What 3D projector

[bananarob]

Some suggestions needed. I currently have a decent setup with a sim2 ht380 projector, definitive technologies mythos speakers, an arcam bdp300 bd player and a pioneer sc-lx82 amp.

Pioneer have just offered me £400 discount against the lx86 with any trade in amp so have taken it. Given I have all components for a 3d setup bar the projector, I'm thinking of upgrading.

The sim2 is the nuts and I don't want to lose this quality but I never going to justify 30k on sim2s amazing 3d beast! I have a budget of 5-8k and looking for suggestions...I really don't want to spend more.

Thanks!

[VEX]

JVC X70/X75

Installed one over the summer and it was a stunner, client changed from a SIM2 as well.

It up scales to 4K as well.

V.

[VEX]

The X70 is this years model, the 75 is next year due before the end of the year.

Depending on where you are I could probably arrange you a visit to the clients system.

V.

[bananarob]

Gloucestershire. I did come across the x95 too. Would be very keen to see any demo. Thanks for the input so far

[VEX]

If you were prepared to make it to Beaconsfield on the M40 I am sure I could arrange a visit and demo.

Alternatively I could get you into one of the two distributors demo rooms in Alton, Hampshire.

V.

[OldSkoolRS]

I'm a big JVC fan myself, just going from a HD350 to an X35, but I'm not interested in 3D myself. JVCs have a great reputation for having the highest native contrast and good black levels, however their 3D performance is not so well thought of, with bad ghosting on certain discs on the older models. There are a few early reviews of the new X35/55 starting to appear, which seem to show some improvement in 3D performance, but if 3D is a major concern then I would also consider adding the Sony VW50ES projector, BenQ W7000 DLP, Epson 5020/6020 to a potential list of candidates.

There is a thread over on AVS forum that is comparing the popular new models, which should include the JVC soon as he is about to receive it:

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1434826/sony-hw50-benq-w...

There is a Panasonic option too, but having had poor experience with the older 2D models with bad focus and uniformity issues and sub par black levels, I personally wouldn't recommend them (depsite their plasma TVs receiving regular recommendations on here, IMHO their projectors are a totally different matter).

[anonymous-user]

Rob,

If it's of any use, I'm shortly upgrading to an X55, after a couple of Optoma's (currently a HD33). I'm in Bristol (just off the M5 at Almondsbury), if you wanted a demo of the 3D and 4K upscaling (will be in a few weeks once it's setup and calibrated properly).

[bananarob]

Chris and Jon, both very good opportunities, would really like to see both. I will pm both of you to arrange. Thanks very much. Oldskool, interesting feedback, will take note.

Incidentally I bought the 86 and have set it up this weekend. It's fantastic and a jump from the 82, especially with music.

[OldSkoolRS]

fuelracer496 said:

Rob,

If it's of any use, I'm shortly upgrading to an X55, after a couple of Optoma's (currently a HD33). I'm in Bristol (just off the M5 at Almondsbury), if you wanted a demo of the 3D and 4K upscaling (will be in a few weeks once it's setup and calibrated properly).

Sorry to hijack, but any idea when you'll receive your X55? I'm debating changing my order from an X35 then selling my Isco lens as the X55 with Eshift will put more pixels on the screen than I currently get with 1080p and the lens (for 2.35:1 content). My X35 is due anytime soon, but I don't want to have to wait until after Christmas if I change to an X55 as it's peak projector viewing time for me. I suppose I could soldier on with the HD350, but I'm getting impatient.

[anonymous-user]

OldSkoolRS said:

Sorry to hijack, but any idea when you'll receive your X55? I'm debating changing my order from an X35 then selling my Isco lens as the X55 with Eshift will put more pixels on the screen than I currently get with 1080p and the lens (for 2.35:1 content). My X35 is due anytime soon, but I don't want to have to wait until after Christmas if I change to an X55 as it's peak projector viewing time for me. I suppose I could soldier on with the HD350, but I'm getting impatient.

I haven't a clue tbh chap, the X35 and X55 were meant to be in stock at retailers on the 21st of Nov. To date, they haven't arrived at the retailers in order to send them out. Was hoping to have it here in time for Monday 3rd (TDKR BD release), but that's unlikely now.

