Good Morning all, Art's heading out for his yearly wilderness expedition this morning and wont be able to give us much more until he returns (screenshots, direct comparison to HD70, HC1500, ect... ). However, the following is a direct quote from the email he sent me this morning.... A bit vague but a good starting point.


Here's the short on the Acer.

Black levels - respectable, better than the BenQ W500 - I ran them side by side. The BenQ, though is definitely a bit brighter, and produces a richer looking image. However, the BenQ crushes blacks somewhat. Most wouldn't notice but those into it, definitely will.

I think the BenQ produces a more spectacular image, It impresses, even if flawed.

But the most telling difference to me, is that the Acer image is soft, it is immediately noticeable when I had the two running side by side. The difference is very visible

Even if one considers the Acer to be overall, the more natural of the two (very believable), I'd personally scratch it from my list due to the softness of the image.

If I find the time to download the images I took, and resize them in my last couple of hours before I head out camping, I'll send you a pair that should show you the sharpness difference.

It would have been nice to have more time, and to have either the Mits HC1500 or Optoma HD70 here, and I really don't have time to closely examine the few images I took to similar ones from those reviews. That will have to wait until I return....
He will be back in a week and a more detailed review is to follow....

What "respectbale"means. good,very good or excellent?

LCDs often appear sharper because of their more visible pixel structure. I wonder if this was the case or if the Acer just was less sharp.

LCDs often appear sharper because of their more visible pixel structure. I wonder if this was the case or if the Acer just was less sharp.
Maybe they use a cheaper lens?

I would bet on optics as the cause. I imagine there is an optimum throw and screen size that would render a sharper image but it would take time to find it.

On the positive side, maybe the softness is similar to Panasonic's and decreases some of the SDE.

Did he happen to e-mail you his settings?

Unfortunately, no... but I I'm sure when he gets back, We will get all of that.

Great. I'd rather wait and give him time to do a thorough review, but then again, it's not my projector that he has :)

Thanks for letting him have your projector so that we can all benefit!

Great. I'd rather wait and give him time to do a thorough review, but then again, it's not my projector that he has :)

Thanks for letting him have your projector so that we can all benefit!
He had mentioned that he was going to have it shipped back to me on Monday, but I am considering letting him keep it until he returns.

I just upgraded my screen size in the Primary Theater ("Clapback Cinemas") from 92" to 106" Da-Lite VS 1.5, so I may be able to hold out a bit longer for the Acer unit. :cool:

I thought the ph530 had a sharp image/edge maybe to sharp thats why you saw some digital edging.

Art thought it looked soft? Wow that w500 must be throwing up a good image.

Tattootearz

Was Arts review a personal thing because when I went onto projectorreviews I didnt see his review for the Acer just curious.

art wont publish a review until he is sure that what he was saying is accurate as he saw it or the PJ he was reviewing wasn't flawed - he took a long time to put up the w500 review because of issues he saw when he first encountered it.

the acer is a great budget PJ but it just always was naive to think it could hang with an HC3000, HD72 or VP4001 like some have stated.

I have seen other projectors and some have strengths and weaknesses that's for sure,
But for the price it is well worth it and it delivers when needed with good results.

Top of the morning to the good folks at AVS. I figured now is as good a time as any to provide an update on the status of the review for the Acer PH530.

Art will be returning shortly from his trip and will spend the large part of the week screening, testing, comparing & tweaking the "Ace."

We will have some preliminary data by week's end and a full "meat & potatoes" official review by the middle of next week.

Lastly, I will finally get my Projector back early next week! :cool:

Looking forward to an expert's review! Thanks Tattootearz for your time, effort, and money getting this out to Art. Is there a Paypal link to send you a few dollars toward the cost of shipping etc.?

Just got a very detailed Review from Art on the "Ace".... Like I said, his full review will be posted next week at www.projectorreviews.com...


"....In fact I just finished taking some screen shots, and came back to my computer to see your email.

