New Bright HD-Ready DLP Projector - XGA, DVI, 1500 ANSI Lumens, Under $3k

[Nick]

Here's a piece of video gear I wouldn't mind owning.

PLUS U4-136 DIGITAL PROJECTOR

http://www.buyplusdirect.com/site/images/large/u4zoom_large.jpg http://www.buyplusdirect.com/site/images/large/u4zoom_memcard_large.jpg

Key Features

* Built-in CompactFlash memory card slot for laptop-free presentations.
* Manual zoom lens for optical screen adjustments. Easily fit your projection to the screen.
* User-selectable "Eco-Mode" to help you save valuable lamp life hours with only a 20% reduction in brightness.
* High contrast ratio of 1500:1 gives clear images with same brightness. Black looks black and white looks white.
* Digital Visual Interface (DVI) connection for an uncompressed digital signal and HDTV compatibility.
* Auto-source features automatically identifies the input as RGB or Video before projecting.
* Short-focus lens for big screen presentations in cramped quarters.
* Improved video clarity with DLP DDR chip by Texas Instruments.
* Automatically adjusts the phase, clock speed, and resolution of the RGB signal from the PC.
* Enhanced presentation support with on-screen timer and custom logo projection.
* Support for High-Definition (720p, 1080i) broadcasts.
* On-screen user interface features simple pull-down menus.
* Digital keystone, zoom, smooth, mute, and freeze commands.
* Full function credit-card wireless remote control.

PLUS Projectors (http://www.buyplusdirect.com/site/u4136.html)

[Martyva]

Isn't that a 1024X768? Canon makes an LCD with power zoom, focus and keystone in the same price range, The LV7350. And Sony's VPLHS10 at 1200 Ansi is WXGA and will show full 720P at under three also. Front projectors and DLP and LCOS rear projectors are becoming more and more intriguing with the large image size available with the front projectors and the 8 to 10 year bulbs and wide viewing angle with the rear projectors.

[Richard King]

I attended a home automation/theater convention recently where I was able to demo about a dozen front projectors. I had one of the big monster 3 tube projectors (not HD) before I moved to Florida and have missed it since. The one that appeared to be the best picture at the convention was the Optoma H56, which is a dedicated home theater projector. A detailed review can be found here: http://hometheater.about.com/library/weekly/aafpropth56a.htm . While this projector is in the $5k range, I suspect that, along with the rest of the market, it will be coming down in the near future. Take a look at the review and let me know what everyone thinks.

[DarrellP]

Since the H56 has a native 4x3 DLP chip, it has to letterbox a widescreen image in order to project it,
Nice machine, but the above cllip from the review spoils it for me. I would not buy a native 4:3 chip projector. I use one from work and the 4:3 is horrendous. You'd be better off waiting for a machine with a native 16:9 chip to come down in price. I use this projector strictly for 16:9 viewing and I'm losing some resolution to the 4:3 area of the device since it is "fixed pixel", I lose a lot of pixels that could be devoted to resolution for the 16:9 portion of the screen.

Just my $.02 but "Been there, done that". If the majority of your viewing will be HD or DVD, go for a native 16:9 projector.

[Richard King]

I just received the following e-mail (source and names removed) :

Optoma Technology will be previewing their NEW DLP H-76 projector in 16:9 format at InfoComm next week, June 3-6 at the Orange County Convention Center. (Booth# 2563) Retail price is $7,995, and Dealer Cost has not yet been finalized. Below are a few preliminary specs:
1000 Ansi Lumens
2000:1 Contrast Ratio
Power focus/Power Zoom
Lens Shift
Short Throw Lens
BNC Connectors
Component Input
28db
2000 Hour Lamp
Pixelworks 485 Scaler
Trident Deinterlacer
Sealed Light Engine
16 lbs.
Availability Late June/ Early July
Please let us know if you would like literature on this product as soon as we receive it. To update you on the DLP HDTV's the RD-50 will be shipping out in late June, and the RD-65 in July. Thank you, and we hope to see you at the Show!!

[Nick]

Sounds good, but at the price they should at least toss in the DVI input.