Optoma EP 739 in home theater?

[pjclark]

Hi folks, my first post, and I have never owned a projector before . . .

Have read all the stuff I can find, but I'm still trying to understand whether I'll love or hate an EP739 in a home theater application.

Short of actually seeing it in action, which seems to be impossible, I'd like to hear from anyone who's actuall using one of these in their home for DVD movies and XBox gaming. Probably won't use it for much else. My room is big (23 x24) and has 3 large windows with blinds. I can get it pretty dark, but would really prefer to just close the blinds and turn off the lights. Seems to me the brightness on the 739 would be a plus in that situation, but maybe the video processing is where it's really at?

Appreciate the help from the old pros out there

Paul

 

[BMXTRIX]

I would recommend against it all all costs. The only review I heard that I really trusted was from someone who switched from the 739 to a actual home theater projector. He said the 739 was loud and had very poor video processing. Classic business class projector.

If you have any brightness issues, then why not look at the Epson 550 which can give actual lumen performance when necessary, but also be properly toned back for dark HT use.

Keep in mind, the 739 is not a HD projector as well and is designed 100% from the ground up for a computer to connect to it, not video sources. So, while you CAN show HD, DVD, and gaming on it, that was not what it was meant for.

I wouldn't purchase it or recommend it to you based on your situation. If your room is to bright then any front projector won't be the best anyway. Well, unless you have the budget for a really good black screen.

 

[brian32672]

I have had one (actually I had 2 of them), It would be wise to spend your money elswhere. At that time, I was having a lot of complaints to Optoma about that unit. It has one single chip that does the processing and scaling. And does it pretty poorly. The next business/home class the Optoma EP757/758/759 use a dual chip setup one to handle processing and a seperate one to handle scaling. Also the 739 has light leakage issues (that drove me nuts) It is fairly quiet, but not totally quiet. The next line up in more of a sealed unit, and has absolutely no noise issues.

Some more notes on the 739:
It has the worst vga/s-video hookups. (Do not even use them). Should only be used with the DVI input. You may ask why, well I'll get into that. Come to find out the deinterlacer and scaler chip is a all in one chip. To where the 758 has seperate chips for this, hence a better picture (at least thats what Optoma says) Also there is a lot of light leakage from the 739. Hence will slightly wash out image. A plus side is the unit is like whisper quiet compared to my Sharp. The EP 739 is not well for dvd's and Video Essentials or an Optomizer disc is much needed and only helps a little. Also the 739 has a plastic lense (by the way the EP 758 also has plastic) and a cheap Sharp I had uses a Carl Zeiss all glass lense for a fraction of the cost (clear image from corner to corner) With plastic you (or at least me) will see sharpness in the center and it will have a slight blur towards the edges. (Very suprised the EP 758 with a msrp of 5999.00 does not have a glass lense) I can by no means suggest the EP 739. By the way the first person I spoke with at Optoma was VERY RUDE. And said I was expecting to much. Until I finally got a word in, and said that my cheap Sharp is 150 times better at a third of the price. Imagine a expensive Sharp model.

BTW, the Sharp as well would be considered business/home model. And it blew away the Optoma.

 

[Eric Apple]

Wow harsh reviews... I don't think it works too bad unlike the previous two posters. I wouldn't say it's "videophile" display but the pictue looks really good.

We use one for HDTV and DVDs always upscaled to 1080i. It is very quiet (about 20db at 1 foot ie.. you don't hear it running unless your sitting 2 feet away in a quiet room) and the picture looks good with HDTV & DVDs. It does 4:3 and 16:9 pretty well unlike the wide screen only PJs, not everything comes out in 16:9 format. Lots of 4:3 shows like Survivor. I do agree on using the DVI input vs any of the analog connections. The picture seems equally bright and focused across the entire image.

Native res is 1024x768. Keep in mind in 16:9 mode, it will be letterboxed display on the screen, and the full 768 won't be used. The picture looks pretty good, but you really have to tweak the white peaking setting. It can easily wipe out differences in bright white colors.

Light leakage doesn't seem bad. It's mounted upside down on the ceiling and you do see some light on the ceiling. I would guess if it was not mounted upside down, the light could be an issue. We usually have some dim lamps turned on when watching a show. We don't like it totaly black in the room, like when watching some 1 hr tv show like CSI we like to still get up and do stuff around the house while the shows on. Pitch black rooms make the that hard to do without stepping on some sharp kid's toy.

On the light output issue, it is pretty bright. But, don't get to hung up on it's 2000+ lumen output. You will only get that bright in a data display mode. I would guess in video mode it's about 1300 lumens. It is brighter then similar priced HT specific models. With this and any PJ, the room needs to be fairly dark or the picture looks rotten.

If you are going all out with a dedicated HT room, I would go for a more expensive HT only model. For a combo use room, the ep739 seems to work out well.

Electronic places like Fryes have these on display to play with. You can see for yourself what the image looks like.

One other thing, mechanical lens shift (up/down/left/right) would be a real plus in any PJ for the mounting options it opens up. The 739 does not have this, and could easily make selection of another PJ easy to decide.

