8mm Forum: Epson Video Projectors

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Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on February 17, 2018, 03:16 AM:

About three weeks ago I bought Yvonne a new digital camera due to me dropping hers on the concrete..she is now the owmer of a new Panasonic DC-FZ80 camera. Anyway this same store had a sale on, and most importantly with permission from the wife I enquired about video projectors. [Roll Eyes]

Out came this little Epson EH-TW5600 full HD, very nice I said to the salesman, and asked the cost. I am not sure if it was the fact we had just bought a camera, but the discount price was really good.

This really put me in a dilemma, as I was looking to replace the lamp on my Sanyo Z1 after 13 years of use. Although I have the Panasonic and would never part with it, I did fancy the idea of 3D and this Epson could do this.....after talking to my financial advisor "the wife" Yvonne said, just buy it on interest free terms plus the salesman was offering good discount, so how could I refuse....so I bought it [Wink]

Hopeless eh!..anyway after making my own ceiling mount etc I got it up and running, and boy its impressive. Ran the blu-ray of JAWS tonight and with the settings on Eco..and Cinema, plus setting the Frame Interpolation to normal I could not believe what I was seeing. Incredible image detail, something I had never seen before, not even on film. I am sure I could read the small print on the bottle of wine they were holding in the movie.

The colors were excellent as well, but its the image enhancement with fine detail that wins out big time on this Epson. For a entry level projector it offers excellent value for money. The lamp life is about 4000hrs and on Eco is 7500 hrs. I certainly found the Eco setting bright enough.

I am looking forward to trying out the 3D later on, as the Pioneer Blu-ray player I am using is 3D as well...just need some second hand glasses. I have a few 3D blu-ray titles already bought over the last few years.

I must say if you are looking at video projectors this Epson EH-TW5600 get my thumbs up [Cool]

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on February 17, 2018, 02:34 PM:

Seems somehow familiar, Graham!

We've been pretty pleased with our Epson 730HD. The image is bright, even in Eco mode, and pretty sharp too. Projected about 5 foot by 9, I see a slight screen-door effect if I stand within about two feet of the image, which is way too close anyway.

I found that the best place for this is forward of the table my film projectors sit on and lower down. It so happened we had a snack table that is perfect for this so it's a projection table now. When I'm not using it I just take the whole thing and move it out of the way. (It may become a snack table again whenever company shows up!)

My minor gripe with it is it has no audio output jacks. I plumbed the thing into our cable TV system this week for the Winter Olympics and had to buy a little module to extract line level audio from the HDMI cable so I could plug it into my mixer. (Normally I take this from the video player.)

-I already had enough little audio modules!

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on February 17, 2018, 04:15 PM:

That's the thing with most blu-ray players these days, as all the sound is by the HDMI cable for TV use. I looked at a device in a electrical shop that could extract the sound from HDMI, but that item costs over $100 dollars, so gave that idea a miss. The Pioneer player I use has audio out for both left and right, plus optical at the back, which is a must for my amp does not cater for HDMI.

One thing about video projectors these days, is how cheap they are to buy, compared to years ago, plus a huge improvement in picture quality. When I watched JAWS last night, I was only about 8ft from the screen but the image detail, like small stuff on the screen was truly amazing, something I had never seen before which really brought the viewing experence to a new level. [Cool]

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on February 17, 2018, 05:45 PM:

Hi Graham,

This is what I have:

HDMI Splitter

It's only about 30 bucks(US).

The only difference for you is you'd need one that plugs into your power.

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on February 17, 2018, 05:56 PM:

Thanks Steve

Thats just the thing, but as you say I would need one for our mains voltage [Smile]

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on February 17, 2018, 07:48 PM:

You made the right decision there Graham. Home digital projectors have come a long way since you purchased that Sanyo, and IMO it would not be worth spending the money for a new lamp.
Epson is a great company and they make great projectors. I recently set up an Epson 310 in my daughters house and the picture is amazing. Honestly as good or better than the professional digital cinema.

