Infocus 4805 DLP projector for $999 after rebate at Costco

[S13SilviaK]

Originally posted by: KidViciou$
i thought the panasonice 500 is one of the best under $2000

It is, the 4805 is improved over the 4800/X1 (when it comes to 16:9 source material) but it still isn't better than the Panny 500/700.

 

[2czyz2]

From what I've read, the 4805 is almost twice as bright as the X1 for watching movies. This is because the X1, as do many other DLP projectors, has a 4-segment color wheel, (segments are red, green, blue, clear). The clear segment provides an extra boost to the brightness, but to project good video with proper color saturation it is necessary to turn off the clear segment. The X1, with this segment off, is about 450 lumens.

The 4805, designed exclusively for projecting video with good color saturation, does not have a clear segment in its color wheel. You can get a brighter image with the X1 if you're willing to sacrifice picture quality, but it will look much better in film and video mode. And in the film and video mode, your X1 is putting out 450 lumens. Compare that to the 4805's 750 lumens and you can see just one reason that the folk at the avsforum prefer the 4805.

The 4805 is also a newer generation of the DLP technology, and sports a 4-speed color wheel (to further reduce rainbows).

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Hey guys, I got my ATI DVI to component adapter today This one

I've been experimenting with different resolutions on it. 720p for games looks amazing. Counterstrike Source looks spectacular. The color is great and it's pretty sharp too, a big improvement over s-video. At 76", when you run into somebody, they're life size hehe.

Text is not so great in 720p though probably due to the projector scaling it back down to 480 lines. When I give it a 480p resolution, text is nice and sharp but obviously 720x480 is not so hot a resolution for web browsing. I didn't really expect to be doing much browsing on it anyway but it's nice to know I can get really sharp text if i want it.

So, in summary, the 720p setting looks amazing for games and video which is really what I wanted it to do, so I'm a happy camper.

 

[mrrman]

note that there is also a firmware upgrade for the 4805...it allows independant control of the rgb gains...available on Infocus's webite www.infocus.com

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Well, I'm going to bump this to the top once more since today is actually the first day the deal is in effect. I bought mine early and will be pricematching during this period, but this is the first day that you'll be able to get out the door for $1099 plus tax before $100 mir.

 

[yodayoda]

in the coupon book that i have from costco, it says that it is only EDTV compatible. is this thing HDTV?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

The resolution is 854x480 so not HD.

HD will still look really good on it, but it will scale it down to a 480p image. You can give it a 1035i, 1080i, or 720p signal and it will still look very good but you'll lose the full resolution.

I'm using it for DVDs mainly, which are a 480 format so this is a perfectly good projector for them.

You're going to have to spend a little more to get a good quality 720p projector especially if you want it to be a DLP. I could be wrong of course, but I don't think you really have any good options close to $1000. You'd probably want to look at Panasonic and Sanyo's line for true HD under $2000.

 

[TechnoKid]

Hot buy. If I had the money, i'd buy four of them to make a huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge screen. I've been looking at this deal for a long time, just wich i had money to buy it.

 

[jcovercash]

Went down there yesterday to buy it and sign up for a costco memebership at the same time, only to find out that they only accept american express. No VISA :'(. Wasted an Hour Drive, I had no idea they wouldn't take visa.

So I just ordered it from SamsClub.Com Instead. I paid a little more but I will still get a good warrenty from Sams, and they take visa

 

[superflysocal]

Originally posted by: sat4fun

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
sat4fun - "The 4805 comes nowhere close to the ability of my X1 when it comes to 4:3"

can you explain why this is?

