out what a properly operating unit looks and sounds like. Optoma hand picked the replacement unit from their inventory and had it checked out and updated by their in house techs. I am sure tey are eager to get it right and to get me out of their hair. I must say that once Warren Pierce and the powers that be at Optoma understood my dilemna, they reacted quickly to replace the projector.

Anybody else have a PS3 for Blu-Ray playback? I'm having some issues playing Fox Blu-Ray movies via HDMI to the HD81. All of my non-Fox titles seem to work fine. I suspect it is some sort of HDMI compatibility issue since these same titles work fine for other people with other display devices.
I heard from Wing and apparently the 1.30 PS3 firmware upgrade caused some incompatibilities that have been fixed. I'm shipping my projector in for the firmware upgrade next week and this should solve the problem for me.

-Dave

1gasman,

#1 Yes, Optoma will do a free firmware upgrade now to CO6 for sure. You will
have to send in both the projector and processor.

#2 When viewing a 2:35 source, you need to use the "LBX"(Letterbox) mode,
which does a vertical expansion allowing for full vertical height and resolution
(all pixels being used for active picture area vs. wasted on black bars).

#3 Without an anamorphic lens, you will see a vertically stretched image that
becomes unstretched horizontally and wider than a 16:9 frame when using a
"Horizontal Expansion" anamorphic lens. Using my setup as an example; my
HT only allows for a 12' throw, so the HD81 cannot project an image any
wider than 78" in 16:9. When I move the anamorphic lens in, it gives me a
100" wide image while preserving a "Constant Image Height".

The HD81 is a very good projector for anamorphic setups for many reasons. I'm
happy that my 14'X13'5" HT room with 8' ceilings, given the inflexibility of the HD81 installation wise, can support a 100' wide screen that is 36" above the floor,
or less if preferred.

Jeff Regan

----------------
Thanks Jeff for info.
I had called optoma last week and the tech said the only difference between c04 and c06 was that more languages were added. He wasnt willing to upgrade mine.
Do you have any other contacts with optoma , that I could contact?
Would you press further if you had c04?
I just want to get what I paid for and have the latest software.

Thanks for the 2:35 Info.

1gasman

1gasman,

I would not send your HD81 in for a firmware upgrade until the version Optoma would
provide is capable of doing a full download from the net, when their site is running.
Currently, it is unclear whether or not C06 will allow a full download of C07 and above,
because C07 has not been finalized. Once it is clear which firmware version will allow
full downloads via the net, and you send your HD81 in for that version, you should
not need to send your processor and projector back to Optoma again for firmware
upgrades.

If you are having specific issues which can be addressed by newer firmware, then Optoma
should be willing to do a free upgrade. Customer service will not offer C07 until it is finalized, and this is the firmware that is supposed to address HDMI issues.

Jeff Regan

Jeff,

Maybe I got it wrong but I thought that your version C08 did not resolve the HDMI luminace issue that makes us use the PC setting not the Video setting. I hope to get the new projector up in the next couple of days to see if any of the software issues have been resolved.

I ordered one of these in black. It came in silver. Does anyone know if the projector body is available in black?

MrHiFI-

Did I miss something?? When did Optopma send you a replacement HD-81?

TA

Jeff,

Maybe I got it wrong but I thought that your version C08 did not resolve the HDMI luminace issue that makes us use the PC setting not the Video setting. I hope to get the new projector up in the next couple of days to see if any of the software issues have been resolved.

Art,

You are right, I don't see any difference with C08--I still have to run at DVI-PC for
video sources. I also believe that a couple of settings have changed on their own, 48Hz film mode is unuseable, new firmware resets many parameters including bulb time. The AutoScope feature isn't responding as reliably to different aspect ratios as it had been, the anamorphic lens is triggering opposite of what it's supposed to do. The latter issues are why manufacturers have beta testers, the DVI black levels not being corrected by now, is surprising.

Could you please confirm any of my findings and what firmware version your new
projector has?

Jeff Regan

Jeff,

I hope to get some hands in here this afternoon. I will get back to you as soon as I get some kind of feel for what might have improved.

Timbelmont,

At this point I have purchased a new HD81.

All,

i have a question that maybe one of you can help with... I am trying to determine the math to calculate the offset, and screen size based upon setback from the screen and distance from the ceiling. Based upon some of the comments I want to make sure it will actually work for my application...

Does anyone have all of the formulas. I have not been able to find anything...but figure I am just missing it :o


I am debating the HD81 vs the HC5000. There is a really cool tool for the Mitsubishi products to do all of the calculations. I am more Pro DLP so would prefer the HD81 :D

Thanks in advance for the help

Hi guys,

Anybody else have a PS3 for Blu-Ray playback? I'm having some issues playing Fox Blu-Ray movies via HDMI to the HD81. All of my non-Fox titles seem to work fine. I suspect it is some sort of HDMI compatibility issue since these same titles work fine for other people with other display devices.

Thanks.

-Dave

Some of the Fox titles have loading issues that vary from not being able to load them at all...to a circle swirl icon on your screen before loading...depending on which BD player is being used.

The most common problem title is Speed....which Fox is offering a free replacement disc for those having problems.

Is this what you are refereing to when you say issues?

I did some testing with the HQV test disc to see if it made more sense to playback SD DVD's
with my Toshiba HD DVD player outputting 1080i/HDMI or Sony DVD player at 480i/Component.

As Kevin Anderson previously found, using 480i is a good way to go because of the Gennum
VXP scaling of the HD81. The Toshiba failed several scaling tests that the Gennum sailed through.

Unfortunately, after having watched mainly HD DVD's on the HD81 or HD via satellite, SD
DVD's just don't look that great. Besides the softness, things like artificial detail edges
found on many SD DVD's really ruin the image for me and the HD81 shows every compression artifact. It is easy to get spoiled with HD sources with this projector.

Jeff Regan

I did some testing with the HQV test disc to see if it made more sense to playback SD DVD's
with my Toshiba HD DVD player outputting 1080i/HDMI or Sony DVD player at 480i/Component.

As Kevin Anderson previously found, using 480i is a good way to go because of the Gennum
VXP scaling of the HD81. The Toshiba failed several scaling tests that the Gennum sailed through.

Unfortunately, after having watched mainly HD DVD's on the HD81 or HD via satellite, SD
DVD's just don't look that great. Besides the softness, things like artificial detail edges
found on many SD DVD's really ruin the image for me and the HD81 shows every compression artifact. It is easy to get spoiled with HD sources with this projector.


Jeff Regan


What about the Denon DVD-player 3930 ? Same results with SD DVD's or much better as H81 Gennum?

Anybody?

Jos