1080p 3D Projector under 2000/2200$?

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by srinivas1015

Hmm.maybe I should go for a JVC..

If you can afford a JVC, then that is what I would recommend. TBS, LCoS or SXRD is another 3 panel technology, so sharpness is marginally softer than a single chip design. The JVC's might have some issues pushing the lumens for such a large screen if the room isn't completely dark.

[srinivas1015]

I did a little research and this is what I got (most of these high end ones have really similar pros and cons so I'm listing the ones I found unique to the model. Info is from projectorcentral.com ) :

JVC X30:
Pros:
1)Amazing black levels especially in fully dark scenes like the night sky, etc.
2)Motorised zoom and focus (this is a great advantage as I close the lens cap after every use and I hate it when the focus ring gets disturbed on my Optoma. Manual focus is a strict no-no this time)

Cons:
1)Lots of flickering in 3D.
2)No dynamic iris which means the black levels fall down a bit during bright/medium lit scenes.




Epson 5020:
Pros:
1)Slightly better contrast and black levels than the Panasonic 8000u.
2)Slightly brighter than the 8000u (11% brighter).
3)Dynamic Iris which gives better black levels during bright/medium lit scenes.

Cons:
1)No motorised focus
2)Color saturation is a bit too much for my taste. I prefer the more natural look of the Panasonic.



Panasonic AE8000u

Pros:
1)Motorised focus.
2)Detail Enhancement feature which enhances subtle image detail like clothing texture, foliage, etc. No artifiacts according to the review. Isn't this like an in-built Darbee Darblet?

Without detail clarity enhancement:




With detail clarity enhancement:





3)Ability to change parallax/image separation in 3D allowing the use to increase the degree of layer separation. Particularly useful for movies with weaker 3D like The Amazing Spiderman.
4)Dyanmic irs.
5)Spec brightness - 2400lumens, same as the Epson. Here's a quote from projectorcentral-
'The AE8000 has received a brightness boost over its predecessor of 20% on paper, from 2000 to 2400 lumens. However, our actual measured increase is more than the specs indicate. The AE7000's Cinema 1 mode measured 529 lumens on our test sample, whereas the new AE8000 cranks out 822 lumens in that same mode, which is more like a 50% increase. That's enough light to power a 140" diagonal 1.3 gain 16:9 screen at 18 foot Lamberts.'

Cons:
1)Black levels on the JVC are better.






As of now, I'm leaning towards the Panasonic AE-8000u.
Any thoughts?



@kpkelley
I think the JVC is a no-go due to the bad 3D performance .

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by srinivas1015

JVC X30:
Cons:
2)No dynamic iris which means the black levels fall down a bit during bright/medium lit scenes.

This is incorrect. No Dynamic Iris means that the black levels remain consistent. A dynamic iris means that black levels rise as the iris opens for brighter scenes, and lower for scenes were the iris closes.

Originally Posted by srinivas1015

Epson 5020:
Pros:
3)Dynamic Iris which gives better black levels during bright/medium lit scenes.

See Above

Originally Posted by srinivas1015

Panasonic AE8000u
Pros:
2)Detail Enhancement feature which enhances subtle image detail like clothing texture, foliage, etc. No artifiacts according to the review. Isn't this like an in-built Darbee Darblet?

They use different algorithms. Most sharpening algorithms create artifacts like aliasing and haloing. The Darblet uses a different algorithm which didn't produce artifacts in it's HD mode, even on test patterns until past 100%.

[i007spectre]

I guess I don't see the need for a motorized focus. Once the projector and all is set up, why should you have to adjust it. Does the Panny have an automatic lens cover. I would see that being more useful, but I don't know.

Also I just watch 3D how it was encoded on the disk. Once I was calibrated I rarely ever go into the menu settings.

I will tell you this the longer you research the harder it will be to finally choose.

[Trogdor2010]

Originally Posted by i007spectre

I guess I don't see the need for a motorized focus. Once the projector and all is set up, why should you have to adjust it. Does the Panny have an automatic lens cover. I would see that being more useful, but I don't know.

Also I just watch 3D how it was encoded on the disk. Once I was calibrated I rarely ever go into the menu settings.

I will tell you this the longer you research the harder it will be to finally choose.

When you adjust the projector's zoom lens to accommodate a 2.35:1 or in his case, a 4:3 screen, you'll need to accommodate the projector's focus. Panasonic does allow both automatic digital focus and zoom with lens memory. JVC's newer projectors are similar. Epson projector's uses mechanical zoom and focus, which require manual operation. You can achieve similar results when adjusting the zoom lens manually, it's just that Panasonic and JVC projectors can do it for you after you set it up.