I was under the impression that they both had the same de-interlacer chip that was used with SD. Are you talking about it being able to take up a full 4:3 screen? Then how can you say it's as good at 16:9 as the 4805? (besides the fact that it uses the new DLP chip and all reviews have said that it's superior to the X1, which is basically a presentation projector doing HT duty)

Are you saying the X1 is better just because of light output? I can understand that if you're watching stuff in a bright room, but that's not what projectors are designed to do in the first place. From my understanding, your eyes will adjust do the light level of the projector after a couple of minutes when it's in a dark room. Unless light output is dismally low or you have the screen too big for the projector, the light output won't be too much of an issue and then contrast and image quality (where the 4805 shines) will be the deciding factors of how it looks.

So you've had them both in your house and you picked the X1 as better? What were you watching? What were the conditions? Was this a store or did you try them both out at your house? Did you calibrate them with anything before you tried this?

I am not a 4:3 die hard as previously described. Let me explain, again. I fully understand and prefer 16:9, even on my little 27". I want to see the material as it was intended. The 4805 is a 16:9 projector and this is great if you are shooting onto a 16:9 wall screen. However, unless you want your picture to hug the ceiling, a square screen is better. I have a 120" dia 4:3 screen that also acts as a window covering. With the X1 I can watch a 16:9 image in the center of the screen with the top and bottom of the screen not used. When I watch 4:3 material, I toggle the X1 to 4:3 and the full 120" dia is used with no additional adjustments. With the 4805, the 16:9 displays the same as the X1, but the 4:3 display is much different. The 4805 limits the height of the 4:3 image to fit onto the 16:9 screen and places vertical bars on the sides. This is great if you have a 16:9 screen, but not ideal if you want to maximize the use of your equipment and screen space. The 4805 is a good projector and I am sure that it exceeds the X1 in many areas, but not in the areas that I care about. DVI and color wheel are the only major differences. I have a Zenith 318 and do not need DVI and Rainbows are not a problem to me. I have had the X1 for a year and a half and I bought the 4805 at Costco on a whim just to check it out. I considered trading up. I tested on the exact same equipment with the same conditions and I calibrated both PJs with DVE. I would love the 4805 if I had a 16:9 white space on my wall, but I do not. Like most people, I do not have a dedicated home theater. I have a room that happens to have HT equipment in it. My next pj will be XGA which the 4805 is not.

So it seems like what you are saying is that for your very specific purpose and conditions, the x1 and 4:3 PJ 's may be better for you. So why the "anyone with a pull down screen would be stupid to get a 16:9 pj" comment? For the rest of us, a 16:9 display on a 16:9 screen is definitely the way to go. Especially since this deal includes a 16:9 screen. You are also downplaying the dvi and improved color wheel, which happens to be the x1's biggest downsides.


BTW, the lack of 16:9 programming argument is also becoming antiquated. Depending on your region, HDTV is now available for all major broadcast stations, hbo, showtime, espn, tnt, and discovery among many other independents. Once you see CSI or 24 in HD you will never see it in SD again.

But then again, i guess MTV is not available on HD yet.

 

[mrrman]

I am using the 4805 on a 60x60 screen and all aspect ratios look good on it

 

[sat4fun]

Originally posted by: superflysocal

Originally posted by: sat4fun

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
sat4fun - "The 4805 comes nowhere close to the ability of my X1 when it comes to 4:3"

can you explain why this is?

I was under the impression that they both had the same de-interlacer chip that was used with SD. Are you talking about it being able to take up a full 4:3 screen? Then how can you say it's as good at 16:9 as the 4805? (besides the fact that it uses the new DLP chip and all reviews have said that it's superior to the X1, which is basically a presentation projector doing HT duty)

Are you saying the X1 is better just because of light output? I can understand that if you're watching stuff in a bright room, but that's not what projectors are designed to do in the first place. From my understanding, your eyes will adjust do the light level of the projector after a couple of minutes when it's in a dark room. Unless light output is dismally low or you have the screen too big for the projector, the light output won't be too much of an issue and then contrast and image quality (where the 4805 shines) will be the deciding factors of how it looks.

So you've had them both in your house and you picked the X1 as better? What were you watching? What were the conditions? Was this a store or did you try them both out at your house? Did you calibrate them with anything before you tried this?

