CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

[Willy76]

I'm looking at getting one these from Curt and would like some opinions from those whom have see or used them.

1. Is the NEC LC as loud as the non LCs?
2. How do they compare at 1080p/60?
3. How do they compare in pq?
4. Do the tubes last comparitivley?
5. Setup is longer on the NEC, does is yield a better pic as a result?
6. Do they both work well with the HDfury or is a moome card better suited for one or the other?
7. Does the LC make that much of a diff?


thx

[NateTTU]

Just for your refrence I have owned a XG 1100 and now have a XG 1101.

Now on to your questions:
1. The XG is a loud machine, much louder than the 8500, but the XG non LC and LC models are the same level.
2. Dunno but I think since they are both 8'' machines they would fair a lot the same where the NEC would probably have a slightly better image (more on this later)
3. The NEC's color filtered lenses will help a lot.
4. Yup, assuming they are both setup correctly they will last a long time.
5. It can yield a very sharp image and with the extra controls it can achieve excellent geometry although I can't do this on mine yet.
6. They both work with either the HDfury and Moome, I have the Moome ext-hd though as it has a lot of extras compared to other options.
7. Going from the non LC XG to the LC model I think it does make a difference but unfortunately I was never able to do a side by side test.

[garyfritz]

I've had an XG 852 and an 8500.

1. Nate's right, the XG is significantly louder. You'll probably want a hushbox, which is not absolutely necessary with an 8500.
2. 8500s can do 1080p quite well with MP mods, but be aware those are $pricey$.
3. 8500s *need* color filtered lenses IMHO. That adds about $400 to the cost.
5. Setup is more involved with XGs, but if you work at it I think you can do better than you can with an 8500. 8500s are definitely simpler.

XGs are a bit sleeker than 8500s. The 8500s are significantly taller and blockier/klunkier looking. Of course if the XG is in a hushbox you won't see it, and the XG hushbox will probably be bigger than the 8500.

Buying an XG off ebay is a real risk, as too many have had the "don't touch those" pots twiddled, which can result in a totally screwed up projector that anyone short of Doug or Curt cannot put right. But if you get it from Curt, you can be sure it's good.

Gary

[benareeno]

XG will throw a better image...sharper and better colour. The LC can be a major difference, but if you have white walls...not so much. To reap the benefit of LC be sure to have at least a black front wall and partial sidewall/ceiling...otherwise, no big diff.

XG is louder, but not so bad if you slow a couple of the fans.

That being said, the 8500 is no slouch at all....why not compare to an 8500LC?

[Willy76]

Thanks guys. My major issue is with how loud the NECs are. I don't want the hassle of building a hush box. Curt mentions on his site that he has mods the 8500 but what that entitles i don't know. Garryfritz mentioned the 8500 "*need* color filtered lenses IMHO" to do 1080p but i'm not sure if Curt includes those with the pj. Guess i will have to look that up.

[Zebu Fellenz]

I don't tihink Curt sells color filtered 8500's. To color filter the machines you can also change the red and green glycol with colored glycol, I did this on my 8000 and it worked out fine, much cheaper than lenses too if you can find the glycol (mine came out of a dead Barco 801s

[AnalogRocks]

[AnalogRocks]