I'm looking to upgrade my Optoma EP719 to a native 720p projector.

Here are the projectors I am currently considering:

Mitsubishi HC1500
Optoma HD70
Sharp DT-500
Panasonic PT-AX100U
Panasonic PT-AX200U
Sanyo PLV-Z4
Sanyo PLV-Z5

The HD70 and the HC1500 are my top choices because they are the cheapest, but I would be willing to spend a couple hundred more if there is really that much difference.

I was never really satisfied with the black levels on my EP719, though I was quite satisfied with colors and detail after it had been configured.

HD looks great on it but I would really like something with better black levels.

And one other thing, does anyone know what bulbs these projectors use, mine currently has a Philips UHP 150/200w 1.0.
By replacing the bulb separately it costs about 1/3rd of the price than if you would buy it with the housing but of course you have to handle it carefully when replacing it.

Thanks.

Bump.. Anyone? :confused:

I had that same projector and I could never get the colors anywhere NEAR correct with it. I went for a VP12S4 and the improvement in color reproduction is amazing.

I'm looking to upgrade my Optoma EP719 to a native 720p projector.

The HD70 and the HC1500 are my top choices because they are the cheapest, but I would be willing to spend a couple hundred more if there is really that much difference...

Thanks.

Will the HD70 or HC1500 work in your setup?

Either one would be a good selection. The others also have their benefits but as you already know will cost @ $400 more.

I'm looking to upgrade my Optoma EP719 to a native 720p projector.

Here are the projectors I am currently considering:

Mitsubishi HC1500
Optoma HD70
Sharp DT-500
Panasonic PT-AX100U
Panasonic PT-AX200U
Sanyo PLV-Z4
Sanyo PLV-Z5

The HD70 and the HC1500 are my top choices because they are the cheapest, but I would be willing to spend a couple hundred more if there is really that much difference.

I was never really satisfied with the black levels on my EP719, though I was quite satisfied with colors and detail after it had been configured.

HD looks great on it but I would really like something with better black levels.

And one other thing, does anyone know what bulbs these projectors use, mine currently has a Philips UHP 150/200w 1.0.
By replacing the bulb separately it costs about 1/3rd of the price than if you would buy it with the housing but of course you have to handle it carefully when replacing it.

Thanks.

i would hate to make your decision even harder but
you could check out the SP-7210 for $999 plus $5 shipping .( no rebate needed)

is its a long throw projector . great 6500k right out of the box .not to mention 1100 lumens, 2800:1 contrast ratio a great Dark chip3 Faroudja DCDi 2310 deinterlacing ,with Carl Zeiss lens ,5X, seven-segment color .

it may be a little loud (not as loud as the 4805) and ugly but One of the best performing true Dark chip3 dlp 720 pj for $999 with a two year factory warranty .

Just make sure it fits your desire specifications.
some good info From BobL here. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12004682#post12004682



here are few reviews or the SP-7210
http://www.hometheatermag.com/frontp...rs/705infocus/
http://www.projectorcentral.com/info...nplay_7210.htm
http://www.ultimateavmag.com/videopr...rs/905infocus/
http://www.***************.com/htsth...iew.php?rev=86


cheers

Murphy:)

I had that same projector and I could never get the colors anywhere NEAR correct with it. I went for a VP12S4 and the improvement in color reproduction is amazing.

Well, after very careful configuration it is possible to get it fairly close to 6500k. That projector is waay out of my price range.

Will the HD70 or HC1500 work in your setup?

Either one would be a good selection. The others also have their benefits but as you already know will cost @ $400 more.

They would both work with my setup.

