Has anyone with an InFocus ScreenPlay 7205 had any success using the HDMI output of a Toshiba HD DVD player?

I have an InFocus 7205 projector connected to a Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD player and have had no success in obtaining any image via the player’s HDMI output. (Several forum members with HDMI to DVI connections to various other displays have reported downrezzing problems where they obtain images, but they are at 480p. My problem is different, I get NO image whatsoever.)

My first connection attempt was using an HDMI to DVI adapter cable from the Toshiba to a DVI switch, to a 9 meter run of DVI cable, to a DVI to M1 adapter. This identical connection was used successfully with an HD TiVo satellite receiver, but will not work with the Toshiba. One interesting note is that the Toshiba has successfully verified that HDMI is connected, since an HDMI indicator displays on the status screen.

My next attempt was to remove the DVI switch from the video path. I used an HDMI to DVI adapter from the Toshiba to the 9 meter DVI cable, to the DVI to M1 adapter. This attempt failed as well. However, this time the Toshiba did not verify the connection to HDMI, i.e., no HDMI indicator light showed on the status screen. This suggests to me that the incompatibility lies with the InFocus rather than the switch.

In both attempts I have the InFocus powered on first, then power up the player. In the first attempt the InFocus and the DVI switch are powered on before the player.

An other forum member with an InFocus 7205 has successfully connected his projector with an HD-XA2 without any problems. I don’t know what InFocus firmware version he is running, I’m using the original 1.7 version. One significant difference in our setups is that he is first running HDMI to his Denon receiver then he is running HDMI to DVI to M1 his projector. Other forum members have reported that switching to a Denon receiver has resolved HDMI to DVI compatibility problems, so the Denon in the video path may have eased the transition.

Toshiba is supposed to issue a firmware update in about a week to deal with some of the HDMI to DVI problems, i.e., downrezzing, Chroma Upscaling Error, blacker than black issues, but I’m not sure whether my problem will be included in the fix.

Although I haven’t been running into any other projector problems, I’ve been thinking of performing a firmware upgrade on my InFocus in hopes that it may have included some compatibility improvements. Is this something a layman should be attempting? Is there a risk of damaging the projector? I’ve downloaded the software and read the instructions. It looks fairly straight forward other than the part of holding down the UP and DOWN KEYSTONE buttons while plugging in the power cable. ;) I’ve got the M1 UBS adapter and I plan to leave the projector suspended from the ceiling mount while I attempt this.


I’ve read the similar thread Infocus 7200 And Hd-a2 Question (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=778823&highlight=infocus).

Does anyone have any additional insights or suggestions regarding this compatibility issue?

Thanks.

Larry

I'm using the 7205 (firmware ver. 2.4) with a Toshiba HD-A1 (firmware ver. 2.0). HDMI to DVI adapter to 30 foot DVI cable to M1 adapter. Powering on the 7205 first, no connection problems.

Larry,
I checked the firmware on the 7205 for you. It's 2.2. Working fine with the XA2.


Jason

I'm using the 7205 (firmware ver. 2.4) with a Toshiba HD-A1 (firmware ver. 2.0). HDMI to DVI adapter to 30 foot DVI cable to M1 adapter. Powering on the 7205 first, no connection problems.


Larry,
I checked the firmware on the 7205 for you. It's 2.2. Working fine with the XA2.

Jason


Thanks guys.

Perhaps I should give a higher priority to upgrading the InFocus firmware.

Did you folks do the firmware upgrade yourselves? If so, how straight forward was the upgrade?

I doubt that I'm looking at a hardware problem with the InFocus DVI controller since my upconverting DVD player is working just fine via DVI.

Larry

Thanks guys.

Perhaps I should give a higher priority to upgrading the InFocus firmware.

Did you folks do the firmware upgrade yourselves? If so, how straight forward was the upgrade?

I doubt that I'm looking at a hardware problem with the InFocus DVI controller since my upconverting DVD player is working just fine via DVI.

Larry

It was easy, but i think you need a special cable from infocus. Cheap though. I might be wrong as it was over a year ago. Look on their website or give them a call. i think this is probably your problem.

It was easy, but i think you need a special cable from infocus. Cheap though. I might be wrong as it was over a year ago. Look on their website or give them a call. i think this is probably your problem.

Hi Jason,

Yes, I already have an adapter cable that connects M1 to DVI and provides a UBS connection. I'll be running a UBS cable down from that connector from the ceiling to a laptop with the 2.4 firmware. I just want to avoid doing anything that might screw up my projector.

