Anyone know what DLP chip is used in the Vidikron Vision Model 12. Also, what are peoples opinions on these last generation high end projectors compared with a more modern 1080p from a lesser company? I'm thinking of buying a Panasonic AE3000 or BenQ W5000 projector and moving into 1080p. I keep reading though that some people feel these higher end projectors offer a superior picture, even though the resolution is less. Given my digital photography background, I can relate to the idea that shear pixel density has little correlation to what the image actually looks like. However, given the same source with the same source resolution, I do wonder what aspects are so improved.

I understand how better optics can improve the picture. It makes sense to me that companies like Vidikron will use better optics than say a company like Panasonic. My current Yamaha LPX-510 clearly has better optics than many of the other lcd projectors of the time, and thus it had a sharper image with a more uniform picture.

Most of the projectors I'm looking at have decent internal processing, and the DCDi used in my Yamaha and the Vidikron isn't state of the art anymore. In fact, I'm guessing that, like my Yamaha, very little processing can be done over the HDMI signal.

Ok and for color. I hear people commonly say that older DLP simply could not match the color brilliance of LCD. I also have a first generation Yamaha DPX-1 DLP and there is no doubt in my mind that the colors are less accurate and less brilliant than on the LPX-510. However, what about today. I don't imagine that Vidikron and Runco would have made the decision to use DLP if they didn't feel it could offer a superior image to LCD in every way. I know there has been huge improvements in the color wheels. Do colors on these dlp's match that of the lcd's today. Would the Vidikron offer superior color to a modern BenQ DLP or Panasonic LCD unit?

http://www.vidikron.com/vm12.html
http://www.aboutprojectors.com/Vidikron-Vision-Model-12-projector.html

neither of those lists the particular dlp chip used. I was wondering if it was an hd2+, darkchip 3, etc.

The Model 12 is a 1024 x 576 chip. My guess is that it's TI's Matterhorn chip. That chip design is 5+ years old now. Although it was top notch in its day, it has of course been surpassed. In addition, the 576 resolution is low by today's standards. I think you'll be happy with a new projector, dispite the fact that the optics probably won't be as good.

Jim

This is a quote from CraigW last February:

I upgraded from a Sharp DT300 (Matterhorn DLP) to the Epson Pro 1080UB. I have a few issues so Epson is sending me a replacement, but my first impressions were that I did not take a step backwards and I thought it was a significant upgrade. Again I am comparing to a 2003 DLP unit so I would expect it to be.

The DT300 is probably comparable to the Model 10 (same 1024 x 576 chip) although I have a feeling that the Vidikron still has better optics.

Jim

It's a 1280x720, says right in the two links provided. It's a few years newer than you seem to think. THe model ten was as you suggested I believe.

The native resolution is listed as:

1280 x 768 16:9 Native Resolution Digital Light Processing™ (DLP™), Single Chip DMD™

The 768 is the key. TI started producing cheaper, smaller DC2 chips in that resolution back around 2006 with the intent that they could get economies of scale by having chips that could be used in either business or HT projectors.

I don't know if TI ever produced a DC3 version of the 768p chip. I would start by searching for that, and if you can't find any 768p DC3 projectors, you'll have your answer.

Of course you're both right. I don't know why I had the Model 10 in my mind. But I think the 10 and 12 came out at the same time.

Jim

The native resolution is listed as:

1280 x 768 16:9 Native Resolution Digital Light Processing™ (DLP™), Single Chip DMD™

The 768 is the key. TI started producing cheaper, smaller DC2 chips in that resolution back around 2006 with the intent that they could get economies of scale by having chips that could be used in either business or HT projectors.

I don't know if TI ever produced a DC3 version of the 768p chip. I would start by searching for that, and if you can't find any 768p DC3 projectors, you'll have your answer.

Looks like TI did produce a DC3 version of the 768p chip. The Optoma HD73 is an example.

I would be willing to bet that this Vidikron uses the DC2 version of that chip though. I'm basing that guess on the fact that the marketing material does not state DC3 (often when a PJ uses TI's best version of chip the mfg lists it, when the PJ uses a lesser chip no mention is made), the list price seems too cheap for what Vidikron would charge for a DC3, and the CR listed in the spec is more in line with a spec you would see from DC2 rather than DC3. None of those reasons point 100% towards DC2 though.

I would assume DC2 unless you can find proof otherwise. :)

I don't believe Vidikron ever tells which chip they are using. Even their top of the line price no object units don't seem to mention the particular chip used either. They give it names like Super Onyx, which maybe means DC3 or DC4, I don't know.