Hey guys,
Well, I've completely finished my entire setup:
*QA-2500 LCD Panel
*Apollo AI-1000 OHP= 600 watt DYS Halogen
*85 x 65 Screen= Black wooden border, white bed sheet, Back lined with reflective aluminum foil.
I watched the NFL games on Sunday with it and it was great. I played Soul Caliber 2 for XBOX on it and while the resolution was not superior, it was certainly acceptable. Then I played ESPN NFL Football on it and that's when everything went down-hill for me. It looks pretty dark no matter how much I make adjustments to the video settings. The brights just add a cloudiness to the picture, and the contrast setting is a waste of time to even mess with.
I thought that adding the reflective side of the aluminum foil to my screen backing would push the light forward and make it look brighter and more defined but all it did was make it look cloudy. In short, it sucks.
I wasted all that heavy duty foil for nothing, lol. I could have been using it to cover my BBQ Chicken dinners and fix the rabbit ears on my TV's, hahahahaha. I'm going to strip all of it off.
The QA-2500 is supposed to be the top of line as far as LCD panels go but I see a ton of limitations. Besides that, I'm just not pleased with the brightness or the sharpness. It's just not there.
So I really need you guys to look at my questions and observations carefully and if you have any ideas that would be helpful, as always, I would be very much grateful:
1. My OHP gives me 600 Watts with the bulb I mentioned. Could the lack of sharpness and brightness be attributed to the bulb I am using, or are my problems just not fixable?
2. Am I expecting too much from this? Is it that I need to realize what I have right now is as good as it can be?
3. On a dull white wall, my picture actually looked better than it did on the screen I built. I know I went against the rules by using a 50% polyester, 50% Cotton bedsheet but I couldn't find any blackout cloth or any other material that would match the size I needed. Are my problems stemming from the type of screen surface I am using?
4. Should I just buy a commercial screen? I saw a Da-lite screen on EBAY that is matte white 84x84 for $150 (Freight damaged) Do you think there would be a significant enough improvement to justify buying a commercial screen?
5. Quite a bit of light is escaping from the OHP. I tried to build an enclosure but it over-heated and automatically shut-off. I can't think of any other way to stop the light from escaping. It's enough light that the room does have a lit presence and it's got to be affecting the picture negatively. Actually, I know it is because I can see it hitting the screen surface? Any suggestions on what I can do alternatively?
6. Could it be that the LCD is dying? I noticed that when I looked at the panel there are A LOT of spots inside the LCD that resemble how a car looks after it's dryed in the sun but you didn't wipe it dry properly. It's not effecting the composition of the image at all but I figured that it could be a sign of wear on the LCD and could be attributing to the darkness and wash-out of the projected image?
7. should I just (*gulp*) get a different panel that allows me to make more changes and have more control over the projected image? Does one even exist?
8. Should I just say hell with this setup, go get an LCD TV with better specs, strip the backlight off and use that instead (I COULD do that couldn't I?)
9. Should I just sell everything on EBAY (I can get a bundle for that QA-2500) and go back to using my dying old Zenith RF ONLY 25" TV? (oh the horror).
If you have any comments, suggestions or observations, PLEASE respond. I need all the help I can get at this point.
Well, I've completely finished my entire setup:
*QA-2500 LCD Panel
*Apollo AI-1000 OHP= 600 watt DYS Halogen
*85 x 65 Screen= Black wooden border, white bed sheet, Back lined with reflective aluminum foil.
I watched the NFL games on Sunday with it and it was great. I played Soul Caliber 2 for XBOX on it and while the resolution was not superior, it was certainly acceptable. Then I played ESPN NFL Football on it and that's when everything went down-hill for me. It looks pretty dark no matter how much I make adjustments to the video settings. The brights just add a cloudiness to the picture, and the contrast setting is a waste of time to even mess with.
I thought that adding the reflective side of the aluminum foil to my screen backing would push the light forward and make it look brighter and more defined but all it did was make it look cloudy. In short, it sucks.
I wasted all that heavy duty foil for nothing, lol. I could have been using it to cover my BBQ Chicken dinners and fix the rabbit ears on my TV's, hahahahaha. I'm going to strip all of it off.
The QA-2500 is supposed to be the top of line as far as LCD panels go but I see a ton of limitations. Besides that, I'm just not pleased with the brightness or the sharpness. It's just not there.
So I really need you guys to look at my questions and observations carefully and if you have any ideas that would be helpful, as always, I would be very much grateful:
1. My OHP gives me 600 Watts with the bulb I mentioned. Could the lack of sharpness and brightness be attributed to the bulb I am using, or are my problems just not fixable?
