Panny AE900U vs. Optoma HD72

[Bryce_H]

Panny AE900U vs. Optoma HD72 vs Epson 550

Ready to pull the trigger for a new projector, replacing a Sony VPL-W400Q. While there is all kinds of press about how great the Panny AE900U is, I am having a difficult time finding info on the Optoma HD72, particularly a comparison. I found a couple of references here (within 5 threads - most of which said it coming or its great). I also read the review over at projector central which was good, but lack comparisons.

I was originaly set on the Panny, but am now wondering if the Optoma is better projector, or maybe the Epson 550. Have $2000 to play with and know that with rebates, etc. the Panny is around ~$1500, the Optoma ~2000. The $500 difference is not a significant factor for me.

Relevant info:
Room is 15'6" X 23'
Complete light control
Screen is 16:9 106" 1.3 gain Da-Lite
Projector mount is at 14' (the max limit on the HD72 for 106" screen, pretty close up for the Panny)
Will be running Component Video for now (till I buy a new DVD player)

Attached are some pictures of the theater the projector is going into.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I believe, that if the H72 works for your setup and you don't have to deal with digital keystone correction due to the fixed lens and offset that is required then I would go that route.

I'm not thrilled with how soft the Panny image is, especially with component video. My older, lower resolution model looks sharper with HD material... just IMO though.

The Epsons are very worth considering as well... but DLP still has those killer black levels and a lot that just is great about them.

It is almost the difference between the Red Honda and the Black Honda - neither is bad, they are both midline, and you should be really happy no matter which one you end up with.

 

[Bryce_H]

Thanks BMXTRIX - actually decided to go with the Epson. I have been working with a local comapny here. He steered me away from the HD72 based on his experience. Some of his reasons are difficulty in getting units (delayed release), removal of deadpixel policy, decrease of wheel spin (4X vs 5X), and the wariness of the new 1280*768 chip (designed to meet a price point) . I removed the Pany after realizind that my seating distance will be far enough back that the screen door effect is not a consideration (13'6" on a 106" 16:9). I chose the detail of the Epson. The Epson has also gotten some great reviews:

http://www.projectorreviews.com/epson/cinema550/index.asp

http://www.projectorcentral.com/epson_cinema_550.htm

Unit will be here tomorrow!!

 

[BMXTRIX]

Definitely let me know how you like it. The Epson keeps cropping into my mind for its ability to handle both high light output performance combined with good quality when the lights go low.

Meh, I think I'm just going to wait for a decent 1080p projector in a couple of years. LCD is really making DLP work for whatever it gets this year.

 

[Bryce_H]

I am veiwing this as an intermediate projector. I need something as my current projector (Sony VPL-W400Q) is WAY out of date. Will probably get a 1080 in 3-5 years. I'll keep you posted.

 

[cthomp]

Reviews

You may want to take a look at www.projectorreviews.com
There are some great review there! I too have ruled out the Panny
and torn between the Optoma HD72, H78DC3. and the Sony VPL-HS51A
Let me know how you like the Epson! Wow, there are a lot of good
choices out there.

 

[Bryce_H]

I have read all the reviews (over and over) and finally settled on the Epson. Will definately keep everyone posted. Hope to pick it up today and throw it up for a quick look

 

[saxomatic]

what about the hitachi Hitachi HDP-J52? Heard great things about it ?

 

[Bryce_H]

The projector central review seems to have a wash between the Hitachi and the Epson, with maybe an edge to the Epson for stuff I am concerned about (black levels). I plan on using the Epson in a dedicated HT with complete light control and the projector set to Theater Black 1.

Besides the Epson is already sitting in my house. Picked it up last night.

 

[Bryce_H]

so I have gotten the Epson up and running. Watched Lord of War and Legend of Zorro on it. Mounting was a snap (after some "modifications" to my universal mount). Minimal lens shift was needed but it made for an easier install. The picture is really bright. I am running it on Theater Black 1, one of the darkest options, and it looks great in my HT. My light control is complete so that helps. I played with it a little bit in some of the other modes and this projector can get really bright. Ran it through a quick adjustment period with DVE and I stuck with most of the default settings. I will be getting this projector ISF calibrated at some point in the future. But I planned on that regardless of the projector I ended up with. The noise is noticable only when there is no sound. I will be building a custom hush box for it once I am back from business travel. I already have the dedicated air intake and exhaust built into the ceiling. In sum, I love this projector so far. As mentioned I audtioned the Pany and Sanyo (actually right next to each other) and decided to go with the Epson - couldn't be happier. As a side note the new Home Theater Magazine has a review of the Epson and gave it good marks.

