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 - Can't beat it for the priceIf you're anxious to get started on a home theater and looking for a reasonably priced projector that delivers, look no further. This is my first projector, and I can't tell you how happy I am I went with this versus a $1500+ HDTV. Only two minuses keep it from being a 5 star rating. 1) You will need to make several adjustments to get the picture quality to be spot on, but once you do, it is a magnificent image. I found a very easy solution to making these adjusments. Find a DVD with the THX Optimizer option in the menus (Star Wars, and some Disney dvds have this) and run the video tests. Each step of these tests correspond to options on the projector's image menus and, once completed, will give you a prime setting for any DVD you play from that point forward. If you have an upscaling DVD player or an HD DVD player and use an HDMI-to-DVI cable connection, the optimization process is even simpler and the picture quality is as good as any HDTV on the market (provided you use a screen of course). I bought an $80 Panoview pull-down screen from Optoma and it does the trick. 2) The projector is only a 2-color wheel projector, which means you get a slight rainbow effect. A keen eye will pick this up occasionally, but after a few viewings, it just isn't noticeable. In fact, for seven months, I have been in a state of bliss as I am able to watch all my DVDs in a 100" diagonal format with virtually the same quality and image size of a $50,000 plus plasma TV. Even the component cable quality was stunning, though you need to buy an adapter from Optoma (around $40) to use the component input (I guess that might be a third minus). All in all, a great deal for a starter projector. Rating:  - AwsomeHere is the secret . . . Buy a DVI400 Monster cable (cost around $80) and connect to your cable box (or any of your device) and project at the plain wall at night time (complete dark) . . . If it is High Definiion, I can say you get 100% (not even 99%, it is 100% quality movie . . .) I kept saying "wow", looking at the quality . . . ( bought new one for $599 few weeks ago) Rating: - Awesome Plasma AlternativeThis is a terrific projector, especially for HD content. It is better at night of course, but I can watch it in the daytime with my blinds closed. I have it for three years and way past the recommended lamp life (2000 hours) and it still works great. I project at about 90+ inches from about 7-8 feet back. I have a PC connected to the VGA port, a DVD player to the SVideo, and my HD cable box to the DVI port. Changing the source is easy to do from the remote control. The projector is small and light, and comes with a nice carrying case. I occasionally take it on the road with my laptop. The digital keystone correction distorts the picture a bit, so I recommend using the projector at a natural angle. A ceiling/wall mount kit can be acquired for around $60, but you'll pay a lot for a long DVI/HDMI cable ($100+). Rating: - Optoma Portable Projector - working fineI've been using my Optima EP719 DLP projector fro about a month now and I am well satisfied with the performance and low noise level. I use it teaching a college class and it is bright enough for good visibility in a classroom even when the shades are not fully closed. Set up and connecting to the computer is easy. The keystone adjustment is easy to use - better than on some other units I've used. I had hoped the "remote" would allow changing slides on PowerPoint presentations but this remote only talks to the projector, a feature of limited use. I think this is a good value unit for the price. Rating:  - Customer Service SUCKS!While I have my projector for 5 months, it stopped working and upon servicing it, Optoma returned it stating I needed to purchase a new lamp. The customer service representative said that it was my bad luck of the draw and there was nothing I could do but buy a new lamp on my own dime....go figure, great support. I will never buy from them again.
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