I have had good luck with customer service. Give them a call and ask a few questions about the Ep739 and their HT models. You can get the # from their web site, their tech support is one reason we got an Optoma. If they treat you bad before you buy, then tell them that and buy a different PJ. I wouldn't bother with the sells #, they are always gonna treat you nice.

 

[pjclark]

OK, thanks for the (wide) variety of opinions.

Would it be fair to say that BMXTRIX and Brian are more along the "videophile" line, and therefore the more stringent performance expectations?

Truly, if this thing was reliable and gave me a picture only a little better than my "normal" TV, that'd probably be good enough for me. I can afford the extra $1000 or so for the Epson or the Sanyo Z4, I just don't want to pay it if a non-connoisseur like me isn't really going to notice the difference, particularly if there's not two of them going in the same room at once!

Does that change any advice you might give?

 

[brian32672]

BMXTRIX and Brian are more along the "videophile" line,

Truly, if this thing was reliable and gave me a picture only a little better than my "normal" TV, that'd probably be good enough for me. I can afford the extra $1000 or so for the Epson or the Sanyo Z4, I just don't want to pay it if a non-connoisseur like me isn't really going to notice the difference, particularly if there's not two of them going in the same room at once!

Does that change any advice you might give?

Hah, leave me (Brian) out of that elite line.
Anyhow, a actual budget $ number would help. Also do you have RBE issues with DLP?
If not, then a high contender would be the H31.
I am assuming you have done a little homework over at Projector central?
If not then please read the FAQ and buyers section - Link HERE
Also note that Audioholic members receive a discount from Visual Apex.
Link to V.A. for Audioholic members HERE

 

[pjclark]

Brian

I've done some research, enough to be dangerous only. I think I read all that stuff although I can't get any search results from "Find Projectors" using XGA resolution, don't care aspect ratio, 100" image size from 15" throw, and basically other parameters that the 739 should satisfy, mostly "don't care" or unchecked.

Was the picture from your 739 worse than watching your TV, or was it just not "better enough" that you felt it was worth the money compared to the old tube?

Paul

 

[Eric Apple]

Good point - the rainbow effect (RBE) does cause some people issue. We don't notice it, so we tend to forget about it.

I think infocus is running a rebate on the SP5000. This is an LCD PJ, with the rebate running right now at $1K. 1200:1 contrast is extreamly good contrast for LCD and a 16:9 res of 1280x720 -- I think 1100 lumens.

H31 is a nice unit also and is DLP with 16:9 res 854x480 800 lumens. Also about $1k.

For 16:9 as the main format, for a budget PJ, I would probably pick the SP5000 with the rebate.

Unlike the ep739, both of these are pretty safe video quality wise for HT use since they are both designed for that as a primary use.

I do like the ep739, but the analog connections not working well can be a real downside. I do like the 4:3 format in giant screen size on the ep739.

 

[brian32672]

Brian

I've done some research, enough to be dangerous only. I think I read all that stuff although I can't get any search results from "Find Projectors" using XGA resolution, don't care aspect ratio, 100" image size from 15" throw, and basically other parameters that the 739 should satisfy, mostly "don't care" or unchecked.

Was the picture from your 739 worse than watching your TV, or was it just not "better enough" that you felt it was worth the money compared to the old tube?

Paul

You must know the first main use of the 739 is business and occasionaly take it home from business to watch at home. Hence a versatile player.
Don't get me wrong, I have seen some el-cheapo business projectors that can stand with the Dedicated Home projectors. But the EP739 is not one of them. If by chance you will be using multiple inputs (then this PJ will throw off all settings for those inputs, basically I would calibrate it and only use it with the DVI input. The other hookups are abysmal. Please know I am talking about 2 seperate units that I had. Both had same issues. If you are going to hookup via DVI then you can expexct about the same quality as a normal tv. NOT THE QUALITY OF A GOOD TV. You say XGA, I am assuming that you are looking for something that is 4:3 format?

IMO the 739 would be one at the bottom of a long list of PJ's that I would be considering in this price range.
However, at what price are you looking to pick one up?
Unless its an absolutely superb deal - I would shy away. Even at a superb deal, I would keep on shopping.
Granted this is my opinion.
And like I try to let everyone know - Take my advice with a grain of salt.

BTW at the moment I have a EP 758 (3000 lumen) PJ and a 120" screen. It works awesome.
But I had picked it up for a good price, I will be selling it soon.
This is about my 6th or 7th projector that I have owned, BTW I have played with many more.
However after saying that - I am in line for a new model.
And I am considering the PLVZ4 or a H77.

I have no issues with RBE (even slow wheels) but I have seen plenty of SDE in the LCD's that I have seen.

 

[BMXTRIX]

It doesn't for me. The image will be bigger than your normal TV, but your normal TV is designed for video and will provide more accurate color, far better black levels, and since it is CRT, it will be really tough to be on all around performance.

Plus, if you are building new, then take a few hours to look around http://www.projectorcentral.com and read the AVS Forums.

