Please don't hack my head off if this has been answered a gazillion times... I tried the search but didn't find anything relevant, so here goes:

I have my Playstation 3 with latest firmware hooked up to my 8720 (HDMI). What display settings in the Ps3 should I use when watching blu-rays?
I have resolution set to 720p which I thought looks slightly better than 1080i.

But what about BD/DVD video output format. Should I use Automatic, RGB or Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr?

And display settings? RGB Full range (HDMI), should it be full or limited?
Should Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr super white be on or off?

I have tried several variations, but I am unsure of what gives the most pleasing image.

Also, what gamma setting in the 8720 do most of you use? home theater, cinema or what?

Thanks, ablegoy

Where would the bottom of the image be if I sat the projector up on a table that was about 36" off the floor and projected on a wall straight ahead.

What I'm looking for is where the image would be if I had it shelf mounted on the back of my room.Kinda tryin' to set up the mounting shelf.

KG

No calibration for me. But 15 days of hard personal test to finally set it like this:
brightness:+2
contrast:+5
color:+12
tint:+1
and in "extended picture settings":
-color temp":cool
-color enhancement:
-red:10
-green:17
-blue:12
-yellow:12
Why did I set it like this? Because it fits with old "super 8" ;-) experience I had on some picture scenes.
After 1 more week experience, I realize that evrything goes ok, so I am glad.
As a pitty, I don't think the values I give you here are good for you. Because it depends as well of your source settings of course, but:
1 - you could start to change brightness and contrast on a cool temparatur base, as I did. I do it until black are real black but not far of a gray-blak limit, so I got more details in dark scenes (1st and second chapter of "Van Helsing" is good for this) You have to look details as far as you can see in the picture, not faces of characters, only far details. The best setting is the one wich let you see the most details in the deep of the forest or a deep room in Van Helsing movie, for instance.
2- once you got your details picture ok as you want, then you can think of "color", "tint" and "color enhancement". No details here, but faces of characters only and landscape. Play + and - of the color and tint first, until you get the most natural character face. You can end with color enhancement correction (+or- red,green...).

You can save your settings in "save settings" until three (very usefull, because you'll have to try them on different movies). Don't be afraid, you can get back on benq's once at anytime by using "preset mode".

Thats it! Hope it will help you.
LG

PS: By the way, I forgot, to thank benq for his good PE8720 bargain. I bought it 3 weeks ago in Paris trying It among recent HD ready Mits 3100, Planar and several recent 3 LCDs. I defenetly prefer DLP. PE8720 won yet of a short head among 2000 euro DLP range! August in Paris, is a very good month to try all an afternoon evry projector. PE8720 was not even in demo anymore, but the seller took time to make an quick install for me. Cool, it works so perfect with SD sources. Thanks, thanks, thanks ...

I need some help, because I'm experiencing what could be the "Clay" effect. It's especially in darker scenes, that faces look dirty, sunburned and brownish. I've only used DVE for calibration, but I haven't touched gamma, tint etc., only brightness, contrast and color. I've also adjusted the CW Delay in the factory menu, which I probably shouldn't have.

I'm now wondering if there's any way to reset the projector completely, both the user menu and the factory menu. I'd like to do a calibration from scratch to see if the problem disappears.

Any tips on how to get rid of this phenomena?

Hi guys. I've had my 8720 for almost two years. It's got a lot of hours on it and there's a possibility I may need to change the bulb soon. I was wondering if any of you could tell me where I can order one? Also, can I change the bulb myself? How easy or difficult will it be to change? I bought the pj from TV-Authority last year. When the bulb finally goes out, should I take it to them for the change? Or should I do it myself?

NO need to send it in to change your lamp. BenQ designed the projector so that it can be ceiling mounted and still able to change the lamp without taking it down. It takes more time to unscrew the door than change the lamp. One note, take their advice in the manual and use a screwdriver with magnetic point...I didn't and the screw dropped in the projector...had to find a new screwdriver with mag. end and fish it out.

As far as where to buy....a google search should turn up a number of sellers...including the benQstore.

