Which has to bring up the question: how come you didn't hold out for Sony's new Bravia LCD? (LCD with 'better' blacks)
-
Take part in a short activity and share your valuable opinion on new design concepts for AVSForum! >>> Click Here
-
Our native mobile app has a new name: Fora Communities. Learn more.
Dt-500 Vs Ax100u
Just a few observations, from someone that has owned BOTH units-
OK, I owned a Sharp/DT-500 DLP for 600 hrs,b4 the bulb just blew up ( dunno why,complete ventilation- no issues at all).......
Keep in mind, these observations are based on memory, but I did 600+ hrs on my DT500 in about 3months.
I NOW own a 100U, it's brand new,and my thoughts are below:
Colors= Excellent- I've hardly done anything but turn them down, probably a lil bit better than the 500.
Sharpness/Detail= Seems to be close between the 2
Blacks= OK,here is where I see a difference, I DO see, that when any light is in the screen,with a dark scene, it looks almost dark greyish, this was NOT the case with the DT500- so in that case, the DT500 wins hands down.
Brightness= Hands down, the 100U, this thing has lumens to spare, and the DT500 was pretty darn good, I am watching in ECO/Cinema2- with contrast at -2 right now, and it's still plenty bright ( the Dynamic and Vivid modes are just eye bleeding bright), this is with a GREY screen(Benajamin Moore- "Pebbel Beach").
Loudness= 100U hands down, I can hear it, but the difference is VERY evident.
That is a BIG deal in my situation.
SD television= Probably the dt500, the 100U seems to make SD look even worse..
HD- Close- if anything, I liked the DT500 a LIL bit better.
I liked the DT500 menu better, but it had less options(the input BS on the 100U is VERY annoying- STOP!!!!).
Flexibility= 100U, hands down, did anyone doubt that?
SO FAR(IF I don't run into massive BS issues these LCDS are known for, especially this model) I am happy (overall) with the switch, although I DO feel like the DT500 had an overall better picture(I come from CRT RPTV, so Blacks are noticed), the other things make this an easier PJ to deal with.
I will update as I get more hrs on it.
I'm actually a bit surprised TBO, this Panny 100U actually has a pretty decent picture, whether or not I have to deal with the ALMOST inevitable BS issues with this(and basically ALL lcds) LCD unit, I feel that for what it DOES offer in flexibility, it's actually a pretty decent unit so far.
We'll see how long until I start experiencing issues with uniformity/iris issues and such, but right now, it's pretty solid.
I just figured that I'd give the heads up to folks that MAY need a BIT more flexibility, IMO I gave up a bit of PQ, but gained ALOT of flexibility(sometimes a bit better, blacks are worse), which I really NEEDED.
OK, I owned a Sharp/DT-500 DLP for 600 hrs,b4 the bulb just blew up ( dunno why,complete ventilation- no issues at all).......
Keep in mind, these observations are based on memory, but I did 600+ hrs on my DT500 in about 3months.
I NOW own a 100U, it's brand new,and my thoughts are below:
Colors= Excellent- I've hardly done anything but turn them down, probably a lil bit better than the 500.
Sharpness/Detail= Seems to be close between the 2
Blacks= OK,here is where I see a difference, I DO see, that when any light is in the screen,with a dark scene, it looks almost dark greyish, this was NOT the case with the DT500- so in that case, the DT500 wins hands down.
Brightness= Hands down, the 100U, this thing has lumens to spare, and the DT500 was pretty darn good, I am watching in ECO/Cinema2- with contrast at -2 right now, and it's still plenty bright ( the Dynamic and Vivid modes are just eye bleeding bright), this is with a GREY screen(Benajamin Moore- "Pebbel Beach").
Loudness= 100U hands down, I can hear it, but the difference is VERY evident.
That is a BIG deal in my situation.
SD television= Probably the dt500, the 100U seems to make SD look even worse..
HD- Close- if anything, I liked the DT500 a LIL bit better.
I liked the DT500 menu better, but it had less options(the input BS on the 100U is VERY annoying- STOP!!!!).
Flexibility= 100U, hands down, did anyone doubt that?
SO FAR(IF I don't run into massive BS issues these LCDS are known for, especially this model) I am happy (overall) with the switch, although I DO feel like the DT500 had an overall better picture(I come from CRT RPTV, so Blacks are noticed), the other things make this an easier PJ to deal with.
I will update as I get more hrs on it.
I'm actually a bit surprised TBO, this Panny 100U actually has a pretty decent picture, whether or not I have to deal with the ALMOST inevitable BS issues with this(and basically ALL lcds) LCD unit, I feel that for what it DOES offer in flexibility, it's actually a pretty decent unit so far.
We'll see how long until I start experiencing issues with uniformity/iris issues and such, but right now, it's pretty solid.
