Pretty much the same system. The VW85 I have is nearly at 100% convergence. It resembles a one chipper! :D

Did you play with that convergence feature? How far does it move per 1 unit of adjustment, 1 pixel or less?

How is the light output of the 85 compared to the 100 that I have.
That convergence is great:D Wish the 100 had it that good.

They are on par with new lamps but I think the 85 will not have the fast drop off as the Xenon but Xenon holds its color temp over age. Pick your poison.

They are on par with new lamps but I think the 85 will not have the fast drop off as the Xenon but Xenon holds its color temp over age. Pick your poison.

Cyanide. :)

If I can get VW200 for $6000 NEW sealed. Is that a good deal, now that the 85 is out? My Dwin TV3 just died. Need a replacement.

If I can get VW200 for $6000 NEW sealed. Is that a good deal, now that the 85 is out? My Dwin TV3 just died. Need a replacement.

Well, yes, it's a good deal, although you can get a refurb with a new lamp for cheaper.

However, ask Alan what he thinks of that, since you can undoubtedly get an 85 cheaper than that.

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

thanks nick. i thought the 85 was like $7-8k. Hopefully Alan chimes in. Need to pull the trigger pretty quick. I don't have to have the newest and greatest, just looking for the best proj for the the price right now. Someone mentioned the JVC r25. I hate rushing into a purchase but I hate being without my proj. I just had a lead on the new Sony 200, I'm not tied to Sony by any means

FWIW, I love the VPL-VW200. The only criticism I have is that it's not the light cannon I'd like it to be, but it's more than enough bright. Colors and contrast are first-rate, even without using the dynamic iris.

I'd say you have a pleasant dilemma. I think Alan has already said that if you already own a 200, don't change; but if you own neither, get the 85.

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

I'm new to the world of projectors, but looking to buy one in the next month or so after saving up for one. I have seen the VPL-VW70 and was very impressed, am I to assume the colors on the VPL-VW200 are better?

If you had the chance to buy a refurb VW200 with a 1 yr goldstar warranty for the price of a priced to move new VW70 (don't want to mention specific prices, but the price seems like a very good deal to me) would you recommend it? Anyone have history with the factory recirtified sony projectors?

Also, how often would I need to replace the $999 lamp in the VW200 and has anyone tried to replace the xenon bulb instead of the whole assembly?

PS: my room is small (13.5' in the longest direction).

Thanks for reading :D

I'm new to the world of projectors, but looking to buy one in the next month or so after saving up for one. I have seen the VPL-VW70 and was very impressed, am I to assume the colors on the VPL-VW200 are better?

If you had the chance to buy a refurb VW200 with a 1 yr goldstar warranty for the price of a priced to move new VW70 (don't want to mention specific prices, but the price seems like a very good deal to me) would you recommend it? Anyone have history with the factory recirtified sony projectors?

Also, how often would I need to replace the $999 lamp in the VW200 and has anyone tried to replace the xenon bulb instead of the whole assembly?

PS: my room is small (13.5' in the longest direction).

Thanks for reading :D

I would check out THIS THREAD (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1193501) for IDEAS.

Are you saying I should buy the VW85 instead? It's significantly more money than the refurb price on the VW200 and I'm afraid the VW85 is out of my price range.

Given that the price on the VW200 is a grand cheaper than the VW70 I've seen locally due to a rebate offer, could one justify not buying the the newer VW85? Will I notice a difference between the two for the extra money a VW85 will cost?

Are you saying I should buy the VW85 instead? It's significantly more money than the refurb price on the VW200 and I'm afraid the VW85 is out of my price range.

Given that the price on the VW200 is a grand cheaper than the VW70 I've seen locally due to a rebate offer, could one justify not buying the the newer VW85? Will I notice a difference between the two for the extra money a VW85 will cost?

I'm sure you can buy a 85 for $5K and it won't be OLD and REBUILT.

I doubt 200's are significantly less than $5K.

If you read the thread - some former VW200 owners switched to the 85
and think it is batter. I have no idea. I haven't seen either. But if I was
in the makket - I would be looking at the 85.

I don't want to post prices, but go here (http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?edp=51572797) and let me know what you think.... Can I really find a new 85 for anywhere near this price after rebate? If so, could you please recommend some stores to check? Feel free to PM me with any specific prices... From what I've seen the VW85 is at least $1700 more than the VW200 refurb.

I don't want to post prices, but go here (http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?edp=51572797) and let me know what you think.... Can I really find a new 85 for anywhere near this price after rebate? If so, could you please recommend some stores to check? Feel free to PM me with any specific prices... From what I've seen the VW85 is at least $1700 more than the VW200 refurb.

Your delta estimate seem about right.

I'd check with the AVS Forum - they have special deals they
do not advertise for MEMBERS. I'd also PM the author of the
85 Thread - Joe - He knows of some NOT Advertised deals.

Will it be MORE than the Refurbed 200 - you bet it will, but
they might be able to get you CLOSER.

I don't want to post prices, but go here (http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?edp=51572797) and let me know what you think.... Can I really find a new 85 for anywhere near this price after rebate? If so, could you please recommend some stores to check? Feel free to PM me with any specific prices... From what I've seen the VW85 is at least $1700 more than the VW200 refurb.

BETTER HURRY ON THAT DEAL - the time clock is ticking done.

I couldn't even find that deal when I tried normal searches.

Yes - your LINK worked fine.

What search engine did you use to find it?

My wife has to approve it first :( I had to go directly to ecost.com type: "VPLVW200" or "Sony Bravia Projector". An ecost rebate sounds like a nightmare waiting to happen. Today is the last day to get the rebate according their site.

My wife has to approve it first :( I had to go directly to ecost.com type: "VPLVW200" or "Sony Bravia Projector". An ecost rebate sounds like a nightmare waiting to happen. Today is the last day to get the rebate according their site.

I did eventually find it without using your link.

I had to enter the word - REFURBISHED VPL-VW200 to find it.

It's a Good Find and the DEAL has an extended warranrty on it.

You probably can't go worng.

Someone who got one at more than the current deal price
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17134738#post17134738

At the current price it is a no brainer. Remember SonyStyle is still selling the VW200 for $15K!

Someone who got one at more than the current deal price
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17134738#post17134738

At the current price it is a no brainer. Remember SonyStyle is still selling the VW200 for $15K!

I agree it is a No Brainer at Cyber Monday's Deal price.

Any comments on the bulb life? The bulb price is the only thing holding me back as the bulbs are apparently $899+ and I plan to keep the projector for 5-7 years. That means I'd have to purchase at least 3 bulbs...

I agree it is a No Brainer at Cyber Monday's Deal price.

Any comments on the bulb life? The bulb price is the only thing holding me back as the bulbs are apparently $899+ and I plan to keep the projector for 5-7 years. That means I'd have to purchase at least 3 bulbs...

I have a different Sony - but it does use the same BULB.

1500 Hours.

The VW85 does use a less pricey lamp and has more Lumens.

Unless your ROOM is completely light controlled and you are NOT
using a Hi-Gain Screen that alone is a good reason for the VW85.

Too late, I just ordered the VPLVW200 ;) I can't wait to set it up next week. The $500 rebate looks legit, it shows the rebate under my account, just make sure you use a credit card (not paypal) otherwise you don't get the rebate.

I'm guessing ecost uses rebates so people won't snatch them all up (one rebate per household)... Finally, my ht set up is complete with a projector.

Forgot to ask you guys, what screen gain would you recommend with the VW200? I was going to go with an Elite Screen with 1.1 gain, but I'm open to other brands that are less than $500. I'm probably going to go with the 100" motorized version found here (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=620107&is=REG#specifications) due to space constraints.

The room will be completely light controlled. I have zwave lighting control and I plan to install some heavy duty hotel curtains over the windows so there should be almost no light coming in. The throw distance is ~13 feet. I don't think I'll open the windows much if at all anymore ;)

PS: I got the curtains for cheap from a local hotel surplus place. They are great black out curtains and look nice too.

Good choice. You won't be sorry with the VW200.
I am running a 1.2 gain 16X9 screen 132" diagonal in a light controlled room. The lamp has 600 hrs on it, and the picture still looks great. Colors are spot on and look very natural.
Report back when you get it up and running.
Enjoy!

Good choice. You won't be sorry with the VW200.
I am running a 1.2 gain 16X9 screen 132" diagonal in a light controlled room. The lamp has 600 hrs on it, and the picture still looks great. Colors are spot on and look very natural.
Report back when you get it up and running.
Enjoy!

For the money (especially tha price) there is nothing better. I love the 85 but still nothing beats the colors of the 200. :)

...The $500 rebate looks legit, it shows the rebate under my account, just make sure you use a credit card (not paypal) otherwise you don't get the rebate.

....

Is that under your credit card account? Rebated as you ordered or still need to follow their form submission and then they mail the rebate card, up to 8 weeks, then you get the credit back? Decisions...

Is that under your credit card account? Rebated as you ordered or still need to follow their form submission and then they mail the rebate card, up to 8 weeks, then you get the credit back? Decisions...

They mail the rebate back in 6 to 8 weeks. At least that is what one member here told me who purchased one. :)

The rebate form should show up under your ecost user account screen after you place the order. The rebate form is also posted on the product page now too. Yes, it takes 6-8 weeks, but I've never dealt with an ecost rebate or dealt with ecost for that matter.

Is that under your credit card account? Rebated as you ordered or still need to follow their form submission and then they mail the rebate card, up to 8 weeks, then you get the credit back? Decisions...

The rebate form should show up under your ecost user account screen after you place the order. The rebate form is also posted on the product page now too. Yes, it takes 6-8 weeks, but I've never dealt with an ecost rebate or dealt with ecost for that matter.

WHEN does the NEW PJ ARRIVE http://www.rx8web.com/smilies/bouncy.gif

There was some confusion about credit card security. I had to call discovercard and verify the purchase, then talk with ecost credit department. I should have it by next Friday as it should ship today. It appears these ship from their TN warehouse.

What got me to order is it appears the bulb now has a new lower price of $750 (bh, vanns etc...) instead of the $900+ I thought it was. Also the fact everyone on here likes its color accuracy so much makes me think the xenon bulb really does make a difference as I'm generally picky about color accuracy.

What mount is the best deal for ceiling mounting? Does everyone here make their own?

Also, do I need any special type of HDMI cable to run 25 feet? HDMI Repeater?

WHEN does the NEW PJ ARRIVE http://www.rx8web.com/smilies/bouncy.gif

Also, do I need any special type of HDMI cable to run 25 feet? HDMI Repeater?

Make sure you have slack in the cable at the receiver end. Also, make sure the cable has 24 ga wire in it as some come with much smaller and distance can be a killer.

Make sure you have slack in the cable at the receiver end. Also, make sure the cable has 24 ga wire in it as some come with much smaller and distance can be a killer.

Right angles work nicely... :)

And the Chief RPA-U is an awesome mount...

What got me to order is it appears the bulb now has a new lower price of $750 (bh, vanns etc...) instead of the $900+ I thought it was.

If you are technically Qualified - you can get the BULB
cost to Just A bit OVER $300 - Click Here (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160380656455&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123)

Thanks for the posts everyone. Very helpful posts.

For the cable, I'm going to go with a 22 ga. 25' cable from monoprice.com; it's also 1.3a certified. From Joerod's pic he was kind enough to post, I'm going to order an HDMI 90 degree adapter. Thanks for the great insight!

I love the bulb idea. I don't think it would be hard to replace just the bulb, but my understanding is you cannot touch a Xenon bulb with your fingers due to your natual oils... Do you guys wear latex gloves when you do this sort of thing? EDIT: I checked the feedback found in the link. This seems to work for everyone who's bought the bulb, so I'd hope I could figure it out too being an engineer and all ;)

As suggested by Joerod, I think I'm going to buy a Chief RPA-U.
Just a few newbie questions on the mount: will the RPA-U give the projector enough room to breathe? The PSS-H10 Sony mount is 7", but the RPA-U is only 2.5"? I also have 9' ceilings should this factor into my mount selection? EDIT: I'm assuming most people with high ceilings use this mount and have a NPT 1.5" pipe length cut/threaded at the hardware store and use a 1.5" mounting adapter screwed into the ceiling joist to thread the pipe into?

To control the VW200, it looks like I need a null modem cable since the programming manual calls for a reverse or cross over cable?

2-4. Connection
<RS-232C Connection>
Communication is enabled by the use of a D-Sub 9 Pin cross (reverse) cable.
The pin assignment of D-Sub 9 Pin and D-Sub 25 Pin is as follows...

Thanks

EDIT: Please help and I'll post my driver for others once it's complete. I use a free home automation program found here: http://www.cocoontech.com/forums/index.php?showforum=51

http://www.cocoontech.com/wiki/Premise

I hope to have a two way driver written soon for my new toy :D

I'd hope I could figure it out too being an engineer and all ;)



There are STEP by STEP instructions with detailed Pictures
on another thread in this Forum. IT IS EASY.

To control the VW200, it looks like I need a null modem cable since the programming manual calls for a reverse or cross over cable?

2-4. Connection
<RS-232C Connection>
Communication is enabled by the use of a D-Sub 9 Pin cross (reverse) cable.
The pin assignment of D-Sub 9 Pin and D-Sub 25 Pin is as follows...


You could use OLD FASHION IR - No Drivers NEEDED.

Yes, you are right, I could also build an IR based driver and use a network based IR controller such as the Global Cache GC-100-12. However, even if discrete mute on/off and power on/off commands are available, two way rs232 communication is always much nicer ;)

You could use OLD FASHION IR - No Drivers NEEDED.

Yes, you are right, I could also build an IR based driver and use a network based IR controller such as the Global Cache GC-100-12. However, even if discrete mute on/off and power on/off commands are available, two way rs232 communication is always much nicer ;)

You'll FIND with ANY PJ - the ONLY Comands you use are ON/OFF.
That is the way it should be.

i've never owned a projector before (or any high end display), so i'm still brainstorming, but below are some initial ideas i have in mind for rs232 control of the VW200:

1. one could program different view settings (user 1, 2 or 3), and switch to those settings automatically depending on what source is selected on the receiver. the projector could also turn on the iris, change overscan settings etc depending on which source is selected. just about any setting could be customized in this manner including RGB bias, gain etc... obviously, this would require two way communications with the av receiver to work 100% of the time and luckily most av receivers do this now days. i use a tx-nr905s.

2. query the projector and make sure it's off after x minutes assuming no motion or devices in the room have been actuated in the last y minutes (where x>y). x would be an hour greater than y so you would never get a false off command. if the projector is found to be on, it would be turned off. if it was found to be off, nothing would happen.

one neat thing is i don't just use motion to figure out room occupancy. anytime a command is sent to the receiver or other device in the room, the occupancy timer will reset, thus the timer to turn off the projector would reset and the projector would not be checked for off status. this hopefully will help save my bulb life.

