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Projector for 120" 16:9 screen

post #1 of 27
3/2/11 at 1:14am
Thread Starter 
I am looking for a new projector and could use some advice!

It is going to be used on a 120" inch 16:9 screen, so its important that it has lots of brightness. I have looked at Epson TW3200, BenQ 1100, BenQ 4000 and Optoma HD20. I have seen the BenQ's and Optoma in action and I really like the "calm" picture on the Optoma, but it seems to be lacking some brightness. The BenQ's had a really good image but was not as smooth as the Optoma.

How do you think the Epson would compare? I really like the look on DLP though - the image has much more depth.
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post #2 of 27
3/2/11 at 1:45am
JonasHansen -- Look at the Mitsubishi HC4000 (1080p, DLP). Owners have reported that it is plenty bright on screens even bigger than 120" Diagonal, 16:9. For a review, see: http://www.projectorreviews.com/mitsubishi/hc4000/.

For less than a $1000 more, the BenQ W6000 is a very good, but reasonably priced DLP. It throws a better picture than the HC4000. According to the "Comparison" section of the, above, review:
Quote:
Both are very good at having that DLP look and feel, with rich deep colors, and very good skin tones. The two projectors side by side, are basically very similar in terms of screen image, but the BenQ W6000 definitely has the advantage. Both are very bright in "best" mode, and above average in brightness in brightest mode, but, again, the BenQ W6000 has a significant advantage.
The HC4000 Owner's thread is here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1278360. The BenQ W6000 Owner's thread is here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1127322

PS -- Check out the Forum sponsors for the W6000. Even though it's an older PJ, it is still available.
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post #3 of 27
3/3/11 at 11:30pm
Thread Starter 
Just realised that the throw ratio of the benq is too large. I need 1.41. What about epson? Have heard good things about it.
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post #4 of 27
3/4/11 at 10:38pm
JonasHansen -- I am not familiar with the Epson TW3200, which is the non-USA model. I don't know what the equivalent US product number is. The TW3200 looks like the older Epson Powerlite 6500, if it is, then that's a good PJ, but it had some initial problems. If those problems have been corrected on the used model you are thinking of, then it should be OK.

The Epsons have lots of adjustment range (zoom and lens shift), so they are very easy to locate, relative to your screen.

You need to find out what the equivalent US product number is, and then read up on the reviews here on the AVS Forum.

PS -- if it is the bottom of the line model (6100, 8100, 8350), then you want to get the next model up the price range. The low end models (while still good) have the cheaper panels and are just not as good as the costlier models (6500UB, 8500UB, 9500UB). The "UB" stands for "Ultra Black" and they have the newer LCD panels.
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post #5 of 27
3/4/11 at 10:49pm
TW3200 is a budget 8350. A little less bright and a little less contrast on paper. But very close in real world tests. Uses the same panels.
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post #6 of 27
3/7/11 at 2:30am
is the 8700ub worth the price difference compared to the 8350?
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post #7 of 27
3/10/11 at 12:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JonasHansen View Post

Just realised that the throw ratio of the benq is too large. I need 1.41. What about epson? Have heard good things about it.

What is the W4000? Did you mean the W5000?

I believe the throw ratio on the BenQ W1100 is 1.4. Are you sure you saw the W1100, perhaps you saw the W1000. The W1100 was only released recently. Because I remember seeing a comparison of the W1000+ and the HD20 and I thought the W1000+ had a better and smoother image than the Optoma. The W1100 should be even better. Perhaps what you saw was an older version, because the new W1100 carries a 4x color wheel while the W1000+ carried a 3x color wheel and the W1000 carried a 2x color wheel. The W1100 also has increased contrast ration of 4500:1. It's slightly quieter than the older versions and also has picture in picture (PIP) options. The biggest addition to this series I would say is probably the long awaited 4x color wheel implementation, as people with RBE sensitivity used to complain about the slower color wheel. Another big plus is that they added a large 1.5x zoom onto the new W1100 model.
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post #8 of 27
3/10/11 at 12:43am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by chumpchange21 View Post

What is the W4000? Did you mean the W5000?

