Got my SP4805 today

[Claude D D]

Got my Infocus SP4805 today got go play I'll post a review later. :T

[aud19]

Congrats :T Go play and enjoy, the review can wait

Jason

[Bent]

Claude, congrats!

Is Audio 5.1 an Authorised Screenplay dealer?

Any focus uniformity problems?

[SpOoNmAn]

I got mine 2 weeks ago, I cannot believe that this thing is only 1,500 and puts out a picture like this. No offense to X1 owners, but sell that thing asap and get this beast. you wint regret it.

native 16:9, blacks are unbelievable, no focus issues with mine. I got a decent Da Lite high Constrast Grey 77" Grey screen, amazing picture. Highly recommended my friends.

I have a few pics of it in the link in my sig.

[Claude D D]

Claude, congrats!

Is Audio 5.1 an Authorised Screenplay dealer?

Any focus uniformity problems?

I got mine from Universal Karoke and A/v in Edmonton $2399Cdn including a 90 or 100 inch pull down screen.I got their address and info off of Infocus's site.
It looks great!!Better color saturation and blacks than the X1.I had a buddy over that is sensitive to the rainbow effect on the X1 and he had no problem with the 4805. :T Focus is great across the entire screen.

[Lex]

Congrats Claude. It didn't take you to long to upgrade. :B Kudos, job well done. Give us the poop when you have a chance.

Lex

[George Bellefontaine]

Hey, Claude, I do believe you got yourself one heckuva projector there. I look forward to your review after you've had some fun with it .

[Claude D D]

Well time for an update.This little projo rocks!!It out performs my X1 in all areas.Blacks are very good much better than any of the LCD's I compared it to(Panasonic 500 and Sanyo Z2).Even with a fair amount of ambient light in the room the picture is quite watchable.The 500 and Z2 both have higher resolution than the 4805 but resolution isn't everything.If you're running a 90" or smaller screen you have to check out the 4805.
One thing that amazed me was that the only setting I had to change was the contrast(lowered to 45 from the stock 50)when using the Avia set up disc.
This little machine is working out fantastic in my system.I have a single set of component video cables running from my Rotel RSP-1068 to the SP4805.The 1068 does all the video switching and the 4805 accepts the 480i feed from the menu display on the RSP-1068,the 480p feed from my DVD player and the 1080i feed from my DCT-6200 all via the component video input.
Colors and flesh tones look very good.HD from my DCT-6200 looks very good.
Rainbow artifacts on the X1 never bothered me but I have a friend that they did.He had no problems whatsoever with the 4805.No headaches, no eye strain.
I gotta give the Infocus SP4805 two thumbs up :T :T
If your in the market for a projo in the price range of the 4805 you gotta check it out.

[aud19]

So was this a nice little early b-day present for yourself?

Jason

[Claude D D]

So was this a nice little early b-day present for yourself?

Jason

:wink: You got it!!!

[Dean McManis]

Congrats on the new toy Claude! :T Enjoy 8)

Thanks for the HT pics Spoonman. :B

Projectors like the 4805 are a viable alternative to plasma and RPTVs, and (with the relatively low cost) even bigger tube TVs. :

[George Bellefontaine]

I just marvel at both the quality and the low prices of the latest generation digital projectors. This will definitely lead to more home theaters with front projection. :T

[SpOoNmAn]

You remind me of an argument I just had with some family and friends at a recent bday party I attended. They think I am nuts for having a projector, and they ALL immediately thought it was over $5,000.00, some thought it was over 10,000(mind you none of these people know anything about this hobby/passion of ours)..AND assumed its picture quality would be terrible.

I coaxd 2 cousins and an uncle to leave the party and come here. When they saw the picture, all doubts were erased. The best part was their expressions when I told them what they were seeing cost under $2,000.00, and that included the screen :T

This picture comes close to my previous Pioneer 533Hd5 hdtv, and that was no slouch either. I cannot believe a projector with this pic quality is this affordable, Ive had it for 2 weeks and I am still blown away.

