I don't know how many owners of this projector are still in action. I have the HDDVD and Bluray players hooked up to it and the picture looks great. I was in Walmart the other day and saw a Sanyo LCD flat screen playing Ratitoulle and it looked 3D! I just ordered the HDDVD Video Essentials in hopes that I can tune up and improve the picture. I know my projector is old compared to todays technology but I am hoping it's not that old. Anyone else have theirs hooked up with a HD player? Is 3D out of the question??

I have the Studio Experience Cinema 20HD which is the PLV-70 in a white coat.

I have about 12,000 hours on it and the only thing that prevents it from being "3D" is the lack of deep blacks. Otherwise it's as good as the source you throw at it. I have a dedicated theater (no windows) with a 9ft wide screen.

I had a feeling that would be the main difference. I also have dedicated room with 8' screen. I look forward to seeing the difference the HDDVD Video Essentials will make, if any. Do you do anything with the fan noise? I have a ceiling mount and it makes a pretty noticable presence. Otherwise it is a great projector that will have to last me for a while until the budget allows a newer version someday!

Don't feel bad I still have a Sony VPL-VW10HT and it looks very good with HD-DVD. Contrast ratio is what I lack but it still looks great with most movies and TV shows.

Just keep the filters clean to minimize the fan noise - and then turn up the volume! ;-)

I have the Studio Exp 20HD, too, but have only about 1000 hours on it over 5 years because the fixed pattern noise of the dead blue pixel on it makes me sick to my stomach. Planning to finally upgrade this year to try to get at least some use out of the room the house was built around. I will try to ignore the pixel enough to make some comparisons when I do.

The 3D look as you described it, is caused by higher contrast (and more specifically higher ANSI contrast). In the case of the PLV70 it is a 2000 lumen projector, but only about 300-500:1 On/Off contrast (likely 100:1 ANSI, but that is a guess, I haven't had mine for a long time). So, unfortunately you'll not get the level of "3D" you saw from the one in the store, which probabably has 5-10x that level (or even more).

Carlb7,
I also have the PLV-70 and have used it with a Toshiba A2 HD-DVD player. The picture is very good, except for dark scenes as noted above due to the limited contrast. I do love it for sports events because of the high light output (running about 1100 lumens with 500 hr on the lamp); I have tried it with a ND2 filter which halfs the light and sports just look dull. I am thinking of upgrading, but am concerned that most of the current new crop of LCD and LCOS projectors only output about 500 lumens. (I have a Greyhawk RS screen).

One question - do you use component or DVI for input? I have not been able to get the A2 to work consistently with DVI (even with the "fix" distribution amp). I will soon have a Panasonic BD30 Blu-ray player to try, but I am not optimistic that the digital input will work.

Thanks.

Al

I do have "the fix" distributor and have the first generation HD-DVD XA1player using version 2.0 software and the Sony PS3 for Bluray with version 1.2software and have no HDMI errors. I do not upgrade the software versions. I don't want to risk the chance of losing the handshake. I don't know about the A2, maybe someone else can chime in.

Thanks Carl.
You may be right about the firmware updates. Prior to version 2.5 for the A2, I could get the HDMI to stay on usually after about 20 minutes. Since 2.5 (which I applied to overcome a problem with The Matrix) the HDMI light will never come on. 2.7 is the same.

Al

I'd get your hands on a prior update!;)

I am also still running my PLV-70 as my 159" screen in makes most other projectors quiver in fear. Is their a decent alternative our for us big boys with big screens that has great contrast?

I've got a PLV70, and yes On/Off and ANSI contrast are not it's strong points, but the light output is fantastic. It can really dazzle you with things like sunny daylight scenes and snowscapes. Shadow detail is also very good.

The 3D look as you described it, is caused by higher contrast (and more specifically higher ANSI contrast). In the case of the PLV70 it is a 2000 lumen projector, but only about 300-500:1 On/Off contrast (likely 100:1 ANSI, but that is a guess, I haven't had mine for a long time). So, unfortunately you'll not get the level of "3D" you saw from the one in the store, which probably has 5-10x that level (or even more).