I am not a 4:3 die hard as previously described. Let me explain, again. I fully understand and prefer 16:9, even on my little 27". I want to see the material as it was intended. The 4805 is a 16:9 projector and this is great if you are shooting onto a 16:9 wall screen. However, unless you want your picture to hug the ceiling, a square screen is better. I have a 120" dia 4:3 screen that also acts as a window covering. With the X1 I can watch a 16:9 image in the center of the screen with the top and bottom of the screen not used. When I watch 4:3 material, I toggle the X1 to 4:3 and the full 120" dia is used with no additional adjustments. With the 4805, the 16:9 displays the same as the X1, but the 4:3 display is much different. The 4805 limits the height of the 4:3 image to fit onto the 16:9 screen and places vertical bars on the sides. This is great if you have a 16:9 screen, but not ideal if you want to maximize the use of your equipment and screen space. The 4805 is a good projector and I am sure that it exceeds the X1 in many areas, but not in the areas that I care about. DVI and color wheel are the only major differences. I have a Zenith 318 and do not need DVI and Rainbows are not a problem to me. I have had the X1 for a year and a half and I bought the 4805 at Costco on a whim just to check it out. I considered trading up. I tested on the exact same equipment with the same conditions and I calibrated both PJs with DVE. I would love the 4805 if I had a 16:9 white space on my wall, but I do not. Like most people, I do not have a dedicated home theater. I have a room that happens to have HT equipment in it. My next pj will be XGA which the 4805 is not.

So it seems like what you are saying is that for your very specific purpose and conditions, the x1 and 4:3 PJ 's may be better for you. So why the "anyone with a pull down screen would be stupid to get a 16:9 pj" comment? For the rest of us, a 16:9 display on a 16:9 screen is definitely the way to go. Especially since this deal includes a 16:9 screen. You are also downplaying the dvi and improved color wheel, which happens to be the x1's biggest downsides.


BTW, the lack of 16:9 programming argument is also becoming antiquated. Depending on your region, HDTV is now available for all major broadcast stations, hbo, showtime, espn, tnt, and discovery among many other independents. Once you see CSI or 24 in HD you will never see it in SD again.

But then again, i guess MTV is not available on HD yet.

Let me explain...again.

1) A pull down screen is used by people that do not want to have a blank space on the wall.
2) A pull down screen is usually mounted to the ceiling.
3) Most people want the projected image to be vertically centered on the screen. This leaves valuable screen real estate that is wasted from the top of the 16:9 image to the top of the screen. I have seen square 16:9 screens with blackout on top and bottom and I cannot understand that logic.

I am not discounting the value of this projector, just that Infocus made a lame mistake in limiting the viewing capabilities of this projector. Like I said BEFORE. I do not need DVI and do not have a problem with rainbows, so the X1 is just fine for me. No need to upgrade. If I were to upgrade, I would pick a projector that allowed me to view all material.

I think that you are confusing 16:9 for HDTV. You are getting HDTV from your 854 x 480 4805? Now you need to tell me how you do that? Like I SAID, I prefer 16:9. You are an example of the snobbish attitude when 4:3 is mentioned. Screen dimensions and installation methods will not change when all material is 16:9.

 

[sat4fun]

Originally posted by: mrrman
I am using the 4805 on a 60x60 screen and all aspect ratios look good on it

Try to fill the full 60x60 screen. Can't do it.

 

[Dug]

3) Most people want the projected image to be vertically centered on the screen. This leaves valuable screen real estate that is wasted from the top of the 16:9 image to the top of the screen. I have seen square 16:9 screens with blackout on top and bottom and I cannot understand that logic.

If you don't understand the logic behind blackout around the screen, you have no clue what you are talking about.

And what the hell to you think happens when you watch a widescreen movie on a 4x3 projector? You get light spill that looks like crap.

