My VW100 lamp that I used in my 200 is dead quiet also. It had 750 hrs on it in the 100. I think that Sony might have had a run of lamp bulbs that had some sort of QC issues from the manufacture. I think that the noise comes from inside the bulb itself, and when some of the people here cleaned and put new heat sink grease on the bulb reduced the temperature of the bulb and stopped the bulb from oscillating internally. this would account for them quieting down for a few hundred hours or so, then start making noise again.
Will see how long the VW100 bulb last. May just run it until it starts to fail and hold my new bulb in reserve for a while.

Thread 169 and 170 has the step by step with photos for replacing the bulb


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=697416&pp=30&page=6

Video Processors are going extinct...

Thread 169 and 170 has the step by step with photos for replacing the bulb


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=697416&pp=30&page=6

Thanks for the heads up Bobcat, I think we picked up the lamps around the same time (hopefully they don't degrade w/storage). Any tips and did you need to take the pj off its mount?

Hi GG386,
No, it was hanging.
It is quite easy to remove the lamp. If you do it while it is hanging from the ceiling. First, unplug the projector, then slide the release towards you and side the lid forward. The release is above where the power cord plugs in. The lid will slide far enough to gain access to the lamp then stop.
There is a cover for the lamp assy. the screw for the cover and the lamp are captured, so they will not fall out.
Unscrew the the cover. It will hinge down at the opposite end, then you can lift it out.
If you look at the inside of this cover, it will show you where the 4 screws are to remove for the lamp assy. You will need a long Philips screw driver. Your standard screwdriver won't reach. Leave 1 screw in at the same side that the cover hinged on for last. When you get to that one, support the lamp then unscrew the last screw.
There is a release tab at the near end that you will pull back to release the lamp assy. when you release it, support the lamp and let it come down without cocking it as it is sliding out of the power pins.
Reverse the process to install it.

While you are up there, vacuum the filter. there is a release for the cover. the filter is fixed to the under side of the cover. Just use a vacuum on the plastic side of the cover.
I used a small paint brush and the vacuum cleaner to remove the rest of the dust from the outer case of the projector. Use caned air to blow the dust off of the lens.
Have fun!

I edited the post. Left out a word. No Joe they are not going extinct. Today we just calibrated a vw60. It was looking God awful. Had a new bulb but man it looked horrible. We shut off the keystone correction and the zone convergence. Sharpness which was dreck challenged the better projectors on hand. Gamma, grayscale, rec709 points, all bads. We tried setting the grayscale with the Sony 2 point system. Got it better. But we put it on a Radiance Mini3D and dialed in a ruler flat 2.2 gamma, 11 step grayscale and rather spot on coordinates. The vw60 stood up and said THANK YOU. Its like he got a new projector competing with the newer stuff out there.

Hi Joe,
That's what I think also.
The processor chips that are built into the projectors are really good these days, and there is less need to get deep into the detailed settings that the outboard processors have, so I'm just going to eliminate the IScan when I replace the VW200. About the only thing the the Iscan does now is drive the projector a little more over the long HDMI cable. When the time comes, the 50pro will be on ebay, but by then, it won't be worth much.
Just one more piece of high tech equipment that has come close to being an ewast candidate.

Hi Mark,
Sounds like you made it look good, but do you have to do that to every VW60, or that one because it had issues. You can't tell me that every 60 will need a multi K$$ processor to make it look good, otherwise the manufactures couldn't sell their projectors.
The processors in the projectors are getting better all of the time, that's why I think the outboard processors have seen there day, and will fade away as projectors progressively get better video processors in them.

Well...
The Super Bowl looked great on the rejuvenated VW200. Vivid colors, but not over saturated. No motion blur at all and such detail down the hair on the peoples faces, and the blades of artificial turf grass.
Everyone here had a good time.
It was a well played game.
Too bad someone had to loose.

Bobcat,
Yeh, I watched it too OTA, picture is a tad cleaner than thru the satellite feed, IMO.

Thanks for the mini tutorial on VPL200 lamp R&R 101, well written.

Originally a VP was on my equipment list, while I'm absolutely positive they serve a purpose, the learning curve was bit much for what I was willing to put into it, so it sits on the back burner. A decent CMS was all I was looking for, and as you alude, the later pj's seem to have come along way.

GG386,
I watched the SB on OTA from Fox, Couldn't have looked any better.
Not a problem doing the 101. Wasn't sure if you had the manual, so did the writeup.
Back when I had my Sony G70 3 tube projector, a processor was a must. I ran one called the "ROCK" from a outfit out of Florida. It took in composite or S video, and put out RGBYC that drove the projector.
It was just an AMD chip computer with custom bios and an I/O board. cost $4k back then and was the hottest thing going.
When I retired the G70, and replaced it with the Sony VPL HS20, It was really nice. Had a processor on that and it did make some difference and could do the tweaks to make it good. Although the picture was much brighter, it wasn't as smooth as the G70 tube projector. The Sony VW100 was a great upgrade and quite an improvement over the 20, and needed much less "processing". The VW200 doesn't really need any at all, but I use the 50pro to up the drive a bit more, otherwise the settings in the pro are mostly at default.
If Sony ever comes out with an upgrade to the VW200, will most likely eliminate the 50pro all together.
The only drawback to the VW200, and perhaps to any other xenon light source type projector is the lamp life, cost of the lamp and the power draw of the projector. The VW200 pulls close to 7 amps, where as the 90es pulls about 3. Guess you have to pay to get close to 65k flat color temperature.
Well, guess I have rambled enough here, going to get back to the final episode of American Chopper: Senior VS Junior to see how it all comes out!
73

I agree with the statements in this thread. The VW200's video processing looks very good. I really don't know why anyone would honestly need to add an external processor to it.

