Optoma Themscene RD50 50 inch DLP

[Jimmyjazz]

Optoma Themscene RD50 50 inch DLP

The Optoma spec looks good and at £2,800 ( as at 18.10.04 ) is reasonable value.
On sale at HiFi Bitz ( Thanks to Helicopter for the link )
http://www.hifibitz.co.uk/product.asp?id=3623

Has anybody seen it in action ?
Does anybody know of any retailers where it can be viewed ?
Any reviews out yet ?

Jimmy

[Loada]

I thought the RD50 was the one Sagem rebadged as the Axium?

[Radioactive__Man]

a quick look at the Optoma range of projectors and new rear projectors about to hit the streets would suggest the Sagem is a "made under licence" Optoma
:laugh:

[TonyA]

It appears that so far, HiFiBitz is the only retailer (according to my searches on the web) of the Optoma RD50, in the UK.

I've downloaded the tech-specs, and it appears that the RD50 is not the same model that Sagem badge as the Axium.

The RD50 uses an HD2+ DMD - there is no mention of this in the Axium specs. The RD50 support HDMI too - The Axium doesn't.

I must say - I prefer the black livery of the RD50 over the silver of the Axium - but I'm something of a traditionalist in that respect, and have never taken to the trend to make all a/v systems silver over the last few years!

I've never really been taken with Plasma pictures until recently, as the new "imaging" software chips that most manufacturers are putting in their kit, is certainly improving the pictures greatly.

However, I saw the HD demo of the Axium in the local Comet store, and was blown away by the clarity of the picture from DLP.

If the RD50 uses the HD2+ DMD chip, the images produced on that unit should be vastly improved over the Axium!

The European specs are available from: http://www.themescene.tv/

The USA specs are available from: http://www.optomatv.com/

Just wish there was somewhere local I could go and check one out!!

[Alain75]

The Sagem was a rebadge "europeanised" version of the first Optoma RD50 which was also silver and with the HD2 chip, but never distributed in Europe.

The new Optoma HD50 "themescene", has the HD2+ chip, same cabinet shape in black and does not seem to be rebadged by Sagem.

On the other hand the new Sagem HD45 also has the HD2+ chip, HDCP DVI, and appears to be a "real" Sagem development :


http://www.homecinema-fr.com/forum/files/sagem__axium_hd-d45_1_redimensionner.jpg

[TonyA]

Not very happy with HiFi Bitz customer service - I have emailed them twice to see if the ThemeScene RD50 as advertised on their website, is priced with the stand, or if the stand is an optional extra (if so - how much?) - So far, no response from them!

From what I can see from the models - The Optoma ThemeScene RD50 as sold in the UK, is known as the Optoma RD50H in the USA - although with regional differences.

Have found the following French Press Release for the Sagem HD45 (although it is in French):

http://www.sagem.com/presse/axium/sagemaxium_info-d45.pdf

Just about understood it - as I don't exactly understand or speak French, but think I've got the basics. There's meant to be an English version of the document soon.

In the mean time, I've emailed Sagem and asked if/when that model will be available in the UK.

You can see though that they're definately going for the Plasma market with that model! It certainly is a nice looking piece of equipment.

[mfairclough]

I just phoned the company and was told that the price does include the stand. I think the Sagem's stand is around £300 in Comet. So, is it worth paying an extra £500 for the Optoma in order to get HD2+ and HDMI?

[HiFiBitZ]

TonyA - apologies, it looks like we've got a problem with our email at the moment. Normal service will be resumed ASAP.

[TonyA]

Thanks for the update on the "stand" - Yes, Comet are asking £300 for the Sagem Axium stand.

That's a good question - is it worth the extra?

HD2+ is meant to have superior performance over HD2. HD2+ eliminates the "rainbow" effect that some people see, improves contrast by removing the "dimple" on each mirror on the DMD, and gives vastly improved pictures, when used with a 7 segment colour wheel.

As for the HDMI - well that's the icing on the cake, as that is essentially future proofing the set to allow for all-digital connections.

[Radioactive__Man]

seeing as I am genuinely interested in one of these to replace my old RPTV, a quick call around local HiFi dealers in my area has suggested a price of £2500.

my interest was swiftly enhanced when I took my Arcam DV79 along to a "friends" and hooked it up to his Sagem a few weeks ago :)

this might even facilitate a blind purchase when any dealers get them in stock locally

[JohnMulcahy]

HD2+ eliminates the "rainbow" effect that some people see
Whether a set uses HD2+ or HD2 has no impact on the visibility of rainbows. Using a 7-segment colour wheel (instead of 6) might have a slight effect on rainbow visibility for some people. The biggest differences would be between older data projectors using 3 or 4-segment colour wheels versus newer displays using 6, 7 or 8-segment wheels.