Ron

I'd also ask the sales guys at AVS if they sell bulbs (http://www.avscience.com/contact.htm)

Thanks :)

I'm going to be doing a full recalibration on my 8720 this coming week since its now about a year and 300 hours in to the bulb. I was wondering which gamma curve people agreed was ideal? I see early on 'presenter' liked Family Room and fixed the color but then later may have been leaning towards Cinema.

If one chooses Family Room, which settings do you adjust to correct the greenish tint and fix what appears to be contouring?

Thanks for advice. If anyone can point me to a '8720 calibration instructions' post or page that would be good.

I have had trouble on 2 different occasions getting bulbs for my 8720 in a timely manner. I finally threw in the towel this last time. I ordered a bulb from a website that promised same week delivery, and after 3 weeks, canceled the order and called BenQ. They gave me this website, and problem solved.

http://www.benqshopper.com/

I have had trouble on 2 different occasions getting bulbs for my 8720 in a timely manner. I finally threw in the towel this last time. I ordered a bulb from a website that promised same week delivery, and after 3 weeks, canceled the order and called BenQ. They gave me this website, and problem solved.

http://www.benqshopper.com/

That's it....benqshopper....not the benqstore and I stated in an earlier post.

Hi All,

Just had my 8720 professionally calibrated by Kras Muzic. I waited until 160 hrs on the 2nd bulb. Boy I am kicking myself for waiting. The picture on this projector is above average out of the box. We found this projector comes from the factory very poorly calibrated. Thankfully it has been designed with the capability to by calibrated to an amazing level. After checking them all they started with Home theater mode.

After watching it done right I can say in good faith there is no way you will scratch the surface of what this projector is capable of with an eyeball calibration. I tried and thought I was doing pretty good. I am in awe of what I have now. From the factory it is so far out it defiantly takes the proper calibration equipment and experience to scratch the surface.

This is an amazing projector. 720 will not get much better than this. Maybe a tad brighter, but not better. I rarely watch movies more than once and I have been going back through my library to see what I have been missing.

As for the factory menu reset I am sorry to say it sucks. There is no full reset. But you may have done yourself a favor. Call a good Pro, have it calibrated while he is there. This will be the best $$ you have spent including the purchase. I know it is tough to plunk down this kind of change on a "budget" projector. It is a fun thing to find out that the kick a* Ferrari you got a great deal on and love has actually been running on ten of twelve cylinders.

Best Regards,
Derek

Hi All,

Just had my 8720 professionally calibrated by Kras Muzic. I waited until 160 hrs on the 2nd bulb. Boy I am kicking myself for waiting. The picture on this projector is above average out of the box. We found this projector comes from the factory very poorly calibrated. Thankfully it has been designed with the capability to by calibrated to an amazing level. After checking them all they started with Home theater mode.

After watching it done right I can say in good faith there is no way you will scratch the surface of what this projector is capable of with an eyeball calibration. I tried and thought I was doing pretty good. I am in awe of what I have now. From the factory it is so far out it defiantly takes the proper calibration equipment and experience to scratch the surface.

This is an amazing projector. 720 will not get much better than this. Maybe a tad brighter, but not better. I rarely watch movies more than once and I have been going back through my library to see what I have been missing.

As for the factory menu reset I am sorry to say it sucks. There is no full reset. But you may have done yourself a favor. Call a good Pro, have it calibrated while he is there. This will be the best $$ you have spent including the purchase. I know it is tough to plunk down this kind of change on a "budget" projector. It is a fun thing to find out that the kick a* Ferrari you got a great deal on and love has actually been running on ten of twelve cylinders.

Best Regards,
Derek

Good post dlouw. I've thought about having my 8720 professionally calibrated, but now I'm starting to get the 1080p itch. A couple days ago, I FINALLY watched a hi-def movie for the first time on my 8720(Bourne Ultimatum) and was pretty darn impressed. But I know 1080p will improve the clarity of the image that much more....RIGHT? I mean, do you guys suspect I'll be blown away if I upgrade to a 1080p pj? Or is the difference only minor?

Thank You. I was getting the same itch. The itch is gone.

