AVS › AVS Forum › Display Devices › Digital Projectors - Under $3,000 USD MSRP › The Offical Epson 8350 Owners Thread
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

The Offical Epson 8350 Owners Thread - Page 246

post #7351 of 8103
8/8/12 at 8:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sksahai View Post

Refurb vs new 8350
Hello,
I am building a new home with a dedicated movie room. I have a 10 percent off coupon fom Epson store.com
I think the 8350 is the best projector for our general needs, netflix and blu ray.
I am going to order a 120 inch screen from Jamestown screens. In you all opinions, should I go with he refurb, or go for the new one? 900 after coupon vs. 1170 after coupon?
Thanks!


Any advice? Refurb vs new? Gotta make a decision soon before the coupon expires!
Reply
Reply

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #7352 of 8103
8/8/12 at 8:22pm
Neither, wait for it to go back on sale, I'm sure it will in about a month or two or less. It will probably be $999 again somewhere new. Unless you just cannot wait, then I say either/or.
Just depends on how much that $270 matters to you I suppose. As far as projector reliability goes, well most people don't use their projectors nearly as much as some of us do, that's why many of us have experienced more problems (don't own the 8350 myself though). Convergence issues still are quite common on LCD projectors, I've seen enough to know that. You will probably get 1.5 pixels or less overall convergence error (if counting all pixels) on average, but 1 pixel off on RED is still pretty annoying, unless it's off on blue which is not bad (1/2 pixel off on blue is like nothing). The problem is the lens shift will add to that error a little bit, so it all just stacks up. As you pay more money on the higher-end projectors, the convergence tends to average better but more importantly you get convergence correction abilities.

The 8350 is really good if you get a good sample (and most probably will), but it could definitely use a bit of a boost from the Darby Darblet (just like almost almost all projectors seem to benefit from it). I haven't gotten the Darby yet myself, but everyone is raving about it, I haven't seen hardly even one bad review (ok maybe 1 in 1000).
Edited by coderguy - 8/8/12 at 8:36pm
Reply
Reply
post #7353 of 8103
8/9/12 at 6:46am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by sksahai View Post

Any advice? Refurb vs new? Gotta make a decision soon before the coupon expires!

If you're going to order a jamestown screen you might as well wait to see if the projector goes on sale considering that jamestown have over a 60 day waiting list.

On the other hand there are a lot of other alternatives for projection screens. I never have really seen a a good reason why jamestown screen seems to be a choice for quite a few members.

As far as the 8350 goes, coderguy is right as far as a possible discount on new units that will come around sometime in late september. CEDIA it's very close up on us, and while most of the new projector releases won't be available 4 at least 2 to 3 months after the showo, how many people will baisser buying decisions on waiting until the latest and the greatest projectors arrive. This will leave the most retailers, both E-tail and brick and mortar desperate to move existing inventory. So isten chile it's a play the odds waiting game, or a "I can't wait any longer" kind of thing.

Now I personally have never purchased 8350 as a refurb from the get go, I have never experienced the issues that have come to a few from out of the box units. And that statement covers in excess of 20 8350s

Of course as in so many things similar, your mileage may vary. Especially if I was to say you would not have any issues at all.
Reply
Reply
post #7354 of 8103
8/9/12 at 7:06pm
Question guys, I have around 450 hours on my current Epson 8350 and I noticed while I was playing NCAA 13 that the brightness of the bulb started to flicker dim ever so slightly. It was barely noticeable but I could see it. I thought it might have been the game so I tested it on the PS3 home screen and sure enough it was doing it there as well. Any ideas why its doing this? Is my bulb going out?

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
Reply
Reply
post #7355 of 8103
8/9/12 at 7:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SmokenAshes View Post

Question guys, I have around 450 hours on my current Epson 8350 and I noticed while I was playing NCAA 13 that the brightness of the bulb started to flicker dim ever so slightly. It was barely noticeable but I could see it. I thought it might have been the game so I tested it on the PS3 home screen and sure enough it was doing it there as well. Any ideas why its doing this? Is my bulb going out?
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

Turn off Eco and run in non-Eco (Normal) mode for a couple of hours. This has been reported to "even-out" the bulb.