OK, color accuracy - not bad at all. in Theater, it's too warm, but with the single RGB settings, all you have to do is drop Red from 100 to 95 or 96, Drop green from 100 to 99, and leave blue at 100. End result very well balanced 6500K - basically 6500+/- 200K, that's very good.

Black levels are so so, overall, for a DLP, about the same as the HC1500 and HD70. Shadow details not bad, but not quite up to the other too. But these are subtle differences, not definitive differences.

Menus are nice, but two major issues - limited color management, which isn't that bad, since it was an easy fix for 6500K

And the user issue. Seems PH530 is downright stupid. There is a user area, which kicks in the first time you change anything from the presets.

Problem is - only one set, of settings. ie. I did the 6500k balance, but then wanted to tune another setting for HDTV, (or for that matter, let's say a 2nd Theater setting but to compensate for some ambient light.

No joy. I changed the R,G,B settings for HDTV, and the ones for movie watching were lost, so I had to manually put them back in. Thus, basically, you have 1 user setting, plus the presets, if you want two or three user settings (or more) better write them down. Pretty weak, compared to almost anything else.

For me, that would be a deal breaker right there.

For $850 - not a bad value, PQ is, afterall, good. But, I'd have to pick, personally, the Mits HC1500, or my own personal choice, would probably be the Panasonic PT-AX100U, but those are going for about $1000 - $1100 right now.

Build quality is not impressive, change the zoom setting and the lens goes out of focus (that happens with about half of the lower priced models).

OK, that really is about it. Now all I have to do, is take these 500 words, and combine them with images to create a 3000 word, 30 image review.

I hope to post on Tuesday, sooner if possible (if I get it done sooner, I'll drop you an email.

The projector should ship back on Monday. I'll confirm with tracking number on Tues.

Let me put it this way. It's not a bad product at all, but I'd say it is the entry level, of the entry levels, in overall. With the one exception, that it sets up for very good color, easily.

I did, however run the PT-AX200U the other night, right after the Acer. The 200 is $1300, but is, except for huge gaming mode enhancements, still basically the AX100u with only a couple of small improvements.

The LCD PT-AX200U is more film like, brighter, better menus, better color management, more inputs, hugely more flexible placement, etc.

And, as I said, the PTAX100U would claim the same.

So, IMHO, the Acer is for folks who are really tight on budget, and want 720p, but for those with an extra couple hundred, I wouldn't particularly recommend it.

Nothing about it, compels me to grant it a Hot Product Award, other than its price, and it doesn't have enough of an advantage in price to earn it.

Hope that doesn't depress you.

I will say, that, in just watching movie segments, it really was just fine. It's just that it is, as I said, entry level, in almost all regards."


Post your thoughts....

I am very happy with mine and it fits the bill just right for me with no problems,
Even if it is an entry level product it delivers the goods and makes it a bargain.,.,.,.,

Just finished a night of playing PC games and watching some HD content via PC on mine, and OMG.. this puppy shines in that regard..

I did run into the VGA screen shift issue, but i easily fixed that by 1) changing the shift on my video card settings and keeping that as a hot-keyable preset on the PC, and 2) adjusting the h-position in the projector menus..

the PC mode was a great color mode for everything I tried.. shadows and highlights showed nicely.. playing COD4, HL2:ep2, Portal's whites were amazingly nice looking, and UT3's glows and detailed textures such really showed off the HD resolution of the projector.. I'm so used to my old 480i projector that i'm sure anything would impress me.. but I really think I chose the right pj for myself at this point in time.. i'm sure if I were more experienced with higher end models though, I'd start to see some of the extra things that this one's missing..

one thing I was very happy about is that the sde is almost non existant for me..

