Marantz VP-12S4 DLP Projector
Marantz America introduced the VP-12S4, a reference-quality DLP projector with a rather elegant pearlescent cosmetic.
Noted Kevin Zarow, Director of Marketing and Product Development, Marantz America, Inc: "The VP-12S4 is truly the next step in the evolution of high-end single-chip DLP projection. For home theater enthusiasts who will settle for nothing but the best in high-definition images, this projector simply has no equal in its category. We used all of our engineering expertise to create a DLP projector that would meet the needs of even the most discriminating viewer. The end result has exceeded all expectations.
New to the VP-12S4 and responsible for its video performance is the leading-edge GF9350 10-bit image processing chip with Visual Excellence Processing from Gennum Corporation, a world leader in broadcast image processing and video transport solutions. The VP-12S4 is the first projector in the world to utilize the new Gennum chip. Benefits of the VXP include per-pixel processing of all SDTV and HDTV video signals, multi-directional edge adaptive processing and robust inverse 3:2 and 2:2 processing of film-based inputs. In addition, uncompromised 1080i motion adaptive video deinterlacing circuitry virtually eliminates all motion artifacts when converting standard interlaced video signals to progressive scan output.
Marantz engineers designed the VP-12S4 for superb image clarity, brightness and color reproduction. In addition to the Gennum 10-bit chipset, the VP-12S4 incorporates the latest Texas Instruments 16 x 9 high-definition HD2+ DMD chip which produces images with higher brightness, improved black level and a stated 4000:1 contrast ratio. The VP-12S4 also features Marantz's proprietary ORCA Color Correction Filter, filtering light to achieve better color accuracy, with more realistic reproduction of green hues.
The VP-12S4 utilizes a new medium-throw Minolta lens (specially-built for Marantz) in addition to the long- and short-throw lenses. Providing a wider zoom range and adjustable iris, these custom lenses have double-sealed optics to prevent light leakage, keep out dust and eliminate the "halo" effect that can degrade image quality in other projector designs. The lenses also feature an increased lens shift capability over previous models, allowing for a vertical alignment up to a maximum 50% of the screen height above the screen.
The VP-12S4 is compatible with virtually every digital and analog video program source; and the projector includes dual HDMI inputs. It also includes an input multiplexer that supports up to four separate inputs (great for multiple source use and device-specific calibration). In addition, the VP-12S4 also provides high-bandwidth HD component video, component video, S-video and composite video connections as well as analog RGB computer inputs.
The VP-12S4 can display a native 720p progressive scan image from a DVD-Video player, HDTV set-top box, computer (up to XGA resolution) or an upconverted image from any NTSC source - as well as 480i and 1080i images.
A newly designed on-screen menu system facilitates setup and calibration. The projector can be optimized to display both 16:9 widescreen or standard 4:3 aspect ratios with four viewing modes: Theater, Standard, Dynamic and Custom. The VP-12S4's Lens Shift feature allows the image to be shifted up or down and projected through the upper or lower portion of the lens; this function and its horizontal keystone correction enable the VP-12S4 to achieve correct picture geometry if the projector is not mounted exactly parallel to the screen.
For integrated operation in a custom installation, the VP-12S4 includes remote in/out connections, an RS232C control port and two DC trigger connections that can trigger two different operations. For example, the projector can be set to reconfigure a dual-aspect ratio projection screen whenever the aspect ratio of the program source changes from 16:9 to 4:3. All functions are accessible via the VP-12S4's remote control and on-screen menu.
The VP-12S4 will be available in January of 2005 with a suggested retail price of $13,499 for the short-and medium-throw lens and $16,499 for the long-throw lens.
Marantz also announced its three-chip VP-10S1 High-Definition DLP Projector. Introduced at CES 2004, the Marantz VP-10S1 incorporates three Texas Instruments 16 x 9 high-definition HD2 1280 x 720 DMD chips, delivering unprecedented picture quality in every respect with standard-setting sharpness, resolution and clarity.
The VP-10S1 is currently available with a suggested retail price of $37,999.
Additional information is available at www.marantz.com .
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