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Finally Getting A Projector - H31

1726 Views 35 Replies 18 Participants Last post by mlstrass, Oct 14, 2006

mlstrass

Discussion Starter · Oct 3, 2006

It's been a dream of mine for several years, but for one reason or another I've never been able to make it happen. I've had a killer audio set up for quite some time: 6 Klipsch Legends and 4 15" Tempest subs, but only an old 36" TV.

The H31 will arrive Friday from visualapex. I picked up a Toshiba 3990 at BB the other day as I only plan to use the PJ for DVD's, so 480p should do the trick. I'll connect it with a 35' component set from monoprice. Also will finish up an AT 92" screen tonight using the Dazian CCC that showed up yesterday. It's a low budget DIY install as you can see, but that's all I can do at this time and I'm sure I'll be happy with the end result.

Just really wanted to say how great this forum is and how much I've learned through countless hours of reading old posts the past several weeks. Thanks to everyone on here who takes the time to help out, especially us rookies as it's rather confusing at first.

Amazing how at 42 I feel like a kid on the night before Christmas morning, didn't that think that was possible anymore

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1 - 20 of 36 Posts

cavu

· #2 · Oct 3, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlstrass
It's been a dream of mine for several years [...] The H31 will arrive Friday

Congrats!! The H31 is a nice projector - great starting point! You are in for the ride of your life!!

Assayer

· #3 · Oct 3, 2006

Congrats. Now the next step is to stay as far away from this forum as possible. Otherwise you will join the rest of us on the perpetual upgrade treadmill.

SixKindsOfWonder

· #4 · Oct 3, 2006

the H31 was my first projector too!

And stepping away from the forum is always solid advice... I upgraded less than two months later.

Enjoy the show!

mlstrass

Discussion Starter · #5 · Oct 5, 2006

I tend NOT to get bitten by the upgrade bug very often as I try to do it right the first time. For me this is the "right" set up. What I can afford and make work in my room, so it should provide plenty of viewing pleasure.

Just finished the screen tonight and the mount showed up, but projector and component cable are scheduled for Friday delivery. YES I'm excited...

Deathwish238

· #6 · Oct 5, 2006

Was the Optoma HD70 out of your budget?

blitz6speed

· #7 · Oct 5, 2006

I loved my H31 as well, FANTASTIC projector. If you play video games, definetly get yourself a Xbox 360, looks FANTASTIC on it, and make sure the 360 is set to output 720p (native res).

BobBart

· #8 · Oct 5, 2006

I just got one a few weeks ago to replace my Infocus 4805 and I am more than pleased. Colors are fantastic. I had thought about the optoma hd70 but is was $400 dollars more than the h31. The h31 more than enough for my current setup. I'm sure you will be pleased. I am currently running mine thru dvi with a bravo d1.

maitak

· #9 · Oct 5, 2006

I hope you post again once you get it setup and watch a movie or two. I always enjoy seeing reactions from first time owners.

mlstrass

Discussion Starter · #10 · Oct 5, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish238
Was the Optoma HD70 out of your budget?

Yes since I just dumped a bunch of $$$ into car stereo upgrades. I couldn't swing the H70 and the new subs for the car, so chose the H31 and the subs.

mlstrass

Discussion Starter · #11 · Oct 5, 2006

I finished up the 92" CCC AT screen last night, looks good but should look MUCH better when I throw an image onto it tomorrow night.

All the positive feedback on this PJ makes me feel confident in my decision. I'll be sure to post up a few pics and give my initial impressions over the weekend.

mlstrass

Discussion Starter · #12 · Oct 6, 2006

Also since I'm only going to be using it to watch DVD's the H70 didn't offer any advantages for the extra $$$.

MTyson

· #13 · Oct 6, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlstrass
Also since I'm only going to be using it to watch DVD's the H70 didn't offer any advantages for the extra $$$.

It's brighter, has much less screen door effect and has red reds.

