OPTOMA ML500 LED 1280x800 - Page 23

can this thing use sbs material? I will buy one if it can

Kingj0n,
I just purchased an ML500 a week ago. It had the same problems you describe of always searching for HDMI during playback which also caused my audio to cut in and out. I had already turned the auto search function off. After speaking with Optoma and describing how I tried several players (Sony, Oppo) formats (HDTV, DVD, Bluray) and different HDMI cables (6ft, 25ft etc.) and different resolutions, they said to take it back to where I purchased it.

Long story short, I exchanged for a new one today and it has not given me the same problems (yet). I did notice on my new PJ that the female HDMI input felt more snug than the first one I owned. Also the manual focus felt more tight. I only had the first PJ for a week but I hope this helps. I am currently running a 25' HDMI and have had no such issues when running through my AVR.

Of course, my new PJ still searches for a signal at the beginning of starting a DVD or Bluray and sometimes searches after exiting the DVD or BD content menu if it is a different resolution. Also searches when switching to HDTV but I am guessing these "searches" are normal. It was the searches that were happening in the middle of content viewing that were killing me.

Based off my one day of testing the new PJ and having no issues out the gate, I might consider having yours repaired or taking it back for an exchange if that were still an option.

This is my first projector and I have nothing to compare it to. I am still testing on a white wall until I make up my mind but have been very impressed overall projecting a 108" diagonal picture and can't imagine ever going back to a TV exclusively. Already ordered a mount and a longer HDMI cable for perm. install (might need an active HDMI booster?).

Thanks to this forum for your time and I will continue to read the remainder of this thread since I have not finished it yet. Happy viewing.

25ft HDMI cable length is borderline for consistent performance. Try hooking it up to 6ft cable and project it on something closer. See if the handshakes are quicker and less troublesome. If so, your problem is with the length of cable.

As I said, the 6 ft HDMI had the same problems with my first ML500 which is why I chose to return it. Just a follow-up with my replacement ML500; still no connection issues with the 25 ft HDMI. I also ordered a 50 ft Blue Rigger brand HDMI cable and have not had any connection issues with it during playback (that is one thick cable). I am NOT using a repeater or booster but I may pick one up just to see if it helps in the initial connecting to sources quicker.

I still like this projector a lot and can't wait for my ceiling mount to arrive. I find myself re-watching movies I haven't seen in a while and it's like seeing them in a theater for the first time

Off topic, I am also enjoying my new Yamaha HTR7065 AVR that replaced my still functioning 12 year old Pioneer AVR without HDMI connections. The new Yamaha really brought new life and clarity to my speakers and allows for the necessary single HDMI run for install.

Woah, with all these faulty units, should I still go ahead and purchase one?

Also, does anybody know of any anticipated release of a 1080p version?

I'm really eye-balling this unit as 720p is good enough (I guess) with a price point at around $500. Oh yea, no bulbs to change is a HUGE factor in my selection criteria too. LED rocks!

I want to setup my basement theater soon and I hope you guys can help.

THANKS!

Does this thing still have fan failure problems? I had one of these a year ago that I had to return due to the failure. Hoping something was fixed. Any insight?

With all these scary failure rates, I went ahead with the Acer K330. Not only did the failure rates hold me back, but the fact that the ml500 didn't have an audio-out port really turned me off! I would look at the Acer K330 before buying the ML500.

+1 waiting for 1080p version of this projector...

Missing auto power off menu ?

I saw the auto power off menu in manual on older firmware but it's gone in newer version.
So I have to use manual sleep after 90 minutes and it's very annoying projector turned off without any warning message.
I wish there's kind of warning message indicating your projector will turned off in 10 secs if you don't press any key..
or bring back auto power off menu.

Hello,

I am going to buy a new LED Projector with at least 720p but i havent the time for reading 10000s of posts.

My question is, does this thing have any focus issues or not? Is one of the clones NEC LW50, ACER K330 better? Which one is the quietest?

Thanks for reply.

2000+ hours and my projector went dim =( I tried to restore factory defaults and unplugging it for about 30mins but I have to go work now.... hoping it will work when I get back home does anyone know how much optoma charges to fix these things?

I have the exact same issue! Had this unit about a year and put about 2500 hours on it and it just went dim. I can see the bulb is on, but I can only faintly make out the main menu with no other sources plugged in.