$500 1080i projector? Why so cheap????

focusyou · 02-08-09, 02:47 PM

Hi I'm trying to find a projector to buy for a 120" (72" x 96") size screen and I found one on a website for $540. This was the ad's headline:

OX PRO Series 4, HDMI Video Projector - Latest Model
w/ TV Tuner, Speakers, Free Extra Bulb, & More.

Packed with features: Compatible up to 1080i, HDMI Connection, 1600 Ansi lumens, Zoom, Reverse Image, 16:9 Widescreen & 4:3 Normal-screen aspect ratios, & More!

Can anyone tell me why this is so cheap? I want to buy it but have little knowledge about these things. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

tiddler · 02-08-09, 02:51 PM

The OX Pro may accept 1080i signals but it is only 800x600 native resolution.

There are much better options for a projector. What do you want to do with it? Watch movies and HDTV?

focusyou · 02-08-09, 02:58 PM

Thanks for the quick response!

We will be watching HDTV, BlueRay discs, and playing Xbox (no business). Our price cap is about $1,000

mondaycurse · 02-08-09, 03:01 PM

It seems like everybody recommends the Sharp DT-510 for under $1000. The Panny AX200 can be found for right around $1000 or a little extra.

focusyou · 02-08-09, 03:09 PM

do you think 1,000 lumens is poor for the Sharp DT-510?

tiddler · 02-08-09, 03:32 PM

What size of screen do you want?

What will the throw distance be?

What color are the walls & ceiling?

Will you want to have some lights on when playing Xbox or watching HDTV?

HDGreg · 02-08-09, 03:36 PM

Don't buy the OX. Search this forum for it by name. It is not HD, don't be fooled by false advertising. Go to a forum sponsor PP, etc, and buy a better unit for the same $.

reconlabtech · 02-08-09, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by focusyou

do you think 1,000 lumens is poor for the Sharp DT-510?

Don't be fooled by the max rated lumens for PJs. They are rarely achieved when the PJ is actually projecting video content. Now, if you want to look at a white screen all day...

Most HT PJs after calibration actually project about 350 to 700 lumens.

The screen you quoted is a 4:3 aspect ratio. Most of what you are watching will be widescreen. You might want to mod your screen or create/buy a new one in 16:9 aspect ratio.

For what the Ox Pro gives you, you could buy the Infocus X6 for $120 less money.

With $1,000 take a look at:

Epson HC700
Epson HC720
Optoma HD65
Panasonic AX200u
Sharp DT-510 - very good deal lately
Sony VPL-AW15

tiddler · 02-08-09, 03:48 PM

The Panasonic PT-AX200U $1000 was designed to be a great home theater machine and gaming projector.

Optoma HD65 $895 is a bright DLP projector but lacks the Lens Shift and zoom range of the Panny 200.

Epson Home Cinema 700 $800 should be a nice bright projector for a darker gray screen in ambient light conditions. The Epson Powerlite W6 seems to be a clone of the Home Cinema 700 with similar specs and price tag. These projector also lack the lens shift and zoom of the Panny 200.

NOTE: All these prices were taken from the Projector People website. The Sharp DT-510 is not available from Projector People.

Mitsubishi HC1600 $800 is a nice bright DLP but again lacks the lens shift and zoom of the Panny 200.

randytsuch1 · 02-09-09, 01:02 AM

The epson 720 does have lens shift, so it has the same placement flexibility as the panny

Also has a good rebate through the end of the month, $100 and a free bulb. Based on what I have read, it's not quite as bright as the panny, but its stil pretty bright. The panny is supposed to be the brightest 720p around

Randy

tiddler · 02-09-09, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randytsuch1

The epson 720 does have lens shift, so it has the same placement flexibility as the panny

Also has a good rebate through the end of the month, $100 and a free bulb. Based on what I have read, it's not quite as bright as the panny, but its stil pretty bright. The panny is supposed to be the brightest 720p around

Randy

Have you seen the Epson 720 for $1000 or less?

augiedoggy · 02-09-09, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiddler

Have you seen the Epson 720 for $1000 or less?

there are a number of places selling factory refurbed hd65's for under 700 shipped with warranties....I bought two so far...one for a friend and I liked it so much I got another to replace my hd70...cheapest I've seen the epson go for is 1,300

randytsuch1 · 02-10-09, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by augiedoggy

there are a number of places selling factory refurbed hd65's for under 700 shipped with warranties....I bought two so far...one for a friend and I liked it so much I got another to replace my hd70...cheapest I've seen the epson go for is 1,300

The forum sponser with the initials VA is over $100 cheaper then that, with free shipping When you factor in the $100 rebate and free bulb on that price, it's a good deal.

