Infocus IN72-IN74-IN76 - Page 3

Will the 720p model be using TI's "smooth scan" (i.e. cheaper, lesser) DLP chip with only half the vertical resolution with interlaced "wobulation" adding artifacting problems of its own (seen in many of the so-called 1080p RPTV's using TI's wobulating chips on top of the RBE and dithering issues) or will it still be the native 1280x720p chip whether it be the DC3 or DC2?

I'm hoping the 576p model is sold at regular dealers and this is also a typo. I'd hate to have to pay MSRP plus tax.

naahhhhhhhh, say it ain't so....

Actually, for how much it really costs to make one of these lumps of plastic, and the fact that 1080p in all chip flavors is fast moving up in the market they should have decent quality 720p DLP projectors at around $1,500 street by now. This artificial price gouging is getting old quickly.

Dan

This may be old news but there is at least one site already selling these projectors. I don't think I am supposed to link but Costcentral.com has them on their site now.
PS-I can only get them to show up by searching for Infocus IN76, then going into their site that way.

Thanks

I must have missed it...........
Costcentral, where our costs are HIGH!!!

the 500U costs more than a 700 there.

Thanks, but no thx.

m

Cmon Kraz, I expect more from you!!

"A site is selling projectors that the manufacturer has not released yet - and no dealers have SKU pricing on yet? It never occured to you that it is a bait and switch site to rope you into what they DO have to sell? "
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Strawman set up and knocked down.........

It's more than likely a pipe dream, but at their advertised price, I'd buy it in a second. Can you say same price as the 900u. Smells shady though....

it's not a pipe dream

i've seen dealer cost, hopefully the pq won't disappoint and hopefully they're cranking these out.

Here's hoping. I just can't wait to see some specs. Hopefully after this weekend. I would imagine these forums will be hopping the next 4 days....

http://www.projectorcentral.com/InFo...y_Big_IN76.htm

With a price of $2,999. and only a 2,000. to 1 contrast ratio, I don't see much to get excited about.

IB

Two comments:

1.) Does an Australian website's opinion of what the US street prices will be really count for anything....

and

2.) Where is ProjectorCentral coming up with the DC2 info?
EDIT: Nevermind, it's in the product sheet link. Mild bummer....although on the plus side, the sheet states 3000:1 CR, not the 2000:1 listed at PJC. On the down side however, warranty looks like it's been dropped to 1 year.

If the IN76 streets less than 2K, it'll be a solid seller. Hell, I'm tempted...

No mention of operation noise. If it was as low as 20dB they'd be waving it around.

Apart from looks, I don't think the IN76 has anything on the Mits HC3000.

This is very common and from what i've noticed the price stays the same when they are released. Although these kind of sites usually aren't autherized dealers.

What I care most about at this point is the video processing chip. The Mits. HC3000 and soon to be Optoma H72 both advertise the 10-bit "Brilliant Color". Plus both have a reported 4000:1 CR...

I guess I am looking for reasons to consider Infocus 720p over those two (taking pricing out of the equation). I was excited about the 10-bit digital video processing by a DLP (finally). So, does the "Play Big" Infocus line have 10-bit processing or not?

At least one of those retailers that are pre-selling the projectors is reputable and I've purchased from them often in the past. They also happen to be an authorized Infocus dealer listed on the Infocus website. Maybe they've jumped the gun, but they're not exactly a shady operation.

Joseph

I may have to upgrade to the 74EX... I like the idea of RS-232 control.

I like the 74 as well. The product brochure says it works with any HD source. I assume I can watch ordinary cable tv and DVD's on the thing and it will work. If I can get this guy for $1,500 I'll jump on it.

Greg

here.
Ease of mounting perhaps. And price. That $2500 MSRP seems more likely than the $3K one given the competition:

"720p Resolution: Optoma's new high-performance, high-definition HD72 projectors are being announced at CES with an estimated street price of under $2,000. The HD72 projector offers 5000:1 contrast ratio, 1300 lumens and incorporates BrilliantColor color processing technology with a 7-segment color wheel to provide great color saturation. Other customers who will be announcing and/or showing new 720p DLP projectors at CES include: InFocus, Sharp, Mitsubishi and SIM2."

"Portable DLP(TM) Front Projector (model XV-Z3000):
Sharp's next-generation portable DLP(TM) front projector, the SharpVision XV-Z3000, is a 720p high-definition home entertainment solution that instantly transforms any room into a high-tech home theater. This widescreen, portable projector can be carried throughout a home or to a friend's home to create an instant home theater for watching TV, viewing DVDs or playing computer games on a big screen. The XV-Z3000 features brightness (1200 ANSI Lumens) and contrast levels (6500:1) superior to those available in current front projectors, so consumers can enjoy excellent picture quality in almost any lighting conditions. Additionally, a dual-iris system adjusts image brightness to show full detail and enhances contrast ratio to compensate for varied lighting environments. The low fan noise of 30 dBA (in economy mode) ensures that the viewer won't miss a minute of the film's dialogue and special effects. Other features include I/P conversion, 3-2 pull down, Color Management System (C.M.S.), 3-step Bright Boost, a 12 volt trigger and an HDMI interface. The XV-Z3000 will be available in April for an MSRP of $3,499.