I believe the throw ratio on the BenQ W1100 is 1.4. Are you sure you saw the W1100, perhaps you saw the W1000. The W1100 was only released recently. Because I remember seeing a comparison of the W1000+ and the HD20 and I thought the W1000+ had a better and smoother image than the Optoma. The W1100 should be even better. Perhaps what you saw was an older version, because the new W1100 carries a 4x color wheel while the W1000+ carried a 3x color wheel and the W1000 carried a 2x color wheel. The W1100 also has increased contrast ration of 4500:1. It's slightly quieter than the older versions and also has picture in picture (PIP) options. The biggest addition to this series I would say is probably the long awaited 4x color wheel implementation, as people with RBE sensitivity used to complain about the slower color wheel. Another big plus is that they added a large 1.5x zoom onto the new W1100 model.

I ment the W6000 - not W4000, sorry

Sounds interesting about the W1100! Definately have to look at it! My choice was actually gone on the Epson, as this is more flexible in regards to placement etc. But I really like the image on those DLP's!
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post #9 of 27
3/10/11 at 1:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JonasHansen View Post

I ment the W6000 - not W4000, sorry

Sounds interesting about the W1100! Definately have to look at it! My choice was actually gone on the Epson, as this is more flexible in regards to placement etc. But I really like the image on those DLP's!

You went for the Epson TW3200? Yes, the lens shift is the selling point on those.

Interesting that you found the TW3200's PQ better than the W6000 hmm.... well perhaps the W6000 was much higher priced where you're from?

Yes, the W1100 and W1200 are very interesting entry level projectors. I want to see a full comparison of those 2 with other entry levels when the W1200 is released
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post #10 of 27
3/10/11 at 1:17am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by chumpchange21 View Post

You went for the Epson TW3200? Yes, the lens shift is the selling point on those.

Interesting that you found the TW3200's PQ better than the W6000 hmm.... well perhaps the W6000 was much higher priced where you're from?

Yes, the W1100 and W1200 are very interesting entry level projectors. I want to see a full comparison of those 2 with other entry levels when the W1200 is released

I saw the W6000 again, and it was absolutely perfect - but the throw ratio doesn't allow me to get the picture size I want Would have bought it in a second if it had the throw of the W1100 or TW3200. The thing that kept me from the W1100 was the issue of rainbows (which I saw on the W1000), but I didn't know that the W1100 had faster color wheel! So it has suddently become interesting again The W1100 and Epson are exactly the same price where I'm from.
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post #11 of 27
3/11/11 at 6:53pm
AHhhhh!

Yes the W1100 has the 4x color wheel now, which is significantly different and a major upgrade from the original w1000!

And the W6000 has zoom, did you know that? Did you calculate if it can achieve your dimension after you try zoom?

Try this online measure for the W6000:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/BenQ...ulator-pro.htm
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post #12 of 27
3/12/11 at 1:56am
Thread Starter 
Yeah, I'm certain that the W6000 does not fit my needs.. But after you mentioned the color wheel speed on the W1100, I went to a store and got a demo. Ten minutes later, I was out of the store with a W1100 in my arms :-)

I was really amazed by its picture... NO rainbows at all compared to the W1000 and the brightess and depths was just perfect! IMO it is actually really close to the W6000!

So I guess I should thank you for the post
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post #13 of 27
3/15/11 at 1:53pm
Hi Jonas, sounds like you are from a Nordic country. I that true?
If so where did you buy the W1100?

I have tried to get hold of it in Sweden but no luck...

One of my concerns when it comes to PJs is the sound. I just hate listen to noisy fans...

Please come back with some feedback...
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post #14 of 27
3/15/11 at 2:04pm
Thread Starter 
I hope that it is my name which reveals my nordic background, and not my bad English But you are correct - i'm from Denmark.

I saw the W1100 at Hifi Klubben. (I think Sweden/Norway have these as well?). I actually got them to open the first one they got at the store

I was positively surprised about the noise level. It was not nearly as bad as the W6000, but I still think that modern LCD projectors have lower noise level. But having had LCD projectors the past five years and been jealous of the picture all DLP projectors make, I'm ready to accept the noisier fan. But I really think the noise is so low on the W1100 that it won't bother me. Its not a "high pitch" noise.

They have the W1100 in Copenhagen so depending on where you live in Sweden it could be a short ride.
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post #15 of 27
3/15/11 at 3:05pm
It was your name...

I have had a DLP with a noise level of 28 - 23. It was faulty after 18 months and I got a refund.

I am 100% sure about buying a DLP, but it should be similar or better regarding the noise level. Then I could worry about the picture quality.

