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Marantz Announces VP-11S1 Single Chip 1080p High Definition DLP Projector (28/9/2006)

£9,999.90 - Magic numbers make Marantz's ultimate High Def projector the best yet

Marantz's new flagship High Definition DLP projector, the VP-11S1, embraces some mind-boggling figures. The device can generate more than 68 billion colours: it displays images in the very ultimate High Definition signal, 1080p; this image can measure a staggering seven metres and still be pin sharp; it has an exceptional native contrast ratio of 6500:1 without any need for dynamic contrast circuitry; then there's the brightness of 700 ANSI.

The most staggering figure, however, is the price. At £10,000 it's the most competitively priced 1080p DLP projector you can currently buy, although at such exalted levels these things are somewhat relative.

The VP-11S1 DLP projector is capable of displaying images in a resolution of 1920 X 1080 pixels progressive (1080p), thanks to its implementation of the very latest DLPª 0,95" 1080p single DMD chip from Texas Instruments. Allied to a 10-bit professional Gennum GF9351 Video Exellence Processing (VXP) chipset, developed specifically for the VP-11S1 - the most powerful video processor ever included in a video display - images from the projector rewrite the rules for any imaging solution.

Elsewhere you'll find CEC (Chroma Error Compensation) for sharp edges, a newly developed, high-speed, seven segment colour wheel with neutral density (ND) filter, new bespoke optics with extended zoom function for reliable and highly accurate images, a pair of HDMI inputs, two HD-ready analogue component inputs, plus a new remote handset with backlight.

Completing the package is the noise reducing die-cast aluminum chassis for close to no fan noise. This cabinet is double sealed, as is the optical path, for zero light leakage which is completely shielded to stop dust entering the light engine.

Digital Light Processing Technology

Key to the VP-11S1's unprecedented image reproduction capabilities is the inclusion of the world's first 0,95" 1080p single DMD High Definition chip from Texas Instruments, which more than doubles the pixel count of previous 720p chips to over 2 million pixels. The super-reflective micromirrors of the new DLP chip are smaller, making the total area only approximately 1.4 times as large as a 720p chip, while the 0,95" 1080p design tightens the space between the mirrors for even less pixelation than before. In addition this chipset operates at a higher speed, reducing dither noise in low light portions of the image. The chip is now controlled by dual drivers, Texas Instruments' newly developed DDP3021. Used in parallel, the drivers provide precise control over the more numerous mirrors and enable 12-bit gamma processing, resulting in the expression of image gradations that are four times richer. This allows the VP-11S1 to display an astounding 68-plus billion colors on screen! Accompanied with a 200W SHP lamp assembly a large improvement on brightness is realized. This brings the viewer unprecedented black levels, contrast ratio, and even better low level accuracy than before, making shadow details more visible and rivaling film in its dynamic range.

Gennum Video Processing

The crowning achievement on this VP-11S1 is a completely new video processing engine. This chipset was developed by Gennum (specifically for the VP-11S1) and is the most powerful video processor ever included in a video display device - consumer or professional. Gennum's GF9351 10-bit image processing system-on-a-chip (SoC) sets new benchmarks for video realism and processing flexibility. The GF9351 features Gennum’s latest de-interlacing algorithms with dynamic edge detection and film mode processing for both HDTV and SDTV interlaced formats. Content adaptive noise reduction and detail enhancement algorithms remove unwanted noise while improving image detail for a cinematic HDTV experience. It offers true motion adaptive de-interlacing of all non-progressive sources - HD included - with inverse telecine (3:2 pull down), jagged edge reduction circuitry, and 4:4:4 processing at a true 10-bit color depth (over 1 billion colors displayed).

New customized optics

The VP-11S1 incorporates a new lens from Konica-Minolta, which is custom ground and contains 14 elements. All lenses are finished by multi-coating treatment, eliminating any excessive glare. The fully sealed optics is assembled in a clean room, ensuring consistently high-quality images unaffected by dust throughout a long period of use. The selectable iris is built into the lens of this optical engine.

Sealed optical path and silent construction

The chassis of the VP-11S1 is constructed of aluminum casting to prevent electro-magnetic interference and provide a good grounding point for the electric circuitry. The path of the air flow is carefully engineered to suppress the fan noise. This solid construction also works as a secondary sealing of the light path to prevent any light leakage. Noise cancellation elements such as the cabinet structure, as well as sealing the colour wheel motor, make the VP-11S1 extremely quiet.

Extensive Controls for Flexible Installation

The VP-11S1 has a control section that was designed specifically with the high-end custom installer in mind. Not only are there discrete codes for every function of the projector, but there are also numerous ways to control it as well. In addition to the IR from either the front or rear panel, the projector can also be hardwired for IR and even RS232C control. 2 DC triggers allow a screen to go up/down automatically by turning on/of the VP-11s1 and two panels to drop down on the sides of a 16:9 screen, whenever NORMAL is selected on the remote for watching 4:3 content.

www.marantz.com