[cameronl]

hi there, I've had my sim2 dmf since mid 2002 and I feel it's time for an upgrade. I could spend upto 3k now or about 6k around september.

I use my pj for movies, tv & xbox. I'd love to use it for computer games as well but the resolution isn't good enough (I like rts games like c&c/red alert/bfme).

I use an HTPC with a 6' stewart firehawk (luxus model A).

Considerations (in order) for a new pj are the following
- resolution
- contrast
- brightness
- quietness
- med/long throw/flexibitly in setup
- usb/rs232 control
- styling
- lamp life
- scaling (though I use HTPC for movies)
- dlp

I really liked the styling (my sim2 was red!), remote interface box and the setup flexibilty of my sim2 dmf. I don't like the contrast, noise and resolution.

Basically I'm undecided on whether to get a good 720dlp now (and wait a couple of years for a 1080dlp pj) or early adopt and get a ruby/optima/sim2.

The actiondesign, optima and sim2 brand all seem interesting to me for 720dlp.

thanks for your time.

CaM

[cameronl]

ok then, can anyone suggest a good dlp around the £2,000 - £3,000 mark?

thanks

CaM

[Gary Lightfoot]

The brands you mention all seem like good alternatives. Prices will have dropped by the end of the year, so 3chip DLP or 1080 should be either in or just a little outside your price range.

The Optoma H79 is good value now, and the cheaper HD72 would be an improvement over your DMF, though you'd have to decide if the H79 is worth the extra after getting a demo. I think Sim2 now do sub £3000 720 single chip DLP so you might want to look there again (the H79 looks like a box ).

Tricky situation to be in, but it might be prudent to wait till September as whichever way you go, things should be cheaper (and/or better).

Gary

[cameronl]

hi there Garry, thanks for your reply.

I'd love to get a ruby as well but I can't bring myself to buy something from sony....I'd prefer to support the european brands.

CaM

[Black 5]

Originally Posted by cameronl

hi there Garry, thanks for your reply.

I'd love to get a ruby as well but I can't bring myself to buy something from sony....I'd prefer to support the european brands.

CaM

I've had just about 6 years and 8000 hours faultless use out of my Sony 10HT and with a good source I have to say I've been very happy and even though the unit had its detractors I can't ask for more than that.

I'm now (literally) waiting for my 100HT and Lumagen to arrive and am happy to post my findings when it's set up and calibrated, but the point is I expect it to knock my socks off and be fairly future proof in the bargain. If I get another 6 years out of this one, I'll be a very happy camper.

Can any European projector of similar type match that? Be a bit more broad minded and wait until September

[gandley]

H79.

Just a great projector at an even better pricepoint now. Very much a giant killer

[cameronl]

hi all, thanks for your replys.

I've had my sim2 since 2001 and will merly be moving it to another location. I'll try to be open minded on my search...which is hard when you own a sim2

So what pj is being released in september? I know the H81 is due around then.

I'll read some reviews on the H79 - it certainly seems to have good specs.

CaM

[Liam @ Prog AV]

Sim2 and ThemScene have two very different throws, you might find it useful to stick with Sim2 as it shouldn't be too far off where your 200dmf is positioned! I think pricing has moved downward to put the Domino30H at the same price as the H79 (£3k). However the Domino does sound like a plane taking off where the H79 could be 2ft above your head and you won't hear it!! (personal experience - had H77/H78/H79 for last year or so)

If you do wait to christmas time you'll start to see decent 3 x 720p sneak into your maximum budget, and perhaps 1080p single chip too (well you might have to wait a bit longer). As it stands at the moment, TI haven't quite got a properly working 1080p ready for mass-production - I reckon manufacturers are going to be launching them a little later than first assumed.

[cameronl]

yes, the throw range is something to be considered.

In fact, I'd love to get a projectiondesign Action Model One/Two...but unfortuantely they can't be upgraded to 1080p

The H79 seems very interesting (especially the price). It would need to sit 4 meters or so back though - which might be to far for my 6' firewalk.

hm...

CaM

[gandley]

Throw could be an issue but i found the H79 was a nice improvment over my Sim2 300xtra-H.
Much better contrast and the PQ was just more refined. I picked the H79 over the 300E that i almost bought.
However i do have a soft spot for the C3x which is real nice.

[cameronl]

hi there,

the avsforums have reported that a few H79's have had bulb problems - I take it yours is fine?

The H79 does seem like a good pj to get unto the 1080p dust settles abit.

I'd love a custom coloured 'red' Action! Model Two...but the H79 is quite alot cheaper.

thanks for your time.

