For TechJunkies . . .

Just noticed that Panasonic's PT-DW7000 Digital Cinema projector has a contrast ratio
of 4000:1 or expressed in terms of dynamic range that's twelve (12) exposure stops.

In comparison, the best film projection has a dynamic range of about nine (9) stops.
That appears like a pretty significant advance in projection technology over film.

I'm impressed.

brian wells
 
Well, yeah, but... I just read a killer review on the Dell 2405FPW 24" 1920x1200 LCD monitor. It claims 1000:1, but in their testing it actually tested at 612:1.

So ... what does 4000:1 mean in the "real world"?
 
It means that I want to get a digital projector to use as a 2nd preview monitor and for screening material. What do you guys think of those In-focus projectors? Too bad most projectors are over 800 bones......
 
I had an InFocus X1 for about 4 months last year. Sold it.
It was cool for watching movies but the native resolution and contrast
weren't that great for any reliable or serious monitoring.
I also couldn't use it during the day as even the tiniest amount of ambient light
washed it out. It was only like 1100 lumens or something.
For "cool factor" it was a knockout.
 
The way some these projectors ( Panasonic...) is by using "adaptive iris" techniques. The tricK is that the iris is automatically closed down (and the contrast pumped up) on "dark" scenes resulting in low black levels when needed.
 
I have a Viewsonic that I've had for a couple of years now. thisiswells is right. It has a huge cool factor, as long as you're in a dark room, with a nice quality screen and sitting 18 feet back. For watching movies in the right setup it's awesome and I wouldn't go another way.

Not great for a serious monitor, but it does have value when you want to see your work as it appears on the big screen (my Da-lite screen is 8 feet wide). There are things you notice when your video is blown up that you might miss on a small monitor. This is assuming you can look past things like crappy contrast. Of course, newer models have improved on this.

I don't know if I could justify the money strictly as a "production tool" as it really isn't one. If you're looking for a fun toy it's pretty cool.
 
I guess I should clarify that. It CAN be a serious production tool if you want to spring the megabucks. In my price range that's not really an option... yet :)
 
Back
Top