2. Am I expecting too much from this? Is it that I need to realize what I have right now is as good as it can be?
3. On a dull white wall, my picture actually looked better than it did on the screen I built. I know I went against the rules by using a 50% polyester, 50% Cotton bedsheet but I couldn't find any blackout cloth or any other material that would match the size I needed. Are my problems stemming from the type of screen surface I am using?
4. Should I just buy a commercial screen? I saw a Da-lite screen on EBAY that is matte white 84x84 for $150 (Freight damaged) Do you think there would be a significant enough improvement to justify buying a commercial screen?
5. Quite a bit of light is escaping from the OHP. I tried to build an enclosure but it over-heated and automatically shut-off. I can't think of any other way to stop the light from escaping. It's enough light that the room does have a lit presence and it's got to be affecting the picture negatively. Actually, I know it is because I can see it hitting the screen surface? Any suggestions on what I can do alternatively?
6. Could it be that the LCD is dying? I noticed that when I looked at the panel there are A LOT of spots inside the LCD that resemble how a car looks after it's dryed in the sun but you didn't wipe it dry properly. It's not effecting the composition of the image at all but I figured that it could be a sign of wear on the LCD and could be attributing to the darkness and wash-out of the projected image?
7. should I just (*gulp*) get a different panel that allows me to make more changes and have more control over the projected image? Does one even exist?
8. Should I just say hell with this setup, go get an LCD TV with better specs, strip the backlight off and use that instead (I COULD do that couldn't I?)
9. Should I just sell everything on EBAY (I can get a bundle for that QA-2500) and go back to using my dying old Zenith RF ONLY 25" TV? (oh the horror).
If you have any comments, suggestions or observations, PLEASE respond. I need all the help I can get at this point.
It seems like you have a problem. But I dont understand how you can like your results one day and then say that it sucks the next. I think your getting the best results for a projection panel/OHP setup. I mean most people dont like the results from regular TV or cable on their setups. A commercial screen will help, but by the way you sound you still wont be happy with it.
If your simply using the coposite in on your panel, it is no better than an nview spectra c. Useing the full XGA resolution will yeild a better image.
jcbklyny said:
LOL. Thanks for the input Jc, but let's not exaggerate, I posted about liking my setup a while ago and this is my first time really posting some serious gripes about it. Naturally, after you have something for a while you're going to start noticing problems.
The setup is okay but there are problems with certain games that I like to play on a regular basis and since Football is that game, I'm a bit woried that this problem is'nt going to go away no matter what I do, but I could be wrong which is why I posted those 9 questions and observations.........
Maybe if size was the ONLY factor that was important to me I would'nt be as displeased but I still need decent resolution and I'm not really getting that overall. Plus the wash-out is killing me.
I'm hoping someone can address those 9 questions and observations thoroughly that I posted above because that would really help me determine what I need to do next.
verbose mustafa said:
So in other words, are you saying that I can increase the definition and manipulate the video settings further if I buy one of those tuners? I need to be able to use something that will not require me to use a computer though........ All the ones I've seen will require it except one which I can't remember the name of.......... Any recommendations?
well
Your screen sux for sure, find the blackout cloth, make it work...HUGE difference.
What is the 2500's contrast, 150:1? That sux. Get a good panel (high contrast) to start with.
Yes you should figure out how to block the light without overheating your rig.
I don't understand something though, are you saying that your brightness went down for all of the things you watch now, or for just some of the things? It's possible your light decreased in brightness or your panel is toast. Go back to the things you thought it did well and try to make an objective analysis, if it still looks as good as it did at first then you have a prob with your inputs perhaps, or something similar.
Your screen sux for sure, find the blackout cloth, make it work...HUGE difference.
What is the 2500's contrast, 150:1? That sux. Get a good panel (high contrast) to start with.
Yes you should figure out how to block the light without overheating your rig.
I don't understand something though, are you saying that your brightness went down for all of the things you watch now, or for just some of the things? It's possible your light decreased in brightness or your panel is toast. Go back to the things you thought it did well and try to make an objective analysis, if it still looks as good as it did at first then you have a prob with your inputs perhaps, or something similar.
Now that helps Brainchild, thanks a lot.
I should be specific with what I thought looked pretty good:
*The NFL Games on Cable TV looked pretty good and that was at the largest image. Not great, but good. Keep in mind I was not even running that direct. I had to run my cable through my VCR because I don't have cable box, and it's a crappy $49 Daewoo VCR so I think considering that factor the picture was pretty good.
