[Paul H]

It was a difficult choice for me to make, and the Marantz VP-12S1 won out.


Several reasons were painstakingly thought about.


The price was not one of my issues. In fact, I purchased/ordered the Marantz VP-12S1 in a local USA B&M for $11,999.00, instead of the Japanese import for $6,542.00. The issue there being that I made it known that I would consider the USA purchase, only if any bothersome light flicker manifestation, if it should develop, would be considered an unsatisfying defect requiring replacement within the warranty period and/or a buy back at USA market prices within a fair and reasonable time thereafter.


Given the potential problem of the Marantz DLP, I looked seriously at the JVC D-ILA 150CL.


It was noted that the 150CL had a Native Resolution of 1.4 M pixels (1,365 x 1,024 pixels) resolution (4:3 SXGA), and the Marantz 12S1 Native Resolution of: 1280x720 Pixels (16:9 WXGA).


It was determined, that using the projector (native), with a current 480P component DVD player, that the Marantz picture would probably look better out of the box. This is not to say that the JVC picture could not be made to look even better than the Marantz with an up converted DVD signal via Faroudja or other scaler processor, but that would involve much more technical connection, adjustment and calibration. Both can be ISF calibrated.


So, with DVD movies and HDTV (local and Satellite) as my primary sources, the Marantz IMHO, seemed more appropriate (Given my current knowledgeable level).

Question:


It's been stated that a good rule of thumb for the optimal sitting distance is between 1.5-2x the size of the screen width for an XGA DLP (Marantz VP-12S1 is a 16:9 WXGA). My seating distance is only 14ft. using a Fire Hawk ScreenWall 4 Way ElectriMask (16:9 - 110" Diagonal - 96" width 54" height)

What would have been the optimal distance using a D-ILA (4:3 SXGA) projector, to a comparable 16:9 110" diagonal size screen?


Thanks,


Paul

 

[John Moschella]

Paul,

I am a little confused. Did you demo these projectors? How did you make your decision?


John Moschella

 

[QQQ]

I was just going to ask the same question. I assume you saw the Marantz at your dealer but you make no mention of seeing the 150CL.

 

[Paul H]

Quote:

I am a little confused. Did you demo these projectors? How did you make your decision?

Hi John,


Sorry for not being more specific.


To give you some background. - On an earlier thread, I mentioned I was going to get the JVC 150CL and a Stewart Screen. This thread was posted to let folks know that I changed from the JVC to the Marantz.


The Marantz 12S1 was the only projector that was available to demo at this point in time. The dealer that helped me would have been the one to sell me the JVC 150CL too.


My decision was made based on the information supplied to me by AVS and also the Marantz/JVC dealer. The biggest drawing point to the Marantz was that native analog signals from both the Marantz projector and the 480 progressive component DVD signal wouldn't have to be processed further for the Optimum performance of the picture.


That, and not knowing how silent the JVC 150CL's fan have become. The brochure I received from JVC only mentioned that the noise level of the fan was decreased. It did not give any specification on the level. IMHO, if it was decreased dramatically to an acceptable level, they should at least advertise the dB value for sales purposes. In any case, I based my choice on the information I had at hand.


Best Regards,

Paul

 

[thebland]

IMHO, you picked the wrong projector.


Add a nice scaler and Panamorph (or ISCO) to the JVC, and it'll blow the DLP out of the water.


Though there is no DVI input and the 150CL is quieter, the JVC G-15 (which uses the same panel) can be for about the price that would allow a LEEZA and Panamorph purchase for the same total cost as a 150CL.


I only mention the add-ons since money isn't an issue.


No DLP rainbows or headaches to boot.


(O.K. - I am biased as the above set-up is going into my soon to be completed room)


BTW, I am going with the Stewart Micro-Perf!


Jeff

 

[QQQ]

OK, this is getting funny and I am going to pick on both of you guys. Paul picks the Marantz over the JVC, but has never seen the JVC. Fair enough, and I appreciate you giving us your reasons.


But now Jeff jumps in and tells Paul he has made the wrong decision. But the last posts I saw from Jeff also indicated he had not seen the JVC yet either. Jeff, has that changed? Have you seen the JVC AND the Marantz?

 

[MichaelZ]

Paul H, I would get that in writing, that flickering would be considered a defect and fixable under warranty. If the bulb is the problem, then it is clearly not under the normal warranty, so without it in writing you would have no recourse (legally). CYA!

 

[Paul H]

Jeff:
Quote:

Add a nice scaler and Panamorph (or ISCO) to the JVC, and it'll blow the DLP out of the water.

That is a possibility, and had I been more technically inclined, would have waited to see for myself.


Already looking forward to the next time, it will then be called an upgrade, and it will have to be native 1080P and by then I will have learned my way around the Home Theater.


Paul


Michael:
Quote:

If the bulb is the problem, then it is clearly not under the normal warranty

Good point, although the local store know's they would lose my future business. This was intended as a safety factor for me through the store, How Marantz and/or the bulb company would view it is another matter. I'm sure the store would/will deal with it in the best way they can using their business potential.


