[ldavis]

I know that there are a lot of LT150 threads out there, so please just bear with me. I am looking into buying a new HT projector because my CRT just died and I feel that the cost to repair it is not justified given it's 10 year age. Also, when I bought it 5 years ago there were no really good options in fixed pixel displays, but things have now changed. I have looked at the new Sharp and love the image but the price is way out of my budget. However, I think that the NEC LT150 or LT150z might be just what the doctor ordered. I am going to see one in a week or so, but in order to get the most out of the demo, I need to be able to set it up relatively quickly. This is where I need some help from experienced users.


1. What specific projector settings should be used. I will have a scalar with me set to XGA resolution. I have read the owners manual but cannot tell is the color temperature slide has absolute units so that it can be set to D65.


2. What Gamma Correction should be used?


3. Individual RGB bias and gain setting?


4. Any other settings critical for getting the most out of this machine?


Other questions that I have relative to this unit are:


1. I understand that the only differences between the 150 and 150z are the light output and zoom lens. Is this true? Since I am going to have a fixed setup for this unit what is everyone's opinion on the necessity of the zoom?


2. I am hearing the 1080i is a problem for the unit. I have a DTC100. Is this going to be a problem for me?


3. I would imagine that there are many of you who have a scaled DVD input as well as a HDTV input. Do you have an RGB switcher or how are you getting around the lack of 2 RGB inputs?


4. I will be ceiling mounting this projector. Does NEC or anyone else make a mount for this? How is everyone else mounting the projector?


5. Here come the big question. I have seen a few other DLP projectors but only in HT stores. Namely the Sharp and the Seleco (I beleive the SVGA version). I know the the Sharp has the RGBRGB wheel. How about the Seleco? I did not seem to be sensitive to "rainbows" from that projector.


6. For those of you who have seen the Seleco what was your opinion of it? For me it was OK, but not at that price point.

 

[ldavis]

Just moving this back to the top.

 

[Huey]

I'm no expert but I'll try to answer your questions IMHO as I have LT150:


1. I understand that the only differences between the 150 and 150z are the light output and zoom lens. Is this true? Since I am going to have a fixed setup for this unit what is everyone's opinion on the necessity of the zoom?


Yes, even the bulb is the same. The LT150z upped the voltage slightly from 3V (LT150) to 5V (LT150z) to give more lumens. The economode of LT150z is rated at 700 lumens and 1500 hours using the same bulb which suggests that our LT150 probably will fare OK at 1500 hrs too. I personally will push mine passed 1000 hr though I'm nervous about it The zoom is nice but not necessary as you of all should be an expert at positioning since you had CRT. Basically you just ceiling mount the LT150, shoot it at the wall and buy or build a screen and position it to match making sure there is no keystoning or focusing problems of image. Some build a zoom by putting LT150 on drawers on glides to slide to and fro. This may be important with 4:3 images on 16:9 screen to shrink image to fit into 16:9 screen. You can also shrink image using "native" resolution mode on LT150 or use software with HTPC (YxY or Zoomplayer).



2. I am hearing the 1080i is a problem for the unit. I have a DTC100. Is this going to be a problem for me?


Most users report perfect compatibility at 720p for DTC100 and HDTV is beautiful. I would not worry. Some were successful at 1080i with some modifications of the cable (removing pins) or other voodoo moves


3. I would imagine that there are many of you who have a scaled DVD input as well as a HDTV input. Do you have an RGB switcher or how are you getting around the lack of 2 RGB inputs?


Kramer manual switcher is $130-$200 with good quality. Your external scaler may do switching too.


4. I will be ceiling mounting this projector. Does NEC or anyone else make a mount for this? How is everyone else mounting the projector?


Peerless make one. Others make their own. Search here for details.


5. Here come the big question. I have seen a few other DLP projectors but only in HT stores. Namely the Sharp and the Seleco (I beleive the SVGA version). I know the the Sharp has the RGBRGB wheel. How about the Seleco? I did not seem to be sensitive to "rainbows" from that projector.


The RGBRGB or 4x wheel is less rainbows than LT150. You should check one out in person or find a company with liberal return policy in case you can't stand rainbows. Most charge 15-20% restocking fee. There is also demo program or rental program you can use to check out PJ. If you let us know where you are, local members may audition their units for you to see.


6. For those of you who have seen the Seleco what was your opinion of it? For me it was OK, but not at that price point.


I have not seen it but for that price I don't want it. I'd rather buy the Sharp z9000 for 7K.

 

[Martin Orrick]

I've just sold my LT150 ( thanks for the additional plugs Huey ) but I can give you my input as follows ...

DTC-100 Compatibility

I found that it integrated very well. I ended up using a combination of "Long Timing" mode on the DTC ( that allows horizontal position adjustment ) and adjusting the available controls in the LT150's Advanced Options -> Position/Clock menu to adjust the image. I had to do some vertical movement to get rid of the top few scan lines of the image to get rid of small white bars that I believe are "data" and not part of the image per se.

RGB Switcher

I have had great success with a KVM, specifically this one . I used this KVM to switch outputs from the DTC-100 and an HTPC to the LT-150. Other folks have posted that they have had issues with KVMs, so YMMV !


Good Luck


Martin

 

[ldavis]

Thanks guys. I was concerned about these questions especially the DTV100 compatibility. BTW, I live in the Atlanta GA area, and would love to see one of these units set up correctly. The AV dealers that I have talked to do not have any of the LT150 units which are being phased out for the LT150z.


Martin, why have you sold your LT150?

 

[MikeEby]

The only thing I can say is watch one to see if your sensitive to seeing rainbow. Watch a black and white dvd on it. I can see it all the time and can't watch one, others cannot. Other that that it a great little projector.


Mike