For a while, epson had refurbs on their site, and they had a really good special, but they don't have them anymore.

Randy

eb3 · 06-21-09, 12:15 AM

These criteria are necessary due to the 100 hours I invested installing a projector lift which drops from the ceiling when I push a button in the A/V closet. (yes, I shoulda made it bigger, but that's another story) :-/

The ONE listed of these:
Epson HC700
Epson HC720
Optoma HD65
Panasonic AX200u
Sharp DT-510 - very good deal lately
Sony VPL-AW15

which meets the criteria in my title was the Optoma HD65. However, thanks for pointing out it's zoom limitations! It must be 13.1' max from the screen to project 106" diagonal image (my screen size). My lift is 13' 4" from the screen!! Any other ideas? Maybe I could buy a larger screen?

jrwhite · 06-21-09, 10:38 AM

Aside from the new low lumen LED projectors, I think the HD65 ( or the discontinued HD70 ) are the only HT projectors out there that would fit your lift.

If you've already built your screen, you'd only have about 1.5" of overscan at 13.4'. This is only about 1.5%. Most screens have 2" of black border, so the overscan shouldn't be noticeable.

Jonathan

eb3 · 06-21-09, 06:34 PM

Nice to know on the overscan. Eventually, I'll get a bigger screen anyway. Thanks!!

ubetcha99 · 07-06-09, 01:56 PM

This projector was crap and it cost me $50 to send it back and a lot of hassle.

Huey · 07-08-09, 08:01 PM

Optoma HD20 (HD200X) is true 1080p DLP and under grand street.

chumpchange21 · 07-09-09, 04:31 AM

You should definately look at the BenQ W500 as well! It uses 3LCD technology, is compatable with 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576's, 480's. It has a native resolution of 1280x720. Has 1100 lumens, and has 5000:1 contrast ratio.

It's MSRP is $1,200, but as said on Projector Central prices vary (street wise), I've seen the W500 retail for under $900, and this is brand new, with 1 year warranty!

Here's the rest of the specs:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/BenQ-W500.htm

collecter401 · 12-04-09, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by focusyou

Hi I'm trying to find a projector to buy for a 120" (72" x 96") size screen and I found one on a website for $540. This was the ad's headline:

OX PRO Series 4, HDMI Video Projector - Latest Model
w/ TV Tuner, Speakers, Free Extra Bulb, & More.

Packed with features: Compatible up to 1080i, HDMI Connection, 1600 Ansi lumens, Zoom, Reverse Image, 16:9 Widescreen & 4:3 Normal-screen aspect ratios, & More!

Can anyone tell me why this is so cheap? I want to buy it but have little knowledge about these things. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

Yes I can. I bought two of these projectors for my kids. I sent both back. They are junk : 1. They are not close to being 1500 lumans. It is more like 500. 2. The zoom only works in the video connection mode (yellow) 3. HDMI mode confuses the projector sometimes casusing the picture to shut down. 4. The controls do not match the instructions for switching modes (HDMI, composit etc,,) 5. The instructions are very weak.

rickster904 · 12-04-09, 12:41 PM

So how was the PQ?

Aiden Chase · 12-04-09, 02:12 PM

Definately do not buy it. I sold my Sanyo Z4 little bit ago, and ended up having a party after that and needed a quick replacement. Well my friend from work let me borrow his for the weekend, which happened to be that model. Let me tell you what, my 4 year old Z4 absolutely blew it away in every category. Was not even close. Like everyone already stated, get something better in your price range.

paulbgdg · 12-08-09, 11:41 AM

how do i adjust the ratio from 4:3 to 16:9 on my ox pro series 4. pushing the button on the remote gives me nothing. The vague pamphlet says to e-mail them for assistance with this issue. But they don't give an email address. I sent a e-mail to *********** and have not gettoen an response. Anyone else have this issue. I am projecting on to a 16: 9 accuscreen. My directv and gaming machines are projecting at 4:3. What to do?