Don't get me wrong - I'm NOT a videophile. I am a user - I have my setup to enjoy it and I do not spend hours tweaking it. What I call issues really are items that detract from me having fun. A poor image, light leaking from the case... a fan that is noisy during the film. Colors that just look wrong.

If you examine your budget, and your selection of projectors that are available, there is a solution that does both. Gives you great video and also is affordable.

I also ONLY recommend 16:9 projectors. I go into detail on this at Projector Central, but the bottom line is that with a 16:9 screen the largest image (16:9) will be your highest quality sources. HDTV and DVD. Many DVDs are 2.35:1 which use less of the screen, and regular TV is 4:3 (1.33:1) which will use the least amount of the screen. Thus, your worst image, is the smallest, which makes it appear nicer looking.

The overall value - the package - improves dramatically. You end up with a screen designed for the display of HD content, your projector shows HD content the best and you step down in size as things get worse. You get the deepest blacks possible and the best imaging processing possible and are ready for future formats such as HD discs and HD gaming.

What choices do you have?
InFocus SP4805 - About $1,000 - 853x480 sometimes refurbs as low as $500
Optoma H31 or H27 - About $1,000 - comparible to SP4805
Sanyo PLV-Z3 - About $1,300 - Full 1280x720 HD resolution - best bang for the buck in my opinion
Panny AE700 - About $1,500 - Probably the best selling projector last year. Great when you can do the AE900. Some consider it better than the AE900.
Panny AE900 or Sanyo Z4 - or list of others - About $2,000 - Newest LCD projectors on the market with performance that some consider better than current HD home theater DLP projectors. Well worth the money, but perhaps not when the AE700 and Z3 are still out there.

Bottom line is that you should not expect a projector to be BETTER than your current TV. It will be MUCH bigger, but you will definitely notice the loss in quality vs. your current TV and vs. other displays you see every day. People are more in tune to these things than they realize, especially when it is in their home and they can see it compared to their other displays.

 

[pjclark]

Thanks again all.

I'll go look again at the Panasonic 700/900 and the Z3/4 stuff, and make a decision there. Just hard to let go of those 2500 lumens and 5000 hours of bulb life. I know, that figure's highly fictitious. Still hard to pay more for something advertised at 1100 and only planning to deliver 300-400 at the screen . . .

But, I'll take your word for it. Just watch out, though, I'll be back to post after I buy something!

Merry Christmas and thanks a bundle (no pun intended).

Paul

 

[pjclark]

New Question . . .

Guys,

would appreciate your thoughts on one further observation.

Today I brought in my DVD of "Finding Nemo" to try out on one of our projectors in the office. Turns out that projector is an NEC MT1040. We played the DVD on a PC connected to the projector, and the results, frankly, are brilliant as far as I'm concerned. Fabulous for what I would want to use it for at home . . .

So--that thing, I presume, was designed as a data projector, 1300 lumens and 300:1 contrast, an LCD machine from way back in 1999.
Would you expect the EP739 to be NOT that good? If so, why not, what causes that difference technically? Does playing it through the PC give a biased view of the performance of the projector for video, or would it be the same if I'd had a DVD player hooked up to it? If I had a spare PC hanging around, could I play DVD into the EP739 using the computer interface and expect similarly spectacular results?

I did this to try to calibrate my expectations with some actual hardware performance, hoping that if I seem happy with that, you guys might be able to give me a better feel for whether I'd be happy with the EP 739.

Appreciate your thoughts and patience!
Paul

 

[Eric Apple]

Actually the ep739 will look better then that projector. One thing to consider is that animated cartoon films with highly satured and contrasting colors tend to really look good since there's not much fine constrasting detail. Try something like SW Attack of the clones where the scenes are really white, such as when he first lands on the clone factory and he is talking with those aliens in the conference room. The aliens should look silver'ish and be clearly seen, the same with the silver ship they fly around. Some PJs turn the aliens and ships white and they wash out almost like ghosts.

Pull up the THX optimizer on that SW DVD and check the shades of grey. See if you can make out these 8 or so shades.

I'm sure all the projectors mentioned to you are fine. The ep739 looks fine to me also. But, that's not been everyones experience. And no you don't get 2400 lumnens from it unless you have it in data mode. Even the default film settings as supplied are about 1/2 the brightness of the data display.

Personally given the bad expenience some people have stated with the 739 I hesitate to tell you it will work fine for you. The one we use looks great on DVI.

Keep in mind too on the screen sizes a 100" 4:3 image is much more narrow then a 100" 16:9 screen. So watching 16:9 image on a 100" 4:3 screen is smaller then a 100" 16:9 screen.

 

[df4801]

Get a home theater projector.
I havent seen the model you asked about, but would be willing to bet that the de-interlacing, scaling, hook up options, connections, color wheel, etc, etc, will be vastly inferior.
There are too many cheap HT projectors out there now to use a data pj for HT use. It may have looked good with a DVD, but what about TV? That is when the pj has to do much more work with the signal.
Just my opinion, I'd hate to hear in 6 months that you want to upgrade.