---- How am i supposed to get 720p out of this?!? ---

[basslover911]

I just bought a Luxeon V1 Projector;

Brightness (Lumens) : 1000 ANSI
Contrast (Full On/Off) : 250:1

Compatibility:
HDTV: 720p
EDTV/480p: Yes
SDTV/480i: Yes
Component Video: No
Video: Yes
Digital Input: No
Computers: Yes


----

Now, there is an s video input (which only goes up to 480p), a composite video input (which again, only goes up to 480p), and then two VGA (computer) imputs.

I know that by getting a cable that gets my component cables into a VGA input would work and get me to the 720p resolution, but as you can see up top it says "Component Video: No". Does that just mean that it has no direct component video inputs but it can accept component video through another input i.e. VGA cable? (since it does state that it can project 720p).

Or how else am I supposed to get to 720p?! Through an HDMI to VGA cable? Or will component to VGA cable work?

 

[adk highlander]

Hello basslover911 and welcome to the forum.

What are you using for a source to the PJ? Are you running it through a receiver to scale to 720P or are you running direct from a BluRay or upconverting DVD player?

I have a component to VGA cable collecting dust at my house. I tried to use it to use the component out on a dvd player to the VGA on an LCD computer monitor and it would not work. I know I was only outputting 480p so that may have been why it would not work. As a projector is going to handle those resolutions it may work. Where did you buy the projector? You could call the mfr and ask them.

 

[basslover911]

It is going directly from an upscaling DVD player.

The dvd player has a component as well as hdmi outputs...

Again, it does say the projector can output 720p but I just dont see how since is says it doesnt accept component video (or maybe that is just that it doesnt have a direct input for component?)

 

[adk highlander]

I think your biggest issue here is that this is a business projector and not a home theater projector. It was made to work with a computer and not home theater sources. The issue with using a HDMI to VGA converter (if they even make one) is HDCP. HDCP will not work over VGA but will over DVI. If you are not feeding it a HD source you may have to use the S-video in and have the projector scale output 1027x768.

 

[basslover911]

use the S-video in and have the projector scale output 1027x768.

Will that get it up to 720p even though the S-video can only transfer 480p?

I am guessing the projector will scale it up then and not the DVD player?

 

[BMXTRIX]

I just bought a Luxeon V1 Projector;

By, 'bought', I hope you really mean that someone gave it to you for free.

FULL SPECS: http://www.projectorcentral.com/Luxeon-V1.htm

Now, there is an s video input (which only goes up to 480p), a composite video input (which again, only goes up to 480p), and then two VGA (computer) imputs.

I know that by getting a cable that gets my component cables into a VGA input would work and get me to the 720p resolution, but as you can see up top it says "Component Video: No". Does that just mean that it has no direct component video inputs but it can accept component video through another input i.e. VGA cable? (since it does state that it can project 720p).

Or how else am I supposed to get to 720p?! Through an HDMI to VGA cable? Or will component to VGA cable work?

Bottom line is that it doesn't matter if you get 720p to this projector, and if it can take a VGA->component converter or not. The projector itself is 800x600 resoltuion. In 16:9 mode, you will get less than 800x480 pixels out of it, which is less than 480p resolution.

This seems like an impulse buy - and unfortunately, isn't going to deliver any more than the most basic of basics... until the lamp dies.

You don't get 720p out of this. You don't even get true EDTV out of this. You get pre year 2,000 contrast ratios, and computer resolution standard for 1994.

While it sounds harsh, once you know this, then use it and enjoy it within realistic limitations which are nothing less than demanded by this projector.

One doesn't go into a Yugo dealership and expect Ferrari performance... But, you should even expect Civic or Cavalier performance from one either. What is considered 'standard' on a new projector should not even be expected, in any way, from a projector designed 7 years ago.

Set your expectations - or re-set them. Then enjoy what you have while doing some homework on what $1,000 can buy in a home theater projector these days...
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Panasonic_Home-PT-AX200U.htm

 

[basslover911]

Well I suppose I will just use it (it has an almost brand new lamp (still completley wrapped in all plastics beleive it or not).

Heck it was just $150 shipped... if anybody wants it tell me then since I am really looking for at least a 720p

 

[BMXTRIX]

Well I suppose I will just use it (it has an almost brand new lamp (still completley wrapped in all plastics beleive it or not).

Heck it was just $150 shipped... if anybody wants it tell me then since I am really looking for at least a 720p

There are tons of HD 720p projectors on the market, and instead of jumping on a deal, I strongly recommend that you do your homework prior to any purchase.

Remember, if I speak French, it doesn't mean I'm from France - likewise, if a projector can ACCEPT 1080p, it doesn't make it 1080p. What matters is the native resolution.

With the projector you have - that's 800x600.

If you want 720p, then get a projector with a resolution of 1280x720.

Also, contrast ratio is actually the most important feature in what will deliver a quality image on screen. So, anything less than about 2,000:1 these days is considered very poor.

 

[strube]

The biggest issue (and possibly the source of your initial understanding) is "720p compatible" never means "720p capable." I have a 720p projector that is 1080i compatible, which essentially means it will still show an image if the signal is 1080i, but it will (poorly) downscale it to 720p. It is not 1080p capable, so it will not display any 1080p image (all high def players I have had to be set on 1080i or less to work).