3. automatically change the brightness mode depending on light level in the room. i'm not sure how well this can be done, but i'm willing to try it.

4. keep track of and alert the user of any of the following errors:
Status Error:
Lamp Error
Fan Error
Cover Error
Temp Error
D5V Error
Power Error
Temp Warning Error
NVM Data Error

the driver could also take action and shut the pj down and send me an email of the error, sound an audible alarm etc...

5. i'd be interested to see any settings you guys do repetitively when switching from a bluray to tv etc so that i can automate these settings too.

... I should have it by next Friday as it should ship today. It appears these ship from their TN warehouse.


Do you have tracking data yet as it is late Friday now;):D I am very curious about your experience with that dealer.

I'm curious about how my experience will be too ;) I think everything will go fine. Nick ordered his from ecost and he's happy with his projector from what I can tell. The rebate is what I'm worried about. I have a hard time trusting a $500 rebate.

Do you have tracking data yet as it is late Friday now;):D I am very curious about your experience with that dealer.

I wouldn't worry about the Rebate. I know of three others who have purchased from there and two have already received it back. No worries. :)

Thanks Joerod. I just noticed you are from Chicago too! I live in Naperville.

Thanks Joerod. I just noticed you are from Chicago too! I live in Naperville.

Not to far from me. :)

joerod, anyone near us then who does video calibration really well? i've never had a pj or tv calibrated, but i might consider it on something like the vw200. feel free to PM me with a contact.

i'm also interested in hearing what good home theater and audio shops there are near naperville, il. i frequent: fry's electronics, barrett's, simply stereo, sounds deluxe, edge home entertainment and abt. mainly i go to look at stuff since i've only been into home automation and home audio for a year now. i usually buy my stuff locally too when there is a display item for sale that i like.

FYI: edge home entertainment has the klipsch palladium speakers on display (they are great speakers if you are a klipsch fan).

joerod, anyone near us then who does video calibration really well? i've never had a pj or tv calibrated, but i might consider it on something like the vw200. feel free to PM me with a contact.

i'm also interested in hearing what good home theater and audio shops there are near naperville, il. i frequent: fry's electronics, barrett's, simply stereo, sounds deluxe, edge home entertainment and abt. mainly i go to look at stuff since i've only been into home automation and home audio for a year now. i usually buy my stuff locally too when there is a display item for sale that i like.

FYI: edge home entertainment has the klipsch palladium speakers on display (they are great speakers if you are a klipsch fan).

By Any Chance - DO YOU WORK for a Certain Company in Naperville

don't work in naperville, but what company are you referring too? i'm curious maybe i should go put in a resume are they looking for an MS (Electrical Engineering) with an MBA? ;)

i work out of an office in lisle right now.

By Any Chance - DO YOU WORK for a Certain Company in Naperville

I wouldn't worry about the Rebate. I know of three others who have purchased from there and two have already received it back. No worries. :)

That's good reassurance indeed :D

joerod, anyone near us then who does video calibration really well? i've never had a pj or tv calibrated, but i might consider it on something like the vw200. feel free to PM me with a contact.

i'm also interested in hearing what good home theater and audio shops there are near naperville, il. i frequent: fry's electronics, barrett's, simply stereo, sounds deluxe, edge home entertainment and abt. mainly i go to look at stuff since i've only been into home automation and home audio for a year now. i usually buy my stuff locally too when there is a display item for sale that i like.

FYI: edge home entertainment has the klipsch palladium speakers on display (they are great speakers if you are a klipsch fan).

PM sent. :)

PM sent. :)

I gave you as a Nearby Expert to etc6849

New to this thread, just pulled the trigger on VW200 with the deal from eCost. Can't wait to get it!

V

welcome to the thread! i can't wait for mine to arrive either.

I wouldn't worry about the Rebate. I know of three others who have purchased from there and two have already received it back. No worries. :)

One more question although I will pull the trigger on Monday when my credit card is on the next billing cycle so I have until almost the end of Jan to pay up:D

On the convergence can each quadrant be aligned separately or just the whole panel moves as one? My 100 had a little different convergence on the different quadrants and center parts, not uniformly the same.:eek:

AND, I may be worried now about ecost:

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/eCost

On the ecost ratings, I have bought several refurbished pieces of electronics (mostly Denon) from ecost and never had a problem. If the box looks damaged in any way refuse delivery, they would have to refund you in full without restocking fees or send a replacement item.

From what I was told (inside source) these 200s are brand new. They are overstock that they are trying to move. It is a great buy and I would not hesitate to consider them the best bang for the buck deal (on a pj) available. :)

Don't worry too much, check out these ratings:

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Sears

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Office_Depot

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Office_Max

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Walmart

Clearly, their rating system is completely meaningless and just for complainers who don't get their way and think everyone in the world should take a loss to please them. I'd hate to have 2/3 of those people as customers if I ran a shop!

I've never dealt with ecost, but their site does say they will charge a restocking fee of 20% if I refuse shipment (EDIT: and the product is not damaged)... it also says they do not give refunds (EDIT: they may under certain conditions). I plan on going through Sony, UPS and/or Discovercard if there is a problem. Really though, when you get something well below cost, who cares. American Express would be a great card to use on this purchase as I think they offer additional protections, but I don't have an AMEX card :(

If the box is beat up, don't sign for it without noting it somehow with UPS no matter what the driver says, and get insurance when you order from ecost! I plan to open the projector while the driver waits unless the box is in 9/10 condition.

One more question although I will pull the trigger on Monday when my credit card is on the next billing cycle so I have until almost the end of Jan to pay up:D

On the convergence can each quadrant be aligned separately or just the whole panel moves as one? My 100 had a little different convergence on the different quadrants and center parts, not uniformly the same.:eek:

AND, I may be worried now about ecost:

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/eCost

New stock? Is this possible...? I was wondering why there would be so many refurbs on this pj. I wonder if the box will say refurbished or not?

Just found the link again, 20% is for refusing a non-damaged shipment for anything other than a TV, 15% is if it's a non-damaged TV. Make sure the product is damaged before refusing and take pictures with your phone or camera.

http://www.ecost.com/ecost/information/help/shipping_handling.asp

It appears that "all sales are final statement" conflicts with many portions of the page and that ecost may very well grant a refund if certain conditions are met. I guess I was wrong, should have read the entire page and not reseller ratings!

I'd be wary of dealing with ecost on a refund if you've used paypal or something other than a credit card.

From what I was told (inside source) these 200s are brand new. They are overstock that they are trying to move. It is a great buy and I would not hesitate to consider them the best bang for the buck deal (on a pj) available. :)

Don't worry too much, check out these ratings:
....

Thanks guys, I feel better now;):D:D:D

I will call that lady mentioned who seems to be the mover and shaker there on Monday and chit chat a bit:D

Thanks guys, I feel better now;):D:D:D

I will call that lady mentioned who seems to be the mover and shaker there on Monday and chit chat a bit:D

Well, I called and spoke with Linda, kind of chit chat.:D So far the experience is great, pulled the trigger, in stock and hopefully ships tomorrow.

For that price I may pick one up... Seriously. :)

For that price I may pick one up... Seriously. :)

And you can THROW your OLD USED one over the wall to me http://www.rx8web.com/smilies/bouncy.gif

Thanks for the GRAT Christmas present Joe.

WOW, just looked at that site. They are selling them for less than half of what I paid for mine from Alan G. Thought I would never see these sell for under 5k. I think that Sony refurb's are better then buying a new one as the tech goes through it and makes sure everything is at spec, then puts a new lamp in it.
Looks like the price is only good for one more day. Would like to pick one up, but can't justify having that much $$ sitting on the shelf. I plan on picking up the next generation projector that Sony puts out to replace the VW200 anyway, so will just save my nickles and dimes for that.

...
Looks like the price is only good for one more day. Would like to pick one up, but can't justify having that much $$ sitting on the shelf. I plan on picking up the next generation projector that Sony puts out to replace the VW200 anyway, so will just save my nickles and dimes for that.

The price clock seems to reset as I have seen it do several times already and this goes to at least the end of the month or as long as they have them on hand.:D

For that price I may pick one up... Seriously. :)

I dare you;):D
But, could you comment on this Q:

On the convergence can each quadrant be aligned separately or just the whole panel moves as one? My 100 had a little different convergence on the different quadrants and center parts, not uniformly the same.:eek:
Thanks.

I dare you;):D
But, could you comment on this Q:

On the convergence can each quadrant be aligned separately or just the whole panel moves as one? My 100 had a little different convergence on the different quadrants and center parts, not uniformly the same.:eek:
Thanks.

I don’t OWN a VP200 - but I remember reading it HAS Multi-zone
convergence. I'm sure you can find the MANUAL online from the
Sony Support Website. HERE IS THE MANUAL WEBPAGE (http://esupport.sony.com/perl/model-documents.pl?mdl=VPLVW200)

From This Review (http://reviews.cnet.com/projectors-presentation-devices/sony-vpl-vw200/4505-3180_7-32638534.html)
Features
The VPL-VW200 is loaded with a number of useful features--and a few you need to be warned against using. Sony gets the unofficial "feature of the year award" in the projector category with its Panel Adjust feature, which enables you to move the LCoS panels to improve alignment, much like converging a CRT's three guns. It is the most comprehensive feature of its kind, and it even includes a Zone option that lets you tweak red and blue anomalies all around the screen.

I'm not sure what a refurb would be priced at direct from Sony, but I'm going to guess it couldn't be much lower than the ecost price so why not buy a spare?!?

I agree on the ecost listings. The PJ has been relisted several times at the current price. I don't know if they'll lower it anymore on this, but they have reposted it several times once the clock runs out. Typically the listings will drop in price between generations (I think). I've never cared about ecost before until I saw this PJ on there though. I'll keep an eye out for a nice Denon Bluray player from ecost to go with the PJ ;)

For that price I may pick one up... Seriously. :)

I've never cared about ecost before until I saw this PJ on there though. I'll keep an eye out for a nice Denon Bluray player from ecost to go with the PJ ;)

Where is your TRACKING INFO - When does it ARRIVE?

For that price I may pick one up... Seriously. :)

I bought THREE of them from eCost and as soon as they arrive
they are GOING ON eBay so I can MAKE Some Christmas Bucks ;)

I don’t OWN a VP200 - but I remember reading it HAS Multi-zone
convergence. I'm sure you can find the MANUAL online from the
Sony Support Website. HERE IS THE MANUAL WEBPAGE (http://esupport.sony.com/perl/model-documents.pl?mdl=VPLVW200)

From This Review (http://reviews.cnet.com/projectors-presentation-devices/sony-vpl-vw200/4505-3180_7-32638534.html)
Features
The VPL-VW200 is loaded with a number of useful features--and a few you need to be warned against using. Sony gets the unofficial "feature of the year award" in the projector category with its Panel Adjust feature, which enables you to move the LCoS panels to improve alignment, much like converging a CRT's three guns. It is the most comprehensive feature of its kind, and it even includes a Zone option that lets you tweak red and blue anomalies all around the screen.

Hey, that is great, thanks:D Much easier to have it explained by others who may have played with it than at times just reading manuals and scratching ones head:D
When Joel posted the pictures for this, it wasn't that obvious that zones are available if needed.
Thanks again for your quick find. Reading the 100 manual was a job; this is probably twice as thick:D

Here's a really good review I ran across when I was deciding to buy:
http://www.ultimateavmag.com/videoprojectors/1207sonyvw200/index6.html

The link above lists several recommended settings to try...

I haven't tried too many of them yet as my vpl-vw200 arrived tonight! The packaging it comes in is really poor. The item doesn't come double boxed either! Only the factory foam inserts are there to prevent any damage of a 50 pound PJ.

I think mine is fine and luckily there were no cracks although one corner of the box was bent some. I did have to fine tune the red and blue shift a little (I think the largest shift was -8). I'm not sure if this is normal? I've never had a PJ before, but it was really obvious that R and B needed shifted if you put a font up on the screen or the R/B shift test pattern.

One thing about the ecost shipping insurance I purchased is it's not through UPS caused I asked UPS! I have no idea who it is through, thank goodness I didn't need it. I can't believe any company would ship out a box that big saying SONY and VPL-VW200 on the side! It's like putting a neon sign on the side saying rip me off.

One comment on the picture quality: Windows 7 Media Center (with a clear QAM HD signal) plus a VPL-VW200 is beautiful. Even my wife said it was the best TV picture she'd seen. I can't wait to set my speakers back up tomorrow night and try some blurays and dvds.

Shame about the packaging, mine is due to arrive early next week. Was the PJ in brand new condition? Any signs of a true "refurbished" unit? Thx

... The packaging it comes in is really poor. The item doesn't come double boxed either! Only the factory foam inserts are there to prevent any damage of a 50 pound PJ.

...

Thanks for that link but now you have me worried:eek:
Mine is supposed to arrive on Monday:)

Don't worry too much. I think the packaging is sufficient to prevent damage, but it is definitely minimal...

No signs of wear or anything. There were some hard to see marks along one of the HDMI ports from someone putting a connector in by feel instead of by sight; it was hardly noticeable.

FYI: don't buy one of those pull down screens from Fry's and expect perfect performance. The one I bought was badly warped so I returned it today and bought this:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2302699&CatId=2447

For another $300 this screen is definitely worth it to me. All images are perfectly flat now :D The screen material is also very nice. Although I'm not happy buying a screen made in China and paying that much, I would probably buy the screen again versus custom ordering one and waiting 10 or more days for it.

So, is having to adjust the red and blue shift setting a normal thing with projectors? I'm also wondering how touchy the micro switch should be on the sliding door (where Sony lights up)? It seems if I touch it a certain way (push the door toward lens), the video will go blank until I shove it back to where it was. I'm still unable to slide the door without depression the release.

Shame about the packaging, mine is due to arrive early next week. Was the PJ in brand new condition? Any signs of a true "refurbished" unit? Thx

Ecost cancelled my 1 year warranty without a phone call or anything?!?

I logged in my account today and it shows cancelled! I also received a nice email about it too. This is insane. The item basically has no warranty now. I even called Sony and they state that the 90 day refurbished warranty starts the date the repairs were made. If you don't have documentation for this repair date or anything, there is no 90 day warranty. I also called Goldstar, there is no one year warranty without the warranty serial number which I am not getting now.