...much thumb twiddling has taken place as I have all my tools ready to pull down the Optoma

Edit! Just had a call, it's being sent out today, delivery tomorrow hopefully

Edited by fuelracer496 on Thursday 29th November 15:51

[OldSkoolRS]

Great news, I'll be interested to hear how you get on. I've arrange a demo of the X55 for next week sometime as my dealer has an X55 demo model due in this weekend, but I'm busy Saturday.

I think I'll end up with the X55 (rather than the X35) and I'll sell on my Isco A-Lens to cover some of the difference. As we move to 4K proper I think A-Lenses will become even less common (and will depreciate more) and my set up doesn't gain any brightness over zooming, so it's only the higher pixel density (which the X55 will surpass anyway even when zooming). Just hope that it arrives in time for Christmas...

[OldSkoolRS]

Haha, in a complete turn around I've just ordered an X35 and I'm keeping my A lens: I prefer the image with it and the X35 (less maybe £600-700 for my old HD350) is a cheap upgrade as I'm not ordering the 3D kit for it. The motion was better than my HD350 when I saw the X55 (no reason why the X35 wouldn't be the same on that score)and I think in my long throw set up (min zoom = max contrast) I should get a decent improvement in contrast over my older JVC.

If nothing else the X35 comes in white, so it'll look a bit nicer when not in use, so the OH will be happy.

[MagicalTrevor]

Sorry for the hijack but it seems daft to start another topic.

I'm considering a projector on a budget. Looking at either the Optoma GT750 (short throw) or the Optoma HD600X-LV (preferred as the price is more acceptable to the Mrs). I'm not specifically after 3D but it's a welcome addition and the main use would be gaming and occasional movie.

In terms of placement, the preferred option would be to have it display across the width of the room (2.1m) onto a wall (possibly with a screen) or project across the length of the room (4.5m) but then I'd need a screen to come down in front of a patio door. A TV is a non-starter in this room.

From the calculators I've used the HD600 would give a 60" screen if used widthways, which is probably too small for a projector. Used lengthways I'd probably achieve a respectable 120".

The GT750 is supposed to have zero input lag as well, not sure about the HD600.

Any thoughts welcomed, cheers.

[OldSkoolRS]

I'm similar to you in that I could have a short throw or very long throw setup (3.5 metres verses 6 metres). Short throw like you ends up being a bit small, so I've gone down the room. The only issue is that I'm restricted to which projectors will fit in my room: I use an anamorphic lens so I need a 100" 16:9 image which I then put my A lens in front of the projector which expands the image to 112" wide 2.35:1. I've just received my JVC X35 this morning as I had to discount the Sony VW50ES as the image would have been too big, so you have to be careful to check before hand.

I recommend using this calculator to check which models will fit properly in your room/screen size:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calcula...

[MagicalTrevor]

Thanks, I measured it last night and I've determined that the room would suit a 70" image. I've just used that calculator you linked to and the GT750 would be too large (129" image) with the HD600 being too small (56" image). Both of which are in the 'red' area on the calculator.

Am I right in thinking, therefore, that there is no adjustment to make the image smaller (in the case of the GT750) or larger (HD600) and that neither are appropriate for my room configuration?

Thanks

[OldSkoolRS]

Very generally speaking DLPs have less zoom adjustment than LCDs and DILA/LCOS models so you may struggle to get either a small enough or big enough image depending which throw set up you go for. In my room the JVC allows me to go small enough, as did a previous Panasonic AE3000. Might be worth looking out for a used JVC HD350 like my old one (not for sale as I'm keeping it as a back up) which should be worth around £700 or so.

[MagicalTrevor]

Damn it! I was really hoping to keep the budget below £400.

Thanks for the advice

[OldSkoolRS]

Just keep trying the calculator with different models to see if you find one that fits. If you are prepared to buy secondhand, have a look on the classifieds of AVforums:

http://www.avforums.com/forums/tv-projector-classi...

[MagicalTrevor]

OldSkoolRS said:

Just keep trying the calculator with different models to see if you find one that fits. If you are prepared to buy secondhand, have a look on the classifieds of AVforums:

http://www.avforums.com/forums/tv-projector-classi...

Thank you, I think I'll do that. I'll keep an eye out for a 720p projector with a suitable throw

[OldSkoolRS]

Worth looking out for a JVC HD1 as that should be around budget by now as I don't think my (newer) HD350 is worth much more than about £600-650