Marantz Shows Off VP-11S1 1080P DLP Projector with Long Throw Lens
By Chris Boylan
At CEDIA Expo in Denver last week, Marantz showcased its VP11S1 projector ($19,999) with a brand new optional long-throw lens that will allow it to be used in more installations due to its deeper throw distance.
The VP-11S1 is a single-chip DLP® front projector which features full upconversion capability for all video sources to 1080p HD resolution. Key to the VP-11S1's image reproduction capabilities is the inclusion of Texas Instruments' first true 1080p HD chip, which more than doubles the pixel count of previous 720p chips to over 2 million pixels. And to make all these pixels really count, the projector also includes Visual Excellence Processing™ (VXP) from Gennum Corporation.
The VP-11S1 features the die-cast aluminum chassis of Marantz' VP-12 series, coupled with the latest in custom fully-sealed 13 element all-glass optics from Konica-Minolta. Its rated brightness comes in between 600 and 700 ANSI Lumens and its rated contrast is a whopping 6,500:1. For enhanced color accuracy, the integrated color filters are optimized to match the spectral characteristics of the 200 Watt DC SuperHighPressure lamp assembly. The color wheel itself spins at 10,800 RPM which correlates to a color frame rate of 6x, minimizing the possibility of RBE (rainbow effect).
The Marantz VP11S1 - 1080P DLP goodness with a 6X color wheel.
The VP-11S1 includes dual HDMI inputs, HD-capable component video, S-video, composite video and analog RGB connections. It also includes vertical lens shift to accomodate ceiling mounting without having to resort to electronic keystoning which can degrade the image by compromising the image geometry and decreasing the usable pixel count.
Marantz demonstrated the VP-11S1 in a darkened theater set-up with both DVD and HD demo material, using and Ultramat screen from Stewart with 1.5 gain. A high definition clip of the band Godsmack (featuring a killer drum duet) rocked my world, and reminded me that my old band Static 13 actually opened for these guys, and now here they are on the big screen and here I am writing about it. But hey, I bet their home theater rigs don't hold a candle to mine, so I won't complain too much.
The VP-11S1 is definitely a worthy contender in the 1080p projector market. If you have the coin, then definitely check it out.
