If your like me and must have your electronics before the other guy on the block do yourself a favor and contact AVS, they will definitely take care of you. As of this morning I thought I would be waiting like everyone else in some huge pre order line, NOPE, AVS got me my Pearl TODAY! This was my first dealings with them and I can’t say enough good things about Alan and AVS, probably because I am still in shock that I OWN A PEARL. While everyone else is trying to see the Pearl demo at CEDIA I’m looking at mine in my living room aaahhahah, it almost feels evil.

Over the course of the weekend I will post my early review and screenshots. If anyone has any specific questions let me know.

Chris

Congratulations you lucky Dog.

What screen/size are you mating the Pearl with?

I look forward to your pictures, review, and overall analysis.

Well I will be testing it out for the first time at my brother in laws, he has a dedicated HT. He has a 96” screen. The matte is light grey, I believe it’s a 1.0 gain screen. We are going to test HD, DVD progressive, DVD interlaced, and some SD. Ill post all the equipment we will be using in a little while.

Chris

Are you expecting other guys on the block to get one? :)

Gratz...

I have never done this before, what’s the best website to upload pictures to?

Congrats. You *do* realize that you just signed yourself up to answer a million questions, right?

"Is there jidder with a 1080/24p signal while you're eating Doritos?"

"Can you pause LOTR-ROTK at frame 2:02:36:17 and tell me if the projector can resolve Sam's individual nose hairs?"

"Can you drive up to the high-desert from Riverside and measure the ANSI CR at 3250ft above sea-level?"

"What's your address, and what time are you usually out of the house?"

etc. etc.

-tony

"Is there jidder with a 1080/24p signal while you're eating Doritos?"
I get the jidder's just thinking about jidder. ;)

Seriously, congrats on your new PJ. Look forward to your impressions - especially with a 1.0 gain screen.

"Is there jidder with a 1080/24p signal while you're eating Doritos?"



-tony

Is "jidder" snack food related jitter?

You lucky dog! You might be the first one in America to get one! Definately first AVS member. Lock your doors tonight there's high demand for these things ;)

Congrats!

Is "jidder" snack food related jitter?

Nope. It's related to "judder".

I have never done this before, what’s the best website to upload pictures to?

I guess there is a way to upload to AVS, directly, but the resolution is not so high. Or you can upload elsehwere (example: http://imageshack.com/) and put a link to it -- or get fancy and use the speical "image" tags when constructing your post.

-------------

For reference: What were you using for viewing BEFORE the Pearl?

Does your specimen have brighter corners like the Ruby when you project a black picture?

Many congratulations. Looking forward to your review.

Congrats. You *do* realize that you just signed yourself up to answer a million questions, right?

"Can you pause LOTR-ROTK at frame 2:02:36:17 and tell me if the projector can resolve Sam's individual nose hairs?"

FINALLY! I've been dying to know the answer to this. :D

Congrats. You *do* realize that you just signed yourself up to answer a million questions, right?

"Is there jidder with a 1080/24p signal while you're eating Doritos?"

"Can you pause LOTR-ROTK at frame 2:02:36:17 and tell me if the projector can resolve Sam's individual nose hairs?"

"Can you drive up to the high-desert from Riverside and measure the ANSI CR at 3250ft above sea-level?"

"What's your address, and what time are you usually out of the house?"

etc. etc.

-tony

LMAO!!! It's soooo true.

Ok, this is Chris at my brother in law Alex's. We are just starting to unbox now. The pictures will come soon.

Well it has been exactly 9 mins since your post. Where are those pics? And can you really see the nose hairs?

Congrats!!

Regards,

RTROSE

Congrats. You *do* realize that you just signed yourself up to answer a million questions, right?

"Is there jidder with a 1080/24p signal while you're eating Doritos?"

"Can you pause LOTR-ROTK at frame 2:02:36:17 and tell me if the projector can resolve Sam's individual nose hairs?"

"Can you drive up to the high-desert from Riverside and measure the ANSI CR at 3250ft above sea-level?"

"What's your address, and what time are you usually out of the house?"

etc. etc.

-tony

One of the best posts I have ever seen on AVS - A real gem!

Thanks for the laugh!

Ok here is the unboxing and it's current setup.

Click Here For Sony Pearl Unboxing Pictures (http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=52209633/a=55902105_55902105/t_=55902105)

Let me know what you think so far and if the link works. Like I said i'm new at this.

Ok here is the unboxing and it's current setup.

Click Here For Sony Pearl Unboxing Pictures (http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=52209633/a=55902105_55902105/t_=55902105)

Let me know what you think so far and if the link works. Like I said i'm new at this.

Many people would probably prefer not to have to register to see the pics.

Can't you just use the attach files option to post them here on the AVS server?

link works, nice overview of the packaging

please upload another album once that gem is throwing an image (along w/ first impressions as well)

you didn't mention (or missed it) what pj your brother in law has ... but are you planning to do some comparisons?

All you need now is a HD-DVD player and a subscription to NET FLIX and you're in Heaven :cool:

Ok here is the unboxing and it's current setup.

Click Here For Sony Pearl Unboxing Pictures (http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=52209633/a=55902105_55902105/t_=55902105)

Let me know what you think so far and if the link works. Like I said i'm new at this.
Thanks for taking the time to do this. WHat screen are you using?

The best option is http://imageshack.us/ > Upload the image > click on "Host it!" > look for the direct link to the image (last one).

link works, nice overview of the packaging

please upload another album once that gem is throwing an image (along w/ first impressions as well)

you didn't mention (or missed it) what pj your brother in law has ... but are you planning to do some comparisons?


He just got rid of his Hitachi PJ-TX200 it was a peice of crap and kept breaking on him. We are just taking some pics now with a crappy phillips dvd player running componet to vga in both 480i and 480p. Next will be the Denon 1910 DVI to HDMI in 480P and upscaled to 720p and 1080i.

Many people would probably prefer not to have to register to see the pics.

Can't you just use the attach files option to post them here on the AVS server?


I am working on that now

I am working on that now

Who did you order this from?

Who did you order this from?

You should read the first post SOWK. :)

Well thanks to Alan and Craig I was able to purchase my brand new Sony Pearl through AVS.

He just got rid of his Hitachi PJ-TX200 it was a peice of crap and kept breaking on him. We are just taking some pics now with a crappy phillips dvd player running componet to vga in both 480i and 480p. Next will be the Denon 1910 DVI to HDMI in 480P and upscaled to 720p and 1080i.

Heavens man, don't you have any real good sources via a Tohshiba HD-DVD or at least some cable/sat sources at 1080i?

Don't waste your time with the standard def and upscaling of such at this point.
You are not going to tell us you don't have anything else to watch other than 480p DVDs!

:confused:

Who did you order this from?

He mentioned AVS.

You should read the first post SOWK. :)

Alan sayed he never got his in yet.

Alan sayed he never got his in yet.
Isn’t Alan at CEDIA in Colorado?

Pearl could have come in today without Alan knowing.

Ok, here are the first pics taken. It was from a old crap phillips DVD player. I'm pretty tired so tomorow I will go back and move all the unboxing pictures off of shutterfly and put them here so people don't have to sign up. Man you guys are sure making me work! I hope you like the first screenshots.

Chris

From Phillips DVD Player 480i (http://img88.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fromphillipsdvdplayer480ili9.jpg)

From Phillips DVD Player 480p (http://img144.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fromphillipsdvdplayer480pse5.jpg)

From Phillips DVD Player 480p 2 (http://img243.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fromphillipsdvdplayer480p2oa1.jpg)

HD-DVD Costco.com

Alan sayed he never got his in yet.

Alan gave up the one set aside for him to me. It was really amazing because I did not expect him to do that. I have never even met the guy. So thanks again Alan.

Chris

Alright next up are screen shots from a Denon 1910 DVD player DVI to the Pearl's HDMI port.

This unit is beyond stunning. I have never scene anything like it in my life.

hows the convergance? Brigthness?

Alan gave up the one set aside for him to me. It was really amazing because I did not expect him to do that. I have never even met the guy. So thanks again Alan.

Chris
Hummm... Maybe Alan is falling in love with the JVC. :D

Geeeeze. I'm drooling!

Yes - how's the convergence???

Congrats. Mine will be here tomorow. I will compare it to my current projector, the Ruby. I will be using a HD DVD player (and Blu Ray although the movies I have dont compare to HD DVD). Great pics!

hows the convergance? Brigthness?

There is about ½ a pixel of convergence but it is barely noticeable. As for as brightness goes I have it in low mode and it is more then bright enough. That actually may be and understatement.

Which chips are mis-converged? Are you seeing blue/yellow fringing, or red/green?

Which chips are mis-converged? Are you seeing blue/yellow fringing, or red/green?

I'm seeing 1/2 pixel green to the left and 1/2 pixel red up.

1/2 pixel isnt bad at all. Shouldnt be noticeable from 10-15 feet.

No blue/yellow fringing at all?

Ok I know how you guys love screen shots. Here are some more from the Denon 1910 DVD Player DVI to HDMI. The dead pixels you see are from the camera and not the projector. Sorry about that.

Denon 1910 DVD Player DVI to HDMI 1 (http://img245.imageshack.us/my.php?image=denon1910dvitohdmi1sx4.jpg)

Denon 1910 DVD Player DVI to HDMI 2 (http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=denon1910dvitohdmi2kn1.jpg)

Denon 1910 DVD Player DVI to HDMI 3 (http://img246.imageshack.us/my.php?image=denon1910dvitohdmi3js0.jpg)

No blue/yellow fringing at all?

Nope, not in the least.

Have you ever bought something so amazing that it just made you smile? That’s how the Pearl is, I just can’t stop smiling, it’s hysterical.

1/2 pixel isnt bad at all. Shouldnt be noticeable from 10-15 feet.

I have my face about 4" from the sceen just to see it.

What is your current projector (and setup) to get a basis for your excitement with the Pearl?

