Audio Video News

Lightweight video projectors are the hottest tickets in home theater. Marantz has taken the concept to a new level of performance with the HDTV-ready VP-12S1.

Incorporating both Texas Instruments' Digital Light Processing ™ technology and Faroudja's Directional Correlation De-interlacing (DCDi ™), the VP-12S1 is a true high-definition projector, compatible with all analog and digital video formats, including NTSC, PAL, SECAM, and all modes of ATSC. The VP-12SI can also display computer-generated images at all levels of resolution, from VGA to XGA. An IEEE 1394 ("FireWire") connector allows direct playback from digital video cameras. An RS232C port allows external control via computer. Three preset color temperatures enable easy setup in almost any room.

But movies are where the new Marantz really shines. At the heart of its optical system is a 1280 x 720 pixel Digital Micromirror Device (DMD™) with a 16:9 aspect ratio, whose beam is focussed through newly developed custom optics from Minolta. The VP-12SI produces a brightness of 700 ANSI Lumens, yet is capable of truly midnight blacks thanks to an astounding 1200:1 contrast ratio. 3-2 pulldown progressive scan film detection makes for beautiful displays of material shot originally on film (24fps). 10-bit digital gamma processing and Faroudja DCDi™ further extend the VP-12SI's video capabilities. The projector's four aspect ratios accommodate all video and film formats.

Projected images are free from the "halo effect," and will have brightness uniformity within 10% across the entire screen. The high-output lamp has a rated lifespan of 2000 hours, a conservative specification when the VP-12SI's "economy lamp mode" is engaged.

Dark and quiet: the projector's sealed optical path and cabinet completely block the escape of stray light; its sealed color wheel motor and noise-canceling fan housing keep the VP-12SI purring like a kitten. Installation and setup are easy thanks to horizontal and vertical keystone correction, up/down shift lens construction, and a short throw distance---only 8.6' of projector-to-screen distance is needed to cast an 80" diagonal image. The VP-12SI retails at a suggested price of $12,499.