I bought a Pioneer bluray player BDP-09fd and it looked nearly identical to my $85 Samsung bluray player on the VW200. I took the player back to Best Buy Magnolia and got my money back :) Granted, had I been using a cheaper PJ or TV, I bet one could tell the difference, but I wasn't. Ever since this, I've been skeptical of any playback device that costs more than a few hundred bucks.

The guys in the 09fd thread gave me a lot of crap for this statement, but if your PJ does processing very well, why can't you use cheap components over HDMI and let the PJ do its magic to the digital signal? Isn't the digital signal coming from an $85 bluray player identical to what goes into the video processing circuitry of a $2000 bluray player anways? It's not like a highend player can find missing data on the disc right?

Video processing is slowly dying as is the need for fancy audio DACs in every device. What's the point to using a $2000 bluray player for audio if receivers above the $1k mark have the same DACs anyways? Can't my $85 bluray player over HDMI sound as good on a nice receiver as any bluray player? Why does the whole A/V industry feel the need to be redundant?

PS: I too think there was a run of bad bulbs and I was just unlucky. The sound seemed like the filament was vibrating (kind of like when you dim an incandescent lamp really low).

Hi etc6849,
Yes I agree with you.
I bought the Pioneer BDP-05FD back when everyone was raving about it, but I didn't really see much difference than my Sony BDP-S1. Spent a pile of money on the Pioneer. The only thing that the pioneer had over the Sony is some of the tweak options.
My Samsung 55B8000 came with a Samsung Blu Ray player, and it makes just as good a picture as the pioneer. I guess if you put on a bunch of test equipment on the various players, you will see some difference, but to my eyes the 5 DB noise difference at 50 DB down in the video won't be seen at all.
With all of the latest advances in chip technology, even the cheapest BR players look good.
A buddy of mine is an high end audiophile.
He spends tons of money on his system. $10k speakers and all the rest of it. Then he sits back and points out all the problems he hears. I tell him to get a life and just sit back and enjoy the music.
He most likely has more money on his audio system than all the money I have spent on all my HT equipment I have ever had x3 chasing that .0001% less distortion and noise floor.
The bottom line is if it looks good to your eyes and sounds good, leave it alone!
Everyone should just enjoy their system, and keep their disposable money in the savings account.
73

Hello, this is my first post, though I have been reading the thread for over a year, since I traded my bum 70" Qualia for the VLP VW200. It has sat in its box since it arrived. It has literally not been out of the box yet. I didn't have the patience to rewire and set up the room for a front projector.

Now, I am considering the purchase of a 106" SI Black Diamond ll 1.4g.
The room is 22'X14' with 8' ceilings. There is minimal ambient light coming from the sides but I generally won't be using the room during the day.

Does anyone have this set up? Or have any thoughts on this potential set up? I have to say, all the info here has helped me familiarize myself with this projector. I am starting to get excited about finally getting the room done and would love your thoughts.

thanks

Welcome lanceloted.
Too bad you didn't jump on the forum back when the VW200 was a hot item.

Sounds like you have enough room to set up your projector.
1.4 gain should work ok without any hot spots. Check with the manufacture of your screen to find out if it reflects the light properly for a projector hanging from the ceiling as apposed to a projector from the floor.
If you are planning on shooting the picture on the 22' dimension of the room, and mounting the screen on the wall then consult the chart in your owners manual for the distance from the projector to the screen. You want to have the projector as close to the screen as you can to get as much light on it as possible. If you are even thinking about going to a larger screen down the road, add about another foot to the distance so the projector can zoom out a bit more for a larger size screen. Don't mount the projector at the end of the 22' room as you will loose a lot of the light before it hits the screen. You should use a 16X9 screen. Be sure to use the correct chart to calculate the distance from the projector to the screen.
You need to decide where to place your AV equipment and if you can, keep the cable runs as short as possible.
If you are hanging the projector from the ceiling, you need to keep any heat outlet away from the projector.
Have fun with your new projector.

Hello, this is my first post, though I have been reading the thread for over a year, since I traded my bum 70" Qualia for the VLP VW200. It has sat in its box since it arrived. It has literally not been out of the box yet. I didn't have the patience to rewire and set up the room for a front projector.

Now, I am considering the purchase of a 106" SI Black Diamond ll 1.4g.
The room is 22'X14' with 8' ceilings. There is minimal ambient light coming from the sides but I generally won't be using the room during the day.

Does anyone have this set up? Or have any thoughts on this potential set up? I have to say, all the info here has helped me familiarize myself with this projector. I am starting to get excited about finally getting the room done and would love your thoughts.

thanks

That room should be perfectly fine. Get that puppy up and going!!! :)

Joerod!!!