Posted by Martin Dew (Member # 5748) on February 18, 2018, 02:46 AM:

The Epsons produce beautiful images. Just make sure you check the air filter regularly and/or replace it. Unlike DLP, the LCD light engine is completely exposed, protected only by the filter. If even a tiny particle of dust gets into the light path or onto one of the panels, you'll see red, green or blue blotches on a black screen. If that happens during warranty, get Epson to swap it out. They have a good advance replacement scheme.

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on February 18, 2018, 12:18 PM:

Martin

A few years ago I bought from a pet shop those stretch bird cage covers that you use on the bottom of the cage. They are ideal to slip over the projector when its not in use. There were three different sizes of covers, from small, median, to large, and depending on the size of your projector, those stretch covers are ideal. [Smile]

Posted by Martin Dew (Member # 5748) on February 18, 2018, 01:20 PM:

Thanks, Graham. Yes, I actually have a black vinyl cover made by Visual Apex in the States which works perfectly. I originally bought a refurb Epson 6030UB three years ago, but I had to return three of them to Epson because they all arrived with dust bunnies in the light path. Eventually Epson just sent me a brand new PJ!

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on February 23, 2018, 11:06 AM:

During the week I mounted it on the ceiling, it took a bit of figuring out to get the distance just right for the acadamy and scope ratios. One thing I do notice with this Epson is how cool it runs in the Eco mode.

Posted by Bill Brandenstein (Member # 892) on February 23, 2018, 03:24 PM:

ProjectorCentral.com gave the Epson 3100 such wonderful accolades that I was hoping Santa would bring me one for Christmas. (He didn't.) Interestingly enough, Graham, the model you bought is not on their website. Was hoping to see what it compared to among the other models.

Anyway, congrats. That's way cool.

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on February 24, 2018, 02:37 AM:

Thanks Bill

Hope you can get one for your outdoor summer screenings [Cool]

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on February 24, 2018, 10:24 AM:

These could do great things outdoors. I sit mine about 12 feet away from my 5 feet by 8 screen and have to zoom it as tight as possible to fit the image on the screen.

I run it in Eco mode: I found the standard brightness was overwhelming compared to my Super-8 machines and doing a mixed format show actually makes the film projectors seem dim, even though when you watch them alone they look just fine. (These mixed shows may be a better job for Xenon based film projectors, but I don't own any).

To me these facts mean there's a lot of untapped potential here. The Epson could be backed up or zoomed wider and the brightness set full and it could fill a much larger screen.

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on February 24, 2018, 03:08 PM:

Hi Steve,
If running a program mix of super 8 and digital I usually find it best to run super 8mm film first because frankly, as you said, S8 projectors (except Xenon's) will look distinctly dim if compared directly with a digital projector. Even my Elmo GS1200,with an f1.0 lens, 2-blade shutter,and ESC lamp, looks much dimmer than my Panasonic digital projector. And, lets be honest, most of the time the digital picture is going to look better.
But that's not the only reason. The really nice thing about super 8 is the abundance of shorts and featurettes available for showing prior to the main feature (be it film or digital). Cartoons, newsreels, Pathe Pictorials and Look at life's, some really incredible digests and trailers -you name it. And a lot of this stuff is just not available on DVD or Blu Ray.
I've said it before, that film plus digital makes an ideal mix for a knockout show,

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on February 24, 2018, 04:06 PM:

Absolutely Paul

The other night as an example, a T/J cartoon on Super8, followed by "A Train for Christmas" on 16mm that I have not watched for a while, then sat back and watched the feature on the VP...the best of all worlds [Cool]

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on February 24, 2018, 04:34 PM:

I've noticed the exact same thing, Paul. It's not a perception that fades within a reel either. Either you go video last or you need an intermission.

Graham? Is "Train for Christmas" commonly available on 16mm in New Zealand?

-I'd brave the postage for that!

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on February 25, 2018, 06:31 PM:

Hi Steve

It used to be, but have not come across one in years, however your name did pop up when fellow forum member Pat called in a few weeks ago and we discussed getting you a 16mm print, so if one crops up in good condition its in the back of my mind to get it for you, and send it on to you at no cost.

Hopefully within this year sometime a copy will make an appearance.

Posted by Patrick Walsh (Member # 637) on February 25, 2018, 08:52 PM:

I got it on 35mm Steve!, Graham Ill come over and look at this new toy of yours this week!