I am not discounting the value of this projector, just that Infocus made a lame mistake in limiting the viewing capabilities of this projector. Like I said BEFORE. I do not need DVI and do not have a problem with rainbows, so the X1 is just fine for me. No need to upgrade. If I were to upgrade, I would pick a projector that allowed me to view all material.

Infocus made a lame mistake by making a 16:9 projector? Wow, that's a bold statement. And yes you can view all material on the 4805.

I think that you are confusing 16:9 for HDTV. You are getting HDTV from your 854 x 480 4805? Now you need to tell me how you do that? Like I SAID, I prefer 16:9. You are an example of the snobbish attitude when 4:3 is mentioned. Screen dimensions and installation methods will not change when all material is 16:9.

You have obviously never seen HDTV on this projector so your comment about how its possible makes sense. Because you have never seen what a good DVI connection or HDTV looks like you should really refrain from any comments because you don't know what you are talking about. It has nothing to do with being snobbish, it has to do with what is correct.

 

[VaG]

Originally posted by: Dug

You would be laughed off of avsforum for saying that.

Originally posted by: sat4fun

Who cares about AVS.

Now you're getting laughed off anantech.

 

[sat4fun]

Originally posted by: Dug

3) Most people want the projected image to be vertically centered on the screen. This leaves valuable screen real estate that is wasted from the top of the 16:9 image to the top of the screen. I have seen square 16:9 screens with blackout on top and bottom and I cannot understand that logic.

If you don't understand the logic behind blackout around the screen, you have no clue what you are talking about.

And what the hell to you think happens when you watch a widescreen movie on a 4x3 projector? You get light spill that looks like crap.

I am not discounting the value of this projector, just that Infocus made a lame mistake in limiting the viewing capabilities of this projector. Like I said BEFORE. I do not need DVI and do not have a problem with rainbows, so the X1 is just fine for me. No need to upgrade. If I were to upgrade, I would pick a projector that allowed me to view all material.

Infocus made a lame mistake by making a 16:9 projector? Wow, that's a bold statement. And yes you can view all material on the 4805.

I think that you are confusing 16:9 for HDTV. You are getting HDTV from your 854 x 480 4805? Now you need to tell me how you do that? Like I SAID, I prefer 16:9. You are an example of the snobbish attitude when 4:3 is mentioned. Screen dimensions and installation methods will not change when all material is 16:9.

You have obviously never seen HDTV on this projector so your comment about how its possible makes sense. Because you have never seen what a good DVI connection or HDTV looks like you should really refrain from any comments because you don't know what you are talking about. It has nothing to do with being snobbish, it has to do with what is correct.

I didn't say that I didn't understand blackout, I said that I didn't understand the logic in one purchasing a blackout screen. Light spill looks like crap? Spill can be easily masked if desired in a less permanent manner than purchasing a blackout screen.

Once again, the issue is the ability to watch the material as I want it, not limit the image to certain area via a PJ setting.

I have seen HDTV on this projector, as well as my X1 and I agree that it is very nice, but it is not HDTV. I have seen HDTV with DVI and Component on DirecTV and through my Zenith 318. Once again the 4805 is good if it is what you want. It is not what I want.

Since you have failed to correct me on anything, how can your comments be considered anything but snobbish. You simply have made speculations on my experience and knowledge. My experience is correct, Your speculations are not. Truth be known, I should be the snob. I miss my NEC CRT, it blows away any digital PJ. I just wish that I had the room for it.

 

[mrrman]

Originally posted by: sat4fun

Originally posted by: mrrman
I am using the 4805 on a 60x60 screen and all aspect ratios look good on it

Try to fill the full 60x60 screen. Can't do it.

My image doesnt fill the whole screen but I dont really care about that.

 

[sat4fun]

Originally posted by: VaG

Originally posted by: Dug

You would be laughed off of avsforum for saying that.

Originally posted by: sat4fun

Who cares about AVS.