I just figured that I'd give the heads up to folks that MAY need a BIT more flexibility, IMO I gave up a bit of PQ, but gained ALOT of flexibility(sometimes a bit better, blacks are worse), which I really NEEDED.
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
Will it have better blacks simply because it's much dimmer? If so, I'd just use the AX100U with an ND filter or a darker gray screen (which would give better ambient light contrast/blacks and increase ANSI contrast in rooms with light colored walls).
Quote:
Originally Posted by CMRA /forum/post/0
Which has to bring up the question: how come you didn't hold out for Sony's new Bravia LCD? (LCD with 'better' blacks)
Will it have better blacks simply because it's much dimmer? If so, I'd just use the AX100U with an ND filter or a darker gray screen (which would give better ambient light contrast/blacks and increase ANSI contrast in rooms with light colored walls).
I will add my 2c here and just say that having owned the AE700, and a friend with a 900, all the issues we have seen with polarizers going bad have made me vow to never buy another organic polarizer-based Panasonic again. I have 'upgraded' from the AE700 to the Mits HD1000U. Ofcourse that also has its disadvantages but I don't have to worry about these polarizer issues which in any other industry would be class action lawsuit time.
Ummmmmmmmmmmm, I waited, heard a few tidbits, and........
I needed a PJ, my room is a wreck because the DT500 never really worked right here(although the pic was fab.), at least I now can begin to fix it!!
I could always wait a few and get the next best thing, but ya know what?
I needed a decent PJ, that was QUIET, with VG lens shift, SHORT Throw, Lumens, and a decent price!
This PJ fits all those criteria, IIRC the Bravia didn't fit all those.
I also looked at getting the Epson and the Z5...........
The Epson with what is considred lousy blacks, and noisy performance(Ummmm neither did I want), and the Z5 with it's pathetic "WARRANTY" issues(what good is a warranty, if they don't honor it?), and low lumens.
I also thought about the 1000U,the HD70,and the HD72... none of those even came close to fitting the criteria.
I did look around, with the criteria I stated I wanted/needed, the AX100U fit all these criteria, and with the EW(bulb and PJ) at VA, I figured it would be OK as far as LCD.
I can be very difficult if I feel I am getting screwed, so I will be paying close attention to what happens with this thing.
Hopefully I got a good one, if not, I will be on the phone complaining constantly until I am satisfied(I hope I don't NEED to do that, but I will).
Theres always something right around the corner bruh, you know that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CMRA /forum/post/0
Which has to bring up the question: how come you didn't hold out for Sony's new Bravia LCD? (LCD with 'better' blacks)
Ummmmmmmmmmmm, I waited, heard a few tidbits, and........
I needed a PJ, my room is a wreck because the DT500 never really worked right here(although the pic was fab.), at least I now can begin to fix it!!
I could always wait a few and get the next best thing, but ya know what?
I needed a decent PJ, that was QUIET, with VG lens shift, SHORT Throw, Lumens, and a decent price!
This PJ fits all those criteria, IIRC the Bravia didn't fit all those.
I also looked at getting the Epson and the Z5...........
The Epson with what is considred lousy blacks, and noisy performance(Ummmm neither did I want), and the Z5 with it's pathetic "WARRANTY" issues(what good is a warranty, if they don't honor it?), and low lumens.
I also thought about the 1000U,the HD70,and the HD72... none of those even came close to fitting the criteria.
I did look around, with the criteria I stated I wanted/needed, the AX100U fit all these criteria, and with the EW(bulb and PJ) at VA, I figured it would be OK as far as LCD.
I can be very difficult if I feel I am getting screwed, so I will be paying close attention to what happens with this thing.
Hopefully I got a good one, if not, I will be on the phone complaining constantly until I am satisfied(I hope I don't NEED to do that, but I will).
Theres always something right around the corner bruh, you know that.
Yep
My "Grey" screen is fairly dark, not a really light one, like I stated, it's VERY close to Sherwin Williams "Grey Screen"- it was Benjamin Moores closest match, and it's pretty "Neutral".
I am now in the middle of moving my whole room around AGAIN(ARRRRRRRRRGH!!!), but at least this time, it will actually benefit the room/viewing area, instead of detracting from it.
My situation is I needed a short throw, BUT I also WANTED lens shift, because I am only using the top of my wall (59"), as I have horizontal tongue and groove on the bottom 2' 10".
The 500 was a difficult fit here, because the lens had to be where seating should be, making it both noisy(RIGHT next to my ear), and a stealer of seating.
If I could use the DT500(or the 12K mk2) where I have(need) my 100U, and give the same size pic(App. 115") I would have one of them instead of the 100U, but unfortunately, neither of them fit the bill here.
I personally like DLP better, but I couldn't find any that would work here due to my stated limitations, plus my speakers/stands are RIGHT below the screen as well, I would had to move them somewhere else(or cut them down-which I don't want to do unless necessary), and the area of the screen is somewhat of an alcove(but 1 side wall sticks out 3x as far as the other), so that furthers the issue.....