Do you know where I could find a large enough blackout cloth to match an 85 x 65 frame? I went to Joannes Fabrics and they just did'nt have anything big enough to match the screen height.
"What is the 2500's contrast, 150:1? That sux. Get a good panel (high contrast) to start with."
But would'nt I have to buy an LCD TV and strip it down to get better contrast than that? I thought the QA-2500's contrast ratio is about as good as it gets for LCD panels?
What other panel would you suggest?
Yes you should figure out how to block the light without overheating your rig.
Yeah I'm still working on that but as stated earlier the first attempt caused a system shut down and I'm not sure how I could do it any better than what I did, but suggestions are welcomed.
I should be specific with what I thought looked pretty good:
*The NFL Games on Cable TV looked pretty good and that was at the largest image. Not great, but good. Keep in mind I was not even running that direct. I had to run my cable through my VCR because I don't have cable box, and it's a crappy $49 Daewoo VCR so I think considering that factor the picture was pretty good.
Do you know where I could find a large enough blackout cloth to match an 85 x 65 frame? I went to Joannes Fabrics and they just did'nt have anything big enough to match the screen height.
"What is the 2500's contrast, 150:1? That sux. Get a good panel (high contrast) to start with."
But would'nt I have to buy an LCD TV and strip it down to get better contrast than that? I thought the QA-2500's contrast ratio is about as good as it gets for LCD panels?
What other panel would you suggest?
Yes you should figure out how to block the light without overheating your rig.
Yeah I'm still working on that but as stated earlier the first attempt caused a system shut down and I'm not sure how I could do it any better than what I did, but suggestions are welcomed.
a couple of thoughts
First, you don't need to strip an LCD tv -- they are much more expensive than the 15" LCD monitors. Try the samsung 150mp of the NEC 1545v (I think) that so many in the forum using. 400:1 contrast ratio will make a big difference.
check the screen forum over at avs...lot of info on diy screens, and some folks sell the fabric many commercial screens are made of. you should be able to get the material for a 110" screen for $150. It's a lot, but it's the real deal.
regarding shielding your projector -- did you have a fan in that setup when you tried it? The recommended solution seems to be one fan blowing cool air in, and some vent holes to let hot air out.
I could be wrong here, but I think what people are saying above is that using the composite video (the yellow rca jack) for video looks bad. Using component, or even s-video would be better. You can indeed use a line doubler, but that's an additional improvement than stepping up from using the composite cable. So you should see an improvement just changing cables, even without the line doubler. Are you currently using composite video cable? I'm stuck with it till I get a line doubler, and I can vouch for its crappiness.
First, you don't need to strip an LCD tv -- they are much more expensive than the 15" LCD monitors. Try the samsung 150mp of the NEC 1545v (I think) that so many in the forum using. 400:1 contrast ratio will make a big difference.
check the screen forum over at avs...lot of info on diy screens, and some folks sell the fabric many commercial screens are made of. you should be able to get the material for a 110" screen for $150. It's a lot, but it's the real deal.
regarding shielding your projector -- did you have a fan in that setup when you tried it? The recommended solution seems to be one fan blowing cool air in, and some vent holes to let hot air out.
I could be wrong here, but I think what people are saying above is that using the composite video (the yellow rca jack) for video looks bad. Using component, or even s-video would be better. You can indeed use a line doubler, but that's an additional improvement than stepping up from using the composite cable. So you should see an improvement just changing cables, even without the line doubler. Are you currently using composite video cable? I'm stuck with it till I get a line doubler, and I can vouch for its crappiness.
Hey projectoid,
Sorry to hear you're disappointed. I think all of the hype around the sharp qa2500 is going to raise peoples expectations far too high.
I'm using a polaroid polaview 3000 and 250W normal OHP. Thats only temporary but it produces very good quality pictures. And I'm only running through s-video as well, which everyone seems to think is crap.
Take a look at the following link. I'm only using a bed sheet to project onto and haven't fiddled around with anything yet, but it still looks good. The pictures don't really represent the quality though cause they've been compressed from 700kb to 110kb:
http://uk.photos.yahoo.com/ham_anegg
I've only just got the equipment set-up but feel I want to strip a lcd and get a more powerful bulb, but ballasts, bulbs and tft monitors are especially too high over here.
All panels do have a life span and yours may be on it's way out.
Yeah, go and buy one of the recommended lcd/tft monitors, you'll get a bundle for the qa-2500. Just don't have your expectations too high, and prepare for some fiddling depending on what lcd you buy.
