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This topic comprises 3 pages: 1 2 3
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Author
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Topic: DVD and 35mm Film Projection
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Ron Yost
Master Film Handler
Posts: 344
From: Paso Robles, CA
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 03-13-2006 10:02 PM
I've owned an 'original' Infocus X1 almost three years and have been extremely pleased with it from the beginning. It produces a truly beautiful image, especially from anamorphic DVD's.
The 4805 is a newer 16:9 machine that is extremely well regarded by users, as you can see above. I don't use my 35mm setup much since I bought the X1.
You won't need any additional lenses. These are 21st Century machines, not 19th. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif) I'd avoid getting hung up on the lumens ratings too much .. especially for a small screen and throw as you're contemplating (mine is about the same). Compared to all the fuss (and expense) of 35mm, a VP setup is so simple and straightforward .. once you get the projector settings 'tweaked' to your liking. Then there's that magnificent 5.1 sound to enjoy along with it.
One thing I've learned is that there are major differences between the projectors out there .. even within a given manufacturer's line, one machine may be suitable for HT use and another isn't. I'd be really cautious about purchasing any projector without doing some serious online research first. Take the time to find out what actual owners of the machines, and unbiased reviewers like Projector Central, have to say about them for HT use.
A good place to start is the AVS Forums, though you could spend days reading the threads. I'll place a link here for the 'Display Devices' forums menu at AVS. From here you can access the 'Digital Projectors - Under $3500' forum from the listing:
AVS Forum - Display Devices menu
Another really good source of info, as I mentioned above, is 'Projector Central':
Projector Central
Please don't buy that HP machine until you check out what's available. You'll find much more suitable machines for HT use by doing some research. Also, if you buy from a local brick-and-mortar HT dealer you'll pay as much as a third more, and the machines all have to be returned to their maker's service centers should service be necessary. I bought my X1 from Best Buy.
I hope you're as amazed as I was when you fire up your new 'toy'. I still love it! ![[beer]](graemlins/beer.gif)
Ron Yost
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Ron Yost
Master Film Handler
Posts: 344
From: Paso Robles, CA
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 03-15-2006 09:37 PM
I use the same 'screen' I use for 35mm .. a sheet of matte white Formica (learned about from Brad). Works great. The little DLP machine can't compete with the 750w Xenon in my film projector, of course, but it's adequate .. for me, at least. And more than adequate if the room is totally dark. There are lots of screen shots from users of the various PJ's over at AVS .. good, bad and so-so.
Good point on the grey screen, Dave. Apparently LCD machines benefit greatly from grey screens (though I see they've improved a lot, so maybe that's not as useful as it was a couple of years ago?) but my X1 DLP machine has nice contrast without one. The blacks are pretty dam black, if the source has good black.
I see TI has come up with something called a "Dark Chip" for the latest DLP machines, which apparently improves the contrast even more. (Or maybe it's just marketing B.S.) I'm NO expert in all of this and, like I said, haven't kept up with developments much. My experience is with my one machine only, and it's fairly dated now.
Also, I've never been bothered by the effects of the color wheel that some people (apparently very few) see. Nor have any of my guests. Sometimes, during really bright scenes, when I turn my head quickly I can see the effect out of the corner of my eye for an instant, but that's it. (Reminds me of the old anaglyph 3-D days .. those really did give me headaches as a kid). The wheels have been improved in newer machines.
And Larry, you may have a bit of a problem with your curved screen. My X1 has almost NO depth-of-field (one of the advantages of spending more $ is getting an iris, from what I understand). But then, my 35mm doesn't have much DOF with short FL lenses at such a close throw, either. The X1 has less, tho.
I'd check out AVS more closely for the latest developments, but I don't want to get upgrade fever right now.
Ron Yost
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Ron Yost
Master Film Handler
Posts: 344
From: Paso Robles, CA
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 03-16-2006 10:17 PM
Larry, I looked at the used X1's on ebay. Seems they're somewhat over-priced to me (don't spot any 'junkers' or road warriors), but some of them are missing accessories (like the very important remote!). There are newer 4805's there for about the same price (see below).
> DON'T get an X1a!! < I see there's one there. It's a stripped-down X1, somewhat like the X2!
Also, to make things more complicated, you might look at the listings for the Infocus Screenplay 4800 projector. Same machine as the X1, but the menu settings right out of the box are 'optimised' for showing movies, rather than business presentations. No biggie, but it does take some time to 'tweak' the X1's menu settings for our use. If you buy an X1 that has been used for movies it will probably have already been adjusted fairly well.
The Screenplay 4805 we've mentioned is the newer 16:9 machine, and there is no "X"-series equivalent. There are some refurbished ones on ebay now directly from Infocus for about the same price as the used X1's .. if you want a 16:9 machine that's a couple of years newer, with better performance than the X1's, and is 'set' for showing movies right out of the box. AND, they have a 90-day warranty. Not much, but better than nothing. They're also eligible for the extended factory warranty, which I think is $150 or so.
BTW, there's no operating-time counter for the machine itself. The only counter is for the time the lamp has been lit. A firmware counter keeps track and disables the machine when the lamp reaches 2000 hours until a new lamp module is installed.
Anyhow, good luck! Hope you like it!!
Ron Yost
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