This thread wasn't really a contest type thing, just some observations I have about both units...
As we ALL know, there is ALWAYS gonna be something right around the corner, and I'm hopeful that I don't have all kinds of issues with this thing.. I HATE returning stuff for repair.....
Fingers Crossed!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MTyson /forum/post/0
Will it have better blacks simply because it's much dimmer? If so, I'd just use the AX100U with an ND filter or a darker gray screen (which would give better ambient light contrast/blacks and increase ANSI contrast in rooms with light colored walls).
Yep
My "Grey" screen is fairly dark, not a really light one, like I stated, it's VERY close to Sherwin Williams "Grey Screen"- it was Benjamin Moores closest match, and it's pretty "Neutral".
I am now in the middle of moving my whole room around AGAIN(ARRRRRRRRRGH!!!), but at least this time, it will actually benefit the room/viewing area, instead of detracting from it.
My situation is I needed a short throw, BUT I also WANTED lens shift, because I am only using the top of my wall (59"), as I have horizontal tongue and groove on the bottom 2' 10".
The 500 was a difficult fit here, because the lens had to be where seating should be, making it both noisy(RIGHT next to my ear), and a stealer of seating.
If I could use the DT500(or the 12K mk2) where I have(need) my 100U, and give the same size pic(App. 115") I would have one of them instead of the 100U, but unfortunately, neither of them fit the bill here.
I personally like DLP better, but I couldn't find any that would work here due to my stated limitations, plus my speakers/stands are RIGHT below the screen as well, I would had to move them somewhere else(or cut them down-which I don't want to do unless necessary), and the area of the screen is somewhat of an alcove(but 1 side wall sticks out 3x as far as the other), so that furthers the issue.....
This thread wasn't really a contest type thing, just some observations I have about both units...
As we ALL know, there is ALWAYS gonna be something right around the corner, and I'm hopeful that I don't have all kinds of issues with this thing.. I HATE returning stuff for repair.....
Fingers Crossed!!!
Now that Art's review is out those 'better' blacks are suspect. But, it does support 1080p/24- not shabby for a 720p PJ.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MTyson /forum/post/0
Will it have better blacks simply because it's much dimmer? If so, I'd just use the AX100U with an ND filter or a darker gray screen (which would give better ambient light contrast/blacks and increase ANSI contrast in rooms with light colored walls).
Now that Art's review is out those 'better' blacks are suspect. But, it does support 1080p/24- not shabby for a 720p PJ.
Yep, the AX100U supports 1080P/24 as well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CMRA /forum/post/0
Now that Art's review is out those 'better' blacks are suspect. But, it does support 1080p/24- not shabby for a 720p PJ.
Yep, the AX100U supports 1080P/24 as well.
Well, after setting up my room ( which I like MUCH more now), I noticed that the AX100U isn't as detailed/sharp as I had originally thought.
I am comparing it to my Hitachi CRT/RPTV, and the Hitachi looks more detailed than the AX100U, and thats even if I shrink the pic of the 100U even SMALLER than the 57" Hitachi!!
CRTS aren't considered especially sharp/detailed, and I have focused the 100U as good as it can get.
This is feeding the 2 of them the same signal(at the same time), which BTW is 720P(the Hitachi is 540P or 1080i)!!
The component leads to the Hitachi are 39' long(with extensions!!- a 30' and a 9'), and the leads to the 100U are 3' long
I'll be investigating this some more.
Maybe the Behr #780 Topcoat?
I am comparing it to my Hitachi CRT/RPTV, and the Hitachi looks more detailed than the AX100U, and thats even if I shrink the pic of the 100U even SMALLER than the 57" Hitachi!!
CRTS aren't considered especially sharp/detailed, and I have focused the 100U as good as it can get.
This is feeding the 2 of them the same signal(at the same time), which BTW is 720P(the Hitachi is 540P or 1080i)!!
The component leads to the Hitachi are 39' long(with extensions!!- a 30' and a 9'), and the leads to the 100U are 3' long
I'll be investigating this some more.
Maybe the Behr #780 Topcoat?
I've had my dt500 for about a month I just don't understand how anyone could consider this unit noisy.I am set with this projector for a few years barring any unforeseen problems.PQ is outstanding.JMO.
I'm glad that you don't consider it noisy(obviously, thats good for you), but I am not the only person that has mentioned it.
It was even mentioned in Arts review of the Z3000(basically the same unit).
If you come from a 4805, or something like that, then yeah, it's not noisy, but sit with your ear within 2' for awhile.
You will hear it without problem during quieter sequences.
If you compare the sound of the 2 PJ's mentioned in this observation of mine, there is NO comparison, the 500 sounds like a jet in comparison, but some folks can place the unit far enough away, to be a non-issue.