No don't go back to the 25" tv. I couldn't manage myself!!!
No, don't buy another panel, it'll only disappoint
Halo is completely unplayable on my set-up, I just can't see a thing in the dark scenes. I think it's the bulb.
Post some pictures.
Sorry to hear you're disappointed. I think all of the hype around the sharp qa2500 is going to raise peoples expectations far too high.
I'm using a polaroid polaview 3000 and 250W normal OHP. Thats only temporary but it produces very good quality pictures. And I'm only running through s-video as well, which everyone seems to think is crap.
Take a look at the following link. I'm only using a bed sheet to project onto and haven't fiddled around with anything yet, but it still looks good. The pictures don't really represent the quality though cause they've been compressed from 700kb to 110kb:
http://uk.photos.yahoo.com/ham_anegg
I've only just got the equipment set-up but feel I want to strip a lcd and get a more powerful bulb, but ballasts, bulbs and tft monitors are especially too high over here.
All panels do have a life span and yours may be on it's way out.
Yeah, go and buy one of the recommended lcd/tft monitors, you'll get a bundle for the qa-2500. Just don't have your expectations too high, and prepare for some fiddling depending on what lcd you buy.
No don't go back to the 25" tv. I couldn't manage myself!!!
No, don't buy another panel, it'll only disappoint
Halo is completely unplayable on my set-up, I just can't see a thing in the dark scenes. I think it's the bulb.
Post some pictures.
I couldn't see anything in Halo in the dark on my old 1500 either...and I have a 400w MH. It isn't your light source...I'm hoping the 1545v that's a coming will do away with that (majorly better contrast).
Re: a couple of thoughts
Thanks Slick. Keep in mind that I am using the OHP setup and not the other more complicated setup. I was wondering if I could strip down an LCD Monitor and use it on my OHP, I think I seen people who have done it here. I tryed to search for it and could'nt find anything though......
I checked out the screen discussion at AVS a while back. For $150 I'd rather buy a used screen than build one since I know what the outcome will be.
The Shielding on my OHP was all cardboard and it was well vented but it still did an over-heat shutdown so it does'nt look like it's going to work out.
My QA-2500 does'nt have component video, I don't think any projection panel does. It does have S-Video but to be honest I did'nt see a significant difference when I used it before.
A line doubler would help but I have to be able to use it without needing a computer because I have no desire to move my computer around the house (it's very large and very heavy).
slickhorn said:
Thanks Slick. Keep in mind that I am using the OHP setup and not the other more complicated setup. I was wondering if I could strip down an LCD Monitor and use it on my OHP, I think I seen people who have done it here. I tryed to search for it and could'nt find anything though......
I checked out the screen discussion at AVS a while back. For $150 I'd rather buy a used screen than build one since I know what the outcome will be.
The Shielding on my OHP was all cardboard and it was well vented but it still did an over-heat shutdown so it does'nt look like it's going to work out.
My QA-2500 does'nt have component video, I don't think any projection panel does. It does have S-Video but to be honest I did'nt see a significant difference when I used it before.
A line doubler would help but I have to be able to use it without needing a computer because I have no desire to move my computer around the house (it's very large and very heavy).
yes
***But would'nt I have to buy an LCD TV and strip it down to get better contrast than that? I thought the QA-2500's contrast ratio is about as good as it gets for LCD panels?***
Yes you will have to strip one. Bang for buck an lcd monitor with high contrast can't be beat! I picked up mine for ~$240, 500:1 contrast and boy does it shine.
For the blackout...are you projecting onto a wall? If you are you can just use 2 pieces of blackout affixed to the wall. The seam won't be visible if you do it carefully. Otherwise I can look around for something else. I found a nice 70" wide fabric at MalWart, very(!) light grey polyester, very slight sheen, excellent for screen (I tested) and it was $1/yard (sale)!
***But would'nt I have to buy an LCD TV and strip it down to get better contrast than that? I thought the QA-2500's contrast ratio is about as good as it gets for LCD panels?***
Yes you will have to strip one. Bang for buck an lcd monitor with high contrast can't be beat! I picked up mine for ~$240, 500:1 contrast and boy does it shine.
For the blackout...are you projecting onto a wall? If you are you can just use 2 pieces of blackout affixed to the wall. The seam won't be visible if you do it carefully. Otherwise I can look around for something else. I found a nice 70" wide fabric at MalWart, very(!) light grey polyester, very slight sheen, excellent for screen (I tested) and it was $1/yard (sale)!
