Marantz VP-11S1 DLP Projector Review

The Marantz’s VP-11S1, is a true, native 1080p, high definition, projector offering home theatre devotees a high-end platform for enjoying the latest high-definition formats including both Blu-Ray and HD DVD.

Headline features include:

.95 1080p DarkChip3 DMD
a 6500:1 contrast ratio,
a GENNUM GF9351 VXP technology chip for video processing,
custom optics by Konica-Minolta,
improved 6x color wheel.

The Marantz VP-11S1 DLP projector is based on a single Texas Instruments .95 1080p DarkChip3 DMD microdisplay chip. This chip has the highest fill ratio (smallest gap between micro-mirrors on DMD chip) of its family yet. The DarkChip2 is the latest DLP technology offering higher brightness and contrast then previous versions. The DarkChip3 DMD chip has the full two million and some micro-mirrors for the 2 megapixels required for 1080p high definition display (1920 x 1080). The VP-11S1 is a native 1080p projector, does not use Wobulation, or Smooth Picture if you use Texas Instruments terminology. Read Presentation Technologies review HP-MD6580 and MD5880 1080p Rear Projection HDTV which covers Wobulation in detail.

The DarkChip3 DMD 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 (video signal deliberately distorted so that, after it has been distorted again by the display device, the viewer sees the correct brightness), 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.

The Gennum GF9351 video processor with Visual Excellence Processing™ (VXP™) technology is capable of some 500 million floating point operations per second To quote from Gennum’s press release, “Using technologies such as TruMotionHD™ intelligent motion-adaptive de-interlacing and film cadence processing, and RealityExpansion™ 10-bit color processing, the GF9351 produces natural images uncompromised by jagged edges, noise and flickering frequently found in other video solutions.” The GF9351 will process high definition, 1920×1080 signals at full resolution transferring them at full resolution to the DMD.
The contrast ratio of 6,500:1 is impressive and should provide excellent definition even in the darkest scenes. The 600/700 ANSI lumens rate the projector for the home theatre market for which it is intended.

Marantz have moved to further reduce the possibility of rainbow effects from the single chip design by improving the 6x, seven-segment color wheel with new color filters. The color wheel now spins at a healthy 10,800 rpm which is 20 percent faster than the previous VP-12S4 model.

To provide a top-quality optics train for the home theatre user, Marantz have opted for a custom, fully sealed, 13 element, all-glass optics assembly from Konica-Minolta.

The Marantz VP-11S1 has a range of connection types for wider compatibility with other home entertainment system components. There are two HDMI inputs, HD component video, S-video, composite video, analog RGB connections, remote in/out connections and RS-232C serial control ports.

For installation flexibility the projector has a vertical lens shift allowing the projector to be positioned above the top of the screen.

Marantz provide a generous 3 year warranty which implies they have confidence in the reliability of their equipment.

Those looking for a less expensive competitor may wish to look at Sony’s VPL-VW100 projector.