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InFocus® Corporation (NASDAQ:INFS), the worldwide leader in digital projection technology and services, today announced it has been selected by Eastman Kodak Company and Cinema Screen Media (CSM) to provide three-chip Digital Light Processing (DLP™) digital projectors to bring high-definition clarity and excitement to pre-show entertainment programming.
By teaming with Kodak and CSM, the world's largest, independent provider of digital pre-show presentations, InFocus projectors will be an integral part of Kodak’s new high-definition pre-show capability. CSM is using the Kodak system to raise the standards for the unique programming they provide prior to feature films in movie theaters nationwide.
“Think of the movie screen as a ‘window’ through which audiences view entertainment,” said DonVassel, CEO of CSM. “The clearer we can make that window, the more engaging that entertainment can be. High-definition InFocus projectors make the window clearer than ever and enable us to achieve a new level in the value – and the audience enjoyment – of the work we provide.”
“In partnership with CSM, we continue to look for new ways to improve the overall look and feel of the pre-show presentation,” said Drena Rogers, Director of Strategic Initiatives for Kodak Digital Cinema. “That’s one reason why we have a worldwide agreement with InFocus for exclusive access to these unique projectors designed for cinema use and will use them to continue to push technology to deliver more creativity to movie audiences.”
CSM develops a unique pre-show presentation that combines marketing messages, music videos, and behind-the-scenes features into an entertainment package that exhibitors, audiences and advertisers find enjoyable and effective. CSM uses Kodak systems, exclusively, and is working with six exhibition chains, showing content on more than seven hundred screens, where it is seen by almost three million movie-goers a month.
Leveraging its expertise as the number one brand in projection, InFocus will provide high-definition digital projectors with customized lens options to complement the Kodak Digital Cinema system. The specially-produced InFocus ScreenPlay® 333 projectors use three DLP chips by Texas Instruments® and provide captivating images to set the stage for the feature film presentation. Built from award-winning InFocus ScreenPlay engineering, which has produced projectors and televisions with amazing clarity and image quality for the home, the ScreenPlay 333 uses this legacy to create a professional product ideal for the needs of public cinema.
“We are excited about this relationship with Kodak and CSM because they share our commitment to providing enriching experiences for customers with digital content delivery,” said Kyle Ranson, President and CEO, InFocus Corporation. “In addition to delivering big picture experiences for business, education and home, we are happy to offer projection for the cinema industry.”
“When you put the right partners together, great things are possible,” said Vassel. “We’re pleased to have exclusive rights to these InFocus projectors in the U.S.; working with them and the Kodak system, we’re well on our way to making the pre-show a more integral and more rewarding part of the overall cinema experience.”

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Able to support a variety of projectors - including the INFOCUS 333 DLP 3-chip HD projector, available as partof the KODAK System

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Posted by Larry Myers (Member # 738) on 03-13-2006, 02:11 PM:
 
Thanks John. I notice a Home Theater company in Herndon is selling Infocus. I will have to take a look at them. Best Buy has HP projectors for about $1200. They have 2000 lumens and 2500 contrast. One is XGA at 1200x600. They said I could take it home and try it out. When I finish this room in about two weeks, I think I will do that.
 

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Posted by Mike Schindler (Member # 1309) on 03-13-2006, 03:06 PM:
 
I used to have the InFocus sp4805 which I think is pretty much the same as the X2 or whatever, only with a 16:9 chip and 480p resolution. A lot of people think that this is the best for the price range you're talking about. I was very happy with it, all things considered.

InFocus is releasing a new line of projectors very shortly, including the In72, which will essentially replace the sp4805. I think the price is about the same.
 

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Posted by Ron Yost (Member # 1850) on 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. 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!

Ron Yost
 

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Posted by Larry Myers (Member # 738) on 03-14-2006, 10:27 AM:
 
Thanks for your comments. I will look into the Infocus units. Since Kodak recommends them, these are most likely good machines. The only thing I have against Kodak is their service issues. One minute they service a product and the next they don't. I have a Kodak DC420 camera that originally cost $10,000 that is now worth nothing because I can't upgrade or even get it fixed by Kodak. It's about the same with their Dye Sub printers.
 