What about the DT-500, I found that for $999.
For example the Sanyo PLV-Z5 says it has 10:000:1 contrast with a variable Iris, will there really be a big difference in the black levels from the 2500:1 on the HC1500 or is it just marketing fluff?

i would hate to make your decision even harder but
you could check out the SP-7210 for $999 plus $5 shipping .( no rebate needed)

is its a long throw projector . great 6500k right out of the box .not to mention 1100 lumens, 2800:1 contrast ratio a great Dark chip3 Faroudja DCDi 2310 deinterlacing ,with Carl Zeiss lens ,5X, seven-segment color .

it may be a little loud (not as loud as the 4805) and ugly but One of the best performing true Dark chip3 dlp 720 pj for $999 with a two year factory warranty .

Just make sure it fits your desire specifications.
some good info From BobL here. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12004682#post12004682



here are few reviews or the SP-7210
http://www.hometheatermag.com/frontp...rs/705infocus/
http://www.projectorcentral.com/info...nplay_7210.htm
http://www.ultimateavmag.com/videopr...rs/905infocus/
http://www.***************.com/htsth...iew.php?rev=86


cheers

Murphy:)

I can't find that for anywhere near $999 the lowest price was about $1200.

I did find it fairly close to that price refurbed, but I would like to stay away from that due to the warranty.
It looks like a nice projector but I doubt its worth $400 over the HD70 and HC1500.

Well, after very careful configuration it is possible to get it fairly close to 6500k.



They would both work with my setup.

For example the Sanyo PLV-Z5 says it has 10:000:1 contrast with a variable Iris, will there really be a big difference in the black levels from the 2500:1 on the HC1500 or is it just marketing fluff?



I can't find that for anywhere near $999 the lowest price was about $1200.

I did find it fairly close to that price refurbed, but I would like to stay away from that due to the warranty.
It looks like a nice projector but I doubt its worth $400 over the HD70 and HC1500.

what this link http://www.woot.com/special.aspx?k=vip7210

They would both work with my setup.

What about the DT-500, I found that for $999.

For example the Sanyo PLV-Z5 says it has 10:000:1 contrast with a variable Iris, will there really be a big difference in the black levels from the 2500:1 on the HC1500 or is it just marketing fluff?



The really high CRs are for On/Off, the diference between the brightest white and the darkest black. Ansi CR takes into account scenes with light and dark in the same scene. DLPs still pretty much do better in Ansi CR.

Now the DT-500 is supposed to be very good. If you can get it for that, you might have a winner.

what this link http://www.woot.com/special.aspx?k=vip7210

I guess I have another projector to consider.:o

The really high CRs are for On/Off, the diference between the brightest white and the darkest black. Ansi CR takes into account scenes with light and dark in the same scene. DLPs still pretty much do better in Ansi CR.

Now the DT-500 is supposed to be very good. If you can get it for that, you might have a winner.

White to Black as opposed to Grey to Grey I assume.

Does the DT-500 have real 4000:1 Contrast, not a variable iris like the HD70?

The DT-500 is 1280x768, a few extra pixels. I use a HTPC so that might help a bit.

As opposed to Grey to Grey I assume.

No. A dynamic iris will block light in dark scenes and let more through in light scenes. It improves contrast, but it screws up in scenes with lots of dark AND lots of light at the same time, and you can usually notice it working. LCDs usually have the dynamic irises. ANSI contrast is much more important. DLP is better in that.

No. A dynamic iris will block light in dark scenes and let more through in light scenes. It improves contrast, but it screws up in scenes with lots of dark AND lots of light at the same time, and you can usually notice it working. LCDs usually have the dynamic irises. ANSI contrast is much more important. DLP is better in that.

Yeah I noticed that with my friends HD70, we ended up just turning it off.

I watched Casino Royale on HD-DVD on both the HD70 and my EP719 on the same player, and honestly I did not notice much difference between the two aside from the marginal sharpness difference, colors were nearly identical.

White to Black as opposed to Grey to Grey I assume.

Does the DT-500 have real 4000:1 Contrast, not a variable iris like the HD70?

The DT-500 is 1280x768, a few extra pixels. I use a HTPC so that might help a bit.


The HD70 does not have an iris of any kind. LCDs typically use an iris or two to try to enhance contrast. There are a few DLPs with one but not the HD70.