OMHO and Hind sight being 20/20 OMHO it will take a damn fine 1080 set (read big $$$) to blow this thing away now. I am content now to wait for a quality and bright three chip unit to come within my reach. Resolution is a small part of making a good picture. Contrast, color accuracy and optics play a much larger role. You have the potential to have these in spades. Unless you sit close enough to clearly see the pixels in a blind test you will choose the unit with the above qualities every time, perhaps even then. A simalar test was done by a group of fellow AV enthusiasts in Europe using a 8720 and a 1080 BenQ to compare 720 and 1080. There were very few who could tell them apart. It was on AV Forums. You can use search to review it. I am sure the results would have been even more scewed had they used a lesser 1080 projector.

If you are not being driven crazy by seeing the pixel grid I would suggest investing in a calibration that you would likely need anyway with a 1080 and using the balance for HD content, players and maybe some new audio gear or furniture. If you have limited funds this will give you more bang for the buck.

Best Regards,
Derek

Thank You. I was getting the same itch. The itch is gone.
OMHO and Hind sight being 20/20 - it will take a damn fine 1080 set (read big $$$) to blow this thing away now. ......
Best Regards,
Derek
Honestly, 720P looks fine to me and I feel no itch to jump to 1080P. My 8720 looks fantastic, but I plan on replacing it in 2008. The reasons I'd have for upgrading are two side issues: projector noise and rainbows. I see lots of rainbows because I'm running the color wheel as slow as possible to minimize noise. When I speed up the color wheel, the rainbows mostly disappear, but the projector is too loud. I'd much rather see rainbows than hear the projector, but I would like a projector that didn't make me choose.

I'd upgrade to any projector that looked as good as the 8720, was nearly silent, and cost $3500 or less.

Hi,
I live in Atlanta, GA and was hoping to get our BenQ pe 8720 professionally calibrated. We have about 37 hours in and even the HD channels are nit that crisp, with the non-HD channels downright blurry. You can't even read uniform numbers on non HD shows. Any suggestions on who to contact?

I may be wrong, but I doubt a calibration will fix image crispness very much. What they help with, generally, are colors, black level, and contrast ratios. On some PJs they may help with convergence, but I do not think this can be done on the Benq.

Here are a few hints...

General stuff you probably already know:
When you focus, have someone stand at the screen and make sure you're focused well enough to see the DLP grid. Check your lens to make sure it is clean (do not look at the lens with the projector turned on). A lot of the "Premium" content on cable and D* is pretty low bitrate and may often look a little fuzzy, at least in my experience.

HDTV from OTA sources looks good on my Benq 8720. Very good. Cable sources look a bit softer, but generally look pretty good. Check out who is doing the scaling. If it is your cable box, tell it to send out the native resolution and have your Benq scale the image. Live sports broadcasts are done at low bitrates and you can really see this on a big screen. I kept my screen small (96" diag) for this reason.

SD channels will always look terrible on the big screen. I use a small TV or the Benq's Native mode for them. Buying a good scaler will help, but cost you thousands.


HD DVDs look amazing. I assume BluRay will also. It would be a good test of your setup if you can get your hands on one of these players and watch a good transfer.

Hi
Ihave been searching for the new firmware for PE8720 and updating my self. I got all the apps and the hex file. tomorrow I will upload and share with you guys

What new firmware are you refering to?

Well it looks like the HDMI input on my BenQ is freaking out. Whether I run a HDMI HDCP signal or use a BB bonus disc of 300 (w/o HDCP encription), the projector will show the image for 10 secs, then go blank/black. I've run all the tests and know it's not the cable(s), scaler or source components. I pulled out my Infocus 4805 and used it in the same set up and no problems whatsoever.

Anyone encounter this? BTW: never had this issue for the last 9 months, so it's something that showed up overnight. What has been member's experience in turnaround time for repair by BenQ (assuming they have all the parts)?

Thanks for any insight or feedback

Ron

I just read about doing a firmware update above my posts. What is the latest firmware? I know mine is not the latest as of last summer when I bought it....so I'll have them update the firmware too.

Ron

Ron,

I believe the latest firmware version is 1.04, unless they sneaked something out that I'm not aware of.

Ron,

I believe the latest firmware version is 1.04, unless they sneaked something out that I'm not aware of.

Thanks!