You can find information on different line doubler thingies in this thread- http://diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19810
I don't believe you need a pc in the equation to use a line doubler. The ones I've looked at take all manner of video signals and output via a vga cable, so the vga -> sharp panel cable should get you where you need to be.
People are definately using lcd monitors on OHPs. The trick is to make a support so you don't break your ribbon cables using a setup where the LCD isn't stationary.
Of course, you may find you need to retrofit your ohp with a brighter light source...but that seems to be a pretty common and straighforward mod.
People are definately using lcd monitors on OHPs. The trick is to make a support so you don't break your ribbon cables using a setup where the LCD isn't stationary.
Of course, you may find you need to retrofit your ohp with a brighter light source...but that seems to be a pretty common and straighforward mod.
Yeah I was thinking that retro fitting to a metal halide may solve the problem. I'm really thinking that the two issues are:
1. the Bulb
2. the screen
However, 150:1 contrast blows so I'm not 100% that making those mods are going to improve my setup to respectability.
It looks like I'm going to have to get an LCD monitor.....
Wow, you'd think that a 600 watt bulb would be enough. I know it's just halogen but still......
Oh well, one thing I can say about this whole thing is that it has been fun and it has'nt cost me much, so no matter what it's all worth it!
So now I'll be searching the forum for recommended LCD monitors and a tutorial on stripping....... Let's hope that week in surgeons school comes in handy here, lol.
1. the Bulb
2. the screen
However, 150:1 contrast blows so I'm not 100% that making those mods are going to improve my setup to respectability.
It looks like I'm going to have to get an LCD monitor.....
Wow, you'd think that a 600 watt bulb would be enough. I know it's just halogen but still......
Oh well, one thing I can say about this whole thing is that it has been fun and it has'nt cost me much, so no matter what it's all worth it!
So now I'll be searching the forum for recommended LCD monitors and a tutorial on stripping....... Let's hope that week in surgeons school comes in handy here, lol.
Re: yes
Nah I'm projecting onto a framed screen I built. It looks really professional but the picture does not. You know brains, I was going to take two pieces of fabric and sew them together at first but I figured that the seam would be visible and make it look like crap. Plus, I suck at sewing. It may wind up being my last resort though.
brainchild said:
Nah I'm projecting onto a framed screen I built. It looks really professional but the picture does not. You know brains, I was going to take two pieces of fabric and sew them together at first but I figured that the seam would be visible and make it look like crap. Plus, I suck at sewing. It may wind up being my last resort though.
If you do retrofit, I'd emphasize your optics too. A colimitor or condensor lens...whichever term is appropriate...and a reflector will make a HUGE difference. Also, if your OHP has a mirror, check that it's a first-surface mirror.
I stripped an A-open panel a few weekends ago. It was quite a bit easier than I expected...I did fry it, but that's cause I slapped on my OHP and tried to use it, not cause I broke it trying to get it apart. The NEC 1545v seems to be the most popular choice, and you see them on ebay pretty often. There's a viewsonic that folks have recommended too, and I've seen it on ebay a fair amount as well.
Since I don't have a panel to test with, I can only guess, but it seems intuitive that as the contrast ratio increases, so must your light source. I can only assume that higher contrast = more blocked light.
I stripped an A-open panel a few weekends ago. It was quite a bit easier than I expected...I did fry it, but that's cause I slapped on my OHP and tried to use it, not cause I broke it trying to get it apart. The NEC 1545v seems to be the most popular choice, and you see them on ebay pretty often. There's a viewsonic that folks have recommended too, and I've seen it on ebay a fair amount as well.
Since I don't have a panel to test with, I can only guess, but it seems intuitive that as the contrast ratio increases, so must your light source. I can only assume that higher contrast = more blocked light.
Making the changes you have to to improve the picture will lead you to building your own enclosure. You can only expect so much from a stock OHP and projection panel. You can make it better... but a new panel and solid case will solve your problems.
jcbklyny said:
Jc,
You mean the other project with building a wooden box and using the two fresnels and all that? I'm trying to avoid that at all costs.
I'm going to get a triplet lense because I'm sure my projector does'nt have one. I'm going to get a condenser too. This should help improve the picture.
Also, I just dreamed up an idea to enclose the projector from the top and push the light downward into the stage. I'll need to cut a hole that will allow the projector lense and mirror to peek out and hit the screen. The way I dreamed it up will leave the projector vents wide open to stay cool. The only thing I can't figure out is how to build it so that the LCD panel will be able to breath and stay cool.......... Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
This one is going to be interesting.
In the meantime, I'll still be researching monitor strip downs.
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