What is your current projector (and setup) to get a basis for your excitement with the Pearl?

I had a Yamaha LPX-510 and my brother in law had the Hitachi PJ-TX200. My excitement for the Pearl is because the image is just so detailed. It has this amazing 3D look and it's like the images jump off the screen. Maybe that’s how all your home theaters look but I have never had anything like this.

I was hoping you had a similar projector to compare it to...

Did you have to do a lot of calibration to get that picture ? If yes, how far off is it from the original factory setting ? Thanks.

Did you have to do a lot of calibration to get that picture ? If yes, how far off is it from the original factory setting ? Thanks.


What you see is strait out of the box. In the Iris setup you can select Auto1, Auto2 or Manual. In Manual you have full control to set in one step increments from zero (fully closed) to 100 (fully open). Also in Auto 1 and 2 you have a sub control of Lamp Mode low or high.

I have one on order. Don't know when I will get it, but you've got me chomping at the bit!

do you have a ceiling mount for this yet? I need to know if the Chief or Sony mount has come out for this pj yet. I also have a homemade light grey screen which I'm sure will look great. Now I just need to sell some stuff to get this thing! Also, you should try to use a tripod to get some non-blurry pics.....thanks so far!

Could you check something for me. I am trying to determine where to mount my projector - How far back in the room. My screen current WIDTH (NOT DIAGONAL, JUST WIDTH) is 55 inches. Eventually I will replace it with a larger screen, so 55 inches is minumum width and it could go to double that (110 inches). So I'm looking for the optimum distance to mount the projector where the zoom can handle a range of 55 to 110 inches.

Thanks for your help.

Congrats. You *do* realize that you just signed yourself up to answer a million questions, right?


"Can you pause LOTR-ROTK at frame 2:02:36:17 and tell me if the projector can resolve Sam's individual nose hairs?"

-tony

You know I actually looked to see if that frame existed. LOL I'm and idot

They are offering two ceiling mounts, the same ones they offer for the Ruby, a white one and a black one. I have ordered the black one.

Does light spill outside the border of your screen?

do you have a ceiling mount for this yet? I need to know if the Chief or Sony mount has come out for this pj yet. I also have a homemade light grey screen which I'm sure will look great. Now I just need to sell some stuff to get this thing! Also, you should try to use a tripod to get some non-blurry pics.....thanks so far!


It's not going to be ceiling mounted, bookshelf style only. The camera was sitting on a shelf using a timer. I think it's just the camera. I will setup mine tomorow and take some more pics.

Could you check something for me. I am trying to determine where to mount my projector - How far back in the room. My screen current WIDTH (NOT DIAGONAL, JUST WIDTH) is 55 inches. Eventually I will replace it with a larger screen, so 55 inches is minumum width and it could go to double that (110 inches). So I'm looking for the optimum distance to mount the projector where the zoom can handle a range of 55 to 110 inches.

Thanks for your help.

I'm pretty rookie at this so I don't exactly know what you are asking.

Seems like I'm seeing dead pixels on that pics, is it just me?

There should be some info in the set-up guide about distance ranges from the screen versus screen sizes. It should be a chart. I have been trying to get one from the Sony Style web-site, but they haven't put it up there yet.

Seems like I'm seeing dead pixels on that pics, is it just me?

Seems like quite a few stuck pixels???
http://img245.imageshack.us/my.php?image=denon1910dvitohdmi1sx4.jpg

Seems like I'm seeing dead pixels on that pics, is it just me?

Yeah, I addressed that in one of my posts. It is the camera not the projector.

There should be some info in the set-up guide about distance ranges from the screen versus screen sizes. It should be a chart. I have been trying to get one from the Sony Style web-site, but they haven't put it up there yet.

I thought throw was supposed to be exactly the same as the Ruby- if so, you can you the throw calc on the projectorcentral website.

I spent some time with a Ruby yesterday and they had a 100" screen (wide) image from ~14' back (with the zoom engaged most of the way (topping the zoom out brought the image up to around 110"

Alright you guys wore me out for today. I am going to pack this thing back up and take it home from my brother in laws. Being only 24 years old and living in a kinda crappy apartment I don’t have the greatest home theater setup. I will take some HD shots tomorrow and try to answer some more questions. If everyone is patient I think I may be able to get to all of them. Also a big thanks to everyone, it was nice to share this experience with all of you. I will keep the info coming until all of you have the chance to pick one up for yourselves.

Also Alan, thanks so much man. You made my entire month! Seriously anyone who wants one of these get a hold of AVS. I am telling you there is no way you will be disappointed.


Chris

Thanks, I'll check the Ruby specs.

Awesome to include everyone in the arrival of the new toy. HD results, yes, by all means.
And remember your comments are worth more than the screen shots.

(Don't forget to watch some football and/or other sports and let us know your thoughts!)

There should be some info in the set-up guide about distance ranges from the screen versus screen sizes. It should be a chart. I have been trying to get one from the Sony Style web-site, but they haven't put it up there yet.

From the specs that Tryg posted in the main thread, it has a zoom of 1.8.

In order to be able to project an image that is twice as wide, from the same distance, it would have to have a zoom of 2.0 or more.

Anyone feel free to correct me if I am mistaken about this.

From a calculator on another site (using different projector with a similar throw), the projector must be 12' 8" or more from the screen to achieve the 110" width. This would be the distance that would give you the maximum brightness at this screen size.

The 55" width can only be achieved when the distance from the projector to the screen is 11' 0" or less.

So you will have to move your projector at least 20 inches to make the screen swap.

My suggestion, mount it at 13 feet, and use a Blackout cloth screen until you get the new one. Also, a model C dalite hipower screen would not be that much money.

Best Regards,
Doug

Doug,

I found the manual for the Ruby on the Sony Style site and it has a series of charts starting on page 76 that give details for various screen sizes. If i did the calculations right, it looks like I can mount it anywhere from about 131 inches back to about 141 inches back and still cover both screen sizes with the zoom. This is only if the Ruby and the Pearl have the same lens and path.

I have checked the drop to the center of the screen too and that looks like I will have to come in at about 25 inches to accommodate a proscenium I have over the screen. Based on their chart, it looks like I will be alright.

Now I just have to figure out how to run an HDMI cable though the ceiling and over a carrying beam and then turn 90 degrees and run under an AC return duct into my mechanical room and then behind a wall into my equipment rack. That will be fun.

djzelos:

Congrats on getting your Pearl and thanks for taking the time to post those pics and to answer questions.

Tomorrow I am really going to type up something in depth. I will cover Standard Def, DVD, Scaling, Contrast, Black Levels, Auto Iris accuracy and if I am missing anything please remind me. I will tell you that SD looks excellent, I was very surprised. I am thinking the processor in the Pearl is much better then anyone is giving it credit for.

Tomorrow I am really going to type up something in depth. I will cover Standard Def, DVD, Scaling, Contrast, Black Levels, Auto Iris accuracy...

I look forward to that. Thanks again.


I will tell you that SD looks excellent, I was very surprised. I am thinking the processor in the Pearl is much better then anyone is giving it credit for.

My eyes aren’t as "trained" (yet!) as the PJ aficionados around here, but I thought the shots you posted, esp. the 480i material, looked great all things being considered.

I'm impressed enough that I think I may go ahead and pre-order from AVS - if the price is good.

I look forward to that. Thanks again.




My eyes aren’t as "trained" (yet!) as the PJ aficionados around here, but I thought the shots you posted, esp. the 480i material, looked great all things being considered.

I'm impressed enough that I think I may go ahead and pre-order from AVS - if the price is good.


I can't write what it is but let me tell you it's a great price. Especially considering what sony style has it going for.

Tomorrow I am really going to type up something in depth. I will cover Standard Def, DVD, Scaling, Contrast, Black Levels, Auto Iris accuracy and if I am missing anything please remind me. I will tell you that SD looks excellent, I was very surprised. I am thinking the processor in the Pearl is much better then anyone is giving it credit for.

I think the problem is not that people aren't giving the processor credit, but rather that we don't know anything about it. If you have some reliable way of testing the 1080i deinterlacing of film and video based content, please let us know what's up. :D

Damn! I am jelous! I just got back from Cedia and I was blown away by the Pearl demo! Granted I have been watching an AE900 and Z3, but still, WOW! The image was so detailed and SO CLEAR! Vibrant, 1080i looked un-freakin believable!

Congratulations! I look forward to more of your report!

As for as brightness goes I have it in low mode and it is more then bright enough. That actually may be and understatement.

What was the light-control in the room like where you watched it and how wide was the screen? Also, the screen gain? Thanks.

I'm impressed enough that I think I may go ahead and pre-order from AVS - if the price is good.

Order it from AVS. You will not be disappointed. These guys are first class all the way!

How do I order from AVS? Is there a link?

How about noise level of the fan. Can you hear it?

What was the light-control in the room like where you watched it and how wide was the screen? Also, the screen gain? Thanks.

The pics I have posted so far were on at my brother in laws. He has a dedicated home theater with a 96" 1.0 gain screen in a fully lighting controlled room. We also left the lights on as a test and the image does not get washed out very badly. That is important to me because I have less of a light controlled environment.

How do I order from AVS? Is there a link?

Call them or PM Alan.

How about noise level of the fan. Can you hear it?

It's really quite. In lamp mode "high" I can hear it from about a foot away but its real low frequency so it's almost like you have to try to hear it. In low mode it's non existent.

Do you think you would hear it in High mode if it were on the ceiling, directly overhead?

Damn! I am jelous! I just got back from Cedia and I was blown away by the Pearl demo! Granted I have been watching an AE900 and Z3, but still, WOW! The image was so detailed and SO CLEAR! Vibrant, 1080i looked un-freakin believable!

Congratulations! I look forward to more of your report!

Toe,

Was that 1080i film or video? Do you know what source/input?

