Technical Issues and Questions

[The Curious Sofa]

From what I keep reading, a 4K projector can't replicate contrast and colour gamut the way a TV screen can and that it can't produce genuine black is evident to anybody who has a projector. And as the leap from regular Blu-ray to 4K is far more subtle than from DVD to Blu-ray, reviews I've read suggest that there isn't that much difference between a 1080p and a 4K projector. Still, I'd like to make the leap to 4K, there already are titles which are getting only 4K releases.

[Zot!]

From what I keep reading, a 4K projector can't replicate contrast and colour gamut the way a TV screen can and that it can't produce genuine black is evident to anybody who has a projector. And as the leap from regular Blu-ray to 4K is far more subtle than from DVD to Blu-ray, reviews I've read suggest that there isn't that much difference between a 1080p and a 4K projector.

Well, yeah, and you also have to black out your room and have the space for it, but if what you’re looking for is a home cinema rather than a reference monitor, there is no way you’re going to do better than a 4k projector.

[The Curious Sofa]

You are right, a new projector it is!

[hearthesilence]

Personally, I never liked home projectors - I always stuck with flat-screen monitors once I upgraded to HD and 4K, and given the design of most (somewhat affordable) NYC apartments, it works out where I have to be close enough that anything beyond 60" would likely be too big.

[swo17]

From what I keep reading, a 4K projector can't replicate contrast and colour gamut the way a TV screen can and that it can't produce genuine black is evident to anybody who has a projector. And as the leap from regular Blu-ray to 4K is far more subtle than from DVD to Blu-ray, reviews I've read suggest that there isn't that much difference between a 1080p and a 4K projector.

Well, yeah, and you also have to black out your room and have the space for it, but if what you’re looking for is a home cinema rather than a reference monitor, there is no way you’re going to do better than a 4k projector.

When I was comparing things several years ago, the line was that 4K projectors just could not perform as well as a 4K OLED TV. I would welcome a change to that though. Are there 4K projectors now that are just as good? I would be especially interested if there are models that are also compatible with 3D Blu-ray playback, and that don't run on a lamp that requires a noisy fan to be on all the time

[Zot!]

From what I keep reading, a 4K projector can't replicate contrast and colour gamut the way a TV screen can and that it can't produce genuine black is evident to anybody who has a projector. And as the leap from regular Blu-ray to 4K is far more subtle than from DVD to Blu-ray, reviews I've read suggest that there isn't that much difference between a 1080p and a 4K projector.

Well, yeah, and you also have to black out your room and have the space for it, but if what you’re looking for is a home cinema rather than a reference monitor, there is no way you’re going to do better than a 4k projector.

When I was comparing things several years ago, the line was that 4K projectors just could not perform as well as a 4K OLED TV. I would welcome a change to that though. Are there 4K projectors now that are just as good? I would be especially interested if there are models that are also compatible with 3D Blu-ray playback, and that don't run on a lamp that requires a noisy fan to be on all the time

I don’t want to come off as knowing something about this anymore, because I don’t, and my knowledge is totally out of date, but one thing that has always held true is that you will NEVER get a projector to perform as well as a proper television. It will always be dimmer, contrast will be worse, the geometry will be worse, the setup and maintenance will be more difficult, and it will be rendered pretty much worthless without black out curtains and a room treatment. That is why, if you cant afford all that, or live in a NYC sized apartment it’s a bad idea. However, if you CAN, you can project a very good picture that will take advantage of all the resolution and approximate a cinema experience that a TV cannot rival, by sheer immersiveness.

[swo17]

I will actually be building a dedicated movie viewing room (with no windows and with non-reflective walls and ceiling) in a new house soon. Probably don't have room for much more than a 100" screen though. Not sure whether to go with a TV or a projector. I'd welcome advice from anyone in the know

[The Curious Sofa]

I will actually be building a dedicated movie viewing room (with no windows and with non-reflective walls and ceiling) in a new house soon. Probably don't have room for much more than a 100" screen though. Not sure whether to go with a TV or a projector. I'd welcome advice from anyone in the know

This size is just on the verge where a TV may make more sense if you favour PQ. But if you can go larger with a screen, then I'd recommend a projector.