Reply
Reply
post #7356 of 8103
8/10/12 at 2:01am
it it good to know the Vidabox works well anyway
Reply
Reply
post #7357 of 8103
8/10/12 at 7:20am
Can someone tell me what could be the problem here?

My 8350 is no longer finding the signal from my DVD player using the 25 foot HDMI cable that was working fine for a year. Thinking it was the cable, I tested the same cable from the DVD player to my plasma TV and it works fine. So then, thinking it was now the projector or its ports, I tried my shorter 10 foot HDMI cable that was being used with the plasma, and the projector now gets the signal just fine. What on earth could be the reason why the 25 foot cable is not working with the projector anymore?
Reply
Reply
post #7358 of 8103
8/10/12 at 7:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by retroeric View Post

Can someone tell me what could be the problem here?
My 8350 is no longer finding the signal from my DVD player using the 25 foot HDMI cable that was working fine for a year. Thinking it was the cable, I tested the same cable from the DVD player to my plasma TV and it works fine. So then, thinking it was now the projector or its ports, I tried my shorter 10 foot HDMI cable that was being used with the plasma, and the projector now gets the signal just fine. What on earth could be the reason why the 25 foot cable is not working with the projector anymore?
Is your 25ft a CL2 rated cable, generic $5 cable or Monster cable?

I've found sticking with 24AWG CL2 or thicker is best for runs longer than 6ft.
Reply
Reply
post #7359 of 8103
8/11/12 at 6:34pm
Hello everyone.

I am considering purchasing this projector.

I have two questions:

1) Does the box packaging have the date of manufacture on it? If i go to a store, can I determine the date of manufacture of the unit by just looking at the box outside without opening it?

2) Does the projector itself have the date of manufacture inscribed on it?
Reply
Reply
post #7360 of 8103
8/14/12 at 6:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carlos_ View Post

Hello everyone.
I am considering purchasing this projector.
I have two questions:
1) Does the box packaging have the date of manufacture on it? If i go to a store, can I determine the date of manufacture of the unit by just looking at the box outside without opening it?
2) Does the projector itself have the date of manufacture inscribed on it?

I don't have a good answer for you, but my question is why is that important to you to know the date of manufacture? If it is new in the box it is covered by Espon at the date of purchase not the date of manufacture. No worries.

Regards,

RTROSE
Reply
Reply
post #7361 of 8103
8/15/12 at 1:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carlos_ View Post

Hello everyone.
I am considering purchasing this projector.
I have two questions:
1) Does the box packaging have the date of manufacture on it? If i go to a store, can I determine the date of manufacture of the unit by just looking at the box outside without opening it?
2) Does the projector itself have the date of manufacture inscribed on it?

I don't see a date on the box or my projector..you could copy down a serial number from one in your local store and call epson
Reply
Reply
post #7362 of 8103
8/20/12 at 7:19am
I just installed this projector last week. A few thoughts that would have helped me make a decision sooner:

1. I was replacing a 7 year od BenQ PE7700 whose color wheel finally shattered. So I knew whatever I bought would be a big of improvement. My biggest complaint about the BenQ was lack of brightness. And it was 720p.

2. This Epson out of box had great color. I haven't adjusted anything and I might not. It looks that good.

I have a 106" screeen in a basement that I can make pitch black, but I usually keep some ceiling lights on dim (but not the lights in the screen area). Light colored walls and white ceiling. Projector is 12.5 feet away from the screen and so is the seating. For movies, I would keep all of the lights off except for the undercabinet lighting about 20 feet away. So, with the setup explained...

4. This projector has plenty bright. I am most comfortable viewing in a dark room with ceiling lights (about 20 feet away) on dim when I am in Cinema mode and also in eco power mode. Yes, this is as dim as you can make it. This is still brighter than my old BenQ. Maybe I will make it brighter in the future, but looks great at this level. My son commented that when the XBox splash came on, it was blinding (all white screen with the xbox logo in the middle).

