Review: Discovery Wonderwall Multimedia Projector

[ztriking]

Cómo proyectas en un pizarrón? no se te ocurrió que el reflejo es un problema de definición en la imagen?

[1522crash]

just get to the point lol

[georgef551]

@1522crash

It's called an in-depth review.

Most of my reviews require some form of attention span (especially the 45-minute Bloggie 3D camera in-depth review), and equipment is put through their paces.

Most people cave to people that don't want to pay attention to anything (started in my days, back in the 80's), but I'd rather give a better review instead. :)

[fireworld05]

HD33 all day.

[enycute]

how can i connect this to a laptop??

[georgef551]

@enycute

You can't directly (need a converter).

You wouldn't want to do that anyway, as it's only 320x240 resolution.

[lostsandGOD]

IT 5 LUMAN NEED I SAY MORE LOL!!!

[georgef551]

@lostsandGOD

I'd put it around 20, since it is brighter than my 10-lumen pocket projector.

[tapbret99]

so I have to ask you think is it worth getting it for like $80? I have a $600 projector that is a very high-quality I think. But if for lugging around and using ad theaters and stuff like that do you think it's worth it?

[georgef551]

@tapbret99

For presentations, I'd stick with the professional grade machine. This is more for children's entertainment.

The rez is terrible in comparison (320x240). On top of that, the halogen lamp throws the color temp of signifigantly.

[pabelmon1]

i have one of these and i want to know how to get rid of the blur and boost up the quality and what kind of bulb do i need if i need to switch the bulb?

[georgef551]

@pabelmon1

The quality is stuck. You can't change the display, but an LED replacement will correct the color, and eliminate (possibly), the blur from uneven light coverage of the existing bulb.

Bring the existing bulb with you, to find a proper replacement.

[baileygrib]

how can i hook this up to my xbox 360?

[georgef551]

@baileygrib

With the composite cable (Red, White, Yellow). The results will not be pretty, though. Small text may be unreadable.

[baileygrib]

@georgef551 but how does it connect to the xbox?



[georgef551]

@baileygrib

You'd have to purchase a composite X-Box cable for it, unless you have the Component HDTV cable set, in that case, you'd plug in the yellow for video, and the audio's white and red into the PJ.

(That cable has the Pb, Y, and Pr) cables, as Blue, Green, and Red respectively.)

[helpercommenter]

Let The Light Project For 2 Hours And Get Crystal Clear Picture

[georgef551]

@helpercommenter

???



[210PurplePanda]

i have one of these and was woundering if i were to change the lcd panel to maybe a like 1080p panel would that enhance the quality at all?

and also if i were to replace the light bulb with anything bigger than 60 watt would i have to add more power to the projector?

anything helps thanks (:

[georgef551]

@210PurplePanda

I believe that was a 100-watt bulb. An LED replacement will make the color far more true.

I don't think replaceing the panel will work, being it's designed for NTSC, and possibly, just for 640x480 video.

[TaintedDirectOr]

can you plug this into a macbook? like directly without any other wires?

[georgef551]

@TaintedDirectOr

Not directly, unless you have composite (Red, White, Yellow) connections. If you do, it won't look very good, at only 320x240 rez.

[blcoffm5]

What would happen if you would replace with led light?

[georgef551]

@blcoffm5

The color would be more true.

[TheBlcoffm5]

@georgef551 But will i t make it high def...? and change pixels

[georgef551]

@TheBlcoffm5

No. The bulb will just make the display more true, and possibly, eliminate the blur spot in the middle.

The LCD panel is 320x240.

[boopnshoop]

Do you happen to know the resolution for the Sharper Image Si EC PJ10?

[georgef551]

@boopnshoop

There's plenty of different models of the same thing. If it's similar, it would be 320x240.

Google it to be 100% sure, but I'm positive it's 320x240, and made by the same company.