So thank you George for reminding me of this. I just got word that my brother is contemplating removing his older 50" toshiba, and popping one of these 4805's into his system, so your previous comment about more people having theatres with projectors is already in the works. :B

[George Bellefontaine]

Sounds good, Aaron. I've been recommending front projection for years and at a time when you were lucky to get into FP for under $6 - $10K. Now I tell them about PJs like the Infocus 4805 and they are amazed they can get into FP so cheaply. We live in great times, don't we. :B

[SpOoNmAn]

George, Yes, yes we do my friend.

I almost bought a 1st gen Runco DLP for what were they? 10 or 12 grand?

I can't see how it would totally kill the picture I am now getting. Higher res, sure, but for 8 times as much? I just cant see that happening. This is one time I am happy I wasn't an early adopter :E

[Claude D D]

Here's a couple of reviews.
http://hometheater.blogs.com/homethe...s_screenp.html

http://www.audioenz.co.nz/2004/infocus_screenplay4805.shtml

[DavidY]

Claude,

How does the fan noise on the 4805 compare with the X1? I find the fan noise on my X1 to be a bit too irritating even from 5-6 feet away.

How much would the 4805 be without the pull down? Was the Sanyo Z2 and/or Panasonic L500U/AE500 considered? Thanks.

Dave

[Burke Strickland]

I measured the fan noise at 66db in high power mode and at a 57db in economy setting (which was more than bright enough)

That sounds like it would be pretty darned loud. I had hoped the 4805 would be a lot quieter than that. If you are sitting close to something making that much noise, that's almost like having someone talking all through the movie. (Talking -- not whispering -- at 3 feet can be between 55 db and 65 db). After putting up with the high fan noise of my Sony VPL-W400Q for several years, I'm looking for a new projector that puts out about 35 db or less (equivalent to rural ambient noise level or lower). Others may have different priorities and that is fine. But high fan noise level is a non-negotiable deal killer for me, even if everything else is nearly "perfect".

For reference: Sound level ranges

Burke

[SpOoNmAn]

My friend had an x1 and this 4805 is much quieter. "IF" i listen for it in quiet passages, it can be heard, but once you get wrapped up in the movie, it doesnt exist, not to me atleast.

[Claude D D]

The 4805 is definatly quieter than the X1. My RS sound pressure meter only goes as low as 50db and did not register at all until I held it about 3 inches(52db) away.You can hear it during quiet moments in a movie but only if you listen for it,I don't find it distracting.Anyone having problems with noise issuses can always just build a hush box.

[SpOoNmAn]

I was going to pull out the sound meter but you beat me to it.

If you watch movies at a normal listening level, its quiet enough to where it doesnt get in the way.

If you watch movies at Reference, then "what projector?"

:T

[Burke Strickland]

Thanks for your clarification of the fan noise issue with regard to the 4805. Sounds like it is OK for you in your environment. I guess I'll just have to try one in my own HT (with return privileges "just in case"). :>)

The relatively high noise level of my Sony VPL-W400Q isn't noticeable when you get caught up in the movie, except during passages with no or low sound in the soundtrack (IOW, no dialog and/or no sound effects and/or no background music). But usually those quiet passages are that way for a reason -- to add dramatic emphasis -- and I've found that loud projector fan noise at that point just sucks you right out of the movie. Also, the fan noise is annoying when the projector is cooling down and I've moved on to something else, like trying to listen to music. (I don't want to have to play techno-grunge just to drown out the fan noise.) :>)

If the 4805 really is perceptibly "silent" for me (for instance does not make enough noise to intrude on QUIET passages during movie play, or music when cooling down) at a reasonable distance (say 4 to 5 feet away), then it doesn't matter what the published specs are and I'm willing to give it a shot, since so many other of its attributes are attractive. But if I can hear it above the air conditioning at my normal viewing position when there are no sounds on the soundtrack, then it would be too loud and it will go back to the dealer.

Anyone having problems with noise issues can always just build a hush box.

Sorry, but for me, that's not a valid answer. I want a projector that is quiet without having to insulate it or isolate it. :>)

Having to build an obtrusive enclosure or putting the projector in another room and projecting through a small window are not acceptable options. With apologies in advance to those who are proud of their handiwork, I have never seen an attractive hush box (in person or in pictures) and I don't want one in my HT. Although I considered cutting a hole in the wall and mounting the projector on a shelf in the next room, I rejected that option as well, since I don't want to take up the space in the other room, among other reasons.