Hey guys,

What's the life-span in hours of your bulbs? Mine is at 907hr and it got pretty dim. I know light drop off is gradual but last week it took a nose dive. It's my first lamp.

I'm sorry if this has already been answered but my 8720 starts flashing about an hour into a movie and it's only the left half of the picture and it only lasts for a couple of minutes and goes away. It looks like a luminance fluctuation by about 5 IRE or so.

I'm using a PS3 with Blu-ray discs. My last test was to switch inputs while the problem was happening and it seemed to go away. It may have been a coincidence. Please give me some incite on what is going on. I only have 55 hours on it. Thanks in advance.

Sometimes a new bulb will fluctuate as it burns in. Half the picture seems very odd. Call BenQ if it persists, They will take car of it.

The HDCP seems to have broke on my 8720.

I at first thought that it might be the PS3's HDMI port that was broken because the Xbox 360 and the PC both work just fine through HDMI.
But when I tried to play a downloaded movie on the 360 it gave me an onscreen message about not finding a HDCP compatible display.
I guess the 360 only sends a HDCP signal when playing movies, and the PS3 sends a HDCP signal always.

Nothing had been changed, added or removed from my setup. It just decided not to work a few days ago. For the time being I can simply move the PS3 over to component and just never watch movies on the 360 ever again.

I've tried unplugging and plugging and different cables and bypassing the monoprice 5X1 switch and hooking things up directly to the projector. :(

If anyone knows of secret button combinations or hidden menu options that might return my projector back to normal I would be most happy to know about them.

Setup
Benq 8720 firmware 1.15 with a bulb thats 600 hours from 'esploding.
Monoprice 5X1 HDMI switch (Great little device)
PS3 used for watching movies and Super Stardust HD (addicting)
Xbox 360 (Call of Duty 4, Bioshock)
PC for watching TV.
All audio is sent to my old RCA reciever through optical.
(and to think I almost bought a new reciever to handle audio through HDMI, glad I didn't now)

I tried searching within this thread, but didn't see the answer. I'm planning on adding an ND lens to this projector. What size fits on this projector (BenQ customer service couldn't answer this question).

Thanks
Ron

Why a nd lens? You have a built in iris.

Arcadia88 have you tried taking the switch out of the loop? I have one and can tell you ports 1-3 sometimes have issues on these switches.

Enjoy HD,
Derek

The ND lens with 2x was recommended by Alan Gouger to help reduce/hide video noise etc that is brought out when I switched to a higher gain/silver screen material. The lens I will be looking at doesn't impact brightness (only to minor degree) or color.

To use the correct term, I am seeking the len's thread size for the 8720.

I've tried connecting with all possible combinations with my equipment.
I called the service number and BenQ tech support answered on the first ring. I told them my problem and they asked for the serial number then they gave me a return code to mail the unit back to them for repair.
I have yet to actually mail it off. I'm a bit reluctant, the machine works just fine even with a bulb almost 2500 hours. It's just that darn hdcp.
Any advice on shipping this thing to the center? I'm only out the money to actually ship it to them in California, they will fix it and mail it back to me. I also have the original box with the foam inserts. I guess I only send the projector. no need to send cables or remotes. Insurance? Fed EX? UPS?
And once the machine has been mailed I'll be back to my old 32" CRT till it comes back sometime.

Well the BenqW5000 sure looks tempting :) I wonder if the picture of the w5000 would actually be a step backwards from the 8720 in terms of performance. I know the resolution would be higher but the nice punch I get from the 8720 might not be there.

I've tried connecting with all possible combinations with my equipment.
I called the service number and BenQ tech support answered on the first ring. I told them my problem and they asked for the serial number then they gave me a return code to mail the unit back to them for repair.
I have yet to actually mail it off. I'm a bit reluctant, the machine works just fine even with a bulb almost 2500 hours. It's just that darn hdcp.
Any advice on shipping this thing to the center? I'm only out the money to actually ship it to them in California, they will fix it and mail it back to me. I also have the original box with the foam inserts. I guess I only send the projector. no need to send cables or remotes. Insurance? Fed EX? UPS?
And once the machine has been mailed I'll be back to my old 32" CRT till it comes back sometime.