[boopnshoop]

Do I understand that you believe this device is not at all worth plugging into a laptop via a converter box? I have no TV and bought it specifically for the purpose of watching DVDs and/or internet streamed movies...thanks for your reply!

[georgef551]

@boopnshoop

No problem.

You can get a real Pico projector, for a bit more, but at least you get full Sd resolution (640x480). Most may not have sound, though. Some do.

[BobZaGamer]

whats the screen size

[georgef551]

@BobZaGamer

Suposedly up to 100 inches, but I went bigger, but it was really dark.

[lowedwin1]

I got this on black friday for $50

[RachelJeanneMusic14]

can yoou plug in a laptop

[georgef551]

@RachelJeanneMusic14

Not unless you have a converter, or you have the abilityt to output a composite signal (Red, White, Yellow).

You wouldn't want to do that anyway, it's too low-rez (360x240).

[jose94951]

Where can you buy one??

[georgef551]

@jose94951

Not sure. I got this one at Macy's. I'm sure if you Goggle it, a retailer will appear.

[georgef551]

@coldsoldier64

The Up/Down buttons on the side for Color, Brightness, and Contrast.

Image Size: Change distance from wall. Image Size adjustment feature is misleading.

[gherbie111]

is the projector worth the price

[georgef551]

@gherbie111

It's a crap shoot. You get a more uniforms light, but there's a blur spot in the middle, or the Eye-Clops, which is more uniform in linearity, but it's dimmer, and the colors are inconsistant, but that's $30.

I'd say, if you're willing to fork over a couple hundred, get a real Pico projector, which will blow these two out of the water.

If you get a Wonderwall, go to a home center, and get an LED bulb for it, if you don't like the color.

[gherbie111]

@georgef551 thanks



[dabaddon]

@georgef551 what type of led

[georgef551]

@dabaddon

There's a specific type that replace these specific halogens (same plug contacts).

You'd have to bring the actual lamp, and see. I don't know for sure.

[nimi118]

@georgef551 does it work on game cube?

[georgef551]

@nimi118

It has composite outputs, it'll work.

(Red, White, Yellow RCA plugs.)

[georgef551]

@DarterxX

Not without a converter, but you wouldn't like the end result.

[tomvee22]

sound compared to 3m?

[georgef551]

@tomvee22

The 3M has tiny speakers, so it doesn't sound good at all, but it's not intended to. The Wonderwall will be a lot better, but still, sub-par.

[10dreadhead10]

can you hook it up to a laptop?

[georgef551]

@10dreadhead10

Not really, unless you have a special converter. Then again, with a rex of 320x240, you really wouldn't want to do that.

[GeneralChurch]

for a cheap projector is it decent for playing an xbox on a wall?

[georgef551]

@GeneralChurch

Not really. Small text will be impossible to read. If that's not important to you, you can get away with it.

I Pico Projector, albeit more expensive, is the best route, minimum. (They start at 640x480 rez.)

[bbnyax1]

This projector is no good; IMO. Little wonder its so cheap!

[georgef551]

@bbnyax1

A small kid probably wouldn't care much. :)

[Davidsama]

This projector is crap.. i wonder that if changing the bulb to a higher watt would improve it a bit..

[georgef551]

@Davidsama

Just the brightness. An LED replacement will correct the color, and eliminate most of the blur spots, but still, it's 320x240 rez, so nothing will be very clear. It's just an entry-level toy. In a couple years, toy PJ's will be at least VGA, I'm sure.

[presto123451]

How many lumins is it.

[georgef551]

@presto123451

I believe it was a 75-watt bulb. Not sure of the lumens. This was actually an upgrade from the 50-watt bulbs these originally had.

[presto123451]

How much was it

[georgef551]

@presto123451

About $80 when I got it. Not sure now, though.

[starchick12]

Looks like I'll be returning mine very soon. Thank you!

[georgef551]

@starchick12

No problem.