In case you are wondering, ecost says they are not going to bill me the $144.17 for the warranty and they waited until the day I had received and accepted shipment so I had no reason to refuse delivery! This is malicious on their part and I may have to take them to small claims court to get my 1 year + 90 day warranty. The shipping invoice (the only hard copy I have of anything) doesn't mention any warranty whatsoever. Big surprise there! Also, I now "did not pay the full order price" so I probably will not get my rebate either as this is a clear stipulation on the rebate form.

You may want to look into purchasing a SquareTrade Warranty.

Any time limit for doing that? I already accepted shipment. I'm kind of mad at ecost right now... Perhaps it will be like they claim and they will respond via email next week and have an acceptable resolution. They are purposely waiting until the charge goes through for the partial order and this makes me think it is an avenue to scam me out of the rebate of $500. The rebate states this in bold red letters:

**Rebate only valid if product is purchased at advertised price that day**

Note that I am now not purchasing at advertised price since ecost is subtracting the warranty amount...

I did learn one thing: a merchant can put a hold for x dollars, then bill for y dollars if y<x. It will be interesting to see how Discovercard does in dealing with ecost... Another thing I learned is you get what you pay for. Overall, I'm hugely satisfied with the PQ of this PJ and it was probably worth what I paid even with no warranty or rebate.

You may want to look into purchasing a SquareTrade Warranty.

Check them out. I believe they offer 1 year on refurb items. IIRC they have a 60 no coverage period for used items.

http://www.squaretrade.com

My brother used them on a $2,500 eBay TV purchase. They repayed him the $2,500 when the TV died in year 2.

Good Luck.

Did they say why they are canceling the extended warranty?

Discover didn't know anything about this, but maybe just maybe ecost will come through and the "supervisor" who the rep said was out (yeah right), will actually take care of it next week.

Did they say why they are canceling the extended warranty?

Copy of email:

Dear ______ ______,We have encountered a problem in processing your order #E8808700 and have had to CANCEL the item(s) listed below for the following reason:
CCD - Unable to process Credit CardWe apologize for this inconvenience. No charges will be or have been processed to your credit card for these CANCELLED item(s). Regards,
eCost.com
YOUR ORDER SUMMARY for E8808700
Item/DescriptionQuantityPrice
Miscellaneous
part # GOAR 10824039081$144.17

Thanks for the advice :D

Check them out. I believe they offer 1 year on refurb items. IIRC they have a 60 no coverage period for used items.

http://www.squaretrade.com

My brother used them on a $2,500 eBay TV purchase. They repayed him the $2,500 when the TV died in year 2.

Good Luck.

Ecost cancelled my 1 year warranty without a phone call or anything?!?
...

I got a call from the Linda Potter whom I called in the first place to ask about all the issues on line about them. She seemed very nice and the one to get things done over there. She told me I will be getting an email next week about the warranty, the number I need and all the instructions how to register the warranty. You may want to call her: 800-555-3613, ext 4127.
She was really great so far.
I asked about the packaging and was reassured, I think, that it will be OK.

By the way, did you check the lamp hours? Is it back to 0?

Please report back once you have confirmed your warranty on the goldstar site... I hope my case is isolated.

Yes, the lamp hours were 0, not anymore though ;) The only issue with mine is the sliding cover has play in it (left to right ie against the sliding direction) and will cause the micro switch to open, which shuts the PJ down as a safety measure. I put a small piece of electrical tape on the cover to prevent this until I find out if I have a warranty or not...

I haven't looked, but this sounds like an easy fix I can have done locally if I have a warranty. Still worth the savings though, even if I have to use a small piece of tape. The play is very small too, less than 1/16" of an inch, but it's enough to open the door switch :( I'll post a photo if you don't mind checking yours out to see what it does. I think everything would be perfect if it was table mounted instead of ceiling mounted.

I got a call from the Linda Potter whom I called in the first place to ask about all the issues on line about them. She seemed very nice and the one to get things done over there. She told me I will be getting an email next week about the warranty, the number I need and all the instructions how to register the warranty. You may want to call her: 800-555-3613, ext 4127.
She was really great so far.
I asked about the packaging and was reassured, I think, that it will be OK.

By the way, did you check the lamp hours? Is it back to 0?

Please report back once you have confirmed your warranty on the goldstar site... I hope my case is isolated.

Yes, the lamp hours were 0, not anymore though ;) The only issue with mine is the sliding cover has play in it (left to right ie against the sliding direction) and will cause the micro switch to open, which shuts the PJ down as a safety measure. I put a small piece of electrical tape on the cover to prevent this until I find out if I have a warranty or not...



You do have a warranty through Sony which is only 90 days for refurbs. Ecost cancelled the extended warrany (1 year) through Goldstar. So if you have a defect you may want to call sony to have that looked at now rather than file a claim through Goldstar.

You do have a warranty through Sony which is only 90 days for refurbs. Ecost cancelled the extended warrany (1 year) through Goldstar. So if you have a defect you may want to call sony to have that looked at now rather than file a claim through Goldstar.

The only problem with that 90 day warranty reported by ETC 6849 is that it starts the day it was finished refurbishment. Who knows how long it sat in Sony warehouse, shipping to be sold again and then sold. One can have 0 days left or probably 80 days at best if the above is correct:mad:

The only problem with that 90 day warranty reported by ETC 6849 is that it starts the day it was finished refurbishment. Who knows how long it sat in Sony warehouse, shipping to be sold again and then sold. One can have 0 days left or probably 80 days at best if the above is correct:mad:

No...It's 90 days from the date of purchase.

Is there a link somewhere showing that (perhaps from Sony's site)? I called Sony and they told me otherwise. I did only talk to one person at Sony so they could have been inexperienced with refurbished products.

The PJ did not come with any documentation about the 90 day warranty either. Instead it came with a 2 year warranty statement stuck in with the manual, but no registration card.

No...It's 90 days from the date of purchase.

I am pissed at eCost too, I have not received my projector but they charged me twice for shipping, once as part of the total and then a separate charge got posted on my amex just for the shipping amount. I hope this thing arrives in one piece. At least they were able to charge me for the warranty so no excuses there (I hope!).

Yes, my shipping charge shows up as a different charge too. They cancelled my warranty right after I accepted shipment (2 hours later). I'm still not sure if this was a coincidence or not yet, but good luck.

I am pissed at eCost too, I have not received my projector but they charged me twice for shipping, once as part of the total and then a separate charge got posted on my amex just for the shipping amount. I hope this thing arrives in one piece. At least they were able to charge me for the warranty so no excuses there (I hope!).

Vulture,
Maybe they shipped you 2 projectors!:D

Vulture,
Maybe they shipped you 2 projectors!:D

That would have been nice, but there is only one tracking # for a 52lb package :rolleyes:

I am pissed at eCost too, I have not received my projector but they charged me twice for shipping, once as part of the total and then a separate charge got posted on my amex just for the shipping amount. I hope this thing arrives in one piece. At least they were able to charge me for the warranty so no excuses there (I hope!).

Well fellows, I received mine just a few hours ago. The box looks in good shape and it has Sony Refurbished on the box.
Interestingly, I was also charged twice for shipping, once in the purchase on last Monday, then on Wednesday I get an email with a different price with shipping 'free.'
I thought Linda Potter took pity on my for not getting the tax back on the $500 rebate:rolleyes: I checked my credit card later Friday and there was another shipping charge:eek:
My state of mind was not good over the weekend with 3 emails with 3 different pricing and now a double charging; sounds like a growing pain for a new company but they are not new.

This morning I called Linda Potter, most charming person on the phone. She checked and gave me a ref number for the credit back of that shipping withing 3 days:D So, I am still on the edge of my seat:confused:

I also asked about the extended warranty and said they are all reinstated and should get an email confirmation this week.

Maybe you all should call her? 800-555-3613 ext 4127. She is in early in LA to catch all the East coast calls. She also confirmed the 90 day warranty from date of purchase which is still an 8 day loss, small but a loss.
I think I will look at the box tonight and try to hang it tomorrow if my neighbor can assist.:D

ps: The calibrator I used before has a trip scheduled for Feb:)

Linda is great, I just talked to her about the second shipping charge on my AMEX and she is taking care of it. Thank you Linda! Sounds like a glitch in their order processing system. One more day before mine arrives.....

Thanks for the contact. I'll give Linda a call about my issue too :D Did you call her directly and get an answer? I had to leave a voicemail... :(

I think I have everything figured out, but ecost still has not billed me for the PJ I ordered, so who knows, maybe I'm their 1 millionth customer and get a free PJ?

The warranty still shows as canceled as does the bundle I ordered. It's like they canceled all portions of my order and re added the PJ by itself? There was a 10 day pre-authorization for the full amount, but that dropped off. It appears they tried charge me on top of the pre-authorization, putting my low limit card consequently over the limit and the transaction did not go through.

EDIT: Linda called me back and says she will fix everything for me tomorrow morning. Thanks for the good contact! I had talked to three other people at ecost who were obviously outsourced from a certain country (nothing necessarily wrong with that as it keeps my price low, but...) and none of them understood my problem (ecost had caused). I should have called Linda first!

PS: All orders for this bundle are apparently messed up, so if you haven't already, call Linda directly (she said there were 7 of us in total, I know who three of the seven are ;) ). It sounded like it was due to a new order process they have for combining the Goldstar warranty and the product as a "bundle." She did say I will have warranty information in my hand by the end of the week.

Thanks for the contact. I'll give Linda a call about my issue too :D Did you call her directly and get an answer? I had to leave a voicemail... :(


Either she calls back, if you have the nerves to wait;) but I called Monday to inquire about all the negative feed backs but she made me feel at home.:D I just called several times and she answered finally. Must have been on a potty break without my OK. :D
So, I placed my order directly with her.:D She seems to be a mover and shaker. Told her that she should be the first human cloned direct to adulthood;):D and fix that company.:D


I think I have everything figured out, but ecost still has not billed me for the PJ I ordered, so who knows, maybe I'm their 1 millionth customer and get a free PJ?

Sounds good to me:D I need half though;):D



EDIT: Linda called me back and says she will fix everything for me tomorrow morning. Thanks for the good contact!

And if you have nerves of steel, she calls back:D


By the way, again, for all, I am curious about the serial number to see how old or new these really are. Real refurbs of just new ones called refurbs as Joel indicated in a previous post. But, from someone in the know, we would also need a code to know about when. I finally pulled it from the box and looks really great just sitting there, not mounted or turned on. That blue is super.

My number is 2100076. Not sure if this series started at 2,000,000 or what.

Thanks to all the chatter here, I just ordered my very first PJ! I am planning on contacting Linda later today. I have not coombed through this thead yet, but was wondering any input on anamorphic lenses. I am thinking Panamorph U480 vs Schnieder. I know that is apples to orranges but would panamorph be suffice?

Thanks to all the chatter here, I just ordered my very first PJ! I am planning on contacting Linda later today. I have not coombed through this thead yet, but was wondering any input on anamorphic lenses. I am thinking Panamorph U480 vs Schnieder. I know that is apples to orranges but would panamorph be suffice?

Lens is one issue - Video scaling is the other issue. I don't know
if the VW200 can do it internally. Usually you need an outboard
scaler. That is what I use.

Scaling: the VPLVW200 will do the necessary scaling, but you must have an external lens. The scaling within the VPLVW200 seems really good to me, but I don't have an external amorphic lens. I've been using the internal scalar to watch 2.35:1 movies on a 16:9 screen using the widescreen zoom feature and the picture is still fantastic (ie no black bars on a 16:9 screen).

For your case what the VPLVW200 does is it squeezes the 2.35 image to fill the entire 16:9 area and then the anamorphic lens unsqueezes the image. This means that all pixels of the SXRD's are used.

Order update: I told Linda about my issue with the top cover/sliding door and she opted to take the product back free of charge and ship me a new order altogether. I am very happy with ecost now and I'm highly likely to order a denon or pioneer bluray player from them in the future. The door issue was interesting, and it appears I'm the only one with the issue so I'd rather just get a replacement now and pay $0 for shipping...

Lens is one issue - Video scaling is the other issue. I don't know
if the VW200 can do it internally. Usually you need an outboard
scaler. That is what I use.

I have only looked into it briefly. The settings are there but they appear to work different.
For the quick testing I did it seamed the changes worked in reverse to the WV100. Going higher with the numbers in the VW200 increased the brightness. Increasing the numbers for the VW100 decreased brightness. I did not spend enough time to confirm but be very careful to anyone wondering into the service menu. Write down all settings before making any changes and do not choose
the "save setting" option. When you cycle down the projector let it go through the entire shut down procedure before rebooting, the projector will revert back to factory settings as long as the "Save" option was not chosen. If you reboot before it completes its shut down ( The xenon lamp is hot strike ) the projector will save any changes made in the service menu.


If you like the way it looks, what is the problem with saving the settings?

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

I was talking about the additional lens. etc6849 is right the PJ does the scaling. I am planning on using a 2.35:1 screen.

You guys are right. Linda is a very good coustomer service rep. She did confirm that ecost has fixed gliche with the shipping charges that was mentioned above in this thread. I should be getting my PJ by the end of the week.

I assume all of you are happy with your PJs so far. My only concern is whether the brightness is adequate for a 130" screen with 1.3 gain. Projector Central has a calculator and going by that it should be. Time will tell.

Is the room light controlled?

I was talking about the additional lens. etc6849 is right the PJ does the scaling. I am planning on using a 2.35:1 screen.

You guys are right. Linda is a very good coustomer service rep. She did confirm that ecost has fixed gliche with the shipping charges that was mentioned above in this thread. I should be getting my PJ by the end of the week.

I assume all of you are happy with your PJs so far. My only concern is whether the brightness is adequate for a 130" screen with 1.3 gain. Projector Central has a calculator and going by that it should be. Time will tell.

Just got my projector, the box appeared absolutely fine but the grey plastic on the left side where the sliding door is has a 5" crack at towards the front and a lot of rub marks, I think the suspension forms pressed on it or something - trying to figure out what to do......

One other thing, when turned on, there is "pling" type of sound, I assume this is when the xenon lamp is energized, is this sound normal? The lamp has 0 hrs, the manual seems photocopied and just stapled in the middle....

Finally, if I turn film projection on (mode1, 2 or 3) there is a visible flicker in the picture - this is feeding a 1080p/24 signal from a bluray on the PS3. Is it normal for the picture to flicker in these modes?

....
Order update: I told Linda about my issue with the top cover/sliding door and she opted to take the product back free of charge and ship me a new order altogether. I am very happy with ecost now and I'm highly likely to order a denon or pioneer bluray player from them in the future. The door issue was interesting, and it appears I'm the only one with the issue so I'd rather just get a replacement now and pay $0 for shipping...
You may want to write a glowing report at resellers comment page and specifically mention her by name:D
Yes, she seems to the angel there, hence the cloning attempt to straighten out that place.:D

Just got my projector, the box appeared absolutely fine but the grey plastic on the left side where the sliding door is has a 5" crack at towards the front and a lot of rub marks, I think the suspension forms pressed on it or something - trying to figure out what to do......