Well the BenqW5000 sure looks tempting :) I wonder if the picture of the w5000 would actually be a step backwards from the 8720 in terms of performance. I know the resolution would be higher but the nice punch I get from the 8720 might not be there.

You'll need to send it in, whether you keep it or sell it. Make sure you insure it for replacement value of a refurbed unit and designate for indirect or direct signature. It's a coin flip between UPS or Fedex. I would send it via ground service either way for the least shipping cost.

I recently sent my unit in when it had problems sinking with HDCP signals, then all signals via HDMI. They replaced the main board and everything works fine. It took about 48 hours for them to repair and ship it out...that was impressive.

But, it would seem repairing the unit is your only option at this point

Ron

You will find BenQ support is very good to deal with. And fast. I went through the same issue.

rboster, it looks like it could be tough to fit a filter. What screen are you using? I have been considering a Dalite HP.

Derek

You will find BenQ support is very good to deal with. And fast. I went through the same issue.

rboster, it looks like it could be tough to fit a filter. What screen are you using? I have been considering a Dalite HP.

Derek

I'm using a high gain silver screen material that Prismasonic supplies with their curved screens. Prior to this I had a basic white 1.0 gain material from Carada. I like the extra pop of the higher gain, but the flaws (video noise becomes more pronounced)...Alan suggested an ND filter with 2x stop to counter this. The lens on the BenQ states 43mm....but there isn't a thread to mount the lens....so I'll have to rig it up somehow between the BenQ lens and the Panamorph 440 scope lens.

Ron

Small world. I was just looking at these today. That curve and a 2.35 setup has a lot of appeal. It is good to know the issues with the silver. Have you considered a HP material over your frame? I have seen this stuff on a flat screen and it definitely adds "pop". I did not notice any noise.

Just a thought but you have played with the filter settings? I am on a 92" flat screen running no filters from a XA2 and PS3 and have not seen any issues.

Derek

I haven't tried the HP material for da-lite...this material that Prismasonic uses should be very similar. I haven't yet played with the filter settings, I only spent a couple of hours with the screen and various movies to get an idea what I was seeing. I had to stop without a longer demo period, to box up my Panamorph 380 lens for their trade-in program. I should have the the replacement 440 lens by the end of the week. I plan on taking next Monday off from work to spend the day "vegging out" to catch up on some movies.

On the topic of the Prismasonic curved screen....

One of the clear benefits is how the screen material attaches to the frame...basically it's stapled to the frame. By using this method, one can change out their screen material to any companies' raw material ...so the options are unlimited. This feature is great when you change out projectors etc

The negative side to this staple method is it's a bear to get the material perfectly flat to the frame. At least that was my experience. I spent two separate evenings trying to unstaple and restaple the material to get it perfectly flat. I eventually gave up on the second try and hung it without the frame molding to see it the waves were noticable...

The results were 99% good. The slight wave(s) weren't noticable with an image on the screen. I looked at all angles and it looked great. Only when I didn't have a projected image could I see the waves from the side. To add the material maybe a two person job to stretch it for a tight fit to the frame.

Hi,

The 8720 doesn't support 1080p24 but does it accept 1280x720 at 48hz in order to suppress judder ?

Richard.

I have a screen thats a tad off the norm, 16.5 / 9, Does the PE8720 have a feature where you can turn off lines of pixels to make it fit your screen perfectly? I have this feature in my current pj Mits HC3000 and have seen it in pc software, I really like and NEED it for my screen. Anyone know if it'll allow you to turn of upper and lower lines of the picture?

PE8720 is a true 720. There are no extra lines to turn off. To the best of my knowledge no 24 or 48hz. That is the shortcoming of this projector.

rboster, thank you for the review. It sounds wonderful. Any luck with the filter settings? You might also want to check the over-scan in the advanced menu (m,up,down,up,down,up,down,m) and make sure you are at 100%.