Morning guys. Ok here’s the deal, I usually sleep till about 11:30 on Saturday but I was so excited I could not sleep. As I mentioned yesterday those pics were taken at my brother in laws who has a dedicated home theater. Being 24 years old and living in a crappy apartment my setup is not nearly as nice.

I have a 96” Da-Lite 1.0 Gain in Matte White. The projector is on a table 13’ back from the screen. The power is conditioned by a Monster Reference Power Center. Video will come from 3 sources. 1. Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD DVR, my cable provider is Cablevision of NJ. It will be connected to the projector via a 2m HDMI cable 2. A Denon 1910 DVD Player. It will also be connected to the projector via a 2m HDMI cable. 3. An Xbox 360. It will be connected to the projector via component cables.

My room does not have good lighting control during the day. I will block as much out as I can but won’t post a full review till later tonight when I can really evaluate what this thing can do. After I got rid of my Yamaha LPX-510 I bought a 46” Samsung LCD TV to hold me over until some sweet well priced 1080p unit came out. The reason I bring this up is because I have to move all of my components back to the projectors AV rack. I also need to buy another HDMI cable today and rerun everything. It should take me a while but I promise I will get a solid review up tonight (as soon as it gets dark) as well as trying to post through out the day.

Do you think you would hear it in High mode if it were on the ceiling, directly overhead?

Not a chance.

I had a dream last night that there was Sony Pearl sitting in my living room. It was a much nicer setup with a lot less people then CEDIA. Here’s where it gets strange, I woke up this morning and wouldn’t you know it there was the box sitting in my living room. I really can’t believe that I am one of the first consumers in the country to have this thing.

I’m sure some of you are thinking oh this guy probably works for AVS or something like that, If one of you had posted it that's what I would think. I will be dead honest with you guys. I have no affiliation with AVS other then reading their message board. It was literally as simple as PMing Alan and next thing I knew he called me and I drove to get my Pearl.

As you can see from my post count I usually don’t post very much but since Alan and AVS went out their way for me. Even giving up his own personal unit to me I felt I wanted to get everyone else as excited as I was.

Based on the equipment I told you guys I have if there is anything you want me to test let me know. Oh and how to do it would be helpful, I will keep reminding you I am a rookie.

So much for the pre-order list.

I don't know if the projector has the ability to generate a cross hatch, but if it does, you might want to switch that on to take a hard look at the convergence. That has been one thing that has plagued the Ruby. I know you saw some blue/yellow fringing on program material, but if you can look at a cross hatch, it will really make clear where any convergence problems are.

So much for the pre-order list.

Honestly, I feel a bit that way myself. Jason told me I was likely early enough to perhaps get in on the first batch.

AVS provides great servce, this jsut seems a tad discourteous to those who took the time to preorder and hand over a CC#.


:(

I don't know if the projector has the ability to generate a cross hatch, but if it does, you might want to switch that on to take a hard look at the convergence. That has been one thing that has plagued the Ruby. I know you saw some blue/yellow fringing on program material, but if you can look at a cross hatch, it will really make clear where any convergence problems are.

I personally took a good look at the cross hatch when fitting to screen. Like djzelos had mention, very little convergence(1/2 green to left and 1/2 or less red up). :D

and there was no blue/yellow fringing at all. Not on this one.

Is this thing really bright enough for you? Does it have good "pop" that the pics suggest? My pearl will be about 14 feet back on a 98" diagnal 1.0 gain homemade light grey screen.....should look "poppy" right?

I got to see this thing in action last night and all I have to say is WOW! We didn't get to take any pics of HD material it was getting late, but before dj left we hooked the 8300DVR via HDMI and played Prison Break. I personally have never seen HD material so clean, smooth and more 3 dimensional than on the pearl. This unit kills my old HItachi 200 and I give it a slight edge over The Ruby.

P.S. Black levels were like something I've never seen before.

PM sent to Tom and Steve :)

Is this thing really bright enough for you? Does it have good "pop" that the pics suggest? My pearl will be about 14 feet back on a 98" diagnal 1.0 gain homemade light grey screen.....should look "poppy" right?

Your set up is virtually identical to mine and yes it looks very "poppy". I'm about 13' back on a 96" diagonal 1.0 gain homemade light grey (Screen Goo).

Having a light gray screen it looked more "poppy" in lamp high mode.

Also I found it intresting when you go to use the Zoom, Focus, or Lens Shift the unit automatically switches to a green cross-hatch pattern for adjustment. That one was new to me.

Thanks for the "poppy" info Alex. Do you know what the rated lamp life is in high mode? ALSO TO AVS....do you have a ceiling mount for this thing?

Thanks for the "poppy" info Alex. Do you know what the rated lamp life is in high mode? ALSO TO AVS....do you have a ceiling mount for this thing?


No, he has it on a shelf over head. Bookshelf style if you will. Also I believe the lamp is rated at 2000 hours in high mode. The replacement price is like $350 MSRP so it's not so bad.

Honestly, I feel a bit that way myself. Jason told me I was likely early enough to perhaps get in on the first batch.

AVS provides great servce, this jsut seems a tad discourteous to those who took the time to preorder and hand over a CC#.


:(


"Early enough to perhaps get in on the first batch" Did he say you would be the first one to get one? To me it just seems like some old men acting a little bit like jealous school girls. Jeez people its a projector relax! :)

djzelos:

can you also try to post some screenshots of daylight use, for reference, in "worst-case" scenario? I am also considering this projector and am curious to see how it responds in a non-batcave environment.

thanks!

djzelos:

can you also try to post some screenshots of daylight use, for reference, in "worst-case" scenario? I am also considering this projector and am curious to see how it responds in a non-batcave environment.

thanks!


Sure, I will take them this afternoon. Last night we tried it with the lights on and the screen still mananged to keep an amazing level of detail and contrast. I'll put it this way. With every light in the room on the image still looked better them my Yamaha LPX-510 and the contrast was about 100 times better. I will take some screenshots either way so you can see what I mean.

Chris

djzelos,

I love the enthusiasim you are bringing to this thread. While technical
reviews are great every once in a while it is nice to just get to feel the
pure enjoyment that this hobby can bring. In the end thats what most of
us are striving for. After all, we are talking about projectors
here not something life and death like curling. :D

Yes I can feel the scorn of wives/girlfriends nationwide :)

Damn it, would you get off the computer! :D You spend so much damn time on that F'in AVS forum :D

Are the 96" screens that people mention the diag size? If so, they are on the small side. Anybody interested (or have) this on a 120" diag screen, say? This would be ~ 1.5 x the area of these ~96" diag screen, so the ftL would be down by this factor. Will the Pearl handle this OK? (Presume it would if the screen were an HighPower rather than a ~1.0 gain screen.)

Order it from AVS. You will not be disappointed. These guys are first class all the way!

Thanks for the advice.


So much for the pre-order list.

What happened to the pre-order list? Are they no longer taking pre-orders?

I think it is very cool to see how excited you are about this. Just like a kid on Xmas morning!

:cool:

djzelos,

I love the enthusiasim you are bringing to this thread. While technical
reviews are great every once in a while it is nice to just get to feel the
pure enjoyment that this hobby can bring. In the end thats what most of
us are striving for. :D


Well said.

Yes I can feel the scorn of wives/girlfriends nationwide :)

Damn it, would you get off the computer! :D You spend so much damn time on that F'in AVS forum :D

Ahh yes to be 24 and single again. Oh wait I am! You are right though, with my last girlfriend it was "Well how much did you spend on those stupid wire thingies" I'm like you mean high quaility video cables.

Yes I can feel the scorn of wives/girlfriends nationwide :)

Damn it, would you get off the computer! :D You spend so much damn time on that F'in AVS forum :D


Oh and Tryg this entire thing is your fault!

PM sent to Tom and Steve :)

And, having explained the situation, I understand what happened. Alan handled it fairly, I believe.

I'll say this: AVS works hard to take care of their customers.

"Early enough to perhaps get in on the first batch" Did he say you would be the first one to get one? To me it just seems like some old men acting a little bit like jealous school girls. Jeez people its a projector relax! :)

PM

All you need now is a HD-DVD player and a subscription to NET FLIX and you're in Heaven :cool:

Tryg, are you a HD DVD supporter? Or are you referring to hif def footage in general. I figured you to be blu-ray guy with your love of Sony (no offense intended).


djzelos: congrats! I'm now considering the Pearl to replace my H78DC3. Hate the idea that my HD DVD player is throwing away half of the pixels on my 720p unit. I really want a 1080 DLP but my budget is about $4500 max so that is out unitl next year.

I can only image the picture from the pearl on my 2.35:1 dalite high power... mmmm. Does the Pearl do vertical stretch for us Panamorphers?

djzelos
when you get a chance it would be good to know if the Pearl allows 1pixel granular MC adjustment like the one found in the nex SXRD RPTV.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8391785#post8391785

One more setting I changed on my coworker's set that's definitely a setting specific to his set (though others that want to adjust this on theirs will now know where to be playing in the SM ):


Code:
PANEL
1 TG
26 VSFT_R 2 (default 1)The above offsets the red panel by 1 pixel vertically relative to the green and blue ones to improve convergence. There are settings here for all three panels, both horizontally and vertically (i.e., there are 6 settings total in the TG menu for this, plus other settings whose purpose I don't remember offhand )

Tryg, are you a HD DVD supporter? Or are you referring to hif def footage in general. I figured you to be blu-ray guy with your love of Sony (no offense intended).


djzelos: congrats! I'm now considering the Pearl to replace my H78DC3. Hate the idea that my HD DVD player is throwing away half of the pixels on my 720p unit. I really want a 1080 DLP but my budget is about $4500 max so that is out unitl next year.

I can only image the picture from the pearl on my 2.35:1 dalite high power... mmmm. Does the Pearl do vertical stretch for us Panamorphers?


I really never liked Sony very much but over the last 3 years I think they have done a good job with the products they have come out with. I would consider the Ruby and Pearl pretty revolutionary. I have to admit the format war pisses me off and I can’t see dropping a grand for a HD/BD player and having it be worthless in a year.