HDGreg · 12-08-09, 04:52 PM

Return that thing asap. Get your money back. Call your credit card company and stop payment.

shankar · 12-09-09, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiddler

Have you seen the Epson 720 for $1000 or less?

http://www.projectorcentral.com/proj...d&is=&sort=pop

mhdiab · 12-09-09, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulbgdg

how do i adjust the ratio from 4:3 to 16:9 on my ox pro series 4. pushing the button on the remote gives me nothing. The vague pamphlet says to e-mail them for assistance with this issue. But they don't give an email address. I sent a e-mail to *********** and have not gettoen an response. Anyone else have this issue. I am projecting on to a 16: 9 accuscreen. My directv and gaming machines are projecting at 4:3. What to do?

Did you change the gaming machine and direct tv box to be setup for a 16X9 tv? Just making sure

02-08-09, 02:47 PM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
focusyou New Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 6	$500 1080i projector? Why so cheap???? Hi I'm trying to find a projector to buy for a 120" (72" x 96") size screen and I found one on a website for $540. This was the ad's headline: OX PRO Series 4, HDMI Video Projector - Latest Model w/ TV Tuner, Speakers, Free Extra Bulb, & More. Packed with features: Compatible up to 1080i, HDMI Connection, 1600 Ansi lumens, Zoom, Reverse Image, 16:9 Widescreen & 4:3 Normal-screen aspect ratios, & More! Can anyone tell me why this is so cheap? I want to buy it but have little knowledge about these things. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

02-08-09, 02:51 PM	#2 \| Link
tiddler AVS Special Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 3,091	The OX Pro may accept 1080i signals but it is only 800x600 native resolution. There are much better options for a projector. What do you want to do with it? Watch movies and HDTV? __________________ Beginner's Guide ~ Black Widow Clones ~ iam.tiddler@gmail.com

02-08-09, 03:09 PM	#5 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
focusyou New Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 6	do you think 1,000 lumens is poor for the Sharp DT-510?

02-08-09, 03:32 PM	#6 \| Link
tiddler AVS Special Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 3,091	What size of screen do you want? What will the throw distance be? What color are the walls & ceiling? Will you want to have some lights on when playing Xbox or watching HDTV? __________________ Beginner's Guide ~ Black Widow Clones ~ iam.tiddler@gmail.com

02-08-09, 03:36 PM	#7 \| Link
HDGreg Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Santa Rosa Ca Posts: 361	Don't buy the OX. Search this forum for it by name. It is not HD, don't be fooled by false advertising. Go to a forum sponsor PP, etc, and buy a better unit for the same $. __________________ Life is short, don't wait...do it today! Last edited by HDGreg; 02-08-09 at 03:37 PM.. Reason: spelling

02-08-09, 02:58 PM	#3 \| Link
focusyou New Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 6	Thanks for the quick response! We will be watching HDTV, BlueRay discs, and playing Xbox (no business). Our price cap is about $1,000

02-08-09, 03:01 PM	#4 \| Link
mondaycurse Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 228	It seems like everybody recommends the Sharp DT-510 for under $1000. The Panny AX200 can be found for right around $1000 or a little extra.

02-08-09, 03:48 PM	#9 \| Link
tiddler AVS Special Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 3,091	The Panasonic PT-AX200U $1000 was designed to be a great home theater machine and gaming projector. Optoma HD65 $895 is a bright DLP projector but lacks the Lens Shift and zoom range of the Panny 200. Epson Home Cinema 700 $800 should be a nice bright projector for a darker gray screen in ambient light conditions. The Epson Powerlite W6 seems to be a clone of the Home Cinema 700 with similar specs and price tag. These projector also lack the lens shift and zoom of the Panny 200. NOTE: All these prices were taken from the Projector People website. The Sharp DT-510 is not available from Projector People. Mitsubishi HC1600 $800 is a nice bright DLP but again lacks the lens shift and zoom of the Panny 200. __________________ Beginner's Guide ~ Black Widow Clones ~ iam.tiddler@gmail.com

