Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jiminheimer /t/1489267/lg-pf80g-first-world-mini-projector-full-led-1080p/540#post_24601128
Full review:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/lg_pf85u_projector_review.htm
The review from Projector Central really paints a pretty picture for this model, but makes absolutely no comparison of this model to the venerable W1070 or HD25/HD131x models which is what the real comparison is. People on the 'cheap' aren't buying a $1,300 projector, they are buying $500 models. At the $1,300 price point the HD131/W1070 offers a 1080p model with zoom and perhaps even a couple of replacement lamps for the 'same' price.
But, points about input lag were real and stood on their own. This isn't exactly a gamers projector, and may even be so laggy as to need audio delay compensation in an A/V receiver.
The brightness discussion seemed to be equally off-point.
Quote:
While brightness tops out around 700 lumens, the projector looks great on a 60" to 80" diagonal screen even with some ambient light present.
That's a completely worthless size for most viewers who can go out an buy a 70" LED for not a lot more cash and a 60" TV for a fair bit less cash. So, when talking front projection we should be at least in the 100" range, more often the 110" to 120" range. If all this projector can manage is a decent 80" image, then it should go in the 'Do not buy!' pile right now.
I don't think that's the case, but Bill didn't touch on it during the review, and it was one thing he really should have. He certainly should not have mentioned the terrible Black Diamond screen which sparkles it's way to a lousy on screen image as an option for larger sizes. No.
The features certainly seem appropriately rated with 5 stars as this model certainly does offer more internal features than most others. But, no lens shift and no zoom, make me question a 4-star ease of use rating. I always think that features and ease of use somewhat cross, and need to be separated. This projector is not easy to setup compared to most others, it is extremely limited in fact and the one adjustment it has (focus) tends to bump the projector. Only models like the 5030 from Epson or JVC RS46 with extensive zoom range and lens shift should be 5-star ease of use products. The limited zoom lens shift of the W1070 may make it 4 stars. The average models like the HD131 or 3020 should be closer to 3 stars, and this model doesn't even offer that level of setup ease. So, 2-stars? But, it gets 4 stars. Inappropriate IMO.
Features, such as wi-fi DLNA, Smart support, and internal tuner frankly put it ahead of almost everyone else in terms of features. In fact, it seems to redefine what features a projector can, and perhaps should, have. But, other manufacturers will only be able to go down that road if they include Roku or a similar produce embedded. In fact, I would likely trust Roku embedded more than I would trust features delivered by LG. But, that's just me. 5-stars? Sure! But still, a lack of 3D is kind of weird to not have these days.
Performance of 4.5 stars? Based on what? Brightness? Color quality? Motion handling? Black levels? Shadow detail? Sharpness? Image uniformity? Noise level? Some of these items aren't even discussed, and some are known to be bad. I don't see this as anywhere near a 4.5 star projector in terms of overall performance. But it's not that way for other projectors as well IMO. There are very few 4.5+ star projectors out there in terms of actual image performance.
Value - 5 stars? Yeah, I'll go down that road. I won't argue it. The use of a LED engine with a projector bright enough to handle a 110" diagonal (it better!) for $1,300 with a lifetime light engine? Maybe 4.5 stars, but I will give it 5 stars. I think value always relates to the overall quality, features, and performance that you get for the money spent, and this one does seem to exceed in many areas. But, dollars for lumens to video quality, which seem to be the big comparisons, it doesn't match up to the HD131x or the W1070. Not even close. Add in total cost of ownership, and it gets a lot closer because there are no lamps to replace. But, expecting a LG product to actually last 20,000+ hours is not what I would consider a realistic basis. Instead, I would expect about 10,000 hours of use. Perhaps 2 replacement lamps on a traditional lamp projector. Suddenly things get much closer in terms of price and TCO and... value. Still, it's a lot less than Optoma's HD81 projector, and is a unique model for sure.
I was hoping that Evan could have gotten me a sample to put up head-to-head with my W1070 and on a 1.3 gain screen in a more typical 'lights out, but not properly light controlled' basement situation. A 'after dark' family room setup would be similar. It would have been fun to see what an actual acceptable size was, how it really compared to the venerable W1070, and what noise levels and image quality, and the rest was like. I may reach out to him again to see if that may be possible.