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Epson Home Cinema 720 Owner's Thread

post #1 of 1694
10/3/07 at 6:38pm
Thread Starter 
Has anyone else noticed the banners from some of the online sponsors showing an Epson HC 720. Does this thing exist? Ive googled it and came up with a retailer taking preorders for it, but it seems to me that there would be some kind of discussion/thread on it by now. Does anyone have any info regarding this unit. Is it the replacement for the HC 400?

I'm just curious about this unit as Ive been considering getting the HC 400 to replace my 4805. If the HC 720 is indeed coming out later this month then I may get it instead considering the price and specs listed, and will not have to worry about rebate hassles.

On a side note. I would like input from anyone who would care to chime in. I have an opportunity to get the HC 1080 for 1g difference from the HC 400 after rebate. In your opinion's, considering this price gap, would the HC 1080 be the worth the added expense. For those that need to know it will be primarily used for xbox 360 and upscaled movies via 360 on a 106'' graywolf.

If the consensus is no then i will see what/if something comes about the HC 720.
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post #2 of 1694
10/3/07 at 7:48pm
I saw those too. It's suprising that there has been no news about it, and no official announcments from Epson.

The pre-IFA Epson tour that Cine4home went on showed the new Euro / Asian lineup. One of the new offerings was the TW680, a slightly improved TW600 ( the PowerLight 400 in North America ).

Photos from CEDIA showed the HC720 in the Epson booth, but no official announcement.

Just as the 400 was a slightly improved and much lower cost PowerLight 550, I think it's the same thing for the new HC720. Slightly brighter offcial spec ( 1600 vs 1500 for the 400 ), and probably an MSRP the same or less than the 400 has been selling for after rebate.

I think this is a good thing, as the same basic chassies is just being improved and available at lower cost. To me, this means a reliable projector. Mits just did a similar thing with the HC1500 replacing the HD1000.

All the development now is in the 1080 products, with the 720's just being optomized for lower production cost.

Perhaps the official announcement hasn't been made because they want to clear the 400's already in the channel. Also, Epson already had a couple of big announcements with the 1080UB, and the new MovieMates. They probably consider this more a product evolution than something new.

If you're on the fence between the 400 and HC1080, I would wait till spring. There were a number of press reports about a HOME Cinema 1080UB at sub $3K MSRP that suddenly were retracted. The PRO cinema 1080UB was the model that was announced at CEDIA. If history repeats, Epson released the HC1080 the spring after the PRO Cinema 1080.

Just my take,

Jonathan
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post #3 of 1694
10/3/07 at 8:21pm
Thread Starter 
Yeah I'm aware of the 1080UB. It is very interesting indeed. However I don't think I can wait that long, at least not anymore since I sold my 4805 and X1 to a not well off local church who wanted something for related movies and stuff for the kids. I informed them of the bulb costs but it didn't seem to matter since they where happy to get two projectors let alone one for cheep.
Now I have nothing and I'm having withdrawals So much for thinking I new what I wanted

FWIW. the retailer that had it for preorder listed specs that are very similar to the pro 810 just in a white case and reduced retail price. Close enough to the price of the 400 after rebate to take a wait and see possition.
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post #4 of 1694
10/4/07 at 5:00am
Yes, the contrast is improved, and the lens in the photo from CEDIA looks different than my 400. I was hoping that they'd just re-badge the 810 and put it in a white case ( the TW700 / 810 continue through this product cycle ) so the new 720 would have a 2:1 zoom, but no, it's still 1.5:1.

If you decide to wait for the 720, post back when you get it. If the wait turns out to be too long, I'm sure you'd be happy with the 400. It's a great little ( well maybe not so little ) pj.

Jonathan
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post #5 of 1694
10/4/07 at 7:37am
I hope it is just the TW700 rebadged. That is the projector I wanted, but I was leary of buying it overseas and importing it. I was going to be forced in to buying the Epson 400 mainly due to the price difference. Sort of a smart move by Epson if that is the case. Hold the TW700 (the better 720P offering) away from the US market to later reintruduce it as a new model. They always had the 810 here, which is the same as the TW700, but the price was way out of wack. Sort of the Pro vs HC offering.