I'm projecting almost a 130" screen (couldn't get closer due to fact of ceiling fan being in center of room) and even only at about 5 feet back, sde is non-existent.

not trying to write a review here, but I'd like to put my 2 cents in and let people know that if you have already gotten an HD front projector, then you probably wouldn't see anything new here. Like Art said, it's entry level of the entry levels. But if you're just getting your feet wet with it all, this thing will really make the transition nice and quick (and painless on the wallet) for you to realize what you've been missing.. I can already tell I've been bitten by the bug, and i wouldn't be surprised if I've got upgrade-itis by this time next year, although only because i like upgrading.. not because of any lack of quality in my eyes here...

I don't feel bad about dropping $820 on a HC1500 now. Especially since I could use the extra brightness.

Post your thoughts.... - tattootearz

I think it's good news overall on the review. The criticisms he had regarding the user menu will HOPEFULLY be fixed via firmware upgrade from Acer. Can't believe it was so easy to dial to 6500k, that great. As for it not being a "HOT PRODUCT", I completely disagree. The PH530 is now selling like hotcakes and (when TD gets them back in stock) it can be had for $567 shipped to my front door. He's comparing it to PJs that cost twice as much or more than the PH530. Yes, maybe it IS very basic and "ENTRY LEVEL", but for the price it is a pretty sweet deal. It IS fair to compare it to the HC1500 and the HD70, and I think those two may be slightly better PJs, but they cost slightly more as well. Unless circumstances with price/value in the "projector wars" change with in the next month or so, I will be buying the PH530.

The PH530 is now selling like hotcakes and (when TD gets them back in stock) it can be had for $567 shipped to my front door.

I agree. At $850, I wouldn't buy it and would not consider it a hot product. BUT, I got it for $546 shipped after coupons and cashback. I wonder if he would consider this a hot product at $550 or even $600 :D

Yea where the heck did Art come up with $850?

Yea where the heck did Art come up with $850?
Yea that same thought had crossed my mind. I will have to shoot him a quick email just to clarify that the Ace can be had for less than 6 bills.

Yea that same thought had crossed my mind. I will have to shoot him a quick email just to clarify that the Ace can be had for less than 6 bills.

THIS ITEM IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

GOOD LUCK. YOU CAN GET ONE FOR $640 THOUGH.

THIS IS ABOUT 100 MORE THAN THE TIGER DEAL.

Some additional feedback from Art, regarding the PH530...


"OK guys, last comments (hell, if I keep writing to you guys, and you keep posting, no one will need to read my reviews, and then how will we make money selling advertiising.

BTW, my understanding is that the MAP price, at least WAS, $850, or rather 849.

From a street price basis, I looked around, and most of the lower price action is between 650 and 700. I went to Tiger direct, but couldn't even find it on their site (using a search for ph530), but I'll take your word, that it is $599.

But everything has to be in perspective.

A search for Mits HC1500's shows the low prices as 800 - 850 - about $150 - $200 higher.
A search for the Optoma HD70 shows the low prices for it, as in the low $700's to $800. about 75-$100 more (I did find 2 dealers for the HD70, under $700 for example, but for purposes of this email, I tossed, them, as the equiv of your $599 price that I couldn't find.

I try to use MAP pricing as a guide, because it tends to set the "high" online price. Using lowest prices, best temporary deals isn't viable for a review site, for several reasons, but the main one is that for me accurately track and report best prices, would require constantly updating a database of 500+ current projector models. A full time job. (Never mind rebates, etc.)

Now, to my knowledge, the Acer MAPs for 849, the HD70 is 899 and the HC1500 is 999.

As you can see from the prices I listed above for each, they pretty much hold to my comments. The Acer is the least expensive, but not by that much - $75 to $150.

Also, while the Acer and Mits have 1 year warranties, the Optoma provides a 2nd year warranty - which I figure (a manufacturer's warranty, not a dealer provided 3rd party) to have a minimum value of $100!

Comments stand! Hey, it is a nice projector. And the least expensive this month. I seriously doubt anyone buying it will be dissatisfied, and it comes down to that. Guys, if you love yours, then great. As I indicated earlier, the limited user color settings, though is going to be a real nuisance for those that want to tune both movie and HDTV settings, let alone have still another mode or two for the same, but with more ambient light.