I couldn't.
The PQ is VVG on the DT500, thats for certain.
Quote:
Originally Posted by r8ered /forum/post/0
I've had my dt500 for about a month I just don't understand how anyone could consider this unit noisy.I am set with this projector for a few years barring any unforeseen problems.PQ is outstanding.JMO.
I'm glad that you don't consider it noisy(obviously, thats good for you), but I am not the only person that has mentioned it.
It was even mentioned in Arts review of the Z3000(basically the same unit).
If you come from a 4805, or something like that, then yeah, it's not noisy, but sit with your ear within 2' for awhile.
You will hear it without problem during quieter sequences.
If you compare the sound of the 2 PJ's mentioned in this observation of mine, there is NO comparison, the 500 sounds like a jet in comparison, but some folks can place the unit far enough away, to be a non-issue.
I couldn't.
The PQ is VVG on the DT500, thats for certain.
After seeing so many different reports on people's results with the AX100 I'm beginning to wonder if the screen is not a significant variable. I have an ST130 that seems to work well.
P.S. -- Have you tried the HDMI input on the AX100? All my sources are HDMI output, and I suppose that could be a factor.
Quote:
Originally Posted by muzz /forum/post/0
Maybe the Behr #780 Topcoat?
After seeing so many different reports on people's results with the AX100 I'm beginning to wonder if the screen is not a significant variable. I have an ST130 that seems to work well.
P.S. -- Have you tried the HDMI input on the AX100? All my sources are HDMI output, and I suppose that could be a factor.
Not YET I haven't, it's "on the things to try".
I only have 1 HDMI input on this, and my HD-A1 is currently occupying that ( I don't have an HDMI switch, only a component switch)...... That will definitely be one of the things I do try.
I painted a piece of wood the Pebble Beach ( leftover paint- WITHOUT 780 Topcoat),it SEEMS to me, that the 780 DOES soften the image a LITTLE bit, which TBO, isn't really a surprise to me, I mean it IS a coating.
The whites suffer a bit without the topcoat though....
Not sure what I'm gonna do.....
Quote:
Originally Posted by rombullterrier /forum/post/0
After seeing so many different reports on people's results with the AX100 I'm beginning to wonder if the screen is not a significant variable. I have an ST130 that seems to work well.
P.S. -- Have you tried the HDMI input on the AX100? All my sources are HDMI output, and I suppose that could be a factor.
Not YET I haven't, it's "on the things to try".
I only have 1 HDMI input on this, and my HD-A1 is currently occupying that ( I don't have an HDMI switch, only a component switch)...... That will definitely be one of the things I do try.
I painted a piece of wood the Pebble Beach ( leftover paint- WITHOUT 780 Topcoat),it SEEMS to me, that the 780 DOES soften the image a LITTLE bit, which TBO, isn't really a surprise to me, I mean it IS a coating.
The whites suffer a bit without the topcoat though....
Not sure what I'm gonna do.....
I had one other thought and that is throw ratio. I am at about 2:1 and that seems to work well. I wonder if the throw is a PQ factor for some.
Dunno, I'm maxed out here myself.
I've tried different zoom levels on this(shrinking the pic, NOT moving the PJ), and it seems OK no matter where I put it.
The more I watch the AX100, the more I realize that the DT500 projected a better image (IMO)......
Too bad it blew up, and didn't really fit my room....
Someday I'll have a better room for a PJ(housing is just ridiculous in MA.), and hopefully by then, DLP will be a lil more flexible as well....
I just need this AX100 to get me through to that time.......
Quote:
Originally Posted by rombullterrier /forum/post/0
I had one other thought and that is throw ratio. I am at about 2:1 and that seems to work well. I wonder if the throw is a PQ factor for some.
Dunno, I'm maxed out here myself.
I've tried different zoom levels on this(shrinking the pic, NOT moving the PJ), and it seems OK no matter where I put it.
The more I watch the AX100, the more I realize that the DT500 projected a better image (IMO)......
Too bad it blew up, and didn't really fit my room....
Someday I'll have a better room for a PJ(housing is just ridiculous in MA.), and hopefully by then, DLP will be a lil more flexible as well....
I just need this AX100 to get me through to that time.......
Not just your opinion, Art's (z-3000) and mine too. Of course, someone with a C3X will let me know I'm missing out, also.
Quote:
Originally Posted by muzz /forum/post/0
The more I watch the AX100, the more I realize that the DT500 projected a better image (IMO)......
......
Not just your opinion, Art's (z-3000) and mine too. Of course, someone with a C3X will let me know I'm missing out, also.
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
AVS Forum
A forum community dedicated to home theater owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about home audio/video, TVs, projectors, screens, receivers, speakers, projects, DIY’s, product reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Recommended Communities