As far as DLP goes I have actually had eye strain so bad I felt sea sick. I am probably one of the only people that have actually thrown up from DLP. I have never scene a 3 chip DLP but just the letters D L P remind me of the day I got my BenQ watched it for 4 hours and vomited. Nice right?

Lastly as for vertical strech i'm not sure.

Yes I can feel the scorn of wives/girlfriends nationwide :)

Damn it, would you get off the computer! :D You spend so much damn time on that F'in AVS forum :D


What the heck, are you listening in at my house or soemthing?! I thought it was just me. ;=)

Wow that's pretty bad. I did see rainbows at first but after 100+ hours I don't see them unless I dart my eyes around. THe wierd thing is that I have never had a guest that sees rainbows, not even my family members. I just badly want a 1080p PJ. The pearl looks like it will fit my bill.

Wow that's pretty bad. I did see rainbows at first but after 100+ hours I don't see them unless I dart my eyes around. THe wierd thing is that I have never had a guest that sees rainbows, not even my family members. I just badly want a 1080p PJ. The pearl looks like it will fit my bill.


Yeah I work in IT for a large company. Every year when all the IT people from around the world get together to go over projects and things like that it's almost all projector based. They use a DLP and it's impossible for me to concentrate. I basically don’t eat for 4 days because I’m nauseas.

My Pearl arrived this morning as well. Just want to thank those people who helped me get one rather quickly. You all know who you are! Thanks for the superior service.

My current projector is the Sony VPL-VW100 with about 225 hours on the bulb. I love the projector. To me LCOS throws and amazingly filmlike and smooth picture. I cannot handle the sharper, harsher (with rainbows every now and then) look of DLP's. Just to get my bias out of the way early.

The unit is much smaller than the Ruby. It reminds me more of the HS51 which I owned a year ago. I prefer the look of the Ruby hands down. It looks thinner and sleeker while the Pearl is smaller and feels fatter. Overall, I have no problem with the Pearl and most will like the smaller size compared to the Ruby.

I have the Pearl setup on a 96" Firehawk. The remote is exactly the same as the Ruby so I powered the unit on (and it worked thankfully!) There is still auto lens shift and focus. I focused the projector and there is a cool green grid that wasnt present on the Ruby. The menu system is similar to the Ruby, but it now has a blue background. Otherwise most of the controls are the same (see the Cine4home) review for these details. The fan noise is also very low in high and obviously low lamp modes.

My initial impression compared to the Ruby was that this projector felt brighter (I only ran high lamp mode). I have not calibrated the picture yet other than reducing the sharpness to zero, but I viewed HD material from Directv and from my Toshiba HD DVD player connected via HDMI. I watched The Bourne Supremacy, Swordfish, and We Were Soldiers. The picture of the Pearl is very comparable to the Ruby. HD was stunning as expected and the extra brightness (or percieved brightness) really helped the picture as I do not have complete light control during the day.

I will be able to do more critical viewing tonight as I am busy watching college football all day today. Hope this impressions help.
Andy

One of the best posts I have ever seen on AVS - A real gem!

Thanks for the laugh!


Heh - thanks.

-tony

Andy,

Are you watching the college football on the Pearl? I'm very curious about that as for sports I've found that the DLP sharpness is great over smoother LCD. Watching the World Cup, baseball or fooball is just tremendous. I'm not sure of how much beter it can get.

So I'm curious as how sports, both 1080i and 720p will look on the "film-like" pearl.

Thanks for your early posting and congrats on your new Pearl.

My Pearl arrived this morning as well. Just want to thank those people who helped me get one rather quickly. You all know who you are! Thanks for the superior service.

My current projector is the Sony VPL-VW100 with about 225 hours on the bulb. I love the projector. To me LCOS throws and amazingly filmlike and smooth picture. I cannot handle the sharper, harsher (with rainbows every now and then) look of DLP's. Just to get my bias out of the way early.

The unit is much smaller than the Ruby. It reminds me more of the HS51 which I owned a year ago. I prefer the look of the Ruby hands down. It looks thinner and sleeker while the Pearl is smaller and feels fatter. Overall, I have no problem with the Pearl and most will like the smaller size compared to the Ruby.

I have the Pearl setup on a 96" Firehawk. The remote is exactly the same as the Ruby so I powered the unit on (and it worked thankfully!) There is still auto lens shift and focus. I focused the projector and there is a cool green grid that wasnt present on the Ruby. The menu system is similar to the Ruby, but it now has a blue background. Otherwise most of the controls are the same (see the Cine4home) review for these details. The fan noise is also very low in high and obviously low lamp modes.

My initial impression compared to the Ruby was that this projector felt brighter (I only ran high lamp mode). I have not calibrated the picture yet other than reducing the sharpness to zero, but I viewed HD material from Directv and from my Toshiba HD DVD player connected via HDMI. I watched The Bourne Supremacy, Swordfish, and We Were Soldiers. The picture of the Pearl is very comparable to the Ruby. HD was stunning as expected and the extra brightness (or percieved brightness) really helped the picture as I do not have complete light control during the day.

I will be able to do more critical viewing tonight as I am busy watching college football all day today. Hope this impressions help.
Andy

Wow, this direct comparison to a Ruby is of great value!

Why did you buy a Pearl when you already have a Ruby?

You know I actually looked to see if that frame existed. LOL I'm and idot

Now *that's* funny. :)

Congrats again on the projector!

-tony

My Pearl arrived this morning as well. Just want to thank those people who helped me get one rather quickly. You all know who you are! Thanks for the superior service.

My current projector is the Sony VPL-VW100 with about 225 hours on the bulb. I love the projector. To me LCOS throws and amazingly filmlike and smooth picture. I cannot handle the sharper, harsher (with rainbows every now and then) look of DLP's. Just to get my bias out of the way early.

The unit is much smaller than the Ruby. It reminds me more of the HS51 which I owned a year ago. I prefer the look of the Ruby hands down. It looks thinner and sleeker while the Pearl is smaller and feels fatter. Overall, I have no problem with the Pearl and most will like the smaller size compared to the Ruby.

I have the Pearl setup on a 96" Firehawk. The remote is exactly the same as the Ruby so I powered the unit on (and it worked thankfully!) There is still auto lens shift and focus. I focused the projector and there is a cool green grid that wasnt present on the Ruby. The menu system is similar to the Ruby, but it now has a blue background. Otherwise most of the controls are the same (see the Cine4home) review for these details. The fan noise is also very low in high and obviously low lamp modes.

My initial impression compared to the Ruby was that this projector felt brighter (I only ran high lamp mode). I have not calibrated the picture yet other than reducing the sharpness to zero, but I viewed HD material from Directv and from my Toshiba HD DVD player connected via HDMI. I watched The Bourne Supremacy, Swordfish, and We Were Soldiers. The picture of the Pearl is very comparable to the Ruby. HD was stunning as expected and the extra brightness (or percieved brightness) really helped the picture as I do not have complete light control during the day.

I will be able to do more critical viewing tonight as I am busy watching college football all day today. Hope this impressions help.
Andy

Andy,

First off congrats. I was wondering who the person in NC was that got Saturday delivery was. Now I know. We now have our own club, I call it "The first two consumer Sony Pearl's in the county club" also know ask TFTCSPINCC for short. ;)

Andy,

Are you watching the college football on the Pearl? I'm very curious about that as for sports I've found that the DLP sharpness is great over smoother LCD. Watching the World Cup, baseball or fooball is just tremendous. I'm not sure of how much beter it can get.

So I'm curious as how sports, both 1080i and 720p will look on the "film-like" pearl.

Thanks for your early posting and congrats on your new Pearl.

For sports I prefer still DLP (and I use my 42" plasma as this throws such a sharp picture plus its half the size and that helps too). The DLP is definitely a sharper image and it looks better for football. Baseball and hockey look similar enough. I usually notice it during football games

For movies which is my true passion I prefer a more acurate representation for which LCOS has no equal in my opinion.

I am using Directv and I have to tell you the pixelation on HD is almost unwatchable. So disappointing, but this is the source and not the projector.

Wow, this direct comparison to a Ruby is of great value!

Why did you buy a Pearl when you already have a Ruby?

For me it is hard to justify $10k for a projector. Id rather put my money into something else. Similar to the Marantz, etc. Im sure they throw great pictures and while I can purchase the projector I just dont find it a wise investment. I have other areas where I want to spend my money. I figure if I can get 80-85% of the performance of the Ruby then I will be happy.

Andy,

First off congrats. I was wondering who the person in NC was that got Saturday delivery was. Now I know. We now have our own club, I call it "The first two consumer Sony Pearl's in the county club" also know ask TFTCSPINCC for short. ;)

I am in CT currently, but moving to NC in the next 3-4 months once my home sells. I have never been a member of such an exclusive club haha.

For me it is hard to justify $10k for a projector. Id rather put my money into something else. Similar to the Marantz, etc. Im sure they throw great pictures and while I can purchase the projector I just dont find it a wise investment. I have other areas where I want to spend my money. I figure if I can get 80-85% of the performance of the Ruby then I will be happy.

If it's hard to justify $10k for one projector, isn't it even harder to justify $15k for two? :)

Or is the Ruby a loaner?

For sports I prefer DLP as the sharper image looks better, but for movies which is my true passion I prefer a more acurate representation for which LCOS has no equal in my opinion.

I am using Directv and I have to tell you the pixelation on HD is almost unwatchable. So disappointing, but this is the source and not the projector.

Andy, do you have a scaler? If so what kind? Also how is the HD hooked up, HDMI?

If it's hard to justify $10k for one projector, isn't it even harder to justify $15k for two? :)

Or is the Ruby a loaner?

The Ruby is being sold. It is hard to justify $15k, but if you call AVS you could get both for much much less.

Andy, do you have a scaler? If so what kind? Also how is the HD hooked up, HDMI?