Actually, we were getting measured at about 500-600:1 after a good calibration when they came out (and you sold me mine :) ). And I've seen a couple of moments of 3D pop on the thing in the years I've had it, but it was where the brightness came into play, not the on/off.

BB

slickrock22,

I don’t have the challenging environment that you have with a 159 inch monster to feed, but after reading this thread, it occurs to me to ask, have you heard of anyone stacking 2 of today’s modern projectors, to get that extra lumen output to make a large screen pop? I recall many moon ago, that was a common practice. It occurs to me that could double the output of a new 1080p projector in the 1000-1500 lumen range to give you the brightness needed for your environment. That could be done for about what you paid for the PLV-70 3-4 years ago.

One drawback, if you were to jump on the 2.35:1 constant height bandwagon, joining that party will be really expensive.

I have read about stacking, but it was a few years back. They had a piece of equipment that would let one fill the left side of the screen and the other fill the right while blending the middle. I thought I read that keeping them in synch was a hassle. I am not sure if their is new less expensive technology, but I am open. Thank you for the suggestion.

That is blending, not stacking, and is a hassle, and additionally it typically halves your on/off contrast ratio as your lowest black is the combination of the two in overlap, and your brightest white is the area of non-overlap.

Stacking means 100% overlap of the images. This doubles peak white and minimum black levels, so no contrast change, and you are also spared the worry of lamps losing brightness at different rates.

The advantage to blending over stacking is a resolution increase.

BB

Is it east to stack with inexpensive 1080p projectors today? ANy threads on it?

I just took my PLV70 down off the ceiling last week, it has lived through years of happy, heavy use and it has been like a member of the family. I'm loath to sell it or give it away, I'm toying with the idea of setting it up in the bedroom.

I finally replaced it with a Panasonic AE2000 for a number of reasons including going CIH with an anamorphic lens attachment.

The Panasonic does a lot of things really well, and even on my big (120" diag. 16X9 Greyhawk) it is bright enough (just), but I am already missing that PLV70 horsepower and I'll be looking at switching to something brighter over the next couple of years, pulling down the PLV70 has meant for me that I'm climbing on the constant PJ upgrade carousel I'm afraid.

The PLV70 may indeed be a dinosaur -no HDCP, limited contrast, etc. but it is one heckuva dinosaur and it still throws a pretty damn nice image, and there is a reason why people (the people that didn't get lemons) have been hanging on to this projector for so long.

Heh..I've still got mine for now and I just got it hooked back up to my new HTPC and forgot how nice it looked when fed a 1360x768 DVI image. I too am looking to upgrade to a 1080P unit with HDCP so I can use my PS3 in all it's glory.

So guessing you're no longer interested in my IMX then, Cristobal? ")

Kidding, I actually "donated" it to a friend with a Sony HS20. Trying to find a buyer or worthy friend/school/church/family member for the Sanyo. Replaced by an RS1.

BB

Hi Brandon!

Yes, the time for the IMX came and went I'm afraid.

Though I am absolutely thrilled with the Prismasonic H-FE1500R I just stuck in front of the new PJ.

It seems it's still necessary to buy some sort of expensive attachment or other to be really satisfied with a projector!

Cristobal,
I was happy to see your post as I too have enjoyed 5 years with my Jurassic PLV-70, and have been following the reviews of the new projectors with great interest. The Panny 2000 seems like a possible choice, but I have been concerned about its brightness (I have a 110" diag Grayhawk RS screen).

I did a test a while back by putting a ND2 filter on the projector and I was surprised at how good some movies still looked. However, when I tried this with sports events, and especially hockey (a big deal for us Canadians) I was disappointed - the fields looked dull and the ice a bit grey. The projector was putting out about 1300 lumens ast the time, which was cut to 650 lumens with the ND2 filter.

Have you tried the brighter modes on the 2000 - Normal and especially Dynamic which are reported to be about 600 and 900 lumens respectively? If so, I would be interested in your comments on them. They do not have the same colour accuracy apparently. Also, what throw distance is your setup?

