[*UFO*]

What has more contrast the HD70, SP5000, SP4805, AE700, Z3 or the Z4?

 

[MTyson]

The 4805 has superior contrast to to the HD70 by a wide margin if you calibrated the unit properly. Someone awhile back (I think an ISF calibrator. Maybe Krasmusik) said the HD70 calibrated to about 800:1 or so, while the 4805 calibrates to about 2200:1.

 

[MTyson]

It basically means the specs are either false or recorded at miscalibrated settings so they can claim a higher contrast ratio. Infocus specs of home theater models are stated based on home theater optimized settings, so they aren't inflated. Calibrated to D65 (for accuracy) the contrast and brightness of most units drop; the 4805 comes precalibrated to D65. The brightness of the HD70 is also a bit less than the 4805 when calibrated too. I hear it's around 350-400 lumens while the 4805 is about 600+. To get a higher contrast with some units you basically have to deal with an innaccurate image. The average person can't see this as well as someone with a more trained eye.


The SP5000 should only look better with high definition content and even then it still comes up short compared to the 4805 in dark scenes .). With DVDs the 4805 should be the clear winner if you aren't sitting too close to the 4805. The SP5000 has maybe two advantages with dvds and one of them isn't needed except for bigger screen or ambient light. Those two are: SDE and Brightness. Less SDE does allow one to sit closer though, but for those that sit 2x the width or further it's not something to worry about with the 4805.


The SP5000 probably is less than 800:1 when calibrated properly. Take a look at the black level. It's probably about 4x higher than the 4805.


You tried watching anything with dark scenes yet? If not, you should. That should show the contrast shortcomings of the SP5000 compared to the 4805 (assuming it wasn't miscalibrated). Watch some and you should quickly see how the on/off contrast isn't that close. In bright scenes higher on/off contrast makes less of a difference. It'll be harder to tell with brighter scenes. Higher On/Off contrast mostly improves darker scenes which lower contrast projectors have a more difficult time with.


Proper calibration plays a role with what the final contrast and brightness will become.


Glad you like your unit. Enjoy.