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Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 03-14-2006, 12:38 PM:
 
Unfortunately, as with most things containing digital ICs and custom sensors, eventually parts become unavailable.

That 12 year old 1.5-megapixel DC420 camera and 105MB hard drive would even be outperformed by Kodak's low end consumer digital cameras that sell for about $100 today that can use 1GB solid state memory:

http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=2/3/9/19&pq-locale=en_US

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Digital Cameras
EASYSHARE-ONE
Point and Shoot Series
High Zoom Series
Pocket Series
Performance Series
Digital Photo Solutions
Compare Cameras
Reconditioned Digital Cameras
Owner's Support Center
KODAK EASYSHARE System

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Ordering Parts You Can Replace on Your KODAK Digital Camera and Printer Dock
Our cameras and printer docks contain some parts that you can replace yourself. If user-replaceable parts are available for your product, you will find them below. If you do not find your part listed below, you must send your product to a Kodak authorized repair center for part replacement. If repair is necessary, please use our Interactive Troubleshooting Guide to set up your repair request online.

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Posted by Larry Myers (Member # 738) on 03-14-2006, 01:16 PM:
 
Actually it was a 4MB unit with a PCMCIA card. It worked great and it was a Nikon M90 camera. It would be nice if you could just pull off the 420 back and replace it with the latest technology. It would also be nice if they could upgrade it. I understand you can convert these back to film but lots of luck finding a roll back for it.

Anyway someone is selling an InFocus X2 for $650. He is saying it only has 3 hours on it. Is this a good projector and buy?

[ 03-14-2006, 05:15 PM: Message edited by: Larry Myers ]
 

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Posted by Ron Yost (Member # 1850) on 03-14-2006, 11:57 PM:
 
NO, the X2 is definitely NOT suited for HT. It's a stripped-down X1/4800/4805 without the special circuitry and chips that makes the others perform as well as they do for low-end HT. It's designed as a data projector only.

A low-hour 4805 would probably be OK, but I wouldn't buy a used one without knowing the seller.

I haven't really kept up with all the recent offerings and won't until my X1 dies.

Why not do a little research yourself? A simple visit to Projector Central will tell you exactly why the X2 isn't for HT. If you don't do the research you've got a very good chance of winding up with a machine you won't be happy with because most of them are data projectors and are not suitable for showing movies .. especially at the low-end.

Ron Yost
 

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Posted by Larry Myers (Member # 738) on 03-15-2006, 07:10 AM:
 
Ron I am doing research but I am only 3 days into it. So now I know that it's not only brand that seems to be important but also the interbrand names. I have between $1500 and $2000 to spend. I knew something was up when the price was under $700. I just didn't know what. Thanks
 

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Posted by Dave Williams (Member # 299) on 03-15-2006, 03:03 PM:
 
For a home theater your size, a small cheap projector should do just fine. My input is on the screen itself. Wouldn't a silver screen instead of white produce a better contrast ratio? Wouldn't this be especially important with a lower end projector?

I haven't really kept up on the issue in the last couple of years or so, but I remember having better luck with silver tone screens on video projection.

just a thought

Ciao
 

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Posted by Larry Myers (Member # 738) on 03-15-2006, 04:11 PM:
 
I am not really looking to replace the screen. I really don't have a lot of money in it but I got it exactly the way I want it to look. It's a scope screen with a nice little curve to it. I also spent a lot of time looking at white paint to get the white white I wanted. With the rigging of dark red velvet drapes, it looks great and expensive. Total cost though was about $50 with $10 for wallboard, $20 for 2x4's, $15 for paint, and a whole bolt (very heavy) of dark red velvet for $15 at Walmart. It was like 15 yards by 36 inches wide folded over at $1 a yard. The setup covers the whole 8.5x11 ft cement back wall. So in many respects it just like a theater. Pull back the drape and you see cement with a screen on stilts. With the other two sides, all I needed to do is just add wallboard which is cheap. Most of the money is really being spent on the actual construction of the booth, the kitchen cabinets and counter tops in the booth and the back wall and door. Right now I really would like to stick with the screen I got.
 