Thanks.
Al

For Al and anyone else interested in the brightness question,

Right now I'm running the AE2000 on a 120" Greyhawk from a throw distance of about 16 feet, long story short, in NORMAL mode the Panny throws a fantastic picture, it is definitely bright enough -but keep in mind that my PJ is still quite new (less than 50 hours on the bulb) so I don't know what I'm in for, but right now the picture is phenomenal.

I have been playing around with CINEMA 1 and 2 and frankly, on my size low-gain screen they are giving me a picture that is too dim. I have tweaked CINEMA 2 some and I can get a decent picture, but it doesn't have the pop and excitement that I'm getting from NORMAL. Then there's DYNAMIC, I haven't played with DYNAMIC much, but out of the box it's just awful, unwachable actually. My guess though, is that with some fiddling it could provide a decent "lights on in the room" picture, which I think is what it's designed for anyway.

I have mostly been watching Blu-Ray films from the PS3 and upscaled DVDs from the PS3 and a BrainWave (German Momitsu clone) upscaling DVD player, but I have also thrown on standard def satelite TV and the picture looks surprisingly good.

I have an 11 foot wide 2.40 aspect ratio High Power screen on the way from the States (I'm leaving up the Greyhawk, I'll have two screens up, one for 16X9 and one for scope) it's taking forever to get here but I should have it up by next weekend and I'll report a bit about what it looks like when I get it up, how bright it is, subjective contrast etc.

I have an 11 foot wide 2.40 aspect ratio High Power screen on the way from the States

Now I'm jealous. No room for anything bigger than my 119" 1.85 aspect HP. And I really want constant height, but also refuse to downsize to do it. Not as much as I'd need to anyway.

BB

According to the tracking page, after a solid week languishing in the Atlanta airport my screen is finally on the move again! (The shipping company keeps complaining that it is too big to ship) Maybe I will actually, for real and for true, have it up and running by this weekend!

Right now I'm experimenting with the anamorphic lens, zooming down a bit and then using the H-FE1500R to stretch out the image to the just under 9' width of my current screen and the result is really impressive. There is something about no letterboxing that does make a difference, I've just been watching some scenes from "The Road Warrior" on Blu-Ray and I have this idiotic grin on my face the whole time, I can't wait to see what another two feet worth of width adds to the proceedings -very cool indeed.

-Chris

PLV-70? That's modern science! I just replaced my PLV-60 with an RS1.
Honestly, there are times when I miss the brightness.

As for 3D, I guess it's a pet peeve of mine, but I have never, ever understood what the heck people are talking about when they say "The image looked 3D". Oh well.

Long live those PLV-70's & 60's! They make great outdoor theater projectors, by the way. :)

I've got to decide what to do with mine at this point. I had my blue polarizer replaced a few years ago and now it needs it again. I don't know how difficult it would be to do myself and I don't want to sink alot of money into this projector any more as I want to upgrade to a 1080p.

Has anyone replaced a polarizer on these?

I'm going to hang on to my PLV 70 clone(going on 4yrs.)until some mfg. comes out with an afforable 2000 lumen 1080p PJ. I need the brightness as the room my PJ is in has alot of windows, skylight etc.

slickrock22,
have you heard of anyone stacking 2 of today’s modern projectors, to get that extra lumen output to make a large screen pop? I recall many moon ago, that was a common practice. It occurs to me that could double the output of a new 1080p projector in the 1000-1500 lumen range to give you the brightness needed for your environment.

Last summer, I replaced my PLV-70 with an RS-1 in my dedicated theater room. I DID notice that the brightness suffered. The image is more satisfying, but to be quite honest, the extra lumen output DOES help to reduce the perception of a poor black level.
I would definitely NOT reccomend that anyone attempt to stack a couple of RS-1's, as you would have to re-adjust them EVERY SINGLE TIME that you fire them up. And even then, they would probably go out of convergence during whatever it is that you are watching.
The manual lens adjustment on the RS-1 (quite simply) SUCKS! It is difficult to get the horizontal and vertical lens shifts "just right", and because of HOW it is implemented, they often go out of adjustment and have to be reset on a regular bases. The PLV-70 did not suffer from such an issue, and it's motorized horizontal lens shift mechanism was far superior...