So, enjoy!"

Comments stand! Hey, it is a nice projector. And the least expensive this month. I seriously doubt anyone buying it will be dissatisfied, and it comes down to that. Guys, if you love yours, then great. As I indicated earlier, the limited user color settings, though is going to be a real nuisance for those that want to tune both movie and HDTV settings, let alone have still another mode or two for the same, but with more ambient light.


That's what it all comes down to!... He should also factor in the cost of the bulb for this projector so in the long run even though the Optoma has a 2 year manufacturers warranty your still saving quite more because of how cheap the bulbs are on this projector..

As for it not being a "HOT PRODUCT", I completely disagree. The PH530 is now selling like hotcakes and (when TD gets them back in stock) it can be had for $567 shipped to my front door.

Guys, you are so lucky. Here in Russia an average street price is around $1160, and it is selling like a hot pies. Even for this price, PH530 is still a very good entry-level PJ.

Thanks Art!
Thanks Tattotearz!
I appreciate everything you're doing here:).

___


Hey, I'm not saying that the PH530 isn't comparable to the HD70 or the HC1500. What my point is, is that this pj is a DEAL for those with tight pockets wanting to get into front projection... or maybe even as a second pj or back-up pj.

A pj that produces a "good" pic at 720p/1080i for less than 6 bones (NEW) and a one yr warrantee to me is a "hot product" or "great deal".

If I wanted to spend a little more on the HD70 for better options or a little brighter pic and/or a longer warrantee, then I can. ...but sacrificing those things for a cheaper price is what I can do to save some dough by going with the PH530.

Plus, let's not forget that the replacement bulbs for the PH530 are cheaper than the ones for those other PJs.


To be perfectly honest now, I am rethinking my options between the PH530 and the HD70. I'll have to see where everything stands in about a month, especially IF anyone will be offering the same prices. Maybe "Black Friday" will even produce an offer that I can't refuse.

BTW, TigerDirect does NOT have the PH530 at 599 right now because they ran out of stock. That has happened before though and they did get more stock in after about a week or so. So we shall see if they get more in or not.

** As I indicated earlier, the limited user color settings, though is going to be a real nuisance for those that want to tune both movie and HDTV settings, let alone have still another mode or two for the same, but with more ambient light. - ART **



The above comment is what is now the main reason I am reconsidering buying the HD70.

Hey Tattootearz, how many different preset modes are there available on the HD70?
Thanks.

for me the replacement bulb price played a big role in choosing the "ace", since I know I'm gonna finish one up before I upgrade to 1080p one day.

Smartypants TD had them cheaper than that. 6 bones.

WHEN is black Friday???? Day after Thanksgiving??

Smartypants TD had them cheaper than that. 6 bones.

WHEN is black Friday???? Day after Thanksgiving??

Edited that post. Meant to type 5, not 6. Thanks.

Yes BF is day after turkeyday.

Great prelim. reveiw Art, thank you. Since there is only one customer config, does anyone have the definitive "best overall" settings? Is 6500k the best "overall"?

BTW, if you switch from the User Settings to one of the presets, is the User Settings trashed or are they saved?

** As I indicated earlier, the limited user color settings, though is going to be a real nuisance for those that want to tune both movie and HDTV settings, let alone have still another mode or two for the same, but with more ambient light. - ART **



The above comment is what is now the main reason I am reconsidering buying the HD70.

Hey Tattootearz, how many different preset modes are there available on the HD70?
Thanks.
The HD70 has (4) Editable Preset Modes & (1) "User" Mode.

The Preset Modes are: Cinema, Bright, TV, Photo

Each of which can be changed and will retain their new values upon switching.

I like what Art said but I am extremely happy with my Acer. HD looks very good on my screen. I know Art has seen some beauties at 720p but this baby can hold anyone over until they can get to the HOLY GRAIL (1080P).

