Dell 5100MP Image Tearing Problems

We just purchased two Dell 5100MP's and are having the same problem on both projectors. This makes me think it is not a problem with your projector. We are also having the same problem using a M1/DVI cable. Maybe someone from Dell could add some insight into our problems. 

Thanks for the information!  I finally contacted Dell Support and asked whether or not it was a defect or "by design" and instead of answering the question, they sent me a replacement projector.  Sure enough, the replacement projector has exactly the same problem.  It is interesting to note however that the replacement projector has firmware v1.4 vs. my original projector which is at v1.0.  I was hoping the newer firmware meant they fixed the problem but apparently this is not the case.  And I still can't believe there is nothing on the Internet about this, as I have searched high and low.

 

Did you use a M1 to DVI cable for testing DVI output to the projector or did you use a DVI to RGB adapter?  I am curious as I just picked up a M1 to DVI cable this morning hoping that would solve my HTPC connection dilemma.  If you have not tried the M1 to DVI solution, I will let you know what I find after I try it out tonight.

 

I also tried running my video card's (GeForce 7800GS) DVI output to the HDMI input of the projector but the HDMI connector only supports HDTV specific resolutions no matter what I do so that is not a viable option either.  In fact, I think I was so disappointed by this I forgot to check whether the image tearing was present or not.  I will verify that tonight too.

 

I sincerely hope this is an issue which can be fixed by a future firmware update as opposed to a hardware limitation.  Even though they classify it as a business-class projector, I would be a bit upset if I was using it to show a DVD presentation given the level of image tearing present.

Ok, I have done some more testing and here are my results:

All signals provided by an analog means to the projector (RGB to M1, VGA or BNC) no matter what resolution is used (even HDTV formats) show image tearing during fast-motion video.  The only exception to this is, an analog HDTV signal connected directly to the projector via a component cable will not show image tearing (I could only test with 1080i but I am assuming 720p would work fine too).

All non-HDTV signals (all standard computer resolutions 8x6 up to 16x12) connected digitally to the projector via a DVI to M1 cable, still show image tearing.  Any standard HDTV signal (480i/p, 540p, 720p or 1080i) digitally connected to the projector via a DVI to M1 cable or via HDMI will NOT show image tearing.  This holds true whether or not the signal is being suppied by a stand-alone DVD player (in this case an Oppo 971) or from the DVI output of a video card.  As soon as I switch the DVI output of my video card to a non-HDTV resolution, the image tearing comes back.

This leads me to believe the projector is capable of correctly "locking on" to any signal but that timing values are only set correctly for HDTV resolutions.  I will spend some more time messing around with the advanced timing settings on my GeForce 7800GS over the next few days.  Maybe the issue can be temporarily solved from the user side while Dell figures out a permanent solution to the problem (assuming it is not a hardware limitation).

But if this is not something Dell can fix via firmware, then the 5100MP is a flawed design, business-class rated or not.

I have a 5100mp that is driving my crazy with the same tearing problem.  I wish more then anything there would be a firmware update that would address this problem.  I use my projector primarily with my computer at the native resolution of 1400x1050.  That is the only resolution I care to have run smooth.  I run everything at that resolution because running any other resolution is plain dumb.

 

I have a Nvidia Geforce FX 5900XT connected using DVI to HDMI.  There are some pretty elaborite timing settings on the card that can be adjusted.  If someone would just tell me the correct settings to make it work perfect that would be nice.

 

Dell please comment on a solution.

 

I also am trying to get the 12v relay output to control my screen but as far as I can tell the port does not do anything.  Some Adequate information about that would be nice also.  Does it need to be enabled some how or what.

Never mind my comments about the 12v relay output on the projector.  It seems that it works fine just that the plug that I bought from radio shack to use in the connector with the exact specifications dells lists in it's manuals was not getting a connection unless I would forcefully hold it up.  That was dissapointing.

 

I am going to ask another question now that I am pretty sure will never get answered like many questions on this forum.. What if any are the protection circuits accociated with that 12v output.

 

TIA

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techn0 wrote:

I have a Nvidia Geforce FX 5900XT connected using DVI to HDMI.  There are some pretty elaborite timing settings on the card that can be adjusted.  If someone would just tell me the correct settings to make it work perfect that would be nice.

 

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I have a feeling you just explained how to get the projector to display the native 1400x1050 with DVI.  I was already able to do that.  I want more then anything to be able to enjoy an action movie with this projector without the image tearing.  Most people who watch my 5100mp do not notice it but I sure do and I want it to work correctly.  I think dell should at least say something about this issue.  All of us 5100mp owners spent $3000+ on these things.  That alone should warrent some correct meassures on your part.

 

Since my original posting on here I have upgraded my home theater PC to a dual core 3.2Ghz P4 with a nvidia 6600GT pci-x and nothing got better with this projector.