You have contributed so much to this discussion I am psyched you weighed in. Seeing as it has sat for 16 months, in the unopened box, it is by now probably out of warranty..... Let's hope it powers up!

The SI screen wizard says the front of the projector should be about 13 ft from the face of the screen. It is a 106' 16X9 screen. I am wondering if there was a sweet spot for the lower plane of the screen in relationship to the viewers head height in this configuration?

I appreciate any feedback.

Thanks

The sweet spot is that the eye level of the viewer can be at center or a little below the center of the screen or as low as the screen can go. My screen is about 2' from the bottom to the floor which puts the viewers eyes at level, looking at the screen about 1' below center. works just fine there.
The screen can be higher but not so high that the viewers are looking up.
Some people I know have flat panel TV's mounted above the fireplace. To me, that is an awful place to put a screen. Looking up like that can make your neck sore after a while.
Guess one could use a recliner chair, but that would be the quickest way to put me to sleep!

Originally Posted by Joerod
That room should be perfectly fine. Get that puppy up and going!!!


Originally Posted by BOBCAT
Welcome lanceloted.
Too bad you didn't jump on the forum back when the VW200 was a hot item.

Sounds like you have enough room to set up your projector.
1.4 gain should work ok without any hot spots. Check with the manufacture of your screen to find out if it reflects the light properly for a projector hanging from the ceiling as apposed to a projector from the floor.
If you are planning on shooting the picture on the 22' dimension of the room, and mounting the screen on the wall then consult the chart in your owners manual for the distance from the projector to the screen. You want to have the projector as close to the screen as you can to get as much light on it as possible. If you are even thinking about going to a larger screen down the road, add about another foot to the distance so the projector can zoom out a bit more for a larger size screen. Don't mount the projector at the end of the 22' room as you will loose a lot of the light before it hits the screen. You should use a 16X9 screen. Be sure to use the correct chart to calculate the distance from the projector to the screen.
You need to decide where to place your AV equipment and if you can, keep the cable runs as short as possible.
If you are hanging the projector from the ceiling, you need to keep any heat outlet away from the projector.
Have fun with your new projector.


Originally Posted by BOBCAT
The sweet spot is that the eye level of the viewer can be at center or a little below the center of the screen or as low as the screen can go. My screen is about 2' from the bottom to the floor which puts the viewers eyes at level, looking at the screen about 1' below center. works just fine there.
The screen can be higher but not so high that the viewers are looking up.
Some people I know have flat panel TV's mounted above the fireplace. To me, that is an awful place to put a screen. Looking up like that can make your neck sore after a while.
Guess one could use a recliner chair, but that would be the quickest way to put me to sleep!

Originally Posted by lanceloted
Joerod!!!
You have contributed so much to this discussion I am psyched you weighed in.

What am I? Mashed potatoes?:rolleyes:
Guess my comments weren't very helpful. :confused:

BOBCAT,
You gave great advice. :)
He just needs to power it up. :D

Thanks Joe,
Like to help whenever I can.
I started out back in the 80's with an Advent 750 projector. Had no help at all back then.
The 3/4" 3M VTR that I picked up was a great advance over the cartravision VTR that I started with. Then when the Beta recorders came out, was in HT heven!:cool:
It is sure nice to have forum's like this these days to find info and read about everyone's experience with buying, setting up and tweaking their gear.
I like to read about all of the different projectors out there and how everyone rates their equipment.
So many toy's out there, but so little time and $$ to play with them all.:D

Also, I think he needs to open the box and read the manual cover to cover several times.

Joe,
Do you thinks that I would see an improvement in picture quality on the VW200 using the oppo 93 over the Pioneer 05FD? Any point going to the oppo 95? Should I just wait until the next generation of Sony 3D 90ES replacement comes out before I buy the oppo?

Joe,
Do you thinks that I would see an improvement in picture quality on the VW200 using the oppo 93 over the Pioneer 05FD? Any point going to the oppo 95? Should I just wait until the next generation of Sony 3D 90ES replacement comes out before I buy the oppo?

That is a tough call. The main difference in my opinion is having two HDMI outs. Not having to send the Blu ray player through a receiver or VP will provide the most optimal image possible. The less detours the better. As image quality goes the 95 and 93 should be the exact same. So unless you are planning to not use HDMI for audio there is no point in taking a 95 over a 93. I will say the 51 is become "old age" and stepping up to a 93 would give you a huge boost in load times and plus you would get a bunch of cool features you just don't get with the 51. Oppo has become the absolute "Team" to beat with their affordable feature rich players. :)

Ok, Joe, Thanks for the info.
With the 2 HDMI out ports, don't need to replace my Onkyo.
Still don't understand why the Onkyo won't pass a 3D HDMI signal though.
Anyone know if Sony at CES talked about a new 3D projector coming out in the future to replace the 90ES?
Hate to think about replacing the VW200 though. May just leave the 200 up and mount the 3D next to it:D Would be the best of both worlds, 2D and 3D projectors to optimize what ever source you want to watch.
The HT would look darn impressive with all that gear hanging up there.:cool:

None of you guys are mashed potatoes. You are all chopped liver. :)

If you are looking for a SI BDII screen, we MAY be able to help. Give me a call at 240 876 2536 or any other member of our sales team.

