Update: $449!! LG PA70G 700-lumen LED projector - $549 + Free Ship

[Kaido]

Updated price: $449 plus ~$11 shipping:

http://www.frys.com/product/7196792

via Slickdeals:

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/79414/frys-lg-pa70g-1280x800-led-portable-projector


Linkage: (price shows at checkout)

http://www.frys.com/product/7196792

Quick specs:

* 700 lumens
* 15,000:1 constrast ratio
* LED bulb with 30,000-hour life
* WXGA (1280x800) resolution
* Dimensions: 9.1" W x 6.7" D x 1.7" H
* HDMI, VGA, Composite (via Minijack adapter), USB (also looks like there is an optional VGA-to-Component adapter)

Product page:

http://www.lg.com/in/projectors/lg-PA70G

AVS Forum thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1405666/lg-pa70g-led-1280x800-700-lumens

Youtube videos:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=pa70g

Unboxing pics:

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1405666/lg-pa70g-led-1280x800-700-lumens/120#post_22211648

I picked up a Viewsonic PLED-W500 recently, which is a 500-lumen version of this projector (it actually plays movies closer to 300 lumens according to reviewers). I believe this LG projector uses the same chip (.45x DMD LED DLP) but has more lumens, so it should produce a brighter image. My 500-lumen model is pretty dim at anything higher than the 80" size and also in anything other than a very dark room. I'll just do a quickie review of my version:

* Small (smaller than a piece of paper, less than 2" high)
* Cheap
* Shoots a nice-sized screen (max 80" on my Viewsonic, although I've used it up to 190")
* More or less requires a light-controlled room; does the best in a pitch-black room (extremely dim otherwise, at least on my 500-lumen model)
* LED bulb lasts forever (no more $99 - $399 replacement bulbs, yay!)
* No heat impact (gets warm, but not hot - my old bulb projector would actually change the room temperature)
* Great contrast (live-action film looks awesome)
* Under 80" in a light-controlled room, side-by-side with a couple of $2500 Home Theater projectors I tested, I couldn't tell a difference in quality, other than the bigger projectors were a bit more vibrant on CGI/cartoon colors (tested against a 720p Panasonic AE2000 and a 1080p Epson 5010)

So if you can get it into a dark room, you're gold. Target sells blackout curtains for cheap (under $30 even for the large ones) called Ecplise Thermabacks:

http://www.target.com/s/eclipse+thermal+back+curtains

Really good deal if you want to get into projectors on a budget! :thumbsup:

 

[TwiceOver]

Really good deal if you want to get into projectors on a budget! :thumbsup:

I do... But am really worried about only 700 lumens maybe less in reality. Hrm...

 

[Kaido]

I do... But am really worried about only 700 lumens maybe less in reality. Hrm...

According to Viewsonic, LED lumens appear to be 2.5x as bright to the human eye as bulb lumens do, so my 500-lumen LED projector theoretically appears as 1,250 lumens. Having come from a 1600-lumen bulb projector previously, I would say that aspect is not quite as true as what their marketing says, but it definitely does look brighter than it is. In movie mode, the lamp only really runs at like 300 lumens or something, and is still very watchable in a dark room. But the room must be dark. The higher-lumen bulb projectors can handle some light interference, i.e. a light in the other room, but this one loses a lot of visibility.

But that's on my 500-lumen model. I'd imagine the 700-lumen model would fare better. I'm using mine in a light-controlled basement, so my setup is ideal for this type of projector.

 

[Kaido]

I do... But am really worried about only 700 lumens maybe less in reality. Hrm...

Also here are some screenshots of my 500-lumen LED projector:

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1344151/viewsonic-pled-w500-led-1280x800/240#post_22291424

Contrast is really good. African-American skintones show all the gradations, instead of just being flat black. Whites, which my last projector would blow out, also show the gradients - look at the picture of clouds in Ironman (first pic), you can see all the details and different shades. The projector is slightly soft, but I took the pictures on my cell phone so they look softer than they really are.

For the price (and not having to buy a bulb for the next 10 years), I am happy with my purchase. Just keep in mind - very dark room, and keep it at or less than the manufacturer's max size recommendation.

 

[TwiceOver]

Yeah, I kinda want to go 100" with some uplights in the rear of the room. My basement is perfect for this, but I don't want to have to watch everything in a pitch black room.