One other thing, when turned on, there is "pling" type of sound, I assume this is when the xenon lamp is energized, is this sound normal? The lamp has 0 hrs, the manual seems photocopied and just stapled in the middle....

Finally, if I turn film projection on (mode1, 2 or 3) there is a visible flicker in the picture - this is feeding a 1080p/24 signal from a bluray on the PS3. Is it normal for the picture to flicker in these modes?

OK, found the answer to film projection modes and flicker - not to my taste so I leave it off. Any clues about the start up lamp sound?

vulture,
Yes the "Ping" sound is normal when the lamp starts.
In earlier projectors, there was a power supply issue that caused the lamp not to start, and the power supply would keep pinging the lamp until it started. If these projectors were refurbished by sony, then they most likely did the mod to fix that problem if they are "early" S/N projectors.

Yes, there is a small ping sound upon lamp start on mine too. Just a single ping, then everything is very quiet.

vulture,
Yes the "Ping" sound is normal when the lamp starts.
In earlier projectors, there was a power supply issue that caused the lamp not to start, and the power supply would keep pinging the lamp until it started. If these projectors were refurbished by sony, then they most likely did the mod to fix that problem if they are "early" S/N projectors.

Call Linda and have her send another one would be my suggestion. She waived return shipping for me. I am sending mine back due to a switching issue with the sliding door. My issue could very well have been caused by shipping too for all I know. I take it your packaging was kind of poor like mine was...

Just got my projector, the box appeared absolutely fine but the grey plastic on the left side where the sliding door is has a 5" crack at towards the front and a lot of rub marks, I think the suspension forms pressed on it or something - trying to figure out what to do......

One other thing, when turned on, there is "pling" type of sound, I assume this is when the xenon lamp is energized, is this sound normal? The lamp has 0 hrs, the manual seems photocopied and just stapled in the middle....

Finally, if I turn film projection on (mode1, 2 or 3) there is a visible flicker in the picture - this is feeding a 1080p/24 signal from a bluray on the PS3. Is it normal for the picture to flicker in these modes?

Call Linda and have her send another one would be my suggestion. She waived return shipping for me. I am sending mine back due to a switching issue with the sliding door. My issue could very well have been caused by shipping too for all I know. I take it your packaging was kind of poor like mine was...

This is my plan - call for an exchange. The box was actually perfect, just having a 50lb object suspended in those two black styroform braces creates a few pressure points and if the box tumbles they will create enough pressure on the thin plastic sides to crack. I am in two minds about exchanging it, what if the second one is the same or worse? This one works perfect. I will sleep on it but most likely will take a chance on another one. I will see if they can cross ship one to me even if they need to charge my CC again and then refund.

Thanks to Bobcat and everyone else for confirming the "ping" lamp sound on startup - my other projector I had did not make such a noise so it made me wonder.

.... If these projectors were refurbished by sony, then they most likely did the mod to fix that problem if they are "early" S/N projectors.

What would you call 'early' S/N numbers for the 200s? 2100079 early?

... - my other projector I had did not make such a noise so it made me wonder.

This may be a Xenon lamp need.

Charlesj,
It wasn't all early projectors that had the problem. I think it was a quality control issue in manufacturing. If a projector had the problem, they would fix it for free, but wouldn't make the mod if the projector didn't have the problem.

I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for your business. If you have any questions or problems, please feel free to email me at lindap@ecost.com or you may call me at 800-555-3613 ext 4127. Since this is our busiest time of year, an email would probably be better. Please make sure you leave me a phone number to call you on. We appreciate you and look forward to serving you.

Linda Potter
eCOST.com

Charlesj,
It wasn't all early projectors that had the problem. I think it was a quality control issue in manufacturing. If a projector had the problem, they would fix it for free, but wouldn't make the mod if the projector didn't have the problem.

Thanks. Do you currently have the 200? If so, what is your serial number. Just curious about the possible age of this refurbished unit. Not sure Sony would tell me.

I looked at the panel adjustments tonight and particularly the zone adjustments. It is insane!!!

This has 16 horizontal zones and 8 or 9 vertical zones. Need to have my memory checked as this was only a few hours ago :eek: Anyhow, that is either 128 or 144 zones:D

Also noticed that the horizontal line seems to be very sharp and maybe 1 pixel while the verticals are wider and not so sharp.
Any inputs?
Any idea how to get into the maint and/or factory menu? That mode keeps the focus patten on longer that the few seconds it is normally. The code used on the 100 doesn't work for this 200.:eek:

Did you try adjusting the Red and Blue shift? If vertical lines look wider, do they have excess red, blue or green overlapping where the edge of the line should be? If so, this will likely fix your problem.

It's easy to see this overlap with the lens grid displayed or by looking at typed text under windows.

PS: is this a normal adjustment that most projectors need once installed? I was surprised that I needed to align things like this...

I looked at the panel adjustments tonight and particularly the zone adjustments. It is insane!!!

This has 16 horizontal zones and 8 or 9 vertical zones. Need to have my memory checked as this was only a few hours ago :eek: Anyhow, that is either 128 or 144 zones:D

Also noticed that the horizontal line seems to be very sharp and maybe 1 pixel while the verticals are wider and not so sharp.
Any inputs?
Any idea how to get into the maint and/or factory menu? That mode keeps the focus patten on longer that the few seconds it is normally. The code used on the 100 doesn't work for this 200.:eek:

Did you try adjusting the Red and Blue shift? If vertical lines look wider, do they have excess red, blue or green overlapping where the edge of the line should be? If so, this will likely fix your problem.

It's easy to see this overlap with the lens grid displayed or by looking at typed text under windows.

PS: is this a normal adjustment that most projectors need once installed? I was surprised that I needed to align things like this...

Well, it is like this;):D
As best I know, all projectors at least needs to be checked for proper panel alignment otherwise your colors, focus and sharpness may be affected to some degree.
My 1st CRT projector aligned each color dot in numerous quadrants. The Sony 100 had fixed panels and that was rarely properly aligned and you should have read all the complaints and returns to Laredo to get it fixed:eek:

Now comes this wonderful projector and long and behold, one can or should be able to align this precisely if one knows how, all of the grids if needed. WOW, perfect alignment.:D
But, I am not well versed in this panel adjustment and this unit has both R/G and R/G/B alignment capability, etc, page 53 in the manual, and was hoping for a sequence to follow if adjustment is needed as some adjustment is needed, yes.
I don't see the predominance of one color over the other in the vertical lines and when R/B is moved enough that becomes visible. However, the vertical lines are not as sharp as the horizontal ones and seems to be wider. Not sure if that is normal or not. Didn't want to waste the calibrator's time on this who is coming in Feb.
Maybe I'll just play a bit more and see. I can always push the 'RESET' option.:D
Laredo repair is no help, cannot talk to a tech and other Sony support is no help either. I can read what is in the manual which is very thin.:eek:

2100xxx is the serial number for the first unit I received that is being sent back.

Thanks. Do you currently have the 200? If so, what is your serial number. Just curious about the possible age of this refurbished unit. Not sure Sony would tell me.

Charles, our S/N's are close together... Very interesting. So yours is 2100076 and the replacement I received today is 21000xx also. This one came in a retail box marked with an orange B stock sticker, but also had an E sticker with white over it.

The box had a ding on one corner and the styrofoam was bent/cracked, but the unit looks in good condition. It came with the original owners manual, original 2 year warranty card, sony batteries for the remote etc... Looks like everything a new one would come with?

I'm going to power it up shortly.

Also, what is very strange is the first one said "refurbished" on the side. This one doesn't. It also doens't have the QA sticker on the back, or the REP label on the cover. I'd bet this unit has not been to Loredo, TX.

21001xx is the serial number for the first unit I received that is being sent back.

Charles, our S/N's are close together... Very interesting. So yours is 2100076 and the replacement I received today is 21000xx also. This one came in a retail box marked with an orange B stock sticker, but also had an E sticker with white over it.

The box had a ding on one corner and the styrofoam was bent/cracked, but the unit looks in good condition. It came with the original owners manual, original 2 year warranty card, sony batteries for the remote etc... Looks like everything a new one would come with?

I'm going to power it up shortly.

Also, what is very strange is the first one said "refurbished" on the side. This one doesn't.

"B" Stock is another way of saying refurbished in a more Politically correct way ;)

If it's been refurbished, it wasn't by Sony. There are no reburbished, QA or any other markings on the unit. Sony puts a big refurbished sticker on the side of the PJ near the serial number. The only marking at all is on the outside of the box via an orange sticker. The box is a retail looking box with retail sku and matching s/n. Perhaps it was a customer return that went to Loredo, TX to be checked out, but nothing was done to it?

EDIT: Finally got some help to install it. No sliding door issue with this one and the bulb shows zero hours like the last unit! I'm very happy with it so far. Time to watch "UP" and adjust settings ;) Also, the horizontal lines and vertical lines in lens mode look noticeably sharper when compared to the first unit. In other words, focus is able to get the lines to look one pixel wide and it couldn't do this on the first unit.

"B" Stock is another way of saying refurbished in a more Politically correct way ;)

If it's been refurbished, it wasn't by Sony. There are no reburbished, QA or any other markings on the unit. Sony puts a big refurbished sticker on the side of the PJ near the serial number. The only marking at all is on the outside of the box via an orange sticker. The box is a retail looking box with retail sku and matching s/n. Perhaps it was a customer return that went to Loredo, TX to be checked out, but nothing was done to it?



I can give you a 100% Guarantee that Manufacturers - in this case Sony - Added the "B" Stock Label.

Charles, our S/N's are close together... Very interesting. So yours is 2100076 and the replacement I received today is 21000xx also. This one came in a retail box marked with an orange B stock sticker, but also had an E sticker with white over it.

The box had a ding on one corner and the styrofoam was bent/cracked, but the unit looks in good condition. It came with the original owners manual, original 2 year warranty card, sony batteries for the remote etc... Looks like everything a new one would come with?

I'm going to power it up shortly.

Also, what is very strange is the first one said "refurbished" on the side. This one doesn't. It also doens't have the QA sticker on the back, or the REP label on the cover. I'd bet this unit has not been to Loredo, TX.

Interesting. Why did you get batteries and I didn't?:eek: ;)

The box must be a stock Sony item as Sony is printed on the box and on the same line 'refurbished' as well.
My styrofoam is black, not a full cover for the front and back just a 3" wide and thick band around the body of the projector, front and back with same size bumper type band in the front and back with a cross bar. Same sticker next to S/N, looks like the factory manual. Really curious about the S/N whether these are very old units returned and refurbished or newer units refurbed.

I can give you a 100% Guarantee that Manufacturers - in this case Sony - Added the "B" Stock Label.

I am getting a replacement too for my current one with the cracked side panel. My current one is s/no 21002xx, came in a white sony box that says "refurbished" but no refurbished stickers on the unit itself, anywhere. No batteries, brand new remote and photocopied manual. The focus grid is 2-pixels wide. I am not sending my current unit back until the new one arrives on Monday, given the weight of the unit and the way it is packaged, in addition to rough handling by UPS, the chances of damage are pretty high :(.

Neither of mine showed physical damage like yours and the boxes looked bad. I think you'll be fine.

2 pixels is the correct width for the lens test pattern. If you look at the screen closely, you can see the space between the pixels.

I don't know. The batteries are also sony batteries. This one appears to have a retail box, but the box was beat up. I'm guessing it was sent back to sony due to the condition of the box and they put the b sticker on the box and sent it back out. The good doc is right, no one besides the manufacturer would mark goods as B stock.

I played with my unit last night and tested a theory of mine to improve the focus manually using the panel adjust menu with the RGB screen, white lines Yep, I was able to improve the focus manually and this image doesn't disappear as fast as the green focus image does. This image does seem to be 2 pixel wide, and the color convergence seems dead on after I played with each grid the other night for several hours. The green focus image is too quick but it still looks like a 1 pixel line all around but will re-check another time, not that it is that important.

I am still curious about the S/N as it relates to original availability or manufacture times. Is the series 21000000 the number beginning of the whole 200 line? If so, we have the earliest ones possible.:eek:If not, I feel much better.:D

As of Friday night, I still don't have my extended warranty info nor my expedited refund of that extra shipping charge:mad: My Thursday night email to Linda is unanswered so far.:(

Out of the box calibration, either done by Sony or the previous owner, looks rather impressive on Terminator Salvation, WOW.

So, what was the answer to the film projection? Is flicker normal? Mine does this too, so I leave this feature off...

Also, any firmware updates? Will the VPLVW200 update it's own firmware via the ethernet connection?

Just got my projector, the box appeared absolutely fine but the grey plastic on the left side where the sliding door is has a 5" crack at towards the front and a lot of rub marks, I think the suspension forms pressed on it or something - trying to figure out what to do......

One other thing, when turned on, there is "pling" type of sound, I assume this is when the xenon lamp is energized, is this sound normal? The lamp has 0 hrs, the manual seems photocopied and just stapled in the middle....

Finally, if I turn film projection on (mode1, 2 or 3) there is a visible flicker in the picture - this is feeding a 1080p/24 signal from a bluray on the PS3. Is it normal for the picture to flicker in these modes?

So, what was the answer to the film projection? Is flicker normal? Mine does this too, so I leave this feature off...

Also, any firmware updates? Will the VPLVW200 update it's own firmware via the ethernet connection?

Yes, film projection has seizure inducing flicker in all modes. Honestly, no idea why anyone would think this is a good thing (or at least on these early s/no models). Someone earlier in the thread mentioned that perhaps newer versions with newer firmware have much reduced flicker. I am only feeding mine 1080p/24 so I don't know if flicker is better in other modes.

To update the firmware you need to take the projector to a service center.

On the focus grid, the lines seem much thinner if you bring them up on an input that has no signal.

One other strange thing, on the "color temp" settings, the sliders of all parameters in custom1, custom2 and custom3 are in the middle, yet when I switch between the three custom settings, the colors are quite different. Any explanation for this? Is it something preset in the service menu?

V

Someone earlier in the thread mentioned that perhaps newer versions with newer firmware have much reduced flicker.

Early Serial Number or NOT - If your unit has been through
the Laredo Sony repair center - their Practice is ALWAYS
to ship out the UNIT with the Very Latest FW - if there has
been any FW updates.

Early Serial Number or NOT - If your unit has been through
the Laredo Sony repair center - their Practice is ALWAYS
to ship out the UNIT with the Very Latest FW - if there has
been any FW updates.