White to Black as opposed to Grey to Grey I assume.



No, more like white versus black for On/Off and checkerboard white and black for Ansi.

Yeah I noticed that with my friends HD70, we ended up just turning it off.

I watched Casino Royale on HD-DVD on both the HD70 and my EP719 on the same player, and honestly I did not notice much difference between the two aside from the marginal sharpness difference, colors were nearly identical.What you turned off was Image AI, not an Iris. Most HD70 users don't use this. it is a lamp brightness circuit. Are you running the HD70 on Normal or Economy mode?

How are you feeding the signal into these PJs?

The Ep719 is a 4:3 data PJ that will give you barely more than a 480p PJ. If you were watching an HDDVD on both and didn't see much difference, you must be using the s-video connection.

What you turned off was Image AI, not an Iris. Most HD70 users don't use this. it is a lamp brightness circuit. Are you running the HD70 on Normal or Economy mode?

How are you feeding the signal into these PJs?

The Ep719 is a 4:3 data PJ that will give you barely more than a 480p PJ. If you were watching an HDDVD on both and didn't see much difference, you must be using the s-video connection.

We were using HDMI, and on the EP719 HDMI to DVI.

Well, the EP719 is 1024x576 when in widescreen, which is 589,824 pixels, 480p is 854x480 (409,920 pixels), and 720p is 1280x720 (921,600 pixels).

So the difference between 576p and 480p is nearly the same as the difference between 576p and 720p as far as pixel count goes.

I did notice a difference, but it was not as big as I thought it would be.
I was expecting the black levels and shadow detail to be much, much better than my EP719 but there was little difference there, though that may be a problem in his configuring.

I am spoiled with a high-end CRT monitor on my PC where when you view a black screen it is like the monitor is not even on.

The HD70 does not have an iris of any kind. LCDs typically use an iris or two to try to enhance contrast. There are a few DLPs with one but not the HD70.

Gotcha. But does the DT-500 use some kind of trick to get 4000:1 or is it "true"?

I am spoiled with a high-end CRT monitor on my PC where when you view a black screen it is like the monitor is not even on.

Ah, ok! You finally let the cat out of the bag! You are never gonna be happy with digital blacks while you stare at a high end CRT.

Pick up a good refurbed CRT projector at www.curtpalme.com - nearly the same cost as a good digital PJ.

Gotcha. But does the DT-500 use some kind of trick to get 4000:1 or is it "true"?
All the PJs that advertise high CR are using their highest lumens output and tweaked settings to give those numbers. In reality CR is much lower after any PJ is calibrated. Then, let any ambient light hit the screen and you will be lucky to have 100:1.

If you want real CR, you need a CRT projector.

Ah, ok! You finally let the cat out of the bag! You are never gonna be happy with digital blacks while you stare at a high end CRT.

Pick up a good refurbed CRT projector at www.curtpalme.com - nearly the same cost as a good digital PJ.

Haha, I was actually considering that a while back but then realized I have no room for a big ol' CRT projector, and it would likely be a mess to configure. :(

On another note, the DT-500 is a very short throw projector, to use it where my projector currently is I would need a 120" screen in comparison to my current 92".

So I guess its down to these:

HD70 ($750)
HC1500 ($830)
DT-500 ($999)
SP-7210 ($999)

:confused:

All the PJs that advertise high CR are using their highest lumens output and tweaked settings to give those numbers. In reality CR is much lower after any PJ is calibrated. Then, let any ambient light hit the screen and you will be lucky to have 100:1.

If you want real CR, you need a CRT projector.

Well, my room is completely dark, black walls, and all lights are off during viewing.

Honestly for most movies/games the black levels on my current projector are not that bad, and I am mostly upgrading because I can sell my current projector for about $600 so why not upgrade.

Haha, I was actually considering that a while back but then realized I have no room for a big ol' CRT projector, and it would likely be a mess to configure. :(

On another note, the DT-500 is a very short throw projector, to use it where my projector currently is I would need a 120" screen in comparison to my current 92".

