Optoma HD81 1080p DLP official discussion - Page 156

I'm sorry guys. I omitted an important factor about the lighting...

I forgot to mention that the windows behind the curtains will be tinted with a reflective tint that only allowes 15% light in. So even though the curtains will be "wide open" sometimes, the tinted windows should greatly reduce the amount of light allowed into the room.

With hearing that the HD81 was a disaster and is no longer being produced, I think the only choice is the LV.

Keep in mind that I was ready to purchase the JVC DLA-RS2 but found that it's 700 Lumens wasn't close to what I require for my multi-purpose room. But it's 30,000:1 without Iris CR was sexy.

At 2500 Lumens, I hope the LV is plenty bright enough. Unfortunetly, I won't truelly know until it's all setup.

Is the HD81 LV a two-piece setup also?

Jeff, is the Optoma products that bad? Or is it thier customer service?

What about the LV itself? How is it's overall customer approval rating?

I am new at the HT game but have done enough homework to know that my sound system and screen is about the only components that will not be replaced very often if at all. At this time I am just looking for the right 1080p PJ that will fit my budget and demand for fine PQ. I've accepted that I will probably be buying another PJ in 3-5 years as the better technology warrants.

I just want to purchase the right PJ for my fixed 110" SI Reference Screen. The projection calculator at ProjectorCentral says the HD81 LV is too bright for my screen size. Argg...I don't want to buy the wrong $5k projector. I guess it's time for some more research.

JTHV,

I have received great customer service from Optoma--problem is I have needed customer service too often. Optoma offers a great warranty for the LV and the bulb. The two-piece system is great, so much connectivity, the HD3000 scaler is highly rated.

DLP has much better mixed field CR than any LCD, DILA or SXRD projector. I just haven't seen the three dimensional imagery that is common to DLP as readily with other technologies, not even the JVC RS-1 and its great blacks.

As far as your 110" screen size--don't worry about the calculator. The LV is very bright, then you turn off Brilliant Color, do D65 calibration, turn down the iris for a decent CR, bulb aging, now you have the real lumens. My screen is 100" wide and 1.3 gain and my LV is not too bright.

Jeff...all of your information and help is greatly appreciated.

What your suggesting is that I place the LV PJ where I want it at 16" away from my 110" screen and by turning down the Brilliant Color and Iris the lumens won't be as high or as bright as I'm fearing?

Also, am I ignoring the projection calculator becuase it only calculates at peak lumens or on high output mode thus not giving you an accurate reading of what you can expect after tweaking the system or having it calibrated professionally?

Thanks again...

JTHV,

Brightness is subjective, but one thing I know is that you can't go by most manufacturers specs on lumens. They are not real world home theater viewing reality. The LV has a 2500 lumen spec, the reality is more like 1000 lumens after turning off gimmick circuits, D65 calibration, closing down the iris for max. CR, the inevitable bulb output decrease with hours.

You could always ad an ND filter to the lens if the LV was too bright when you
first bought it. I run in low power mode because the LV is too noisy in brite mode. I don't believe you mentioned what gain your screen is. A high power
screen could be too bright, and not very good off-axis.

I would recommend looking at BenQ and InFocus 1080P DLP projectors as well,
or if you can't see them, compare tested specs and reviews from the net and
magazines. I paid as much as I could afford for my projector, and didn't want to buy a separate scaler on top of that, so the Optoma two-piece setup was a money saver. Also, Optoma was ahead of the curve with anamorphic lens
compatibility for the price at the time.

Problems with Optoma HD81 and HTPC via DVI to HDMI connection.

Last week I got the projector installed again, this time it was installed right so I didn't need to make any keystone correction (The input signal that I was using was a 576i RGBS)

Yesterday I tried to connect my HTPC to it with DVI-HDMI cable (using HDMI 1 input) but the image doesn't fit the whole screen, but only the center of the screen.

The projector's firmware version is C08.

How can I fix this issue ?

Jeff

My screen gain is 1.0

As far as "off-axis" goes, I don't really know the terminology very well but it your talking about where the PJ will be mounted, I can tell you that the PJ will be mounted on my cieling, directly in the middle of the screen.

Optoma's two-piece setup is an attractive setup for me too. I don't have a scaler as of now and wouldn't know where to start with that as it is. I hear the scaler included with the HD81 and LV is a steller scaler so to me that's another check mark on Optoma's side.


Btw, as much as I wanted it, between the pricey motorized screen and the $4k anamorphic lense, I had to pass on the 2:35:1....way over my budget.

Mr. Mario Man,

I'll just throw out a simple thing to check, probably not the issue, but I don't
know much about HTPC. Make sure the aspect ratio is not in Native mode.

I've yet to get a computer to look decent via the VGA input, haven't tried a
computer via DVI to HDMI, although I have used an Analog Way Di-VentiX professional seamless switcher/scaler via DVI to HDMI with great results,
where it was outputting 1080P so the VXP processor didn't have to do anything.