 

[EliteRetard]

Are we able to do 2x2 (2560x1600) or 3x3 (3840x2400) eyefinity yet? For those who don't mind super wide, 3 across could be cool too. Set em at 50-60" each (5-6' back).

How about 2x3 (3840x1600)? At 50" each that's a 138" screen (10.6'x4.42'). At just 36" (3.5' back) each that'd get you close to a 100" screen (7.63'x3.18'), I'm guessing that'd be pretty sharp and bright.

I've always been interested in multi-projector setups...they can get you a large display with a high enough pixel density to satisfy PC usage along with video. LED projectors are ideal for their long life (needed for high usage from PC).

Id totally be rocking a 2x2 if I could (so far it hasn't been supported, not sure if that's changed recently). This would get you a 30" monitor resolution for twice the price and 9-12 times the size...worth it

Edit: Can you get a "4K" (3840x2160) LED projector for around $2200? That may be more suitable than something like this in a 2x2 setup. Thus far I don't think I've even seen a "4K" projector though...

 

[Sonikku]

Seems a bit dim to me. I don't know, the appeal of a projector to me is the gigantic screen that televisions just can't quite match without exploding the budget. At least the bulb life is extraordinary. If you buy, make sure you have 100% lighting control, preferably in a basement. Or at the very least, don't intend to throw a really huge 100" screen. Also make sure you at least get white black out cloth for your screen to make the most of it's limited brightness. (Professional screens are of course better, but getting a $1k screen for a $550 projector is crazy. White black out cloth can be had for $5 a yard at most fabric stores) Matte black colored 2" tape around the edges of the screen will also help make the best of a bad situation.

 

[funboy6942]

Good to see LED lights replacing regular bulbs, but lumens have got to increase. I had a optoma with 500 lumens on a 100" screen and it had to be dark in my room to enjoy it. If anyone opened my door to the outside I couldnt see the image and had to wait for the door to shut. But this is a good start to see them making their way into the market and cant wait till they hit 1000 lumens +. I got 2700 lumens with my Epson HC710 and its a light cannon. Lights stay on, door opens and closes and I can still see the picture great, and of course at night and the lights off, dare I say its too bright.

 

[Kaido]

Yeah, I kinda want to go 100" with some uplights in the rear of the room. My basement is perfect for this, but I don't want to have to watch everything in a pitch black room.

According to testing, my 500-lumen model only shoots 270 in movie mode, which explains why the picture is so dim. I've tried tweaking the picture, but at max brightness the colors get desaturated and the whites blow out:

http://www.projectorreviews.com/viewsonic/pled-w500/performance.php

So - if you want a larger screen and have some light interference, my Viewsonic at least would not be a good model to go with for your setup. I don't know if the extra couple hundred lumens would help all that much for the LG model, because I'd imagine it drops the lumens outputs for movie mode as well. A bulb-based model would probably fit you better, or just wait a year or two for LEDs to get better.

 

[Kaido]

Are we able to do 2x2 (2560x1600) or 3x3 (3840x2400) eyefinity yet? For those who don't mind super wide, 3 across could be cool too. Set em at 50-60" each (5-6' back).

How about 2x3 (3840x1600)? At 50" each that's a 138" screen (10.6'x4.42'). At just 36" (3.5' back) each that'd get you close to a 100" screen (7.63'x3.18'), I'm guessing that'd be pretty sharp and bright.

I've always been interested in multi-projector setups...they can get you a large display with a high enough pixel density to satisfy PC usage along with video. LED projectors are ideal for their long life (needed for high usage from PC).

Id totally be rocking a 2x2 if I could (so far it hasn't been supported, not sure if that's changed recently). This would get you a 30" monitor resolution for twice the price and 9-12 times the size...worth it

Edit: Can you get a "4K" (3840x2160) LED projector for around $2200? That may be more suitable than something like this in a 2x2 setup. Thus far I don't think I've even seen a "4K" projector though...