Larry

Hi Jason,

Yes, I already have an adapter cable that connects M1 to DVI and provides a UBS connection. I'll be running a UBS cable down from that connector from the ceiling to a laptop with the 2.4 firmware. I just want to avoid doing anything that might screw up my projector.

Larry
I've update twice with no problem. Go for it.

As of this writing, my HD DVD Tosh player A1 connected to 7205 through HDMI to M1 to DVI adapter purchased from Infocus which works just great. Once in a while due to lose connection the image gets lost so, all I have to do wiggle the cable.
Infocus is now selling an adapter that converts M1 to HDMI for about $40.00.
Good luck

As of this writing, my HD DVD Tosh player A1 connected to 7205 through HDMI to M1 to DVI adapter purchased from Infocus which works just great. Once in a while due to lose connection the image gets lost so, all I have to do wiggle the cable.
Infocus is now selling an adapter that converts M1 to HDMI for about $40.00.
Good luck

Thanks.

I assume the Toshibas use the same firmware. Can you tell me what version you have?

Larry

2.0 firmware.

2.0 firmware.

Thanks. I guess I assumed incorrectly. :o

The upgrade history of the InFocus 7205 is:
v 1.7
v 2.2
v 2.3
v 2.4

Larry

Sorry Larry,
I thought you mean TOSH A1 firmware 2.0
My 7205 display 1.7 firmware, never had a chance to upgrade this projector infact, I just installed a brand new bulb 3 days ago so, it I guess it is a good idea to have most latest firmware. But truly, what are the significiant advantage over 1.7 ? and, how to upgrade can you explain?

Well, I've got good news and bad news.

The good news is I didn't destroy my projector.

The bad news is I wasn't successful in updating my firmware.

The problem seems to be that I can't establish a USB connection between the projector and notebook computer. The notebook computer never sees a USB device nor is prompted to install USB drivers. I get to the step where I'm awaiting connection, press the UP & DOWN KEYSTONE buttons while connecting power, but I never see a connected message.

I tried using an other USB cable, and I've ordered a new M1 to DVI to USB adapter cable to replace my existing adapter.

Anyone have any other ideas?

Thanks.

Larry

Larry I wish you the best of luck...... let us know if/how it all works out.

I am also have "issues" but mine are different than yours. My HD-A1 will play fine connected directly to the projector via HDMI->HDMI/M1 connector... however, when I introduce an HDMI switching receiver into the mix it goes to heck!

The following is a short excerpt from one of my other threads on the issues I am having with these connections..........................

Wow the HD-Tivo worked perfectly from the first time I fired up the Pioneer... however I was soon to discover that as my front projector (InFocus 7210) is equipped with a DVI-type connector (they call it M1) that the Pioneer has "issues" passing EDID data between HD sources and the projector. In short everything works perfectly if connected directly to the projector..., but if run through the Elite 84 then the sources are locked to the primary display frequency of the projector (in my case 720p). Now this would not be a huge issues except initially the scaler in the HD-DVD player looked horrible at 720p and now with firmware version 2.0 it is much improved but many people still feel that 1080i output on the HD-DVD player is superior. In the case of the HD-DVD player it locks it's output to 720p and will cause the player to completely lock up if you try and change anything. With my HD-Tivo you can set the output to 1080i and then when you select the HD-Tivo's input on the Elite 84 you can watch the little green light on the front of the Tivo jump from 1080i to 720p all by itself (well actually commanded somehow by the Elite 84).

In addition I found that whatever you connect via Component in if you transcode it over for output over HDMI that it is output at 480p no matter what resolution you have input (1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i) or no matter what you have told the scaler to do in the av-parameters section. Not "every" DVI equipped display seems to act this way, but the majority of folks I have chatted with here on AVS that have DVI equipped displays and the Elite 84 have run into this same problem.

............................................................ .........

I guess the moral of the story is you are not alone...... although if you can get no image at all it would make me wonder if:

1. you selected HDMI as the output on the HD-DVD player (it defaults to Component).

2. Does your HD-DVD player have a bad component (my first one had a bad motherboard).

Best of luck

Larry,

I had the same problem of no connection when I upgraded my 7200 a couple of weeks ago. The PDF file that outlines the method has a part about the first time upgrade. Once I pointed to the right driver file, the download took. You might re-read the "Upgrading Software" PDF.
If it is like the 7200 one, all it took was for the "add new hardware wizard" of XP to find the file.