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on February 25, 2018, 09:39 PM:

Guys, that is a downright humbling idea!

-but if it ever come to pass I would want to kick in some cash!

To me "A Train for Christmas" is near or even at the top of the world of Railway films.

-at a matter of fact, I chose it to be the very first of its kind to be screened at CineSea, and the people there enjoyed it too!

On Screen in Wildwood!

Posted by Dave Groves (Member # 4685) on February 26, 2018, 07:46 AM:

Just watched the link to 'A Train for Christmas'. What a great little film. Steve, I can understand why you want a copy. Who wouldn't? Loved the bit when the driver turned the engine on the turntable. I'd need extra weetabix to even attempt it!! Bet it looks good in 35mm. Why on earth has no-one re-issued it? Reckon it would be a best seller.

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on February 26, 2018, 08:37 AM:

Well Dave,

Actually I've helped turn a locomotive on a human powered turntable and it's a lot easier than it looks: it's all about leverage and balance and really good bearings. (-and maybe a couple of strong backs...)

-a small engine is a great help of course, especially once you need to stop!**

(Once you get up into many dozens of tons human power just won't cut it anymore. The one I did was maybe 12 tons)

** Of course the fact that I was in my twenties at the time may have helped too!

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on February 27, 2018, 11:07 AM:

Forum threads are amazing. How did we get from an Epson digital projector to a railroad turntable! [Big Grin]

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on February 27, 2018, 11:23 AM:

Railroad Turntable?

(I thought we were talking about LPs!)

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on March 02, 2018, 02:33 PM:

Well Pat called in during the week to look at my new toy [Big Grin]

After watching a bit of "Raise The Titanic" I can see him getting one sometime in the future. [Wink]

Yesterday I played around with the settings and concluded, that the features the Epson can provide are quite extensive. I found that when setting the image processing to fine and from that Frame Interpolation to normal, the incredible image detail is really something to watch and its the setting I am most happy with. However if you want a more of a "film look" then switching the fine to off and frame Interpolation will also cease.

The range of options is really amazing, they clain you can watch a 1hr 45min movie every day for 11 years on one lamp life.

Time will tell on that point, but value for money its excellent value for money and to be honest I have never seen such picture detail. I watched "Earthquake" last night and "The Man Who Never Was" the night before on blu-ray, sitting close to the screen you can see everything in detail which for me is a real joy. One thing I did notice with this projector was how cool it ran, after switching it off and putting my hand on the case it only felt look warm.

Now I am on the lookout for 3D glasses [Roll Eyes]

I printed out the user guide, the English version is 111 pages long. The poor old printer was almost worn out.

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on March 02, 2018, 06:37 PM:

Graham, one thing I have found with my Panny, and I am sure it is the same on your Epson, is that black and white films are just a little to 'cold' in appearance. So I have a custom setting for B&W films, saved in the picture menu, where I have dialed down the color temperature to get a warmer look to the picture. I like it a lot better.

Posted by David Roberts (Member # 197) on March 03, 2018, 03:39 AM:

Graham,
I am thinking about getting one of these ,but in my case,i use a 4ft x3 ft screen and sit about 8 ft away from this.I would also plan to view in darkness,thus copying the film projection conditions. However,i wonder if such a small picture in total darkness would be too bright,even on eco mode?

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on March 03, 2018, 10:28 AM:

David, I see no concern here. The picture control menu on video projectors lets you adjust brightness (and contrast) down to very low levels. Just use it in eco mode and dial down the brightness and your lamp will probably last forever!

Posted by David Roberts (Member # 197) on March 03, 2018, 12:22 PM:

Thanks Paul, ive never had a digital projector before,so didn't know they had such a feature.
The Epsom Graham has is available at "Richer Sounds" for £750,but until the end of March,it has £100 cash back,so £650.
Seems like a bargain to me!

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on March 03, 2018, 12:36 PM:

David I can assure you that you will be absolutely thrilled with a modern digital projector. It really does open up a whole new world of great film viewing in your home, with picture and sound as good or better than the professional digital cinema.
Just don't get too thrilled and dump all your films and projectors! [Big Grin]

Posted by David Roberts (Member # 197) on March 03, 2018, 03:24 PM:

No plans to dump cine Paul,will run both side by side as many here do.