Best Regards,
Derek

Hi Everyone,
We have a PE8720 purchased in 8/06 with 840 hrs on the lamp. It has worked flawlessly until today. It turns on OK and then turns itself off after 1 minute. The power indicator light is orange in standbye mode, but when you turn the unit on, the power indicator flashes GREEN (instead of flashing orange). After the start up process, the power indicator turns a steady green. After a minute of normal lamp operation, the unit shuts itself off and the power indicator flashes green again until the cool down process is completed, then the power indicator changes back to a steady orange.
All other indicator lamps are off. The filter is clear and the fan is running. The manual does not cover this sequence of events.
Does anyone have an idea about what's going on?
Thanks in advance.
Eric

You guys were not kidding when you said Benq would fix it fast.
I mailed it on the 15th and it came back today!
Actually it would have been yesterday, but I was at work while the Fedex truck came by.
I've been checking it out for the past 2 hours and everything is working again.
I think I have a different firmware. This one is 103 1.03.
I could have sworn the other one was 1.15 I can't remember now.
The lamp hours have been reset so now it shows 3 hours. I'm pretty sure it's the same old lamp though. :)
I can play movies through the hdmi again!
Thanks to the input on this forum I received courage to box it up and mail it in.
This was great customer service.

What did Benq charge for the repair? Was it covered by warranty?
I have an older 8700+ with DHCP issues and a newly developed shut down problem. After 10 minutes of operation, the unit will power off, with none of the LED indicators on. After 1/2 hr, it works again.

Sorry for posting in this old thread, but I'm a bit frustrated with my 8720.

About a year ago, my 8720 broke down. The lamp worked as normal, but after a minute or so after turning it on, the projector shut down and the "Lamp" indicator turned red. I tried changing the lamp, but it didn't fix the problem. I then got it repaired, and it has worked pretty much flawless since then. But, the projector has shut down a few times since then, but I figured it was just a software issue or something like that. Unfortunately, since last week, the projector shuts down everytime I turn it on, and the "Lamp" indicator is red, exactly like last time. I'll have to send it in for repair again.

I was thinking of replacing the lamp, because I've been very satisfied with the 8720's performance, but I fear that this "shut down" problem will occur again, and if it happens a year from now, the warranty will have expired.

Has anyone experienced this problem?
I'm worried that there might be something wrong with my 8720 that can't be fixed by replacing a component.

...I'm worried that there might be something wrong with my 8720 that can't be fixed by replacing a component.
It is hard to tell what you ought to do in the long run. I'd send it in for repairs and explain that it is a recurring problem. I'm thinking if you have the same problem again after the warranty period you might be able to talk them into fixing it again as part of an ongoing problem.

But if you need to pay for fixes in the future, you might want to consider replacing the 8720. There are some good projectors that you could buy these days for a lot less than the 8720 cost 2+ years ago...and some amazing PJs you could get for about the same price.

Might be something you've already tried, but did you check to see if your filter needs replacing. the 8720 will shut down the pj if it thinks this is the case. I'm at work now, but there is a place in the menu to check this and re-set it...

It is hard to tell what you ought to do in the long run. I'd send it in for repairs and explain that it is a recurring problem. I'm thinking if you have the same problem again after the warranty period you might be able to talk them into fixing it again as part of an ongoing problem.

But if you need to pay for fixes in the future, you might want to consider replacing the 8720. There are some good projectors that you could buy these days for a lot less than the 8720 cost 2+ years ago...and some amazing PJs you could get for about the same price.

Thanks for your reply.

It's the same repair shop, so they've got the report from last time they repaired it, but I will give them a call to make sure they're conscious about it. Maybe they can see if there's something else wrong beside the component they replaced last time.

If I get it back and the same problem occurs again, I willl have to contact BenQ and ask if there's a possibility of getting a new PJ. I do however think that a manufacturer can repair a product three times before the consumer can demand a new product.

Since I watch a lot of Blu-ray's, upgrading to a native 1080p PJ is something I've been considering for some time now, but at the same time, the 8720 is such a great PJ that I had more or less decided to buy a new bulb before it broke down. The situation is different now of course, and I'm more than a little hesitant to buying a new bulb for this PJ when the chances are that it might break down in matter of months.

Might be something you've already tried, but did you check to see if your filter needs replacing. the 8720 will shut down the pj if it thinks this is the case. I'm at work now, but there is a place in the menu to check this and re-set it...

Thanks for your tip.

I've tried replacing the filter, but the PJ still shuts down with "Lamp" red. You get a message on the start up screen when you need to replace/clean the filter, and I've experienced that twice, I believe.

and some amazing PJs you could get for about the same price.