I live in an apartment where the bedroom doubles as my home theatre and I have a 135" screen with a short throw projector. After using projectors for nearly two decades, there still is a sense of occasion every time the screen comes down. It's not just the size of the image, there is something inherently cinematic about a projected image vs a TV screen.

I'm about to move to a smaller apartment in another city, where the bedroom is too small for a projector, so my set up will have to be in the living room, which is why I'm rethinking what to do. I first started projecting onto a white wall but now have a screen, blackout curtains and dark walls and the image looks so much better. So I have to consider whether I want dark walls in my smallish living room. That said, I don't want the room to be dominated by a large TV set, so that's another reason to go with a short throw projector and an electric or rolo screen. I also have quite a few 3D Blu-rays, which only a projector supports.

I've been using a BenQ W1080ST for the last 7 years and am looking at the BenQ W2720i or the BenQ TK705STi for an upgrade. The first one has slightly better PQ for watching films but the second one is more flexible about positioning. The TK705STi also has only just come out and I'm waiting for reviews.

[Tom Amolad]

Not really a player-specific problem, but is there a better technical forum?

I recently hooked my tv up to a receiver and speakers by way of a digital audio converter, and it works well except for a pulse (thump thump thump thump thump). Is this a common problem, and is there an easy solution?

[criterionsnob]

Not really a player-specific problem, but is there a better technical forum?

I recently hooked my tv up to a receiver and speakers by way of a digital audio converter, and it works well except for a pulse (thump thump thump thump thump). Is this a common problem, and is there an easy solution?

This may not be the same as your issue, but when we bought new speakers, we kept getting random audio thumping. We exchanged them for the same model and still had the same thumping. The thumping only went away when we upgraded to a more expensive speaker.

[DeprongMori]

Not knowing the nature or rapidity of your “thump thump”, I can only describe how I fixed mine.

Whenever I played records on my turntable, through a digital preamp, I would get a rapid “thump thump thump” through the speakers. It went on for years. I brought in the turntable in for diagnostics. I brought in my turntable, preamp, and receiver for diagnostics. It could never be reproduced.

Finally, I brought a recording of the noise to a diagnostician. “It’s computer clock noise.” It turns out the problem was the router that was on the shelf under my turntable that was sending electromagnetic impulses that were interfering with my moving magnet cartridge. I moved the router and the problem was finally solved.

[tenia]

Anyone here has experience with the DoVi Script that allows to produce analysis of HDR through graph and to generate heatmaps ?

I'm experimenting with it since yesterday, and while I managed to do HDR/DV plotting (I used Kino The Killing UHD - which is HDR and DV - and compared my HDR plot to the one provided as an example by the Dovi Script team : they're indeed the same), I'm struggling to get any screencaps. I have decrypted the disc and copy-pasted the m2ts movie 50Gb file to my HDD (which has roughly 200Gb of available space), so that I don't get any "access denied" stuff. I tried to generate heatmaps, and then BL+FEL screencaps, but in both cases, the script seems to go properly to completion... except I can't find the exported picture files afterwards ! The folder created by the script is empty, the temp folder doesn't have them either but has seemingly all the small tech files required to generate them, so I can't find the resulting PNG files.

I installed all the Python stuff that the script required, and think I'm all set on this front, especially as the script itself doesn't prompt any warning and looks like it goes to completion. I also managed to get everything up and ready so that the GUI properly launches too (though using it is a chore, so I prefer to go straight through the TS script), so I seemingly have done all the required setups. I'm thus wondering if there's something that might require an extra setup step, or if the caps might be registered by default in a folder I can't find the path to.

EDIT : might be a matter of where I placed the scripts themselves vs where the m2ts file is stored. They weren't in the same place, and moving the scripts to the same HDD the m2ts file at least allowed to generate, through the GUI, the BL+FEL PNGs where they should have been. Testing now the heatmaps and gamuts.
EDIT 2 : problem solved, that was indeed it. I can now properly export (and find !) my heatmaps and gamuts.

[DeprongMori]

I’m looking for a co-conspirator in the UK to get some firmware bugs fixed in the Panasonic DP-UB820 4K UHD player.

I've reached a roadblock with Panasonic. They won’t fix the problems because they manifest with PAL files and I’m in the US, even though it’s not a region-restriction problem. All regions use the same firmware version, with the only difference being the region-enforcement. So, the problems likely affect everyone. They haven’t updated their firmware since June 2024.

