Technical Issues and Questions

[MichaelB]

I use Handbrake for any number of reasons, not least the fact that it's freeware.

As for the file format, I use .mp4 or .m4v, because my Apple TV box seems happy with both.

[TMDaines]

I use Handbrake too. It's nice and simple but has enough depth to do what you want.

[repeat]

I'm thinking of upgrading to a projector within the next six months or so, and by what I've read so far on the internet, the new Optoma 25HD would seem to suit my needs and budget best - has anyone tried it out yet? I'll be watching a lot of b&w films so contrast/black levels would probably be a central concern, but no interest at all in gaming or 3D. Grateful for any insights/recommendations...

[Jonathan S]

The Optoma is a DLP projector, so you'll need to be sure you aren't susceptible to RBE (rainbow effect), particularly if - like me - you watch lots of black & white, which makes them particularly obvious if you do see them. The only way to be sure is to audition. Personally, I see rainbows every few seconds even on much more expensive DLPs. The result is literally unwatchable to me so I've always used LCD projectors.

I just upgraded to an Epson TW-3200, which is similarly priced to the Optoma, but not 3D. The latter facility usually requires a brighter output which - at this kind of price level - has a detrimental effect on blacks. It's true that blacks are usually better on DLP (at least with these cheaper projectors) but the Epson seems pretty good in this respect, used in "Cinema" mode, the lowest level of brightness.

[repeat]

Those irritating RGB flashes when you move your eyes? I've experienced that - on some crappy portable model, but if it's a typical side effect of the DLP technology, I guess I'd better start looking at LCD models instead, as even the thought of that occurring while watching a movie is unbearable to me... The Epson looks like a decent alternative, I'll try to get to compare these somewhere, thanks for the tip!

Mechanical noise is another factor I'm (perhaps unusually) sensitive to, but I see the Epson has got pretty good grades in that respect.

So does Optoma not make LCD models any more? I can't seem to find any in their current product line.

[Jonathan S]

Those irritating RGB flashes when you move your eyes?

Yes, or - in my case - even when I don't move my eyes but if anything on the screen moves! Supposedly only about 10% of people see them, and the more expensive models allegedly reduce or eliminate the problem, but not in my auditioning experience.

The fan noise on the Epson varies according to the brightness setting, but in "Cinema" mode it's a barely audible whisper to my middle-aged ears.

As far as I know, Epson are the only manufacturers of home cinema (as opposed to business, gaming, etc.) LCD projectors now at this so-called "entry level" (though I've been using projectors for 10 years). One advantage is they have very good guarantees - 3 years on both lamp and projector if bought through Projectorpoint (some suppliers retail the same model with a lesser guarantee) - and the machine is an on-site repair or swap-out, not return to base.

This can be important as LCD projectors are often subject to panel deterioration, particularly if poorly maintained (regular filter cleaning essential). They can also suffer, even when new, from lack of colour uniformity across the image - particularly obvious, ironically, on b&w - but this varies from one unit to another. However, I've never found it as distracting as rainbows on DLP.

[repeat]

Supposedly only about 10% of people see them

Well doesn't that sound exactly like my kind of affliction On top of that, I'm pathologically inefficient at any kind of equipment cleaning or maintenance, but I guess I'll just have to do a bit of soul-searching in that respect, as all in all the TW-3200 is starting to seem the way to go... I'll try and get to preview it at the soonest opportunity - thanks again for the tips!

[rrot]

On one of my two LCD TVs, when watching black&white content (whether DVD or streaming) I often see reddish shadows when dark objects are in motion on the screen. What setting (settings?) is out of whack. Or is it the set?

[David M.]

Getting it ISF calibrated would help with static colour tints, but if you're saying black objects leave red afterimages, it might only mitigate the issue.

Sorry I can't provide a more helpful reply than "buy a plasma" (not that those are perfect either).

[Jonathan S]

... all in all the TW-3200 is starting to seem the way to go...

Useful FAQs on this projector - based on the experiences of a range of owners at AV Forums.

[Lemmy Caution]

Your TV might be watching you

[AfterTheRain]

Your TV might be watching you

You mean like this could soon be happening?

[Jean-Luc Garbo]

Has anyone had trouble with a LG BP220 region free blu-ray player? I've had it for a few months, but it often freezes or shuts down randomly. When it freezes, I have to unplug it to reboot it. I was watching Criterion's Marketa Lazarova blu and it was fine. I started at Part Two of the film and it played all the way through. I watched the Peter Hames interview and that played fine. Now with the Safety Last! blu it froze up in the middle of the film and then again thirty minutes into The Third Genius doc. Something like this happens whenever I use the player, but today it's especially strange. Has this happened to anyone? Is it that it's hooked up to a normal Sony TV set?

[David M.]

Sounds like a problem with the optical pickup.

No issues with mixing brands. It's just an HDMI video signal after all.

[Jean-Luc Garbo]

Does that mean that the Blu-ray player is (or isn't) malfunctioning? Or is the optical pickup damaged in some way?

[David M.]

It's malfunctioning, yes.

[Jean-Luc Garbo]

I was afraid of that. I haven't even it used too often these past six months. I better contact the seller and the manufacturer for help. Thanks for answering that question, David.

[AlexHansen]

Does anybody have any suggestions for budget (under $1000) projectors? I'm thinking of getting one for impromptu screenings and installations.

[David M.]

I've asked to review some but haven't had any samples. So no specific recommendations from me. I think you can get some nice, cheap DLP projectors though.

[AlexHansen]

BenQ seems to be the general favorite in my poking around, so I'll probably end up getting one of them.

[Jonathan S]

I gather cheaper DLP projectors are particularly prone to "rainbow effect" (as I discussed on the previous page) so I'd suggest auditioning first - and with a black & white film - to see if you, or anyone regularly using the machine, notice these.

Here's a list of Home Cinema projectors recommended by the UK company ProjectorPoint (there are probably similar models in other countries). However, I expect there are still caveats about "rainbows" on the DLP models. The Epson TW-3200 I bought is the cheapest LCD alternative listed.

[David M.]

Yes, the rainbow effect is a real concern. I do think that it's exaggerated sometimes though - all of the technologies have weaknesses. If a lot of your viewing is B&W though, you make a good point.

[MichaelB]

It certainly would be a concern for me (I watch tons of black-and-white material), and I'm familiar with the effect.

And I may well be in the market for a projector in the not massively distant future, depending on a few things lining up over the next few months.

[David M.]

You really need to adjust the room around the projector to get the most out of it, so remember that.

I spoke to a guy once who'd moved into a new house, and he'd specifically earmarked space to put a projector... and painted the walls and ceiling white! Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

[subliminac]

I've read that the Benq W1070 is as good as a budget DLP projector gets at neutralizing RBE. Just be sure to buy from someone with a liberal return policy. Amazon I believe gives you 30 days, whereas most online sellers give you four hours of demo time and a week return window.

I've always preferred the look of DLP which seems to have a more organic feel when compared to LCD (similar to plasma televisions in this regard). I've also found it more forgiving of SD material. Unfortunately I am very susceptible to RBE and ended up purchasing an Epson instead. As stated above be sure to demo with B&W material as that is when the effect will be at its worst.