[kseyedoc]

I have been looking at a z1 digital for a while and am ready to pull the trigger. But now I get to thinking, maybe I can get a used crt for about the same cost. I know nothing about the crt's.

Questions:

can I run multiple inputs into it and the aspec ratio adjusts by it self.

is scaling an issue?, since the imput is not converted to digital but is analog, what is there to scale?

I primarily want to watch dvd's and hdtv sports, some ntsc tv but not much. the digital handles this pretty easily. aside from the increase in resolution what benefits do I get from the CRT?


thanks

Jonas


looking at a sony 1272 and a 1252 and a 1250

 

[Clarence]

The aspect ratios are no problem...

If you hook up a DVD player or TV tuner, it'll play 4:3, 16:9, 1.85:1, 2.35:1 etc


What is the source of your HDTV sports? What outputs does it have? Ideally, you'll have one with HD15 (VGA monitor style plug) or DVI-I (with the extra DVI-A analog cross pins).


If it only has component output or DVI-D, you'll need a transcoder.


The main benefits are better PQ (no pixelated screendoor effect like you'll get from the digital projectors), plus a good set of CRT tubes will last 10,000+ hours. Digital bulbs hopefully will last 1000-2000 hours (then cost $300+? to replace).


The Sanyo Z1 LCD is rated at 700 lumens, 800:1 contrast, 964x544 pixels.


The Sony 1272 CRT is rated at 700 lumens, 20000:1 contrast, 1600x1200 resolution.


Any of these specs and ratings could be argued as meaningless or defended as critical.


The Z1 is smaller and easier to setup. And easier to hookup your sources on day 1 without any reading. It will also be easier and less risky to buy, unless you enjoy the thrill of the hunt.


The pros/cons between dPJ/CRT are well documented (and bashed) in several threads. There is no cookie-cutter "best" answer.


90% of us in this forum have seen both and have chosen CRT. But we're all kinda odd.


-Clarence

 

[kseyedoc]

Thanks

so I don't understand. what is the difference between the component output on the dvd and the component output on the hd box? Why does it need to be a DVIi?

What about keystone and lens shift? these are easy to adjust on the z1? do the CRT's have these adjustments? How big an image do I get max? I read that the projector has to be only a certin distance away or the proper focus will damage the tubes? I want to ceiling mount the proj. is this a problem on an 8 foot ceiling? I have kids and dont think the floor mount ti the way to go. On the other hand, how easy are the heavy Crts to knock out of adjustment? I could build it into a coffee table.

sory to ramble like this.


Jonas

 

[susan7566]

I assume by your name that you are an eye doctor....so you may relate to this:


Do you want to ruin your vision by:


1. Staring at the easy to set-up, screen-door ridden, washed out image of a digital projector.


or by


2. Staring at CRT convergence grids for hours upon hours.....before having an image that will amaze you.

 

[CZ Eddie]

Geez, I have a Z1 and an Electrohome 8000. I like the Z1, but the 8000 simply blows it away. The 8000 shows picture information in dark scenes that the Z1 doesn't even know are there. The resolution and depth are better. If I were you and you don't mind adjusting/learning/tweaking, buy a decent CRT like the Sony you mention or an Electrohome or other.

The only thing the Z1 has on the CRT is it might be brighter. But when you watch in a dark room (like I do), the extra brightness is not used.


But I have to admit, I would not really recommend a CRT as a FIRST projector. Not unless you have someone who could calibrate it for you or you are pretty well electrically/mechanically inclined. This is no five minutes setup like the Z1 is.

 

[hi_l2es]

Quote:

Originally posted by marcorsyscom But we're all kinda odd. -Clarence

lol - speak for yourself - j/k.


Clarence gave you a good answer. If you like excellent PQ, have the space to hang a CRT, and willing to take the time to go through the process they are wonderful projectors. Many here have not only seen but owned multiple Digital Projectors. I personally love my Sony G70 because of its ease of its wonderful picture and ease of use. THe G70 can handle both 1080i Component and RGB 1280 x 720p with the addition of an IFB-11 Card which is $100 - $200.00 depending on where you decide to buy it.