I have actually already contacted Hifi Klubben but they are waiting for delivery and it will take at least another week or so...

Living in Stockholm so going over the bridge are not an option!

So I guess I have to be patient, not one of my strong sides...
I had a backup Pj an old LG JT-92 (480p) that I picked up from the garage. It is from 2005 but still surprisingly nice.
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post #16 of 27
3/15/11 at 3:16pm
Thread Starter 
I know how you feel about patience! But better to wait a couple of weeks than to buy something you regret.

I think the fan noise on the W1100 is the best I've heard on budget DLP's... The Optoma HD20 was low as well, but the picture was half as bright as the BenQ and rainbows were all over the place for me!
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post #17 of 27
3/15/11 at 3:23pm
What was the price and guarantee in Denmark
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post #18 of 27
3/15/11 at 3:28pm
Thread Starter 
I actually dont know about the guarantee.. I think it is two years if the lamp has gone under 2000 hours. I can check it out tomorrow if you wanna know.

The price was $1450 (9630 Swedish crowns)
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post #19 of 27
4/4/11 at 3:29pm
Okey Jonas...

Now you got your first two weeks!

Please come back with some thoughts about the W1100. I could make an order tomorrow and have the projector on Friday. But I really want to here some nice words from you...
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post #20 of 27
4/4/11 at 3:35pm
Thread Starter 
I'm sorry to disapoint you, but I havent seen it in action at home yet the theater construction is still in progress. I've only seen the nice blue screen it makes. But I'll write a short review as soon as I get it up and running. But I dont think that I have anything different to say than about the demo at the store - the picture was amazing!

Still no stores in Sweden who can demonstrate it?
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post #21 of 27
4/4/11 at 3:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JonasHansen View Post

I'm sorry to disapoint you, but I havent seen it in action at home yet the theater construction is still in progress. I've only seen the nice blue screen it makes. But I'll write a short review as soon as I get it up and running. But I dont think that I have anything different to say than about the demo at the store - the picture was amazing!

Still no stores in Sweden who can demonstrate it?

Hook it up and shine it on a wall. You need to thoroughly check it out to make sure that it does not have an problems, before your return period is past. Usually 30 day return period.
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post #22 of 27
4/4/11 at 3:50pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mjg100 View Post

Hook it up and shine it on a wall. You need to thoroughly check it out to make sure that it does not have an problems, before your return period is past. Usually 30 day return period.

I did use the test pattern the projector can show... But maybe you're right, that it would be a good idea to test it out.
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post #23 of 27
4/4/11 at 4:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JonasHansen View Post

I did use the test pattern the projector can show... But maybe you're right, that it would be a good idea to test it out.

Don't just look at bright scenes. Most any projector can look good with that type of content. Look at dark scenes and scenes with lots of motion.
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post #24 of 27
4/4/11 at 4:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JonasHansen View Post

I did use the test pattern the projector can show... But maybe you're right, that it would be a good idea to test it out.

Do that...

It will take at least 2 to 3 weeks before we could see it on a demo.
Hifi Klubben actually are alone to sell this projector in the Nordic country for at least the three upcoming months, all W1100 had to go to customers. So I have no chance to have look at it if I want something to look at for my self the next two or three weeks...

But I had chance to look at the W6000 for a while and noticed three things. A calibrated W6000 is good enough for me consider color. It had problems with fast movements, a little bit jerky picture. I had some samples with me and I know the hard parts... I also think the fan noise is to loud for me, but it was better then I expected. The sound had a low frequency so it was as I said, better then I thought.

But I hope that W1100 should be quieter. The other question I have about the W1100 is that you cant control the colors in all three dimensions. The W1100 doesn't have that calibration system. So it had to quite good out of the box!

So I give my thrust in you, Jonas. Stay up the night and do some magic, and I could order my W1100 tomorrow...
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post #25 of 27
4/20/11 at 7:41pm
Did you play with your new W1100 yet?
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post #26 of 27
4/23/11 at 6:43am
Thread Starter 
No not yet unfortunately... The room is still inthe construction phase. But ill give details as soon as i have tried it
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post #27 of 27
4/24/11 at 2:11am
Well here's a latest review on the W1200 for your ref.
Can be used to compare with the W1100 since they should be similar in most specs.
http://www.trustedreviews.com/benq-w...ojector_review

Also here is a mini review of someone who also purchased the W1100 in the US:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...1325704&page=2
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