Wish we could get some specs on the 720 to see what it actually is.
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post #6 of 1694
10/4/07 at 7:10pm
The HC720 is most likely the TW680 announced at IFA. Just my speculation.

epson Europe tw680 specs

You can get more info if you Google 'Epson TW680'

Jonathan
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post #7 of 1694
10/4/07 at 7:23pm
Thread Starter 
Excellent value - bright, low wattage lamp uses less energy, and is guaranteed for three years

Im now trying to decide if I want to wait for this or get the IF 7210 thats on sale tonight. hmmm.
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post #8 of 1694
10/4/07 at 7:40pm
I'm not sure if the 3 year lamp warranty is going to be available in the NA version, but wow, if it is that would be great, especialy if it would force other pj manafacturers to do the same. I think this would be the biggest thing the industry could do to eliminate the fear of FP for the average user.

hint hint Epson

Jonathan
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post #9 of 1694
10/7/07 at 12:50pm
Thread Starter 
Still unable to find any real info on the HC 720. I'm not going to wait for it. I'm going to decide on either the Epson Pro 800(refurb through Epson) or the HC 400. Can anyone comment on which one I would be better getting. There is only $175 difference and they both come with 2 year warranties. Other than that there pratically the same spec wise.

I would also like to know why the forum sponsored web sites still show a $500 rebate while Epson's online store shows no rebates available. Curious because if the rebates are not proprietary then I could use it at Epson's store and get an additional 20% off of the HC 400 as well.
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post #10 of 1694
10/7/07 at 7:40pm
Hi appleseed,

Yes, it's curious why Epson dropped the rebates before introducing the new models. Here in Canada, the $500 rebate is still valid until the end of October, but, they have extended the month prior to expiry though the summer, so, I think this is it.

From what I've read, when they transitioned from the 550/800 model year to the 400/810 model year, the 400 specs exceeded the 550 but were just slightly short of the 800. I would suspect that the 800/400 are very close. If the warranty's are the same, I guess it comes down to if you want a black case or a white case.

Jonathan
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post #11 of 1694
10/13/07 at 11:44am
Any word on this PJ?
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post #12 of 1694
10/13/07 at 3:46pm
Appleseed,

If you're still following the thread and haven't pulled the trigger, Epson just dropped the price on the 810 to $1,599. It's not discontinued, the Epson tour that Cine4Home took before IFA showed that the TW700 was continuing on this year.

This probably means that the HC720 will be in the 1K price range MSRP.

Jonathan.
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post #13 of 1694
10/14/07 at 7:32am
Am I missing something?

How is this model not a re-badged 810? (good thing if it is!)

4 ounce diff. in weight is all I can see difference wise...

Quote:
This probably means that the HC720 will be in the 1K price range MSRP.

under $1,300 actually..not sure if that's enough to sway me from a Z5.
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post #14 of 1694
10/14/07 at 7:55am
Hi SbWillie,

The new TW680 previewed before IFA is the one I'm presuming will be the HC720. One major difference between the TW680 and TW700 is the lens. The TW680 is reported to have a 1.5x zoom, like the HC400 currently has, while the TW700 (810) has 2.1

I too was hoping they just stuck the 810 in a white case (especially because of the zoom ) but from the info out there so far it doesn't seem like it.

On the Cine4Home Epson Tour page, it lists the TWD10 ( Moviemate 72 ) at 1299 Euros, and the TW680 at 1099 Euros. Since the MSRP of the Moviemate is $1,199US, this is where I concluded that the HC720 would probably be the same or less. Just speculation of course.

Jonathan
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post #15 of 1694
10/14/07 at 9:19am
It can be preordered for close to what I mentioned @VA...hence my price.

thx for the info...lens,etc the same as the 400?