Burke

[zeppelin]

Is your Air Con in your room noisier than than ur PJ? If it is than it should be OK, cause no point getting quiet PJ and the the Air Con is noisier.

[Burke Strickland]

Is your Air Con in your room noisier than than ur PJ? If it is than it should be OK, cause no point getting quiet PJ and the the Air Con is noisier.

The air conditioning in my HT is "whisper quiet". That's why I mentioned it. If a new projector is equally quiet, then it would not be objectionable. If it is noticeably louder than the essentially quiet ambient room noise level including the AC, then it would be.

Burke

[Brian]

My 4805 is mounted directly above me, about 5' and I can definitly hear it during quiet passages. Not terribly annoying but I have no problem hearing it. Oh well, I like the picture so I'll keep it.

[Claude D D]

For sure there are projo's that have quieter fans than the 4805 but for me it was not a deal buster.I love the picture.

[SpOoNmAn]

For sure there are projo's that have quieter fans than the 4805 but for me it was not a deal buster.I love the picture.

agreed. It could be twice as loud as it is now and Id still keep it. The PQ is outstanding.

[Claude D D]

new review

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,117414,00.asp

[Burke Strickland]

Thanks for the heads up on that review. They like the 4805's picture quality and conveniences including the rear panel connections and easy-to-understand menus.

Unfortunately, for some reason our site software truncates the URL when it is typed out in the body of the post. The link as displayed:

https://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,117414,00.asp

took me to a "table of contents" page, and I had to do some digging to find the review. To reach the review directly, try this link to the review. Or try copying and pasting this one into your browser's Address box and eliminate the spaces after the slashes before clicking "Go":
www.pcworld.com/ reviews/ article/0,aid,117414,00.asp

At any rate, it is interesting to see another reviewer's comments on the InFocus 4805.


Burke

[Burke Strickland]

Hmmm... now the "truncated" link seems to be going directly to the review instead of the index page.

Interestingly enough, in their earlier review of the Optoma H30 DLP Projector, (which they use as sort of a low cost DLP projector benchmark for comparison in the 4805 review), Optoma Review Link the same magazine said: "I found the H30's fan noise--a factor any smart projector buyer should worry about--acceptable." Not to beat a dead horse, :>) I don't find any mention of fan noise, pro or con, in their review of the 4805.

Burke

[Claude D D]

another new review

http://www.projectorcentral.com/infocus_screenplay_4805.htm

[SpOoNmAn]

seems people are loving it as much as we are

I didnt know we got 4000 hours with low lamp mode, another + :E

[Claude D D]

The review in Projector Cental states that the keystone correction does not work if you ceiling mount the 4805.This is not true and must have been specific to the demo unit they had,I tried my keystone and it worked fine. :T

[SpOoNmAn]

agreed. I couldnt remember when I tried the feature, so I went and tried it a few minutes ago. It does work indeed.

some people are handing out misinformation about this projector. Another mistake, albeit a small one, was an editor for the official xbox magazine, saying that anything higher then 480p can only be passed thru the DVI input, therefore hurting the projector as a gaming one. This is false. I have my xbox connected to the Component inputs, and it accepts 720p and 1080i just fine.

Maybe they dont know how to get in the menu and check to see what input they are using. It shows whats being used as plain as day. They must really be blind, seeing as it shows the format at the bottom left when the signal is sensed. :E

[Claude D D]

The review in Projector Cental states that the keystone correction does not work if you ceiling mount the 4805.This is not true and must have been specific to the demo unit they had,I tried my keystone and it worked fine. :T

They updated their review with the correct info after myself and others e-mailed them.They (Evan Powell) responded to my e-mail quite fast,I was very impressed. :T

[kartmanjim]

infocus 4805

i've been walking in and out of ht showrooms for the last 2 years wanting to buy a projector. after hearing about the 4805 impending arrival several months ago I was keen to se it in real life. after walking into my local infocus showroom the salesman led me through into the dedicated room. on the ceiling above my left shoulder was the familiar silouhette of the 7200. a beautiful picture shone on the 100" screen before me. I told the salesman I havent got 7200 money. 'what do you mean'' thats the 4805!. sure enough she was piggybacked on top of the 7200. 15 minutes later and $2450 aussie dollars invested I walked out. 4 weeks later i'm still grinning.