Like? :)

Sorry for posting in this old thread, but I'm a bit frustrated with my 8720.

About a year ago, my 8720 broke down. The lamp worked as normal, but after a minute or so after turning it on, the projector shut down and the "Lamp" indicator turned red. I tried changing the lamp, but it didn't fix the problem. I then got it repaired, and it has worked pretty much flawless since then. But, the projector has shut down a few times since then, but I figured it was just a software issue or something like that. Unfortunately, since last week, the projector shuts down everytime I turn it on, and the "Lamp" indicator is red, exactly like last time. I'll have to send it in for repair again.

I was thinking of replacing the lamp, because I've been very satisfied with the 8720's performance, but I fear that this "shut down" problem will occur again, and if it happens a year from now, the warranty will have expired.

Has anyone experienced this problem?
I'm worried that there might be something wrong with my 8720 that can't be fixed by replacing a component.

Hi, I just started to experience this problem the last few weeks. My first action was to clean the filter, which did nothing to solve the problem. Then I got into the service menu and reset the bulb life. That didn't work at first, then the projector started working again after I tried again a day later. It worked fine for another 6 hours and then the problem happened again--exactly as you describe it. I tried pulling the bulb and putting it back in again, but no fix there.

Sounds like I need to call Benq and see what to do. Anyone suggest a cheap 1080p I can buy that is equivalent to the Benq quality so I don't have to go buy another bulb?

Hi, I just started to experience this problem the last few weeks. My first action was to clean the filter, which did nothing to solve the problem. Then I got into the service menu and reset the bulb life. That didn't work at first, then the projector started working again after I tried again a day later. It worked fine for another 6 hours and then the problem happened again--exactly as you describe it. I tried pulling the bulb and putting it back in again, but no fix there.

Sounds like I need to call Benq and see what to do. Anyone suggest a cheap 1080p I can buy that is equivalent to the Benq quality so I don't have to go buy another bulb?

I'm sorry to hear that. Well, at least you know now that it's not something you can fix by yourself. I think it's a defective power circuit that causes this problem, and it must be a weakness with this PJ since it happened twice to my unit. I just hope they can fix it the second time around. If not, then I will have to start looking for a new PJ like you.

I am sorry to push this thread but I have a question: Is it smart to upgrade from the 8720 to a current Full HD projector and how much do I have to spend to get a "much" better picture (with blue-rays e.g.) and which projectors would be a step up and how can the full hd LCDs compete with the Benq? I am sure many former 8720 owners upgraded to full hd...
Thanks!
Neo

I want to keep this thread alive to see if anyone has made progress obtaining a version of the 1.14 firmware for their 8720? I'd like to update my recently purcahsed 8720 to the most recent firmware. Since upgrading the 8700+ firmware was such a snap, and since I already have the cable, I'd like to do this myself...

Has anyone managed to update their firmware using their own PC and interface cable?

Hi Joe,
Did you manage to update your 8720?

I am sorry to push this thread but I have a question: Is it smart to upgrade from the 8720 to a current Full HD projector ...
Neo
I am completely conflicted on this question. If you continue to watch DVDs and SD TV, I believe the 8720 produces a better image. HDTV really doesn't have the bandwidth to justify an expensive upgrade, but it will often look a bit better on a 1080p display. I base this on my experience with watching football games that are broadcast at 1080i. Static images in these broadcasts are great on a 1080p display, but when all the players are running around, the many compression artifacts ruin the PQ.

Blu-Ray and HD DVD both look amazing on a 1080p projector and they make the upgrade worth considering.

So you just have to decide if you watch enough HD material to make it worth the expense. I'm not at that point yet.

Also, check out Benq's refurbished 1080p projectors. They're an inexpensive upgrade.

Has anyone here switched from the BenQ 8720 DLP to the JVC RS10 or RS20?

I have the 8720 now and am looking to upgrade to the new JVC models.

There is also still the Benq W20000 and the comfort of the DLP "pop" I am accustomed to. I'm slightly torn.

If I spend an arm and a leg on one of the new JVCs, am I really going to miss what my 8720 gives me now or will the superior image make up for the lack of sharpness and "pop"?