No scaler. Directv HD via HDMI and Toshiba HD-A1 via HDMI. I have a borrowed Blu Ray player but I only own the first batch of movies and the quality of those rival DVD.

No scaler. Directv HD via HDMI and Toshiba HD-A1 via HDMI. I have a borrowed Blu Ray player but I only own the first batch of movies and the quality of those rival DVD.


Yeah, Sony probally won't like my setup very much. I am ordering a HD-DVD player and I have an Xbox 360. Not very Sonyesq

Yeah, Sony probally won't like my setup very much. I am ordering a HD-DVD player and I have an Xbox 360. Not very Sonyesq

I have the Xbox 360 too, but havent tried it yet with the Pearl. I usually turn the sharpness way up when I play video games as this helps especially with LCOS.

The Ruby is being sold. It is hard to justify $15k, but if you call AVS you could get both for much much less.

One should be plenty, thanks. :)

I do plan on picking it up from AVS. I sent a PM to Jason yesterday, but I'm sure he's a little busy with the show for the next couple days. No rush...I still have to think of an excuse for the purchase to the wife.

Hi everyone.Been reading the Forum for sometime now and finding myself posting on here for the first time after reading Djzelos Post and Congrats on your New Toy

I'm in the uk and been reading all the posts about the Ruby, Pearl and the Optoma HD81 as I'm looking for a new pj..Which is now moving towards the Pearl and the HD81 just need them tobe released here in the uk for a demo.. then its 1080p Time!

I willbe reading this Theread with interest .

Yeah, Sony probally won't like my setup very much. I am ordering a HD-DVD player and I have an Xbox 360. Not very Sonyesq

hey dzelos,

Toshiba is launching two new HD-DVD players. I have the A-1 and love it. It does such a great job with standard DVDs too which I've recently watched several including Lost City, Hotel Rhwanda, and Flight 93. All even though not HD-DVD look excellent.

Oh and where's the love, re: pm?

One should be plenty, thanks. :)

I do plan on picking it up from AVS. I sent a PM to Jason yesterday, but I'm sure he's a little busy with the show for the next couple days. No rush...I still have to think of an excuse for the purchase to the wife.

I think the Pearls will be available in late September. You should start a thread asking for excuses. The guys on here will definitely help you out. I am still single so I can make all the decisions still :)

hey dzelos,

Toshiba is launching two new HD-DVD players. I have the A-1 and love it. It does such a great job with standard DVDs too which I've recently watched several including Lost City, Hotel Rhwanda, and Flight 93. All even though not HD-DVD look excellent.

Oh and where's the love, re: pm?

Sorry, i have not got through all my PM's I currently have 62 new unread ones. I promise I'll get there. I think the new HD-DVD players are supposed to be out around Christmas correct?

I have the Xbox 360 too, but havent tried it yet with the Pearl. I usually turn the sharpness way up when I play video games as this helps especially with LCOS.

Cool, thanks for the tip. This is my first LCOS unit so I need to play around with it a little. I am going to run DVE through it tonight just to see what I come up with. Maybe for Christmas I will treat myself and have it calibrated.

dzelos,

How does it feel to be the pretty girl in the room?

You can check the HD-DVD forum, but if you go with one of the new models, they will be out long before Christmas it sounds like.

Keep an eye on the HD-DVD player forum.

Cool, thanks for the tip. This is my first LCOS unit so I need to play around with it a little. I am going to run DVE through it tonight just to see what I come up with. Maybe for Christmas I will treat myself and have it calibrated.

Basically I set it up by changing the color temp from low to medium. Then I drop sharpness to zero. After than run DVE or VE and you should be fine.

I think the Pearls will be available in late September. You should start a thread asking for excuses. The guys on here will definitely help you out. I am still single so I can make all the decisions still :)


I hear the Pearl protects against solar flares. Also if enough are sold they will lower the terror threat level to magenta because the terrorist will be too busy watching Entourage on their new Pearl.

Congrats Andy on getting yourself a Pearl. Thanks as well for your comments and impressions.

There was an ambiguous comment made about the Pearl pre-order a page back that I inquired about. No one replied so I guess everything is still good. Still though it would have been nice to have received an answer from Alan.

I still intend to pick up a Pearl ASAP. Not just sure where yet.

Andrew P and djzelos:

Do you guys game on Xbox Live? I’m on from time to time and if you guys would like to get together for a game or two at some point let me know and we can exchange ‘tags.

Congrats Andy on getting yourself a Pearl. Thanks as well for your comments and impressions.

There was an ambiguous comment made about the Pearl pre-order a page back that I inquired about. No one replied so I guess everything is still good. Still though it would have been nice to have received an answer from Alan.

I still intend to pick up a Pearl ASAP. Not just sure where yet.

Andrew P and djzelos:

Do you guys game on Xbox Live? I’m on from time to time and if you guys would like to get together for a game or two at some point let me know and we can exchange ‘tags.

The 360 I have now is hacked like Kung Pow Chicken so I can play burned games. It works on live but I don't like to chance it.

Congrats Andy on getting yourself a Pearl. Thanks as well for your comments and impressions.

There was an ambiguous comment made about the Pearl pre-order a page back that I inquired about. No one replied so I guess everything is still good. Still though it would have been nice to have received an answer from Alan.

I still intend to pick up a Pearl ASAP. Not just sure where yet.

Andrew P and djzelos:

Do you guys game on Xbox Live? I’m on from time to time and if you guys would like to get together for a game or two at some point let me know and we can exchange ‘tags.

I haven't gamed on Xbox live in awhile, but I just picjed up Madden 07 and NHL2K7. I have been playing offline though.

Anyway back on topic. Some more impressions and this comes from a Pearl that still isn't fully setup. The Ruby seems to have slightly better color reproduction. This is not a major issue, but I felt the colors seemed more pleasing to my eye with the Ruby.

The sharpness on both units is very good (doesnt compete with DLP, but that is inherent in LCOS technology). In fact, I feel like the Pearl it slightly sharper than the Ruby. I never felt like I could dial in my Ruby from a focus perspective, but the Pearl was pretty simple.

The Pearl also puts out a lot of heat just like the Ruby. I love the addition of dual HDMI's as I can hook up Directv and my HD DVD player at the same time. Any other questions as I should be around for another hour or so?

i would be interested to hear any comments on how the 360 looks on the pearl once you have time to set them up =) any lag in response time?

i would be interested to hear any comments on how the 360 looks on the pearl once you have time to set them up =) any lag in response time?

There are no problems with the Xbox 360 using the Ruby so I do not expect any with the Pearl.

i would be interested to hear any comments on how the 360 looks on the pearl once you have time to set them up =) any lag in response time?


I have Far Cry and Hitman Blood Money. I will try to get a shot of each.

If you would please, how far above the screen can you place the projector. Also, if the projector is above the screen do you have to turn it upside down.

Thank you very much.

John

Ok here a two screen shots from Blade which is on TNT HD right now.

Blade lots of ambient light (http://img165.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4807mt9.jpg)

Blade with lots of ambient light 2 (http://img177.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4809vk5.jpg)

sorry with the high ISO on the Camera there is a bunch of noise that is not really there. I will see if i can find a tripod and low the iso.

Looks like a good image, djezolos, even in sub-optimal conditions. Can you give a somewhat non-scientific description of the ambient light conditions? What type of ambient light (artificial, natural?), direction, etc.?

Thanks a ton.

Looks like a good image, djezolos, even in sub-optimal conditions. Can you give a somewhat non-scientific description of the ambient light conditions? What type of ambient light (artificial, natural?), direction, etc.?

Thanks a ton.


There was late day sun coming in the rear of the room. Through closed blinds (horiziontal, not sure a better way to describe them but they do let light through) Also the sceen pulls down between my living room and kitchen so behind the screen there was all the light from the kitchen. You can see the kitchen cabinets if you look under the screen. See they are soaked in sunlight. I also had a 60 watt light bulb turned on in the rear of the room.

Think you can just back up a bit and take a wider angle picture that includes more of the room, so we can see the screen in the context of the rest of the ambient light? Pretty please? :)

Andrew,
How's the convergence on your new Pearl compared to your Ruby? What about shading on both?
Thanks!

Convergence is excellent on the Pearl. I would say slightly worse on my Ruby, but this is slight. We are talking very little convergence errors on these machines.

Think you can just back up a bit and take a wider angle picture that includes more of the room, so we can see the screen in the context of the rest of the ambient light? Pretty please? :)


Sorry, now its pretty dark in the room. I actually have not felt well so I laid down for a couple of hours. Tomorow during football I will.

Once I get my Pearl, I will post some answers to everyones questions

I have a fully optimised room for Front projection, AKA Full Light Control

I have the Lumagen HDP
(this will allow me to tell all of you if it is doing proper IVTC 1080i Deinterlacing)
I have the Toshiba HD-A1

I have an X-box 360

I just need a pearl now


Hint hint Alan!

-SOWK

Another thing, I do not see any light spill like the Ruby has around the border of my screen. My Firehawk screen only has 1/2" of felt around it. That really annoyed me with the Ruby.

Sorry, now its pretty dark in the room. I actually have not felt well so I laid down for a couple of hours. Tomorow during football I will.

Thanks. Hope you're feeling better.

-tony

Another thing, I do not see any light spill like the Ruby has around the border of my screen. My Firehawk screen only has 1/2" of felt around it. That really annoyed me with the Ruby.

Yeah we put up a black backgound and checked for it and did not see it either.

Andy, when watching a 1080i signal what do you keep the NR, and DDE on? For instance right now Fantastic Four is on HBO HD which is 1080i. If i had DDE on Film like default and I pause it it looks like jaggies around the edges of thing. But if I turn it off then it looks almost as if the image is like shaking a little bit. I have to be up real close to see it but i was wondering what you keep it at?

Chris

Thanks. Hope you're feeling better.

-tony


Hey, thanks Tony. If there is anything special you would like me to look at for you just let me know.

djzelos, I hope you are enjoying your new toy.