I like what Art said but I am extremely happy with my Acer. HD looks very good on my screen. I know Art has seen some beauties at 720p but this baby can hold anyone over until they can get to the HOLY GRAIL (1080P).

I agree, this is def. not the BEST, but for the price it is awesome. And def. not hard on the eyes at all, especially at 100"!

Great prelim. reveiw Art, thank you. Since there is only one customer config, does anyone have the definitive "best overall" settings? Is 6500k the best "overall"?

BTW, if you switch from the User Settings to one of the presets, is the User Settings trashed or are they saved?

Greetings All,

I'm just starting to write up the review (hopefully to post tomorrow). I've scanned the thread and will answer some questions.

first, since I picked this email to quote. 6500K is optimum for movies, but not for TV/HDTV. Thus my complaint with the settings issue. Hey, its not a huge deal for those that don't mind, going from movie, to TV, opening the menu, and changing the red green and blue settings. And then changing back. It's a 1 minute, thing but will drive anyone wanting plug and play, rather crazy.

OK, let's do the pricing thing. Yes, Snake (tattootearz) emailed me about the $599 at Tiger, after my original comments.

Guys, I really try to avoid hunting down the lowest price, and even then, they aren't necessarily from authorized dealers, and might even be gray market product. Now, I don't expect that from TD, since that seems to be about the low price.

I normally use what I find out is the initial MAP price (minimum advertised price), which I understood to be $849 for the PH530. By comparison, the HD70 and HC1500 have MAPs of $999 each. Generally MAP pricing tends to set the "high" price on the web.

So when I visited nextag and pricegrabber, I was able to find some folks with the PH530 down in the low $600's but I was also able to find a couple of people with the HD70 in the low $700's and the HC1500 had plenty of dealers between about $820 and $850.

So, as I see it, if you are looking for rock bottom pricing (not refurbished), the Acer seems to be in the $600 to $650 range, the HD70 about $75 - $125 more, and the Mitsubishi almost $200 more.

Then, the Optoma, comes with a 2 year warranty, instead of one.

Hey, not a thing really wrong with the PH530. And to answer another question someone posted, it is a little softer than the HD70 and HC1500. This based on looking at a couple of the images I like to use relating to sharpness. The difference is slight. Let me put it this way, I bought my 1080p JVC RS1, despite it being a touch softer than the sharpest of the 1080p's same idea here. Nothing about the ph530 by itself (except maybe the user setting thing for those who want best color without the chronic adjusting), is remotely a deal breaker.

Which means those of you who own it. Enjoy it. It certainly could hold its own in performance with almost an $2000+ 720p projector of 2-3 years ago, and will wow most of you and your friends.

I'm the biggest proponent of the concept that projectors are there so you can fully enjoy watching a movie, with the same or better experience than you're local, rip-off multiplex. In fact those that agonize over every little flaw, I have no sympathy for. As I have said more times than I can count - "It's about the content". There are way too many hard core out there, that I suspect have never actually enjoyed a movie on their projector, no matter how good the projector (or the movie). They are just too caught up in the technology. Tough way to go through life.

So guys, its a nice little projector, and for those that have already purchased it, just kick back and enjoy it. Afterall, you couldn't have bought anything better for what you've spent.

OK, that's it, I'm outahere. Want to get this up tomorrow night. -art

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/9633/fathersonbr4.jpg

Son, It aint about the winning. It's that you tried that counts! Now go out and enjoy.

Great take, Art.

I would've bought the PH530 but it didn't fit my room. It sounds like an outstanding deal at that price point.

