Replacement for trusty Infocus 5700 dlp projector

[s3fella]

Hi, after 8 years sterling service my infocus 5700 projector has come up with a horrid black bar right across the screen. Seems to be the DmP chip, I've had a read up and I'm not sure it's worth fixing. So I am after a replacement, Hd one would be nice, but it is only for Sky really.

My question is what is suitable replacement, I realise I will need a new long and rather pricey he I cable (currently set up using a component red blue and green cable. But my main issue is the focal lengths and things like that, I don't want to move the projector ceiling mount etc too much.

I confess when I built my cinema room, I put the screen one end and the projector the other end, and miraculously, the screen was filled perfectly! Fluke more than anything!

So what reasonable pj would people suggest that has a similar focal length etc to my 5700 that's not too pricey.

[OldSkoolRS]

Firstly, how big is your screen and how far from it is the projector? While you might have been lucky in the last case it is possible to work out in advance of a purchase whether a new projector will 'fit'. There are various Optoma projectors well under £1,000 that would probably be the modern day equivalent (and you already know that DLP rainbows don't affect you). Might be worth a read on AV Forums as they have a projectors section.

Once you know the dimensions and possible model, you can put them into this calculator:

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

[s3fella]

Screen is 90inch diagonal c2.3m and lens to screen is 4.85m.

I'm struggling to find a long throw pj that will fit. I don't mind moving the pj mount a bit, but the room has gym machines behind the cinema chairs and I prefer the pj above the gym machines not the cinema chairs, due to noise etc. plus it looks better at the back of the room.

[OldSkoolRS]

Unfortunately the cheaper DLPs that would typically be considered the modern equivalent of yours are mostly short throw.

For example:

A BenQ W1070 (£499) gives 3 metres throw at minimum zoom for a 90" screen.

An Optoma HD151X (£599) would need 4.1 metre throw for similar.

Epson EH-TW6600 (£1069) would need 4.3 metre throw (same for Sony VW40ES which is £1849)

Richer Sounds projectors section: http://www.richersounds.com/products/home-cinema/l...

You may need to step up to something more expensive to get a long throw model, but hopefully the screenshot will show you how to adjust the calculator I linked to so you can play with any potential models. Until you find something that will 'fit' then there is little point in recommending a projector, plus it depends on your budget which I forgot to ask.



I know that a JVC X500 (£3,999 at RS, but available for less elsewhere) would work (this is the model I have myself). Though with new JVCs out at the end of this year which may be native 4K (and will be less crippled in terms of compatibility with soon to be launched UHD players) I don't think it's a good time to spend that much money on a projector.

A Panasonic AE6000 (£2,199) would work in throw terms, however having owned early Panasonic models myself I really can't recommend them (unlike Panasonic TVs their projectors don't perform as well as competitor models and the specs are extremely misleading in terms of contrast and light output).

Edited by OldSkoolRS on Sunday 14th June 23:39

[s3fella]

That optima may well work. I could move it forward by about 70cm and it would be still above the gym area, and reach the power supply also. Budget is about what I was hoping to pay also!

Cheers for the advice, much appreciated

[Number 7]

I replaced my 5700 a couple of years ago, and it's been sat in its box since then - keep meaning to do something with it. It was working fine when I took it down. Available if you're interested as a direct replacement.

[s3fella]

Number 7 said:

I replaced my 5700 a couple of years ago, and it's been sat in its box since then - keep meaning to do something with it. It was working fine when I took it down. Available if you're interested as a direct replacement.

hmmm, maybe, where are you based roughly?

I'd have had that Optoma, but note it doesn't have component input and my Denon only runs alalogue, so id need to try a Comp to VGA converter. Anyone know if they work ok?

[Number 7]

s3fella said:

hmmm, maybe, where are you based roughly?

I'd have had that Optoma, but note it doesn't have component input and my Denon only runs alalogue, so id need to try a Comp to VGA converter. Anyone know if they work ok?

Mine has component input (RGB). The Sony amp I was (and still am) using doesn't though, so I just run separate cables direct from the 2 sources (Sky box and Bluray) to the projector.

Your profile doesn't permit emails - was going to send you my location.

[PAULJ5555]

s3fella said:

I realise I will need a new long and rather pricey he I cable (currently set up using a component red blue and green cable.

I got a 10m HDMI for 8quid on ebay.

[Jarcy]

OldSkoolRS said:

A Panasonic AE6000 (£2,199) would work in throw terms, however having owned early Panasonic models myself I really can't recommend them (unlike Panasonic TVs their projectors don't perform as well as competitor models and the specs are extremely misleading in terms of contrast and light output).

Edited by OldSkoolRS on Sunday 14th June 23:39

I've just ordered the PT-AT6000 through Amazon for just £1,185, and awaiting delivery (from Italy). 2 year old model, but was £3k RRP. The reviews are excellent, stating a leap up from earlier Panasonics and out-performing the JVC X500 in most areas. This is to replace my 8 year old InFocus IN76.
2 x zoom so should be a flexible enough install.

[kingston12]

Jarcy said:

I've just ordered the PT-AT6000 through Amazon for just £1,185, and awaiting delivery (from Italy). 2 year old model, but was £3k RRP. The reviews are excellent, stating a leap up from earlier Panasonics and out-performing the JVC X500 in most areas. This is to replace my 8 year old InFocus IN76.
2 x zoom so should be a flexible enough install.

I have been considering one of these myself.

The view on AV Forums it is better to order from Amazon.it because it is a bit cheaper (£1,028 today) and the projector is then supplied by Amazon themselves rather than a 3rd party so may make it easier if you need to claim on the pan-euro warranty.

Either way, it seems like a great price.