So I guess its down to these:

HD70 ($750)
HC1500 ($830)
DT-500 ($999)
SP-7210 ($999)

:confused:

is that the total with shipping and with out rebates.?

also take the warrantees length into perspective.

Last
if you do grab any of the projectors grab a MACK warranty. (2 bulbs for three years)
I spoke to Philip and he just lowered the price for a short time For the AVSforum.com $5. off
$84
http://www.newworldvideodirect.com/productdetail.asp?productid=1035.


cheers

Murphy:)

is that the total with shipping and with out rebates.?

also take the warrantees length into perspective.

Last
if you do grab any of the projectors grab a MACK warranty. (2 bulbs for three years)
I spoke to Philip and he just lowered the price for a short time For the AVSforum.com $5. off
$84
http://www.newworldvideodirect.com/productdetail.asp?productid=1035.


cheers

Murphy:)

Nice deal. :)

w/shipping and warranty, no rebates.

HD70 ($750+$10 shipping) 2 year parts 90 day lamp
HC1500 ($830 Free shipping) 1 year parts 90 day lamp
DT-500 ($999+$50 shipping) 1 year parts ?? day lamp
SP-7210 ($999+$5 shipping) 2 year parts 90 day lamp

Nice deal. :)

w/shipping and warranty, no rebates.

HD70 ($750+$10 shipping) 2 year parts 90 day lamp
HC1500 ($830 Free shipping) 1 year parts 90 day lamp
DT-500 ($999+$50 shipping) 1 year parts ?? day lamp
SP-7210 ($999+$5 shipping) 2 year parts 90 day lamp

now thats what i call service !!

Thanks Mate

Murphy:)

now thats what i call service !!

Thanks Mate

Murphy:)

Which do you think is the best bang for the buck?

HC1500 apparently has very good color (10 bit processing), is bright, and decent shadow detail and black levels

HD70 has good color (8 bit processing), good shadow detail and black levels but is not all that bright

I don't know much at all about the DT-500 if someone could fill me in there or point me to a review.

SP-7210 has very good color (10 bit processing?), good black levels and shadow detail but is not very bright

Do I have it about right?

Which do you think is the best bang for the buck?

HC1500 apparently has very good color (10 bit processing), is bright, and decent shadow detail and black levels

HD70 has good color (8 bit processing), good shadow detail and black levels but is not all that bright

I don't know much at all about the DT-500 if someone could fill me in there or point me to a review.

SP-7210 has very good color (10 bit processing?), good black levels and shadow detail but is not very bright

Do I have it about right?

Umm.

If you get a minute

you should read this
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12004682

by BobL

cheers


Murphy:)

Umm.

If you get a minute

you should read this
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12004682

by BobL

cheers


Murphy:)

Hmm, strictly black levels which do you think would be better the 7210 or the DT-500?

I read that the DT-500 is a repackaged XV-Z3000, is this true?

I read that the DT-500 is a repackaged XV-Z3000, is this true?

No, you are confusing the Marantz VP4001 with the DT-500. The Marantz is supposedly a Z3000 with upgraded optics.

Which do you think is the best bang for the buck?

HC1500 apparently has very good color (10 bit processing), is bright, and decent shadow detail and black levels

HD70 has good color (8 bit processing), good shadow detail and black levels but is not all that bright

I don't know much at all about the DT-500 if someone could fill me in there or point me to a review.

SP-7210 has very good color (10 bit processing?), good black levels and shadow detail but is not very bright

Do I have it about right?

The 8 bit processing on the HD70 is incorrect. The mixup comes from early discussions of digital signals being 8 bit versus 10 bit for analog. Somebody ran with the 8 bit as supposedly all the HD70 could perform however the HD70 has the Pixelworks chipset which does 10 bit processing.

