Question about Max Resolution on Projector

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SimmonsAirplanes

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#65323 2-Aug-2010 18:32

I'm about to purchase an Acer 1161 projector and I was wondering what the following meant:

Native SVGA (800 x 600)
Maximum UXGA (1,600 x 1,200), 1080p (1,920 x 1,080)

Does that mean that if I were to plug a PS3 into this, the projector could display the image in 720p or 1080p HD, or would it only be able to manage a 800x600 resolution?

Thanks for the help!

xarqi

727 posts

Ultimate Geek

#362104 3-Aug-2010 09:26

As I understand it, the native resolution describes the physical number of pixels that can be displayed. If a different resolution signal is presented, it must be resampled to the native resolution for display. If the input has a higher than native resolution, data is lost.

Simply put, you'll only get 800x600.

There is still a bit of a mystery in my mind though as many commentators insist that CRTs can display at multiple resolutions. That may be true with monochrome displays, where there is a uniform layer of phosphor in the tube, but with colour, there is a fixed array of RGB phosphor triplets, so I don't understand how such multi-resolution is any more possible with a colour CRT than it is with a plasma or LCD or any other fixed array system.

garvani

1873 posts

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#362113 3-Aug-2010 09:40

As stated you will receive 800x600. When watching 1920x1080 or even 720p source material on this projector it will look awful. If your planning on this projector being in your lounge for multimedia purpose's, i would rethink it and continue to save for a higher spec model.

Nety

2584 posts

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#362175 3-Aug-2010 11:04

garvani: As stated you will receive 800x600. When watching 1920x1080 or even 720p source material on this projector it will look awful. If your planning on this projector being in your lounge for multimedia purpose's, i would rethink it and continue to save for a higher spec model.

+1 That projector also sounds like it is a data projector rather then a home theatre projector. They are very different beasts and both do not do well in the other environment. In a business environment (data projector) noise and black levels are of little concern as is 720 or 1080p. Of course for HT they are THE concern.

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Jaxson

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#362266 3-Aug-2010 12:15

Yes native is the actual resolution of the display panels. The other resolutions are what the electronics can take as an input source, which they will then downscale to the native 800x600resolution.

If you want this for business then it may be ok. In business use you typically want it to be as bright as possible. A higher resolution would be advised anyway to make text look sharp and clear.

For home theatre (or with a PS3) you would seriously want a more standard, native resolution of 720p or 1080p.

SimmonsAirplanes

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#362279 3-Aug-2010 12:24

Great - thanks for all the help.

Could anyone recommend a good 720p or higher projector that is cheap and would be able to throw onto a 100" screen from any distance up to 4.5m?

Again, cheers for all the help.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#362291 3-Aug-2010 12:34

Check out the Panasonic range - good performance, not bad pricing.
The 1080p projector is a bit of a monster, but very highly regarded by those not wishing to spend a fortune to get a nice, big picture.

geekiegeek

2513 posts

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Inactive user

#362314 3-Aug-2010 13:01

I have a Panasonic PT-AX200E and would recommend it. You can get one for around $2000 and it does native 720p. I have used 1080p content on it also and it plays it back with no issues even at 24p.

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Jaxson

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#362343 3-Aug-2010 13:40

geekiegeek:Panasonic PT-AX200E

Masterpiece

247 posts

Master Geek

#362901 4-Aug-2010 12:45

The AX200 is a good choice, the model is a few years old now but still current as 720p projectors are no longer in development.

However the AX200 is great hit power for buck, can be had for roughly 2k new street price, maybe a bit more with screen included.

There is a few small things you should do a small amount of research on.

Think about seating and viewing positions, especially in a dual purpose room.
Think about ambient light issues, do curtains block out ambient light(wives luv you when you mention curtain updates btw). Remember in summer conditions and daylight saving it is light until 9~10pm

Think about overal PJ and screen locations,
Think about, where your screen will go, fixed frame, motorised or manual pull down?
Think about where the PJ will go, optimum vs reality because of something in the way.
Think about cable lengths for players, and other source material(ie av unit at side or rear of room instead of at the TV, thus nearer the PJ)
Think about power whilst you are thinking locations, PJ on the roof need to get power there aswell.

Advise downloading a AX200 manual and looking through setup guide.

Looking into the above and maybe more saves you "i wish id done that" moments later and can save you money and time in alterations to the plan.

Projection can be the best for viewing for home theatre movie watching, a well setup system, even a 720p can be magic.

About resolutions, generally you are always best to send NATIVE resolution, a 720p projector is 1280*720 so source material that is standard DVD PAL(576i) is upscaled to that resolution and HiDef at 1920*1080 is downlscaled. The source device is generally best at handling the conversion than the display.

For sources, the PS3 is a good player, but there is better now as far as upscaling/downscalling, like the matching Pany BD45 or others in the range or at higher value is the oppo range players.
If you already have a PS3, thats fine, set it to 720p output.

If your budget can allow it, do consider a 1080 resolution projector, never heard of anyone regretting going 1080.

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