Those are most likely dust blobs, As far as too bright other then running is eco lamp and with cinema mode you can not tame its brightness with the brightness control. There are other ways, one is an ND (neutral density) filter in front of the lens and the other is a low gain gray (ND) screen. With out all the details about room size and environment we really can't help advise if this is the right projector for you. As the lamp ages the filter can be removed.
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Epson 2150 issues
I just bought an Epson 2150 (factory refurb) and while the color accuracy looks good and overall picture looks quite good, I'm seeing two serious issues...
1) There are 2 green artifacts that are very noticeable on dark backgrounds (see image below). What exactly is this? Epson says the projector is defective.
2) This thing is very bright, even in natural or cinema mode and seems too bright in a dark room. If I lower brightness, the details badly degrade and there is extreme contrast. Image doesn't actually even dim down much. Any solutions to this?
Any thoughts on either of these issues appreciated. Not sure f it makes sense to replace this with the same model or move on to something entirely different.
Thanks
![Output device Computer monitor Peripheral Computer Television]()
1) There are 2 green artifacts that are very noticeable on dark backgrounds (see image below). What exactly is this? Epson says the projector is defective.
2) This thing is very bright, even in natural or cinema mode and seems too bright in a dark room. If I lower brightness, the details badly degrade and there is extreme contrast. Image doesn't actually even dim down much. Any solutions to this?
Any thoughts on either of these issues appreciated. Not sure f it makes sense to replace this with the same model or move on to something entirely different.
Thanks
1 - 20 of 30 Posts
Ask for a replacement ASAP - you can't fix the defects. AFAIK, Epson will only exchange refurbs.I just bought an Epson 2150 (factory refurb) and while the color accuracy looks good and overall picture looks quite good, I'm seeing two serious issues...
1) There are 2 green artifacts that are very noticeable on dark backgrounds (see image below). What exactly is this? Epson says the projector is defective.
2) This thing is very bright, even in natural or cinema mode and seems too bright in a dark room. If I lower brightness, the details badly degrade and there is extreme contrast. Image doesn't actually even dim down much. Any solutions to this?
Any thoughts on either of these issues appreciated. Not sure f it makes sense to replace this with the same model or move on to something entirely different.
Thanks
View attachment 3157106
Brightness control doesn't change brightness. Switch to Eco mode to reduce brightness and/or use a larger and/or grey screen.
Viewing is mostly at night in dark room. Distance is 8’4” to screen and screen is 84” with gain of 1.1. Maybe it is just to bright from this environment? Is ND density filter a practical solution over replacing with something else. I’m thinking something like a BenQ HT2050A might be a better choice and supports the throw ratio I need.Those are most likely dust blobs, As far as too bright other then running is eco lamp and with cinema mode you can not tame its brightness with the brightness control. There are other ways, one is an ND (neutral density) filter in front of the lens and the other is a low gain gray (ND) screen. With out all the details about room size and environment we really can't help advise if this is the right projector for you. As the lamp ages the filter can be removed.
Thanks. Epson has already agreed to replace it just not sure this is the right projector now and also how common these issues are on refurbs. Already running natural color mode in eco.Ask for a replacement ASAP - you can't fix the defects. AFAIK, Epson will only exchange refurbs.
Brightness control doesn't change brightness. Switch to Eco mode to reduce brightness and/or use a larger and/or grey screen.
Yes I would say if you asked first before you bought the projector we may have recommended something else possibly the BenQ. Refurbed from Epson aren't returnable they will only continue to replace it with another refurbed until you get a good one. For an 84" screen we would always recommend a TV over a projector but for what ever reason you want a projector the reason it's so bright is they are really designed for 100" plus screens. I highly recommend a dark gray screen, paint your wall a dark gray or get an ND filter if you can't increase the screen size because of throw distance or available wall space.Viewing is mostly at night in dark room. Distance is 8’4” to screen and screen is 84” with gain of 1.1. Maybe it is just to bright from this environment? Is ND density filter a practical solution over replacing with something else. I’m thinking something like a BenQ HT2050A might be a better choice and supports the throw ratio I need.
Definitely with a 84" setup, it would have been recommended many times to just buy a TV.
