[Kelvinpena]

Buying a projector is a big investment (around 5k) and I don't know if I should go with one of these two or wait for the ones that have the new chips which will be true 1080.


Any comments on the 7200 vs the Sanyo? Should I just wait and if so, how long will it take to see a projector with these new chips and at waht price?


Thanks in advance guys

 

[noah katz]

A 1080 will cost a lot more than $5K, although it will likely drive down the prices of everything else.

 

[Kelvinpena]

anyone?

 

[Brandon B]

Usual comments.


If you like DLP, most will say go for the 7200 for it's better contrast and lack of LCD artifacts. If you need the brightest HT projector out there and/or are bothered by rainbows, 70 is a good choice.


BB

 

[Kelvinpena]

Should I wait for the HD3 chip projectors? How long will the wait be and how much more would I have to pay? Is the difference worth it?

 

[Andrikos]

Well, from what we're hearing, (gossip, fabrications, and a tiny bit of actual facts! ) HD3 will not be offered for FP this year. Actually, if I remember well, HD3 is lower resolution than HD2(+), xHD3 is a bit higher than HD2 but apparently will be able to resolve 1080p.

There's a GREAT thread by Mr. Wigggles that explains how this is possible.

I personally have a 7200 and we ABSOLUTELY love it.

Of course, you'll hear the same comments from PLV70 owners. In general, they went the LCD route because they're bothered by DLP artifacts. I'm not, neither are the dozens of people who have watched it (usually slack jawed).

Try go and see them your self. Best way to make up your mind.

 

[mtmason]

This seems like an odd combination. There seems to be some significant differences in these projectors that sets them apart. What is important to you? What is your room size, and how far back is your seating? The PLV-70 has a pretty long throw AND suggests 3ft clearance from a back wall. Do you have ambient light issues? What do YOU see as the decision points between the two?


I too have been wondering about 1080 projectors, and when we'll get there. A lot of people will say there's ALWAYs something bigger and better to wait for, so you might as well get in the game. It does seem that 1080 is kind of a major milestone along the bigger and better way. I was considering an IF5700 or other LESS expensive solution with the idea of waiting a few years for reasonably priced 1080 to come out. Given how I already want to get a 7205, I think that would have been a bad idea cause I'd probably be upgrading by next year. I'm planning on getting a 7200 or clone (until I change my mind again). It seems like a prudent time to pick one up. It's at the end of it's life cycle, but not miles behind the latest crop of new projectors. The PLV-70 wasn't even on my Radar though, so my reasoning wouldn't help you decide between the two.

 

[Jason Turk]

I agree that if you want brightness, the PLV70 is a good option. If that isn't a main concern, then I would look closely at the Infocus. It is going to have better blacks, better connectivity (including more future proof with HDCP) and is smaller and quieter.

 

[John Schuermann]

Here's our shootout between the two:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=311193


Lots of info there! Keep in mind the PLV70 is not HDCP compatible.


John

 

[Daniel Hutnicki]

Unless brightness if a big issue for you, I would go with the Infocus. To be honest I prefer DLP to LCD

 

[Scott B]

I wonder how many people would change their opinion of LCD if they saw the Epson Cinema 500 or Yamaha LPX-510. Screendoor is still an issue, but in all other respects a Cinema 500 I tested bested an InFocus 5700 which was on hand for comparison. An InFocus 7200 is unlikely to have superior contrast to the Cinema 500 and it will be much louder, and have less flexibility in setup and use.

 

[Kelvinpena]

Would the new XHD3 chip be a huge step up from the current chip as far as picture quality goes? Is it the same difference as say the 5700 vs the 7200 projector?


How long until those projectors come out and at what price? I am just trying to decide if it is the right time to spend 5K.


Thanks guys

 

[John Schuermann]

Saw an LPX 500 and thought it looked pretty good for LCD, but have not seen a 510. I will have to seek it out. The 500 still had the usual vertical banding issues, stairstepping on diagonal motion, and murkiness in dark scenes I associate with LCD.


How do you figure that the 7200 will be much louder? Are you referring to color wheel whine? If so, newer 7200s have had some modifications to help get the color wheel whine under control. That, plus not all 7200s develop a color wheel whine to begin with. If one does, the whine is covered under warranty.


I think we can all agree that seeking these out and drawing one's own conclusions is the best way to go.


John

 

[Scott B]

John,

The LPX-510 has at least double the contrast of the 500. There will still be some cloudiness in dark scenes but it is largely gone. Vertical banding is an issue, however, the Cinema 500 (and possibly the LPX-510) has an extensive user menu item for reducing/eliminating the vertical banding. Screendoor is also an issue. I am considering using a Panamorph for 2.35 material which would reduce screendoor visibility. Epson is apparently working on a software solution to reduce the visibility of screendoor. The fact that the Cinema 500 is more quiet than the 7200 is not a knock against the 7200. The Cinema 500 is quieter than any other projector that I have seen. I think that most will still prefer DLP over the Cinema 500 due to its smoother image. I just wanted to point out that many are biased against LCD based upon earlier experiences. The Cinema 500 and Yamaha LPX-510 are significantly better IMO than any other HT LCD projector out there and worth checking out. They are a really good option for those that are distracted by rainbows or that experience eye strain with single chip DLP.

 

[John Schuermann]

OK, got it. Thanks for your comments - I need to seek one of these out!


John

 

[John Schuermann]

Quote:

Originally posted by Kelvinpena Would the new XHD3 chip be a huge step up from the current chip as far as picture quality goes? Is it the same difference as say the 5700 vs the 7200 projector? How long until those projectors come out and at what price? I am just trying to decide if it is the right time to spend 5K. Thanks guys

Unfortunately there is no crystal ball when it comes to these things. Certainly the XHD3 units will be very expensive on initial rollout.


We get this same question all the time - it's too hard to answer, because as soon as the XHD3 comes out there will be something better on the horizon! I think a better question is whether you will get $5000 worth of enjoyment out of what you will buy now. I know I would! If the answer is yes, but one and then stay off AVS Forum until you are personally ready to upgrade. It's the only sane path...


Good Luck!


John

 

[Kelvinpena]

One more thing,


What is the difference in price between the 7200 and the new 7205?

 

[Ursa]

Significant.

 

[John P]

I vote for the 7200. Great product, great support.

 

[Kelvinpena]

I would think the 7200 would drop down significantly in price once the 7205s are in circulation.


One more thing,


Which is the best screen for this projector? I am deciding between the silverstar and the firehawk. What is the general consensus on the best screen for this projector?