Originally Posted by mark haflich
None of you guys are mashed potatoes. You are all chopped liver.

Foie Gras? Plain or with Truffles?

Mark,
SI BDII screen? Not familiar With that screen.
Do you have a link to a description or thread?

Its the Screen Innovations Black Diamond II. Just google Screen Innovations and it will take you to their site. Our beloved guru, Alan Googer, uses that screen.

Ok, thanks.

Video Processors are going extinct...

VP certainly are not going extinct! OK, the available market has certainly shrunk (with integrated VP capabilities in projectors and players), but in a complex FP system I think an outboard VP is a necessity.

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.

I think sharpness is something of a double-edged sword (pun intended). Certainly, the newer panels do have a peceived sharpness advantage, but to my eye this almost always comes at the expense of a less nautral picture.

For example, I recently got a 'trade-in' from Sony for my older rear-projection SXRD set. Everyone on the various forum sites were extolling the virtues of the new flat panels, claiming they 'blow away the older set'. So, I got the XBR flat panel and was prepared to be 'blown away' .... ehhhhhh, not so fast. Sure, the new panel is sharper and it has a whole lot of whiz-bang features, but from an overall picture quality perspective, I actually prefer the SXRD. Were it not for the optical block problems, I'd continue to use the SXRD as my main family TV.

My experience with front projectors has been almost exactly the same. I saw the 90, and the 85 before that, and whatever it was before that, and none of them , NONE OF THEM, made me want to trade-in my 200. Sure, they are all nice machines, and sharp as a tack, but they all lack that natural look that I have found so elusive in modern displays that the 200 (and the 100) have in spades.

Simon

Addendum: For what it is worth, my experience with the new Sony XBR flat panel has now convinced me more that ever that 3D is destined to be a big, fat flop. Set aside, for a moment, that the industry appears to be doing all they can to botch the launch, it just isn't that compelling. The glasses are a pain, the picture is singificantly dimmer, and to my eyes there is this annoying flicker when watching a 3D movie. You got $5-10K burning a hole in your pocket - go 2.35 anamorphic. Now, that makes a difference!

Hi ca1ore,
I agree with you. Extra sharp pictures really brings out the "digital look".
My VW200 may be an aging platform, but nothing in my eyes beats it when it comes to a natural smooth picture. and compared to my Sony G70 3 tube projector, the 200 has the same smoothness as the G70 had, with more detail and vivid but not over saturated colors. I ran my G70 for years, I had 6000 hrs on it when it was retired then upgraded to the Sony HS20. Was never happy with that projector so I replaced it with the VW100, then we were getting somewhere. Then when the VW200 came out, was on the fence about that one, but went for it, and have been Totally happy with the HT ever sense.
I was planing on replacing the VW200 with the 90ES as the 200 seemed to be fading away. But when I replaced the xenon lamp assy, the picture quality jumped back to its original wonderful new self.
The xenon bulb light output must do quite a color shift when it comes close to end of life. It was wonderful to watch the Super Bowl in all of its colorful glory with the new lamp.
It is surprising that with a quality HD signal, the VW200 picture has so much depth and detail, it has the look of 3D, but just doesn't jump out of the screen at you.
I think that I'll just keep the VW200 going for now even though bulb replacement cost is so high.
At first, when the picture quality was going south, I thought that the VW200 panels were going away. The picture was bright, but just lost its punch. I had read about the organic coatings that some panels use go bad over their life. Guess the 200 doesn't use that type of panel, just have to pay attention to the bulb aging and color shift to recognize that the bulb is at EOL.
You talked about the sony XBR, I saw the same thing when I was looking for something to replace the o'l JVC rear projection set.
I decided to buy the Samsong 55B8000. It looked natural, had great blacks with no shading to a dim blue, colors were vivid but natural and made a spot on Black and White picture. The gray scale was right on.
As for 3D, I still think it is a flash in the pan. Wearing glasses is a pain, and if you need wear prescription glasses, forget it. 3D is all a marketing ploy to get people to buy new equipment just to watch occasional 3D content. 98% of the viewing will be 2D anyway.

Video processors...
Generally, I think that they are not as necessary as they were in the past. Perhaps with a low end projector that needs a lot of picture correction, they are needed as with special screen material, but with the quality of today's projectors I think that $2k+ processors are a thing of the past. If a processor was needed for today's current quality level of projectors to correct a deficient picture, then the projector manufactures would have a hard time selling their products.

One last thought ca1ore
With the technology advancing all of the time, and the prices dropping, it is hard to find projectors or flat panel TV's that look bad. Even the house brand of flat panel TV's look descent.
A few years ago, retailers had to run cartoons on their TV's on display to make them look good. The only way to really see how good the set performed was to get them to put a program on with people on it to judge how well it produced flesh tones and how black the blacks were. Now it is almost not necessary.
About the only thing that separates the low end from the high end flat panels is the pixel count of the panel. But then if you are far enough away, you can't see the pixels anyway. Yes, there are other slight differences, but nothing so bad to keep a person from buying it if their funds were limited.
The price of the current electronic technology just keeps on dropping too. Like computer hard drives. Several years ago, a 1TB hard drive was $600. Now when they are on sale, they go for $49.
About every 6 months technology seems to advance to the next level.
Where will it ever end?