Thanks again Art, I look forward to your full review. And for the price I paid, and the product, I will truly enjoy it. Maybe a couple years from now I'll update to a 1080p, and be back here looking for your review then, so don't go anywhere! ;)

Art has the review up. http://www.projectorreviews.com/acer/ph530/index.php

Art has the review up. http://www.projectorreviews.com/acer/ph530/index.php
*does the cabbage patch*

Been waiting and checking all day,and now, there it is. Pretty good meat and potatoes review. Most of what we knew already. I don't know if it's a mistake or what though, but the last two segments of the review (warranty and pros & cons) are not there. Maybe he's not finished.

EDIT: NEVREMIND, IT'S THERE NOW... MUST'VE BEEN A GLITCH.

No mention of the lower cost bulbs in the review.

Some of those pics look pretty sweet. There's no doubt that the image output is exceptional for the price paid.

The lack of user settings may be a deal killer for me. I will most likely be buying within the next month. Right now, I'm leaning more to the HD70. For $100 more I can get the additional user settings, brighter image, and an additional year on the warranty... not to mention Optoma's good reputation to back it up.

He sure likes those scoped movies! I've had this projector now for 2 months and put over 150 hours on it and still can't believe I got it for $600!

No mention of the lower cost bulbs in the review.

Some of those pics look pretty sweet. There's no doubt that the image output is exceptional for the price paid.

The lack of user settings may be a deal killer for me. I will most likely be buying within the next month. Right now, I'm leaning more to the HD70. For $100 more I can get the additional user settings, brighter image, and an additional year on the warranty... not to mention Optoma's good reputation to back it up.
From the point of view of someone who has them both.... I would say that if it comes down to a mere $100, then you should not choose the Acer over the HD70. If you purchase the HD70 from a forum sponsor, you could tack on an additional $99 for the 3yr bulb warranty and totally moot the argument anyone makes about the Acer's low cost bulbs.

Reflecting over Art's review, it seems he felt the same way about the PH530 that I did. With the exception of the image being soft.

For an absolute budget of 600'ish, then buying the Ace is not a choice, as it's more of a lack of options anyhow. But, If it's a matter of $200 that you can acquire, I wouldnt choose the Ace over the Optoma. My $.02

Hmm..

I had more to spend total, but looking at the big picture.. If i spent a little less in the projector, and a little more in the components, my overall experience would be better in total..

considering I'll be using my ph530 as a daily driver (i.e. some t.v. after work, maybe a movie, and a few movies / games over the weekend) I think i've made a decent choice.. the bulb price, for a constant user like me, drew me in as well..

I hooked up just regular Digital cable, and got some HD channels running on it the other day, and honestly.. this picture is quite clear for my tastes, *i'm a designer/animator and stare at pixels all day*

Nevertheless, Art's review is great.. I love being able to read what well traversed veterans in the field think of the product, and some of the points he talks about are definitely future reasons for an upgrade, but for now.. i'll be quite happy with my little Acer.

From the point of view of someone who has them both.... I would say that if it comes down to a mere $100, then you should not choose the Acer over the HD70. If you purchase the HD70 from a forum sponsor, you could tack on an additional $99 for the 3yr bulb warranty and totally moot the argument anyone makes about the Acer's low cost bulbs.

Reflecting over Art's review, it seems he felt the same way about the PH530 that I did. With the exception of the image being soft.

For an absolute budget of 600'ish, then buying the Ace is not a choice, as it's more of a lack of options anyhow. But, If it's a matter of $200 that you can acquire, I wouldnt choose the Ace over the Optoma. My $.02


Thanks for that Tatt, and thanks for getting all of this put together. You ARE the man.
Also, I think we should consider how good a review Art has actually given the PH530. He has seen the best, as well as others have, and a lot of people may say that the Acer is crap compared to the high end products they see everyday. However Art has taken into consideration what we are getting for the price and critiqued it in that light. So kudos to Art for being able to differentiate between value and performance for the budget minded.

So thank you again Art, and thank you again Tattootearz. :)

$550 is hard to argue when I couldn't find an HD70 for less than $700 (and even that was after $200 MIR). I knew I wasn't getting the greatest projector ever but it has worked out extremely well for me. ;)

I'll spend the extra coin on a 1080p projector in a few years.


