Now we're talking. Optoma just announced a new DLP 1080p projector that costs $2599. Now we're getting into the price range I like. http://www.optomausa.com/PressRelease_detail.asp?Press_id=38

No word on MSRP--ironic in an official announcement...

and/or just shows how price-volatile this segment is...

This seems to me to be very small progress...the HD81 can be had for less than $3K and it has higher contrast and brightness, how do we benefit from this? Its a little cheaper but its also not as good...like Mitsubishi's 4900. We want better, brighter and cheaper...must bite to be a pj manufacturer:eek:

I think you mean the HD80 not the HD81

It sounds like an updated (replacement) HD80.

HD803:

Native 1080p (1920x1080) resolution with 1080p DLP® chipset by Texas Instruments

1200 lumens with a 8000:1 contrast ratio (in ImageAI-II™ mode)

Advanced three-stage video processing system offers powerful and personalized adjustment options at each stage: decoding, image enhancement and color reproduction enhancement

Latest advanced color processing technologies for enhanced picture quality and contrast

HD80:

1080p DMD DLP technology by Texas Instruments

Native 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution

1300 lumens and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio with ImageAI-II™

HD80’s advanced three-stage video processing system offers powerful and personalized adjustment options at each stage: decoding, image enhancement, color reproduction enhancement

Since both are priced the same... I wonder that's really different between the two outside of the specs being perhaps a litle more accurate?

Does anyone know if it displays 24 Hz content? In other words, does it run at a multiple of 24 hz?

i had to return a hd80 because my room was too narrow for this machine to fill the screen- needed 14 ft and only had 13---is this new machine more flexible on room placement

Does anyone know if it displays 24 Hz content? In other words, does it run at a multiple of 24 hz?The HD80 will... however its EDID doesn't advertise the fact so you need a force option on the source. Hopefully that will be fixed in the new model and the old model (with updated firmware). It displays it at 48Hz and as an added bonus the color wheel slows down which drops the noise level a fair amount.

The HD80 will... however its EDID doesn't advertise the fact so you need a force option on the source. Hopefully that will be fixed in the new model and the old model (with updated firmware). It displays it at 48Hz and as an added bonus the color wheel slows down which drops the noise level a fair amount.

Thanks for the info.

Also, I don't feel like reading the entire thread about the HD80, I'm a student and I have 5 exams coming in the next weeks, so I have no time to skim 60 pages of posting... I just wanna know if the output at 48 Hz actually works well. I remember reading projectorcentral's review stating that it increase sharpness. But in the real world, does it gives great results, does it works as well as advertised? Is it hard to force the source to output at 24fps?

Thanks.

Thanks for the info.

Also, I don't feel like reading the entire thread about the HD80, I'm a student and I have 5 exams coming in the next weeks, so I have no time to skim 60 pages of posting... I just wanna know if the output at 48 Hz actually works well. I remember reading projectorcentral's review stating that it increase sharpness. But in the real world, does it gives great results, does it works as well as advertised? Is it hard to force the source to output at 24fps?

Thanks.It works as well as everybody else's. Most sources don't allow you to force 24fps. None of the HD DVD players do as well as most of the Blu-ray players. The PS3 does as well as most if not all of the Sony stand alone players.

Regarding if 24fps is the best thing since sliced bread my answer is no. I have used it on several projectors (such as the Sony Pearl and JVC RS1) and found very little difference. However I really like it on the HD80 as it slows down the color wheel which in turn reduces the projector's noise noticeablely.

No word on MSRP--ironic in an official announcement...

and/or just shows how price-volatile this segment is...


?

Pics, lens shift?

Since both are priced the same... I wonder that's really different between the two outside of the specs being perhaps a litle more accurate?
I too have an impression that they are most likely the same pj (or very minor changes) but specs on the 803 are one step closer to the truth (but still being 2x what it really is).

Funny that I used to joke around Optoma coming up with updated model of HD80 and naming it to 80.33 or similar :)
It was same thing with the H7x series, so we are probably seeing history repeating itself.

I wonder if last number (3) means DC3. And maybe they have updated EDID values on new model to support 24Hz. My understanding is that EDID values cannot be updated by firmware since you usually need a "gizmo" that connects to HDMI or DVI input and pushes updated EDID values there.

My understanding is that EDID values cannot be updated by firmware since you usually need a "gizmo" that connects to HDMI or DVI input and pushes updated EDID values there.The next to last firmware update for the HD80 resolved the HDTiVo not working via HDMI. Previously the color space was off and you ended up with a red and purple screen. Also many of the HD players have had HDMI updates to correct issues with various displays. One update they wouldn't work and the next they would. So it appears they can do some magic. Exactly what they can and can't do I'm not sure.

It works as well as everybody else's. Most sources don't allow you to force 24fps. None of the HD DVD players do as well as most of the Blu-ray players. The PS3 does as well as most if not all of the Sony stand alone players.