Video processors ... Generally, I think that they are not as necessary as they were in the past. Perhaps with a low end projector that needs a lot of picture correction, they are needed as with special screen material, but with the quality of today's projectors I think that $2k+ processors are a thing of the past. If a processor was needed for today's current quality level of projectors to correct a deficient picture, then the projector manufactures would have a hard time selling their products.

I tend to think somewhat the opposite. I do agree that the VP is less useful today than in the past, particularly for mid and low quality video setups, but I think it can still play a significant role in hiend systems where, for example, sophisticated color management controls can make a significant difference. I see a separate VP in very much the same light as audio separates (versus the ubiquitous 'receiver'), not so much a bandaid for deficiencies, but a swiss army knife for wringing out that last little bit of potential. I know I consider my Lumagen Radiance to be an essential part of my video chain.

Yes, I agree with you on the point that you can fine tune the picture right down to the proverbial "Nat's A**"
My contention is at what cost? is it worth the $2k+ invested for a processor for the small percentage change in the picture?
I grant you that there are small inherent deficiency's in various brands of projectors, but generally, today's current projectors make a da* good picture, and having a expert come out and go into the service menu of the projector and do the fine tuning should be enough to make 98% of the owners happy. And yes there is occasionally a setup that trying to fine tune within the service menu just doesn't do it, so the processor is necessary.
The other 2% are the videophiles that want to get the picture quality down the the Nats A**, and if they have the disposable cash to spend on one of the nice processors out there, more power to them.
Just like my audiophile friend that throws lotsa $$ to chase that last .0001% of distortion, then thinks he still hears it when he plays the 1812 overture (Master record, not CD) for me and says "DID YOU HEAR THAT?. I just say, "BOY, THAT SURE SOUNDS GOOD!"
Drives him nuts.
I just sit there and enjoy his sound system and music.
There is just a thing about going too far with the hardware.
Guess it is just because of him that I gave up on chasing that 2%
Old eyes and the fading hearing with age just doesn't demand the 2% anymore.

Guess the bottom line is to enjoy your hobby, set your equipment up the way you like to make the picture and sound pleasing to you and enjoy what you see and hear.

Nice talking to you ca1ore
Al

I think I'm going to jump in on this projector. I'm still confused about how the B-stock will work from AVS but we will see. They were on a 3+ week back order before the firesale pricing.

I hope I can scoop one up! I've been reading through this thread while working and it's getting me excited. I'm just waiting to hear back from my sales representative.

I think I'm going to jump in on this projector. I'm still confused about how the B-stock will work from AVS but we will see. They were on a 3+ week back order before the firesale pricing.

I hope I can scoop one up! I've been reading through this thread while working and it's getting me excited. I'm just waiting to hear back from my sales representative.

Yep, that price looks impressive and delivered at that too:D Much less than some refurbs were selling for some time back. If it has a factory warranty, cannot go wrong with them.

EMAGDNIM

What type and size screen do you plan to use with it?
How large of a space and lighting control will you have for the HT?

EMAGDNIM

What type and size screen do you plan to use with it?
How large of a space and lighting control will you have for the HT?

I've got a 100" (1.2 gain) screen right now but I was toying with going a bit larger (106"-120"). As for the light control, I'll have total control over the lighting. The wall colours will be dark but the ceiling won't be painted a dark colour.

We are moving next spring to our new house and I plan to complete the basement in the following months (In time for Euro football Championships).

As of right now, I'm in tear down mode so the projector would really see use till next spring. The price is amazing so I jumped on it.

If I could fit a larger screen (say 120") would you recommend that size with this projector? If so what gain should I be looking at?

BTW I'm coming from a Sony VPL VW50.

I think I'm going to jump in on this projector. I'm still confused about how the B-stock will work from AVS but we will see. They were on a 3+ week back order before the firesale pricing.

I hope I can scoop one up! I've been reading through this thread while working and it's getting me excited. I'm just waiting to hear back from my sales representative.

It really is a terrific projector. As I've opined a bunch of times over the duration of this thread, I've yet to see a unit that betters it in terms of a film-like, natural presentation. Sure, there are options that are sharper and that have better native contrast, but none IMO better it overall.

I must confess, I've toyed with buying a second one in anticipation of wanting 3D in my system - but my early experience with a new panel has left me increasingly thinking that 3D may end up being a dud.

It funny, I was going to buy a RS2 as a stop gap to see where the 3D tech is going and the sale fell through. Then I had noticed the price drop and quickly picked up the phone to order one!

I'm going to give them a call in a bit to iron out the details as to how this B stock sale actually works. I gave them my CC infomations but in my excitment I didn't ask any real questions :o

Hi EMAGDNIM.
I would go for a 120" 16X9 screen if it will fit your area and with a 1.4 gain.
Perhaps Joerod or someone else here could comment on brand or other suggestions for your setup.

I would have to take a look at the plans for my furture house later tonight, but I belive I could go for a full size 120" screen. 1.4 gain would be enough for that larger sized screen?

1.4 gain screen should be just fine. Any more gain and you may see hot spotting.
There are a few different types of screens. Joerod, Mark Haflich a few other people on this forum may be able to give you good advice on which screen to use depending if you are hanging the projector on the ceiling or using a floor mount.