[HiFiBitZ]

Just had some great news from Optoma - the Themescene RD50 is due in the first week in November and it will be..........£1995!

[TonyA]

Hi Peter,

Is that with/without the stand?

[HiFiBitZ]

That's without the stand - which will be £175. The stand MAY drop in price, Optoma haven't finalised the price yet but it wont be any more than £175. As far as we are concerned if you order and the price comes down before we ship it then we would charge the lower price.

[Jimmyjazz]

Just had some great news from Optoma - the Themescene RD50 is due in the first week in November and it will be..........£1995!

;)


The original ad ( 18.10.04 ) quoted the price as £2,800. Mega price drop in such a short space of time. Perhaps the original quote was wrong.

If Optoma is the Daddy of Sagem and has the HDMI / HDCP plus superior chip with ( possibly ) a 7 segment wheel then I’d love to see one in action.

[blasthand]

Just thought I'd add my two-penneth worth :)

I'd swap my LG which I've only had for a couple of months for one of these at the drop of a hat if I had the cash. I'm told it's not just the chip, but that the really important thing with DLP is the algorithm they use to cancel out the rainbow effect - this is the first dlp I've seen that mentions it - the Faroudja deinterlacing. My wife and I have always noticed the rainbows on the LG - I'd bet my mortgage that this TV doesn't suffer from it at all. :thumbsup:

Cheers,
Blasthand.

[Hellicopter]

Fascinating that the market price for UK DLPs is dropping so fast.At £1995 the Optoma is a real bargain.
I love my Sagem and the chance to enjoy the HD test progamming but am now suffering the price of being an early adopter!
Am in the USA next week and will look out for the equivalent Optoma whilst there.

Alan

[HiFiBitZ]

The bad news - The RD50 stand is going to be £254

The Good news - The RD65 is not going to be £3995, its going to be £3400!!

[jonwhiten]

Having been burned :mad: by the poor quality of the Sagem Axium, do you know if the new RD50 suffers from the same issues with the set locking up, randomly a 3+ inch black bar appearing on the left of the screen when on AV2 as well as SKY switching the set from standby?

[HiFiBitZ]

Both models are due out at the beginning of November, which is when we are hoping to get our demo model so it's early days yet

[TonyA]

Having been burned :mad: by the poor quality of the Sagem Axium, do you know if the new RD50 suffers from the same issues with the set locking up, randomly a 3+ inch black bar appearing on the left of the screen when on AV2 as well as SKY switching the set from standby?

Hi Jon - I read your post with some interest... Although the HD50 is a higher-spec model than the "Axium", it's bound to share quite a few common component parts.

Some of the reports about the Axium's strange behaviour have been reported in the "Axium Questions" thread on here. The left-hand black bar on AV2, and the set suddenly turning itself on at very peculiar times have been reported.

Does the set only switch on when in "standby" mode, or if the set is fully powered off (which would be the more worrying to me, as it would indicate issues with the power supply unit).

You've also reported that the set "locks up" - how does this manifest itself?

I am hoping that these "features" have been ironed out of the HD50. I may sit tighter now to see what people have to say about this, before making the jump to buy one.

[jonwhiten]

Hi Jon - I read your post with some interest... Although the HD50 is a higher-spec model than the "Axium", it's bound to share quite a few common component parts.
<SNIP> Does the set only switch on when in "standby" mode, or if the set is fully powered off (which would be the more worrying to me, as it would indicate issues with the power supply unit).

You've also reported that the set "locks up" - how does this manifest itself?
<SNIP>

Only when in standby. The switch on the side of the set (right round the side and hard to get at as we kind of built the unit into some cabinets) does seem to kill the power completely.

The lock-up problem is just that. The set stops responding to the remote or the buttons on the front of the set. In one case the OSD froze displaying the selected source. In a number of other cases the screen also went black although the sound continued.

Fortunately, and by sheer fluke, I managed to repeat this problem within 5 mins of the Comet engineer arriving. He agreed on the spot to authorise the set's return.

[ddlooping]

Hi all. :)

A few questions, if you don't mind:
- How noisy is a RPTV DLP (specifically the Themescene RD50, if anyone has had a chance to test it in a quiet environment).
- Does anyone know if there a smaller size model in the pipeline (Themescene RD42?)?
- How flexible is the PIP option, in terms of image positioning/sizing (see next question :blush: )?
- Is it at all possible to change the scale of the projected video-stream to actually make it smaller (as shown in the picture below)? :grin:

http://www.teaching-tools.com/hosted/rd50.gif

Being seated 8 feet from the screen, 50" should be great for movies, but I'm concerned it might be much too big for "normal" TV watching.