Lee

The motorized lens shift on the PLV70 is much better than the manual shift on the AE2000 as well. I bought the Prismasonic with the motorized stretch feature with the idea that I could sit on the sofa and push the button and...Presto! But so far I find myself standing under the PJ adjusting the horizontal and vertical a bit for every film I'm going to watch.

Maybe it will all be easier once I get everything officially squared up when I install the new screen. (Which is no longer in Atlanta by the way, it flew into Amsterdam and may now be speeding down to me in Madrid, I might actually get it tomorrow!)

Wow, quite a few PLV70->RS1 migrations. I thought I was the only one who waited that long.

On stacking RS1s, you shouldn't have to tweak them every time, but you would need to do the alignment after they have fully warmed up (20-30 minutes), and you would need to let them warm up the same amount to regain perfect alignment every use. Not a shortcoming of the RS1, that's just the way it works with any projector. Heat makes materials change size and shape.

BB

Wow, quite a few PLV70->RS1 migrations. I thought I was the only one who waited that long.

I agonised over a replacement for the PLV70 for a good couple of years. I almost bought a Ruby, I almost got a VP-12S4 (I'm not a big single chip DLP fan but it was a great PJ and I could get it at an-at-the-time steal of a price) then I almost (if there had been more stock I would have) got an RS1, then I came quite close to picking up an AX100 and then an AX200 before finally settling on an AE2000. I'm glad I skipped all those intermediate steps.

I'd be curious to know what all the PLV60/70 people finally settled on, or if their machines are still running strong.

Chris

My PLV70 just came down yesterday. A new AE2000 is going up tomorrow! Have to pull an HDMI cable 35' to the location. Can't wait!

The PLV70 is going in the new "pool house". Yes, you'll be able to see the screen from the pool and hot tub!!!

Plus if you aim it at the pool, it can heat it up for you. :)

Hmmmm... why didn't I think of that. Could have saved some big bucks on the solar system.

Oh, by the way, I'm loving my new AE2000. I've had the PLV70 for 5 years and I had a Philips LCD projector for 5 years before that. So, it seems to take about 5 years for new technology to make me upgrade projectors. That's compared to 3 years for upgrading my computers. And.... about 10 years for cars.

So it's been ages since I ordered my new screen, and, well, it finally came! Hurray! After ages sitting on the tarmac in Atlanta, and then wending its way down from Holland, it has finally made it to Madrid! It's sitting on my living room floor. Finally my upgrade will be complete! But then yesterday, with no warning....

.... my PS3 died! It is dead, dead, dead and must go in for a replacement which will take who knows how long.

So, HiDef CIH widescreen home cinema entertainment remains, for me, but a distant wisp on the horizon.

Ah well, I guess it's things like this that make this a hobby.

Bummer Cristobal. Although I've seen some promising threads on PS3 service that it goes pretty quick (< 2 week turnaround).

BB

I've got to decide what to do with mine at this point. I had my blue polarizer replaced a few years ago and now it needs it again. I don't know how difficult it would be to do myself and I don't want to sink alot of money into this projector any more as I want to upgrade to a 1080p.

Has anyone replaced a polarizer on these?

I'd like to know as well and how much for the part? A few months ago my PLV-70 suddenly went dim and shifted color so I assume it's one of the polarizers. I'd like to fix it myself if that's possible and assuming that the part is not astronomical. I could always use it for presentations or outdoor use or searing the retinas of home invaders.

The good thing is that even when it was working I was getting antsy for a 1080 unit to go with my Toshiba HD-XA2. I almost purchased the AE2000 but waited until the Epson UB reviews came in before deciding. So...yesterday I ordered the Epson from Richard. Looks like the unit may take a couple of weeks but I'll report back on how it looks on my old 100" Gray Hawk (non RS).

ck

My PLV-70 is still going strong. Since the WAF requires some light on in my HT, it is still the best option IMO, since a higher contrast PJ would get squashed by the ambient. We get a good image even with enough light on for her to do knitting. It's also ideal for Super Bowl Sunday. Bright sports are beautiful and we can keep lights on at the back of the room for the food table and socializing.