Portable DLP Front Projector (model DT-500):
The DT-500 high-definition DLP(TM) front projector is a stylish, feature-packed projector that is ideal for a dedicated home theater or any viewing room. This portable unit can be moved easily from room to room, for an instant home theater anywhere. Utilizing the DLP technology from Texas Instruments, and with a resolution of 1280 x 768, the DT-500 produces a 4000:1 contrast ratio and a brightness rating of 1000 ANSI lumens, delivering one of the best pictures available in consumer home theater today. Weighing just 8.6 pounds, consumers can carry the projector to any room of the house to watch TV, DVD movies or play computer games on a big screen and then store the entire system in a cabinet to save space. A powered optical iris system instantly changes brightness and contrast settings with the push of a button to allow the greatest flexibility for varying home theater environments. Home theater convenience is further enhanced with easy installation and whisper-quiet operation. A 6 Segment 5 X Speed color wheel achieves flicker-free, high-grade images and accurate color reproduction, resulting in an uninterrupted, detailed picture. Other features include I/P conversion, 3-2 pull down, Color Management System (C.M.S.), 3-step Bright Boost and an HDMI interface. The DT-500 will be available in July for an MSRP of $3,299. "

From your post here.

I'm not sure what about an InFocus press release indicating a $3000 MSRP people don't understand.

The part about Optoma's pricing strategy and the rumor that INFS was dithering between $2999 and $2499. Perhaps they'll leave it $2999 because Sharp is at $3499 and $3,299 MSRP and just have a low MAP.

/shrug. An under $2K 720p DLP is good news. The IN76 will likely have to come closer to the $2K mark than the $3K mark.

Nigel

One thing though, all projectors aren't created equal, so better ones will need to fetch more money and secondly, not that anyone here cares, but if a dealer can't make more than $100 on a projector, they'll sell something else. There's a fine line between making a product that is competitive and making one that no dealer has any reason to represent. Fortunately, BY FAR, most people think a $3K for a projector that is equal to or better than last year's $8K machine is a GOOD thing and they don't whine about $500. Or think that IF is shooting itself in the foot.

Seriously, from the outside looking in, the projector forum is the whiniest bunch I think I've ever seen. I've never seen such negative spin put on every advancement in technology and price. It would be fascinating if it weren't so sad.

"Ferrari's got a 400HP, 2000lb sportscar coming out for $20K!"

"Wow, it really needs to be 500HP, the things too heavy and I wouldn't pay a dime over $16K for it. And I'll have to buy it on the internet to avoid taxes. I bet the engine's an unreliable POS too. I'm going to buy it, but what piece of crap."

But does it suffer from RBE or VB? We need to know...

Back on topic for us whiners...does the Infocus IN76 have sealed optics (I douubt it...but maybe there's hope)? I still wonder if it has 10 bit video as well.

That being said, I will make my own personal whine:

It would be nice to get some longer throw projectors. It seems like everything is getting shorter and shorter throw.

Given that the objective of the 1280x768 dual use DMD is to reduce cost and there are XGA projectors for $2K MSRP one might hope that they make a viable profit on a $2.5K MSRP projector.


I think that if you look at projector purchases in this forum that "BY FAR" most of the purchases will be in the under $2500 mark. Thus, a projector outside of this sweet spot has an uphill battle simply because its priced out of the budget of many.

$500 represents a significat fraction of the cost. Yes, it certainly IS a GOOD thing but of less impact given that the HC3000 is already $2995 MSRP and uses the same DMD. Since the HC3000 sells for MSRP+rebate it lives outside that sweet spot where even the Z4 is a bit too much for some folks to justify.

Depending on the actual peak output of the IN76 vs the higher rated Sharps and Optoma it may end up with throw and offset being the determining factors.

Unless the street price is significantly above $2000.

Then WAF kicks in and its no sale regardless of performance difference. I can get the greenlight for Z4 pricing by burning prodigious amounts of brownie points. I prefer DLP and 1300L+. I'm not saving money...got plenty of money. I'm hoarding brownie points. And I've got other hobbies too.

I think there's a good number of buyers in the same situation. 2 years ago with no WAF, $500 was mostly a non-issue. Heck, $5000 was a non-issue if I really wanted something.

$500 suddenly is a big deal.

Nigel

Yes, but I mean *off* the forum in the real world.
Well, sure, but the price of a 720 DLP just went from about $5000 retail to $3000 retail. $2000 drop, but everyone seems to be convinced that it needs to drop $500 before it even comes out? Not understanding it.

Anyway, I'm just saying that this place gets amazingly negative, as though somehow we're "owed" more or something. I just can't find anything negative to say about a $3000 720 DLP 3000:1 contrast projector with a 20dB noise level That exceeds 100% of my expectations. But I'm a cup half full guy.