Here is the post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16468106#post16468106) implying that 1080p/24 might have minimal/no flicker with the new FW in "projection" mode.

Mine flickers like crazy. How does one check/see the FW version?

Mine flickers like crazy. How does one check/see the FW version?

I can't remember which MENU displays FW version - But it is there.

Just got my replacement VW200 from eCost. This one came in retail box with B stock stickers on it. Box looked beaten up, it also had different (white) packaging shells inside that were kind of cracked and broken up. But the projector is whithout a mark and appears brand new with all accessories, CD, batteries, etc. It is a later s/no 21006xx. Lamp with 0 hours. Looks good and I am glad I exchanged it.

For the color temperature settings, note that Custom1, Custom2 and Custom3 are primed with the setting from High, Middle and Low respectively. So they are basically not the same e.g. storing the same numbers in Custom1 and Custom2 will yield different results.

Any ideas on how to get into the service menu and how to see the firmware version?

.... It is a later s/no 2006xx....
Any ideas on how to get into the service menu and how to see the firmware version?

I have your last question also and so far unanswered.:D
Are you sure you have 6 digits in the S/N? Mine has 8 digits, 21000076.

I have your last question also and so far unanswered.:D
Are you sure you have 6 digits in the S/N? Mine has 8 digits, 21000076.

my s/no is 7 digits - 210065x

Got mine last Fri, in a white sony refurbished box with black styrofoam like many of you have mentioned. Slight cosmetic blemish (not noticeble) on the front. Did have a sticker on the top. Great PQ. Tried in my family room (Dedicated theater not ready yet). Tried the various pictures modes. Have no anamorphic lens yet, but when I tried the anamorphic zoom noticed that, although the picture is horizontally compressed, there is still some loss of picture frame (similar to zoom function). Does anyone know if this corrects with an anamorphic lens? My understanding was that there would be no zoom just a constant image height so one can use an anamorphic lens and get the horizontal stretch!

I have your last question also and so far unanswered.:D
Are you sure you have 6 digits in the S/N? Mine has 8 digits, 21000076.

I believe it is (enter, enter, left, enter) in rapid succession. this will add a new menu item at the bottom of the main menu area. Proceed with caution and always write down your original settings before making any changes.

The service menu should also tell you how many real hours are on the unit since the lamp hours have been reset by Sony.

I believe it is (enter, enter, left, enter) in rapid succession. this will add a new menu item at the bottom of the main menu area. Proceed with caution and always write down your original settings before making any changes. .

CaptainZ is probably correct - if not - check out the VW100 Thread - I know
for sure the service menu info is there and I believe the VW100 and VW200
use the same sequence.

CaptainZ is probably correct - if not - check out the VW100 Thread - I know
for sure the service menu info is there and I believe the VW100 and VW200
use the same sequence.

Cool - thanks. That sequence for the service menu works. Once the service menu is enabled you can see the firmware on the status screen. The firmwares on mine are as follows:

Refurbished model: SC ROM 1.02, NVM 01/01.02, OP timer 97 hrs (about 15 hrs were mine).

Replacement (B-stock) model: SC ROM 1.03, NVM 01/01.02, OP Timer 0 hrs (basically new).

Sub/IP versions were the same.

my s/no is 7 digits - 210065x

Sorry, my mistake. Yes, it is a 7 digit number. I called Laredo this morning to see if they have an idea about the machine from its S/N. I was told no, and also that they, Laredo, do not refurbish units, only repair customer units. The number they gave me to call didn't help either but a previous number they gave worked. My unit, 2100076, was originally registered on 11 Mar 2008 but he could not tell me what S/N these projectors started from.
It would appear that the 6xx is a bit newer than mine:D

Now the new mystery, where is it really refurbished??? :confused:

Cool - thanks. That sequence for the service menu works. Once the service menu is enabled you can see the firmware on the status screen. The firmwares on mine are as follows:

Refurbished model: SC ROM 1.02, NVM 01/01.02, OP timer 97 hrs (about 15 hrs were mine).

Replacement (B-stock) model: SC ROM 1.03, NVM 01/01.02, OP Timer 0 hrs (basically new).

Sub/IP versions were the same.

If that sequence works, it is different from the 100 which also had two codes for entry: one for the service menu and a second for factory and service menu. When I originally researched the 100 back in 06 here at AVS, some guys were really playing within those menues trying to improve:eek:

I will try the new code next week after the holiday trip

If that sequence works, it is different from the 100 which also had two codes for entry: one for the service menu and a second for factory and service menu. When I originally researched the 100 back in 06 here at AVS, some guys were really playing within those menues trying to improve:eek:

I will try the new code next week after the holiday trip

The 100 Info is in the Attachment below

And yes the SEQUENCE is Slightly Different for the 100

It is ENTER > ENTER > LEFT > ENTER > UP

As noted earlier, mine was retail boxed, but the box said B stock on it. Here's my fw versions:

SC ROM 1.02, NVM 1/1.02, OP 30 hours, Lamp Timer 29 hours (all me, lamp timer showed 0 when I received the PJ), sub rom 1.00, ip rom 1.00. S/N: 21000**

The lamp timer showed 0 hours when I got it, and the "previous lamp timer" shows 0 hours!?! Doesn't this pretty much confirm some of these units are brand new? What a deal!

I'm guessing the delta between operational hours and lamp hours + prev lamp hours is less than half an hour because that's how long it took Sony to open the new box, look for any damage, then mark it as B stock.

I'm saying half an hour because I'm assuming lamp and operational hours are rounded up to the nearest whole number.

Also, my 1 year goldstar warranty arrived today :D

Anyone have the rs232c commands for this PJ? There is a VW100 protocol, but some of the commands found on the VW200 don't always line up with the VW100.

Sony has the protocol manual, but wants $25 plus shipping for it?!? What I'm looking for is not a copy of the Sony manual (unless you want to PM me with it ;) ), but simply a table a user has made. Sony tells me they don't have the manually electronically or they'd send it to me for free...

....
Also, my 1 year goldstar warranty arrived today :D

How did it arrive? By email from eCost? Or, from Goldstar?
As a few minutes ago, I don't have mine nor the shipping overcharge.
Going out of town and will check mail and this board periodically:D

UPS envelope from Gold Star aka "Stampede."

Charles, what fw does yours have?

How did it arrive? By email from eCost? Or, from Goldstar?
As a few minutes ago, I don't have mine nor the shipping overcharge.
Going out of town and will check mail and this board periodically:D

Here is one thing I found the service menu useful for. For me I wanted to equilize all Custom (1-3) color temperatures so that I can start from the same place (Middle) and experiment with different values. I went into the service menu and changed all values for Custom 1 and Custom 3 color temp to 128 (this is what Middle and Custom 2 are set for). Of course write down all original values just in case before hitting Save. Now I finally have all custom color temp settings starting from the same place.

!! DON'T DO THIS - see post below as to how the RGB settings are dependent on the Iris settings !!

Here is one thing I found the service menu useful for. For me I wanted to equilize all Custom (1-3) color temperatures so that I can start from the same place (Middle) and experiment with different values. I went into the service menu and changed all values for Custom 1 and Custom 3 color temp to 128 (this is what Middle and Custom 2 are set for). Of course write down all original values just in case before hitting Save. Now I finally have all custom color temp settings starting from the same place.

You really don't want to do that...You will discover that as soon as you engage the auto iris the numbers will change. Each of the gains and offsets for RGB have multiple entries base on iris settings and other factors. I would recommend you put the settings back to factory and utilize the regular menu to calibrate your unit. You do not need to utilize the service menu to ISF the 200...

You really don't want to do that...You will discover that as soon as you engage the auto iris the numbers will change. Each of the gains and offsets for RGB have multiple entries base on iris settings and other factors. I would recommend you put the settings back to factory and utilize the regular menu to calibrate your unit. You do not need to utilize the service menu to ISF the 200...

Exactly. I wouldn't mess around the Service Menu at all. The 200's is not like the 100s in regards to some of the "tricks" we used to be able to do. You can definitely do more harm than good without even realizing it. :eek:

Exactly. I wouldn't mess around the Service Menu at all. The 200's is not like the 100s in regards to some of the "tricks" we used to be able to do. You can definitely do more harm than good without even realizing it. :eek:

Glad you folks mentioned this! I just reverted my settings back.

Hey, I have a newbie question as I have never had a nice display like this before...

What should the "deep color" setting be switched to in my bluray player's settings? If I turn this deep color setting on, do I need to change any setting on the VPL-VW200 or is the deep color automatically detected.

Also, is the VPL-VW200 HDMI 1.3 compatible? I could not find this stated in the manual. However the manual does say on page 19 that the PJ supports deep color, xvcolor, lipsync and pc input of HDMI standards.

Also, is there usually a setting in the players menu that enables x.v.color or do only higher end bluray players support xvcolor?

Right now, I'm using a Samsung BDP-1500.

I did find this link helpful from hdmi.org:
http://www.hdmi.org/learningcenter/faq.aspx#15

UPS envelope from Gold Star aka "Stampede."

Charles, what fw does yours have?

I am away from home until late 29th so after that I will try to get that answer for the both of us:D

Hey, I have a newbie question as I have never had a nice display like this before...

What should the "deep color" setting be switched to in my bluray player's settings? If I turn this deep color setting on, do I need to change any setting on the VPL-VW200 or is the deep color automatically detected.

Also, is the VPL-VW200 HDMI 1.3 compatible? I could not find this stated in the manual. However the manual does say on page 19 that the PJ supports deep color, xvcolor, lipsync and pc input of HDMI standards.

Also, is there usually a setting in the players menu that enables x.v.color or do only higher end bluray players support xvcolor?

Right now, I'm using a Samsung BDP-1500.

I did find this link helpful from hdmi.org:
http://www.hdmi.org/learningcenter/faq.aspx#15\

Just set your Blu ray player to 4:4:4 and you should be sending in 12 bit into the 200. No worries on the 200's menus. It will accept the up converted color bits. No Blu ray players output xvcolor so no worries there. It's a shame that Sony's new VW85 will not accept 12 bit color from a Blu ray player. The 200 at this current price is a steal!

... Here's my fw versions:

SC ROM 1.02, NVM 1/1.02, OP 30 hours, Lamp Timer 29 hours (all me, lamp timer showed 0 when I received the PJ), sub rom 1.00, ip rom 1.00. S/N: 21000**...
Also, my 1 year goldstar warranty arrived today :D

I am back home now:D
I have the same upgrades as you. My Op Timer is 602 hrs.

Where can I get a replacement lamp or module? PM me details...

where can i get a replacement lamp or module? Pm me details...

pm sent

Did anyone else have a problem registering the goldstar warranty?

What was written on my warranty card was 10 digits without SSW written.
So, it appears it should be SSW followed by 9 digits.

Any ideas?

https://esp.amtrustgroup.com/GoldstarCM/OrderSearch.aspx
(https://esp.amtrustgroup.com/GoldstarCM/OrderSearch.aspx)

Did anyone else have a problem registering the goldstar warranty?

What was written on my warranty card was 10 digits without SSW written.
So, it appears it should be SSW followed by 9 digits.

Any ideas?

https://esp.amtrustgroup.com/GoldstarCM/OrderSearch.aspx
(https://esp.amtrustgroup.com/GoldstarCM/OrderSearch.aspx)

I have the same on my card, 10 digits so I called them on the phone to register it. The lady just dropped the 1 digit:eek: and I asked her to call me when I am registered to be sure; don't want to not know and find out not, if I need service. If I don't hear from them soon, I will call back Monday I guess, give them a week.;)

I am still having problems with eCost getting my duplicate shipping charges credited back and been going on since the 15th.:mad: Even with Linda's help:eek: Soon, I will have my credit card company get involved.

\

Just set your Blu ray player to 4:4:4 and you should be sending in 12 bit into the 200. No worries on the 200's menus. It will accept the up converted color bits. No Blu ray players output xvcolor so no worries there. It's a shame that Sony's new VW85 will not accept 12 bit color from a Blu ray player. The 200 at this current price is a steal!

I don't see that 4:4:4 setting in the manual for the Panny BD55 nor the XA2;) but the specs for the 55 states that HDMI is Deep Color, x.v.Color. Now the question if this color is on BD DVDs yet.

A couple of days ago the clean filter message came on while I was watching my VW200 and since the original bulb had 1250 hours on it, I figured I would replace it with a new bulb and keep the old bulb as a backup.

I already knew that other guys had done this and it had worked out well to keep a good spare bulb around for backup, but then bring their VW200 back to perfect brightness with a new bulb.

Unfortunately when I switched to the new stock Sony LMP-H400, the picture quality was terrible. Specifically I turned the projector on and started watching a bowl game that was in 1080i. Like all bowl games there were headers and banners of text at multiple points on the screen. Each of the characters looked like they had dash marks or gaps up and down both sides of the text characters. Even commercials where you had text or any thing that was blocked in nature had these weird gaps or dash marks. The picture was un-watchable it was so bad. I quickly switched back to the old bulb and the picture went right back to perfect. No gaps in any of the letters no jaggies on the edges just perfect.

Anybody have any ideas or seen anything like this before. Unfortunately I bought this Sony LMP-H400 stock bulb from Shoreview Distributors in Massachusetts, the box shows they got it direct from Sony. I bought this bulb about 2 years ago so I don't think I have much recourse but I am all ears if someone else has some kind of bulb changing experience that can shed some light so to speak on this issue. Again color is not an issue, it is a edge thing that looks really strange, kind of like noise but very symetrical, not dots but more like dashes (- - - - -) like this only vertical up and down letters not horizontal at all and not any particular part of the screen just anywhere there are letters or banners.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

I can't imagine how any LAMP could effect your VW200 in
that way - it is JUST A DUMB LIGHT SOURCE.

That is why I am posting. I too can't see how it can do that, but it is doing it all the same.

Like I said, it looks like a series of gaps or - running vertically along the edge of letters in banners on the satellite HDTV source. I haven't checked Bluray as a source but will probably do that by the weekend.

Anyway, I am just hoping that someone has seen this before and it is something simple to fix. Otherwise I will have to spend another 800 bucks to get a new bulb and try it again.

So anybody got anything as it relates to weirdness when changing bulbs in the VW200?

That is why I am posting. I too can't see how it can do that, but it is doing it all the same.

Like I said, it looks like a series of gaps or - running vertically along the edge of letters in banners on the satellite HDTV source. I haven't checked Bluray as a source but will probably do that by the weekend.

Anyway, I am just hoping that someone has seen this before and it is something simple to fix. Otherwise I will have to spend another 800 bucks to get a new bulb and try it again.

