[Ranger]

Hey guys,


I am interested in this Barco on Ebay. Can you tell me how much it's worth ? The Green tube looks like it's shot. Is this a better PJ than my current 6pg Xtra ?

http://cgi.*********/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...category=32862


//cgi.*********/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3047005233&category=32862


Thanks,

Ranger


ps. I don't know why I can't post the Ebay link but you can just go to ebay and type in item # 3047005233

 

[spearce]

Our hosts have elected to prevent ebay hyperlinks in the forums, as many people were trying to advertise their ebay auctions rather than using the AVS classifieds. Can't say I blame them.


Anyway, doesn't the 1208s/2 have 9" tubes?


Green tube shot isn't a good sign for a used new-to-you projector.... unless its a dang good deal.

 

[tubesguy]

The 1208S/2 has 8" tubes, and is a bigger brother to the 808. Scans higher, maybe newer than the average 808 that you're likely to find, but still an 8" EM machine.


The one in this auction has been referred to often in this forum, and has been listed at least 4 times at this price, and "sold" at least once. I'd look elsewhere.

 

[secstate]

The glib answer is whatever the seller and buyer are willing to sell/buy it for. Seriously that particular projector has been up several times on Ebay already for that price and not sold. The good news is it is a 1208S/2 which is the latest and greatest version of that particular Barco model. It has 8" MEC tubes, NOT 9". I have an older version of that particular model and it throws a great picture and is easy to configure. The bad news is several fold. First the green tube is pretty shot in my opinion, and the burn/wear is not even which is going to throw off your whites in different parts of the screen. I am sure you will notice it. The blue doesn't looks so bad but may need to be done as well. The other bit of bad news is the tubes for this model are newer MEC and rebuilt from VDC cost about $695 each as opposed to the older models which cost only $495. So assuming you do your own replacement you are looking at at least $2000 (1400 for the projector + 695 for a green tube). If you replace both you are close to $3000. I think $2500-3000 would buy you a good Barco 808 (similar model) from one of the respectable CRT resellers on the forum (which will either have rebuilt tubes or good originals) and they will back up their items with support and a warranty.


I speak from experience here, I bought a 1208/2 with some burn that I thought I could live with. Well it was obvious and I ended up replacing the tubes. It has taken me a fair about of time and I am still working on getting them adjusted just right. And of course added $1000 to the price of my bargain. Also my 1208/2 had 4500 hours on it and one card blew in the first 40 hours that I had it, if it wasn't for an EE friend of mine, I would have probably had to pay another $300-400 to get a good used card from one of the resellers. Also if you are looking for bargains I would keep watching as 8" EM units (such as this one) seem to be flooding the market of late, there may be some drop in prices, particularly for the non-warranty ones. Personally if I had to do it all over again, I would probably have bought one from a reputable reseller and saved some time and heartache.

 

[Ranger]

Thanks guys. I will stay away from this one then. The reason I am considering the Barcos is because they are supposedly quieter than NECs.

My 6pg is pretty loud, but not as loud as the XGs.

 

[secstate]

Ranger,


I can confirm, that Barcos are very quiet. My 1208 makes less noise than the air coming through my central air vents. I can sit within (I haven't mounted it yet) 2 feet and with no other noise it is not noticeable unless you are listening specifically for it.


secstate

 

[spearce]

I do have to agree with everyone else, the 808 is so quiet I can work on it for hours and not even know its on.


Quite scary when you think about it, as you might open the case and jam your hand in before fully realizing that the machine's got 20kV in the tube cage.