Art kind of implied this, but I noticed cranking up the sharpness settings made my Ace look MUCH better without introducing much, if any, ghosting or shadowing effects.

That just made me so grateful I purchased the "ACE".

No mention of the lower cost bulbs in the review.

Some of those pics look pretty sweet. There's no doubt that the image output is exceptional for the price paid.

The lack of user settings may be a deal killer for me. I will most likely be buying within the next month. Right now, I'm leaning more to the HD70. For $100 more I can get the additional user settings, brighter image, and an additional year on the warranty... not to mention Optoma's good reputation to back it up.

The low cost bulbs was one of the major reasons I was considering the Acer.

Luckily, I found a source for HC1500 bulbs for $253. Not too bad.

The lack of user settings thing would have annoyed me to death.

On the positive side, maybe the softness is similar to Panasonic's and decreases some of the SDE.

That wouldn't be a positive thing IMO

Well, one thing's for sure.... I am happy to have my PJ back! (Now, I can sell it :cool: )

:pWell, one thing's for sure.... I am happy to have my PJ back! (Now, I can sell it :cool: )

try this one


VIP LINK http://www.woot.com/special.aspx?k=vip7210

sweat frekin deal.

Murphy

Greetings,

OK, tell me more about the "lower cost bulbs". That's a weakness of doing a review with an "end user's" unit. When I work with manufacturers and their PR firms they will almost always point out such things.

What is retail on the lamp? what is street, if you've looked. -art

:p

try this one


VIP LINK http://www.woot.com/special.aspx?k=vip7210

sweat frekin deal.

Murphy

Or, probably even better - (lens shift, Darkchip3) - one of the dealers on our site bought a ton of the Optoma HD7100 (which I assume is being phased out - it's 18 months old). Anyway, they are running some assorted banners for the HD7100 at $999. And I have an old review of that one at:
http://www.projectorreviews.com/optoma/hd7100/index.php

It's a significantly newer product than the InFocus 7210.

-art

Art,

As usual, I enjoy your reviews.

I will pick one bone with you however.


In your review you mentioned that the Acer only has one HDMI input.

You added: "Yes you can buy an outboard switchbox for $299 or so, complete with remote, but that sort of kills off the key feature of the PH530, its low price."


Art, there are several quality HDMI switchers that can be bought for $50 bucks or less! That is a big difference from $299 or so. ;)http://www.monoprice.com./products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110

Art,

As usual, I enjoy your reviews.

I will pick one bone with you however.


In your review you mentioned that the Acer only has one HDMI input.

You added: "Yes you can buy an outboard switchbox for $299 or so, complete with remote, but that sort of kills off the key feature of the PH530, its low price."


Art, there are several quality HDMI switchers that can be bought for $50 bucks or less! That is a big difference from $299 or so. ;)http://www.monoprice.com./products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110

Good point Blasst,

I quoted prices I'm familiar with for "commercial grade", such as Gefen, Extron, etc.

I didn't think to look for really low priced.

However, I did follow your link to monoprice, and despite my best efforts, could not determine if their switch boxes support 1.3 HDMI, etc. Now, I doubt the Acer supports 1.3 either (it didn't say it did anywhere), so that may be a non-issue. Nor could I find out if it supports 1080p/24fps.

But, let's say we spend $50 for a low cost switch box, with remote control, and it works. And maybe $25 for a low cost extra cable (doesn't look like the monoprice boxes include any cables).

That still puts the Acer very close to the Optoma HD70 in price, and as I point out the Optoma still has a year better warranty.

But, I will go back in and make a change to the review about the cost of switchboxes.

BTW, have you ever tried one of theirs? For openers, theirs do not require their own power, whereas all the commercial units do... I don't know how well theirs works, and, for that matter, if there is an issue, whether they require you buy their cables, etc... Better to have the switching on board the projector, or in an AV receiver.

thanks -art

Art,

I have tried, and have 3 of their HDMI switch boxes.