I have had $500.00 digital bulbs go bad on me at 500 hours of use and think I was extraordinarily careful about allowing them to cool down etc.


CRTs currently will not handle DVI-D or DVI-I High bandwidth Digital Content Protection or HDCP for short which you will want to think about it. I bought my CRT in February after deciding it was not an issue for me. I think everyone has to look at this and make their own judgment call.


To me the price / value in a CRT is awesome. I have never enjoyed using a piece of equipment more than this one. I flip it on and it on and the quality is great - when I am done I flip it off. No worry about cooling the little box down, or melting it or the bulb. The picture has that liquid look to it with no pixels glaring back and me and the whole grayscale which is awesome for movies. lol. I love my CRT FP.


I will post some links for you to read here:

http://www.dvdverdict.com/columns/te.../crtbuying.php

http://www.moesrealm.com/hometheater.html

 

[Clarence]

Quote:

Originally posted by kseyedoc so I don't understand. what is the difference between the component output on the dvd and the component output on the hd box? Why does it need to be a DVIi?

It just needs to be analog when you send it to the CRT. DVI-I has the extra analog pins which can use a $4 DVI->HD15 adapter to feed the analog signal to the projector. Or you can use a transcoder ($69 for a low quality one, $200-$500-$1000+ for better ones). There is a component interface board (IFB) for the 1271/1272 (but it's not the common IFB-11). But let's get past the basics first.

Quote:

What about keystone and lens shift? these are easy to adjust on the z1? do the CRT's have these adjustments? How big an image do I get max?

CRTs screensize is directly proportional to it's distance from the screen. If you want a bigger picture, you move it further back. If you want a smaller picture from where it's mounted, you can reduce the size of the raster on the phosphor, but that's a waste because the image will be smaller and dimmer, and any wear will prevent you from increasing the image to it's proper size in the future.


The basic steps are:


1) make sure your raster (the size of the input image on the phosphor face) is properly sized to use the most phosphor as possible (stay within any pre-existing worn areas).


2) You can use the various throw distance tables and calculators to get within 10% of your mounting position for planning purposes, but before ceiling mounting, set the projector on a moveable table or cart and slide it back until it fills your desired screen size, while providing adequate brightness and punch for your room's lighting. I like a large image. The CRTs will be able to provide the same screen sizes as the Z1. 8' (96" diagonal or even 96" wide) is a sane target. I like 172", but I'm foolish.


3) ceiling mount the projector.

Quote:

I read that the projector has to be only a certin distance away or the proper focus will damage the tubes? I want to ceiling mount the proj. is this a problem on an 8 foot ceiling? I have kids and dont think the floor mount ti the way to go. On the other hand, how easy are the heavy Crts to knock out of adjustment? I could build it into a coffee table. sory to ramble like this.

Yes, there are keystone adjustments. Once you tighten the adjustment bolts, it's going to take a lot more than a few head bumps to throw the setup off.Yes, they hang down 15"-24". If you're 6'+ tall like I am, you might want to consider placing a row of seats directly under the projector so you don't walk under it. I've found that if my head is directly under the lenses when seated, it's impossible to bump your head when standing up.

 

[CZ Eddie]

Quote:

Originally posted by marcorsyscom The CRTs will be able to provide the same screen sizes as the X1.

I think he was talking about the Z1. But yes, my Z1 is on a 106" 16:9 Misty Grey screen. My 8000 is on a 124" 16:9 Behr UPW screen. So my CRT is on an 18" larger screen and still blows away the Z1. And I don't even have the CRT dialed in properly yet (still learning after two weeks ).


Btw, the 8000 gives a slightly larger screen than the Z1, at the same screen to projector distance point. The Z1 is already a great short throw projector, so that makes the 8000 even more impressive in this regard.