If you are in the UK, have the DP-UB820 player, and are willing to commit to shepherd the process through Panasonic’s firmware technical support, I would like to recruit you. In exchange, I will buy you a copy of a single-disc Edition Filmmuseum release and either “Witchfinder General” Blu-ray or “The Draughtsman’s Contract” that you can use to demonstrate your need for fixes. Hit me up in the DMs if interested.

[TMDaines]

Outside my budget, but fortunately I don't need most of that stuff - Dolby Vision is the only real deal-breaker.

(If I left it up to my wife, she'd undoubtedly opt for the cheapest Panasonic player, but I stand a realistic chance of talking her up to a Sony UBX-700 or similar.)

Probably too late now, but I buy every single one of my big box electronics through Richer Sounds clearance sales. Prices are pretty much unbeatable, they offer very good warranties on their open box/refurbished lines, and their customer service might well be the best of any company in the UK.

I bought an open box UB820 from this year in mint condition. It was a dud machine. They collected it and issued me a brand new, sealed one as the other stock was cosmetically damaged. They went above and beyond when I bought speakers from them in 2016 too. Buying new sealed equipment feels about as foolhardy as buying a brand new car with what they can offer.

Finally hoping to upgrade my projector this year when I see what they have to offer in the next clearance sale.

[TMDaines]

I’m looking for a co-conspirator in the UK to get some firmware bugs fixed in the Panasonic DP-UB820 4K UHD player.

I've reached a roadblock with Panasonic. They won’t fix the problems because they manifest with PAL files and I’m in the US, even though it’s not a region-restriction problem. All regions use the same firmware version, with the only difference being the region-enforcement. So, the problems likely affect everyone. They haven’t updated their firmware since June 2024.

If you are in the UK, have the DP-UB820 player, and are willing to commit to shepherd the process through Panasonic’s firmware technical support, I would like to recruit you. In exchange, I will buy you a copy of a single-disc Edition Filmmuseum release and either “Witchfinder General” Blu-ray or “The Draughtsman’s Contract” that you can use to demonstrate your need for fixes. Hit me up in the DMs if interested.

If you have a longer list of discs with problems I would be happy to check on my flashed one, but I wouldn’t be surprised if many of these issues were fixed on the flashed. Edition Filmmuseum
titles are fine on a couple I have tried.

[TMDaines]

I will actually be building a dedicated movie viewing room (with no windows and with non-reflective walls and ceiling) in a new house soon. Probably don't have room for much more than a 100" screen though. Not sure whether to go with a TV or a projector. I'd welcome advice from anyone in the know

I had a 92 inch projector screen at our old house and am planning on going slightly bigger here. I suggested perhaps getting a massive screen instead to my wife for the HDR benefits, but she shot me down. As others have mentioned, even if screens are technically better than home projectors, there’s something magic about projecting a film, even just from a Blu-ray, that even as a layperson she enjoys. I am not going to argue as I feel the same.

[Zot!]

I will actually be building a dedicated movie viewing room (with no windows and with non-reflective walls and ceiling) in a new house soon. Probably don't have room for much more than a 100" screen though. Not sure whether to go with a TV or a projector. I'd welcome advice from anyone in the know

I had a 92 inch projector screen at our old house and am planning on going slightly bigger here. I suggested perhaps getting a massive screen instead to my wife for the HDR benefits, but she shot me down. As others have mentioned, even if screens are technically better than home projectors, there’s something magic about projecting a film, even just from a Blu-ray, that even as a layperson she enjoys. I am not going to argue as I feel the same.

Well, it's not JUST magic... since it is an indirect source, it will always appear different than staring directly at the glowing LEDs themselves. Better or worse is in the eye of the beholder, but it will look more familiar to theater-goers.

[TMDaines]

It’s the romanticism of pulling down the screen, firing up the projector etc. There’s ceremony to it.

[TMDaines]

I've been using a BenQ W1080ST for the last 7 years and am looking at the BenQ W2720i or the BenQ TK705STi for an upgrade. The first one has slightly better PQ for watching films but the second one is more flexible about positioning. The TK705STi also has only just come out and I'm waiting for reviews.