Glad to see this thread surviving. I have always felt the VW200 and the 100 for that matter still holds it ground side by side with the best of today's projectors. In fact I think it has a better picture then most projectors in its price range. Something about the rich color that I always loved. I know the 200 and 100 have additional circuitry missing in the newer models. Not sure if its the combination of xenon lamp and this circuit that is responsible for the glass like image but I always love the image from this projector. Glad to see you guys not jumping ship. This is a proven projector that can hang with the best of them.

1.4 gain screen should be just fine. Any more gain and you may see hot spotting.
There are a few different types of screens. Joerod, Mark Haflich a few other people on this forum may be able to give you good advice on which screen to use depending if you are hanging the projector on the ceiling or using a floor mount.

Yeah I'd love to hear from more members. I've got to make some decisions before the wife wises up and puts the CC back into hibernation ;)

Glad to see this thread surviving. I have always felt the VW200 and the 100 for that matter still holds it ground side by side with the best of today's projectors. In fact I think it has a better picture then most projectors in its price range. Something about the rich color that I always loved. I know the 200 and 100 have additional circuitry missing in the newer models. Not sure if its the combination of xenon lamp and this circuit that is responsible for the glass like image but I always love the image from this projector. Glad to see you guys not jumping ship. This is a proven projector that can hang with the best of them.

I've always loved the look of the VW100 but could never really pony up the cash to buy one. There were quite a few times I was going to buy one second hand but that never really happened. I'm glad that I scored one now though. I just got off the phone with my sales person and my order will be processed and shipped out.

I'm excited! :D

EMAGDNIM,
Sense you are posting here in the VW200 thread, I assume that is what you are buying, not the VW100.
You never stated the model that you were going for.

Because I was a little concerned abut light output over time with the VW200, I actually ended up using a 2.35:1 DaLite HiPower screen that I have been very happy with. Believe this screen is a 2.8 gain material and, honestly, I've not found it to suffer from hot-spotting. One issue is that because it is a retro-reflective material, I had to lower the ceiling mount a bit. No biggie though.

Just got around to taking a quick look at the AVS special on this unit. WOW! A steal at double the price.

WOW:eek:
At that price, it is almost worth picking up another one for a spare, but the only thing that I would most likely use it for down the road is the lamp as my unit is like the Eveready bunny, just keeps going and going.....
Great deal.

EMAGDNIM,
Sense you are posting here in the VW200 thread, I assume that is what you are buying, not the VW100.
You never stated the model that you were going for.

I could have sworn that I mentioned that I was looking to buy a VW200. I mentioned the VW100 because I've always like the image it threw (never had the chance to see a VW200). I figured since the price dropped so much on a B stock I'd bite as (from what I've read in this thread) there's a big improvement. I can't wait to see it for myself!

Because I was a little concerned abut light output over time with the VW200, I actually ended up using a 2.35:1 DaLite HiPower screen that I have been very happy with. Believe this screen is a 2.8 gain material and, honestly, I've not found it to suffer from hot-spotting. One issue is that because it is a retro-reflective material, I had to lower the ceiling mount a bit. No biggie though.

Good to know, I'll start my screen research this weekend since it's a long weekend holiday in my Province.

Just got around to taking a quick look at the AVS special on this unit. WOW! A steal at double the price.

I didn't even think twice once I had seen the price! :eek:

I am probably grabbing one for myself, seriously.

Hi Alan
That's great! Once you get it set up, You'll will say " Why did I sell my first one?"
Even though my VW200 is mounted just behind the seating, I don't hear any fan noise and it is on the high fan setting. These projectors run so quiet.
Let us know when you get it up and running.:D

We had a source for a cheaper lamp. Is this is still avail. For the current owners has anyone purchase a replacement lamp recently from Atlas?

Did a search on ebay for the bulb, but no luck.

I can't even find a LMP-H400 on ebay.
Use to be 4 or 5 sellers of these lamps.
Too bad as they were about $200 less that what Sony sold them for.

I can't even find a LMP-H400 on ebay.
Use to be 4 or 5 sellers of these lamps.
Too bad as they were about $200 less that what Sony sold them for.

I just sent an e-mail to the normal lamp seller.

Maybe I will hear from him in a day or so.

Sounds good! I hope he gets back to you!

Thanks!

Sounds good! I hope he gets back to you!

He always has in the PAST even when he does not have them on eBay

Confirmed today the lamps are still avail :)

Confirmed today the lamps are still avail :)

They always have been in the past - Your e-mail beat me ;)

They always have been in the past - Your e-mail beat me ;)

Ive been out of the loop for a while, this is good to know.
If we ever lose our source we could resort to the pre Xenon days and dig up some carbon arc rods!!

If we ever lose our source we could resort to the pre Xenon days and dig up some carbon arc rods!!

Isn't that where the Cricket Noise comes form :p

I've toyed with buying a spare lamp, but just don't put enough hours on this unit for it to makes sense yet. I don't think I've even hit 500 hours, and I bought my VW200 in late 2007. It is very much reserved for bluray movie wartching and 'event' sports.