No, you are confusing the Marantz VP4001 with the DT-500. The Marantz is supposedly a Z3000 with upgraded optics.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=784246

Nearly everyone in that thread seem to think otherwise..?
Of course it is missing the second iris, but everything else seems to be fairly close.

The 8 bit processing on the HD70 is incorrect. The mixup comes from early discussions of digital signals being 8 bit versus 10 bit for analog. Somebody ran with the 8 bit as supposedly all the HD70 could perform however the HD70 has the Pixelworks chipset which does 10 bit processing.

So these reviews are wrong?

http://www.projectorreviews.com/optoma/hd70/imagequality.php
http://www.projectorcentral.com/optoma_hd70.htm

"The HD72 shows some slightly better color performance. The tonal gradient issue that we observed on the HD70 was nowhere to be seen on the HD72, primarily due to the HD72's 10-bit color processing versus the 8-bit processing on the HD70. The result is smoother, less noticeable differentiations on the HD72 than on the HD70."

I also notice that on my projector, which is likely due to the 8 bit processing.

I know the HD72 is 10 bit, but I thought the HD70 was 8 bit..:confused:

Are you saying that the component out is capable of 10 bit and the HDMI is not?

is that the total with shipping and with out rebates.?

also take the warrantees length into perspective.

Last
if you do grab any of the projectors grab a MACK warranty. (2 bulbs for three years)
I spoke to Philip and he just lowered the price for a short time For the AVSforum.com $5. off
$84
http://www.newworldvideodirect.com/productdetail.asp?productid=1035.


cheers

Murphy:)

How does this work exactly, do they just send two bulbs off the bat, do you send in your old bulbs or what?

Also, does it only apply to new units?

Are you saying that the component out is capable of 10 bit and the HDMI is not?

Correct.

Also, further info for you to digest in the Z3000 / DT-500 question. Are they the same? Nearly but not quite.

From Sharp Press Release:
Sharp is bringing the home theater to the masses with its next generation of portable Digital Light Processing (DLP™) front projectors, the SharpVision® XV-Z3000 and the Sharp DT-500. These sleek, lightweight, HD-capable products take portable home entertainment to the next level with the ability to display high-definition content for the most vivid and realistic picture quality available today. With superior brightness levels and contrast ratios in an affordable package, more consumers can discover the benefits of home theater front projection products.

Both new projectors feature the 0.65" DMD 1280 x 768 chip from Texas Instruments, which incorporates BrilliantColor™ Technology and TrueVision™ Image Processing, for truer image quality with high brightness and vibrant color. The chip also provides 10 bit I/P conversion and the new DDP3020 video processing IC for a smooth, uninterrupted picture with reduced noise. For easier installations these new models also include a high-definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) to transfer high-definition video and multi-channel audio from a set-top box to the projector with a single cable.

SharpVision XV-Z3000:
The XV-Z3000 is a portable DLP front projector with 720p resolution and high-definition capability for a home entertainment solution that doesn’t require a ceiling mount. This new widescreen projector instantly transforms any room into a high-tech home theater, allowing consumers without a dedicated “media room” to watch TV or DVDs, or play computer games on a big screen. With a stellar resolution of 1280 x 768, the XV-Z3000 boasts an amazing 6500:1 contrast ratio and a brightness rating of 1200 ANSI lumens, offering consumers the ultimate home theater experience. A 6 Segment 5 X Speed color wheel produces accurate color reproduction for clear, realistic images. Additionally, a dual iris system adjusts image brightness to show full detail and enhances contrast to compensate for varied lighting environments. The XV-Z3000 is housed in a sleek, high-gloss black casing for tasteful inclusion anywhere in a room. It also includes a 12 volt Screen Trigger that allows users to power screens through the projector, eliminating the need to search the room for additional outlets.