Good Luck,
Sid

Sorry Larry,
I thought you mean TOSH A1 firmware 2.0
My 7205 display 1.7 firmware, never had a chance to upgrade this projector infact, I just installed a brand new bulb 3 days ago so, it I guess it is a good idea to have most latest firmware. But truly, what are the significiant advantage over 1.7 ? and, how to upgrade can you explain?

Below is the Firmware Revison History and a description of the upgrades/fixes.
For InFocus projectors registered owners can download the firmware from the link below:

You'll notice that InFocus requires their projectors to be registered and you must insert your serial number to download software. I doubt this would work for Toshiba projectors. I suggest you try the Toshiba website for a similar download page.

ScreenPlay 7205 Product Support (http://www.infocus.com/service/sp7205/software.asp?site_lang=1&site_region=1&)

===============================
Firmware Version Date Notes/Enhancements
v2.4 09-February-2006
Fixes loss of ceiling mount mode and inverted image colors
720p 50Hz mode improvements

v2.3 23-November-2005
For manufacturing reasons

v2.2 12-December-2004
1080i with TrueLife on is now frame locked. Also verified 720p, 576p, and 480p with TL on are frame locked 1080i RGB mode via Video 2 no longer shows jitter
Blue screen lockup no longer occurs
Factory Reset now treats projection mode correctly
Default value for Sync Threshold is now 71 on the slider
Projector can now display 480i/576i DVI digital video sources
A new "VCR" mode (checkbox) eliminates top 25% of image being discolored from VHS VCR sources. Note that this new option is available per source and is only utilized when source is VCR and has the above describe symptom. This should never be enabled if the sources are operating correctly.

v1.7 N/A Initial release
=====================

The fact that you and I are using 1.7 projector firmware suggests to me that the compatibility problem I am having is more than just my projector firmware, but rather a combination of projector and Toshiba firmware.

Larry

In addition I found that whatever you connect via Component in if you transcode it over for output over HDMI that it is output at 480p no matter what resolution you have input (1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i) or no matter what you have told the scaler to do in the av-parameters section. Not "every" DVI equipped display seems to act this way, but the majority of folks I have chatted with here on AVS that have DVI equipped displays and the Elite 84 have run into this same problem.

Hi,

This downrezzing problem on DVI is a bug with the Toshiba players (as opposed to your receiver). Robert Zohn, of Value Electronics, is an insider with Toshiba, and he has stated that for the HD-XA2 players a firmware upgrade is scheduled to be released by the end of next week to resolve a number of HDMI to DVI problems. Robert didn't have definite information regarding the release of firmware upgrades for the other effected players, but it would seem reasonable that they should be forthcoming as well.


I guess the moral of the story is you are not alone...... although if you can get no image at all it would make me wonder if:

1. you selected HDMI as the output on the HD-DVD player (it defaults to Component).

After reading your comments about selecting HDMI, I went back in my home theater and switched on the projector to see if I could figure out what you meant about "selecting HDMI".

Before I could do anything I was astonished to find my projector was working fine over HDMI! I immediately threw in a standard DVD and was thrilled to see it upscaled exceptionally well.

I am frankly at a lose to explain this sudden favorable turn of events, BUT I'M NOT COMPLAINING. :D

Nevertheless, I'm still confused about your "selecting HDMI" comment. On the HD-XA2 there's a phsyical mode switch which is set to mode 2. Mode 2 is used for both HDMI and component video.

I went into the settings menu under picture and could not find any setting that selected HDMI versus component. All I see is TV Shape, Enhanced Black Level, Picture Mode (Film, Video or AUTO), and Resolution.

Where do you select HDMI?


2. Does your HD-DVD player have a bad component (my first one had a bad motherboard).

Knock wood, everything is working flawlessly.

Thanks for your interest, and I hope things work out for you as well.

Larry

Larry,

I had the same problem of no connection when I upgraded my 7200 a couple of weeks ago. The PDF file that outlines the method has a part about the first time upgrade. Once I pointed to the right driver file, the download took. You might re-read the "Upgrading Software" PDF.
If it is like the 7200 one, all it took was for the "add new hardware wizard" of XP to find the file.

Good Luck,
Sid

Hi Sid,

Thanks very much for the advice.

Yes, I've read everything about a thousand times. :(

The section you're referring to states:

The first time you connect a USB cable between the protector and a laptop; windows detects a new device, and asks for a driver.
(That's when the Welcome to the Found New Hardware Wizard is supposed to launch and prompt me for the appropriate files.)