1- 2x1 manual switch, this one works without power supply
1- 2x1 with remote, with power supply
1- 5x1 with remote, with power supply

They do not come with a cable, but if you take a peek, you'll see Monoprice carries some great pricing.

None of the boxes mentioned are 1.3 compliant.

If you click on the tabs for specifications etc, you can get more detailed info on the products.

They support 1080P, I'm not sure about 1080P/24, (someone else might have the answer) since my 1080P set does not accept 1080P/24.

I've been very happy with the boxes, and Monoprice has a good following here on AVS.


Keep up the great work Art, and many of us are waiting....... for more 1080P Projector reviews from you.;)

-Certified to HDMI 1.3 specification for the highest audio and video quality
-Remote control, IR Input and RS-232C
-Supports 1080p, Deep Color, and all HDTV resolutions
-Long cable support with built-in signal equalizer

http://oppodigital.com/hm31/

$99

Greetings,

OK, tell me more about the "lower cost bulbs". That's a weakness of doing a review with an "end user's" unit. When I work with manufacturers and their PR firms they will almost always point out such things.

What is retail on the lamp? what is street, if you've looked. -art

I have seen it between $179 - $225. I have not been able to find an MSRP, some sites list $199, but a lot of places sell it for more than that so I don't know if it is accurate.
The bulb price was one of the big reasons I decided to go with the Acer. I already have about 330 hrs on it after about 6 weeks.

I have seen it between $179 - $225. I have not been able to find an MSRP, some sites list $199, but a lot of places sell it for more than that so I don't know if it is accurate.
The bulb price was one of the big reasons I decided to go with the Acer. I already have about 330 hrs on it after about 6 weeks.


at this rate u'll need a new bulb in 6 month :P

Are Art's full calibration / settings posted anywhere? I saw his color settings in the review, it seems many are using Venk's settings, but others have mentioned using Art's... are they using Venk's + Art color settings?

Are Art's full calibration / settings posted anywhere? I saw his color settings in the review, it seems many are using Venk's settings, but others have mentioned using Art's... are they using Venk's + Art color settings?

I think Art was using the Theater and Video presets. I used Art's color settings and then set the Saturation and Tint using DVE.

So I bought one of these little puppies a few months ago when they were available from TigerDirect. I still havn't taken it out of the box, as I havn't been able to get around to building my screen yet.

One thing I don't have a solution for yet is mounting. Universal ceiling mounts seem to go for 250$ online. That's way too freaking much for a goddamn mount. Can anyone tell me if
a) There are more reasonable alternatives?

b) at the far end of the room I plan to use there is a tall assed cabinet that almost goes to the ceiling. Can I just sit the proj on that, or do I need to find a way to invert it?

Thanks guys.

I got a universal from Tiger Direct for $70. It had the correct screws included. Others have used
mounts from Monoprice for even less-- $20 or so IIRC.

You'd have to invert the projector to use that cabinet.

sweeeeet

thanks man

I'll buy you a beer if I'm ever in Chicagoland.

Any reason you chose a 70$ option over the 20$ monoprice dealies?

I thought the Monoprice one would be more difficult to set up. And IIRC, the correct screws don't come with the Monoprice mount. And I have a Tiger Direct 15 minues from my house.

For the beer-- hey-- I've got the bar... :D

Are Art's full calibration / settings posted anywhere? I saw his color settings in the review, it seems many are using Venk's settings, but others have mentioned using Art's... are they using Venk's + Art color settings?

Art's settings are based off the Theater setting. Choose the theater setting, then use Art's color settings. After that, calibrate brightness and contrast with a calibration DVD.

I think Art was using the Theater and Video presets. I used Art's color settings and then set the Saturation and Tint using DVE.

Where/how in DVE do you set Saturation using DVE? Also, why do you need to adjust tint if Art already gave us color settings?