If you're using Windows, you can set it up however you want with Eyefinity, just like monitors - just use the HDMI port with whatever adapter you need. That would definitely be a cool setup! (think of flight sims!!) I know SMX does curved screens, and you could probably roll your own if you are crafty:

http://www.smxscreen.com/pro-curve-projector-screen.html

 

[Kaido]

Seems a bit dim to me. I don't know, the appeal of a projector to me is the gigantic screen that televisions just can't quite match without exploding the budget. At least the bulb life is extraordinary. If you buy, make sure you have 100% lighting control, preferably in a basement. Or at the very least, don't intend to throw a really huge 100" screen. Also make sure you at least get white black out cloth for your screen to make the most of it's limited brightness. (Professional screens are of course better, but getting a $1k screen for a $550 projector is crazy. White black out cloth can be had for $5 a yard at most fabric stores) Matte black colored 2" tape around the edges of the screen will also help make the best of a bad situation.

It is dim, but in a light-controlled room at equal to or less than the manufacturer's recommended size, my Viewsonic looks great. I believe the LG is rated officially up to 100".

I'm building a Light Fusion screen (uses a mirror + screen paint) for my Viewsonic 500-lumen model; my starting size is 98" and I'll see how it handles the picture from there. 190" is viewable in the dark (on my white wall), but it's really the brightest & sharpest at 80" or less. Light Fusion is supposed to help boost the perceived brightness. I'll report back on that in a couple weeks

 

[Kaido]

Good to see LED lights replacing regular bulbs, but lumens have got to increase. I had a optoma with 500 lumens on a 100" screen and it had to be dark in my room to enjoy it. If anyone opened my door to the outside I couldnt see the image and had to wait for the door to shut. But this is a good start to see them making their way into the market and cant wait till they hit 1000 lumens +. I got 2700 lumens with my Epson HC710 and its a light cannon. Lights stay on, door opens and closes and I can still see the picture great, and of course at night and the lights off, dare I say its too bright.

Yup. In a couple of years I think LED's will be really great. If you're willing to live with the tradeoffs (smaller screen size & light-control), then you can enjoy a budget-oriented LED projector right now. Otherwise I'd hold out, maybe for one of the upcoming Laser/LED hybrids.

 

[Kaido]

Edit: Can you get a "4K" (3840x2160) LED projector for around $2200? That may be more suitable than something like this in a 2x2 setup. Thus far I don't think I've even seen a "4K" projector though...

4K projectors are available, but they are in the $20k - $25k range.

 

[SystemPlue]

Anybody buy this deal?
I ordered on Sunday and i still havent got a shipping confirmation.. hopefully they do ship it ^_^

 

[Cardio]

Thank you Kaido for an excellent posting and information. A++++

 

[Kaido]

If you are interested in buying or making a screen, there are some nice options out there. Monoprice has a bunch of pre-made options available, including motorized electric screens that drop down from the ceiling:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10829

I picked up a 100" electric Elite Screen a few years ago (has a remote-control!) - Provantage has them for the low, low price of $130.29: (perfect size for the LG PA70G)

http://www.provantage.com/elite-screens-electric100h~7ELSC01C.htm

More specs here from an ancient thread:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=102140

If you are more into the DIY route, definitely check out the Silver Fire v2.5 mix over on AVS Forum. It's a special paint mix that gives you a really nice DIY screen surface:

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1311989/the-official-silver-fire-v-2-thread

You can paint it on a white wall, or use a white board from Home Depot such as Thrifty White, Sintra, Komatex, or some other kind of expanded PVC foam material. If you want to go the extra mile, you can build a Light Fusion screen, which uses a 1/8" mirror to add additional brightness & depth. Some screenshots of a Light Fusion screen here - great viewing angles & colors:

http://www.avforums.com/forums/1221609-post1.html

 

[NAC]

I find that my Optoma HD66, which is 2500 lumens, is too bright in a dark room (at a 108" screen). I think I'm going to buy a filter for the lense to dim it. I've played around with settings, but still can't get it dark enough. What is most bad about it is if a movie transitions from very dark to very bright or the reverse - my eyes have to adjust as if walking from a dark room to the sun outdoors.

If you're using Windows, you can set it up however you want with Eyefinity, just like monitors - just use the HDMI port with whatever adapter you need. That would definitely be a cool setup! (think of flight sims!!) I know SMX does curved screens, and you could probably roll your own if you are crafty:

http://www.smxscreen.com/pro-curve-projector-screen.html

Note that I believe eyefinity cannot output to more than 2 non displayport outputs at once. So you'd need at least 2 displayport projectors. Or... I think there are active adaptors which will take a displayport output and convert to non-displayport like HDMI.