[George Bellefontaine]

Happy viewing, Jim. Looks like the 4805 is becoming one hot little projector.

[SpOoNmAn]

i've been walking in and out of ht showrooms for the last 2 years wanting to buy a projector. after hearing about the 4805 impending arrival several months ago I was keen to se it in real life. after walking into my local infocus showroom the salesman led me through into the dedicated room. on the ceiling above my left shoulder was the familiar silouhette of the 7200. a beautiful picture shone on the 100" screen before me. I told the salesman I havent got 7200 money. 'what do you mean'' thats the 4805!. sure enough she was piggybacked on top of the 7200. 15 minutes later and $2450 aussie dollars invested I walked out. 4 weeks later i'm still grinning.

awesome story! I pity the people that pass on this projector just because its priced affordably. I fear a lot of people will think the picture will be lacking. Heck, its even got great inputs available. I love this thing!

[max012200]

DVD Player for the 4805

Any suggestions on which DVD player I should purchase to best compliment my 4805 within a certain budget ($200)? Do I get a player with DVI or not? I've heard of issues with the Samsung 841/931's, how about the Denon 1910's?

[SpOoNmAn]

I might be picking up a 1910, but just lately started thinking of the 2910 for the better audio it supposedly dishes out.

My cheapo 80.00 Pioneer looks like a million $$ running with the 4805, so the thought of a better dvd player makes me all giddy! :T

Any decent progressive scan player will look great matched with this projector. I just watched Pirates of the Carribbean and cannot believe how good this picture is.

It almost rivals the Pioneer hd set I just sold to a friend. Its so much better than the X1 that I still dont understand how they can sell this 4805 for such a rediculously low price, either that or the X1 should now be worth about 100.00.

[BlazeMaster]

yea...it really isn't that loud at all, although I've heard of others that were quieter. My computer is louder than that!
I was really impressed with it at my local Magnolia Hi-Fi in San Jose, CA when I saw it. The store was nowhere near as dark as I can make my living room and the image was still very enjoyable. The salesperson tried to sell me on it and going through the specs with me, even though I already know it all. Too bad I'm still in the process of completing the audio gear, I'd pick it up in a instant. I guess it's a good thing, since the longer I wait on it, the cheaper it'll become. So no lost there.

[BlazeMaster]

What size/kind of screen to use for 4805?

hey claude and other 4805 users...I'm thinking about getting a 80 inch screen from Carada for this projector. How big of a image are you guys projecting at and how far are you mounting it at? I wanted to know the optimium image size for this projector. I've heard 100 in. and under is good, how bout something around 80-90 inches? And what's a good material for it? I've heard alot of people using the high-contrast version, but also heard that this proj. has pretty good contrast and don't really need the ones made LCD to get optimium contrast. I do like the image to be somewhat brighter, since I want to be able to use it sometimes when there's light in the room. Don't like watching movies in a completly dark room. Any inputs would be great.

[Claude D D]

I run a 92" matte white 16:9 Draper screen and sit about 13' away from the screen.The projo is also mounted about 13' from the screen. :T

[BlazeMaster]

yea...that's bout the biggest size I could pull off also. Do you know of any retractable screens makers that can drop the screen lower with extra black materials on top of the screen to decrease the light spill? I've seen the Da-Lite version but they're a little more expensive. I don't mind spending that much if they're the only option. The reason I'm doing this is because there's a door on the wall that I'm gonna put the screen at. So the casing of the screen has to be right on top of the door frame for me to get a image that size centered horizontally. So I like something that can drop the viewing area a little lower so I won't be jerking my neck to look up the whole movie. Hate that feeling at the movies when I show up too late.

[George Bellefontaine]

You might try DRAPER. Like Stewart and Da-Lite, they will custom make the pull down giving you whatever amount of black material you require. And Draper is usually cheaper. I was also going to suggest you try the CARADA site, but I believe they are all fixed screens.