Please try to find out if the Pearl does proper Inverse Telecine with 1080i signals -> Is there an option to show film based 1080i/60Hz signals (like HDTV movies) at a multiple of 24Hz to avoid 3:2 pulldown judder? Thank you!

How dark do the blacks get?

Is the image soft like some are saying about the RPTV sets?

djzelos, I hope you are enjoying your new toy.

Please try to find out if the Pearl does proper Inverse Telecine with 1080i signals -> Is there an option to show film based 1080i/60Hz signals (like HDTV movies) at a multiple of 24Hz to avoid 3:2 pulldown judder? Thank you!

Where would I look for that?

In the manual under DDE (Dynamic Detail Enhancer) it says. Film: Normally, select this option. Reproduces the 2-3 Pull-Down film sources with smooth picture movement. When the video signal with a format other then 2-3 Pull-Down is input, "Progressive" is automatically selected.

Progressive: Converts an interlace format video signal to a progressive format.

Off: Plays a video signal in an interlace format without converting.

How dark do the blacks get?

Is the image soft like some are saying about the RPTV sets?

Beyond jet. I was watching a scene in Finding Nemo yesterday, one I had scene 100 times. Where the sharks are talking to them. I could not believe how black the deep water was. Also in LOTR ROTK the dark scenes just came alive. It was intresting. Also check my previous post on page 5 I think. I took a screen shot of blade with full ambient light on. You can still see the dept of the blacks.

As far as image softness I suffer from an astigmatasiam (probally spelled wrong) so my visual sharpness is not good for judging that. With my glasses I see 20/15 with perfect sharpness and with them on the image is amazing. I don't wear them much though. As ok January I am getting Laser Eye Surgery then I can see what this whole HD thing is all about. ;)

How dark do the blacks get?

Is the image soft like some are saying about the RPTV sets?

I think LCOS is not as sharp as DLP. In my opinion it is extremly film like and presents a highly detailed picture that is so pleasing to the eyes. I find DLP's hard to watch because of rainbows and the overly digital/procesed look of the image.

Hey, thanks Tony. If there is anything special you would like me to look at for you just let me know.

Like everyone else, I'm looking forward to some screen-shots and your impressions of HD sources.

Keep em comin. :)

-tony

Like everyone else, I'm looking forward to some screen-shots and your impressions of HD sources.

Keep em comin. :)

-tony


Yeah I am going to try to figure out from Andy what I should have this crap set to and then get back to watching some HD. I will see if i can figure this camera out and get some good HD images.

Just to let everyone know even if you PM me I’m not going to tell you what I paid. Sony's MAP is $4999. Like Tryg said its much less then that but I am not going to risk getting anyone in trouble. Especially people with zero post who want me to tell them who exactly handed me the box and crap like that. It's not going to happen.


As far as everyone else I will keep my opinions, screenshots and excitement coming.

Here is 3 HD screenshots. I managed to lower the ISO on my camera and drop the noise almost completly. I think they look great but seeing them in person is stunning. Let me know your thoughts.

HD Screenshot 1 (http://img132.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4812mi8.jpg)

HD Screenshot 2 (http://img132.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4814ie1.jpg)

HD Screenshot 3 (http://img132.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4815qm4.jpg)

I dont put much credence in screenshots, but man, those look pretty good!

I dont put much credence in screenshots, but man, those look pretty good!

Your right, too many variables. I will tell you the black level and shadow detail in Fantastic Four is amazing.

nice. very nice.

Nice screenshots. It is of course hard to tell but I still think the Ruby has the upper hand... Though the Pearl is a great value that many should take advantage of now. In fact, had I not gotten my Ruby in May I would be awfully tempted to get the newer Pearl instead. Of course I am very happy with my Ruby and still have not felt one ounce of buyer's remorse! :)

Here is 3 HD screenshots. I managed to lower the ISO on my camera and drop the noise almost completly. I think they look great but seeing them in person is stunning. Let me know your thoughts.

HD Screenshot 1 (http://img132.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4812mi8.jpg)

HD Screenshot 2 (http://img132.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4814ie1.jpg)

HD Screenshot 3 (http://img132.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4815qm4.jpg)

But yes, those shots do look really good on your HBO HD. But how come you weren't more selective like, ahem... cough, cough... Jessica Alba.

Okay, help me out. How about some Florida-Tenn. on CBS in 1080i?

Pretty please!

(BTW, people should leave you alone about the AVS pricing and just call Jason Turk. What's so hard about that? Jason will help anyone who calls/emails.)

Nice screenshots. It is of course hard to tell but I still think the Ruby has the upper hand...

Surely you are not saying that the Ruby has the upper hand based solely on screenshots!?

I think the Ruby has and advantage because the Xenon bulb is slighty better. I think the Pearl has an advantage because the image appears slightly brighter. The Pearl does not have light spill around the image which is important to me.

The image quality of the two are very similar. Edge to the Ruby, but I have not finished calibrating the Pearl. In the end you really can't go wrong with either projector.

(BTW, people should leave you alone about the AVS pricing and just call Jason Turk. What's so hard about that? Jason will help anyone who calls/emails.)

Jason will be tied up until probably Monday or Tuesday, and then when he gets back he will have to sift thru a ton of PMs. People are understandably anxious to know how this will fit into their budgets. I PMd Alan yesterday and haven't gotten a reply bakc yet either, but I understand. If I don't hear from him by Monday evening, I'll give him or Jason a call Tuesday. I only PM'd Alan because I figured Jason was probably already swamped. I didn't think Alan handeld direct sales until Chris mentioned it.

Honestly though if the are as close as we all know they are and the Pearl is half the price I think it's a no brainer.

Honestly though if the are as close as we all know they are and the Pearl is half the price I think it's a no brainer.

Absolutely!

I just wanted to add my personal thanks to DJ and Andrew for taking the time to post here on their first experiences with this new projector so many of us have been waiting for. I don't know that I would have had the patience and discipline these two guys have shown over the past two days, but please know it is very much appreciated, and we get to experience it vicariously.

My wife wants to get this thing to replace our old projector immediately.

But yes, those shots do look really good on your HBO HD. But how come you weren't more selective like, ahem... cough, cough... Jessica Alba.

Okay, help me out. How about some Florida-Tenn. on CBS in 1080i?

Pretty please!

(BTW, people should leave you alone about the AVS pricing and just call Jason Turk. What's so hard about that? Jason will help anyone who calls/emails.)

I must really like you guys. Ok Flordia-Tenn from CBS in 1080i. It was tough to get the paused image to look right but its stellar in full motion. I hope they are ok.

Florida-Tenn CBS 1080i 1 (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4816oe6.jpg)

Flordia-Tenn CBS 1080i 2 (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4818lh6.jpg)

I just wanted to add my personal thanks to DJ and Andrew for taking the time to post here on their first experiences with this new projector so many of us have been waiting for. I don't know that I would have had the patience and discipline these two guys have shown over the past two days, but please know it is very much appreciated, and we get to experience it vicariously.

My wife wants to get this thing to replace our old projector immediately.


Glad I could be of assistance. Tomorow is my favorite day SUNDAY! I am going to take some different football shots. CBS 1080i vs ESPN 720p. It should be fun to compare the two.

Also I'm glad your wife is cool and supportive of your home theater hobbie.

Jason will be tied up until probably Monday or Tuesday, and then when he gets back he will have to sift thru a ton of PMs. People are understandably anxious to know how this will fit into their budgets. I PMd Alan yesterday and haven't gotten a reply bakc yet either, but I understand. If I don't hear from him by Monday evening, I'll give him or Jason a call Tuesday. I only PM'd Alan because I figured Jason was probably already swamped. I didn't think Alan handeld direct sales until Chris mentioned it.

I sent Jason an e-mail earlier in the week concerning the Pearl and his reply was rather curt. Alan said via PM to speak with Jason. Suffice it to say, even though I keep hearing about how great their service is, I haven't seen any pre-sales service yet that makes me want to spend my money with them.

Dj:

I hope Sony sends you a commission check because I believe you have sold some Pearls for them tonight. :D

I'm officially jealous! :) Wow wow wow! $5K! Hats off to Sony!

I sent Jason an e-mail earlier in the week concerning the Pearl and his reply was rather curt. Alan said via PM to speak with Jason. Suffice it to say, even though I keep hearing about how great their service is, I haven't seen any pre-sales service yet that makes me want to spend my money with them.

Dj:

I hope Sony sends you a commission check because I believe you have sold some Pearls for them tonight. :D

CEDIA week is always tough for these guys plus they do have lives outside of this forum too. Trust me their service is the best!

I must really like you guys. Ok Flordia-Tenn from CBS in 1080i. It was tough to get the paused image to look right but its stellar in full motion. I hope they are ok.

Florida-Tenn CBS 1080i 1 (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4816oe6.jpg)

Flordia-Tenn CBS 1080i 2 (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4818lh6.jpg)

Hey, thanks so much for this. The second shot with the field level shot is looking pretty darn good for movie like sports watching.

If you have a chance let us know how the Pearl handles the fast motion action scenes and if you see any artifacts or distortion. That would be useful. But no rush. You've been so great with so much pestering.

Consider me one less pest now. :p

I sent Jason an e-mail earlier in the week concerning the Pearl and his reply was rather curt. Alan said via PM to speak with Jason. Suffice it to say, even though I keep hearing about how great their service is, I haven't seen any pre-sales service yet that makes me want to spend my money with them.

Dj:

I hope Sony sends you a commission check because I believe you have sold some Pearls for them tonight. :D

I don't know what pre-sales service is but it sounds deadly in sales.
But seriously, get in touch with Jason. I've spoken to him a couple of times and he was great with answering questions as well as adding to the list. :)

Alan,
I don't want to clog your inbox any more than it already is- just letting you know I got your PM- Thanks!