You can make two separate calibrations modes when taking this into account, which really isn't hard to do if your projector can remember your video calibration settings.

I think JVC also allows their projectors to cover their lenses automatically if I recall correctly.

[Mr.Twinks]

That is a big screen to fill op! I would say epson just because it is a light cannon. Or if there are any B-Stock Sony HW50's out yet because that is another 3D pj that is very bright.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by srinivas1015

I'm thinking of buying a good 1080p 3D Projector sometime during the end of April/beginning of May. My budget is around 2000-2300$. I need advice on how to proceed and my available options.My screen is 160inchs (10 feet wide), so a good quality projector is what I'm looking for. Also, I want a significant increase in quality compared to my current Optoma HD67.

I want the screendoor effect to be eliminated (viewing distance is around 10 feet away), good black levels, etc.

To be honest, the 'Post Your Projector Screenshots' thread is what motivated me into doing this .

I tried to simplify your life, but nobody checks this thread.

Projector Options at Different Price Levels.

[i007spectre]

Originally Posted by Trogdor2010

When you adjust the projector's zoom lens to accommodate a 2.35:1 or in his case, a 4:3 screen, you'll need to accommodate the projector's focus. Panasonic does allow both automatic digital focus and zoom with lens memory. JVC's newer projectors are similar. Epson projector's uses mechanical zoom and focus, which require manual operation. You can achieve similar results when adjusting the zoom lens manually, it's just that Panasonic and JVC projectors can do it for you after you set it up.

You can make two separate calibrations modes when taking this into account, which really isn't hard to do if your projector can remember your video calibration settings.

I think JVC also allows their projectors to cover their lenses automatically if I recall correctly.

I wasn't even thinking about adjusting zoom and needing to refocus. That's why I usually leave the real technical stuff to others.

[srinivas1015]

Originally Posted by i007spectre

I wasn't even thinking about adjusting zoom and needing to refocus. That's why I usually leave the real technical stuff to others.

Does the epson have an automatic lens cover?

Btw, do you use the super-resolution feature?

[i007spectre]

Yes it does, its a nice feature to have.
Aside from my calibrated settings, I have never touched any of those enhancement options.

[srinivas1015]

The Epson 5020 isn't available in India yet .
How do the Epson TW-8000, TW8100 and TW6000 compare?

[srinivas1015]

Apparently, the UK/Indian/Australian version of the Epson 5020 is called Epson TW8100. I almost made my decision but then I read this in the avforums review:

The TW8100 could deliver sharp and detailed images, especially with high definition content but on our large screen the grid structure of the pixels was visible, so it's worth bearing that in mind if you plan on projecting a big image.

Source: http://www.avforums.com/review/Epson...or-Review.html



The panasonic has smooth screen filters though that help with this.

quote from panasonic review -

One of the major highlights of the Panasonic is the fact it can be used with a large scope screen and with no visible pixel structure thanks to smooth screen technology, it offers a truly stunning immersive cinematic performance.

Source - http://www.avforums.com/reviews/Pana...91/Review.html




Is that true? Can somebody zoom in on the Epson and see if the pixel structure becomes visible on a larger image size? I'm really confused right now about which way to go.

[srinivas1015]

My main concern is the pixel grid that is visible on my current Optoma projector. I'm going through the avsforum right now and I saw these screenshots and quite frankly the pixel grid is clearly visible just like my Optoma . The Panasonic has smooth screen filters to help with this but it results in a slightly softer image but the Epson is more naturally sharper while having a visible pixel grid. I sit exactly 12 feet away from a 150inch(in 16:9) screen. All of this is based only on stuff that I've read online which is why I'm requesting those who have these projectors to weigh in too.



Epson 5020:

[i007spectre]

I am not going to lie, I see the pixel grid. When standing two feet from the screen. But from my seating position 6' back it is a complete non-issue, can't see it one bit. I am zoomed in almost all the way because my throw distance is so short.

I told you the more research you do, the harder it will be to decide.

You really just need to go see them in person.

[srinivas1015]

Originally Posted by i007spectre

I am not going to lie, I see the pixel grid. When standing two feet from the screen. But from my seating position 6' back it is a complete non-issue, can't see it one bit. I am zoomed in almost all the way because my throw distance is so short.