So anybody got anything as it relates to weirdness when changing bulbs in the VW200?

I would install the LAMP a 2nd time - I just can't believe you
can duplicate this. Unless the lamp is so bad that it is screwing
up the POWER inside the VW200 - there should be now way this
can happen.

I plan on re-installing it and checking it against other sources, like Bluray and then see what happens. I am bettting that it replicates the problem becasue I tried reinstalling it right after it happened, thinking that it might not be seated properly but that had no effect. But when I re-installed the old bulb housing, the projector picture went back to perfect with no gaps or - marks up and down any letters on any HDTV source I used.

So I will check it one more time just to make sure something wasn't stuck in the path of the bulb and maybe its connection to the powersupply or whatever.

But to cut to the chase, just in case I have to get another replacement lamp;

I know it has been discussed in the past. as I got my VW200 in December of 07 and I have been monitoring the VW200 thread off and on since then.

So what I need to know is if currentl pricing on the LMP-H400 has changed much to anyones current knowledge of the subject. So is there any source out there that can substantially beat a $750 replacement price for a OEM Sony LMP-H400 lamp w/ housing?

As always any insights are appreciated.

As always any insights are appreciated.

I own TWO LMP-H400 units, one in the PJ and one as backup.
I have bought lamps from this eBay SELLER (http://cgi.ebay.com/Replacement-Lamp-LMP-H400-for-Sony-modules_W0QQitemZ160392449964QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDo main_0?hash=item2558228fac#ht_500wt_1117) and changed out
just the Lamp - a LOT CHEAPER.

Hey I would try the site again to be sure it is registered. There was a problem with the goldstar website. I usually don't post emails, but since this is a time critical matter (warrany MUST be registered within 30 days) I'm pasting the email below. Use the info from the Stampede envelope if you have trouble and email one of the contacts below or call.

Register at this site:

https://esp.amtrustgroup.com/GoldstarCM/OrderSearch.aspx

From: Rhonda Janowski [mailto:rjanowski@amtrustgroup.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 07, 2010 6:39 AM
To: Jeff Willis; lmcnutt@stampedeglobal.com
Cc: swu@stampedeglobal.com
Subject: RE: goldstar warranty

There was an issue with the Gold Star Registration site that our IT department was working on. The site has been corrected and will now accept GSW.
Please let me know if you run into any issues.

Thank you,

Rhonda M. Janowski
Client Relations Manager
AMT Warranty
(216)328-6288
(216)246-2823 (cell)
FAX: 1-800-487-9654
5800 Lombardo Center
Cleveland, Ohio 44131

I have the same on my card, 10 digits so I called them on the phone to register it. The lady just dropped the 1 digit:eek: and I asked her to call me when I am registered to be sure; don't want to not know and find out not, if I need service. If I don't hear from them soon, I will call back Monday I guess, give them a week.;)

I am still having problems with eCost getting my duplicate shipping charges credited back and been going on since the 15th.:mad: Even with Linda's help:eek: Soon, I will have my credit card company get involved.

My serial number does not work for me. It's 10 digits: 1082*0****
The warranty number is: GSW5113

Any suggestions? It could be that the serial number is hand written and someone wrote it wrong... I believe the warranty number is correct though since it is typed.

I own TWO LMP-H400 units, one in the PJ and one as backup.
I have bought lamps from this eBay SELLER (http://cgi.ebay.com/Replacement-Lamp-LMP-H400-for-Sony-modules_W0QQitemZ160392449964QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDo main_0?hash=item2558228fac#ht_500wt_1117) and changed out
just the Lamp - a LOT CHEAPER.

Dr Hankz,

Thanks, I also have just a bulb that I believe I purchased from the same seller some time in 2008. Up until yesterday I had a new stock Soiny lmp-h400 and a stand-alone H400 bulb. I thought I was more than covered. I am suspecting that the strange behavior is somehow tied to the lamp projector housing as I can not fathom any way for the bulb itself to inject gaps or - on letters on the screen.

So I guess once I get another replacement lamp with the housing I will have what I will need to be able to try the bulb replacement procedure with the original bulb and housing assuming the new LMP-H400 works as advertised.

My serial number does not work for me. It's 10 digits: 1082*0****
The warranty number is: GSW5113

Any suggestions? It could be that the serial number is hand written and someone wrote it wrong... I believe the warranty number is correct though since it is typed.

Call Rhonda and have her check or process your warranty by phone.
My number is: GSW 5107 and on the back the 10 digits. I called them on the phone and supposedly they are processing it? The person I called originally indicated Fri is her last day and her supervisor is the one to call, Gladys. I will call again Fri. I don't like to get this close to the deadline and they sure took a long time to send the card out.:eek:

Dr Hankz,

Thanks, I also have just a bulb that I believe I purchased from the same seller some time in 2008. Up until yesterday I had a new stock Soiny lmp-h400 and a stand-alone H400 bulb. I thought I was more than covered. I am suspecting that the strange behavior is somehow tied to the lamp projector housing as I can not fathom any way for the bulb itself to inject gaps or - on letters on the screen.

So I guess once I get another replacement lamp with the housing I will have what I will need to be able to try the bulb replacement procedure with the original bulb and housing assuming the new LMP-H400 works as advertised.

Why not try the old lamp and see what happens?
Is this the whole lamp assembly you purchased with heat sinks and all? Hopefully it has the right silver grease inside as there were some issues written up in the and the 100 thread about getting a chirping sound, or rather a sound a cricket makes;):D and a good silver grease at the right places cured it. Don't remember reading this kind of an issue here or the 100 thread. Very strange that it would only affect letter.

Why not try the old lamp and see what happens?
Is this the whole lamp assembly you purchased with heat sinks and all? Hopefully it has the right silver grease inside as there were some issues written up in the and the 100 thread about getting a chirping sound, or rather a sound a cricket makes;):D and a good silver grease at the right places cured it. Don't remember reading this kind of an issue here or the 100 thread. Very strange that it would only affect letter.

Yes the right grease effects the CRICKETS - but he was
seeing effects on PQ not CRICKETS.

What is this special grease you speak of? Will non-branded thermal compound used for computer processors work just as well?

Yes the right grease effects the CRICKETS - but he was
seeing effects on PQ not CRICKETS.

What is this special grease you speak of? Will non-branded thermal compound used for computer processors work just as well?

This thing

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

What is this special grease you speak of?

The Right Grease is THIS ONE (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100302)

It is 10% Silver versus 5% Silver

Will non-branded thermal compound used for computer processors work just as well?

NO

I just received the PJ I ordered from eCost. S/N 21004xx with FW 1.02. The unit came in the retail box, not the white refurb box. Lamp hours were 0 and operational time was 0. The picture looked great needing only normal minor adjustments.

I was stoked until some sort of power-on issue started to crop up. When I turn the PJ off, the red stand-by light is on. After some period of time (more than an hour I think), the standby light goes off and the unit becomes unresponsive to the remote power and the power button behind the small panel. It's like the unit is dead. I thought it might be the case slide as one person reported, but that doesn't seem to be it. The only way to get the unit to come back to life is to disconnect the power for 1-2 mins and re-plug it.

I've looked for loose power connections and even changed to a different power outlet circut. It still seems to happen. Reading the manual, I noticed the different stand-by modes, but they seem to reduce your ability to power on with hdmi, net access, etc.. I wouldn't expect them to disable the on-board power button. This whole issue reminds me a PC that has problems going into/coming out of hibernate mode.

Any ideas? Am I doing something stupid? Is there some setting that I am missing? Anyone else experienced this?

The only thing I would check is the cord.

Is it plugged in all the way? Does the unit turn off if you wiggle the power cord? Are you using the cord lock cover? Do you have another power cord to try?

If these don't help, I would send the thing back for a refund and repurchase another. The second one I received is perfect.

PS: Ecost paid the return shipping and shipped me out another at their cost.

Yep, I've checked the connections for firmness/contact each time. Currrently if I wiggle the cord, there are no hiccups.

Also, the problem doesn't seem to be exclusive to stand-by mode, as it happened yesterday while a movie was playing. (This was the 4th time it happened). After firmly re-plugging it again (same as every other time), it has now been running for 24 hours in standby. I've cycled power several times. All the sudden, it seems Ok.

So now I'm not sure what to do... I'd love to think that it's no going to happen again, and this is certainly the longest that its' stayed on. Still there is nothing different... I wonder if some plastic or gunk got in the power cord connection, but at the same time I could get burned by wishful thinking... Given the operational hours being < 1, but still slightly greater than the reset lamp hours (opt timer flips first), I also have a suspicion that whatever plagued this unit was "No Repro" with Sony.

On a possibly related note, the unit would occassionally pop 1-2 times before the ping and lamp light. It was like it had to strike the match a couple times... That too seems to have disappeared within the last 24 hours. I vaguely recall that this might be a sign of some sort of power board issue. Anyone know anything about this symptom?

... I vaguely recall that this might be a sign of some sort of power board issue. Anyone know anything about this symptom?

No, but reading the 100 and 200 threads for some time now, it seems that there were and are a number of these projectors sent back to replace the power boards and power supply stuff:eek:

Yep, I was falling into the trap of wishful thinking. It reproduced again with new powercord... This thing is going back. Bummer, because PQ was perfect.

Looking at this thread, there seems to be a fairly high failure rate on these refurb/B-stock units. I see that at least 3 now have been sent back. Still, I'll try another... Too good of deal not to try again.

Yep, I was falling into the trap of wishful thinking. It reproduced again with new powercord... This thing is going back. Bummer, because PQ was perfect.

Looking at this thread, there seems to be a fairly high failure rate on these refurb/B-stock units. I see that at least 3 now have been sent back. Still, I'll try another... Too good of deal not to try again.

If you get a keeper, it will be well worth the hassle!

Call or email Linda with ecost:
lindap@ecost.com or try 800-555-3613 ext 4127

I'd say replace the unit. I'm 100% satisfied with the replacement B stock unit ecost sent me. It arrived in less than 3 days too and everything looked/was new with 0 hours on the unit! Once I get the rebate, I plan to leave positive feedback @ reseller ratings.

Call or email Linda with ecost:
lindap@ecost.com or try 800-555-3613 ext 4127

I'd say replace the unit. I'm 100% satisfied with the replacement B stock unit ecost sent me. It arrived in less than 3 days too and everything looked/was new with 0 hours on the unit! Once I get the rebate, I plan to leave positive feedback @ reseller ratings.

Same here:D but it is a long road.
I was finally credited with the extra shipping charges. Linda had to call their cred department or whichever and wait on the phone while they made the actual contact and credit back to my credit card; took a whole lot of calling.
Finally have the projector registered for the extended warranty but now the start date they are using is the sell date, not the expiration of the 90 day refurb warranty:mad: So, that is being questioned now.

I just registered my warranty. Mine expires in 1 year too instead of 1 year plus 90 days...

Please let me know what you find out. This calling here and there is starting to get on my nerves too!

Okay, in case someone else has this problem I figured I would post the solution to the problem that I had with my VW200.

I found that the - problem on graphic characters and the edge issue was caused by a bad HDMI connection.

I went and ran a second source, bluray and had no issue with any graphic characters and no issues with any edges. I then went and systematically unplugged and plugged back in all HDMI cables and the issue disappeared.

The new bulb throws a phenomenal picture. The difference between a 1250 hour bulb and a new bulb is night and day. I guess I had forgotten how much the picture pops when it has a new bulb.

Anyway, if the picture degrades does some weird stuff like mine did, check your HDMI connections.

Okay, in case someone else has this problem I figured I would post the solution to the problem that I had with my VW200.

I found that the - problem on graphic characters and the edge issue was caused by a bad HDMI connection.

I went and ran a second source, bluray and had no issue with any graphic characters and no issues with any edges. I then went and systematically unplugged and plugged back in all HDMI cables and the issue disappeared.

The new bulb throws a phenomenal picture. The difference between a 1250 hour bulb and a new bulb is night and day. I guess I had forgotten how much the picture pops when it has a new bulb.

Anyway, if the picture degrades does some weird stuff like mine did, check your HDMI connections.
Very good to know and you coming back and sharing this info. :D

I just registered my warranty. Mine expires in 1 year too instead of 1 year plus 90 days...

Please let me know what you find out. This calling here and there is starting to get on my nerves too!

I sent an email 2 days ago, left a message on Rhonda's phone FRi am, no call back yet. Will call Monday again.:eek: I am running out of Tylenol;):D

I just registered my warranty. Mine expires in 1 year too instead of 1 year plus 90 days...

Please let me know what you find out. This calling here and there is starting to get on my nerves too!

I left another phone message with Rhonda but I don't expect any changes to the warranty as I also exchanged emails with Linda Potter and now she states the warranty runs concurrently, industry standard, so, we only have a 1 year warranty and the 1st 90 days may be questionable what Sony will do or not:mad:
Certainly not what eCost advertised as I have copies of two of their advertisements, one from Dec 7, the other Dec 13 that specifically states 1 yr and 90 days. Oh, well.

I remember reading the same thing. I still think we got a very good deal though! I would have never bought a VPL-VW200 if it wasn't for the ecost deal due to price versus need.

The $500 rebate is what I'm waiting for. I just hope the visa gift card doesn't have hidden fees. If it's like an AT&T visa gift card I got before it does so be prepared to make a $500 purchase the first month you have the card and zero it out.

I wouldn't hold my breath wrt eCost. Linda Potter refused to accept return or exchange of my out-of-box broken PJ. Instead, I was told that I would have to take it up with Sony as warranty item. Since when is DOA equipment warranty??? This should clearly be a return or exchange.

Additionally, I have yet to receive my GoldStar warranty info for my Dec 22 order. It's been nearly a month.

It appears that Linda spends quite a bit of time trolling the forums, resellerratings, and other possible sources of negative feedback, in an attempt to spin doctor and create the perception (emphasis on perception)that the eCost is reputable company.

I see the PJ deal is back on at eCost. So I'm not sure why they won't exchange now... Regardless, anyone considering this "great deal" should beware. I would STRONGLY advise against it. Note all the people that have had problems of one form or another with eCost on this thread alone.

That's too bad, but more in line with what you normally read about ecost. I would follow the Goldstar contact info posted here and hopefully they can get you your warranty. The only way I was able to get my warranty registered was to track someone down through email though.