Sharp DT-500:
The DT-500 high-definition DLP™ front projector is a stylish, feature-packed projector that is extremely versatile when it comes to placement. Weighing just 8.6 pounds, this compact unit is ideal for mounting in a dedicated home theater space or for moving from room to room around the home for an instant entertainment solution anywhere. Users can watch TV, DVD movies or play video games on a big screen and then store the entire system in a cabinet to save space. The widescreen DT-500 features a high contrast ratio of 4000:1 and a brightness level of 1200 ANSI Lumens, delivering one of the best pictures available in consumer home theater today. A powered optical iris system instantly changes brightness and contrast settings with the push of a button, which allows the greatest flexibility for varying home theater lighting environments. A 6 Segment 5 X Speed color wheel achieves flicker-free, high-grade images with accurate color reproduction resulting in an uninterrupted, detailed picture, and convenience is further enhanced with easy installation and whisper-quiet operation. The DT-500 is housed in a clean, high-gloss, white unit so it blends effortlessly into any ceiling.

did you buy a refurb 12S4?

I had that same projector and I could never get the colors anywhere NEAR correct with it. I went for a VP12S4 and the improvement in color reproduction is amazing.

Correct.

Also, further info for you to digest in the Z3000 / DT-500 question. Are they the same? Nearly but not quite.

From Sharp Press Release:
Sharp is bringing the home theater to the masses with its next generation of portable Digital Light Processing (DLP™) front projectors, the SharpVision® XV-Z3000 and the Sharp DT-500. These sleek, lightweight, HD-capable products take portable home entertainment to the next level with the ability to display high-definition content for the most vivid and realistic picture quality available today. With superior brightness levels and contrast ratios in an affordable package, more consumers can discover the benefits of home theater front projection products.

Both new projectors feature the 0.65" DMD 1280 x 768 chip from Texas Instruments, which incorporates BrilliantColor™ Technology and TrueVision™ Image Processing, for truer image quality with high brightness and vibrant color. The chip also provides 10 bit I/P conversion and the new DDP3020 video processing IC for a smooth, uninterrupted picture with reduced noise. For easier installations these new models also include a high-definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) to transfer high-definition video and multi-channel audio from a set-top box to the projector with a single cable.

SharpVision XV-Z3000:
The XV-Z3000 is a portable DLP front projector with 720p resolution and high-definition capability for a home entertainment solution that doesn’t require a ceiling mount. This new widescreen projector instantly transforms any room into a high-tech home theater, allowing consumers without a dedicated “media room” to watch TV or DVDs, or play computer games on a big screen. With a stellar resolution of 1280 x 768, the XV-Z3000 boasts an amazing 6500:1 contrast ratio and a brightness rating of 1200 ANSI lumens, offering consumers the ultimate home theater experience. A 6 Segment 5 X Speed color wheel produces accurate color reproduction for clear, realistic images. Additionally, a dual iris system adjusts image brightness to show full detail and enhances contrast to compensate for varied lighting environments. The XV-Z3000 is housed in a sleek, high-gloss black casing for tasteful inclusion anywhere in a room. It also includes a 12 volt Screen Trigger that allows users to power screens through the projector, eliminating the need to search the room for additional outlets.

Sharp DT-500:
The DT-500 high-definition DLP™ front projector is a stylish, feature-packed projector that is extremely versatile when it comes to placement. Weighing just 8.6 pounds, this compact unit is ideal for mounting in a dedicated home theater space or for moving from room to room around the home for an instant entertainment solution anywhere. Users can watch TV, DVD movies or play video games on a big screen and then store the entire system in a cabinet to save space. The widescreen DT-500 features a high contrast ratio of 4000:1 and a brightness level of 1200 ANSI Lumens, delivering one of the best pictures available in consumer home theater today. A powered optical iris system instantly changes brightness and contrast settings with the push of a button, which allows the greatest flexibility for varying home theater lighting environments. A 6 Segment 5 X Speed color wheel achieves flicker-free, high-grade images with accurate color reproduction resulting in an uninterrupted, detailed picture, and convenience is further enhanced with easy installation and whisper-quiet operation. The DT-500 is housed in a clean, high-gloss, white unit so it blends effortlessly into any ceiling.

Gotcha.