 

[Mitch101]

EYEFINITY -You can use 4 video outputs on a single card but can only use 3 at a time.

This is how I roll - BTW Its razor sharp on VGA.
VGA-VGA
DVI-VGA
DisplayPort-VGA (Adapter)
HDMI-HDMI - (Projector)

When using the monitors 3x1 eyefinity it uses VGA,DVI,DP to my monitors which are all VGA.

When using the projector I lose the Display port but who cares Im not going to be looking at my monitors. I actually have it in Clone mode with my primary display.

As for projector paint I went with the mix of Black Widow about $50.00 for my 110" screen.
http://www.hometheatershack.com/for...black-widow-pfg-presentation-black-widow.html

The grey improves contrast levels (Deeper Blacks) and the metal flake makes light pop. For a projector I use the Epson 8350 but am looking forward to laser projectors and hope my bulb makes it till next year. New projectors usually come out around September.

 

[SystemPlue]

Mine just arrived, so far after playing it for a few hours (using it as a 2nd computer display) its GREAT.

The fan is a bit loud when ECO mode is turned off...
but other then that ITS GREAT!

I'm surprised at how clear and sharp text is at 1280x800

I was waiting for the PB61U for its size and ATSC tuner... but when i saw the PA70G for $550, i knew this would be my first LED projector.

 

[Kaido]

Mine just arrived, so far after playing it for a few hours (using it as a 2nd computer display) its GREAT.

The fan is a bit loud when ECO mode is turned off...
but other then that ITS GREAT!

I'm surprised at how clear and sharp text is at 1280x800

I was waiting for the PB61U for its size and ATSC tuner... but when i saw the PA70G for $550, i knew this would be my first LED projector.

Awesome to hear, what are your settings? Here are mine for the 500-lumen Viewsonic model:

Color mode: User
Wall color: White
Brightness: 50
Contrast: 58
Sharpness: 18
Saturation: 55
Hue: 50
Gamma: 1 (although 2 looks better on some movies)
Color Temp: Middle
Color Space: RGB

Sometimes Eco mode makes it dimmer, sometimes it makes no difference. Also as far as the fan goes, once you have some music or movies playing on your speakers/headphones, you won't be able to hear it. Definitely quieter than my last bulb-based projecor, anyway. Got any pics of your PC setup using it? Sounds like a really cool idea...

 

[Kaido]

If anyone else is in the market, the Acer K330 is on sale for $476.99 (500-lumen model, same as the Optoma ML500 & Viewsonic PLED-W500, except that it has a 1/8" audio output jack onboard - hookup headphones or speakers or whatever directly off it). You have to select Amazon as the shipper instead of Acer: (it's new, just not through the default vendor listed on the Amazon page)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...&condition=new

So here's the breakdown:

There are a slew of new "720p" (800p) LED-based projectors available:

1. Optoma ML500
2. Acer K330 (+ onboard 3.5mm audio output)
3. Viewsonic PLED-W500 (+ 720p 3D-capable w/ additional hardware)
4. LG PA70G (+ 700 lumens)

All of them are 500-lumens except for the new LG model, which adds an additional 200 lumens for a total of 700 lumens. So if you want the brightest model available, get the LG. If you need an onboard headphone jack, get the Acer, which is also currently the cheapest. If you want 720p 3D capability, get the Viewsonic (the Optoma does 3D, but only XGA).

I got the Viewsonic specifically for doing 3D, but decided not to because the picture is fairly dim outside of an ultra-dark room and over 80". Plus the 3D processing box is $375 and the glasses (active) are $99 each. Not much detail on the LG's 3D capabilities yet.

 

[Kaido]

If you are looking for some speakers to go along with your projector setup, Monoprice & Dayton have some nice deals on speakers & subwoofers. Newegg usually has some good deals on Pioneer receivers as well.


Budget Amps/Receivers:

2.0 Stereo Lepai amp: $25 (only 20w/channel, but super powerful - you can add a powered subwoofer with some extra wires)
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=310-300

5.1 Pioneer VSX-522-K receiver: $179
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882117408

7.1 Pioneer VSX-1022-K receiver: $279
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882117410


Monoprice Speakers & Subs:

Monoprice is the place to get wires of all kinds, including speaker wire, as well as banana plugs, wall-mounts, etc. They also have a variety of in-wall & in-ceiling speakers, as well as center channels & in-wall subwoofers.