[maferc04]

hi george, i just bought the wonderwall projector but i don't know if i need to add audio becasue i can't hear anything.. i don't know if you can help me or if it's better to change it?

[georgef551]

@maferc04

There is a volume control on the side. If you tried that, got nothing, check the connections. Still nothing, try the player/device on a TV you know works. If that's good, then the projector is likely defective. I've seen quite a few comments about the "quality" out of the box.

[43DCardenas]

I have this projector and my lightbulb burnt out, do u know what kind of lightbulb it is, what its called and where can i buy one

[georgef551]

@43DCardenas

It should say. For better color, you should probably go get an LED replacement bulb. Take it to your local home center, and I'm sure they can point you the right way.



[bluefrog85]

@43DCardenas MR-16 halogen 50 watt. You just turn the thing upside down and I think it takes one screw to remove the cover then you can take out the bulb. A mod i'm also going to play with is getting a mr-16 off ebay and trying it out on it to see what the brighter light does to it.

[MMAddict713]

i got this projector as a gift and it sucked! im looking for a projector that i can use outside in the patio during the night. My main purpose is for hosting UFC pay-per-view events and play some x box 360 with some friends outside. Any recommendations????????? ( good quality and a fair price)

[georgef551]

@MMAddict713

For a couple hundred, you can get a decent Pico, but you're relegated to about 60 inches, and complete washouts (possibly) when cars pass by. If you want to do something like you want to do, you're going to have to spend some good money on a Buisness Projector (far cheaper than home theater ones), but be prepared to shell out several hundred, to a few thousand, depending on how bright, big, and detailed, you want to go. See what the office stores, and electronics stores have.

[MMAddict713]

@georgef551 thanks man i take this into consideration

[georgef551]

@MMAddict713

Glad you got some use of of it.

[anthonyskibbles]

is there any way I could replace this projector witha new lens. I don't like haveing those clearly visible squares

[georgef551]

@anthonyskibbles

If you don't like the dot pitch showing, the image would have to be so blurry, you wouldn't stand to look at it. The resolution on the display is only 320x240, so the best thing to do is spend a couple hundred on a decent Pico, which starts at 640x480 rez, and goes up from there.

[blkgnuz2007]

Sorry, I couldn't help but LOL! @ 13:57 "...in conclusion the color is rather poor." I think you made your opinion pretty clear around the beginning, that this projector flat out sucks. Good review by the way & you're right. Spend @ least $250-$300 for a much better, professional/full HD model. I'm lookin' @ an LED model for about $330 on eBay. Supposed to be full HD (1080p) 800x600 & 1024x768 native resolutions. 20,000 hrs. lamp life, sounds too good to be true but, we'll see.

[georgef551]

@blkgnuz2007

It's about time a Pico can handle an HD signal.

[blkgnuz2007]

@georgef551 Exactly, it shouldn't even be an option now days. Soon enough HD is going to be the standard. Best Buy has an Optoma PT100 DLP with a (854x480) Native Resolution-WVGA & a 20,000 hrs. LED lamp life for $200 but it doesn't even have HD inputs. WTF? May as well buy a FAVI RioHD LED2 for that price, at least it can downconvert a HD signal to 480p, but to each his own I guess.

[georgef551]

@blkgnuz2007

Exactly. I'm sure there will be 1080p native displays in a year or two in Pico form (pocket-sized).

[dishexpress01]

Get to the point dude!

[georgef551]

@dishexpress01

There's a reason for the 10K+ views. It's detailed, not for the short attention span crowd. Unlike most reviews, this was picked apart and ran through riggerous testing, to give everyone a very clear (or blurry image in this case) presentation on what it can do.

If you think this is long, my Bloggie 3D review is over 41 minutes. Again, putting it through it's paces.

Sorry you didn't enjoy.

[FuryChord]

I hooked a vga to rca converter to it so i can watch my laptop on it. Worked for about 10 minutes, but when i tried to adjust the contrast the image got really dim and then it shut off. When i turned it back on the color of the image is waaaaaaay off

[georgef551]

@FuryChord

The color would be way off anyhow, being incadescent bulbs do not have much in the way of blue light output.