EDIT Warranty contacts:

Get your order info from this person (stampede is who ecost deals with):
Liza Mcnutt | Manager, Sales & Vendor Support
Stampede
55 WoodRidge Drive
Amherst, NY 14228
USA
US Toll Free: +1 800.398.5652
Direct: +1 716.817.1704
Fax: +1 716.839-3563
Email: LMcNutt@stampedeglobal.com
AIM: StampedeLiza

Then email/call Rhonda to register (or try the website to register: https://esp.amtrustgroup.com/GoldstarCM/OrderSearch.aspx)
rjanowski@amtrustgroup.com
Rhonda M. Janowski
Client Relations Manager
AMT Warranty
(216)328-6288
(216)246-2823 (cell)
FAX: 1-800-487-9654
5800 Lombardo Center
Cleveland, Ohio 44131

The $500 rebate is what I'm waiting for. I just hope the visa gift card doesn't have hidden fees. If it's like an AT&T visa gift card I got before it does so be prepared to make a $500 purchase the first month you have the card and zero it out.

Is that how the rebate is handled? With a gift card?:mad: I'd prefer the $$ in my hand.:mad:

...

The $500 rebate is what I'm waiting for. I just hope the visa gift card doesn't have hidden fees. If it's like an AT&T visa gift card I got before it does so be prepared to make a $500 purchase the first month you have the card and zero it out.

I finally received the rebate today which I mailed Dec 15. :D

It is a Visa card for $500 and expires in 3 full month from today, actually 30 Apr. :eek:
And, it looks like there is a monthly fee of $2.50.:eek:
No cash outs.:eek:

Now to use it to pay some real bills somehow.

Still working on that warranty date issue with Rhonda though.

....

Still working on that warranty date issue with Rhonda though.

Finally Rhonda came through:D The warranty starts 3 month after purchase date when the refurb warranty expires, and runs for a year.:D
What a process:mad:

hmm.... does the website now show the correct dates for the warranty? should I call rhonda again?

hmm.... does the website now show the correct dates for the warranty? should I call rhonda again?

If your warranty doesn't start 3 month after purchase date, yes, call Rhonda again and tell her that the component was sold and still is advertised with 1 year and 3 mo warranty; 3 mo of refurb and after that starts 1 year of after market warranty. Rhonda sent me an attachment with the new dates of the warranty. Tell her that another customer had this change as well.:D

Man, so much work for getting a good deal on this thing... So much calling. If the PJ didn't look so darn good, I'd be very angry :mad: I just hope my rebate comes without issue.

As it stands, I still love the Sony's picture quality/price ratio after a good 60 days of use. I never thought I'd like having a PJ as much as I do. If only TV's could catch up in terms of PQ...

Man, so much work for getting a good deal on this thing... So much calling. If the PJ didn't look so darn good, I'd be very angry :mad: I just hope my rebate comes without issue.

As it stands, I still love the Sony's picture quality/price ratio after a good 60 days of use. I never thought I'd like having a PJ as much as I do. If only TV's could catch up in terms of PQ...

You are not kidding about the number of calls, emails, to get all this to the end.:eek: One needs a good bx of Tylenol on hand;):D
My rebate arrived in about 6 weeks, Visa gift card, all but about $2 was redeemed with no issues.
If your rebate is approaching 6 weeks, give them a call. They even processed mine with not a fully detailed bill, just what was in the package. I sent another request with a better bill but that was disallowed as it was the 2nd submission:D

joerod u done an excellent job at this thread. so all here, id like u guys to take a look at the viewsonic pro8100 it was 5000$ and now its just for 1300$ at tigerdirect , i compared this one with sony vpl-vw200 at live action and the pro8100 got a deeper colors more vivd and sharper than the vw-200 also it comes with 3 years warranty , i think guys u should ty one and ull see the magic , ofcourse u have 30 days money return, so there is no lose in a try ,btw tigerdirect is selling the last hipment because it discountinued.

here an exmple of the 2 shots:

SONY VPL-VW200( POSTED BY joerod :

http://i47.tinypic.com/8wdto5.jpg

VIEWSONIC PRO8100 AT ECO MODE POSTED BY DARKRIDR:

http://i49.tinypic.com/15o9wk4.jpg

thanx to all at this thread and i am also a fan of the best of the hi end for that i like sony, but at this projector viewsonic has found the magic souce. :)

And, the question is, which shot is closer to what it is supposed to look like, what it was on the mastering screen. :D

Cartoons always makes all display devices look good. That is why you see them playing on display devices at most stores. Cartoons will make the cheapest big screen look good.
When it comes to picture quality, natural color, flesh tones, shadow detail and black blacks tells the tail.
But if you like the cartoon look, crank up the color and contrast to 99 and set the mode to dynamic and enjoy!

The viewsonic pro8100 measured 258:1 ANSI contrast and 3011:1 on/off contrast. In the brightest lamp mode the Pro8100 is capable of 750 lumens, not very good specs.
The better choice for an entry level projector would be the Panasonic AE2000. It is a bit better than the 8100 in ANSI contrast and on/off, but not much.

Have fun with your new toy...

BOBCAT if u choose ur pj only about contrast ratio then u should have the benq w600 for 700$ and its light cannon with 3000lumenu and 1500 at eco mode , also if cartoon looks great at cheap tvs then why the 200 shows better image. this is a comparision between the pro8100 and the vpl-vw 85 at projectorreviews.com , spec are nothing wen it comes to real image , btw color saturation is 44 and contrast is 62 , brightness 54, sharpness is 50 , u can check art settings also the pro8100 produce image better than the panny 4k.

http://www.projectorreviews.com/sony/vpl-vw85/image.php
vpl-vw85:

http://i49.tinypic.com/eu56jq.jpg

viewsonic pro8100:

http://www.projectorreviews.com/viewsonic/pro8100/imagequality.php


http://i34.tinypic.com/sqnset.jpg

vpl-vw85:

http://i45.tinypic.com/2qdagjq.jpg

pro8100:

http://i34.tinypic.com/wltxqq.jpg

http://www.projectorreviews.com/panasonic/pt-ae4000/image.php

PANASONIC AE-4000:

http://i35.tinypic.com/11hcmyf.jpg

PRO8100:

http://i34.tinypic.com/sqnset.jpg

PANASONIC AE-4000:

http://i34.tinypic.com/mv6e13.jpg

PRO8100:

http://i38.tinypic.com/e9f4vd.jpg


and iam not trying to open argue here but id like u guys to have excellent pj at cheap price thats all, i love sony carlziess and all other high class features but for 10% of the price i can get this quality.

No contest. Those Sony screenshots look just like the movie should. There is not that amount of color in LOTR that your cheapo PJ shows... Oversaturated.

Mr.expensivo u can decrease colors at cheapo as u want and get film like image but tell me can u get this sharpness at ur expensivo pj

Definitely over saturated... I also think you can see more detail in the blacks on the cartoon picture. However, it is a nice picture for $1300 though... I might have gone with something like that if I could have actually seen it first in a local store, but I knew the Sony would be excellent from seeing it in a local store before I ordered from ecost.

Honestly, my whole point to picking the VW200 was because I got sick of the vivid overly blacked out pictures of my Samsung LCD; your PJ looks like a bigger version of my Samsung LCD all be it, I'm sure it does have better black detail than a LCD TV.

On a different note I did finally receive my ecost rebate the other week :D Too bad I spent most of it redoing my rack from craigslist: added faceplates, proper rack ears on what I could, shorter shelves etc...

No contest. Those Sony screenshots look just like the movie should. There is not that amount of color in LOTR that your cheapo PJ shows... Oversaturated.

I will always have a "soft" spot for the VW200. And yes I miss its lighted logo. :)

also guys check that video :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzIjkoqoz40

Anyone here experiencing the cricket issue with the VW200? Mine started emitting this annoying HF sound. I took the lamp assembly apart and added silver thermal compound so hopefully it doesn't come back. Thus far, 30 minutes, it sounds a lot better. I would have thought it sounded like a sleeve bearing was going out on one of the fans... However, if that was the issue, I think the noise would still be present.

I had to use Arctic Silver 5 since it was locally available and I couldn't take the noise anymore... Anyone have experience with this thermal compound? What is interesting the manufacturer states that it is not electrically conductive, but that the paste is capacitive and contains silver... At any rate, it seems to pass electricity just fine or the bulb would not.

Anyone here experiencing the cricket issue with the VW200? Mine started emitting this annoying HF sound. I took the lamp assembly apart and added silver thermal compound so hopefully it doesn't come back. Thus far, 30 minutes, it sounds a lot better. I would have thought it sounded like a sleeve bearing was going out on one of the fans... However, if that was the issue, I think the noise would still be present.

I had to use Arctic Silver 5 since it was locally available and I couldn't take the noise anymore... Anyone have experience with this thermal compound? What is interesting the manufacturer states that it is not electrically conductive, but that the paste is capacitive and contains silver... At any rate, it seems to pass electricity just fine or the bulb would not.

Try removing all the heat compound off the lamp and heat sink. That finally worked for my Ruby. No crickets.

Thanks for the reply! I'll definetly give this a try if the crickets come back. So far almost 3 hours of silience! Seems to sound like new; you really have to concentrate to hear the PJ with this silver grease.

How long did it take for the crickets to come back when you tried the silver grease? I think I read in another thread that you tried had previously tried some silver thermal paste...

Try removing all the heat compound off the lamp and heat sink. That finally worked for my Ruby. No crickets.

Thanks for the reply! I'll definetly give this a try if the crickets come back. So far almost 3 hours of silience! Seems to sound like new; you really have to concentrate to hear the PJ with this silver grease.

How long did it take for the crickets to come back when you tried the silver grease? I think I read in another thread that you tried had previously tried some silver thermal paste...

Actually I am the person who discovered the silver grease (on VW100 bulb thread) to cure the crickets problem... It works just fine on most of the bulbs. I had one with both startup problems and cricket sound. I tried the silver grease treatment first and it cured the crickets. But then I tried it without any grease at all and it worked just fine. Normal startup and no sound. Certainly worth testing!

I am so glad I've got a calibrated JVC RS2 now - no problems, no tweaking and only enjoying a really great picture :-)

Thanks for discovering the silver grease method :D

Also thanks for the prompt reply! I'd would have went with a JVC if it wasn't for the ecost deal that was running in the states.

Anyone here experiencing the cricket issue with the VW200? Mine started emitting this annoying HF sound. ....


That is not good.:mad: You just got that projector.

I wasn't happy either :mad: The noise started occurring around 250 hours. It wasn't really loud and you couldn't hear it unless you had the volume low, but it was an annoying pitch/whine. I am actually surprised it was the thermal compound, but electronics can oscillate and so can metals from thermal stresses.

Replacing the thermal compound was easy and fixed the problem (so far about 8 hours so far with no noise)... My guess is that the noise never comes back, but we'll see. The B stock sticker on the box for the VW200 was dated 2/17/2008. Makes you wonder how old these PJs really are that ecost sells! I know thermal compound doesn't have a shelf life, but who knows?!?

IMHO, products made in Japan have really gone down in quality. I also had to have my Onkyo TXNR905 repaired under warranty for a loose ground on the phono jack.

That is not good.:mad: You just got that projector.

I wasn't happy either :mad: The noise started occurring around 250 hours. It wasn't really loud and you couldn't hear it unless you had the volume low, but it was an annoying pitch/whine. I am actually surprised it was the thermal compound, but electronics can oscillate and so can metals from thermal stresses.

Replacing the thermal compound was easy and fixed the problem (so far about 8 hours so far with no noise)... My guess is that the noise never comes back, but we'll see. The B stock sticker on the box for the VW200 was dated 2/17/2008. Makes you wonder how old these PJs really are that ecost sells! I know thermal compound doesn't have a shelf life, but who knows?!?

IMHO, products made in Japan have really gone down in quality. I also had to have my Onkyo TXNR905 repaired under warranty for a loose ground on the phono jack.

Well, I don't have anywhere near 250 hours on mine so perhaps my time is coming?:eek: But, I will be ready.:D

I'm at 470 hours, no crickets yet!:)

Must have an exterminator that comes by periodically?

I'm at 470 hours, no crickets yet!:)

No, Just lucky that the original heat sink compound wasn't dried out from the projector sitting so long with out use.
I'm ready with a tube of silver compound when the swarm of locust arrives!;)

I would try the grease.... :) ;)

So, I've owned my VW200 for a while now and was wondering about the VW100 since I saw a used one for a really good price. Is the picture of the VW100 close to that of the VW200?

My cricket noise has come back; although not as loud as before! Don't use Arctic Silver 5! I'm going to try some differenct stuff by MG Chemicals. It is designed for thermal and electrical conductivity and available at Frys. I believe normal thermal compound has a high dielectric breakdown voltage (less electrical conductivity) so it is much better to use a compound that is more electrically conductive (since the lamps electrodes are where the heatsink interfaces). Even the silver thermal compounds seem to have a dielectric rating of a few hundred volts.

Kind of an odd design, I've never seen a charged heat sink. Imagine touching both parts of the heatsink while in operation, ouch. That explains the plastic case and brass bushings Sony used... I'll report back on the MG Chemicals stuff after a few hundred hours.

PS: I tried some white silicon based thermal compound and the noise was very loud; it is definitely lamp noise I am hearing. The arctic silver stuff and silicon also have a thick consistency. The MG Chemicals stuff is supposed to be grease and hopefully will have a lower viscosity as it is design for sliding surfaces on large breakers etc...

http://www.frys.com/product/4707359?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/8463.html

I would try the grease.... :) ;)

So, after 30 hours, the noise came back again! I even tried the stuff from newegg that was recommended, but the noise returns...

I wonder if a new lamp assembly cure the chirping sound? I think I have an older design because these clips are an entirely different design than my lamp housing: http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/750999385/sony-lmp-h400?s_c=site_search

Also, this picture here shows the heat sink is different than the one on my lamp (in addition to having different clips):
http://b2b.sony.com/Solutions/product-detail.do?prodId=SEL-M-56853&catId=SEL-yf-dnser-46515

The housing I have is exactly the same one pictured here and appears to be an older design?:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=118502&d=1220291209
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=118504&d=1220291256
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=118501&d=1220291209

My cricket noise has come back; although not as loud as before! Don't use Arctic Silver 5! I'm going to try some differenct stuff by MG Chemicals. It is designed for thermal and electrical conductivity and available at Frys. I believe normal thermal compound has a high dielectric breakdown voltage (less electrical conductivity) so it is much better to use a compound that is more electrically conductive (since the lamps electrodes are where the heatsink interfaces). Even the silver thermal compounds seem to have a dielectric rating of a few hundred volts.

Kind of an odd design, I've never seen a charged heat sink. Imagine touching both parts of the heatsink while in operation, ouch. That explains the plastic case and brass bushings Sony used... I'll report back on the MG Chemicals stuff after a few hundred hours.