But, you will likely want/need to get a ND filter which will cut down on light output and ensure you are running the lamp in low power mode. The brightness control of a projector does not actually make the lamp brighter/dimmer, it just impacts highlight details which can cause non-desirable results if your goal is to dim the overall image. It just lowers contrast and looks terrible. To lower actual brightness, a ND filer is the solution. You will need to rig it up so it is in front of the lens. It's basically sunglasses for your projector.
It does look like you are using a manual roll up screen in the room, based upon the waves which appear to be in the photo you posted, so it is unlikely you will get any decent negative gain screens that are that size and manual roll up.
Another solution, if it fits/works, is to go much larger. Like, at least 120" diagonal, as that's what projectors were mostly designed to work with. 120" is really a sweet spot for image size and will cut light output on screen significantly. A 84" diagonal is under 21 square feet. A 120" diagonal is over 42 square feet. So, the projector will appear HALF as bright when you get up to more typically sized screens. Obviously, going larger may not work for your setup. But, you can honestly cut light output by 50% to get acceptable results in the room.
Definitely get it exchanged though. Epson should take care of that, no problem at all.
But, you will likely want/need to get a ND filter which will cut down on light output and ensure you are running the lamp in low power mode. The brightness control of a projector does not actually make the lamp brighter/dimmer, it just impacts highlight details which can cause non-desirable results if your goal is to dim the overall image. It just lowers contrast and looks terrible. To lower actual brightness, a ND filer is the solution. You will need to rig it up so it is in front of the lens. It's basically sunglasses for your projector.
It does look like you are using a manual roll up screen in the room, based upon the waves which appear to be in the photo you posted, so it is unlikely you will get any decent negative gain screens that are that size and manual roll up.
Another solution, if it fits/works, is to go much larger. Like, at least 120" diagonal, as that's what projectors were mostly designed to work with. 120" is really a sweet spot for image size and will cut light output on screen significantly. A 84" diagonal is under 21 square feet. A 120" diagonal is over 42 square feet. So, the projector will appear HALF as bright when you get up to more typically sized screens. Obviously, going larger may not work for your setup. But, you can honestly cut light output by 50% to get acceptable results in the room.
Definitely get it exchanged though. Epson should take care of that, no problem at all.
I really appreciate he feedback here. Tv would never have worked due to the space particulars (screen is hanging from a floating beam).
I assume I can return this to best buy because it is only 2 days old and arrived defective out of the box. Other than the excessive brightness and the artifacts, I'm happy with the picture. Not sure if it makes sense to try and replace with another refurb and install ND filter or get a BenQ? Are there ND filters than are made to fit over the front of this? Or do I have to build something and how much will it affect image quality? And is heat an issue with the filter?
![3157488]()
I assume I can return this to best buy because it is only 2 days old and arrived defective out of the box. Other than the excessive brightness and the artifacts, I'm happy with the picture. Not sure if it makes sense to try and replace with another refurb and install ND filter or get a BenQ? Are there ND filters than are made to fit over the front of this? Or do I have to build something and how much will it affect image quality? And is heat an issue with the filter?
Best Buy I would think would take it back but if you deal directly with Epson they won't. I think the Benq would be a better choice as it's not as bright as long as your not RBE sensitive. It still may require an ND filter with a fresh lamp with such a small screen. Projectors in general are not designed to accept external filters so you need to DIY an attachment method. DLP in general is sharper and a better choice in most cases in a controlled light environment where LCD sometimes is better for fighting ambient light.
Because there will be occasional times when daylight usage is desired, I think I’m better off with the Epson and not sure I want to deal with potential RBE issues anyway. Any tips of how to install an ND2 filter on this unit? A small filter might fit close to actual lens but getting the right size and somehow attaching it without a thread will be tricky? Alternatively installing over the outer housing would require something just over 100mm or an adapter that large because the filter itself would only need to be maybe 67mm even on the outside. Ideally I’d love to find someone whose done this on a 2100/2150 with pictures. I’m assuming heat will also be an issue to contend withBest Buy I would think would take it back but if you deal directly with Epson they won't. I think the Benq would be a better choice as it's not as bright as long as your not RBE sensitive. It still may require an ND filter with a fresh lamp with such a small screen. Projectors in general are not designed to accept external filters so you need to DIY an attachment method. DLP in general is sharper and a better choice in most cases in a controlled light environment where LCD sometimes is better for fighting ambient light.