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Posted by Ron Yost (Member # 1850) on 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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Posted by Larry Myers (Member # 738) on 03-16-2006, 07:25 AM:
 
The curve is very shallow. About 2 inches back in the center on a 4x8 piece of wallboard. Two things I like about it. It gives a nice professional look and it is under tension so the screen itself is very tight up on the stilts. A 3 inch strip on the top and bottom of the screen I painted flat black. So the image area is 3.5 by 8 ft.
 

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Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 03-16-2006, 08:39 AM:
 
No need to curve a matte white screen. A gain screen should use a curve optimized by ray tracing to reflect the projector's light back to the center of the seating area.
 

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Posted by Larry Myers (Member # 738) on 03-16-2006, 10:17 AM:
 
The curve is somewhat ray traced since I tied a string to where the projector is sitting at 12 feet and traced it out. I could not bend the wallboard that much to get the correct trace. So the two inch curve at in the middle of the 8 foot length of wallboard will have to do. Besides, I like the strength tension on the screen with just three 2x4's. No wiggle here.

So with $15 worth of velvet from Walmart, three 2x4's for $6 and one $9 4x8 piece of wallboard and $10 worth of paint from Lowes with another $10 worth of odds and end, the whole back wall looks finished.

I notice used low time Infocus X1's going for about $600 on Ebay. I might try that first and see how it goes. I am sure I can resell in on ebay if I feel I need an upgrade.
 

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Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 03-16-2006, 10:56 AM:
 
Now that you have a curved screen, you should use a gain surface. Maybe paint it with aluminum paint? Some gain could be useful if your projector is on the low side for light output.
 

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Posted by Ron Yost (Member # 1850) on 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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Posted by Peter Berrett (Member # 672) on 03-18-2006, 12:33 AM:
 
Refurbished X1 for sale $US849. Might be worth looking into.

Amazon

Alternatively

Pricegrabber

Also check out the refurbished projectors at Infocus

Infocus

Note the 4805 going for $729 (in clearance, home section)

Regards Peter

[ 03-19-2006, 08:13 PM: Message edited by: Peter Berrett ]
 

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Posted by Larry Myers (Member # 738) on 03-19-2006, 04:17 PM:
 
That seems to be a good price of a 4805. I notice they recommend several adaptors from M1 to Component and M1 to HDMI. Do I need these connections?
 

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Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 03-19-2006, 05:53 PM:
 
I can't believe you guys are discussing data projectors on a thread titled "DVD vs. 35mm film projection".

Larry, edit the title of this thread to properly reflect what it is discussing.
 

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Posted by Larry Myers (Member # 738) on 03-19-2006, 06:05 PM:
 
I can see how this might be misleading but since my intention is to setup both 35mm and DVD projection, I don't think it's misleading. I am NOT talking about resolution differences but dual purpose projection setups of 35mm and DVD's Maybe I should change the "vs" to "and". If that is exceptable to you, I will do that. Right now, I am looking at two Infocus projectors. The Infocus 4805 for $680 and the Infocus SP5000 for $860. The SP5000 is a HDTV unit and my be worth every bit of the extra $200. Any comments from anyone.
 

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Posted by Peter Berrett (Member # 672) on 03-19-2006, 08:04 PM:
 
I forgot to mention

Use the code REFURB0306 on any used refurbished projector at Infocus = get 10% off.

So that $729 projector will only cost $656.10. Ka ching!

Also check out this website for projector coupons and bargains

XPbargains

cheers Peter
 

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Posted by Larry Myers (Member # 738) on 03-19-2006, 09:03 PM:
 
The prices I gave are for Ebay items sold by Infocus. I am not sure the code would work for ebay items. It seems Radio Shack is running a direct order deal for a new SP5000 for $1100 free shipping and a $300 rebate for a total cost of $800. It's good to 31 March. I wonder if any of the stores have this in stock?
 

