CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

[RCP85]

Hello all,

I'm new and I've got myself one of those NIB Sony D50's. I used to watch a lot of podcasts with Robert Heron when I was younger and I remember him speaking reverentially about the technology so this satisfies a very old dream of mine.

I have some questions if I can just post them all here in this forum:

1. I'd like to run 72hz because I believe that's what a triple shutter cinema film projector runs. Is there a catch I'm missing? I think I see a lot more people going for 96hz in the instead.

2. 1024x576 vs 1280x720? It would feel simpler to run 720p and certainly be easier to explain to others. But as I understand it these 7" tubes don't exactly have the TV Lines to fully resolve 1280x720. I'll try them both of course but as I understand it it may be challenging and/or disadvantageous to switch back and forth between them.

3. I believe I will primarily use an HTPC for viewing. I have a DVI-I to BNC cable and an old Nvidia 680 that has a DVI-I output. Is it as simple as setting the refresh rate to 71.928hz and pulling up a 23.976fps file in VLC? Or is Kodi and specific care necessary to achieve stable 1 to 3 frame output?

Thanks

[virusc]

This projector should do 720p nicely if the setup is done well. I would make sure you use a lot of the tube face which means the projector sitting a little closer to the screen than the manual suggests. You should set the projector up on the ground and look into the lenses as you test the throw distance. These tubes can be run near the tube edge safely. I would also suggest looking for a Lumagen HDQ processor that can do 72 and 96hz output. Maybe even the HDP ones will work and they should be $100-200. HTPC is a pain to use for me anyway. You probably will end up with both. This projector also will do 1080i/96. 96hz progressive is too much for this projector even at 720p.

[RCP85]

[CIR Engineering]

What are you watching on the projector and at what aspect ratio?

I'm an extreme Lumagen expert, but even I would struggle to remember how to setup an HDQ at this point (been a long time). However, it wouldn't be that bad. I haven't worked on a D50 in a while, but I've set them up to run 720p 60Hz nicely. I also like running 1080i at 60Hz for TV and 72Hz for 24Hz sources. Both can be rendered quite well on the D50. You can also run 800x####p at 72Hz for 2.40 movies. You'd need to experiment with #### to see where it performs well; maybe start with 1280 and if that stays sharp try 1440.

Anyway, I have a small pile of Lumagen HDQ's. You are welcome to one for the price of shipping and $30 for my time to pack it. Shoot me an EMAIL or give me a call if you would like one to play with.

[harry27]

I'm interested in a Lumagen HDQ to try out, i'll try to contact you tomorrow

[Videodrome]

D50 can do resolutions like:
1280x720p @ 85hz.
1920x1080i @ 100hz
or more exotic 1600x900i @ 120hz.
100hz is a lot nicer for the eyes than 60/72 hz, and for movies the interlacing frequency would be at such a high refreshrate you wouldn't notice it.
Though getting an interlaced signal out of modern gpus might be a challenge, so 1280x720@85 might be your best bet.

For best framepacing use windows with media player classic be (MPC-BE), install and use the MadVR plugin for MPC (enable smooth motion in the settings).
I know you can use perfect intervals of 23.98, but even then mediaplayers can get stuttery. With MadVR I have perfect frame pacing regardless the video file.

I recommend setting the resolution to the actual 16:9 frame you use, so it doesn't waste bandwidth drawing the black parts.

Finally, these projectors have a tremendous black crunch.
I'd recommend something like VideoEqualizer 2.0, and adjust the curve using a gradient.
This way you can have a nice picture without blasting the contrast at full brightness, ruining your tubes.