They are getting swamped guys, just be patient :)

Paulidan PM sent :)

Kroenen

We have yet to get any info from Sony when we are getting our order. Things are up in the air along with many other dealers. To my knowledge only one dealer received a limited number so far.
There are plenty of dealers on this forum but none have commented getting any. They are most likely at cedia though so its possible someone else may have some waiting on their door step. Im hoping next week after things calm down we will see others getting inventory and hope we are not far behind. Sorry for the lack of info at this time. I will make sure Jason follows up when he returns.

Thanks!!

Edited: Paulidan looks like we were both typing at the same time. Thank you :)

For those who already set up their Pearl, how long is your HDMI cable coming from the projector to your source? For my case, if I decided to purchase the pearl I may need at most 100-ft HDMI cable. I'm just wondering if this kind of length will still be OK.

-twelly

Well with CEDIA going on in my backyard, I have to say that I am extremely interested in picking up one of these projectors now and trading in my Sony Grand Wega.

I sent a PM to Alan and am eagerly awaiting a response back. I sure wish it was open to the public, I would love to drive downtown and see it first hand. Any chance of me getting in?

Alan: Thank you for the reply.

Well with CEDIA going on in my backyard, I have to say that I am extremely interested in picking up one of these projectors now and trading in my Sony Grand Wega.

Where would you trade in your grand wega?

Sorry. When I say trading it in, I mean selling it either on craigs or on ebay...

For those who already set up their Pearl, how long is your HDMI cable coming from the projector to your source? For my case, if I decided to purchase the pearl I may need at most 100-ft HDMI cable. I'm just wondering if this kind of length will still be OK.

-twelly
At 50 feet you need to add a booster if you want to handle 1080P. There is at least one company making HDMI cables with in-line boosters.

For those who already set up their Pearl, how long is your HDMI cable coming from the projector to your source? For my case, if I decided to purchase the pearl I may need at most 100-ft HDMI cable. I'm just wondering if this kind of length will still be OK.

-twelly


I have 2 4m HDMI Cables. One for the Cable Box and One for the DVD Player.

Hey, thanks so much for this. The second shot with the field level shot is looking pretty darn good for movie like sports watching.

If you have a chance let us know how the Pearl handles the fast motion action scenes and if you see any artifacts or distortion. That would be useful. But no rush. You've been so great with so much pestering.

Consider me one less pest now. :p


For instance during the game last night I did not notice any artifacts during regular game play. However if CBS showed a replay there was some noise in the picture and it did not look as clear as the original. I don't know for sure but I believe it's a CBS thing.

Djzelos, or Andrew

If I were to have the Pearl Shelf mounted at about 80% up on the screen Height does the Pearl have enough vertical adjustment to allow me to bring the image down and fill my screen?

Or would I have to lower the shelf, or ceiling mount?

For me it is hard to justify $10k for a projector. Id rather put my money into something else. Similar to the Marantz, etc. Im sure they throw great pictures and while I can purchase the projector I just dont find it a wise investment. I have other areas where I want to spend my money. I figure if I can get 80-85% of the performance of the Ruby then I will be happy.
But, you'll be losing money on the Ruby and adding that to the cost of the Pearl at which point I would imagine you'll be close to back where you started in cost for just the Ruby, but you'll have a Pearl instead.

Djzelos, or Andrew

If I were to have the Pearl Shelf mounted at about 80% up on the screen Height does the Pearl have enough vertical adjustment to allow me to bring the image down and fill my screen?

Or would I have to lower the shelf, or ceiling mount?


I have mine on a low table and it was tough to get the image high enough for my screen. If you have it higher vs. lower I think you would have no problem.

Time to set the Fantasy Football Roster! SUNDAY!!!

But, you'll be losing money on the Ruby and adding that to the cost of the Pearl at which point I would imagine you'll be close to back where you started in cost for just the Ruby, but you'll have a Pearl instead.

The Pearl is very cheap. I used the Ruby for 8 months so I factor some of the loss on resale into the enjoyment I had while using it. If I added the cost of the two together it is much less than what you are probably thinking.

Of course home theater projectors are not investments, but I enjoy buying/selling projectors. I have bought and sold 10 in the past 2 years alone. Its fun to see all the new technologies.

I have mine on a low table and it was tough to get the image high enough for my screen. If you have it higher vs. lower I think you would have no problem.

Time to set the Fantasy Football Roster! SUNDAY!!!


I see the Ruby has no Low vertical lens shifting. only moves up 65%


Does the Pearl do the same thing only, or can you move the image down 65% or more?

For instance during the game last night I did not notice any artifacts during regular game play. However if CBS showed a replay there was some noise in the picture and it did not look as clear as the original. I don't know for sure but I believe it's a CBS thing.


Without a doubt, I'm not the only one to have noticed this drop in picture quality - during instant replay - with almost all HD sports broadcasts. My best guess, is the stations haven't upgraded their instant replay systems to handle HD, so the video info is being saved in standard definition. Anyway, I'm sure someone here can verify this, as there must have been a thread serving this topic on AVS.

I see the Ruby has no Low vertical lens shifting. only moves up 65%


Does the Pearl do the same thing only, or can you move the image down 65% or more?


I dont know about 65% but I am sure I can use the lens shift to move the image up or down.

Progressive from ESPN/ABC/FOX looks the best

http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/7299/img4819ed1.th.jpg (http://img113.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4819ed1.jpg)

is that banding ('stepped' rather than smooth gradiations) in the blue background from the camera, the jpeg compression, the signal feed, or the pj?

is that banding ('stepped' rather than smooth gradiations) in the blue background from the camera, the jpeg compression, the signal feed, or the pj?


Most likely the camera and the fact its a jpeg. Here are 3 more. 2 in HD and in in SD. As you can see the face in HD 2 looks red, it does not really look like that. The flesh tones are very natural. I am using a Canon ELPH 4mp camera that is like 4 years old. Don't put too much weight into the screenshots. Everyone (including myself likes them) that why I put them up.


HD 1
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/8107/img4821bt8.th.jpg (http://img127.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4821bt8.jpg)

HD 2
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/3483/img4822gt3.th.jpg (http://img301.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4822gt3.jpg)

SD 1
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/941/img4824gn5.th.jpg (http://img301.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4824gn5.jpg)

I also wanted to ask how everyone thinks I am doing with my updates? I hope I have been able to answer most of your questions. If not just remind me and I will see what I can do.

Progressive from ESPN/ABC/FOX looks the best

http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/7299/img4819ed1.th.jpg (http://img113.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img4819ed1.jpg)

That's an interesting statement on the 720p networks. :p

Any information on the horizontal lens shift capability?

Any information on the horizontal lens shift capability?

I really did not use it. Frankly the info in the manual scared me. It said that if you scratch the lens doing it your on your own.

Thanks for all the info so far djzelos!

Sorry if this has been covered, but what screen, throw dist, and lamp setting are you using?

Thanks

Thanks for all the info so far djzelos!

Sorry if this has been covered, but what screen, throw dist, and lamp setting are you using?

Thanks

Projector is 13 foot back from the screen. 96" 1.0 gain Da-Lite. I dont have great lighting control so during the day with sports I use high lamp mode. With all the lights off I find it a little too bright and switch it to low mode. I only sit like 1.1 or 1.0 x away from the screen. SDE was the one thing about projectors I ALWAY noticed and I hated it. SDE is non existant from where I sit.

Maybe I missed them, but could you possibly post some pics of the Pearl opperating in a bright environment (during the day maybe)? Also, I sure would love to see some pics of Xbox 360 in action on this PJ! Thanks in advance!

Can you post some images perhaps from a gaming system? Curious on how it displays. Thanks.

Maybe I missed them, but could you possibly post some pics of the Pearl opperating in a bright environment (during the day maybe)? Also, I sure would love to see some pics of Xbox 360 in action on this PJ! Thanks in advance!


Check a few pages back. I took a picture of blade in lots of light

Can you post some images perhaps from a gaming system? Curious on how it displays. Thanks.


I will get those up either tonight or tomorow. Today is Football Sunday! lol... The DLP comericals are really anoying. :)

Do you have an HD tuner to get direct off-air signals, or only the cable box? I just wondered if there was a noticeable diff in off air from cable.

That's an interesting statement on the 720p networks. :p

Or perhaps it says something more about the 1080i video deinterlacing capabilities of the Pearl. Even if it has the best consumer implementation on the market (per-pixel motion adaptive deinterlacing), you're still losing resolution in moving pixels.

Gremmy,

Are you sure that you'd be losing resolution with a 1080p projector handling the data in going from 720p at the source. Currently, I have a 720p projector and I set my cable box to 1080i as the default. The projector, an Optoma H78 seems to do quite well in doing the processing of the data to 720p. Also the same with my Tohsiba HD-DVD player.

Maybe the scaler in the Pearl is just very good at doing these chores.

Excellent. Thanks. Sounds like I should be good on brightness for 11.5 throw to a 92" diag 1.3 white screen and low lamp in a light controlled dedicated room hopefully.

I am still considering a high power which at my angles would give me about 1.7-1.8 gain at my view position, and about 1.3 at the worst spot, but this maybe to bright. I am having a hard time making a decision on this. I would like to keep the PJ in low mode to keep fan noise down.

Do you have an HD tuner to get direct off-air signals, or only the cable box? I just wondered if there was a noticeable diff in off air from cable.

No, only a cable box.

Excellent. Thanks. Sounds like I should be good on brightness for 11.5 throw to a 92" diag 1.3 white screen and low lamp in a light controlled dedicated room hopefully.

I am still considering a high power which at my angles would give me about 1.7-1.8 gain at my view position, and about 1.3 at the worst spot, but this maybe to bright. I am having a hard time making a decision on this. I would like to keep the PJ in low mode to keep fan noise down.

From what I have been told a Firehawk is the best screen you can put with it. On the stewart site it says the Firehawk is 1.25 gain. I'm just not ready to spend the extra money right now. I am happy I don't need to purchase an external scaler though.