This projector is plenty bright for a basement setup. If I have more lights on, I can just bump up the picture mode and switch to full power.

This is important becasue I was considering the Panasonic 100u becasue of its added brightness. At worst, I think that would have been too bright for my application. At best, I don't need the added brightness. So I would rather have the better picture quality of the 8350 (or so the other reviews say, since I never saw the 100u).

5. Projector is directly overhead and I can't hear it at all. I have it in eco mode, remember.

6. I needed a gamer, so 75% of the other projectors were off my list immediately. I also do not feel like paying for 3D at this point. That would have been another $1000 and endless glasses costs thereafter. I have a lot of friends over for sports, so I wasn't about to buy 10 pair of glasses. Plus, it seems like the 3D processing time makes most (but not all) 3D projectors too slow for gaming.

End of story... this projector was the best 2D movie/gaming projector with the brightness I needed.

Now I am waiting for Epson to replace this 2-year old projector this fall with something amazing, so I kick myself. But I had to buy now, my old projector died and football season is about to start.

Interestingly, the auto-iris comes factory set to off. I haven't turned it on yet.

One final comment... the reviewers on this site and especially the pro reviewers are a little over the top with finding some difference between two or three amazing projectors. Remember, they have to find a difference, or what are they doing it for. As I said earlier, I'm sure any projector I decided to buy would have given me a great picture. So I suggest the you not worry about the minutia in the picture quality reviews and focus on the features that you want. Gaming speed, 3D, brightness, picture in picture, etc. and most importantly, price.
Reply
Reply
post #7363 of 8103
8/20/12 at 6:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KoPJim View Post

I just installed this projector last week. A few thoughts that would have helped me make a decision sooner:
1. I was replacing a 7 year od BenQ PE7700 whose color wheel finally shattered. So I knew whatever I bought would be a big of improvement. My biggest complaint about the BenQ was lack of brightness. And it was 720p.
2. This Epson out of box had great color. I haven't adjusted anything and I might not. It looks that good.
I have a 106" screeen in a basement that I can make pitch black, but I usually keep some ceiling lights on dim (but not the lights in the screen area). Light colored walls and white ceiling. Projector is 12.5 feet away from the screen and so is the seating. For movies, I would keep all of the lights off except for the undercabinet lighting about 20 feet away. So, with the setup explained...
4. This projector has plenty bright. I am most comfortable viewing in a dark room with ceiling lights (about 20 feet away) on dim when I am in Cinema mode and also in eco power mode. Yes, this is as dim as you can make it. This is still brighter than my old BenQ. Maybe I will make it brighter in the future, but looks great at this level. My son commented that when the XBox splash came on, it was blinding (all white screen with the xbox logo in the middle).
This projector is plenty bright for a basement setup. If I have more lights on, I can just bump up the picture mode and switch to full power.
This is important becasue I was considering the Panasonic 100u becasue of its added brightness. At worst, I think that would have been too bright for my application. At best, I don't need the added brightness. So I would rather have the better picture quality of the 8350 (or so the other reviews say, since I never saw the 100u).
5. Projector is directly overhead and I can't hear it at all. I have it in eco mode, remember.
6. I needed a gamer, so 75% of the other projectors were off my list immediately. I also do not feel like paying for 3D at this point. That would have been another $1000 and endless glasses costs thereafter. I have a lot of friends over for sports, so I wasn't about to buy 10 pair of glasses. Plus, it seems like the 3D processing time makes most (but not all) 3D projectors too slow for gaming.
End of story... this projector was the best 2D movie/gaming projector with the brightness I needed.
Now I am waiting for Epson to replace this 2-year old projector this fall with something amazing, so I kick myself. But I had to buy now, my old projector died and football season is about to start.
Interestingly, the auto-iris comes factory set to off. I haven't turned it on yet.
One final comment... the reviewers on this site and especially the pro reviewers are a little over the top with finding some difference between two or three amazing projectors. Remember, they have to find a difference, or what are they doing it for. As I said earlier, I'm sure any projector I decided to buy would have given me a great picture. So I suggest the you not worry about the minutia in the picture quality reviews and focus on the features that you want. Gaming speed, 3D, brightness, picture in picture, etc. and most importantly, price.