 

I want to know what port 23 is for and I want the tearing issue fixed.  Please respond DELL.

 

Chris

I too was close to sending my unit back when I stumbled onto both the cause and the solution to the 5100MP's image tearing problem; especially after having noticed that others were posting similar complaints.  What caused me to hesitate was a reputable review I had read on the unit prior to its purchase.  It seemed very unlikely that this particular reviewer would have fabricated such a positive analysis of the product.  Turns out the reviewer had some dumb luck working in his favor.

After tinkering with all the various input options for some time, I noticed that image tearing would go away every time I powered the unit up AFTER a signal was present on a given input port.  A critical detail to the resolution of the problem was having the unit power up on the active port without doing a scan through available ports.  Every time the unit was cycled through a port scan, regardless of being powered up with an active signal on a given port, the tearing problem would once again be manifested.

So to solve the tearing issue you have two options.  The long winded solution is to power the unit up, select your desired input source, then power the unit down and up again while the given input source is active.  Or, power the unit up on the last active input port making sure that a signal is present on the port prior to turning the unit on.  It's dumb, but it resolves the tearing issue for any given input type (analog or digital).

You will find that some PC video cards are too smart in the way they power up.  For example, if you have a graphics card with a DVI connector and a standard VGA port, if you power up the PC without a device present on the DVI or VGA connector, the VGA port will be activated by default.  If you then power up the projector while it is connected to the DVI port it will cause the graphics adapter to switch to the active port, however the projector does not sense an active signal on power up in this instance, and you will once again see image tearing.  The only solution in this case is to power down the unit on the now active DVI port and then power it up again to have sync correctly restored.

If this all sounds really stupid .... IT IS!!!  Clearly this is a design flaw in the 5100MP.  As dumb as the problem is, fortunately there is an equally dumb workaround.  I have not been able to find the equivalent of a "reboot" of the unit while it is already powered up.  If someone discovers such a solution, please share your findings.

Now for the juicy bits on using this projector for home theater applications, and the reason I gambled on purchasing this particular unit in the first place …

For optimal video playback results (and this also includes using the projector for PC graphics applications) you will want to connect the unit to your PC graphics adapter’s DVI port, but with a DVI to HDMI converter dongle, so that you are plugging into the projectors HDMI port.  One might assume that this port only accepts HiDef signal types, but provided you’re using an NVidia graphics card that supports a HiDef connection through its DVI port, you will be able to drive the projector at its optimal native resolution of 1400x1050.  DO NOT use any other setting as this will degrade the image quality.  HiDef setting do work and are “ok”, but not nearly as good.

In my case, I’m using an NVidia 7200 graphics adapter that is advertised to support HiDef connections on its DVI port.  It also happens to have an analog component HiDef output that I am not using.  I mention this because it might be the case that other types of graphics adapters may not be suitable for being adapted to HDMI usage (though I suspect this is not the case).

You will want to have the projector set to its PC Mode when connected this way.  In this mode, you will discover that color rendition and image clarity is simply STUNNING.  I am using an HP s3020n Slimline PC with a half height NVidia 7200 installed in the PC’s express PCI slot.  I mention this for those that are looking for a very quiet and attractively styled PC for use as their HiDef/HD DVD video and audio source for the 5100MP.  The PC is running Vista Ultimate edition.  You will discover that Microsoft’s media player is not up to the task of playing back HiDef signals.  It’s TOO SLOW.  I purchased WinDVD Pro (Platimun?) and DivX Corporate edition to be able to play most of the common DVD and internet video formats.  In addition, I also installed CCCP (free) to be able to playback Matroska HiDef video files (installed full base + media player classic, you don’t need the zoom player).  You will want to project onto a screen that is in the $2K range that is described as being “ultra flat”.  Some screens have an annoying level of waviness that will noticeably compromise your image quality.

The above combination will allow you to watch HiDef TV broadcasts, HiDef DVD’s and even Blue Ray quality level video content with a level of fidelity that cannot be achieved without spending several thousand dollars or more on esoteric separate audio/video components.  The 5100MP’s colors, brightness and resolution when driven as described above will outshine ANY LCD/Plasma monitor presently on the market regardless of cost.  The only issue you will notice is color banding on content that has a CG origin.  For some reason, I never notice the problem on conventional video sources.

This is the “poor mans” high end solution some of you have been looking for.  Only an IMAX theater will be able to significantly improve on your movie watching experience.  Typical local movie theaters will look blurry and pale when compared to this rig.  It would be nice to see Dell produce a PC that is the equal of the HP s3020n in terms of look/capability and price.

So if you thought you had made a dumb decision purchasing this unit, you’re in luck, dumb – dumb = 0 in this case.  Enjoy your dumb luck.