However, that's the problem...Windows doesn't recognize my USB connection and consequently it doesn't launch the wizard. Thinking this sounded like a physical wiring problem I ordered an other M1 to DVI to USB adapter.

But... to tell you the truth I'm a "IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT" kind of guy. So now that things seem to be working, I'm inclined to just put the new adapter in a drawer until I really need it. ;)

Thanks again for your interest.

Larry

Hi Larry,

Glad to hear you are in business.....

I purchased mine from Robert Zohn also... he has been a great help!

On the A-1 remote there is an "Output" button which you have to push to toggle between Component and HDMI output as they are not active at the same time.

Larry, I'm glad everything is working for you now. Have fun!

Hi Larry,

Glad to hear you are in business.....

I purchased mine from Robert Zohn also... he has been a great help!

On the A-1 remote there is an "Output" button which you have to push to toggle between Component and HDMI output as they are not active at the same time.

Hi,

Thanks, I've got my fingers crossed that thing stay that way.

Yes, I'm very happy with Robert's customer service and his active participation on the forums. His information is very credible and helpful, but Toshiba representatives really need to publish official statements and support information. The last I looked their website still doesn't even mention that an HD-XA2 exists, let alone that they plan on issuing a very timely upgrade.

The HD-XA2 sends video simultaneously to both HDMI and component video, there's no "Output" button on the remote.

I've got both component and HDMI running to my projector. The component runs from the Toshiba player to my Lexicon preamp and out to the projector. The HDMI runs from the Toshiba to a DVI switch via an HDMI to DVI adapter cable, to the DVI cable to the M1 adapter. Since I had both types of video running to the projector, and they are both active, I switched the source on the Lexicon to see whether I would lose video. (If the image I was seeing was due to component I would lose signal when changing sources. However, if the image was from HDMI the signal would remain since it wasn't being switched by the Lexicon.) Well I was happy to see the image remained after switching sources.

After being forced to add component cable in order to see an image, I'm glad I went to the trouble of reconnecting the HDMI. I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out what, if anything, changed. :confused:

Larry

Larry, I'm glad everything is working for you now. Have fun!

Hi Paul,

Thanks for all your help yesterday. As I mentioned, I took your advice and tried an other USB cable with no success. Then I ordered the Monoprice adapter that you suggested. The whole thing with shipping only cost $9.28. I was surprised to get order and shipping confirmation shortly afterwards...on a SUNDAY.

Larry

Larry

Check if your laptop is powering-down the ports when on battery....

Larry

Check if your laptop is powering-down the ports when on battery....

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the response.

But, I'm so hyper about something going wrong during the upgrade that I had the laptop plugged into A/C power during the entire process.

Larry

Hi Larry sounds like they made some changes from the A-1 to the A2 model... , but I am thrilled it is working for you know.

Have you compared the output from your A-2 at 1080i vs. 720p to see which looks better?

On the A-1 the scaler still needs a bit of work, so the 1080i output looks better..., but of course that is the issue I am having with mine and my player will not put out 1080i as long as it is connected through the Pioneer Elite 84 to the projector. I thought this was Pioneer's fault, but an email I received from InFocus claims that the problem is with the Toshiba unit... not Pioneer......

Hi Larry sounds like they made some changes from the A-1 to the A2 model... , but I am thrilled it is working for you know.

Have you compared the output from your A-2 at 1080i vs. 720p to see which looks better?

On the A-1 the scaler still needs a bit of work, so the 1080i output looks better..., but of course that is the issue I am having with mine and my player will not put out 1080i as long as it is connected through the Pioneer Elite 84 to the projector. I thought this was Pioneer's fault, but an email I received from InFocus claims that the problem is with the Toshiba unit... not Pioneer......

Hi Steve,

Thanks.

I don't have an HD-A2, I've got the HD-XA2.

I've tried switching the resolutions once. By the time I worked my way through the resolution menus it's hard to recall how the previous resolution looked in comparison. So I couldn't really perceive a difference. However, if I had to choose one or the other I'd guess that 720p was better.

Let's hope that the Toshiba firmware upgrade resolves your problem.

Larry

Yes, if they ever come out with any more upgrades for the Gen 1 Machines... they are probably putting all their time into Gen 3 now!

On the Gen 1 machines both worked the same way.... I have both the XA-1 and the A-1 and the only difference with them was the power door and an RS-232 port! I do know there is a scaler difference however with the Gen2 boxes.