Great Review! There are quite a few similarities from my basement build I am working on:...106" screen, 12.5ish throw, ability to light control but like some lights dimmly on, big time gamer. Great point in finding some differences. Your review has me leaning towards the 8350 now. Thanks.
Reply
Reply
post #7364 of 8103
8/21/12 at 5:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duke Broadway View Post

Great Review! There are quite a few similarities from my basement build I am working on:...106" screen, 12.5ish throw, ability to light control but like some lights dimmly on, big time gamer. Great point in finding some differences. Your review has me leaning towards the 8350 now. Thanks.

Exactly my setup and uses too. I've had my refurb 8350 for several months now and agree with everything KoPJim said. I didn't want to overspend on my first projector. Perhaps in a couple years I will move on to something else, but it will also have to be 8350ish in it's price/performance ratio. I considered several other projectors, but this one seemed to be the only one to me that hit all the right points. Good luck in your decision.
Reply
Reply
post #7365 of 8103
8/21/12 at 6:48am
Thread Starter 
I gotta add, that out of all the projectors that have crossed my path, the 8350 has filled more needs and done so with more and continual distinction than any other projector could have possibly done.

Now, if Epson would only make a short throw 1080p PJ with 3000+ lumens -H&V Lens Shift - 3-D - 1 Mil:1 "Native" Contrast & 10,000 hr lamp......for under $1000.00. rolleyes.gif

Why, we'd be all set! biggrin.gif
Reply
Reply
post #7366 of 8103
8/22/12 at 7:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by MississippiMan View Post

If you're going to order a jamestown screen you might as well wait to see if the projector goes on sale considering that jamestown have over a 60 day waiting list.
On the other hand there are a lot of other alternatives for projection screens. I never have really seen a a good reason why jamestown screen seems to be a choice for quite a few members.

MississippiMan,

Who else would you recommend for a screen? I am in the Houston Texas area. The only reason I picked Jamestown was this forum, and the price was good.
Thanks!
Reply
Reply
post #7367 of 8103
8/24/12 at 1:35pm
This may have been brought up many times on this forum but I am not sure if there has been a solution suggested for my kind of setup/issue. I have Epson 8350 connected to my HTPC. It usually works fine but as soon as I either go to Windows Explorer or any website, all of sudden I start getting some flickering followed by complete video loss and constant searching of signal. I have used the 50' HDMI Redmere from Pioneer VSX 1120K receiver (wherein I have turned off the video conversion). The HDMI used between HTPC and Pioneer Recever is 6' HDMI (ultra high speed). I have noticed that even when I have connected HTPC video out directly to Projector using the same HDMI cable, it had the similar issue. Usually when I shutdown Projector and re-start, it seems to have solved the issue. Could some one please help me understand if this is a usual problem and there is any work around or permanent solution, or there is something wrong with my Projector.
Reply
Reply
post #7368 of 8103
8/30/12 at 7:05am
When my HTPC switches the refresh rate back to 60 (from 23.976, 50, 25) it sometimes flickers / blacks out briefly - but that is expected. What HTPC software are you running?

Have you tried both HDMI inputs?
Reply
Reply
post #7369 of 8103
8/30/12 at 10:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by atl999 View Post

This may have been brought up many times on this forum but I am not sure if there has been a solution suggested for my kind of setup/issue. I have Epson 8350 connected to my HTPC. It usually works fine but as soon as I either go to Windows Explorer or any website, all of sudden I start getting some flickering followed by complete video loss and constant searching of signal. I have used the 50' HDMI Redmere from Pioneer VSX 1120K receiver (wherein I have turned off the video conversion). The HDMI used between HTPC and Pioneer Recever is 6' HDMI (ultra high speed). I have noticed that even when I have connected HTPC video out directly to Projector using the same HDMI cable, it had the similar issue. Usually when I shutdown Projector and re-start, it seems to have solved the issue. Could some one please help me understand if this is a usual problem and there is any work around or permanent solution, or there is something wrong with my Projector.