just use (or create) a dark screen, grey would absorb most of the excess light and still have a bright enough picture
There is a company called Cokin that makes a rather unique and very high quality filter system that can work with the HC2150 and a little DIY muscle.Because there will be occasional times when daylight usage is desired, I think I’m better off with the Epson and not sure I want to deal with potential RBE issues anyway. Any tips of how to install an ND2 filter on this unit? A small filter might fit close to actual lens but getting the right size and somehow attaching it without a thread will be tricky? Alternatively installing over the outer housing would require something just over 100mm or an adapter that large because the filter itself would only need to be maybe 67mm even on the outside. Ideally I’d love to find someone whose done this on a 2100/2150 with pictures. I’m assuming heat will also be an issue to contend with
The filters are square and come in three different sizes. They are made of a plastic polymer, C39, or optical resin. It's the same stuff that's used to make lens'. It's likely the plastic lens elements used in the HC2150 are made using C39.
Anyhow, the Coken ND filters numbers P-152, P-153, and P-154 will give you 1, 2, and 3 stops of light reduction respectively (ND1, ND2, ND3). They also come in three different sizes of ~ 3", 4", and 5" square.
Without to much difficulty, a Cokin ND filter can be cut down to fit the rectangular opening of the HC2150 case. You'll need a Dremel tool, etc. to do the work.
Alternately and maybe more easy to do, Cokin has a filter holder that could be attached to the front of the HC2150 case using some Blue Tack or double sided tape. This would allow you to slip the filter in and out as needed.
I'll give you some links. Most high end camera shops carry Cokin, they've been around a very long time. Or it's easy enough to find and buy on line or direct from Cokin.
The P series 84mm x 84mm or ~3" should do the job for you.
Neutral Density Filters by Cokin – Cokin Filters
Cokin Full Neutral Density Kit – Cokin Filters
Cokin Filter Holder for P-Series Filters – Cokin Filters
Thanks but I'm not sure I'd be able to find a gray screen to fit my environment. Screen is 84" and hanging from a floating beam and also has a 30" extra drop material at the topjust use (or create) a dark screen, grey would absorb most of the excess light and still have a bright enough picture
Thanks for that. Great info. Wondering if heat would be an issue with these since they're not glassThere is a company called Cokin that makes a rather unique and very high quality filter system that can work with the HC2150 and a little DIY muscle.
The filters are square and come in three different sizes. They are made of a plastic polymer, C39, or optical resin. It's the same stuff that's used to make lens'. It's likely the plastic lens elements used in the HC2150 are made using C39.
Anyhow, the Coken ND filters numbers P-152, P-153, and P-154 will give you 1, 2, and 3 stops of light reduction respectively (ND1, ND2, ND3). They also come in three different sizes of ~ 3", 4", and 5" square.
Without to much difficulty, a Cokin ND filter can be cut down to fit the rectangular opening of the HC2150 case. You'll need a Dremel tool, etc. to do the work.
Alternately and maybe more easy to do, Cokin has a filter holder that could be attached to the front of the HC2150 case using some Blue Tack or double sided tape. This would allow you to slip the filter in and out as needed.
I'll give you some links. Most high end camera shops carry Cokin, they've been around a very long time. Or it's easy enough to find and buy on line or direct from Cokin.
The P series 84mm x 84mm or ~3" should do the job for you.
Neutral Density Filters by Cokin – Cokin Filters
Cokin Full Neutral Density Kit – Cokin Filters
Cokin Filter Holder for P-Series Filters – Cokin Filters
Heat from a projector should not be.
Again, it's the same material used to make lens for cameras, projectors, eye glasses, etc.
The HC2150 uses a plastic lens and it's most probably C39 material.
Again, it's the same material used to make lens for cameras, projectors, eye glasses, etc.
The HC2150 uses a plastic lens and it's most probably C39 material.