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on March 03, 2018, 03:30 PM:

David

If you buy it, I would recommend printing of a A4 hard copy from the CD-ROM that comes with the projector. [Smile]

Posted by David Roberts (Member # 197) on March 03, 2018, 04:30 PM:

Graham, is that the insruction manual?

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on March 03, 2018, 06:02 PM:

Yes.... all one hundred and eleven pages of it [Smile]

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on March 10, 2018, 03:08 PM:

This projector was my first video projector bought second hand in 1998 and has lasted 20 years and still works fine, but picture wise its not a patch on the present range of video projectors on the market.

Last week I boxed it away, as its got no re-sale but looking at it, it did surprise that even with a lot of use, that it lasted well all those years.

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on April 26, 2018, 03:18 PM:

Well folks this little Epson VP for its price has been a real winner. I have been picking up some 3D titles of late. The "Wizard of Oz" being one, which along with the 3D/2D version includes a bonus Lunch bag all presented in a nice box, all for only $14 at our local store. Another $9 dollar special, was the "Jurassic Park Collection" four disc 2D/3D of "Jurassic Park" and "Jurassic World".

What is pleasing to see, has been the reduction in the new price of Blu-ray titles in general. Other 3D titles such as Passengers, Everest, and the 1953 movie "It Came From Outer Space" I picked up are on the list to watch, when I can afford the active 3D glasses, hopefully soon. [Cool]

Anyway I took a couple of screen shots of Logan's Run last week and can see that in the future this little Epson is going to get a lot of use [Smile]

Posted by Patrick Walsh (Member # 637) on April 26, 2018, 04:02 PM:

Well I took Graham's advice and brought one! I have had it several weeks now but it is still in it's box! [Eek!]

I must get it out and run something through it!

Pat

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on April 26, 2018, 04:47 PM:

I had a little bit of a learning curve with mine. I expected it to work exactly like a film projecter so I put it on the table between two Elmos.

Picture started halfway up the screen and spilled off top, left and right.

Moved it forward and down: everything was OK after that.

It works out for the best: I send 8mm over the top of the VP, and I send 16mm over the top of the 8mm. (For 35mm I might need to cut a hole in the back wall!)

-as I've said many times: my wife is very patient!

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on April 27, 2018, 02:51 PM:

Hi Pat...Your Blu-ray copy of "Raise The Titanic" would be a good choice. [Cool]

Steve...cutting holes in the wall might not be such a good idea [Smile]

I watched "South Pacific" on the Epson last night, the colors looked great. [Cool]

home entertainment has come a long way from once watching nothing more than a small B/W TV.

Posted by Reese Williams (Member # 6432) on May 01, 2018, 04:11 PM:

it's cool

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on April 07, 2019, 11:04 PM:

Great news folks Pat just sent me a photo today of his Epson projector out of the box [Big Grin]

…..well we don't want to rush things do we? [Big Grin]

Hopefully he might plug it in [Big Grin]

Posted by Patrick Walsh (Member # 637) on April 08, 2019, 03:21 PM:

I had it going, be interested if a long throw lens can be brought for it!

Posted by Mark Silvester (Member # 929) on April 09, 2019, 08:43 AM:

Hi all

yes Graham my current video P/J is the same model as yours - beautiful machine with such clarity and as you know..amazing 3D as it uses the active glasses you get full HD 3D...I even think it beats that of the cinema.

I remember starting out with my first video projector a 3M model that I swapped my copy 16mm stunning copy of RoboCop for with Derek Sutton.

I then progressively moved through most of the Pannys.. and upwards with 3 Epsoms until the latest one..never regretted any of it..its enabled enjoyment of stunning picture size!

Best to all

Mark [Smile]

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on April 09, 2019, 09:36 AM:

I think you are right Mark. I have been to the local multiplex quite a few times recently (they show classic golden age Hollywood films every Sunday and Wednesday) and have thought each time that my Panasonic AE4000 at home looks so much better. The major problem is that the picture at the multiplex is dim and lacks contrast and looks very 'flat', whereas my picture at home is brilliant and vivid. Maybe they are running their projector lamps way beyond their useable life.