Gremmy,

Are you sure that you'd be losing resolution with a 1080p projector handling the data in going from 720p at the source.
No resolution should be lost in this situation. The 720p should be scaled up to 1080p with no resolution lost. This is assuming that the source is recorded and broadcast in 720p.


Currently, I have a 720p projector and I set my cable box to 1080i as the default.

For 720p content, you would be better off sending 720p to your projector, as then you would be assured that no resolution was being lost.

For 1080i content, obviously it is no surprise that your current approach will result in resolution loss simply because a 720p projector cannot display all of the resolution in a 1080i source. Since your projector cannot display the 1920x1080 pixels in a 1080i source to being with, I see absolutely no benefit to this approach, unless the processor in your projector is just much better at this conversion than the one in your cable box.




Maybe the scaler in the Pearl is just very good at doing these chores.

What I'm talking about is going from 1080i video (not film) to 1080p. With video (like a football game), the odd and even fields are separated in time by 1/60th of a second and therefore cannot be woven back together to create a single, contiguous 1080p frame. With the technology available in all *consumer* based deinterlacing approaches (Pearl or otherwise) for this type of content, resolution will be lost in moving parts of the screen.

I also wanted to ask how everyone thinks I am doing with my updates? I hope I have been able to answer most of your questions. If not just remind me and I will see what I can do.

Awesome! Thanks for all the info.

Any cons yet?

-tony

"From what I have been told a Firehawk is the best screen you can put with it."

Depending on pj and viewer position, the HP may be more suitable, i.e., better ambient light rejection, leaving aside its higher gain.

I'm not sure I understand. It does or does not make sence that a 720p video source looks better then a 1080i to me.

I should also mention that the projector puts out an insane ammount of heat. It's Setpember and I have the AC on in the room to keep it cool.

I really want to go with a white screen of some sort for my light controlled room. This projector does not need a grey screen IMO. The guy doing the Pearl demo yesterday told me he pushed hard to use a ST 130 instead of the FH 1.1 SST since the ST would give a bit more punch and show off the projector more in there light controlled room. I have a grey screen right now and am sick of the muted colors/whites. The firehawk is a great screen for a grey screen no doubt, but I want to move to white.

I should also mention that the projector puts out an insane ammount of heat. It's Setpember and I have the AC on in the room to keep it cool.

Good thing I have a dedicated A/C for my room. Although I don't remember any Ruby owners complaining about excessive heat output. But good to know.

I really want to go with a white screen of some sort for my light controlled room. This projector does not need a grey screen IMO. The guy doing the Pearl demo yesterday told me he pushed hard to use a ST 130 instead of the FH 1.1 SST since the ST would give a bit more punch and show off the projector more in there light controlled room. I have a grey screen right now and am sick of the muted colors/whites. The firehawk is a great screen for a grey screen no doubt, but I want to move to white.

You saw both the Mits and Pearl at CEDIA right? Do you think I made a pretty good decision?

Good thing I have a dedicated A/C for my room. Although I don't remember any Ruby owners complaining about excessive heat output. But good to know.


Well I live on the third floor in an apartment this is kinda attic like so I could be my setup.

The Ruby can double as a space heater :)

I think you made a great decision based on what little I saw. Like I said, it was so hard to compare all the units considering all the different variables, but the JVC and Pearl are my favorites so far. I really dont think you could go wrong with any of the 3, and the 5000 looked great as well what little I saw of it. Considering also how close the Pearl and Ruby are to each other in performance, the Pearl seems like a no brainer.

I will never forget walking into the Pearl demo for the first time and seeing the 1080i beach demo that was on screen. This was the first time I ever experienced that through the window type thing that I have heard about. I was blown away! I have never seen clarity from FP like that before.

If it were me at this point from what I saw between the Mits and Pearl, I would definately go Pearl :) I really liked the overall look of the SXRD Technology. The Pearl wins out between the 2 on paper as well, so you should have no worries in my mind.

Hell, my friend who went with me is trying to refigure his finances so he can fit a Pearl into budget!

You made the right decision IMO.

I think you made a great decision based on what little I saw. Like I said, it was so hard to compare all the units considering all the different variables, but the JVC and Pearl are my favorites so far. I really dont think you could go wrong with any of the 3, and the 5000 looked great as well what little I saw of it. Considering also how close the Pearl and Ruby are to each other in performance, the Pearl seems like a no brainer.

I will never forget walking into the Pearl demo for the first time and seeing the 1080i beach demo that was on screen. This was the first time I ever experienced that through the window type thing that I have heard about. I was blown away! I have never seen clarity from FP like that before.

If it were me at this point from what I saw between the Mits and Pearl, I would definately go Pearl :) I really liked the overall look of the SXRD Technology. The Pearl wins out between the 2 on paper as well, so you should have no worries in my mind.

Hell, my friend who went with me is trying to refigure his finances so he can fit a Pearl into budget!

You made the right decision IMO.



I turned into a pretty football fan over the last few years and the Pearl completly blew me away today watching all the games. This thing is unreal. I wish there was not DVD format war becasue I don't want to pick the losing horse in that race but i would like to have a BD or HD-DVD player.

So djzelos, is the football fan in you enjoying more the 720p Giants game on Fox or the 1080i Jets game on CBS?

Not to muddy the waters much more but I'd love to hear that and also additional comments by Gremmy/others. I think it's interesting that you've found 720p looking so good. I'm wondering if it's the conditions of the environment (and the cameras) for the respective network.

For me, my pj is definitely looking better with the 1080i Jet game today. :)

So djzelos, is the football fan in you enjoying more the 720p Giants game on Fox or the 1080i Jets game on CBS?

Not to muddy the waters much more but I'd love to hear that and also additional comments by Gremmy/others. I think it's interesting that you've found 720p looking so good. I'm wondering if it's the conditions of the environment (and the cameras) for the respective network.

For me, my pj is definitely looking better with the 1080i Jet game today. :)

I think the Giants game looks 2 to 3 times better then the Jets game. Colors were more vibrant, and just had an overall better look. The Jets game may hold the edge in detail.

That's interesting and I'd love to hear folks comments on this. On my Optoma H78 720p, the Fox game didn't look as sharp but I blamed it on the cameras they were using as it just looked like they needed to tighten the focus a little bit.

Or move the antenna a smidge. :)

I thought both games looked pretty awful, but then again I am stuck with Directv for HD. It cannot handle any quick motion. It pixelates like crazy. So disappointing!

I'm not sure I understand. It does or does not make sence that a 720p video source looks better then a 1080i to me.

Let me just say this. There are many factors that can contribute to the fact that one broadcast looks better than another, and resolution is only one of these. So before I say anything else, I want to clarify that it is possible that the differences you are seeing are not directly related to broadcast resolution. Some of these factors could be mpeg compression, bandwidth issues, the quality of all the cameras in play, and even the playing conditions (outdoors vs. indoors, sunlight vs. cloudy, etc.)

Okay, with that discalimer out of the way:

Yes, there is an explanation for why 720p video (not film) based content could look better overall than 1080i video (not film) content displayed on a 1080p projector, and this reason is related to the process of deinterlacing 1080i video.

Consider this: When you feed 720p to your Pearl, it should be scaled up to 1080p with no lost resolution. When you feed 1080i video to your Pearl, we can be certain that all moving parts of the screen will be losing resolution due to the reasons mentioned earlier. In fact, moving parts of the screen will have less resolution than the 720p we're comparing it to. The best possible implementation of 1080i video deinterlacing available to consumers at the moment is per-pixel motion adaptive deinterlacing, which will restrict resolution loss only to individual pixels that are in motion. In reality, this approach to the problem is a good one, since the eye has trouble resolving detail in motion anyway. But the issue is that we don't yet know the quality of deinterlacing available in the Pearl, so it is possible that some less precise form of motion adaptive deinterlacing is being used. Or, God forbid, it is possible (though highly unlikely) that half the vertical resolution is just being stripped out of the picture altogether in a cheap 540p bob, which of course would make 1080i video content slightly better than DVD quality and would give 720p a clear, obvious advantage. I seriously doubt this latter approach is taking place in the Pearl, since it would be a first for Sony.

Even with per-pixel motion adaptive deinterlacing, a sports broadcast can be problematic because in some shots, nearly the whole screen will be in motion, meaning that the whole screen will get bobbed and resolution will be lost.


The real resolution/detail advantage of a 1080p projector is in dealing with 1080i and 1080p film based sources, where the odd and even fields can simply be woven back together with inverse telecine deinterlacing.

Alright finally xbox 360 running through it. It brings the games to an entire new level.

I cant seem to find the db rating for the Pearl in high lamp mode. Is it still 22db or does it go up?

22db is the spec, but it isnt clear if this is high or low mode. It is very quiet except during absolutre moments of silence in movies (then you can hear a faint noise).

I cant seem to find the db rating for the Pearl in high lamp mode. Is it still 22db or does it go up?


It's very very quite.

That is good news. I have to mount this unit right above my head about 2 feet up and will probably use high lamp at times so this is good to hear (or not hear I should say :) ).

I bet the 360 looks killer on the Pearl, cant wait to hear more about that. Are you running the 360 in 720p or 1080i?

That is good news. I have to mount this unit right above my head about 2 feet up and will probably use high lamp at times so this is good to hear (or not hear I should say :) ).

I bet the 360 looks killer on the Pearl, cant wait to hear more about that. Are you running the 360 in 720p or 1080i?


It is right next to where i sit. If its more then 3 feet from my ear while on the couch its a lot and I cant hear it. I tried both 720p and 1080i and 1080i on the xbox 360 is the best setting. The Pearl eats it up. I have Gamefly, Its like netflix but for games. Right now I have out Hitman Bloodmoney and Prey. I have a 46" Samsung LCD TV and thought it was the best thing I have ever scene 360 played on. This destroys it. The shadow detail is so clean and clear even when moving through almost fully black scenes. Tomorow I will get some screen shots. I can not wait till November 9th. Call Of Duty 3!