CaM

[gandley]

No bulb problems, infact is was trouble free. no complaints.
and its sooo quiet
Im now onboard for a HD-81, as the price also includes a scaler (Genum)., but many reports from the show said this was the image to beat. well i suspect you may have read the info from AVSforum.

The H79 is ideal interim, as probaly like me i dont see the point in a big chunk of change now unless its 1080 native.

Oh it may even be worth thinking of the HD72i (think thats the model No.)
as it is very cheap but the image is in fact very good for £1400 and would save even more cash towards 1080p PJ. (and its very bright with good contrast)

[cameronl]

you make a fine argument for purchasing a H79....I'll have problems with the WAF though as the sytling ain't great

CaM

[gandley]

It does blend out on the ceiling though, (comes with a free bracket). And in the flesh its not too bad, but no italian design either.

[foghorn]

I'd love a custom coloured 'red' Action! Model Two...but the H79 is quite alot cheaper.

Have you checked the price of a red Action model one mark II.

Remember this is now a discounted model down from £4500 to £2100. The red and yellow model did retail for more than the original colour choice of blue,gold,white and black. If i remember correctly the red and yellow used to retail at around £600 - £700 more. By my reckoning that would still make the Projectiondesign less than the H79.

It could be worth a phone call if they are discounting the original colour version they may be prepared to let you have a red one.

Foghorn

[Black 5]

Originally Posted by cameronl

So what pj is being released in september? CaM

I have no idea, but that was when you said you could afford to spend more money on one

[cameronl]

CaM

[cameronl]

Thanks everyone for their suggestions.

Based on your suggestions, my possibles list is

H79
projectiondesign Action! Model Two (racing red colour)
projectiondesign Action! Model One MK III (racing red colour)
Sony 'Ruby'

thanks

CaM

[cameronl]

Ok, I've made my decision basely solely on reading the forums, reviews and spec sheets. I virtually never demo any equipment anyway so this is standard practise for me

The ruby was a little too expensive for me and it's bulk / weight meant waf would be difficult to get. That left the H79 and the model two.

The H79 is certainly well regarded for its contrast, brightness, quietness and price and imo is the pj to beat in the 720p category. The model two spec list is similar to the H79 but is around £750 more.

What the model two has going for it though is style, size (it is small), weight (less than 3kg). These are all waf considerations - especially as I travel between europe and nz abit.

The model two also has a longer throw range, can be controlled on a home network (via it's cat5 connection), has descent processing (FLI2310) and is a little different

The H79 and HDP combo is not much more than the model two. If I was being logical I'd get these. As usual though I'm going to follow my instincts...and so I've decided to go for an action! model two (in blue).

thanks everyone for your suggestions.

CaM

[foghorn]

Congratulations on your choice, if the Model Two exceeds the Model one II in performance (the spec suggest it does) then I am sure you will not be disappointed. The introduction of the vertical lens shift is an added bonus.

I would be interested to know how you get on.

Foghorn

[cameronl]

The model two should outperform the model one in all areas (I hope).

I'll post when I receive and calibrate

CaM

[gandley]

Good luck with the new purchase, should be a nice update other your old unit......have fun

[TopMeTom]

Glad you got yourself sorted cam,must be sim2 200dmf upgrade season!
I'm not as rich as yo tho,so will be looking at 72i and the like!
Let us know how you get on!

[mattr]

Hi there, the Samsung SP-H710AE seems to be getting rave reviews from avsforum in the US (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=649376). It's a Joe Kane part designed one I think. It's about £2200 and might be worth checking out. I obviously speak as someone who's never seen it myself

[Gary Lightfoot]

Hi Phil,

A friend of mine has just upgraded from a Domino 20H to a HD72i and he seems very pleased with it, so I'm sure you will be too if you go that route.

What made you not bother with the Sharpe?

Gary

[cameronl]

Upgrade sesson indeed

The samsung looks good but I've got my heart now set on a norwegian pj...

CaM

[TopMeTom]

Hi Gary,

the reason I didn't go for the sharp I did not knowif it would be a big improvement over what I got already.What you reckon? Mind you what I get for the sim2 I won't be able to afford anything!!!!!!!!!

[Gary Lightfoot]

Hi Phil,

I just though the Sharp might be an upgrade at a reduced cost for you. I think ideally you'd have to see them in action to make up your mind though.

[cameronl]

you should keep the sim2 as well phil, I am

CaM

[TopMeTom]

No way will swmbo let me keep the sim!I need to fund my new pj first!