Based on what has been stated on this forum the 400 is a step down from the 700/810. I'm not sure if it's worth the extra $300 (budget killer for what I will have to squeeze in). COurse getting a much larger screen @10-11ft (plus 10 fL!)makes it very desirable when I compare it to the sharper Z5...
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post #16 of 1694
10/14/07 at 10:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jrwhite View Post

I'm not sure if the 3 year lamp warranty is going to be available in the NA version, but wow, if it is that would be great, especialy if it would force other pj manafacturers to do the same. I think this would be the biggest thing the industry could do to eliminate the fear of FP for the average user.

hint hint Epson

Jonathan

The lack of a long term lamp warranty is the lone reason I haven't considered ordering directly from EPSON...I was considering NOT buying from them at all after their 1080UB price fiasco but I have since calmed down.
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post #17 of 1694
10/14/07 at 12:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SbWillie View Post

It can be preordered for close to what I mentioned @VA...hence my price.

thx for the info...lens,etc the same as the 400?

Based on what has been stated on this forum the 400 is a step down from the 700/810. I'm not sure if it's worth the extra $300 (budget killer for what I will have to squeeze in). COurse getting a much larger screen @10-11ft (plus 10 fL!)makes it very desirable when I compare it to the sharper Z5...

I would tend to belive that your pre-order quote is a much more solid bit of info on this than my speculation.

From the photos I've seen of the tw680, the lens looks different than my 400. It might just be cosmetic, but to me it looks more like the tw700 / 810 lens. 1.5x is right on their slides though, so, possibly better optics, but not more zoom. I think the CR number is up from the 400, and 100 lumens brighter. This will be interesting as the 400 was tested at nearly 500 lumens brighter than their 1500 lumen claim.

For us here in the Great White North, the 810 is now only $100 more than the 400, and no mail-in rebate to deal with. Believe it or not, the 800 is now $1000 MORE expensive than the 810 on the Canadian Epson site!

Jonathan
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post #18 of 1694
10/14/07 at 12:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jrwhite View Post

Yes, the contrast is improved, and the lens in the photo from CEDIA looks different than my 400. I was hoping that they'd just re-badge the 810 and put it in a white case ( the TW700 / 810 continue through this product cycle ) so the new 720 would have a 2:1 zoom, but no, it's still 1.5:1...

Evan Powell seems to think its a 2:1 zoom lens, that would be nice...and the contrast spec. has increased over the 400 from 5K to 10K...maybe it is a rebadged 810.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Epso...Cinema_720.htm

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Epso...Cinema_400.htm
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post #19 of 1694
10/14/07 at 12:57pm
Well, that would be happy news indeed!

Jonathan
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post #20 of 1694
10/14/07 at 3:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jrwhite View Post

I would tend to belive that your pre-order quote is a much more solid bit of info on this than my speculation.


Jonathan

$ can be looked up in 10-15 seconds...(can't post their price even though they are sponsors here)

if it is a rebadged 810 I will get it for the pre-order price...over the Z5-a no brainer.

edit,well under my previous $$ amount now ...SWEET!


on PP's site the specs are virtuallyidentical...case around the lens is differs between the 810 and 720 but it appears the same projector otherwise.2.0 to 2.10 zoom differential.

Why is it not on EPSON USA's site yet?

better deal than the low contrast AX200.
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post #21 of 1694
10/14/07 at 6:12pm
Thread Starter 
jrwhite, yes I'm still following. Just been busy doing research and some decision making for my very basic theater in progress. Also just got back from a hunting trip and saw that the HC720 is being listed for preorder now from VA and PP. What i find strange is that i called them Thur and neither knew anything about this model. Where they fibbing to me? Those heifers . Most likely they weren't able/ allowed to say anything, but who knows. As far as the 810, Ive been aware of the new price for awhile now. Thanks though. My biggest problem in deciding on a new projector is the new ones coming out at/near the price of the HC400 after rebate. What I'm trying to determine is if the price of the new projectors that I'm interested in the AX200, HC720 are justifiable. I'm looking at an additional $300 to $500(for the 810) that could equally be used for the rest of the theater, like seating or a new screen for instance. Really I'm the only one who can answer this for myself since I'm the one who's going to be spending the money, but opinions are welcomed

Was set on probably getting the 400 but then made the mistake of going into one of the AX200 threads and thats why I now have an interest in that one as well. What concerns me is that it has not been determined if the bugs from the AX100 have transitioned to the AX200. The reliability and the customer service are in question for me as well, but make no mistake it looks to be about perfect for me.

