Outboard Scaler; General DLP Questions...

[AndrewLyles]

Overview:
- Do DLP projectors typically have better intra scene contrast than comparatively priced LCD/LCoS projectors?
- Can you add an external processor/scaler to a projector if you want to upgrade the processing later on?


Details:
A few weeks ago I made my way to the Sony Store here in Manhattan to view the Sony Pearl and Ruby. These are the first projectors I have auditioned and they looked okay. Mind you the ruby was in a terrible lighting situation so I couldn't judge it to critically. The pearl however seemed dim and the colors looks washed out. It was in a dedicated room blasting onto a 130" Stewart screen...no idea what model. I realize there are a lot of factors involved here but overall I was unimpressed.

Walking away from that encounter I realized I needed to expand my search, so I've been looking to compare DLP projectors as well. I went and looked at a Runco today, the Runco 2000...a completely different price class! The projector looked great, very nice colors, good blacks, and very nice intrascene contrast. It wasn't so bright that the image jumped off the screen, but it was certainly brighter than the Sony. I don't think I"ll end up with Runco, mainly b/c I wasn't blown away with it and because of the price. But if that is a good representation of DLP then I'm very happy with the prospects.

I've been eyeballing the InFocus IN82 which was recently released at CEDIA. It is supposedly brighter than the Runco I viewed today and MUCH less expensive. I have not yet been able to find an InFocus dealer here in NYC but am still looking. The thing that impressed me most about the Runco today was the processing. Feeding it an SD image, the image still looked amazing. If I wanted to, would I be able to bypass the processor inside a projector (such as a more consumer oriented InFocus model) and add a better processor/sclaer later on? Or am I stuck with the processing capabilities of the projector?

Thanks y'all!

 

[BMXTRIX]

Many projectors allow for true 1:1 pixel mapping as one of the input options. This is ideal for an external scaler as it won't screw up the image a whole lot on the pass through the projector's processing. Most projectors STILL will apply some bit of processing, but this may just be for color, not for actual image manipulation.

As far as your DLP vs. LCD vs. LCoS question...

I'm a big fan of DLP, but I don't own it. I have installed many different projectors and I consistently see results from DLP that are just a touch better than LCD. Yet, I'm not entirely unconvinced that LCoS, such as the new JVC, can't best, or match, DLP for similar, or less money.

Recently though, I installed the BenQ W10000 projector, a 1080p DLP model, with lens shift showing on a 106" diagonal screen. Gotta say, it was really incredible.

One of the hardest parts of showroom demos is that you could be seeing a lamp that has 1,000+ hours on it and it may not actually be calibrated correctly. Both of these things will greatly reduce the overall impact you will get, but the lamp hours is a good indicator of how many projectors may look after you put a bunch of hours on it.

I remember when my projector began to burn it's lamp out - it was very dim, with low contrast, no punch at all, and basically sucked. When the lamp blew and I replaced it, I felt like I was back at day one! It was absolutely incredible the level of difference.

Now, is DLP a ton better than LCD or LCoS? Not at all. It is a half step better - at most. If DLP is a A-, then LCoS is a B+ and LCD may be a B. CRT, for pure image quality is still the A+ gold standard... when properly calibrated (almost never).

The biggest issue I have with the Optoma models has got to be the fixed lens (no lens shift) and the horredous lens offset which basically required 9 foot+ ceilings for proper screen placement. Also, I seem to recall that the throw distance was a little bit longer than it should have been for a projector with 1080p resolution. This is not an issue you will find in projectors like the JVC, Panasonic, or Sanyo 1080p projection models.

 

[lennyd]

Walking away from that encounter I realized I needed to expand my search, so I've been looking to compare DLP projectors as well.

Or am I stuck with the processing capabilities of the projector?

Thanks y'all!

I'm new here. I'd like to throw in another PJ for you to consider, the Yamaha DPX-1300. I think its close in class to the Sony's mentioned, it's retail may be higher.

We just got done doing total install of one coupled to a 120" screen and the PQ just is mind blowing. Colors are just right, best I've ever seen. It has a built-in scaler from Silicon Optics I believe, so when you look at its retail price, that must be taken into consideration. The scaler and processing are spot on great. A cheap Sony DVD or a new Oppo 980H produced the same picture quality - great! And the Sony did it with component @ 480i vs the Oppo via HDMI @480i. The already bought cheap Sony stayed in the System - the highly regarded Oppo went elseware! This install also has a FTA Viewsat receiver feeding it something - we've no specs on the receiver. But the picture is lush, crisp and totally amazing given the Viewsat's brand obscurity in the marketplace. This could only be because of the built-in Scaler of the Yammie.

Go check one out. Search the reviews too of this PJ. The reviewers don't just like it, they all - every one - rave about it.

I've seen the light... it was coming from a DPX-1300