 

[ReVuR]

You may want to take a look at www.projectorreviews.com
There are some great review there! I too have ruled out the Panny
and torn between the Optoma HD72, H78DC3. and the Sony VPL-HS51A
Let me know how you like the Epson! Wow, there are a lot of good
choices out there.

Greetings,

Thought I would throw in my two cents, since you guys seem to have been reading my reviews.

I just wanted to note that although I did not give the Sony HS51A (HS60) a Hot Product Award, (the Award is an indicator that the recipient fills a significant niche -where it provides real value), it is an excellent projector.

It does produce the best black levels (and also a very neutral black) of any LCD I've seen so far. It's weakness lies mostly in lack of brightness, but for those without that issue, its a great performer after a bit of calibration.

However, back to my point. Ultimately the reason it didn't get the award was the Optoma H78DC3, which sells for only slightly more, and which I think is easily (but not drastically) the better image, and brighter.

I will actually be posting an update to the Sony in about 3 weeks or so, based on the anticipated demise fof the Optoma H78DC3 here in the US. Optoma says that they are already out of H79's and it sounds like the H78DC3's won't be around that long. The replacement for those two - the HD7300, is expected to be a $5000 Selling Price projector, and if true, that means there are no under $4000 street priced DarkChip3 DLP's....

That changes the Sony's status, and so, as I get word that the H78dc3 are pretty much gone, the HS51A will get its Hot Product Award, as it will no longer have a price competitive superior product to deal with.

PS, if you need more "horsepower" (Lumens), the Epson 800 is very nice, but it is pricey here in the US. And it does have the best out of box color.

 

[RLA]

Hello all
Just finished a 2-week evaluation of the H-72 The review should be up in the next week or two. If your room and installation can accommodate the offset of the H-72 get it and don’t look back. This is by far the best-looking PJ I have viewed at its price point. The AE 900 is good but the H-72 colors, black levels and detail are awesome!
Hope this helps

PS You would be wise to get either the Optoma mount or the Chief universal
Ceiling mount. The H-72 has a very different bolthole pattern. I have learned the hard way with so-called universal mounts bottom line they aren’t so universal

 

[RLA]

One more thing I forgot to mention I think the H-72 is better than the H-78
And it’s darn close to the H-79 minus all the extras the H-79 provides.

The Mitsubishi HD 4000 is on deck; I haven’t opened the box yet. I will most likely be setting it up early next week. If you want sneak peaks or inside info
You will have to PM me toward the end of the week

Check out the H-72 Projector People thread I think there may be a deal there for AH members?

 

[majorloser]

I own an Optoma H78-DC3. It has a nice picture, but I'm not impressed with Optoma's customer service. No contact telephone numbers, only abrupt and frankly rude e-mails. And now that I found out the replacement bulb is backordered for another month (2 months total) I don't know if I could recommend them. The same bulb is used in the H77, H78 and H79.

 

[RLA]

Did you try this one?
(888) 289-6786

 

[majorloser]

Did you try this one?
(888) 289-6786

They factory itself is backordered till April 28th (straight from Optoma customer service's mouth). All vendors, and I checked, drop ship from Optoma. They all say they can ship in 3 to 5 days till I ask if they have one in their own stock.

Thanks for the direct telephone number! Their web site doesn't list a customer service number.

 

[jigar]

soyn VPL HS51A

RLA,
It seems you have tested HS51A. I recently bought that one.
I recently purchased one DVD which is 16:9 format. When I play that in DVD player I don't get 16:9 , instead I get 4:3 in Normal Mode. If I use any of the wide zoom , I do get 16:9 but in that case I am loosing pixels and quality. Any idea what could be the problem. Am I missing any setup?

Thanks in advance.