The first step is to narrow down the problem. Only change one thing at a time and document progress. See where the problems follow. Pick a couple of highest-bandwidth test files/discs to test with.

 

Try a HDMI Blu-Ray player (or other HDMI Input device) instead of HTPC (with everything else the same).

 

Try HTPC (and/or or other HDMI Input device) connected directly to 8350 with a nice low-gauge (6-15 ft.) HDMI cable.

Reply
Reply
post #7370 of 8103
8/30/12 at 4:31pm
Hey Guys,

I was just wanting your opinion on a projector I looked at today. It is a used 8350. It has nearly 700 hours on its second bulb. The first bulb went out at 2500 hours. It was purchased in 5/2011. So has Epson warranty until 5/2013. Can anyone confirm if the Epson Warranty transfers to the new owner. I am not even sure if she registered It when purchased. It was bough from Best Buy. She got the extended warranty/service plan and is under warranty per Best Buy until 5/15. I know the BB warranty is transferable.

The projector is in a home which stunk horribly of cigarette smoke. (sorry to those smokers out there). Should I be concerned with the high amount of total hours on the projector. It had an in home calibration done when purchased. I am sure that doesnt mean squat now with a new bulb and all those hours. Should i be concerned about the smokey enviorment. It has been on craigslist for well over a month now. I found out I am the first to acutally look at it. I asked why it hasnt sold and she stated that people have said she is over priced. Last price was $700. I think for 6-650 cash its sold. Should I quit over thinking and just buy it given that its covered until 5/15?

Thanks!
Reply
Reply
post #7371 of 8103
8/30/12 at 4:56pm
I have no issues with my 8350, but recently (I sit directly under it) I have noticed the fan making more noise?

should i do something? worry? follow the direction to clean out dust?
suggestions welcome...

thanks,
Reply
Reply
post #7372 of 8103
8/30/12 at 8:45pm
I got an e-mail from Visual Apex (forum sponsor) today - if you are looking for a 8350 deal, go check them right now.
Reply
Reply
post #7373 of 8103
8/31/12 at 3:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by lespurgeon View Post

I got an e-mail from Visual Apex (forum sponsor) today - if you are looking for a 8350 deal, go check them right now.


it's 20.00 off.
Reply
Reply
post #7374 of 8103
9/2/12 at 2:35pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duke Broadway View Post

Hey Guys,
I was just wanting your opinion on a projector I looked at today. It is a used 8350. It has nearly 700 hours on its second bulb. The first bulb went out at 2500 hours. It was purchased in 5/2011. So has Epson warranty until 5/2013. Can anyone confirm if the Epson Warranty transfers to the new owner. I am not even sure if she registered It when purchased. It was bough from Best Buy. She got the extended warranty/service plan and is under warranty per Best Buy until 5/15. I know the BB warranty is transferable.
The projector is in a home which stunk horribly of cigarette smoke. (sorry to those smokers out there). Should I be concerned with the high amount of total hours on the projector. It had an in home calibration done when purchased. I am sure that doesnt mean squat now with a new bulb and all those hours. Should i be concerned about the smokey enviorment. It has been on craigslist for well over a month now. I found out I am the first to acutally look at it. I asked why it hasnt sold and she stated that people have said she is over priced. Last price was $700. I think for 6-650 cash its sold. Should I quit over thinking and just buy it given that its covered until 5/15?
Thanks!


I would bite on it. You don't mention as to if the 2nd Bulb was a replacement by Epson, or purchased via a "aftermarket" source. If it's the latter, and the unit was not registered, I'd think you could not go wrong @$600.00.
Of course there could be things wrong with the unit that are not alluded to in the listing, but such are the chances you take with such things. Even if the existing lamp went south (Smokers who do not religiously clean the Filters frequently have premature failures quite often) soon after arrival, and upon inquiry Epson refused to replace it Gratis, lamp replacements are now at such a low cost you'd have to do it 2x again to lose ground. And....if BB's warranty mirrors Epson...that too might be all the goad you need.

