DLP Projector Differences

[Hi Ho]

Last weekend I was at a local home theater shop where they had always had a Sony HS51 set up with a 90 something inch screen. I thought it looked OK. Blacks weren't the best and there was a visible screen door effect. Colors were good.

Last weekend, however, they were just setting up a new Runco Reflection CL-410 720p DLP projector with a 200"+ screen (didn't ask about the size but it was HUGE). I was absolutely FLOORED by the picture this thing put out. They were just finishing up calibration when I walked in. The source was a Denon 2910 (I believe) through HDMI. The picture was smooth as film! I simply could not believe I was watching an upconverted DVD! The colors were bright, blacks inky. I cannot imagine what a true HD signal would look like! I was impressed enough to sit in that room for over an hour marveling at the picture (usually I drool for less than 10 minutes). The bass shakers they had on the seats played a role in that too.

Anyway, I know some here regard Runco as the Bose of the projector world (AKA overpriced). From there, stems my question. Since less expensive DLP projectors such as the BenQ PE-7700, Toshiba MT700, and Optoma HD72 use basically the same display chip, wouldn't they have similarly stunning picture quality?

There are not a lot of opportunities to demo projectors around here. I have only actually seen the Sony HS51, InFocus 4805, InFocus SP 5000, and the Runco in action. If any of the cheaper DLP models are capable of half the picture I saw with the Runco, I would be happy. I had been sold on LCD projectors such as the Sanyo Z3/Z4 and Panasonic AE700/900 even though I still haven't had a chance to see them but my first experience with a 720p DLP has caused me to do a complete 180.

Any thoughts?

On a side note, the sound system in the projector room was THIS JBL system running off a JBL receiver. I was thoroughly unimpressed. I was dissapointed that they replaced the excellent Paradgm/Denon system that was in there before with the JBL system. The sound was simply dull, highs were nonexistent, mids were muddy, and the sub didn't seem to go below 30hz. I had to go home and watch Red Eye on my system to get the bad sound out of my head. I sure missed that 200"+ screen though.

EDIT: After looking at the specs of that Runco, I am not sure I have the right model. The one I linked too has a resolution of 1024x576. If that was indeed the model I was looking at, That makes it even more impressive.

EDIT 2: I believe it is the right model as it is the only Runco DLP in the price range. Now I really want to see a 720p DLP!

 

[AAD]

I have also marveled at the picture from the RUNCO. I have (2) local shops that I have visited. The first shop had the RUNCO and a Mit. 3000 on display (only DLP in this store). The RUNCO looked perfect, the Mits looked awful. The second shop had a Sony and a Toshiba (only LCD in this store) on display. They both looked pretty nice but not as nice as the RUNCO.

All of that being said...I just received my Panny AE900U yesterday. I have not heard the best with regards to RUNCO's reliability, and I do not like the moving parts idea of DLP. I read nothing but the best about the Panny so I will let you know in a few days if it is as good at the RUNCO.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Last weekend I was at a local home theater shop where they had always had a Sony HS51 set up with a 90 something inch screen. I thought it looked OK. Blacks weren't the best and there was a visible screen door effect. Colors were good.

Last weekend, however, they were just setting up a new !

Were they driven with the same up-converted video? How do they compare price wise? The native resolution is only 1024x 576. It must down-convert the 720p?

With the dawn of HD DVD, either format, I'd look for a 3 chip 1080P projector

 

[Hi Ho]

The Sony was not setup at the time. They were in the process of setting it up in another room.

When I wrote the post I did not realize that I was drooling over a projector with a resolution of only 1024x576. All I can say is that it was the best display from a projector that I have ever seen.

A 3 chip 1080p unit would be very nice, a bit pricey though.

 

[mtrycrafts]

The Sony was not setup at the time. They were in the process of setting it up in another room.

When I wrote the post I did not realize that I was drooling over a projector with a resolution of only 1024x576. All I can say is that it was the best display from a projector that I have ever seen.

A 3 chip 1080p unit would be very nice, a bit pricey though.

Well, the Runco would be. You may want to check into the Sony 'Ruby' at $7400 on line in TX.

 

[AAD]

This is a follow-up to my previous posting...

I set up my new Panny AE900 with my 100" DIY blackout cloth screen and could not be happier. My picture is every bit as nice as the Runco DLP projectors (they looked great!) that I saw in my local AV store (both Runco projectors used very expensive screens). I would not change my coice even at even money and my Panny was less than half the price of the entry level Runco! The Panny also blows away the Toshiba and Sony LCD projectors that I saw at another local AV store!

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Audioholics]

Runco projectors typically look very nice. They are not marketed or priced for consumers, however. They have tremendous markup and are geared towards custom installers who can afford to buy them and enable Sam Runco's kids to drive Italian sports cars.

 

[BMXTRIX]

They also maintain an Italian sports car manufacturer mentality. It looks great, runs awesome, but you better have a mechanic handy that you are good friends with.

I would be much more for Runco if their products would improve on reliablity. One of my favorite in the 'somewhat overpriced' area is Sim2 which boasts such claims as 6,000 (8,000?) lamp hours for the bulb! If you pay as much as Runco asks, I would expect a bit more than what they provide.

Optoma H79 is a great way to go for incredible quality for the dollar.

Of course, in a few months we should finally be seeing the 1080p DLP models hitting the street.