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Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 03-20-2006, 01:11 AM:
 
Larry, edit the title of this thread to properly reflect what it is discussing.
 

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Posted by Larry Myers (Member # 738) on 03-21-2006, 12:02 PM:
 
I just came back from a home theater store in Herndon. They have two home theater setups like mine. The room is 10 by 16 with no booth. My booth takes up some space in the back, so my room is 11 by 11.5. Their screen size is a little over 4 by 8 feet for a 1.85 ratio vs my 2.35 scope screen at 3.5 by 8 ft. The viewing distance is exactly the same at 11.5 feet.

The $2900 Sharp 2000 and not the Panasonic 900 which is another projector, did a good job with wide screen DVD's as far a brightness. The image size was a black bar 3.5 by 8 feet on the 4x8 screen at 12.5 feet projection distance. I thought though the image was somewhat fuzzy. I watched the Aviator. I have this in both 35mm and DVD. I must say when I watch that DVD on an anamorphic mode Panasonic Widescreen glass tube HDTV it looks way sharper then when the DVD was projected on the 3.5x8 screen. Not sure why that is.
 

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Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 03-21-2006, 12:07 PM:
 

quote: Larry Myers

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I must say when I watch that DVD on an anamorphic mode Panasonic Widescreen glass tube HDTV it looks way sharper then when the DVD was projected on the 3.5x8 screen. Not sure why that is.

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Likely due to the superior contrast ratio and color gamut of a CRT display, compared to a mid-range video projector. Likely the CRT display has a much greater screen luminance as well.
 

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Posted by Mitchell Dvoskin (Member # 751) on 03-21-2006, 12:12 PM:
 
Not sure why that is.

The Panasonic "900" projector is an LCD projector that contains an electronic circuit that "hides" the screen door effect by slightly blurring the dots. If you can get far enough back, it looks quite good, but DLP projectors look better still. Street price on the "900" is around $1300 on-line.
 

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Posted by Larry Myers (Member # 738) on 03-21-2006, 12:43 PM:
 
I think I got this mixed up. The projector I am talking about above is the Sharp 2000 which is a DLP projector. The other showroom had the Panasonic 900 which I noticed had lower contrast and is a LCD projector. I spent most of my time with the Sharp. Retail price was quoted at $2900. I corrected my previous post to reflect this.

Both looked a little out of focus and yes I think it's to reduce the dot pattern.
 

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Posted by Mike Heenan (Member # 392) on 06-04-2006, 12:02 AM:
 
I was at Costco today, and they have a Samsung 1080p HD tv for $3499, they were showing Batman begins on dvd on the tv, and the DVD player showed it as being upscaled to 1080i. Anyhoo, I wasn't impressed with it at all, the characters would stutter as they moved, like in slow motion almost. Also, it had a look to it that reminded me of watching regular defition tv on a digital tv, just sort of smeary or something. Was this the fault of the dvd player, the DVD or the TV not being set up right? Just curious as I thought 1080p was "all that". And yes I know I was watching a SD dvd on it.
 

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Posted by Mitchell Dvoskin (Member # 751) on 06-05-2006, 10:38 AM:
 
From your description, most probably a result of the upconverting DVD player. Some discs look better than others upconverted, with no logic, ryme or reason.
 

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Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 06-06-2006, 10:48 AM:
 
Rarely does upscaleing make anything look better. It just substitutes one pile of for another. You cannot create something that isn't there. Garbage in = gargbage out -- always was, always will be. Even line doubling has it's anomolies, it's just a matter of which of them you can tolerate more. But the law of the universe is that you can't make something out of nothing....play it native and be happy with it and accept the fact that it is what it is (and film it aint).

And let's not overlook the fact that it just isn't safe trying to get around the laws that hold the fabric of the universe together.
 

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