Regarding if 24fps is the best thing since sliced bread my answer is no. I have used it on several projectors (such as the Sony Pearl and JVC RS1) and found very little difference. However I really like it on the HD80 as it slows down the color wheel which in turn reduces the projector's noise noticeablely.

thanks for the info

I imagine that the 2 different models will allow Optoma to sell this (essentially identical) unit through 2 different channels. Maybe they will restrict the 80 (perceived slight advantage on a spec sheet) to a value channel, and the 803 go through more commodity retailer/etailers.

I think you're right...bet it is the identical projector...just a marketing change on the specs.

In Europe and for now only in France optoma launched the hd-800x very similar to hd-80 and hd-803.
It seem that the hd-800x is intended to be sold on the internet channel.
Ciao
Luigi

They already have the HD8000 and HD80. The HD8000 is the custom installer version where the HD80 is available at Best Buy, etc. Hopefully they are close enough that it drags the life of the HD80 out as far as firmware upgrades go.

They already have the HD8000 and HD80. The HD8000 is the custom installer version where the HD80 is available at Best Buy, etc. Hopefully they are close enough that it drags the life of the HD80 out as far as firmware upgrades go.So where does that leave the HD803? It seems like a minor refresh? Why even bother introducing it as a new part number? I suppose Infocus did go from the X1 to X1a...

So where does that leave the HD803? It seems like a minor refresh? Why even bother introducing it as a new part number? I suppose Infocus did go from the X1 to X1a...Heck if I know. :) It lists for a little less and the listed specs are a little lower. It could be simply a new production design (cheaper or better).

Under their highlights the only difference listed is... "Latest advanced color processing technologies for enhanced picture quality and contrast"... perhaps a new scaler or perhaps the marketing guy thought they needed another bullet point.

Here http://www.son-video.com/Rayons/HomeCinema/VideoProj/Optoma_HD800X.html the hd-800x.
Ciao
Luigi

The next to last firmware update for the HD80 resolved the HDTiVo not working via HDMI. Previously the color space was off and you ended up with a red and purple screen. Also many of the HD players have had HDMI updates to correct issues with various displays. One update they wouldn't work and the next they would. So it appears they can do some magic. Exactly what they can and can't do I'm not sure.
Yes I know this. Scaler parameters and things like described above are included in the firmware. EDID on the other hand is more like a thing that advertise resolutions display is capable of showing.

It would need a lot less coding to fix it than do modifications like they did to the firmware but only thing is that EDID normally cannot be updated along firmware. It needs to be done by swapping a EDID chip or if it is flashable, program it thru HDMI/DVI input.

The HD803 uses a cheaper TI chip that isn't in the regular DC2/3/4 sequence.

The HD803 uses a cheaper TI chip that isn't in the regular DC2/3/4 sequence.
Where did you get this information?

Now it makes sense why specs are lower on the new model but price difference between the HD80 and HD803 is only 100$ (according to Optoma) but maybe new models street price will be much lower. Otherwise I don't see why anyone would want to buy lower specs unit with only so little cheaper.
Maybe the HD803 will be like the HD800x in Europe, which is sold (street price) at half price of what the HD80 price is.

It's in the Benq W5000/W2000 thread in the over $3K forum.

Some diferences:

HD80: HDMI 1.2a, 2 Years warranty, 10000:1 contrast ratio, 1300 lumens

HD803: HDMI 1.3, 1 Year warranty, 8000:1 contrast ratio, 1200 lumens

Bye

The HD80 manual states HDMI 1.3... although it has been known to be wrong in the past.

The HD80 manual states HDMI 1.3... although it has been known to be wrong in the past.I thought it was spec'd at 1.3 as well. Is there some way to confirm the HDMI version on the HD80?

In my newly released dealer pricing sheet, there is No HD80 listed anymore, nor any variant of the HD81. The HD803 is at the top of the list, with an MSRP of $4999, and a MAP of 2,599.00.

Also new to the lineup is the HD71 720p projector with an advertised 2400 lumens.

Any chance the pricing sheet is a supplement? Online they have added the HD803 and left everything else as is...

http://www.optomausa.com/productcategory.asp?productsubcat=3&productcategory=Home%20Theater

In my newly released dealer pricing sheet, there is No HD80 listed anymore, nor any variant of the HD81. The HD803 is at the top of the list, with an MSRP of $4999, and a MAP of 2,599.00.

Also new to the lineup is the HD71 720p projector with an advertised 2400 lumens.
I find it very interesting that MSRP is so high for the HD803. I still wonder what DLP chip really is in this new model. Even some peoples have already confirmed it is something below DC2 level, I still think maybe it is DC3 after all. Especially if they have really dropped all other HD8x models off the production. Specs don't really tell anything but maybe they have lowered them closer to the true numbers.

Any chance the pricing sheet is a supplement? Online they have added the HD803 and left everything else as is...

http://www.optomausa.com/productcategory.asp?productsubcat=3&productcategory=Home%20Theater

I don't think it is a supplement. I don't mind sharing the .PDF file if anyone would like to view it, PM me.