Now you're getting laughed off anantech.

Go there and read about the limitations of the 4805, you will find it. AVS is great when you find the information, but it is like fatwallet. Way too many yahoos and mega page threads with limited valuable information. It is a great resource, when filtered correctly.

 

[sat4fun]

Originally posted by: mrrman

Originally posted by: sat4fun

Originally posted by: mrrman
I am using the 4805 on a 60x60 screen and all aspect ratios look good on it

Try to fill the full 60x60 screen. Can't do it.

My image doesnt fill the whole screen but I dont really care about that.

Wouldn't it be nice to be able if you wanted to?

 

[Caveman]

This thing ROCKS! I've had one since October and it has been a great product! IQ is fantastic. Although it is not "technically" a HD projector, keep in mind that it does as well in many test as an HD projectors in the 4-5K range; it's that good. You won't be disappointed...

 

[Dug]

Originally posted by: sat4fun

Originally posted by: mrrman

Originally posted by: sat4fun

Originally posted by: mrrman
I am using the 4805 on a 60x60 screen and all aspect ratios look good on it

Try to fill the full 60x60 screen. Can't do it.

My image doesnt fill the whole screen but I dont really care about that.

Wouldn't it be nice to be able if you wanted to?

Wouldn't it be nice if you could fill a 108" wide screen? You couldn't without so much light spill on the walls, ceiling, and floor it would ruin the image.
Your arguement that space is wasted is illogical. That would be like me telling you that you are wasting all that space on the left and right of a widescreen by using your projector.

If you really prefer 4:3 material, good for you. You are in the minority.
Most people prefer wide screen movies, hdtv, and xbox in wide screen over 4:3 material for the simple fact there is more material to view that would be cut off in the 4:3 version.
Very few people watch 4:3 tv shows on a large screen.

 

[sat4fun]

Originally posted by: Dug

Originally posted by: sat4fun

Originally posted by: mrrman

Originally posted by: sat4fun

Originally posted by: mrrman
I am using the 4805 on a 60x60 screen and all aspect ratios look good on it

Try to fill the full 60x60 screen. Can't do it.

My image doesnt fill the whole screen but I dont really care about that.

Wouldn't it be nice to be able if you wanted to?

Wouldn't it be nice if you could fill a 108" wide screen? You couldn't without so much light spill on the walls, ceiling, and floor it would ruin the image.
Your arguement that space is wasted is illogical. That would be like me telling you that you are wasting all that space on the left and right of a widescreen by using your projector.

If you really prefer 4:3 material, good for you. You are in the minority.
Most people prefer wide screen movies, hdtv, and xbox in wide screen over 4:3 material for the simple fact there is more material to view that would be cut off in the 4:3 version.
Very few people watch 4:3 tv shows on a large screen.

I fill a 96" (120" dia) screen with absolutely NO light spill. And I said several times that I do not prefer 4:3.

Are you retarded? Can you read? I'll give you the benifit of the doubt and jut think that you are stupid.

 

[chaseru]

Originally posted by: sat4fun Are you retarded? Can you read? I'll give you the benifit of the doubt and jut think that you are stupid.

Now that's funny; especially given his sig.

 

[sat4fun]

Originally posted by: chaseru

Originally posted by: sat4fun Are you retarded? Can you read? I'll give you the benifit of the doubt and jut think that you are stupid.

Now that's funny; especially given his sig.

Thanks. I find it funny that you wasted the time to reply because I dropped an "s" from a word.

Geeze, try to give some information regarding a product and the idiots come out of the woodwork.

Regarding my sig, last time I checked, I was not the POTUSA. I feel no problem disrespecting him since he disrespected me by lying in the state of the union address. But this is not the topic of this thread.

 

[jcovercash]

Gah if only Costco took Visa I would have one of these in my hands right now :'(.... My taxes need to hurry up and come back then I can just pay cash for this baby .