Got excited for the ES526X but then I realized it has no HDMI. Talk about a deal breaker. I suppose it would make a good office projector, but it's not gonna be a good Home Theater Projector at all.

If you are going for a very cheap but usable projector, spend the extra $14 and get the upgraded model of the Playtime which has HDMI input and slightly brighter image. You have to have a VERY dim lit or completely dark room to use either PT-100 or PT-105 but they are surprisingly capable for console gaming and DVD viewing, they don't get hot and you never have to worry about the bulb.

Here is projector centrals review of the PT100 and PT105.

Also projector central review of the GT360.

iceph03nix wrote:Got excited for the ES526X but then I realized it has no HDMI. Talk about a deal breaker. I suppose it would make a good office projector, but it's not gonna be a good Home Theater Projector at all.

That probably because its not a home theater projector. It doesn't match any typical home theater resolutions either therefore even for DVD it would have to scale or you will have black bars on normal 480p images. If you are going for home theater look for at least 480p native resolution or better yet 720 or 1080p.

can't imagine these projectors being too great, was lucky enough to get an opotoma refurb for 600 thats 1080p, remember you pay for what you get.

gotta wait for the flash light comments, they always show up LOL. These are all pretty cool projectors with pretty good prices.

Since I already own a pico, I think Im opting for the ES526X as a temporary toy until I get one of the new LED fullsize projectors. ANyone know what the replacement costs on the bulbs for the ES526X is?

paterpan wrote:gotta wait for the flash light comments, they always show up LOL. These are all pretty cool projectors with pretty good prices.

Since I already own a pico, I think Im opting for the ES526X as a temporary toy until I get one of the new LED fullsize projectors. ANyone know what the replacement costs on the bulbs for the ES526X is?

The ES526X is not a model projector. There are only three models with that prefix. There is a ES526, ES526L, and ES526B. The lamps are $179, for those models, and which specific lamp you need is based on exactly which model you have.

The Optoma Pico Micro Projector PK201 mentions VGA compatibility. I see no such holes for that sort of thing... am I missing something?

I use the ML500 for business presentations and must say that it is very bright, light, portable, relatively quiet and cool as compared to a traditional lamp projector I used to haul with me on trips. Plus this projector is way more sturdy and the lamp is very reliable (instant on, 20,000 hrs lamp life). Optoma makes a solid product. I may opt for the PK301 or PKA31 as it is battery operated.

bosstone75 wrote:The Optoma Pico Micro Projector PK201 mentions VGA compatibility. I see no such holes for that sort of thing... am I missing something?

It uses a universal to VGA cable, and the universal end plugs into the Universal/IO port on the projector.

My last projector was a Brightboxe TPJ-100. Since it's design is near identical to the PT-100 and PT-105, I'd assume they have similar performance...

So that brings me to my question: Could someone offer a review of their experience with these models?

My experience with the Brightboxe was less than stellar; It had fan issues (noisy or it would just fail to turn on with the rest of the projector) and appears to be having lamp issues now (It will only power on for 1-2 seconds before turning off). That's why I'm looking to replace it.

How long until I can get a refurb 4K projector? ;)

cstumph wrote:My last projector was a Brightboxe TPJ-100. Since it's design is near identical to the PT-100 and PT-105, I'd assume they have similar performance...

So that brings me to my question: Could someone offer a review of their experience with these models?

My experience with the Brightboxe was less than stellar; It had fan issues (noisy or it would just fail to turn on with the rest of the projector) and appears to be having lamp issues now (It will only power on for 1-2 seconds before turning off). That's why I'm looking to replace it.

I just received the PT105 yesterday. It died after 30 mins. Picture turned into a black and white mess. At first I thought it was something with the video I was playing, but upon further inspection I realized it was the projector. Clearly I received a defective unit so I decided to give it another chance and have a new one sent out to me.

While it was working the picture was pretty good (for the resolution). Had it at 80in with no issues. Wish it was just a tad bit brighter as dark scenes in movies were somewhat hard to make out, but I could just adjust the contrast (ect) on my PC to fix that.

All in all not too bad (for the 30 mins I got to use it). Also the speaker was very weak. When I get my replacement tomorrow Ill let you know if I can fully recommend it.

I have the PK201 and it's perfect for Halloween props like projecting talking faces onto dolls and other scary stuff.

Absolutely, positively do not buy one of these projectors without an extended warranty. A common problem is for the mirrors to get stuck and you will see small, white, bright spots all over the picture. Google "dlp white spots" to see how common this is. Ours went bad after enjoying it for 10.5 months. Fortunately we had a 1 year warranty, and they fixed it right away.

We have the GT 360 and like it a lot, the short throw lens enables you to have a large picture in a small room. It supports 1080p but doesn't have an HDMI input which isn't an issue with us.

So how does the 3d work on the projector? Is it active or passive and where would one find active glasses?