TIA. ;)

[ddlooping]

I guess nobody knows yet. ;)

[philangst]

HiFiBitZ, Have you gt your demo model yet. I read another thread on here sayhin they were due out 15/11

[HiFiBitZ]

We won't be getting ours any sooner than anybody else - we're still being told the 15/11 but there will probably be more news next week...... watch this space

[Dabs]

Been looking at Plasmas and RPTVs{DLP} for a while now and while visiting Comets in Greenwich,the SAGEM AXIUMHTD501DLP blew me away.
The missus just ordered me the Optima RD50 from Hifibitz and by what you lot say this is even better. WHOO HOOO.I'll let you know how i get on when it arrives. :clap:

[nigel_williams]

I was going to pop in there at the weekend. Were they running the HiDef demo or just normal TV? I'd like to see how Freeview looks on it.

[Dabs]

It was a HiDef demo but still made me dribble.I asked the salesman in Comets about the Optoma as i was'nt sure at the time, and he said he's never heard of Optima.
Where do they get these salesmen from,surely they should know or am i being too optomistic?

[Salman]

Peter
Could you tell us what your delivery times will be for the Optoma RD50 and Optoma RD65?

[HiFiBitZ]

The first batch of RD50's have now arrived at Optoma and are passing thru quality control.:thumbsup: We should be seeing our demo model early on next week (can't wait!), will let you know when it arrives.

[locky79]

hurrah :D i hope mines in your batch of deliveries :clap:

i wonder when i can start looking for a stand :rolleyes:

hifibitz can you recommend me a nice stand for the price range of £50 - £150?

[big ric]

Hi
are the RD50 in stock for sure as on Monday someone else said they were in and they were not i hope they are :thumbsup:
Big Ric

[HiFiBitZ]

bigric - Thats my information from Optoma

locky79 - Atacama Equinox AV ?

[locky79]

what stand is that? you have any pics of it? or perhaps a link would be nice :x

[plaver]

what stand is that? you have any pics of it? or perhaps a link would be nice :x

Have a look here http://www.hifistore.co.uk/gen/atacama.htm

[HiFiBitZ]

I wouldn't want to be accused of advertising :) - http://www.hifibitz.co.uk/product.asp?id=1935
You will get a slight overlap with it - the RD50 is 117cm and the stand is 97cm. The Optimum AV200 has been mentioned on another thread - http://www.hifibitz.co.uk/product.asp?id=176 but this is nearly double the price you want to pay

[plaver]

Have a look here http://www.hifistore.co.uk/gen/atacama.htm

:hiya:
Whoops, am I in trouble now and will I get taught a :lesson: from the mods

:laugh: :laugh:

[robert_d4]

Hello from the U.S.,
I've had my Optoma RD50H for about 2 months now and am having problems with the set "locking up" as mentioned in other postings. At the moment, the set is "DEAD". No power at all. Of course, Optoma is closed to observe New Year's. I can't believe somebody isn't around to answer a telephone for tech support. Can I fix the problem myself or do I need a technician? Thanks

[Razor]

Another Optoma RD50 going wrong.

[weremog]

Another Optoma RD50 going wrong.
Not really fair to compare this set with the UK model. The set here is made for the US market with a different TV and video standard and totally different mains supply....

[weremog]

Incidentally, I've had my RD50 for over three weeks and have seen NO problems so far. These sets appear no different in terms of reliability than those of other manufacturers.

[Razor]

LOL... Try a region 1 dvd and then tell me, you have noticed no problems. :hiya:

[Razor]

You dont have to live in the US to get Region 1 DVD's :suicide:

The problem with the set is that it is only 50Hz compatible which means NTSC and PAL60 are incompatible. This limits the set considerably.

[Razor]

I think the US version is slighly older technology with a HD2 chip and not the HD2+.

However your right in saying the British Optoma RD50 and RD65 are f****d.

As an Optoma RD65 owner, saying 'I'm not best pleased' is an understatement.

[weremog]

You dont have to live in the US to get Region 1 DVD's :suicide:

The problem with the set is that it is only 50Hz compatible which means NTSC and PAL60 are incompatible. This limits the set considerably.

I'm in the UK and have no interest in overpriced, underfeatured R1 dvds.

Frankly to listen to the experiences of the few people who post on this forum compared to those that have actually bought and not experienced faults with their RD50 sets is depressing.