Long live the Lumen King!

Gordon

Towards the end my PLV-70 devoloped a large light blue/green splotch that covered about two-thirds of the image, it could only be seen with some colours, like with the sea in the background. Over time the splotch reduced in size and increased in intensity until it was a bright bluish fist-size spot in the centre of the screen, it was quite distracting and somehow very depressing. That's about when I decided it was truly the right time to get another projector. But wait!... over the couple of months that it took to research and buy its replacement, the splotch disappeared! It sort of warped itself back into shape. So in my experience the best solution was just to watch the PJ a lot. I was so happy when that splotch miraculously disappeared!

I feel such an affinity for the PLV-70 crowd. Our official "Holy Grail" replacement hasn't appeared on the market yet, there are a lot of PJs that come close, but no cigar. And when it does, I expect to see a lot of ex-PLV-70 owners coming together again behind that same PJ whatever it may be. It will be bright, robust, and great value for the money. And I think we will know it when we see it.

Here is my living room "before and after":

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj193/ChrisHT_2008/DSC00278.jpg

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj193/ChrisHT_2008/DSC00454.jpg

The new PJ is a lot uglier, although I think with the lens attachment it does have a sort of "StarWarsian" charm.

So then, (not that anyone much cares, but because I need a shoulder to cry on) my screen saga continues:

Here is the new 55" X 132" screen I'm installing behind the 120" diag. Greyhawk:

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj193/ChrisHT_2008/DSC00449.jpg

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj193/ChrisHT_2008/DSC00448.jpg

So after a month of waiting I finally get the thing in my place and it turns out that they sent me the U.S. model and it won't work with our European voltage. Now they tell me I have to swap out the motor, and that they will send me a new one.

Boy oh boy, this buying a projector and a screen and nailing 'em up on the ceiling ain't as easy as it might seem.

My highpower narrowly escaped a watery fate during our unaccustomed rain here in So Cal. Wife called me to report dripping off the screen housing last week, but turned out to be a small thing easily solved temporarily by a bucket in the attic. And none got onto the screen itself.

BB

I am still trying to figure out what PJ is good enough to be the replacement for a 5+ year old PLV70. Mine still gives a great picture (for it's generation). I've noticed that it is intolerant of bad input quality (D* conventional channels for example) but still shines on good clean HD quality input. My current lamp has about 200 hrs and I think it could be the last--but it's going to take a monemental machine to replace the PLV70. What can do the job?

I'm still using my 20HD/plv70 - need the brightness! Considered the HD81LV, but too may reporting issues with it.

Hoping somethign new comes along, but can't really justify upgrading yet.

As I mentioned way back at post #39 I've got the Epson Pro 1080 UB up and running and am happy to answer any questions re: how it compares to my old PLV-70.

I can say up front that the black levels are amazing. I'm also happy with the level of brightness (calibrated) on my old 100" diagonal 16:9 Gray Hawk when watching at night.


ck

What are the main pros and cons for each projector Chris? Is there anything you miss about the PLV70?

What are the main pros and cons for each projector Chris? Is there anything you miss about the PLV70?

Sanyo PLV-70

Pro:
2200 CALIBRATED lumens!
Remote lens shift and focus.
Throws a good looking picture.

Con:
Filters had to be cleaned more than I cared for.
No HDMI.
No HDCP for the DVI input.
At the time I thought the blacks were fine. :o

The biggest issue - going to the local AV store and seeing a Blu-ray player running Ice Age on a 1080P flat screen. This is when I started realizing that my beloved "Supermodel" Sanyo was actually Mrs. Robinson.



Epson Pro 1080 UB

Pro:
Inky blacks - I'm literally re-watching all movies known for dark scenes!
Contrast ratio - Increased dimensionality / 3D look
1080P - Definitely more detail
Quieter
Ultra fast shut down

Con:
Isn't capable of 2200 lumen calibrated output for daytime viewing.
Sloppy lens shift - vertical adjustment can affect horizontal.
Manual focus - I have to buy a monocular to be sure I have perfect focus.