JTHV,

By off-axis I mean the optimal viewing cone that a high power screen exhibits.
Not an issue with your 1.0 gain screen. Your projector installation must be
positioned in the center, especially with an Optoma HD8x chassis, which has
no placement flexibility.

Every 720P or 1080P display has a scaler, normally built-in to the chassis, so
it can deal with 480i and 480P sources, among other tasks. What I don't like
about that(this includes LCD flat panels) is the lack of connectivity and having
to send too many cables to the projector. This is why I like a two-piece solution,
plus the high-end stand alone processors usually offer more setup parameters.

Going back to Optoma customer service, the reason replacing three HD-81's
wasn't as painful for me as it's been for others is because I live 45 minutes away,
very little downtime, no shipping expense--not that having to pull the projectors
off of the ceiling and the processors out of the rack isn't a pain.

I have lived with lots of features that didn't work properly, firmware bugs,
broken promises regarding firmware updates over the net and abysmal reliability
from the HD-81. The LV has been reliable--the first HD8x series to get past 300
hours for me--but still suffers from the need for D65 calibration, useless auto iris,
Film Mode 48Hz disabled in Letterbox mode, which turns out to be a moot point
because my HD DVD player and the LV doesn't do a proper HDMI handshake to
enable 24P output.

Jeff,

Can you explain a little bit more on D65 calibration.When you say D65 calibration is that something I need to have done professionally and do I only have to have done once as long as I don't have to replace the calibrated projector because of failure?

Joe,

THANKYOU JOE!!!!

I just found this message yesterday. I emailed Wayne Pierce and he telephoned me to return my original bulb for a replacement. You just saved me $500.00. BTW, My HD81-LV is working beautifully.

I took the opportunity to ask Wayne about the "forced 24 fps" issue. He said that he had not heard of any plans to upgrade the firmware to accept newer players that do not "force" 24 fps. He did offer to take the issue to Optoma's management. We can only hope. Frankly, the PQ and sound from my system is so amazing right now that I am afraid to change anything. I am running:

HD81-LV
Integra 9.8 Controller
A35 HD DVD Player
BD30 BluRay Player
ADCOM 5802 and 7500 Amps
VMPS ST3 and custom made center, EV Sentry III, Dynaco A25 Spkrs
TEAC6010 GSL R to R
Nakamichi Dragon
LG LST 3410A (2) HD DVR's
Comcast HDMI HD DVR
Pioneer DVL 700 Laser disc Player
Motorola 922 & HDD200 C Band satellite

I mention these because I have been upgrading my system for over 5 years. I am now at rest and dam satisfied with how it is working. Thanks again for your help.

You are entirely welcome.

Did you ever find the firmware upgrade for the LV?

Joe

Does the htpc recognize the 1080p Optoma projector? If it does, then you need to right-click on your desktop, go to display settings tab and crank your resolution as high as it will go.

Joe

Joe et al,

Could we get some clarification, i.e. straight talk, about the firmware upgrade recently discussed here. Is that for real? If so, how do we upgrade? I can call Warren but frankly, I prefer to limit my calls to him so as not to become a nuisance. Please guys, if there is no real upgrade, let's not spread false rumors. What improvemnts were facilitated by the upgrade? No BS please. Did it happen or not? I have terribly slow connection times when changing resolutions. This occurs with my Comcast/Motorola HD DVR. If fit resolved this, that would dbe worth the effort. Of course I know it is not the 24 fps solution because Warren as much as admitted they do not plan to fix that. They should though because I and all of you should be unable to connect at 24 fps. Is anyoneconnecting at 24 fps?

Art,

Personally I know absolutely nothing about any upgrade. I had read it in a previous post but have not seen anything since. Maybe there is no such thing.

I do remember Tom (Guitarman) telling us a while back that there was something wonderful built into the LV that would be exposed at a later time.

But, like you, I am experiencing an amazing picture and am very happy. I am not experiencing the long switch-overs that you are seeing. Unless by long you are talking 5 seconds or so.

Joe

Joe,

My only issue is with the long (1 mimunte) and sometimes impossible sync times as I switch from 480i or 480p to 1080i programming with my Comcast/Motorola cable box. Neither the Cable box norr the 81 are to blame. When I connect them directly via HDMI, it works perfectly. It is when I pass through the Integra 9.8 controller that everything ggets slow. Even if I set the controller on "Through" it is slow. I am unable to use the loop from the VXD because it just will not sync or it takes a magician to choose the correct turn on sequence. The HDMI protocols on our LV must be a generation older than the 1.3a protocols used today. Even so, the pQ is second to none from all of the HDMI inputs, HD DVD, Blu Ray, Comcast HD DVR, and (2) LG LST-3410 HD DVR's. The latter 2 connect directly to the VXD and with OTA as the source produce PQ that is gorgeous. The players and the Comcast HD DVR route through the Controller. I do get better sync of fthe Comcast box if I use the REON in the controller. The 2 HD players sync well if I use the REON in the VXD. I am happy but sure would like to see slicker operation.