Odd to hear about the other weird behaviors.

[FuryChord]

@georgef551 hmm, well after messing with it again, turns out the color was way down and the color way up. I think i may have had to set it that way for the vga, but yeah, odd that it would dim and freak out. It's all too much for it's little brain or something! haha. Should work okay now, as long as i don't try and make so many changes at once

[georgef551]

@FuryChord

That is weird. Glad you got it to work.

[digitalhater]

Hello George. I've bought this and I can't see the lamp inside light up when I put it on power and power it on. Does it need to be connected to a media or something or regardless if the AV cables are connected, the lamp inside should light up?

Many many thanks in advace for your feedback!

[georgef551]

@digitalhater

Sounds defective to me. If nothing's attached, the projector should light up, and a black display would output.

Either that, or take the lamp out, jiggle it around, and try again.

[digitalhater]

@georgef551 I mean, the projector starts, the cooler starts and the other little buttons there light up but not the lamp inside....what do you think? thanks a mil!

[georgef551]

@digitalhater

I'm saying the bulb is defective, or the circuit to it. Take the cover off (bulb one), wiggle it around, try again. If it's still dead, it's likely defective.

When working, the bulb would light up, and output a black screen when there's no input.

[digitalhater]

@georgef551 could it be because I'm in Europe and I have a 220V electrical output and in the US (from where I've bought it) is 110V?

[georgef551]

@digitalhater

If you bought one for use un the US/Canada, probably. If it was made to work elsewhere, it should be made for the voltage/current for that country. In theory, the power is about the same, but this matters.

If it's compatable for NTSC, and you have PAL or SECAM (manual should tell you), it wouldn't work anyway, or it'll be messed up B&W graininess.

[989metalhead]

can u help me on this please cause i have 1 and i can only hear sound but i cannot see the screen and i tried to fix it with the contrast and color but they wont do anything

[georgef551]

@989metalhead

See just black?

Check the cable for video. If it's not on all the way, or broke inside, it'll not work. Other than that, if the adjustment yield nothing. Cranking contrast and color does nothing, then the unit is defective.

[joshualoveshannah]

my wonderwall has like honey come things

[georgef551]

@joshualoveshannah

That's the Delta-Pattern RGB dot pattern. The rez is so low (320x240), it's plainly visible. The lens quality is poor as well, which is why it's hard to see the individual colors, and get a "Honeycomb"-style pattern.

[kjoleen]

r u a teacher u sound smart and im 12 and trying to figur out how to make it clear it shows alot of pixls idk on spelling can u help me :) :)

[georgef551]

@kjoleen

The pixelization you see is from the very low rez LCD panel, only being a 320x240 display. There's no fix for that, other than slightly blurring the image (AKA "Softening"). On this machine, it is what it is.

[georgef551]

@uuukay

You ight unsib, once you asee what normally gets posted here. :)

[zulayizzy]

You said i need a converter, and my question was, whats the name of the converter

[georgef551]

@zulayizzy

I have no idea, but RadioShack sells a video converter that can pretty much convert anything to any other thing.

I'm sure a simple search for video converters will bring it up.

[zulayizzy]

what is the converted call or the name of it?

[georgef551]

@zulayizzy

What? Not following you.

Sorry.

[zulayizzy]

I had a question how can i hook my acer laptop tho this projector?

[georgef551]

@zulayizzy

You'll need a converter to do that. I think radioshack's site has one. They're pricey, though. Won't really be worth doing on this thing, though.

[whitewolfaaaa]

hey can you tell me what the best led bulb would be so i can order one online...?

[georgef551]

@whitewolfaaaa

No, I can't.

Almost as soon as I ended the review, I gave this product away in a contest.

I suggest bringing the bulb to a home center, and see what's available.

