[Hairyplane]

Hi all,

I have a 12 year old sysytem based on a Seleco projector, Denon amp, 8x4 screen and 5 x B&W speakers.

The quality remains really good but it needs a service and realignment. I am in the Midlands.

Should I upgrade to take advantage of HD etc. or stick with it.

If I upgrade, is my existing kit skip fodder?

All advice appreciated.

Hairyplane

[Chris Frost]

If your projector is in good shape then it can still give you great service. Adding HD isn't that difficult. I did the same thing for another SVD800 owner earlier this year.

His system was based around an SVD800, TAG AV32R, DVD32, TAG power amps, 7.1 spkrs and a standard Sky box all installed about 6 or 7 years ago. DVDs were fed out at 576p from the prog-scan component output on the DVD player. Sky went directly to the projector and was line-doubled with the internal Seleco UPC.

The owner was happy with the projector but felt that it was capable of more. 576p really wasn't using its full potential.

The aim was to add some HD vision sources: a Blu-ray player, Sky HD, a PC feed, a HD Camcorder feed. Also to upgrade the audio to accommodate HD audio. The final part was to add some sort of control system to make the cinema easier to use for non-techie family and friends.

The owner has a large collection of UK and American DVDs, so one important factor was to make sure that they got a new lease of life so they would stand up well compared to Blu-ray movies.

The original supplying dealer handled the install of a new processor and Blu-ray player. I took care of the vision side. This consisted of a scaler, cables, projector work and colour calibration. I also supplied and programmed the remote control system.

The upgrade was particularly successful. Not only is the projector now reconverged but it is also running at custom resolutions to suit Sky HD, UK DVD, US DVD and Blu-ray, and just as importantly it is running at a wonderfully solid 72Hz for Blu-ray and US DVDs and 75Hz for UK material.

After the work was completed the owner and I watched some Blu-ray clips and a bit of Sky HD. His comment to me was pure gold. He thought the images were better than Blu-ray on his 1080p plasma. I haven't seen his TV at the other house, but it was a really pleasing comment nonetheless.

An SVD800 can't do 1080p, but I can make a scaler take 1080p/24 from Blu-ray and output it so it drives your projector at the optimum resolution and refresh rate. Coupling this with the work I do on dot shape, beam focus and tube set up on the projector means smooth solid images that retain great detail.

[Hairyplane]

Hi Chris,

I tried to send you an Email via your link but it didn't go.

Pse Email me Hollowaypr@aol.com

Thank you.

H

[crteaman]

Hi There,

Just sent you PM.

I'm heading over to Birmingham this evening to stay with a friend, I just installed and calibrated a Seleco 700 for a customer in South Birmingham.


James

[Hairyplane]

Hi James,

I love this Forum already!

2 offers of help in a day! Brilliant!

Lets see what comes back from Chris. The upgrades he proposes sound just right for me.

Much appreciated.

H

[Pulse1]

Hi Hairyplane

I used to own the Millennium edition of the 800 really well set up partnered with a Lumagen HDP Processor which was fully ISF calibrated. I fed it DVD, Freeview and HD DVD/Blu ray which gave me a great HD image or so i thought Don't get me wrong for SD from Dvd and Freeview it was really good but for HD material coming from a Blu ray there was something missing Anyway i purchased JVCs HD 750 and the difference was staggering to say the least as i was now in HD heaven I must also point out that my room is a Batcave style so no ambient light or reflections to bugger up the image. Once you see a fully ISF calibrated 750 which is a must to be honest compared to your 800 fully ISF calibrated then i think you'll understand what i'm talking about Personally if it was me i would upgrade now to a JVC model if you have the funds either a 950 or if you can find a 750 then that will be even more of a bargain and forget the 800 for Blu ray I'm just giving my honest opinion here as i owned the 800 as well so know exactly what image it can produce but if you really want a superb HD image then i would say go for a JVC model as i can guarentee you'll be truly amazed at the difference