Marantz
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Marantz's new high-end Blu-ray player
Supposedly Marantz's new Blu-ray player was at CEDIA, but if it was, we missed it. We won't let that happen again next week and we guarantee we'll get our hands-on the new BD8002 at CES next Wednesday. This players seems it may be one of best players ever considering it includes everything we can think of -- as it should with a MSRP of $2,099.99. At the top of the list is the players ability to decode just about every new audio codec out there including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, and output it via 7.1 analog outs or uncompressed via HDMI. The icing on the cake is the inclusion of the 10-bit Silicon Optix Realta video processor, which should help make it the best Profile 1.1 player yet when it's released the second quarter of 2008.
Marantz unveils 6-in, 2-out VS3002 HDMI switcher
A shiny new 1080p DLP projector isn't the only thing Marantz is rolling out to the HD crowd this week, as the firm's newest HDMI switch is sure to garner attention from those drowning in components. The VS3002 video selector boasts that totally simple, albeit incredibly sexy motif that we've come to expect from the outfit, and it also features a 6-in, 2-out design that enables owners to pipe high-definition content in from a whole heap of sources and out to two separate displays. We're also led to believe that this thing supports v1.3 considering its understanding of Deep Color, and there's also an RS-232 port 'round back should you need it. Unfortunately, the VS3002 won't be coming sans a premium, as it will purportedly demand a stiff ¥35,000 ($306) when it lands in February.[Via SlashGear]
Marantz announces VP-11S2 1080p DLP projector
Marantz is jumping back into the display pool for 2008, announcing the new VP-11S2 model 1080p DLP projector. Compared to last year's VP-11S1H, this model adds a second HDMI 1.3 input, and Texas Instrument's DarkChip4 chipset, boosting it up to 800 lumens of brightness and a 12,000:1 contrast ratio. No price was released, but considering the previous models hover in the $15,000 price range, we expect no less quality -- or cost -- from this one either.
Marantz wises-up, offers two remotes with CR101 CD player
What's so interesting about another vertically oriented CD player? Well, besides the fact that Marantz's CR101 looks like a programmable thermostat, it also features a pair of remote controls: a mini, 8-button remote along side the giant slab of input-clutter we've all grown woefully accustomed to. Bravo Marantz, bravo. Otherwise we're looking at a 2.1ch (10W sub and 2x 5W speakers) with AM/FM tuner for ¥38,000 or $331 when these hit Japan later in the month. [Via Impress]
Marantz's RC9001 touchscreen remote with WiFi extender
We saw a variation of this Philips TSU9600 at CES. Still, it's nice to see Marantz get official with their own VGA touchscreen remote: the TC9001. Like Philips' model, we expect this Marantz model to integrate with Escient Fireball media servers and Lutron RadioRa lighting controls for full multi-room control. It brings along an option for an RX9001 WiFi extender or RX8001 serial extender too -- right, just like Philips. The only difference appears to be the choice of UI which of course, can make all the difference in the world. Expect the Marantz RC9001 to ship sometime mid-September for right around $1,000. [Thanks, Alban A.]Read -- Philips TSU9600 and RFX9400 wireless extender Read -- Marantz RC9001
Marantz returns with OPSODIS ES7001 home theater system
Marantz returns with more of their wall bouncing, OPSODIS (OPtimal SOurce DIStribution) Technology packed into the ES7001. As a followup to their ES-150, Marantz's sound bar aims to compete directly with Yamaha's YSP series of sound projectors. As such, they've pulled all the drivers, amps, and woofers into a single long housing with the ability to redirect the "sweet spot" depending upon the listener's location. It's also swollen with jacks including 2x HDMI (Ver.1.1) and 3x digital optical inputs. The space saving kit will set you back a cool ¥124,000 (about $1,020) when it ships in June. An optional ¥24,000 ($197) 50W subwoofer and ¥50,000 ($411) AV rack are available to round out the look and feel. Pics of the latter after the break. [Via Impress]
Marantz releases VP-11S1H 1080p projector with HDMI 1.3, also offers upgrade
Marantz has released a new version of its VP-11S1H 1080p DLP projector, one which adds some HDMI 1.3 goodness with 12-bit Deep Color -- and the best part is that the price point is even the same as the older model. At this point, all the people who bought the previous 1,890,000 Yen ($15,700 US) device should be weeping at the thought of having their high-end projector become last year's has-been, but Marantz has done the right thing and offered an upgrade! For 5% of the purchase price (105,000 Yen or $872 US) you can send the projector back for minor surgery to upgrade the HDMI to version 1.3. Check with your local dealer or contact Marantz for more deets on where to send the check and the projector, and then let us know where to send the flowers and get-well cards.
Marantz @ CEDIA 1080p Digital Cinema Projector - VP-11S1
Marantz has a fine looking 1080p projector on their hands. Oh boy was the demo sweet. The VP-11S1 is suprisely crisp and rich even though it is only a single chip unit. We really don't have much else to say besides this might just be one of the best values in the home cinema market. (Read: not home theater) For $19,999 the owner would get a one of the best crisp, sharp, and clean looking picture. We know we have said this a lot this week but, wow, that was mighty fine picture.
1080p projector roundup
HDTV Magazine talks 1080p, covering such issues as frame rate and de-interlacing. While we've discussed de-interlacing and upconversion before, this article breaks down the difference some devices may have in adjusting the framerates of 1080p content, while Sony's upcoming Blu-ray player will output 1080p at 60fps only, Philips is opting to push the native 24fps and so far Toshiba has forgone 1080p altogether. That's one more setting that you may want to make sure your next TV and high-def DVD player purchase include the option to adjust, or if they don't adjust, have default settings that mesh properly. Since that wasn't enough full-resolution controversy, they make a cursory comparison of two LCoS-based front projectors, the JVC DLA-HD10K and Sony VPL-VW100 with four projectors featuring Texas Instruments' new true-1080p DLP technology, no wobulation here. The Optoma HD81, Sharp XV-Z20000, Marantz VP-11S1 and Action model 3 1080p.[Corrected Sharp model #]
1080p projector by Marantz - VP-11S1
Looking for a FullHD DLP projector? Need one that has a very high contrast ratio and an array of inputs. How about one with a lens from a famous lens maker? Well, we have a projector for you. Check out the VP-11S1 from Marantz. This lovely looking projector is 1080p and a contrast ratio of 6500:1. Not only that it has tons of inputs including: 2 HDMI, 2 component, s-video, RS 232 and VGA. The lens comes from Konica Minolta but this thing is going to require a good amount of room. Check out how small the power cable receptacle looks. Judging from that, the projector looks like the size a a mid-tower computer case. You know why they make this projector so big though right? So it feels as if you are getting $14,500 worth of a projector!
Marantz's new VP-11S1 1080p DLP projector
Marantz has a new projector, but you'd better listen up, because even if they're not incredibly well known for their HD gear this side of the Pacific, this thing's a DLP powerhouse. Their freshly minted VP-11S1 features a full 1080p high definition picture, Konica Minolta lens, 6,500:1 contrast ratio, pumps out 700 ANSI lumens, and has dual HDMI, dual component, VGA, S-Video, and composite video inputs -- all for a mere 1,800,000. Ahem, that's about $15,300 US. In other words, you'll have a little time to scrap for spare change before they release this thing Stateside -- if they release this thing Stateside.[Via Impress]