02-09-09, 01:02 AM	#10 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
randytsuch1 Los Angeles, Ca Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: LA Posts: 134	The epson 720 does have lens shift, so it has the same placement flexibility as the panny Also has a good rebate through the end of the month, $100 and a free bulb. Based on what I have read, it's not quite as bright as the panny, but its stil pretty bright. The panny is supposed to be the brightest 720p around Randy

06-21-09, 12:15 AM	#14 \| Link
eb3 New Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 5	need a good HD Projector <$1K and <10.8" wide and.. These criteria are necessary due to the 100 hours I invested installing a projector lift which drops from the ceiling when I push a button in the A/V closet. (yes, I shoulda made it bigger, but that's another story) :-/ The ONE listed of these: Epson HC700 Epson HC720 Optoma HD65 Panasonic AX200u Sharp DT-510 - very good deal lately Sony VPL-AW15 which meets the criteria in my title was the Optoma HD65. However, thanks for pointing out it's zoom limitations! It must be 13.1' max from the screen to project 106" diagonal image (my screen size). My lift is 13' 4" from the screen!! Any other ideas? Maybe I could buy a larger screen?

06-21-09, 10:38 AM	#15 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
jrwhite AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Indian River, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,320	Aside from the new low lumen LED projectors, I think the HD65 ( or the discontinued HD70 ) are the only HT projectors out there that would fit your lift. If you've already built your screen, you'd only have about 1.5" of overscan at 13.4'. This is only about 1.5%. Most screens have 2" of black border, so the overscan shouldn't be noticeable. Jonathan

06-21-09, 06:34 PM	#16 \| Link
eb3 New Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 5	Nice to know on the overscan. Eventually, I'll get a bigger screen anyway. Thanks!!

07-06-09, 01:56 PM	#17 \| Link
ubetcha99 New Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1	Dont Buy Ox Pro Series 4 HDMI Projector This projector was crap and it cost me $50 to send it back and a lot of hassle.

07-08-09, 08:01 PM	#18 \| Link
Huey Plug and Pray Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Floyds Knobs, IN, USA Posts: 5,134	Optoma HD20 (HD200X) is true 1080p DLP and under grand street. __________________ Huey ;-]

07-09-09, 04:31 AM	#19 \| Link
chumpchange21 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 159	You should definately look at the BenQ W500 as well! It uses 3LCD technology, is compatable with 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576's, 480's. It has a native resolution of 1280x720. Has 1100 lumens, and has 5000:1 contrast ratio. It's MSRP is $1,200, but as said on Projector Central prices vary (street wise), I've seen the W500 retail for under $900, and this is brand new, with 1 year warranty! Here's the rest of the specs: http://www.projectorcentral.com/BenQ-W500.htm __________________ I Love Apple, BenQ, Samsung, and Acer Products = )

12-04-09, 12:41 PM	#21 \| Link
rickster904 AVS Special Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,373	So how was the PQ?

12-04-09, 02:12 PM	#22 \| Link
Aiden Chase Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 35	Definately do not buy it. I sold my Sanyo Z4 little bit ago, and ended up having a party after that and needed a quick replacement. Well my friend from work let me borrow his for the weekend, which happened to be that model. Let me tell you what, my 4 year old Z4 absolutely blew it away in every category. Was not even close. Like everyone already stated, get something better in your price range.

12-08-09, 11:41 AM	#23 \| Link
paulbgdg New Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1	Ox pro series 4/ Adjusting the ratio from 4:3 to 16:9 how do i adjust the ratio from 4:3 to 16:9 on my ox pro series 4. pushing the button on the remote gives me nothing. The vague pamphlet says to e-mail them for assistance with this issue. But they don't give an email address. I sent a e-mail to *********** and have not gettoen an response. Anyone else have this issue. I am projecting on to a 16: 9 accuscreen. My directv and gaming machines are projecting at 4:3. What to do? Last edited by paulbgdg; 12-08-09 at 12:54 PM..

12-08-09, 04:52 PM	#24 \| Link
HDGreg Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Santa Rosa Ca Posts: 361	Return that thing asap. Get your money back. Call your credit card company and stop payment. __________________ Life is short, don't wait...do it today!