I guess we will see in time.

Do you know if this new HD803 model is supposed to be equalent to the European HD800x model? Or is the HD803 supposed to be an improved model of the HD80?

The HD800x in Europe is priced really low, about -50% of what the HD80 costs. Usually Themescene price in Euros is 1:1 of what price in dollars is meaning that the HD800x would cost only about 1.5k or less in dollars. I think I saw somewhere release date for the new models is Jan 2008, so they probably want to sell these at full price for Chrismas and then introduce new pricing which I think is more in the correct level for a product build on the data projector chassis. I mean all the HD80/81's are build on the same chassis and the same optics, I really don't believe that different DLP chip itself makes so big price difference between the models.

I also noticed that one shop in EU is already selling the HD80 at same price as the HD800x makes me wonder if those two are actually the same machine. Anybody seen the HD800x or the HD803 if there is any noticeable difference compared to the HD80?

big lebowski, which is the site in EU that has the same price for the optoma 80 and hd800x?

big lebowski, which is the site in EU that has the same price for the optoma 80 and hd800x?
Check this thread for information http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=667545

Turned out that they are selling open box units but anyway HD80 prices will sunk along with the HD800x.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news as I was hoping this HD803 would be the answer to my prayers for a budget 1080p machine, but I rang Optoma and they told me it only has a Darkchip 1 in it :rolleyes:. I'm not sure I want to sacrifice the black levels and contrast on my Mitsubishi HC3100 for an HD803. Disappointing.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news as I was hoping this HD803 would be the answer to my prayers for a budget 1080p machine, but I rang Optoma and they told me it only has a Darkchip 1 in it :rolleyes:. I'm not sure I want to sacrifice the black levels and contrast on my Mitsubishi HC3100 for an HD803. Disappointing.So this sounds like a cut back version of the HD80? I'm just surprised that someone out there would still be fabbing DC1 chips.

I believe this is the same chip that they are using in the new BenQ 5000. It must be a newer chip than the old DC1 as it is a full 1.0" size wise... I thought the older DMD's were smaller.

From the web site it says it is Native 1080p, but under HDTV compatability it shows...

HDTV Compatibility

480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720/60p, 720/50p, 1035/60i, 1080/60i, 1080/50i

Interesting that there is no mention of 1080p or 1080p/24.......

I believe this is the same chip that they are using in the new BenQ 5000. It must be a newer chip than the old DC1 as it is a full 1.0" size wise... I thought the older DMD's were smaller.

From the web site it says it is Native 1080p, but under HDTV compatability it shows...

HDTV Compatibility

480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720/60p, 720/50p, 1035/60i, 1080/60i, 1080/50i

Interesting that there is no mention of 1080p or 1080p/24.......
From what I have read the HD803 is the same they sell in Europe under HD800x name, and the HD800x does support 1080p/24.

There is a long thread about this machine at the French hometheater forum (http://www.homecinema-fr.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=84&category=255).
My French skills are not very good but it seems that the HD800x and the HD80 are pretty similar but the HD800x costs only about half.

Hi

I am thinking about buying the HD803 here in Australia. It is prices at $4999 Aus dollar with 3 years warranty and a spare globe included.

Has anybody had a chance to review this model? The genuine impression seems to be it is the same model as the HD80.

I am looking for a projector to be used on a 106” Stewart Studiotek 130 screen and watching TV will a big factor.

Many regards,
PC

Hi

I am thinking about buying the HD803 here in Australia. It is prices at $4999 Aus dollar with 3 years warranty and a spare globe included.

Has anybody had a chance to review this model? The genuine impression seems to be it is the same model as the HD80.

I am looking for a projector to be used on a 106” Stewart Studiotek 130 screen and watching TV will a big factor.

Many regards,
PC
Based on what I have recently heard from some dealers selling both models there is no difference between the two but price. However I haven't seen any official side by side reviews yet. Here in Europe the HD800x (same as the HD803) is 40-50% cheaper than the HD80 but it seems that the HD80 price is also going down so price gap is closing. With new price tag this is a bargain.

Based on what I have recently heard from some dealers selling both models there is no difference between the two but price. However I haven't seen any official side by side reviews yet. Here in Europe the HD800x (same as the HD803) is 40-50% cheaper than the HD80 but it seems that the HD80 price is also going down so price gap is closing. With new price tag this is a bargain.

Hi Lebowski

Thanks for your feedback.

What are the prices now in Europe for this model and do they come with the same type of warranty? I like the idea of 3 years warranty and extra globe

Cheers

Could someone owning an HD803 read the EDID info from his VP and send it to me? I'm trying to see if the EDIT of the HD80 could be improve to support 24fps, and the EDID of the 803 would be a great working base. It's really easy to read it, just download this software: http://www.entechtaiwan.com/util/moninfo.shtm and run it. You can then generate a report and send it to me. That would really help me and potentially plenty of other people to solve our problem. Thanks in advance!