Paul

 

[toddalin]

Did you consider the Hitachi SX-5500W at now under $5,900? Its has the resolution of the JVC, a quiter fan, (I've heard better contrast than the JVC) and to my eye, a better picture than the DLPs that I previewed (lots at the last CES in Las Vegas as well as at the local distributors). To my eye, the DLP appear as small colored squares with a darkened centers. On my Hitachi LCOS there are no squares nor bordering (screen door). When you put your face up to the screen (I use a 78" Firehawk), the picture appears as a portrait painted in a canvas where you faintly see the fabric of the canvas through the color (more of a texture thing).


I know there are some bad things said about this projector, but the good ones are awesome. I know of at least one 'net sales distributor that will preview the projector before shipment so you won't get a bad one. They also just happen to be about the cheapest place to buy and offer free shipping.

 

[MichaelZ]

toddalin, I've yet to see a LCOS (off color blacks, low contrast, screen door) come close to a good dlp and a Dila is a step up from that - if fully calibrated, etc. but who want a jet engine in the HT room? The Marantz's picture is very,very good (I do not or have not seen the screen door effect you talk about on the Marantz) and it is painless to setup and is very quiet. It unfortunately, that it has some problems but I can understand Paul's point of view on this.

 

[d4lions]

QQQ-


I have got your back on this one (nice pic by the way) LOL... I thought Alan and Co were doing away with them, but Enrico Palini (Rat Race) ... Its a Race... I am winning...winning



Paul - Although you did no wrong by buying that projector, as it is a very good piece... putting it side by side with the sharp(properly calibrated) I think you will be splitting hairs for the $$ IMHO.. but alas $ isnt the issue in this case


Although I understand that you wanted to get something that was "easy" to set up etc... Part of growing and learning in this game is with your own set ups... I think you getting the JVC/Leeza combo would have taught you alot about DVI , scaling etc... and A whopping picture to boot...


IMHO, DILA blows DLP's out of the water... i personally have had less QC issues with the JVC projectors as well.. They all have their own quirks, but I have had more issues with the DLP's...


Try to look at a D-ILA with the same source material.. I think you might reconsider.. especially one going full digital (DVI)

 

[MRJAZZZ]

I have a HITACHI 5500 (LCOS),AND i can assure you it has 0 screen door(on a 110" diagonal screen)and blacks are excellent. THE picture is very smooth, and film like. I previously had a SHARP 9000, DLP,and while i liked it very much, the HITACHI, is, overall, the superior projector.

 

[Mark Hunter]

I would have made the same decision.


Seeing the Marantz is much better than not seeing the D-ILA.


However, you really should see both before you make a head-to-head comparison, or justify your opinion. It's only fair.


Better yet, see both in all their fabulous glory...the way that you will in your home theater. Drive them with a good source, make sure that they are set up correctly, and then...and ONLY then...decide which one you want to cozy up with on your week-ends for the next few years.


I think that if you had seen both, your decision might have gone the other way...


However, the Marantz is a fine projector, and you should be very happy with it.

 

[John Moschella]

Quote:

Originally posted by milori I would have made the same decision. Seeing the Marantz is much better than not seeing the D-ILA. However, you really should see both before you make a head-to-head comparison, or justify your opinion. It's only fair. Better yet, see both in all their fabulous glory...the way that you will in your home theater. Drive them with a good source, make sure that they are set up correctly, and then...and ONLY then...decide which one you want to cozy up with on your week-ends for the next few years.

That is, of course, good advice and why I asked my question in the first place.

The JVC was not on my short list but the Marantz and Hitachi were and I did have them both in my house. And the Marantz was very clearly a better projector. I should also add that considering the price difference, I thought it was about right.


John Moschella

 

[John Moschella]

Jeff,d4lions,


Have you given a HD1 DLP a fair shake? Have you had one in your house? It seems pretty silly to make a statement like "DILA blows DLP out of the water".


John Moschella

 

[globefood]

Just to throw my two cents in:


It seems even though there have been many posts about the 150cl on the forum; no one seems to have seen this projector. I have only found one post from someone who saw the pj at the NAB show and one member who has one, but has not yet installed his screen.


I want one, but I have been sitting on my wallet to see one in person and compare with the manrantz or the runco.


Has anyone out there seen it?

 

[d4lions]

Yes.. I have.. sell both and have installed both..


I have seen the Marantz... but sold mostly Z's due to distribution issues..


I would agree that the Marantz is a better DLP..


But my personal preference IMHO... is the DILA, for Color, Contrast, DVI, brightness... etc... Just my opinion


This is all relative to cost ... and what Dollar/Cost Value is... and that is different for everyone.


DLP's are good projectors... dont get me wrong...


And "picking" the perfect projector is not easy either..


not to mention seeing all different dig models arent easy as most places cant carry everything.. I am guilty of that myself..

 

[Brian P. Hearon]

Nick

I am the filthy crimer. I have a CL and have installed the screen, however, consummation of the project has been stalled by my cat whizzing on the Rock+ utterly destroying the motherboard and video card. True, oh so true. Also inverted ceiling mounting is now required and that is coming from Premier (via Jason at AVS).


Brian

 

[smitty]

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian P. Hearon Nick I am the filthy crimer. I have a CL and have installed the screen, however, consummation of the project has been stalled by my cat whizzing on the Rock+ utterly destroying the motherboard and video card. Brian

Man, and cats wonder why they have a bad rep!

 

[kelliot]

Quote:

Originally posted by milori I would have made the same decision.

You would have bought the Marantz?

Which decision?