Can anyone speak from experience?

Thank you!

HOLY **** @ how sharp 2D is capable of looking on this projector!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been playing Super Nintendo Games via an emulator called ZSNES on my PE 8720 for a while now, at a ZSNES resolution setting of 640x480 DS Full. The image was already plenty sharp, but today, out of the blue, I decided to change the video setting to DR Full and OMFG are you kidding me??? It looks ASTOUNDING!!!!!!!! And that is with no filters applied other than 25% scanlines!! The scanlines actually enhance CRT effect, making the 110" display appear to be a giant CRT monitor. That's one crazy size for a cathode ray rube! :D

I also own a 21" CRT PC monitor and as God is my witness, there is literally NO difference in sharpness and clarity between the two displays! I ******** you not! That is an incredible feat when you're talking about one display being 21" and the other being 110". It now looks JUST as sharp as my PC crt monitor!!!!

Sure the screen has shrunken just a wee bit and has borders on both sides as result of being 4:3, but what a difference in sharpness playing in the correct aspect ratio makes!!

Playing Super Mario Bros 3 and World, I was BLOWN AWAY at how crystal clear the sprites and bitmaps were! Jesus. The only thing I could do from there was laugh my balls off at all the people out there that think playing old 2D games on a screen larger than anything over 32" results in a blurry mess. These guys need to get a clue because they couldn't more wrong.

Seems the BenQ PE 8720's really DOES have an ultra sharp lens. I have seen it flex its muscles several times whether by watching bluray discs or playing Uncharted on the PS3. But what still makes my jaw drop is the level of sharpness with 2D graphics. Unbelievable.

Hello,

I have some problems with my 8720.
Is there any chance to get there a service manual for 8720 or a similar projektor?


greets Jürgen

Try BenQ online. I know they have it on the US site.

Best Regards,
Derek

Many Thanks Derek but you mean the User Manual? I´m searching for Service Manual.

Greets

Yes this is the user manual. I do not know where or if there is a service manual available.

Derek

My 8720 has about 2000hrs on the bulb at this point (bulb original) and I have noticed marks being displayed on the screen.The marks or smudges seem to be growing and are located on the bottom right hand viewing area.
When I first noticed it I thought it was something on the lens, so got the lens cleaner out and cleaned and cleaned and cleaned. Then I checked the screen.When I zoomed out with the lens, my 2 small spots became the whole bottom right side.
Can someone enligthen me as to what is happening.Is it bulb age?Is it dust build up on the inside of the projector? filter is clean and has been replaced and also cleaned periodically. Should the bulb be removed and cleaned and if I take it out can it be reused?
Need direction please! Mikepebble

I took my bulb out after 1000 Hours to look at it and then put it back in the projector. I don't remember how good a look you get of the whole bulb, however. Obviously, make sure you do not get any fingerprints on the bulb.

Sorry for posting in this old thread, but I'm a bit frustrated with my 8720.

About a year ago, my 8720 broke down. The lamp worked as normal, but after a minute or so after turning it on, the projector shut down and the "Lamp" indicator turned red. I tried changing the lamp, but it didn't fix the problem.

I'm having the same problem right now. Power goes off while fan is running and all three lights are red. Tried changing the bulb to no avail. The funny thing is, it seems to stay on if I turn it off from the back power switch and then turn it back on again. Strange. I hope the trick of making it stay on continues to work, because I fear the thought of having to send my pj back to BenQ for repair and being without it for too long.

I bought the unit like 5 years ago so I'm not even sure if it's still covered by the warranty. Assuming it is not, what can I expect to pay to have BenQ repair it? $25? $50? $100? Or does it have a lifetime warranty?

It had a 3 year warranty. I may need to fix mine as well, and it is hard trying to decide if I should fix or replace.

It had a 3 year warranty. I may need to fix mine as well, and it is hard trying to decide if I should fix or replace.

For me it's definitely going to be fixed rather than replaced. I simply can't afford to spring for a new pj at the moment, so I'm just going to have to send it in for repair if the problem gets worse. Fortunately, since I've posted my original comment a couple days ago, the pj has been acting OK. So we'll see.