Maybe not worth the extra money for just DVDs on an average screen size. It's a definite improvement for those who want to run larger than normal screen sizes with DVDs (or those who want to sit closer).

480p units have great bang for you buck and are excellent units to use until HD drops even more. Because 480p simply isn't going to drop much lower. Eventaully a 720p unit like the HD70 will be $500-$700 and 480p most likely will not drop below $300.

mlstrass

Discussion Starter · #14 · Oct 6, 2006

That's all I'm looking for, most bang for the buck watching 480p, so the H31 it is. I've been using a 36" RCA tube TV for the past 13 years, so I'm looking at a HUGE improvement. Also I'm not super critical of most things, so I'll be more than happy with the image it produces. But I do understand that the H70 is a better projector.

Got the ceiling hooks installed for the screen and did a trial hanging, looks good. Also took the time to check SPL levels on the speakers and break out the laser pen to aim them at the sweet spot again.

Unfortunately I have to ref a hockey game tomorrow night, so I might not get to try it out until Saturday

Rob Babcock

· #15 · Oct 6, 2006

Congrats on the purchase! I have an H31 and have been delighted with it (it's my 2nd PJ). You'll have to let us know how it works out.

It's funny that a previous poster said they liked their H31 but upgraded 2 months later...I love mine, and that's about how long I've had it, and I will probably also upgrade within a month!

My plan (right now) is to buy an Optoma HD70. I figure it's a no-brainer; real HD resolution that uses the same mount as my H31!

Nevar

· #16 · Oct 6, 2006

It's a great machine as long as it stays out of problems. The Optoma service department is a real threat. Make sure you get some decent warranty service from your dealer.

Deathwish238

· #17 · Oct 6, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlstrass
Yes since I just dumped a bunch of $$$ into car stereo upgrades. I couldn't swing the H70 and the new subs for the car, so chose the H31 and the subs.

Make sure to calibrate it properly and it'll be sweet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlstrass
Also since I'm only going to be using it to watch DVD's the H70 didn't offer any advantages for the extra $$$.

I don't know about that. You'll still atleast get a sharper picture and well a better overall picture from the HD70.

mlstrass

Discussion Starter · #18 · Oct 6, 2006

I'll definitely take time to set it up properly. I have T2 with the THX calibration SW, plus an old Sound & Vision calibrating disc, but I'll get DVE if necessary.

What I meant is that I personally wouldn't "see" a $400 improvement in picture quality by going to the H70, even though it's a better projector. Meaning I'll be more than happy with the image the H31 throws judging by the pics I've seen posted in here.

I'm not looking for the best out there, or even great, just better than my old 36" over S-vid and non progressive. Not too hard to beat.

Picked up a component connector for my PS2 at lunch time today. Haven't played it in 6+ months, but the big screen has me itching for some ATV Off Road Fury.

UPS says the PJ and cable are "out for delivery" , so I'm just counting the minutes at work...

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[H]RedDog

· #19 · Oct 6, 2006

I have the hd70 and think the h31 is a much better projector. Other than it being 480p vs 720 once calibrated the h31 out performs the hd70 in just about every aspect. I suspect the h31 even has higher contrast once calibrated. I think you made a good choice.

tattootearz

· #20 · Oct 6, 2006

^^^ you gotta love RedDog...

Hey mlstrass, I recently just joined the ranks of the Projector crowd and I have to say man, it was one of the best decisions of '2006. I sit in my Theater room and it feels like Im sitting in front of a 92" Plasma display without the annoying "sparklies"... . The HD70 is simply amazing to us simple Home Theater guys who just want a good semi-calibrated image.

Based on what is said about the H31, I am so confident that you are going to be BLOWN away!

I was in Circuit City a few days ago and I saw people wowing around the LCD & Plasma display units and all I could say to myself was "HAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHHAHAH..... HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAA... man, if they only know.... HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA... " you get the point.

ENJOY IT MAN!!!

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1 - 20 of 36 Posts

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