I've toyed with buying a spare lamp, but just don't put enough hours on this unit for it to makes sense yet. I don't think I've even hit 500 hours, and I bought my VW200 in late 2007. It is very much reserved for bluray movie wartching and 'event' sports.

That is BAD - you need to enjoy it more than just Movies ;)

That is BAD - you need to enjoy it more than just Movies ;)

Yes, you are probably right, however, I've got an XBR-60LX900 in my family room (connected to a servicable surround sound sysem) and, frankly, it is more than good enough for casual TV viewing and the kids needs. Plus, I'm more of a music guy, so the 'big rig' gets most of its exercise from CD, SACD and DVD-A.

Yes, you are probably right, however, I've got an XBR-60LX900 in my family room (connected to a servicable surround sound sysem) and, frankly, it is more than good enough for casual TV viewing and the kids needs. Plus, I'm more of a music guy, so the 'big rig' gets most of its exercise from CD, SACD and DVD-A.

OK OK OK - I have three PJ Theaters. The only TVs I have are in
Kitchen or bath room ;)

Confirmed today the lamps are still avail :)

IT WILL be TWO Weeks before they show up on eBay

I get this from the SELLER Today.

Great! I'll keep an eye out for them (as I'm sure other will too).

Checked Ebay, all I found was a complete lamp assy that needs a new bulb.

Great! I'll keep an eye out for them (as I'm sure other will too).

The E-Mail Address of the SELLER is in this AVS POST (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=14567597&postcount=169)

The Sellers Name is Theresa

Did a search on ebay for the bulb, but no luck.
Check the classifieds...I have 2 for sale.
Carl

I currently have a 120" 2.35 smx acoustic screen. Would this projector have enough light output to provide me with a satisfactory picture.

I currently have a vw60 and honestly find it a bit dim at times. However I have heard the 200 is slightly brighter when calibrated. Don't know if that is true or not because I have no first hand experience with the unit.

I currently have a 120" 2.35 smx acoustic screen. Would this projector have enough light output to provide me with a satisfactory picture.

I currently have a vw60 and honestly find it a bit dim at times. However I have heard the 200 is slightly brighter when calibrated. Don't know if that is true or not because I have no first hand experience with the unit.

It is about the same brightness as the VW60.

If you want it brighter - get a higher gain screen.

In order to avoid hot spots, you should stay below 2.0 gain.

In order to avoid hot spots, you should stay below 2.0 gain.

All my screens are GAIN 2.0 - NO HOT SPOTS.

All my screens are GAIN 2.0 - NO HOT SPOTS.

It depends on the type of material the screen is made of and how bright the projector lamp is.
With a 2.5 gain screen, there is a good chance that you will see a slight hot spotting.
There are a lot of trade offs with different screen gain levels from being very directional, poor off axis viewing and hot spotting.
It all depends on your setup. You need to take all of this into consideration when choosing a screen.
Some of the screen manufacturer web sites have a program to help the buyer select a screen. The buyer answers questions as to his setup and the program gives a recommendation as to what screen to use.

I would buy a higher gain screen but no one makes an HP acoustic material.

I did however order the VW200 and with a new bulb it will do for now, then I will sell it and move to something brighter.

Hi Collin,
I think that you will be really happy with the VW200.
You'll find that that the rich natural color of the VW200 will outweigh the need for brightness. Once you see the picture quality of the 200, nothing else will do.
A 120" screen will do fine with the VW200 as long as the gain is around 1.2+.
If you are replacing your screen, I would go with a 16x9 screen as that is the aspect ratio that most HD content will be at.
What screen size do you want?
I'm running a 16X9, 133" diagonal 1.4 gain. It looks fine, but I wouldn't go any larger than that.
Most screen manufacturers will make custom screens sizes to order. So give them a call and see if they can make an acoustic screen to your size.
When setting up the VW200, make sure that the projector is as close to the screen as you can. Use the chart in the 200 manual or the formula to calculate the distance then add another 8 to 12". In that way, you will get the most light on the screen. The 200 will not work well if it mounted 20 feet from the screen as the brightness will fall off dramatically.
When you get it set up, let us know how it performs.

Collin,
What size screen and ratio do you want to use with your VW200?

Hi Alan G.
Did you pick up one of the VW200 "B"stock units from AVS?

Hi Alan G.
Did you pick up one of the VW200 "B"stock units from AVS?

I sure did. Mine arrives Friday. Should be a fun weekend!

Hi Alan,
Great.:D
What size and aspect ratio screen will you be using?
How late did you stay up last night playing with it?

It arrived yesterday and I did fire her up to make sure everything worked. I have a bad track record for having bad luck with things arriving damaged but all is well:)
My room is not done yet so I had to fire it on a blank wall. Looks darn good. I have to say this projector still throws a great image and holds up with the best of them. I have always loved the colors from this machine. Hope to have a screen in place later this week. More to come.

Alan,
What size screen do you plan on using? What brand screen do you like? What type of material and gain?

How expensive are just the lamps? The entire assembly based on some quick searches is outrageous. :)

I've always wanted to see one of these and thought about picking one up if I can find a seller. I don't mind swapping out a lamp in the assembly, I've seen some of the instructions, it doesn't look too bad.