As far as daytime viewing is concerned the "Vivid" color mode is around 1500 lumens with some obvious color issues but not horrible. I'll be curious to see if an ISF calibrator can improve (not perfect) colors while keeping most of the light output.

My biggest concern before purchasing was that the pj would look dim in comparison. Consequently I had Jason Turk calculate what I would be getting in the way of light output and he showed around 14fl for my setup so I went for it.

I can honestly say that this projector is so good that I never thought about my Sanyo while I was watching movies. I never sat there and said, "Hmmm, this picture seems a little dim". Perhaps it's because I rarely used the Sanyo during the day and my screen isn't a monster.

However, I really think it was simply seeing what I was missing all this time - inky blacks and an amazingly dimensional picture.

ck

Thanks....that was a really helpful post to the few remaining PLV70 owners. It is good to know that there is life after it's gone.

Thanks....that was a really helpful post to the few remaining PLV70 owners. It is good to know that there is life after it's gone.

Glad to be of help.

Hopefully mine wont be gone. I'd really like to fix the polarizer on my own assuming the parts are affordable.


ck

Thanks Chris, very interesting to read your comparisons. My main fear is that I'll never be satisfied with a lower lumen projector. I guess that might not be true after all, I'll have to give myself a while to think about it...

I can see how Bluray convinced you to go for a HDCP compliant projector but here in the UK it's about $35-50 a disk. I can't see myself starting to replace my DVDs anytime soon at that price (and wonder if it will ever catch on with mainstream consumers).

Thanks again, glad you're enjoying the new projector.

My main fear is that I'll never be satisfied with a lower lumen projector.

I think you'll be OK as long as you end up with something with really high contrast. I went to a 700 lumen RS1, and I'm happy. And I am certainly one of the biggest proponents of brightness. I was using my PLV70 with a High Power screen.

Chris - how were you getting 2200 calibrated lumens out of your PLV70? Every other owner I know that measured theirs after calibration was closer to 1600 or so, and Sanyo claimed 2200 lumens as its max output to begin with.

BB

Chris - how were you getting 2200 calibrated lumens out of your PLV70? Every other owner I know that measured theirs after calibration was closer to 1600 or so, and Sanyo claimed 2200 lumens as its max output to begin with.

BB
Hi ya'all,
I was wondering the same thing. Chris probabaly said "CALIBRATED" loudly because he was yelling at his dog to stop barking at the same time he was typing.

I often see "Calibrated" being used around here meaning adjusted via AVIA or some other basic adjustment DVD which in a sense I guess is sorta calibrated but won't drop lumens. Mine ended up only a bit above 1600 after ton's of hours messing in that horrible cryptic service menu. I never did get it where I wanted or thought it could be.
Anyway I still miss my 20HD and all you "JHouse Sheep", even JMike :).
Hi, BB ....ba ba.

...I can see how Bluray convinced you to go for a HDCP compliant projector but here in the UK it's about $35-50 a disk. I can't see myself starting to replace my DVDs anytime soon at that price (and wonder if it will ever catch on with mainstream consumers).

Thanks again, glad you're enjoying the new projector.

That's nuts! I guess I'm lucky. I have some friends at a studio where I get my discs for around $14.

ck

Hi ya'all,
I was wondering the same thing. Chris probabaly said "CALIBRATED" loudly because he was yelling at his dog to stop barking at the same time he was typing.

I often see "Calibrated" being used around here meaning adjusted via AVIA or some other basic adjustment DVD which in a sense I guess is sorta calibrated but won't drop lumens. Mine ended up only a bit above 1600 after ton's of hours messing in that horrible cryptic service menu. I never did get it where I wanted or thought it could be.
Anyway I still miss my 20HD and all you "JHouse Sheep", even JMike :).
Hi, BB ....ba ba.

I was going by the "Secrets" review back in 10/2002 (put the spaces back / change dot)

tiny url dot com/4qdlz

"The PLV-70, which can achieve 2,200 Lumens when properly calibrated...."

Looks like I'll have to review the calibrator's old printouts for my unit to see if the above was an exaggeration.

ck