[Jeff Hovis]

Ordered it today from Jason at AVS. The special pricing is amazing! My only regret is the HT won't be ready until November if I can get a drywall installer to ever show up.

 

[drexlr]

Sweet. I don't know how you'll be able to wait that long. I ordered mine last week from Jason and it's due to arrive tomorrow. I've been suffering. Can't ask for a better deal, great price & great service!!!

 

[Jeff Hovis]

The old HT has been all packed away since July. We are getting really excited about finally having a new one.

 

[maximusPSO]

I got mine from Jason last week and got it set up properly yesterday. It is a great projector. I am very happy with it. I'm sure you will be too. For the price, I doubt it can really be beat. Especially if you consider the sealed light path and no dust blob cleaning (a big factor for me b/c I'm not one to vacuum every week).


I put a mini-review in this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=459182

 

[idog1969]

just ordered mine from Jason yesterday. Can't wait.

Question - how is the internal scaler vs using a progressive input?

I hear the BenQ scaler is very good.

Has anyone tried both? If so, which one looks better?

I was hoping to use the internal de-interlacer.

PS - I chose the 7800 over the IF4805. Hope I made the right decision.

 

[Jeff Hovis]

idog1969,

I was just like you. I was all set to buy the 4805 until I got the 7800 price from Jason. I bought iy strictly based on the specs. I have an X1 now and I've always used the DCDi that is built into the X1 via S-Vid. For the 7800, I ordered a 25-ft component cable to use with a Panny CP72

 

[Jeff Hovis]

Mine is scheduled for delivery Friday. Considering the fact that list price on this pj is $5,500, I'm sure I'll be quite happy based on the special pricing we got. Since the HT isn't complete, I'll probably give it a test drive on a wall this weekend.

 

[idog1969]

Jeff,

I pretty much bought mine sight unseen too, although Jason was a big help! I'm surprised there isn't more talk about this projector on the forum. It sort of falls under-the-radar. I did see this review though and although I don't look much into reviews, I found this one to be helpful. If you haven't seen it, check it out:

http://www.projectorreviews.com/article.aspx?artid=20

 

[Jeff Hovis]

idog1969,

you are correct, there isn't much on the forum about the 7800. The only other similar DLP I knew about was the Infocus 5700, which has the same chipset and rez. The 7800, however, has better contrast. If any of you out there reading this are leaning toward the 4805, you should call Jason at AVS. For not too much more, you can get a 7800 if there are any left at this price.


BTW, that was a nice review, I had not seen it before.

 

[maximusPSO]

Thanks for the advice you gave me via PM, Jeff. I changed some settings on the dvd player and now I don't get digital artifacts when during slow panning scenes anymore.

Now the picture is seemless. I'm just in awe. What a fantastic picture!

 

[Jeff Hovis]

Not only did the new 7800 arrive today, but my Monster Power HTS2600 and my new screen all arrived! Cables arrived yesterday. I have too many new toys. Aint the internet great!

 

[Jeff Hovis]

The first thing I noticed about the new pj is the size and weight of it. Compared to the X1 it's replacing, it's larger and a lot heavier. Hopefully, I'll get some time to at least plug it in and project something onto a wall or even the old Dalite screen. The X1 and Dalite are now offically for sale

 

[maximusPSO]

I've been watching tons of dvds since I set up the projector last week. The only negative I've seen now that I've setup my dvd player correctly is dithering in dark scenes. I've got a hi-power screen, so it is supposed to be more apparent on that type of screen anyway. In a movie with a lot of dark scenes like Master and Commander I simply turn down the brightness and the dithering lessens.


Anyway, besides dithering in very dark scenes, the picture is practically perfect, IMHO. I honestly cannot see spending a penny more for the difference in picture quality between this projector and the more expensive projectors I've viewed. I don't have HDTV signals, so extra resolution is not really a factor. Also, in my opinoin, the black level and contrast are great on this projector, so darker blacks or more contrast on more expensive projectors would not be that big of a deal for me. Everything is smooth, colorful, and sharp on this projector. Thus far I am a very happy camper.

 

[SpeedyHTPC]

The 7800 is based on the matterhorn at 1024x576 or something like that for PAL. Why did you choose it over the 4805? Was there any reason, esp bought sight unseen?

 

[Jeff Hovis]

Native Rez: BenQ7800 1024x576 vs IF SP4805 854x480

Brightness: BenQ7800 800 vs SP4805 750

Colo Wheel: BenQ7800 6-seg/5x vs SP4805 6-set/4x


Those specs are similar, but the 7800 does have an edge. Based on list price of $5495 vs $1499, the 4805 would be a no brainer.


My selection process:

I bought an X1 back in 2002 just after it's intro for over $1600. I had a mental block over paying less for the 4805 and feeling that I got an upgrade. I honestly don't think the 4805 was enough of an upgrade for me over my X1. Now, the AVS special buy made a huge difference. The 7800 special pricing is/was SIGNIFICANT! FYI, when I ordered mine, they only had about ten. Hint, you'd probably have to spend close to an additional $2k to do better.

 

[Havocsi]

Since I see a lot of questions regarding the PE7800 and the IF 4805. I have seen them both, have the 7800 and seen the IF on several ocations. Now latly in a big shootout with other similar ones.


The PE7800 is quite a bit better then the IF 4805 so if you bought it instead, good for you!


For more info on what I think about it compared to other projectors and my earlier review go to:

Shootout thread compaing it to several projectors

My review of the PE7800

 

[moretothepoint]

One point I'm unclear about and that is due to my technical ignorance is that the 7800 uses BNC connectors for progressive scan. In layman's terms or for tech idiots like myself, what does this mean in practical terms. Do I have to buy special expensive cabling to get pro scan. And don't these projectors all have some type of internal de-interlacing chips.


Thanks in advance to anyone who can clear up this confusion. Was thinking of the IF 4805 along with my cousin, but the new lowered pricing on the 7800 may have us both switching.

 

[Jeff Hovis]

moretothepoint,

I'll get right to it;-) BNC connectors are similar to RCA plugs except they have a collar around the plug with a slot that fits over a pin. You slide it on, turn the collar and it's locked. The 7800 provides a BNC adapter so you don't have to go out and buy new cable. A couple of years ago, I had CRT pjs and they all had BNC connectors.

 

[SpeedyHTPC]

Hmm..


quick PE7800 vs IF4805


1024x576 vs 854x480

5x wheel vs 4x wheel

210w vs 160w (while being quiet)

Brighter and punchier than 4805's

and with AVS price..

Long throw..same optics as the 8700


hmmmmmmmmm

Only negative is that 2000 hrs on the lamp ..

That seems to be the clearest communication I have seen so far Jeff..

Wonder if the 4805 folks are looking here..for a PJ originally in the $5K range.

 

[Jeff Hovis]

Remember, jason only had about 10 last week. So Speedy, if you want one, you better order it first and then tell everyone on the 4805 forum. I think most people ignored Jason's post about the special because the posted retail price is $5495. One thing, it's probably a typo, but you said 6x vs 4x wheel. They both have 6segment wheels but the 7800 is 5x and the 4805 is a 4x wheel. The faster wheel should be better for those with rainbow problems.