*Official* Optoma HD20 Thread - Page 106

I am confused. It has feet on the bottom. But if you have it upright sitting on it's feet, the image is projected above the lens. If you want the projector mounted high, you have to flip it over so the image is projected below the lens, and of course you have to change the menu option to flip the image.

I have seen that happen with 1 PC so far, and it has only happened 2 times in 1.5 years. Both times I just pressed the Sync (right arrow) on the HD20 remote and it fixed itself.

If that doesn't work for you, I would see if there are new video drivers for your Dell. Have you tried anything so far?

Anyone know why I can't get 1080p through direct tv. I have the settings to display in 1080p for hd.

Most I can see if 1080i. Any tips?

If I'm not mistaken the only shows on DTV that are 1080p are the PPV movies.

Network shows are either 720p or 1080i.

Thanks. That is correct only speciality shows are full hd.

Hello everybody can someone help me with some good calibration for this projector? cause I have too much darknest in the image... Thanx

Just picked up one of these from woot.com for $655... should meet my needs vs spending 2-3 times as much...

Looking hard at the Woot deal myself. Somewhat concerned with the 90-Day warranty. Was going to pull the trigger on an Epson 8350. The HD20 from Woot would be a huge savings.

We tried a couple Samsung RP units in 2005 and returned them due to RBE. Went with a Sony SXRD instead. Has DLP technology changed much since 2005? Think going with a DLP again is too risky?

I'm sure you could always buy a warranty no?

I bought mine back in November from Woot, never looked back. The price is right, and its worked fantastic ever since.

You may want to view a current DLP projector in a store that has dark viewing room demos to see for yourself.

DLP RP TVs use the same DLP chips and tech as the front projectors. So often an RP will be the same Darkchip2 with 4x color wheel as most current DLP projectors. But, that doesn't mean the RBE will be the same as the screen material also affects contrast which can have a big affect on RBE.

I personally have found RBE on RPTVs to be annoying, yet I have not found the RBE to be annoying on my Front DLP projectors that use the same 4x speed color wheel, using screens 100-125". Not saying they don't have RBE, if I put on the right content and look for it, it's there. But even when looking for it, I really have to dart my eyes fast to see it and it's not an issue during normal viewing for me on DLP projectors.

But you will have to see for yourself. I like several things about DLP over LCD projectors right now, which is why I went DLP again this time around.

Purchased HD20 June 17/11

Exactly 15 days later the bulb turned off while watching a bd. Place of purchase told me "good luck with that" and slammed the door shut in my face. Thanks Canada Computers.

Symptoms

HD20 powers up fine
Logo appears on screen
fan turns on
light turns off at 5min 50 sec
TROUBLE CODE : ON LED - flashes amber,
Lamp LED - solid red
Codes suggest lamp failure...however i can get this sequence of events to repeat after cycling power via removal of power cord...always lamp turns off at 5min 50 sec....mmm?

Called OPTOMA support and issued RMA, sent in bulb for replacement. Have been asking Optoma for extended warranty for some 14 days since failure...nobody there can help me purchase one....and still waiting for new bulb to arrive.

Summary
Pros
Nice picture when working

Cons
Shady Distributors
Brand new pj lasted a mere 15 days
Bulb had 40hrs logged on it.
Customer support helpful but slow to respond
No one at Optoma can help me purchase an extended warranty



Overall not a pleasant experience!! Will be my first and last Optoma purchase.

If you are powering up the PJ without waiting for the unit to cool down ( > 30 minutes) you will kill the lamp in any PJ. Not sure if you are doing that, just mentioning it.
I'm not sure you can get an extended warranty on the HD20 thru Optoma, might have to go through a 3rd party like Mack.

Cool Projector

@mechbeav, cool down period was at least 30min between pj restart.

I am thinking that it may not have anything to do with the bulb. Checked continuity and all is good. The bulb restarts fine, runs for duration described above and then turns off..maybe a thermal sensor

System also monitors current drawn by the lamp. This is more likley the problem. It probably means lamp has failed and needs to be replaced.

Sorry but it happens


Rew

Good call Rew, didn't think of that possibility. I will provide update once the new bulb arrives.

cheers

What kind of mounts are you guys using with the HD20?

I originally was using a mount from Monoprice: http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

It worked okay, but it's fairly cheap. A small piece of it broke and it also seems to have a hard time tilting up and down, something that the box says it should be able to do, but if there's a way to do it, I haven't figured it out.

I was thinking of getting the "VideoSecu Universal LCD/DLP Projector Vaulted Ceiling Mount Bracket Black with 25.6" extension pole PJ2B 1C9" - http://www.amazon.com/VideoSecu-Univ...srch_res_rtr_8

But that's mostly because it seems affordable at $35, and has 56 reviews on Amazon and is currently at 4 stars. Only problem is it looks a little ugly IMO (like some kind of evil droid out of Empire Strikes Back...)

What do you guys think about the VideoSecu mount?

I'm using that exact monoprice mount. Even though the box says tilt adjust, I think that was a feature of a previous revision, because mine doesn't tilt at all (it's actually a solid piece). The mounting plate itself is also warped (I placed it on a flat surface), so my image is a little off-center and there's not much I can do about it. I haven't worried about it much because I got it just about perfect as long as nobody touches it, so it hasn't had a hand on it since the Super Bowl.

I bought it because the price was right, but I'd be interested in an upgrade, myself.

Just wondering about the ceiling paint. If I were to paint the ceiling a ceiling white color, will the picture be ok? My HD20 is going to be ceiling mounted.

I went from white to black and never noticed a difference. Both paints where matte finish. White ceiling gave it a more multi purpose room feel whereas black gave it a real HT feel.

The picture will be the same but may be perceived as having weaker blacks. What color is your ceiling now?

Just finished taping and sanding, priemer is going on soon then paint.

Problmes with this set? Considering buying for a decent price.

This is what I have.
http://www.mountdirect.com/Projector...ries_p/npl.htm
The pictures do not do it justice. Solid mount, powder coated, easy to install and adjust. Extensions are also available or you can use your own (1 1/2" NPT pipe).

Very nice mount. I have the cheapo from monoprice. If I had to do it again I wouldn't buy it.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2



If you want to go black in the future please don't texture your ceiling. What a PITA to paint

I have the same cheapo from mono price and I would probably pass on it as well. it constantly slips and I have to re-adjust it.

I would like to ask a favor, play both video tests and look how much of Dynamic Resolution it has.

Link: Test 1.mp4


Link: Test 2.mp4


Please tell me what resolution the projector begins to mess the lines.


Thank you,
Peter.

Curious, how close is your screen to your ceiling? And I am guessing your walls are dark since you painted the ceiling dark. My ceiling is very close to the top of my screen and while I still have a light ceiling, I am certain that I get a lot of light back on the top of my screen from my light ceiling.

I'm about a foot from the ceiling and yes my walls are a dark grey.

Update to lamp failing at 40hrs....

Received and installed new bulb from Optoma yesterday afternoon. Noticeable lamp flicker after power-up but disappeared after running on high for a couple of hours. Ran Avatar and all looks to be fine.