LCD Projector

[cgoold]

I am thinking of buying an EIKI LC-NB3E LCD projector for my Home. This projector is for both data and video. I am considering this one because is it slightly used and the price is right. Will I be able to view 1080i HD if the computer native resolution of the projector is only 800 x 600 (SVGA)? The specs show that it is compatible with 1080i inputs, but that doesn't mean I'll get a true 1080i output , right?

Anything would be helpful,
Chad

[zarlor]

I don't have this projector, nor am I familiar with it, specifically. That being said if the projector's maximum resolution is only 800x600p then it will probably be downconverting a 1080i or a 720p signal to that resolution. I'm sure it will still look fairly decent, but you just won't get quite the same level quality.

BTW, if you are intersted in a projector due to it being "data" compatible then you probably don't need to look for that specifically. Any digital set with an RGBHV connector (or even Component connectors with an RGBHV to Componet transcoder) can be connected to a computer. A program like PowerStrip will let you set up custom resolutions to match your systems display modes to those of the TV.

Obviously the resoutions available on the set will affect the quality of resolutions you can use, though. For example a set that states it can display 480p and 1080i will also be able to display 540p. But for some of the "standard" computer resolutions, such as 800x600 or 1024x768, they will actually have to be a subest of the 1080i timings. Meaning that you would, effectively, display a box 800x600 inside of the black frame of a 1920x1080i screen. And of course in that case you'll be looking at an interlaced display, where at least the projector you mentioned would display 800x600 progressively.

I'm just confusing more people, aren't I. I guess I'll shut up now. :)

[cgoold]

Not confusing at all. I appreciate the input. This is all somewhat new to me, but interesting.

The specs for the projector say "native computer resolution: 800X600" and "maximum resolution: 1024X768". Does that mean I will get 1024X768 through the component inputs or will it scale down to the native? I am more concerned with the video resolution of the projector, as opposed to the data resolution.

[zarlor]

I would be too, especially since I can get my computer to give it timings for the video resolution. But I'd also be concerned about the verbage you are being given. I'm not sure why a projector would not allow 1024x768 for it's computer input if it can handle that resolution. Unless it's only interlacing that resolution, or something. Or it is just saying that it can take a video of that resolution but really downconverts it to 800x600. I'm not really sure at all, there. You might want to check out http://www.avsforum.com and ask over on one of the projector groups there. I bet someone there would have some experience with this projector, or at least what the verbage really means.