How expensive are just the lamps? The entire assembly based on some quick searches is outrageous. :)

I've always wanted to see one of these and thought about picking one up if I can find a seller. I don't mind swapping out a lamp in the assembly, I've seen some of the instructions, it doesn't look too bad.

Go to eBay and enter ITEM # 160564358411

Today's Price $385

Go to eBay and enter ITEM # 160564358411

Today's Price $385

Thank you. A little expensive, but definitely better than double that price. I've been reading the older reviews, trying to figure out how it's only 800 lumens with a 400Watt lamp. There is something about this projector that has me interested in picking one up to check out. I believe the consensus is that the colors are excellent overall.

Am I going to be sorely disappointed when compared to my JVCRS50? it's for a second room and considering different options. Sorry I missed out on the B stock, I probably would have grabbed one at that price.

Also, any CMS tuning? how close will I get to REC709 trying to calibrate a VW200?

thanks!!

Thank you. A little expensive,

thanks!!

NOT in My book - I have bought all my lamps from the seller.
It is the price of enjoyment.

Lamp prices have gone up sense I bought mine. Guess I should have bought 2.

Hi Alan,
Great.:D
What size and aspect ratio screen will you be using?
How late did you stay up last night playing with it?

I have decided on a 11 foot wide scope screen using an anamorphic lens. Matt white micro perf. For my taste the projector is bright enough through my visual testing. Love the colors...did I mention I love the colors:)

I have decided on a 11 foot wide scope screen using an anamorphic lens. Matt white micro perf. For my taste the projector is bright enough through my visual testing. Love the colors...did I mention I love the colors:)

I'm shooting mine on a 10' Stewart 1.3 gain, scope aspect, with the pj mounted at right around 15' away, plenty bright. Actually, you probably remember the machine, it was yours until you left the fold;).

What's it now, 4+ years and the 200 still gets respect- not a small feat in the front projector world, (for the money that is)

What lens are you going to use?

What's it now, 4+ years and the 200 still gets respect- not a small feat in the front projector world, (for the money that is)



I still think this was the best projector manufactured in the Sony line up to date!!!




What lens are you going to use?

Still undecided ether Isco or Prismasonic!

Hi Alan,
When do you think that you will have your HT complete and the projector up and running?

I've been putting this task off but a visiting friend persuaded me it was time & gave a hand. The directions given here some time ago were helpful as was the hint to take photos as we went along.

It proved a relatively easy task and did not take all that long.

Yes the video is better but not dramatically so. I should add that our VW200 sits on the floor here and a hole underneath for cabling allows a constant cool flow of air around the unit - a totally different scenario to most units hung from above. I guess this allowed for a considerably longer life than normally as heat is the no 1 enemy of electronics.

The prices of projectors continues to drop but I'm still happy to plod along with this Sony for a few years yet. To me, the quality of the video fed in is more the determining factor than the projector. Not all Blu Ray discs are brilliant and many of the later DVDs, particularly in PAL format, upscale via the iScan VP50 PRO very very close to BD quality. So, bottom line is I'm still a very happy VW200 owner and am not the slightest bit interested in 3D.

John

3800 hours, the Smithsonian might want that one;)

They are welcome to the old bulb, but the VW200 has a lot of life left yet (I hope!!!):)

Tassie-Devil,
Was the bulb making any cricket noise when you changed it out?

No, quiet as a mouse!

John

As image quality goes the 95 and 93 should be the exact same. So unless you are planning to not use HDMI for audio there is no point in taking a 95 over a 93. Oppo has become the absolute "Team" to beat with their affordable feature rich playershey Joe, what is a good projrctor to use in $3K range? I'm using Oppo BDP-95, also have Denon DVD-3800BDCI. Viewing distance would be like 9 feet. Appreciate any inout you can provide.

hey Joe, what is a good projrctor to use in $3K range? I'm using Oppo BDP-95, also have Denon DVD-3800BDCI. Viewing distance would be like 9 feet. Appreciate any inout you can provide.

FYI - I own a Top Line Sony PJ. It is wonderful.

And I ALSO OWN a Vivitek H1080FD which you can find at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Vivitek-H1080FD-1080p-Theater-Projector/dp/B002I6319Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303855754&sr=8-1)

It works on the same screen size you have. It is MIND blowing for the price.

FYI - I own a Top Line Sony PJ. It is wonderful.

And I ALSO OWN a Vivitek H1080FD which you can find at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Vivitek-H1080FD-1080p-Theater-Projector/dp/B002I6319Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303855754&sr=8-1)

It works on the same screen size you have. It is MIND blowing for the price.I see, thanks for your input! Actually I'm really liking the Panasonic PT-AE4000U for the price as well

Hi Alan,
Have you installed your VW200 in your HT?
If so, how is it playing with the 11 foot scope screen?

Why is this projector still selling for such high used prices? I've seen them close for 3.5-4k+ recently.

Is the IQ / contrast / black levels on par with the current JVC's or Sony 90, Mitsubishi HC9000, etc?

Why is this projector still selling for such high used prices? I've seen them close for 3.5-4k+ recently.

Is the IQ / contrast / black levels on par with the current JVC's or Sony 90, Mitsubishi HC9000, etc?


No, No and No....Must be the lens quality and xenon lamp???

Hi Alan,
How is the VW200 playing?
Did you use a video processor, or driving it directly?