[crazyclipsob]

please help in there a tech support line i can call because i can't read text from the ps3 and the color button wont work please help

[georgef551]

@crazyclipsob

(1) You can't read the text on your PS3, because the resolution is only 320x240, so most smaller video game text is unreadable.

(2) The color is zero, and contrast oversaturated upon opening. Fix contrast first, then color. Please note that you need to hold down the buttons, as the desired changes should take place overt time, color being slower.

[roycole72]

exactly how do you mod the projector to take the led bulbs that replace the 75w12vmr16 halogen bulbs? are the fittings differant for these type of bulbs, would i have to rewire a differant fitting to accept an led retrofit bulb?

[georgef551]

@roycole72

There are LED replacements that work with existing fixtures, so yes, a retrofit LED light can work in here. If you need help at the store, take the bulb with you, to be sure.

[jstartist]

do you suppose i should therefore place a brighter bulb in like 75 watts? i also see that you blame the bulb being halogen for the bad picture. to your knowledge, is there a different bulb i can place in there that'll fit?

[georgef551]

@jstartist

People have used LED retrofit bulbs, available at your hardware store.

The bullb inside is 75 watts.

[jstartist]

ok so i sort of worked out the blurry kink on this thing for no extra price. i pretty much cut out a half inch circle in diameter on the center of a piece of cardboard fitted to the size of the lens and taped it directly on. it literally took away all blurriness but leave a bit of a dark spot around the middle. however the picture quality gets a bit darker too.

[georgef551]

@jstartist

That's a good fix.

[drkjourney1]

I just got my second Discovery Projector after I had to return the first one which stopped showing a picture after just two weeks. (It was a Christmas gift) I returned it to Kohls about two weeks ago and my projector has the same issue the first one did: the audio works and I can hear the machine fan running but no image shows on my wall. I've changed the bulb and their is still no image being projected. Can anyone help? Has anyone had this issue? Do I need to just get my money back? Ticked off!

[georgef551]

@drkjourney1

Odd.

Either you're having bad luck, or there's an issue with the video source. Make sure it's NTSC (Composite, US standard).

[blacke92m3]

Check out my video comparing it with a $99 Aaxa Pico Projector. THe Pico Projector is BETTER, and is 1/20 the size, and has a battery built in, and has a media player function, and has a speaker, and DOESN'T SUCK!!! I can only imagine all the tears and frustration during Christmas from this product.... HAHA

[georgef551]

@blacke92m3

I know what you're talking about.

I gave this thing away, with stipulations they know what they're getting (to see this review), and let me know what they thought of it.

Only one person knew it stunk, but could use it for basic entertainment, where quality doesn't matter too much.

Yes. Any Pico does better.

[TCW07]

does it have a vga port

[georgef551]

@TCW07

No.

Composite-only.

[titanlacrosse780]

hey thanks for the review but i got this on xmas so i was little to late hate to burst anyones buble i was so excited then wen i first used it with my xbox soo let down worst thing ive ever seen before a tv from 1950 probibly looked more clear (not kidding) if i were you just save up the money and get a good one i now just got a panisaonic one so im good now

[georgef551]

@titanlacrosse780

It's just a good starter projector, more or less for children.

For actual quality, a real video PJ will do.

[jstartist]

so would you say that just changing the bulb would improve the projector quality and be rid of the blurry center?? i just bought mine and the fan is truly a bit loud, but i can bear with it bc their volume overshadows it. the blurriness, i cant. please help, otherwise, I 'd like to return mine asap. thanks!

[georgef551]

@jstartist

It's likely a design flaw, rather than an exception.

With a black image, I looked into the PJ, from the screen, and noticed where the brurred center is, is where the least light is reaching the screen. The bulbs are set too close to the display. If they were set back farther, this would be gone, or a lot less (the Jaks Pacific model, with DVD player, you could see much more reflector surface, leading to a better image, but darker).

There's too many contrasting beams in the center.