I told you the more research you do, the harder it will be to decide.

You really just need to go see them in person.

Do you see any crosstalk in 3D? Btw, have you used the Super Resolution feature?

[i007spectre]

Originally Posted by i007spectre

The 3D is great, I think a lot of peoples complaints about in home 3D would be solved if they watched it on a bigger screen.
I have noticed very rare occurrences of crosstalk, but they are minor and gone quickly.

Most of the 3D blu-rays I own I never see any crosstalk or ghosting though.


As for SR I never turn on any of the advanced settings.

[domingos35]

Originally Posted by srinivas1015

My main concern is the pixel grid that is visible on my current Optoma projector. I'm going through the avsforum right now and I saw these screenshots and quite frankly the pixel grid is clearly visible just like my Optoma . The Panasonic has smooth screen filters to help with this but it results in a slightly softer image but the Epson is more naturally sharper while having a visible pixel grid. I sit exactly 12 feet away from a 150inch(in 16:9) screen. All of this is based only on stuff that I've read online which is why I'm requesting those who have these projectors to weigh in too.



Epson 5020:

seating 12' away from a 150" screen ,you are going to see SDE .

[vandeetz]

I'm running into a similar dilemma... just can't choose between
Panasonic PT-AE8000U
JVC DLA-RS45 (DLA-X30)
Epson Home Cinema 5020


they're all in about the same price range, but the JVC isn't as bright.

if I were to watch 3D on the JVC in a light controlled room would the brightness still be an issue? is this project just to dim to be a true 3D projector?

I don't watch a ton of 3D, but don't want a huge sacrifice in quality for the right to watch my 3D content

it's true!!! the more you research the less sure you are

[roar]

Originally Posted by vandeetz

I'm running into a similar dilemma... just can't choose between
Panasonic PT-AE8000U
JVC DLA-RS45 (DLA-X30)
Epson Home Cinema 5020


they're all in about the same price range, but the JVC isn't as bright.

if I were to watch 3D on the JVC in a light controlled room would the brightness still be an issue? is this project just to dim to be a true 3D projector?

I don't watch a ton of 3D, but don't want a huge sacrifice in quality for the right to watch my 3D content

it's true!!! the more you research the less sure you are

The only way to put these concerns to bed is to get out and demo these projectors. Hopefully you live in an area that will allow that. I've got the X30 projecting onto a 10ft wide negative gain screen from 14ft in a light controlled room and it looks plenty bright for me... On the odd occasion I've put 3d content for others to demo I do notice a downgrade in brightness... But I honestly couldn't care about 3D so it has zero impact on me. It is my understanding though that all projectors loose a little brightness I'm 3D... It is also my understanding that the 3D performance of the jvc is the poorest amongst the ones you've mentioned... Though to my eyes it had a noticeably superior 2d picture... Though to be honest I would have been proud and happy with any of the 3 I was looking at. You really can't go wrong... Pull the trigger and be happy

[Solo man]

Originally Posted by vandeetz

I'm running into a similar dilemma... just can't choose between
Panasonic PT-AE8000U
JVC DLA-RS45 (DLA-X30)
Epson Home Cinema 5020


they're all in about the same price range, but the JVC isn't as bright.

if I were to watch 3D on the JVC in a light controlled room would the brightness still be an issue? is this project just to dim to be a true 3D projector?

I don't watch a ton of 3D, but don't want a huge sacrifice in quality for the right to watch my 3D content

it's true!!! the more you research the less sure you are

I agree that if you have a chance to demo, that is the best way to make a decision. You want to get as much info from other people but ultimately you want to make the decision for the room. You want to set your projector up for your tastes and your room dimensions, not what others have set up. It's good to get feedback from others but you really want to see for yourself.

Also, if you are not into 3D then the JVC in my opinion is the best PQ in 2D. You won't be sacrificing a lot in the quality because all 3 projectors are great but you need to give up some things to get what your really after. If you want a projector that is a Swiss Army knife, then IMO, the Epson 5020 is probably the best balanced in my opinion. Same with screens, there is a lot if selection and some can get really expensive.

Whenever I purchase items for my setup, I either get a chance to take a demo product home or I spend a lot of time in the store. By doing that, I got to know the people and stores that I deal with really well. My setup is full of no name brands and I could of went with some of the big box names that people are accustomed to, but I chose what I liked by trying them out.

Good luck, and welcome to Big Screen viewing, you are gonna love it.