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Revenge of the Rainbows - Can a defective color wheel cause more RBE?

post #1 of 10
3/16/12 at 12:31pm
Thread Starter 
I recently purchased a used Sharp XV-Z20000 to replace my trusty XV-Z12000. The extra resolution and contrast really gives a fantastic boost to image depth and pop.

Unfortunately, I can see rainbows a good bit more on the Z20K than I could with the Z12K. I'm wondering if this is inherent in the design of the Z20K, or if possibly there's something wrong with the unit (I rarely noticed RBE on the Z12K, but can easily spot it on the Z20K). Is it possible that perhaps the color wheel is having problems (or some other malfunction)? I'm not hearing anything out of the ordinary as far as the normal projector operation sounds go...in fact, the Z20K seems quieter than the Z12K (especially in high-lamp mode), possibly due to the fact that the fans give off a lower tone...so I assume the color wheel is spinning normally. But, I'm wondering if something is going on with the more pronounced RBE. It doesn't ruin the experience by any means, but is a bit disappointing since I was expecting RBE to be the same (or less) than the Z12K.

Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!
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post #2 of 10
3/16/12 at 12:40pm
If the color wheel were having problems, the image would most likely flash similar to if a lamp were going bad.
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post #3 of 10
3/16/12 at 1:09pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks, coderguy. No flicker or flashing here...image is solid. Must be just how it is.
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post #4 of 10
3/16/12 at 5:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DigitalAV View Post

I recently purchased a used Sharp XV-Z20000 to replace my trusty XV-Z12000. The extra resolution and contrast really gives a fantastic boost to image depth and pop.

Unfortunately, I can see rainbows a good bit more on the Z20K than I could with the Z12K. I'm wondering if this is inherent in the design of the Z20K, or if possibly there's something wrong with the unit (I rarely noticed RBE on the Z12K, but can easily spot it on the Z20K). Is it possible that perhaps the color wheel is having problems (or some other malfunction)? I'm not hearing anything out of the ordinary as far as the normal projector operation sounds go...in fact, the Z20K seems quieter than the Z12K (especially in high-lamp mode), possibly due to the fact that the fans give off a lower tone...so I assume the color wheel is spinning normally. But, I'm wondering if something is going on with the more pronounced RBE. It doesn't ruin the experience by any means, but is a bit disappointing since I was expecting RBE to be the same (or less) than the Z12K.

Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!

Does the 20k support 1080p24? If so color wheel may be spinning slower allowing you to see RBE.

I think in general there has been a trend to move away from faster color wheels possibly due to the reliability issues they caused.
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post #5 of 10
3/16/12 at 5:58pm
The XV-Z20000 does not support 24p in the way that we commonly think. If the unit has the latest firmware it'll accept a 24p signal, but convert it to 60p. Without the firmware it'll flash intermittent white frames. (I heard rumors of switching inputs between the HDMI inputs to kisk it into 24p mode, but I've never tried them. I also can't find anywhere what the 20000 would do with 24p anyway (48Hz, 96?)

My 20000 replaced a Runco CL-700, which was a circa 2002 DLP with a 4X color wheel, IIRC. I saw fewer rainbows on the Runco.

Fortunately for me, I only see them if I move my head from side-to-side very quickly. And, as you said, the PQ is pretty awesome. I have yet to see a projector that I like better, but let me quickly qualify that statement by saying I haven't looked very hard. I've seen a few Sony's in BB Magnolia's and some Runco's at the store where I bought mine. I haven't seen any of the JVC's, probably because I can't afford to!

I'll look at my notes when I get home and see if I can find details about the firmware, but I don't think that is your problem. I think that's just how this projector is.
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post #6 of 10
3/16/12 at 7:24pm
It's firmware 1.1.5. Here's the Sharp technical report from June 2007...

 

LP-014.pdf 60.2109375k . file
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post #7 of 10
3/17/12 at 9:53am
Thread Starter 
I did indeed update the firmware to 1.1.5 when I got it. You are totally right; it can accept 24p but is not designed to output at anything other than 50Hz (for PAL) or 60Hz.

I have "trained" myself to lower the RBE, similarly by not allowing myself to dart my eyes. Unfortunately, when watching a movie with subtitles, that's pretty much impossible.

Having said that, I just watched the Adventures of Tintin BD last night, and it looked amazing.
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post #8 of 10
3/17/12 at 9:10pm
I kinda feel sorry for Sharp. I think the 20K was just a few steps from greatness. Some color wheel tweaks (for RBE), a few more lumens, and a dB or two less...

The optics are great. Even for a nearly 6-year old projector it's still pretty good.
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post #9 of 10
3/18/12 at 4:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by c-not-k View Post

I kinda feel sorry for Sharp. I think the 20K was just a few steps from greatness. Some color wheel tweaks (for RBE), a few more lumens, and a dB or two less...

The optics are great. Even for a nearly 6-year old projector it's still pretty good.

Have you calibrated the projector with a calibration disk at calibration disk at bear minimum or completely with meter and software?
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post #10 of 10
3/19/12 at 5:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by airscapes View Post

Have you calibrated the projector with a calibration disk at calibration disk at bear minimum or completely with meter and software?

Yes. I used an i-1 Display LT and ColorHFCR v 2.1

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