Hadn't heard of the Cokin filters that @b curry mentioned but they look interesting. I'd get a cheap adjustable filter from Amazon to try to see if you like the results. Here's one for $28 and it's of course returnable: Amazon.com : K&F Concept 62mm ND Fader Variable Neutral Density Adjustable ND Filter ND2 to ND400 for Sigma Tamron Sony Alpha A57 A77 A65 DSLR Cameras + Lens Cleaning Cloth : Camera & Photo
You can easily just use some painter's tape to hold it up there to experiment with which ND level you like. Then, if you like the results you can custom fit one later. Just to give you an idea of the amount of light you've got to cut out here....you've got a projector with about 1200 lumens in Eco mode and a new bulb. On a 84" 1.0 gain screen that equates to 57fL. 16fL is the recommended level for SDR content but many prefer it a bit brighter and using a higher gamma. 30fL is about the highest many go and is what SDR content is mastered at. That means you would want to cut the projector's output by 50%. That's a lot. I think an ND filter is a great idea. If you set it up so the filter can be removed later then you could theoretically make the bulb last forever too. Remove the filter when your lamp has dimmed a lot and boom, you've gained a ton of brightness.
You can easily just use some painter's tape to hold it up there to experiment with which ND level you like. Then, if you like the results you can custom fit one later. Just to give you an idea of the amount of light you've got to cut out here....you've got a projector with about 1200 lumens in Eco mode and a new bulb. On a 84" 1.0 gain screen that equates to 57fL. 16fL is the recommended level for SDR content but many prefer it a bit brighter and using a higher gamma. 30fL is about the highest many go and is what SDR content is mastered at. That means you would want to cut the projector's output by 50%. That's a lot. I think an ND filter is a great idea. If you set it up so the filter can be removed later then you could theoretically make the bulb last forever too. Remove the filter when your lamp has dimmed a lot and boom, you've gained a ton of brightness.
Well things are looking like they are going to come together. Best Buy wouldn’t replace because no stock but did give me a partial credit for my trouble and Epson is sending me a replacement refurb so that should hopefully take care of the green artifacts.
I ordered a cokin p series ND2 filter and holder from B&H per b curry suggestion. Interesting suggestion from PixelPusher15 about the variable ND filter as a testing device because I assume optical quality will suffer with variable filter vs fixed. Hopefully the ND2 filter will be sufficient.
I ordered a cokin p series ND2 filter and holder from B&H per b curry suggestion. Interesting suggestion from PixelPusher15 about the variable ND filter as a testing device because I assume optical quality will suffer with variable filter vs fixed. Hopefully the ND2 filter will be sufficient.
Yes, I think 2 stops should work well for you with the lamp in ECO. Should put you around 30fL with your 1.1 gain and screen size.Well things are looking like they are going to come together. Best Buy wouldn’t replace because no stock but did give me a partial credit for my trouble and Epson is sending me a replacement refurb so that should hopefully take care of the green artifacts.
I ordered a cokin p series ND2 filter and holder from B&H per b curry suggestion. Interesting suggestion from PixelPusher15 about the variable ND filter as a testing device because I assume optical quality will suffer with variable filter vs fixed. Hopefully the ND2 filter will be sufficient.
The variable ND is a nice idea but some of them can/will cause some vignetting depending on the construction and size.
Some even cause some other image artifacts too. They’re so cheap for testing purposes though and that was my reasoning for suggesting. 30fL is still a bit bright for some people. It would be ideal if Eco was around 20fL in my book. But! After the initial lamp dimming the OP’s 2150 should be just a bit brighter than thatYes, I think 2 stops should work well for you with the lamp in ECO. Should put you around 30fL with your 1.1 gain and screen size.
The variable ND is a nice idea but some of them can/will cause some vignetting depending on the construction and size.
Yes, but it grows on ya.Some even cause some other image artifacts too. They’re so cheap for testing purposes though and that was my reasoning for suggesting. 30fL is still a bit bright for some people. It would be ideal if Eco was around 20fL in my book. But! After the initial lamp dimming the OP’s 2150 should be just a bit brighter than that
Most TV's are in the 60's-70's fL these days and people don't seem be bothered too much watching in the dark.
I'm in the high 30's for our outdoor projection setup and low 20's with our dedicated indoor theater and I find myself considering a new, brighter indoor unit.
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