Projector problems!

nguyendot

So we're building up the theater and I just installed the LG AF115 1080p projector. It's a LCoS projector and was rated fairly high. I got it pretty cheap ($620) refurb off 1saleaday.com.

Anyways I cannot seem to get the thing focused on our Elite Screens 120" fixed frame screen. At the clearest it's focused it's still blurry and you cannot make out the pixels at all - they're blurred with a blue tinge of chromatic aberration. It's as if the coating on the lenses is murky, a lens is out of focus in the group, or who knows what.

I've cleaned the lens with micro fiber lens cloths, adjusted the focus numerous times with the test pattern, and reset the video to defaults. I'm not sure what to do at this point.

I've already emailed 1saleaday and am awaiting a response - but I seriously am disappointed. I know at 120" it's not going to be as "Clear" as an LCD tv, but it should be clear enough to see the pixels. I've had a few DLP projectors before and all were crystal clear, even if they were only 480 or 720p. I Was hoping for more.

To top it off, the chassis is missing screws, the air filter was not correctly aligned, and the vertical shift knob has a chunk broken off... not off to a good start. Just got the screen mounted, as well as the shelf for the projector. I was really hoping for better quality.

Any ideas?

billbillw

As long as you are within the specified throw distance (check the manual), it sounds like either the convergence got messed up, or the lens focus mechanism is messed up.

nguyendot

Convergence? Is that an issue on a single chip unit? (LCoS). It looks like it though.

Yes I am well within the throw distance. Only projecting a 120" screen from 14 ft away.

pdxfj

Case screws missing, broken parts? That right there would be enough for me to return it, even if it is a referb. Shotty work.

As far as convergence, there should be a way to go into the menus and bring up a convergence pattern (usually a grid). Could be called Pixel adjust, convergence, etc. From there you adjust each panel with your remote to align the pixels. Get up to the screen and adjust red. Move it left, right, up and down. Repeat for blue. You'll see the grid move around as you adjust. In the end you may not get a perfect alignment, but if you're only off by say, half a pixel, you're fine.

Although as bill mentioned above there is likely internal problems given the state of the projector as you received it and no amount of focusing and such will fix it.

billbillw

nguyendot wrote: »

Convergence? Is that an issue on a single chip unit? (LCoS). It looks like it though.

Yes I am well within the throw distance. Only projecting a 120" screen from 14 ft away.

LCoS/SXRD is a 3-chip design just like 3-LCD and it relies on precise convergence adjustments for the pixels to line up correctly and create a sharp image.

nguyendot

^^^ THAT. I didn't realize it was 3chip design.. They are WAY off then. I thought it was a single chip like DLP.
Anyone care to help me find the service manual/menu to do so? This has GOT to be fixed. I do want to return it though. While it was cheap - if it's not converged correctly I don't want it. The blue fringe is killing my eyes. I might just unload the cash and buy the Epson 8350 or 3010e instead. Their refurbs are known to be pretty good.

nguyendot

Having a hell of a time getting a hold of 1saleaday.com. They replied to one email 3 days later - and said go talk to the manufacturer. I already did, LG said it was defective - also the physical damage on it is not covered by the manufacturer. So it's been 4 days since then and nothing but silence. They emailed me from a separate department because I caused a scene on their facebook page, but that person also did not reply to my emails after I responded to theirs. At this point it's over six weeks since I ordered so I went ahead and filed with my credit card company since it seems this company is incapable of customer service. The BBB ratings reflect this quite a bit, so I will not be doing business with them again. I gave them every chance and I am disappointed that I am unable to finish the last touches on the theater because of this.

billbillw

Sorry to hear that LG and 1saleaday are giving you problems. I can say for sure that you won't have problems like that if you buy a refurbished Epson. Now, Epson refurbs are not perfect. Too many come out of the box with problems, BUT Epson customer service is top notch and they will replace the projector as many times as needed (for up to 2 years). They even replace the bulb for you in that 2 year window (not advertised, but if you ask they usually will send one). I have been very happy with my 6500UB. I had to have it replaced after an HDMI failure, but the 2nd one came quickly and was actually had a better image than the first one.

nguyendot

LG did not give me problems - they did everything I expected them to do. I can't expect them to replace or repair something a vendor sold me broken with physical damage, especially when said vendor has a policy to replace or refund already in place.

Anyways - I'm ordering a replacement now as I can't wait for this to be taken care of.

Any suggestions? I liked the dynamic iris of the LG, but that's a pretty expensive feature on any other brand.

I'd like to stick to ~$1000 give or take. Any good deals? I see Epson's refurb on their site...and they are highly regarded. I'd like vertical shift as we just hung the shelf for it.

billbillw

nguyendot wrote: »

LG did not give me problems - they did everything I expected them to do. I can't expect them to replace or repair something a vendor sold me broken with physical damage, especially when said vendor has a policy to replace or refund already in place.

Anyways - I'm ordering a replacement now as I can't wait for this to be taken care of.

Any suggestions? I liked the dynamic iris of the LG, but that's a pretty expensive feature on any other brand.

I'd like to stick to ~$1000 give or take. Any good deals? I see Epson's refurb on their site...and they are highly regarded. I'd like vertical shift as we just hung the shelf for it.

I believe the Epson refurbs are a bit cheaper if you go to VisualApex.com. They are a VERY good company to deal with. Check their open box deals as well. I think pretty much all of the 4-digit Epsons home cinema models have dynamic IRIS. If you can find a deal on one of the UB models, they are a nice improvement. There have been UB refurb deals for under $1100. I snagged my 6500UB for $850 during a special coupon event.

nguyendot

Went with an Epson 8350 refurb. Looked at the 3020/e but it has no lens shift.

it was actually the same/cheaper direct from Epson this time. Paid for overnight shipping but not sure I made the cutoff time.. I didn't see any open box or specials this time. I will aim for a UB model if I can afford in the next 12 months - i read them up earlier and they seem to be what I want.