Marantz Debuts First-Ever DLP Video Projector
New VP-8000 Utilizes Digital Light Processing Technology for Spectacular Image Quality Expanding the companyís position as a premier supplier of ultimate-performance video components, Marantz America has announced the introduction of its VP-8000 DLP Projector, a high-end video display device utilizing Texas Instruments DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology to produce images of extraordinary resolution, brightness and contrast. The ultra-portable VP-8000 measures just 13-inch x 9-1/2-inch x 3-7/8-inch and weighs less than 7 pounds, and offers a host of operational and convenience features that make it the ideal projector for custom home theater installations and portable applications. The Marantz VP-8000 employs advanced DLP technology to project images with far greater brightness and higher resolution than conventional LCD projectors, along with an exceptional 500:1 contrast ratio. Unlike LCD projectors, which suffer light loss in the process of polarizing and transmitting the light beam, DLP uses a series of miniature mirrors to reflect light and create the image, a much more efficient projection method with a more seamless, less ""pixelated"" image quality. Because DLP is a digital system rather than the conventional analog system used in CRT projectors, a signal from a digital video source such a DVD player remains digital through the entire video chain without conversion to analog at the projector. The result is noise-free picture quality with extraordinary gray scale and color resolution. Thanks to its state-of-the-art single-chip DLP technology and Marantzís powerful P-VIP lamp system, the Marantz VP-8000 delivers a remarkable 700 ANSI lumens brightness. The VP-8000 can project a super-sharp picture from 40 to 275 inches diagonal measurement, making it ideal for use wherever a very large, ultimate-quality video image is desired. The VP-8000 is compatible with virtually any video program source, featuring component video, S-video and composite video connections as well as an RGB computer input. The VP-8000 can operate in either native progressive scan or (line-doubled mode) depending on the signal source. The VP-8000 can display a progressive scan image from a DVD-Video player, 480p DTV set top converter or computer, or a line-doubled image from any NTSC source using Marantzís exclusive 3-D Motion Adaptive Line Doubling to convert an interlaced video signal to a progressive scan signal. The VP-8000 automatically scales down or upconverts video sources as necessary. The Marantz VP-8000 offers a wealth of operational and convenience features for total viewing flexibility in home theatre environments. The projector can be set to display either 16:9 widescreen or standard 4:3 aspect ratios, and features three viewing modes - Theater, Normal and Dynamic for maximum big-picture enjoyment. For exceptionally realistic and natural image quality, the Marantz VP-8000 is calibrated to three color temperatures including correct NTSC 6500? color temperature, and if desired, provision for easy manual adjustment is provided. The VP-8000ís advanced P-VIP lamp system provides thousands of hours of life, and includes a lamp life elapsed time display with a Replace Lamp indicator that activates when the lamp has less than 100 hours of life left. All functions of the Marantz VP-8000 are easily operated by the supplied remote control and advanced on-screen menu. The VP-8000 includes remote in/out and 12V DC trigger connections for integrated operation in a custom installation - for example, the VP-8000 can send a command to lower a projection screen after the VP-8000 is turned on. In addition, the VP-8000ís remote control offers a full complement of functions, including a Digital Zoom and Freeze function allows the viewer to zoom in on any of five points on the screen and magnify them to four-times normal size. The Marantz VP-8000 marks a new generation of large-screen projection TV, with image quality, brightness and clarity that far surpasses previously available front projection technology. The Marantz VP-8000 will be available fall 1999 at a price to be announced. For more information, contact Mark Stein at 630 307 3108 or 800 654 6633 x 3108.