Epson 1080 vs. 1080ub

jpatrick22 · 01-22-2008, 10:25 AM

I recently ordered an Epson 1080 projector. They shipped an Epson 1080 ub projector by mistake. The net diffence in cost to me, after they make adjustments to try and get me to keep the one I have is 500.00.

Does anyone have an opinion on this. Is the Epson UB worth 500.00 more. I know nothing about any of this. I was just trying to get a good system.

Unrelated: Do expensive HDMI cables perform better than cheap HDMI cables. That seems like a dumb question to ask, because I would naturally assume them to be better. How can there be such a difference? Amazon has 25' HDMI cables for 14.99, and Best Buy has 4' HDMI cables for 79.99.

Any opinions will help. Especially with the projector.

Thanks,

Joey

chuckg · 01-22-2008, 11:57 AM

Are they asking you to pay $500 more for THEIR mistake? "Tough cookies" is what I'd say to them!

jpatrick22 · 01-22-2008, 12:51 PM

No, they are offering to make it right. They said they would do whatever I wanted- return the UB and get what I first ordered, or keep it for 500 more is my option. The difference in the 2 online is 900.00. I just don't know enough about them to know if it is that much better.

The big differences seem to be:

The Epson 1080 has 15,000:1 Resolution and 12000 Lumens.
The Epson 1080ub has 50,000:1 Resolution and 16000 Lumens.

Those numbers seem to be pretty different for just 500.00. Am I right in assuming it is worth it?

Thanks

Joey

Joseph DeMartino · 01-22-2008, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Unrelated: Do expensive HDMI cables perform better than cheap HDMI cables. That seems like a dumb question to ask, because I would naturally assume them to be better

That "natural assumption" is what cable makers count on to foist over-priced wire on an unsuspecting public.

While it is true that the absolute lowest grade cables made with cheap materials and bad connectors might underperform, any halfway decent HDMI cable is going to transmit the ones and zeros of digital audio and video as well as one costing 8 or 10 times the price. Don't fall for the hype or subsidize somebody's advertising budget by paying for a brand-name. Anything from Monoprice or Blue Jeans Cable is going to preform just as well as the Monster or Kimber cable that Best Buy is trying to sell you. (And don't let anybody charge you double for a 75 ohm "digital" audio cable that is no different than any other 75 ohm cable with an RCA jack at either end.)

Regards,

Joe

sflamedic · 01-22-2008, 05:05 PM

how did they find out they sent you a more expensive one? There mistake you shouldnt be charged.

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Joseph DeMartino · 01-23-2008, 04:25 PM

If someone sends you the wrong item you don't get to keep it because it was their mistake. If you don't believe me, wait until your bank accidentally deposits someone else's check in your account.

What the company owes him is an RMA number, free return shipping and the delivery of the item he actually ordered as soon as possible. What they have done is given him the chance to save both himself the time and trouble by asking if he'd like the keep the more expensive item for a substantial discount. (Since it was their fault shipping and restocking costs are all on them, so it is probably nearly a wash for them.)

I don't think that's a bad thing. I just wish I knew enough about the two units to offer an opinion. Joe, have you checked the specs on the Epson site, or Googled reviews of the two units?

Regards,

Joe

Allan Jayne · 01-26-2008, 12:35 PM

Is contrast cited as ANSI, namely that for blackest black and whitest white in the same scene? As opposed to being able to get so black in one scene and get so white in the next scene?

You will have to do the homework if you are going to analyze the situation before making your choice of projector. Such as seeing the same or similar projectors in action. Reading other's reviews of how good and bright the picture was for what kind and size of screen. Did you already try out this projector and see whether you could get by with less brightness (fewer lumens and less power consumption as the other projector offers)? Also reading reviews of how different brand cables perform at different bitrates such as 1080p versus 480p. (Or treating the word about Monoprice in the reply above as the review.)

The company should send you the replacement projector first if you choose the exchange option. Fewer hassles, no problems with their reneging or jerking you around that way. And they should send you enough funds up front for shipping insurance too.

Video hints: Video Technicalia Made Easy

RedundancysTwin · 02-06-2008, 06:32 AM

If my net out was $500 it would be a no brainer for me, I would choose the 1080UB for the extra brightness and overall improvement over the 1080. If you have any ambient light issues or if you would ever like to host a superbowl party you are going to like the extra lumens. If you only use it for movies and always have control over the ambient it won't matter. I was going to buy the 1080UB except I couldn't get much info on the issue of dust and cleaning(my first projector was LCD and I'm sure there have been improvements in filtering)

Check out the following:
Read the review on Projector Central (there is at least one more comprehensive and very positive review out there but I forget where)

Check that the difference between the two is really $500 (depending on when you purchase it there was a $200 rebate on the 1080UB and a $300 rebate on the 1080 plus a free replacement bulb I think) I would keep the 1080UB even with a replacement bulb thrown into the 1080 package but you might make a different decision.

Good luck - I think I have projector envy...