It is a fact though that far fewer people extoll the vitues of a product on any forum than those wishing to complain about it! :rolleyes:

[MAD ANDY]

Hi all

currently have a projector and a very large screen + a 32" JVC widescreen. Although I love the projector screen size and clarity, the noise of the projector can get a bit tedious and so looking for a larger TV for all round use. Only the RD65 would suit the bill, however with the price as it is (£3400 not too bad I suppose as HiFiBitz confirmed, last time I looked it was £3995) and not really even wanting to spend 2k due to not having a need to (ie TV & pj both working fine), I could settle for 50" :D

Just popped into Comet at Trafford Park in Manchester and was absolutely awestruck by the HD demo :eek: :D then was mega disappointed by the standard TV and DVD demo :( The salesman apologised for the TV demo stating its the last in the line connection via lots of boosters etc, however the DVD wasnt that impressive at all :( Although the Sagem (wasnt Optoma of course) did display blacks quite well, the rainbow effect was noticable but most of all the grain/noise wasnt impressive at all which is the problem I feel always seems to dog RPTVs. Does the optoma do away with the grain/noise? or is this going to be a problem on anything other than HDTV, as if so, unfortunately I may have to settle for a 42" plasma which is definitely NOT what I want to do! :(

Any advice much appreciated, especially from HiFiBitz as I am based near Trafford Park and noticed you stated you are in Manchester! :D

cheers

[Chris5]

No noise on my Optoma (that I can see), infact sky+ looks fantastic once you set contrast to max on the sky box

[MAD ANDY]

Chris5

it must be a little grainy? as even the DVD in the shop had grain in the picture and every rptv I have ever seen seems to exhibit this same problem resulting in degraded picture quality :( Only the HDTV mode seemed to do away with this

[Razor]

Hello Mad Andy, I have had an RD65 for 6 weeks now.

The picture through sky can vary dramatically from program to program and channel to channel. There is some pixelation and grain evident on the lower quality broadcasts.

Pictures from a DVD (region 2 only) are good and clean, with no noticable noise or grain if you are using a good dvd player, but I do stress a good DVD player.

However its not all rosey on the Optoma front, the RD65 & RD50 is not NTSC or PAL60 compatible. The picture judders when feed a 60Hz source, the set cant handle the frame rate conversion to 50Hz smoothly.

In addition Optoma are next to useless in the technical department and aftersales care. Follow link below for more info.

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176400

If there is anything else you need to know about the RD65 ask away. I am more than happy to help.

[MAD ANDY]

Razor

thanks for the reply. In fairness the PAL broadcast was always going to be crap in Comet due to being at the end of the line of several boosters etc, however the DVD was a new JVC model playing Harry Potter 1, and the start scene where the Wizard starts to collect the light from the street lamps looked ok (dark scene), then once inside the house it went -very- grainy! A colleague at work with a 50" Toshiba rptv thinks maybe my standards are high, and due to having a very good 32" JVC (£1,800 originally - not a budget 32"!) and running Sky (he runs crap quality Cable) - he thinks I am too used to having it almost as good as it can be, problem is, if this is the case, its not that I have high standards, just that I have experienced maybe the best it can be and therefore dont want to spend a few thousand quid and have it worse :( DVDs play superb on my TV using a Panasonic SC-HT70 5 disc changer DVD player, even only using a scart cable! but the quality of the Sagem with a DVD just didnt cut half what mine does :( HiFiBitz have invited me up to the shop in Blackburn for a demo of the Optoma so I'll get round to nipping up as soon as I get chance! :) Just hope it quashes the Sagem or I'm back to looking at plasma's or a replacement quieter projector...

[Van300]

Hi Mad Andy

Have you had a chance to view the Optoma demo at HiFiBitz yet?

I have ordered my Optoma SD50 from them and am waiting for delivery & installation. I haven't seen the SD50 in person yet but have seen the similar Sagem at the local Comet. The HD picture is really good so I can only imagine the SD50 to be slightly better- 60Hz problem accepted, ofcourse.

[Razor]

SD50? dont you mean RD50.....

[Razor]

Mad Andy

To be honest i didnt really see much difference in quality between the rd50 and the sagem. Evan though the RD50 has the H2+ chip. I recon its all a bit of marketing hype. The only way to really tell though is to demo. Like you say theres no point in spending money on product which is going to give you a worst picture, not if screen size is not an issue.
If you are looking for a projector try the Infocus 7205. Amazing is all I can say, better than any plasma.
Let me know how you get on.

[Van300]

Razor

Yes, should be RD50. You noticed the intentional mistake, well done, hehe!