5.1 Set: $85
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10906&cs_id=1090601&p_id=8247&seq=1&format=2

6.5 Bookshelf speakers: $28/pair
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10904&cs_id=1090407&p_id=8250&seq=1&format=2

Wallmount Bracket: $4/pair
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10828&cs_id=1082804&p_id=3012&seq=1&format=2

8" 60w Subwoofer: $57
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10906&cs_id=1090602&p_id=8248&seq=1&format=2


Dayton Speakers & Subs:

6.5" Bookshelf speakers: $30/pair
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-652

5.0 (BYO subwoofer), 5.1, & Soundbar/Subwoofer Combos: $130 - $238
http://www.parts-express.com/cat/home-theater-speaker-systems/93?m=301&sort=pasc

Powered Subwoofers: $79 - $949
http://www.parts-express.com/cat/powered-subwoofers/95?m=301&sort=pasc

Bass Shakers: (shakes your couch or chair - $45 for a 4-pack, just add amp!)
http://www.parts-express.com/term/bass-shakers?srch=bass+shakers


Media Players:

WDTV Live Streaming: $89 (HD LAN streaming, Netflix, currently my favorite network player - see discussion thread here, also available in a 1TB model for $164)
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digita.../dp/B005KOZNBW

AppleTV 3rd generation: $97 (Netflix, Youtube, iPhone/iPad Mirroring, Airplay, also send your PC/Mac screen wirelessly with AirParrot)[/URL] * Currently no jailbreak available for v3, so you'll need v2 if you want to run XBMC/Firecore
http://www.amazon.com/Apple-TV-MD199...dp/B007I5JT4S/

Roku: $50 - $100 (Netflix + a ton of other channels)
http://www.roku.com/

Sony Bluray Player: $78 (plus apps - Netflix, Hulu+, Amazon, Vudu, Pandora, etc.)
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-BDP-S185-...dp/B005NEZDUA/

 

[SystemPlue]

Awesome to hear, what are your settings? Here are mine for the 500-lumen Viewsonic model:

Color mode: User
Wall color: White
Brightness: 50
Contrast: 58
Sharpness: 18
Saturation: 55
Hue: 50
Gamma: 1 (although 2 looks better on some movies)
Color Temp: Middle
Color Space: RGB

Sometimes Eco mode makes it dimmer, sometimes it makes no difference. Also as far as the fan goes, once you have some music or movies playing on your speakers/headphones, you won't be able to hear it. Definitely quieter than my last bulb-based projecor, anyway. Got any pics of your PC setup using it? Sounds like a really cool idea...

I havent had a chance to play around with the settings but so far its on cinema mode.
Thanks for ur settings.. ill use those numbers as a starting point and see where it takes me lol

I just hope i even have controlls for Color Temp, Hue, sharpness and saturation lol

BTW.. if u guys like to surf or need a Media player on ur display,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MK802-mini-...I-/280949229268?forcev4exp=true#ht_2994wt_962

looks really good to make any TV into a decent smart tv with way better surfing capabilities,... then again u can always hook up ur comp or laptop XD

 

[Kaido]

I havent had a chance to play around with the settings but so far its on cinema mode.
Thanks for ur settings.. ill use those numbers as a starting point and see where it takes me lol

I just hope i even have controlls for Color Temp, Hue, sharpness and saturation lol

BTW.. if u guys like to surf or need a Media player on ur display,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MK802-mini-...I-/280949229268?forcev4exp=true#ht_2994wt_962

looks really good to make any TV into a decent smart tv with way better surfing capabilities,... then again u can always hook up ur comp or laptop XD

My buddy got one of those Android HDMI sticks, says it works awesome - amazing for the price!

 

[ericlp]

besides having somewhat low lumenes the pluses are...

Lower Power
No Color Wheel (no noise and no parts to fail)
Instant on (no waiting for bulb to warm up)
Instant off (no waiting for bulb to cool down)
No degradation of light over the life of bulb. LED's produce constant light and don't dim with age.
LED's life span of 30K hours means no expensive replacement bulbs.