PS: I tried some white silicon based thermal compound and the noise was very loud; it is definitely lamp noise I am hearing. The arctic silver stuff and silicon also have a thick consistency. The MG Chemicals stuff is supposed to be grease and hopefully will have a lower viscosity as it is design for sliding surfaces on large breakers etc...

http://www.frys.com/product/4707359?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/8463.html

Try removing all the thermal compound from the lamp! It worked for my Ruby :-)

I tried that too!

Try removing all the thermal compound from the lamp! It worked for my Ruby :-)

Anyone update the firmware on the VW200 without sending the unit in? According to the VPLVW100 service manual (couldn't find the VPL-VW200 manual online), you can upgrade the firmware over the network using a special application.

Anyone update the firmware on the VW200 without sending the unit in? According to the VPLVW100 service manual (couldn't find the VPL-VW200 manual online), you can upgrade the firmware over the network using a special application.

No, but what is the update supposed to do for it?

I don't know, but I'm pretty sure I've read on here that there is a firmware update. My PJ is dated 2007 inside so I think it was one of the first ones! I'm not sending mine in for a fw upgrade though. The picture is plenty good enough for me (or anyone) I think.

PS:
I've got a copy of the VW200 service manual now and I'm very close to fixing my noise issue :) The sound I have is eminating from the Power Supply board and also the Lamp Power Supply board! It was very easy to set up a test with the PJ top off so I can listen to what's making the noise. I believe this is what others are hearing as it will radiate past the lamp heatsink and to the outside.

I've put urethane on the inductors, ceramic caps and transformer on the lamp power supply board and let it dry over night. No noise from it anymore! Now I'm doing the same thing to the Main Power Supply board.

Surprisingly, Sony (or contractor XYZ) did a poor job on the Lamp Power Supply board. Several components known to make noise had no sililcone to hold them in place and were touching others. For example, a large inductor was touching a large transformer with no silicon or urethane in between them. I believe this was eminating noise so I seperated them and urethaned them both. I'll post a doc on power supply noise when I get a chance. I'm an electrical engineer, so I'm not sure this is something any other users want to try unless they have a technical background.

If you do take it apart to listen, just use a peice of card board to hold the sliding cover switch in and set the top half next to the PJ while not putting stress on the cables.

No, but what is the update supposed to do for it?

I don't know, but I'm pretty sure I've read on here that there is a firmware update. My PJ is dated 2007 inside so I think it was one of the first ones! I'm not sending mine in for a fw upgrade though. The picture is plenty good enough for me (or anyone) I think.

PS:
I've got a copy of the VW200 service manual now and I'm very close to fixing my noise issue :) The sound I have is eminating from the Power Supply board and also the Lamp Power Supply board! It was very easy to set up a test with the PJ top off so I can listen to what's making the noise. I believe this is what others are hearing as it will radiate past the lamp heatsink and to the outside.

I've put urethane on the inductors, ceramic caps and transformer on the lamp power supply board and let it dry over night. No noise from it anymore! Now I'm doing the same thing to the Main Power Supply board.

Surprisingly, Sony (or contractor XYZ) did a poor job on the Lamp Power Supply board. Several components known to make noise had no sililcone to hold them in place and were touching others. For example, a large inductor was touching a large transformer with no silicon or urethane in between them. I believe this was eminating noise so I seperated them and urethaned them both. I'll post a doc on power supply noise when I get a chance. I'm an electrical engineer, so I'm not sure this is something any other users want to try unless they have a technical background.

If you do take it apart to listen, just use a peice of card board to hold the sliding cover switch in and set the top half next to the PJ while not putting stress on the cables.

Hey, this is great find:D By chance you have pictures before and after so we can find this when the cover is off? Any special brand of urethane?
I am surprised this was not discovered before now.:eek:

Is $5000 for a new in box vw200 a good deal?
or can I get something as good but cheaper?
(AE4000 or epson9500)
110" 2.35 screen with anamorph lens
THANKS!

Sorry, I didn't take pictures. The urethane I used is made for PCBs, transformers, relays etc... It's made by MG Chemicals.

I'm curious if it's going to make noise when I remount it. During table tests, it's not making the noise anymore, but we'll see. My guess is my noise is different from the cricket sound people are hearing. Mine is more of a whine and is really annoying.

Hey, this is great find:D By chance you have pictures before and after so we can find this when the cover is off? Any special brand of urethane?
I am surprised this was not discovered before now.:eek:

Is $5000 for a new in box vw200 a good deal?
or can I get something as good but cheaper?
(AE4000 or epson9500)
110" 2.35 screen with anamorph lens
THANKS!

Are you comparing the VW200 with a Pany 4K??!!

Depends on who the vendor is... If it's a local place and the box is sealed and new (not b-stock), then it's a steal. If it's ecost, I wouldn't buy it.

I'm no longer a Sony fan after the noise issue with the VPL-VW200 I have/had, but the picture is great and worth it (IMHO) if you have a back room you can place the PJ in. The fact is Sony could have done better with the Xenon lamp/noise issue. Many have had noise complaints on what is supposed to be a quiet unit. I think my noise issue is fixed, but I won't know for sure until I do further testing this weekend. If the noise issues don't scare/annoy you, I promise you'll love the picture! You may also have no noise issues, some people on here have yet to have a noise issue.

If you have a noise issue though, it really isn't louder than the first version of an older XBOX 360 ultimate's. It's just that the frequency of the noise is irritating and I have sensitive ears. The thing was whisper quiet for the first 200 hours I had it though.

Is $5000 for a new in box vw200 a good deal?
or can I get something as good but cheaper?
(AE4000 or epson9500)
110" 2.35 screen with anamorph lens
THANKS!

My first 200 I had for a long time never made a single chirp. The one I got afterwards was as loud as a jet taking off at times. Of course that's my fault for going backwards. :D Still though, it seems as though the earlier units were built better. And since the 200 still has a MSRP of $14999 this should never happen.

On another note, if their Fall replacement model of the VW85 does not accept 36 bit upconverted color then I will write Sony off as well. ;)

Hi,
Is it possible to get vplvw200 service manual
My unit is flashses 6 times I replace the lamb but still i have same problem.It was brand new and package got damage on shipping.

I would just ship it back to Sony for repair.

Hi,
It has been very quiet on this thread lately.
Anything from Sony on a upgraded replacement for their flagship VW200 projector?
Any other brand projector that exceeds the performance and picture quality of the VW200?
My projector just started making the cricket noise at 525 hrs.
Guess I will pull the lamp and apply the silver heat sink grease.

Hi,
It has been very quiet on this thread lately.
Anything from Sony on a upgraded replacement for their flagship VW200 projector?
Any other brand projector that exceeds the performance and picture quality of the VW200?
My projector just started making the cricket noise at 525 hrs.
Guess I will pull the lamp and apply the silver heat sink grease.

It Was Announced on September 1 (http://hd.engadget.com/2010/09/01/sony-announces-vpl-vw90es-3d-projector-at-ifa-2010/)

The VPL-VW90ES is not really a direct descendant of the VW200, more like a bright (?!) cousin : no xenon lamp, no official lumen rate announced yet...
Brightness was said by some Sony representative to be 1000 lumens (in 2D at minimum sound level ?).
Feedback from demos at IFA in Berlin have been disappointing.
Likely a good choice only for those absolutely seeking 3D, or a cheap VW200 replacement (around 7000 € in November).

Ok, thanks for the info.
Too bad that Sony isn't developing a projector with the latest technology to replace their VW200 flag ship projector.
Guess that they are just focusing on mid stream projectors to compete in that market.

Ok, thanks for the info.
Too bad that Sony isn't developing a projector with the latest technology to replace their VW200 flag ship projector.
Guess that they are just focusing on mid stream projectors to compete in that market.

Like the previous poster said - no one is likely to sell his VW200
unless he wants 3D. A new Owner would bye the VW90ES

Until they perfect 3D without the need for glasses I don't think it will catch on.

That sucks. This is exactly what mine did and if you read all of my past posts, I tried everything including the recommended silver grease (which did initially help for about 100-200 hours).

I finally decided the noise really was coming from the lamp itself and ordered a new lamp assembly about 500+ hours ago. Everything has been very quiet ever since, but I worry one day the noise will come back :(

Hi,
It has been very quiet on this thread lately.
Anything from Sony on a upgraded replacement for their flagship VW200 projector?
Any other brand projector that exceeds the performance and picture quality of the VW200?
My projector just started making the cricket noise at 525 hrs.
Guess I will pull the lamp and apply the silver heat sink grease.

Hi Joe,
I swapped out my VW200 lamp with the one out of my retired VW100 today. the VW200 lamp had 599 hrs on it and was chirping. Installed the lamp assy from the VW100 witch has 750 hrs on it, and now the VW200 is now quiet and much brighter. Was surprised that it was.
It was strange though. It started out as just a little brighter than the old lamp, then over the span of about 1/2 hr it got brighter. I also noticed that per my AC power controller, it was pulling about 1/2 amp more then when it 1st started up.
The VW100 lamp has been out of service for about 2 years, so guess it had to "Cook in" a bit.
The picture looks really great again. Colors are more vivid, whites don't look slightly dirty any more.
Although I was thinking about going for the VW90ES, I think that I will wait now for the next generation Sony 3D. With my picture quality restored on the 200, I can wait another year are so.
To paraphrase a line from an old movie, "The picture quality knocks my socks off" again.
Let this be a lesson to any of you VW200 owners left out there, the lamp is everything.
It sneaks up on you when it starts fading away and you just sit there and put up with it.
I have a new bulb that I picked up from the seller on Ebay that was selling them to everyone here about a year ago, So next week, will sit down and install it in the housing that came out, then swap it back in. Will keep the VW100 lamp assy as a backup again.

Conclusion...
When the VPL-VW200 is working at it's best, it is hard to beat the picture quality. The picture really looks about as close to 3D as you can get with a 2D projector, and you don't have to wear special glasses!
I'm really happy with the VW200 again.
And, Oh Boy, the VW200 is ready for the "Super Bowl"!
The only drawback with this projector is the short lamp life (500hrs when it started its death chant) and the expense of replacing it.
I bought the VW200 based on Joe's review, Alan G. recommendation and the good price from AVS back then...Thank you all!
Never regretted it.

Glad you are happy. I loved my first 200 (second had issues) and it truly put out the best color with its xenon lamp. Come to think of it doesn't a competitor have a mode called that now? :D Anyway, enjoy the 200 it is a great sports pj!

Hate to correct you Joe, but the VW200 is a great everything projector!!

Yea, I think they do have that mode, but in the "Knock your socks off" mode, the lamp only last 4 hrs!

Now that the VW100 is on the skids, might try selling it for cheep without the lamp, or just take it down the Ewast depot along with my good O'l G70, which served me well for so many years. Has 6k hrs on it, and still made a good picture.

High tech equipment sure turns into Ewast in a short period of time! Too bad.

It is also very good for movies but I am spoiled on the sharper 90ES these days. :D

Do you really think that it is sharper?
Don't see how the picture could get any sharper than the VW200 is.
I never had to take advantage of the zone convergent feature of the VW200 as it was and still is spot on.
If the VW200 is receiving a quality HD video feed, it is Sharp! Can't see how it could be any better.
I would like to see a shootout between the VW200 and the 90ES, but with the 200 being so old, relativity speaking, what's the point.
The 90ES most likely has a bit more brightness with the UHP lamp, but with the trade off having a bit of color temp shift that the xenon lamp doesn't have.
Perhaps the 90ES panels has smaller pixels or spacing. (that was the bragging point of the VW200 panels when it came out) The 90ES might be sharper, but i don't think that you would see any difference from 12 feet back where everyone sits.

And before you point it out, Yes, I haven't seen the 90ES in action yet, but it has been some time (years?): sense you have had your VW200 running? With so many projectors hanging in the man cave over several years, do you really remember the VW200 picture quality that well?:D
Well, anyway with my o'l eye sight these days, don't think that I will ever see any difference between the two anyway. (I hate getting old:mad:)
Enjoy your new system. Wish I could evaluate and review so many projectors as you do.
I'm glad you do though, as it helps me not to make a mistake in buying the wrong piece of gear for the HT when I want to upgrade:) Trouble is that you keep finding newer and better pieces of gear all the time, I just can't keep up, so I limit my upgrades to once every year or year and a half.:mad: And that is for just 1 piece of gear, not a complete HT replacement!

Keep up the good work and the reviews!
Thanks
Al

Actually if the 200 did 3D. :)
Yes, the 85 was actually noticeably sharper when I did my comparison. The 90 is even slightly sharper although the extra contrast could help make it look that way. Trust me though, I do miss my original 200 sometimes. Especially the lighted logo. :eek:

The 90ES must have better panels, stands to reason as Sony is always improving them.
Well, guess I'll just wait for the 95 to come out, and read your review.:D By that time, the new VW200 xenon lamp will be on the rocks again. Too bad those lamps have such a short life.
I only burn the VW200 for movies and sports. I have a second projector mounted for every day TV viewing in the HT, but the 55" Samsung flat screen is used the most.
Do you use a video processor to feed your 90ES, or drive it direct?
With the advances in internal processing in the new projectors, do you really need an external processor? Also the new audio amplifiers/HDMI switchers have internal processors so do you really need anything else? I know that the processor manufactures would like you to think so, but I think that down the road, external processors will be a thing of the past.
Guess that if they want to sell their processors they will have to come out with their own audio amp/switcher/processor to compete.
Well, guess I'll head out to the store to pick up all the munchies for he big game this afternoon. Got to beat the rush. Made the mistake of going a bit late last year, and you could hardly move around in the store and all the good chips were sold out:(
73

I know of no projector whose VQ can not be improved by appropriate use of a Lumagen. This is particularly true for processing 720p which many sports channels use. This is not the thread to go into it.

I know of no projector whose VQ can be improved by appropriate use of a Lumagen. This is particularly true for processing 720p which many sports channels use. This is not the thread to go into it.

Is this what you wanted to say? That a Lumagen cannot improve any projector?

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

I know of no projector whose VQ can be improved by appropriate use of a Lumagen. This is particularly true for processing 720p which many sports channels use. This is not the thread to go into it.

I believe you may have miss-typed or I'm reading this incorrectly. I'm reading it as you are saying that the Lumagen will NOT improve the picture of any PJ. But what I think you meant to say that the Lumagen WILL improve the picture of all PJs in one way or another, therefor it is a worthwhile purchase. Please confirm.

-Sean

Wasn't there a step by step instruction thread (w/pics) that showed how to install a new lamp & grease into the existing housing fo the 200? I've got to have 800+ hrs. on mine and I was lookng for it just the other day with no avail, (BTW my lamp is still whisper quiet).

This use to be one my more watched threads, good to see it still lives;)