Similar boat. I had a W1110 since 2016 and am looking to get a
W2710, W2720, W4000 or W4100 depending on what seems best value in an upcoming clearance sale. We moved this year and haven’t had the opportunity to get the “home theatre”
lounge sorted yet.

[Black Hat]

After 12 years, my terrific LG player, recommended by mfunk, has hit the fritz. I'm a 4K skeptic, but I might as well upgrade despite not having a 4k tv. What all region players are we rolling with in 2025, and where are we ordering from? Also, what's the deal with these oppos? You guys are always complaining about how fucked up they are, but keep buying them anyway, and I just saw they're insanely expensive. Clearly, the GDP of the criterion forum is much larger than I thought.

[criterionsnob]

My Sony UBP-X800M2 region-free UHD player is still going strong, with some occasional freezing on 4K discs. That is almost always fixed by wiping the discs thoroughly when received and again before playing. I actually just bought a second player because I'm worried it will one day stop working and they won't be making them anymore. I got both of mine from 220 Electronics. It has Dolby Vision, but has to be turned on/off manually in the menu settings, which is annoying. Apparently the Panasonic players automate this, but I didn't want to spend 2 or 3 times the cost.

[Lowry_Sam]

I got my Oppo UDP -203 right when they announced they were no longer making players. I had their dvd player beforehand & when I had a problem with it was able to drive it over to their facility in Mt. View to get fixed. I bought a region free mod afterwards, which works but is abit of a pain to switch (in addition to the commands I have to physically disconnect the player's HDMI cord from my receiver to make sure the change happens). The feature I like most is the ability to reposition subtitles & change their color, would love to know if any newer players can do this (I have been contemplating moving to Europe once I retire next year & probably would sell it & buy a new one rather than ship it). I have had some issues with new UHDs freezing, but most seem to be fixed with wiping underside for me too, not sure though why UHDs are more finicky as I thought they were originally billed as more durable & scratch resistant than blu-rays (that is if it's not something going on with my player's ability to read discs).

[DeprongMori]

I’m looking for a co-conspirator in the UK to get some firmware bugs fixed in the Panasonic DP-UB820 4K UHD player.

I've reached a roadblock with Panasonic. They won’t fix the problems because they manifest with PAL files and I’m in the US, even though it’s not a region-restriction problem. All regions use the same firmware version, with the only difference being the region-enforcement. So, the problems likely affect everyone. They haven’t updated their firmware since June 2024.

If you are in the UK, have the DP-UB820 player, and are willing to commit to shepherd the process through Panasonic’s firmware technical support, I would like to recruit you. In exchange, I will buy you a copy of a single-disc Edition Filmmuseum release and either “Witchfinder General” Blu-ray or “The Draughtsman’s Contract” that you can use to demonstrate your need for fixes. Hit me up in the DMs if interested.

If you have a longer list of discs with problems I would be happy to check on my flashed one, but I wouldn’t be surprised if many of these issues were fixed on the flashed. Edition Filmmuseum
titles are fine on a couple I have tried.

Interesting. Thank you for the report. I’ve tested Edition Filmmuseum “Joyless Street” and “The White Rose” docs discs so far. I’ve got others I can test. I’ve tested with the region-free modded version of 1.82 firmware and downloaded-from-Panasonic 1.82 Region A. It consistently fails to clear the prior subtitle text, so you end up with an accumulated unreadable jumble. Which discs did you test with? I might have some of them to test with.

The other problem occurs with PAL SD content (extras) encountered on Blu-ray discs. I get audio but no picture. The Screenbound Witchfinder General disc I can test with modded and unmodded firmware since the disc isn’t region-locked. Same results in both cases. BFI’s The Draughtsman’s Contract PAL supplements exhibit the same problem but I can only test with modded firmware since it is region-locked.

[TMDaines]

Don’t have those discs sadly. I tried the Edition Filmmuseum of Die freudlose Gasse and Die Parallelstraße.

[DeprongMori]

Don’t have those discs sadly. I tried the Edition Filmmuseum of Die freudlose Gasse and Die Parallelstraße.

I’ll DM you pics soon of what I’m seeing in “Die freudlose Gasse”. (I haven’t quite figured out how to link photos from my camera roll here.)