As I said earlier....iffin' it were me.......I'd bite. cool.gif
Reply
Reply
post #7375 of 8103
9/2/12 at 9:39pm
They used the BB warranty to replace the bulb. So I couldnt use the BB warranty for future bulb replacements. Everything I have read says the epson warranty doesnt transfer,...is this correct? So how does it work if the unit was not registered with epson? I offered $550. They said they would take no less than $700. I replied back that I would split the difference and make ith $625. They claim that someone is coming on friday to look at it. and would give them $700. Find that odd cause in over an months time I am the very first to actually stop and look at it. I think they are bluffing. What is bulb replacement costs these days. I am seeing anywhere from $275 to $75 for ebay lamps. What are average repair costs. Can you buy a warranty on used projectors? Thanks for the info, greatly appreciate it.
Reply
Reply
post #7376 of 8103
9/3/12 at 12:36am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by sksahai View Post

MississippiMan,
Who else would you recommend for a screen? I am in the Houston Texas area. The only reason I picked Jamestown was this forum, and the price was good.
Thanks!

Hello there,

I apologize for overlooking your posted request. It somehow slipped my attention.

First off, let me be clear in saying that there is nothing inherently wrong with Jamestown screen, except for the protracted delay in filling orders.

Jamestown screens do in fact pass muster as far as being acceptable, white fixed screens.

While there are other affordable choices out there, since I do not know your budget your what you really need in a screen, I cannot really give you a "take to the bank" suggestion as to what would be the best value for your dollar, especially performance wise.

While getting something inexpensive has a lot going for it , knowing that you're getting up the best performance for your money plays a big part in your having the the highest overall satisfaction.

So give up a little more specific info. Please.
Reply
Reply
post #7377 of 8103
9/4/12 at 10:12am
Just picked it up new at a closing Best Buy for $909.00! Wasn't planning on buying a projector yet but couldn't say no to the price. Picture quality looks great right out of the box!
Reply
Reply
post #7378 of 8103
9/4/12 at 10:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sksahai View Post

MississippiMan,
Who else would you recommend for a screen? I am in the Houston Texas area. The only reason I picked Jamestown was this forum, and the price was good.
Thanks!

I picked up a Carada 96 for 630 and I love it. Granted I have not had anything to compare it to but again very happy and easy assembly.
Reply
Reply
post #7379 of 8103
9/5/12 at 5:02am
I dont know if it is transferrable. I would assume if you had the persons name and if something did go wrong and just gave your name as the original owners and they supplied you with a copy of reciept i dont think there would be any issues. When i returned mine they simply asked when it was bought and sent me a box. On the other hand. I would call there bluff. Everyone wants the most for their product. I would contact them and tell them ok understand. If it doesnt sell then you have my information give me a call. Id bet they call you within the week.
Reply
Reply
post #7380 of 8103
9/5/12 at 6:37am
Hey Mississippiman

I'm a little confused about screen gain. I 'm building a screen, and i would like to know if if there's a difference in blacks on dark scenes whether i use a neutral white srceen or a white screen with a gain of 1.2 ?

I have dark walls, and full control of the lighting. It's pretty much a dedicated cinema room for night time movies.

I'm rebuilding the cinema so i can place the 8350 at any distance from the screen and i'm planning on building a 120" diagonal 16:9 screen. My choices are Seymour xd material witch has a gain of 1.2 or the Accuscreen 120" screen witch is already built and offers the choice of matte white or a grey screen . The white one is neutral and the grey one is .08 gain

What would you do if it was you choosing?

Thanks
Edited by tank01 - 9/5/12 at 11:07am
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home

Gear mentioned in this thread:

AVS › AVS Forum › Display Devices › Digital Projectors - Under $3,000 USD MSRP › The Offical Epson 8350 Owners Thread