Art,

Does the Comcast/Motorola box have an upscale mode vs. sending out native?
I used to run my DirecTV receivers in native mode until I got tired of waiting for
the VXP to process the new resolutions changing from channel to channel.

Letting the DirecTV reciever do the upscaling results in fast channel changes,
no "Processing" window. The Integra issue is a whole other can of worms.

Still can't talk about it, but it's there with the LV and in some of the new RGBCYM color wheeled projectors. Just understand it results in a much better and high level of contrast and brightness.

Hi Jeff,

The Comcast/Motorola box allows you to choose the output resolution from among the normal settings, 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i. I set mine at 1080i. That signal passes "Through" the Integra 9.8 unaltered because that is the way I set the 9.8. Nevertheless, when the program requires a resolution change, it can take 2 minutes or even more to resync. Sometimes it will never sync. If I set the 9.8 to a fixed output resolution, it will always sync but may take 30 sec to accomplish when changing program resolutions. I am called bad names for not switching to component but the PQ is outstanding via HDMI and Ihate going backwards.

The Integra 9.8 is an amazing device. If you are into AV as a hobby and like to be on the leading edge when being there means that you will enjoy a significant improvement in audio and or video quality, the 9.8 is definitely worth considering. The ability to process all the codecs available on both HD DVD and BluRay as well as providing room equalization/delay using the Audyssey system, makes it the next device you have to buy. IT is wonderful.

Except for the 24 fps isue, my system is working so well that I revel in the joy of turning it on every night. Look into the Integra.

Yes, it does recognize it as HD81.

The HTPC sends 1080p60 signal to the HD81 (it states on the projector's menu) and the problem still occurs.

Art,

If the Comcast/Motorola box is upconverting everything to 1080i, there should be no resolution changing. If the Integra isn't doing any scaling, I don't understand why there is a resyncing issue. It sounds like the Integra and the HD81-LV are having an HDMI handshake issue.

I am very disappointed that I've yet to see a 1080/24p frame rate using Film Mode 48Hz with my LV. I was hoping the A35 would do it,
but obviously this is not to be with any HD DVD player and an HD-81 or LV. I am waiting for a Profile 2.0 Blu Ray machine that will force 24p, decode all lossless audio codecs on-board and have net connectivity. If it was a combo player, that would be even better, but I'm not holding my breath.

Sounds like "Brilliant Color" to me.

It's something else.

Hi again friends,

I had a very pleasant and honest conversation with Warren today. He was calling me in response to my request to ask the folks at Optoma if they would do anything about the "forced 24 fps" issue. He did ask and the answer was simply "No". Optoma will not be issuing any revised software to fix this incompatibility issue. Bottom line appears to be that if it is important to you that the 24 fps material display at 48 fps, you will need to find one of the handful of players that "force 24 fps". I can assure you that in my experience, the only one that seemed to do the trick in my home (and I am not 100% sure of that) was the Sony BDP-300. The Panasonic BD-30, and the Toshiba XA2 and A35 do not. We lose again guys. We discussed the issue for a while and wound up agreeing that it is probably too far along in the product cycle to expect any more engineering refinements to this system. Warren emphasized the fact that the VXD will be a fixture in the Optoma lineup for some time. He reiterated that the HD81-LV is Optoma's flagship projector and will be for the foreseeable future.

I will continue to press for changes to the A35 and BD30 firmware but in light of the fact that testing has demonstrated that even the latest 2.8 firmware for the XA2 will not enable 24 fps with our 81's, I don't think there is any chance that we will ever get to experience 24 fps through our projectors. I have heard thatthe PS3 does force 24 fps. Perhaps some of you have been successful with a PS3, HD81-LV combination.

My 24fps-supporting projector is still out on loan, so I have not had a chance to test this.

But the reason I expect that it will work is because the 81lv does not advertise that it supports 24fps in the EDID data it sends to players like the BD30 and A35. But if it did, then those players would know to do 24fps like they do with other 24fps-supporting projectors.

So my plan is to record the EDID from my 24fps-supporting projector in the gefen dvi-detective and then stick the gefen in the loop with the 81lv. Thus the player will see the 24fps EDID, not the 81lv's EDID. At which point the player should be happy to go into 24fps mode.

Please let me know if tis works. You are my last hope since OPTOMA, Toshiba and Panasonic do not give a s___. Sad but true.

I am at a loss other than possible trying new drivers? Mine works perfectly. One other thought, I was having similar trouble until I made the projector the #1 screen.

Joe

JerryW,

I think this is a great idea. I did this when using a CRT projector to fool an
HDMI source into handshaking with a non-compliant display(not even a digital display for that matter). This was by way of the Moome card that had custom EDID settings.

Please let us know when you have a chance to do some testing.

Thank you!

So, this would bring up the question, if this is in the HD81-LV, what is Optoma
waiting for?

Jeff,

I have some swamp land for you and in the middle of it is an HD81-LV and in the middle of the LV is a ....