My decision now has been made even harder now that the 720 is near. The only thing that could possible keep me from buying this one, besides the additional expense is that it will likely not have the ability to do VS for a scope set up. This is not a total deal breaker for me, but going scope is something I will be doing in the future and having to get a scaler is just another expense.

Something of note, has anyone else noticed that PP is the only ones listing the replacement bulb for the HC720 at $199
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post #22 of 1694
10/15/07 at 2:06pm
Hmm, just did a search for the projector on the web and it appears that a local store has the HC 720 in stock.

As it's not too far away, i'll swing by while i'm out to have a look.
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post #23 of 1694
10/15/07 at 2:08pm
Oh, and PP appears to have stock according to their website.
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post #24 of 1694
10/15/07 at 7:08pm
guess VA is a little bit behind PP when it comes to who gets Epson's new stuff first.
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post #25 of 1694
10/15/07 at 7:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by appleseed View Post

jrwhite, yes I'm still following. Just been busy doing research and some decision making for my very basic theater in progress. Also just got back from a hunting trip and saw that the HC720 is being listed for preorder now from VA and PP. What i find strange is that i called them Thur and neither knew anything about this model. Where they fibbing to me? Those heifers . Most likely they weren't able/ allowed to say anything, but who knows. As far as the 810, Ive been aware of the new price for awhile now. Thanks though. My biggest problem in deciding on a new projector is the new ones coming out at/near the price of the HC400 after rebate. What I'm trying to determine is if the price of the new projectors that I'm interested in the AX200, HC720 are justifiable. I'm looking at an additional $300 to $500(for the 810) that could equally be used for the rest of the theater, like seating or a new screen for instance. Really I'm the only one who can answer this for myself since I'm the one who's going to be spending the money, but opinions are welcomed

Was set on probably getting the 400 but then made the mistake of going into one of the AX200 threads and thats why I now have an interest in that one as well. What concerns me is that it has not been determined if the bugs from the AX100 have transitioned to the AX200. The reliability and the customer service are in question for me as well, but make no mistake it looks to be about perfect for me.

My decision now has been made even harder now that the 720 is near. The only thing that could possible keep me from buying this one, besides the additional expense is that it will likely not have the ability to do VS for a scope set up. This is not a total deal breaker for me, but going scope is something I will be doing in the future and having to get a scaler is just another expense.

Something of note, has anyone else noticed that PP is the only ones listing the replacement bulb for the HC720 at $199

THe 720 is either a rebadged 810 or on par with the 810...The 810 ,according to Art @ Projector reviews, is BRIGHTER than the 100 and had a better overall pic...THe 200 basically has add-on gimmicks. THe 810 was advertised as a 1600 lumen projector but could put out more than 2100 w/0 burning up like the 100.

THe 200 is going to obviously be better than the 400..THe 810 or 720 comparison is a whole nother story...

I'm still trying to figure out who Epsond is based on opinions on the 200 thread.

If a want a supersoft image I'm better off going with a NON-HD business projector that's much cheaper than the 200.


`additional expense'

The 720 will be $100 cheaper than the 200. Not to mention much better contrast.
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post #26 of 1694
10/15/07 at 10:20pm
720 only has 1 HDMI input and cannot accept 1080p input per spec sheet. A little behind the times, don't you think?
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post #27 of 1694
10/16/07 at 4:38am
if it won't accept 1080P to down convert then it's not the same as the 810 if memory serves...
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post #28 of 1694
10/16/07 at 5:41am
Does any one know the actual release date, besides "November". I can't wait to see how this one does. I hope it has video scaling for CH, but I know that is a long shot. None of the other Epson's have it.
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post #29 of 1694
10/16/07 at 5:50am
Nevermind. Looks like they are available for purchase. Who is going to be first?
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post #30 of 1694
10/16/07 at 7:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by james.92 View Post

720 only has 1 HDMI input and cannot accept 1080p input per spec sheet. A little behind the times, don't you think?

Would it be possible for you to link to said spec sheet?
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