Anamorphic lense vs New Projector

[Dante]

I currently have an Infocus X1 projector that I use for DVD's only. I am very pleased with the 480p resolution and really cannot justify upgrading yet based on the other projectors I have seen. The one gripe that I have is that it does not have a native 16:9 picture. Even though I there are controls to adjust the picture I am left with distracting, wasted light above the black bars and wasted pixels used for the black bars.

I have been looking at a panasonic LS500 that costs around $1900 that has a native 16:9 picture as well as a higher native resolution. However, a friend of mine told me about an anamorphic lens that can change my 4:3 to a 16:9, eliminating the wasted light. There will still be black bars thanks to Hollywood formatting but it would improve the brightness and contrast ratio. If this were true, it would be a better option because it would mean less money out of pocket and I wouldn't have to go to the trouble of selling my projector. Also, according to my friend, this same lens could be used in the future if I decide to upgrade, changing it from 16:9 to 2.35.

My problem is that I do not know how to find a lens to match my projector or how to properly set one up. Also, I don't know exactly how these work or where to find one. Any suggestions?

 

[ruadmaa]

Anamorphic Lens

The only anamorphic lenses that I am familiar with are all used with either 16/35 MM projectors. I am not aware of such lenses being used with video projectors (although I'm sure they can be). You must first understand that to use an anamorphic lense the original picture being photographed has to be squeezed with an anamorphic lens (everything looks tall and thin). When you use the anamorphic lens in projection, it widens out the original squeezed picture. You cannot use an anamorphic lens on a standard picture that is not meant to be shown in "scope" anamorphic. (If you were to put an anamorphic lens in front of a standard 4:3 picture you would widen it out to 2.35 but everything would appear fat and distorted)

Also, remember that the more glass you put in front of a prime lens the more light you lose.

You can find anamorphic lenses on ebay buy doing a simple search.

 

[Audioholics]

Runco has different lenses for its higher-end projectors that adjust the anamorphic aspect ratio of the output as well (getting dangerously close to confusing terminology, but you understand what I am getting at, I hope). I am sure there are more companies.

I am not aware of third-party solutions however. I would think that the lens would have to work specifically with the projector. If you find this not to be true, please share your research with us.

 

[Dante]

More information

My orignal search a few months ago did not turn up much, but today I found an article that does a great job of explaining the basics.
http://www.projectorcentral.com/anamorphic_lenses.htm

There are links to two manufactures, Panamorph and ISCO Optics, that sell the lenses for video applications. Unfortunately for me, the price of the cheapest puts it out of birthday present range (approx. $700). I'll have to do some sweet talking or fancy money laundering to get it past the Mrs.

I would love to see you guys review one of these and let us know if this is a worthwhile option to upgrading our projectors. Who knows maybe you could even do a shootout.

 

[Unregistered]

AVSForum currently has a special powerbuy on anamorhic lenses at a great price.