Posted by Brian Fretwell (Member # 4302) on April 10, 2019, 09:55 AM:

Or forget to up the current when they change from 2D to 3D as the 3D equipment lowers the brightness levels considerably.

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on April 10, 2019, 02:26 PM:

Hi Mark

When you mention it beats the cinema for 3D that's been my experience also. In particular with the 3D conversion with "Jurassic Park", that one, was very disappointing at the cinema, however with a bit of reluctance I watched it on the Epson, the 3D of it really looked great.

I watched "Prometheus" on 3D last week and enjoyed that one. The 3D conversion of "The Wizard Of Oz" was outstanding and I still can't figure out how they managed to do it so good.

I am slowly taking my time using the Epson for other 3D titles. Others I have watched, and have been really good to sit through, have been Terminator 2, Titanic, Jumanji "welcome to the jungle", Hugo, Life of PI, The Martian, TS Spivot, Gravity, Jurassic World, Passengers.

The Epson 3D glasses seem to last for quite a while before the need to re-charge. The 3D is great, but like to spread it out viewing wise.

Its interesting to note that the new "Jumbo" movie doing the rounds at the cinema here, is only in 2D and yet the future Blu-ray release will include a 3D version as well.

The Epson VP with the Epson glasses have worked out really well.

We have certainly come a long way from the days of that little B/W TV sitting in the corner. [Smile]

Posted by Mark Silvester (Member # 929) on April 11, 2019, 02:20 AM:

Hi Graham and all

I agree with your comments - such exciting viewing opportunities today in so many formats. I was amazed at the 2D to 3D conversions also..what about "Titanic" conversion...quite amazing and made for a big size screen with the 3D elements adding wonderfully.

My personal 3D collection is built around all the Marvel and DC superhero world...good conversions and Marvel in particular use the effects with subtlety - check out "Avengers Infinity Wars" - superb. [Smile]

I think I need to buy the original Dial M for Murder and some of the other "classics" that we can get now in their original format of 3D.

Best to all

Mark [Big Grin]

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on April 11, 2019, 04:35 AM:

This might sound crazy Mark but I have just finished watching "Jurassic Park" in 3D again [Roll Eyes]

That 3D Blu-ray came from the four disc "Jurassic Park Collection" which also included the Jurassic World 3D .The other two discs are the 2D versions of those titles. I must have bought it locally, as it still has the new price tag of only $9 on the box....it is certainly excellent value.

Titanic on 3D was amazing to watch [Cool]

I find that with the usual movies, not in 3D that is, I might watch every few years, but with the 3D stuff I seem to watch more often.

Funny thing about tonight when I came back in the house, I said to Yvonne that I watched "Jurassic Park", she replied I know I could hear it....yikes I never new I had the sub etc that loud [Eek!]

Just as well we have good neighbours [Smile]

Posted by Ken Finch (Member # 2768) on April 14, 2019, 11:56 AM:

I am not a great fan of 3D as unfortunately it seems to affect me and gives me a headache behind the eyes after a while. Probably because I am long sighted and have had to wear specs most of my life. Regarding long throw lenses for video projectors, you can add a video camera Tele photo attachment on the front provided it is of large enough diameter to prevent vignetting. I used one on 2 previous projectors. The one I used on my previous Epson EMP51 was sold by Jessops 1,5X with a rear lens element of about 40mm diameter. My current Epson does not need it as I has quite a large zoom range, Keith Wilton passed this tip on to me some years ago!! Ken Finch. [Cool]

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on April 14, 2019, 08:17 PM:

Hi Ken

That's the downfall of 3D, not everyone can watch it due to there own individual eyesight. [Frown]

When we ran Toy Story 3 on 2D, 35mm one school holidays I thought we were going to see a reduction in admissions due to 3D being shown at a cinema only 10 minutes away.

To my surprise it turned out to be just the opposite, we were flat out, with sold out sessions, screening the normal 35mm print. Although the price tag was only a couple of dollars less than the 3D down the road, I think there was more to it than just the price, 3D is not for everyone, and those school holidays certainly proved that.

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