P.S. If you are looking to buy a reasonable 720p projector I am going to need to sell mine soon

 

[basslover911]

Ohhh Ok so pretty much it simply displays all the time in its native resolution. And the "max resolution" is just what signal it can take but it will downscale it to its native resolution...?

Ex. if it is, lets say 720p and you send a 1080p signal it will downscale it to 720p... ?

 

[basslover911]

Oh and let me know if your price is within my price range

 

[mtrycrafts]

Ex. if it is, lets say 720p and you send a 1080p signal it will downscale it to 720p... ?

Yes, that is correct.

 

[strube]

What he said.

If your price range is only $150, I don't think my PJ is in that range. I am probably thinking more like the range of 2.75 to 3 times that.

 

[basslover911]

hahaha im just a poor college student trying to set up a movie theatre of massive proportions in my dorm on a budget

 

[basslover911]

Speaking of a budget...

Arent ALL CRT projectors with a max resolution at or above 1500x1200 capable of projecting 720 and even 1080p at 16:4? Even the 7" tube ones?

Because I always see on ebay some for $200 or so I just dont know how to read them to see what resolution they can put out...

For Example;
700 Lumens
Maximum Resolution: 1500x1200
Screen Size: 70 to 300 inches
Horizontal Scan Rate: 15 to 93KHz
Vertical Scan Rate: 38 to 150 Hz
RGB Bandwidth: 70 MHz

 

[BMXTRIX]

Speaking of a budget...

Arent ALL CRT projectors with a max resolution at or above 1500x1200 capable of projecting 720 and even 1080p at 16:4? Even the 7" tube ones?

Because I always see on ebay some for $200 or so I just dont know how to read them to see what resolution they can put out...

For Example;
700 Lumens
Maximum Resolution: 1500x1200
Screen Size: 70 to 300 inches
Horizontal Scan Rate: 15 to 93KHz
Vertical Scan Rate: 38 to 150 Hz
RGB Bandwidth: 70 MHz

CRT projectors are very difficult to setup and most are years and years old. Most do not put out more than a few hundred lumens - at best, so they are comparibly dim considering the brightness of new projectors.

CRT models require convergience, careful alignment of the lenses, do not offer lens shift, do not offer zoom, are INCREDIBLY massive, and constantly require tweaking to stay 'perfect'. Most do not accept component video, and almost none accept digital signals like HDMI/DVI (with HDCP).

So, unless you are really, really going to spend days tweaking and learning on your own, and are prepared to deal with a LONG list of headaches, I would avoid CRT at all costs.

Now, for CRT resolution, it's kind of a tricky thing. CRTs don't really have the same resolutions that digital projectors have. They use electron beams, not a fixed pixel array. So, while your DLP, LCD, or LCoS projectors (and LCD/Plasma flat panels) have fixed resolutions, CRT does not. But, that doesn't mean that it is the best way to go - not by a long shot.

 

[basslover911]

Well the brightness doesnt really affect me as I will only use it at night to watch movies with a totally dark room.

As far as plugging it in I would use an HDMI to VGA cable which would take care of it not accepting component video I would think...

Size, I dont care im building a casing for it so you will not be able to see it (and yes it would be very well ventilated).

So... why else wouldnt I want a crt projector? (Oh and their bulbs last forever which is a HUUUUGE plus for me)... And potentially can project 1080p and 720p right?

 

[BMXTRIX]

Well the brightness doesnt really affect me as I will only use it at night to watch movies with a totally dark room.

As far as plugging it in I would use an HDMI to VGA cable which would take care of it not accepting component video I would think...

Size, I dont care im building a casing for it so you will not be able to see it (and yes it would be very well ventilated).

So... why else wouldnt I want a crt projector? (Oh and their bulbs last forever which is a HUUUUGE plus for me)... And potentially can project 1080p and 720p right?

You can't convert HDMI to VGA.

If you have sold yourself on the idea, then you need to take a SERIOUS step back and do some research.

Yes, CRT guns go bad.

CRTs also have tons of non-replacable parts inside. They have a ton of electronics inside which are 100% out of production or horrendously expensive to repair.

Retubing a CRT projector typically costs upwards of $5,000 (!!!)

Don't take lightly how much maintanance is required for CRT projectors, and that CRT projectors are basically out of production - there's a reason for that.

People went to specialty classes for a week to learn how to properly set up a CRT projector... how is it that you are convinced that you can just set it up? Keep in mind CRTs are nothing at ALL like DLP/LCD/LCoS projectors. They aren't digital.

Also, don't discount the lumens we are talking about here. You really need a positive gain screen and will be limited to about 92" with the low lumens which a 7" CRT puts out.

Don't get me wrong, I went CRT with my first projector... but that was about 8 years ago.

This is what I got to replace it with...
http://cgi.ebay.com/Panasonic-PT-L300U-LCD-HDTV-HD-Home-Theater-Projector_W0QQitemZ230303542576QQihZ013QQcategoryZ48654QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It was SO much better and easier to use than the CRT it completely blew me away. Keeping in mind that it does not have a HDCP compliant DVI input. I still use it to this day and produces the results you see in these photos...
http://www.avintegrated.com/lighting.html

Now, consider that this will likely go for around a couple hundred bucks, and you have something way easier to set up than a CRT, brighter than a CRT, and more compatible with HD than your average CRT.

After I turned mine on for the first time, I had my CRT projector on eBay that evening.