[20Temples]

Can you change the resolution on this? Could u convert it to a led one?

[georgef551]

@20Temples

This is what it is, and people have made their own LED retrofits for this unit.

Don't know if any videos exist yet.

[awesomeinabox1234]

wow you've got a really good speaking voice, you try narrating somthin for the discovery channel or somthin

[georgef551]

@awesomeinabox1234

I just got lucky. Usually, even with practice, it's usually very jerky speech.

Can't do three things at once, I guess.

[TIPPIN187]

Anyone have any idea on why mine has little black dots all over the screen? I dont think i have it set up wrong.. Really wanted to use this.

[georgef551]

@TIPPIN187

Probably dead pixels. Return for a replacement, if it's bad.

[Brothersjo]

mine gets a net like picture! wtf?

[georgef551]

@Brothersjo

It's a low-rez image (320x240), and used the RGB Delta layout.

This was covered, and shown, in the review. You got to see it up-close, and personal.

[don48624]

ok i have one of these projectors and i have tried it on different areas in my house using different materials a panel wall wood grain very poor view at all lenghts then i tried it on a white sheet at different lenghts, picture got better, so i tried a white painted wall and even better yet, and i played with the color and the brightness and the focus makes a difference i also noticed the further away you sit back the better the picture looks and i had the screen from floor to ceiling.

[georgef551]

@don48624

The smaller the image, or farther you're from it, the better.

A large 320x200 image just doesn't cut it, unless you don't care about that, or just want a basic beginner's PJ.

If it wasn't for the Halogen Lamp, the color is excellent.

[MrVariable063]

Thanx for the review! I wanted to get one on sale for 50 bucks, after your review, forget it. Thanx again.

[georgef551]

@MrVariable063

No problem.

[iRevized]

Btw you do great reviews.

[georgef551]

@iRevized

Thanks.

Flad you like them.

[iRevized]

i have got this projector for 50.00$ at staples and the blur was soooo annoing so i modded it and it now takes LED bulbs so it has HD quality and WAYY more of a steal just get the peices from radioshack and fix it up + it is now widescreen about a 65$ project ill post a video soon.

[georgef551]

@iRevized

Sounds interesting. Love to see it.

Let me know when it's up, or vid response, if you like.

[stevenplane]

@iRevized The bulb the Shift 3 came with burned out after only 2 days. While looking for replacement bulbs I stumbled across your post about your mod. I originally bought this as a Christmas gift for my daughter intending to use it to make a homemade smartboard. In addition to the bulb burning out, the picture quality was so poor that using it for a smartboard isn't possible. I'm hoping your mod will remedy both my issues. Thx

[HeairForFun1]

is this a good one for just movies and games? i am planing on getting this one first but later on getting the 120 for just my games, if u could you send me a message or just comment, i have a lot of questions, im new lol

[georgef551]

@HeairForFun1

For a beginner projector, where you don't want to shell out hundreds of dollars (or whatever currency anyone reading this uses), it'll do. You won't be able to read text, unlessd it's large.

[HeairForFun1]

@georgef551 is it good at about 12 feet thats how long the room is that i plan on putting it in, also when i get the 120 how far can i set it from the wall besfor it starts to distort?

[georgef551]

@HeairForFun1

It gets pretty nastly-looking when you get larger, like 32" or so. The resolution is only 320x240, so you'll see the delta RGB dot pattern quite well.

For a starter, it good enough. If you want it to look good, get an MPro120 (3M), or a 150 for something brighter.

[HeairForFun1]

@georgef551 ok, well how far is the projector from the wall in feet? for best picture i know for that price its not amazing but just something i can watch my movies on

[georgef551]

@HeairForFun1

It was 5 feet from the wall, in the close demo. 13 in the "large" test.

[Balarick]

good for a starter projector.

[georgef551]

@Balarick

True. Not too bad for a kiddie, or starter.

For anything serious, Pico PJ's are better.