Overview of the DLP Technology used in the Vivitek H1080
DLP is a video projection technology, developed by Texas Instruments, that utilizes a chip, referred to as a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device). Every pixel on a DMD chip is a reflective mirror.
The video image is displayed on the DMD chip. The micromirrors on the chip (remember: each micromirror represents one pixel) then tilt very rapidly as the image changes.
This process produces the grayscale foundation for the image. Then, in a single chip DLP projector, such as Vivitek H1080, color is added as light passes through a high-speed color wheel and is reflected off of the micromirrors on the DLP chip as they rapidly tilt towards or away from the light source. The degree of tilt of each micromirror coupled with the rapidly spinning color wheel determines the color structure of the projected image. As the amplified light bounces off the micromirrors, it is sent through the lens and can be projected on a large screen.
In more advanced, and much more expensive, DLP projection systems, such as digital projection systems that may be used in your local movie theater, use a 3-Chip design (one chip for Red, one chip for Green, and one Chip for Blue). In these systems, the spinning color wheel is not required.
Product Overview
The features of the Vivitek H1080 include:
1. DLP Video Projector featuring Texas Instruments DarkChip2.
Vivitek H1080 DLP Video Projector - Lens
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com3. Image size range: 25 to 300 inches - adds flexibility for both small and large screen sizes and room environments.
4. Projection Distance: 3 feet to 30 feet.
5. Native 16x9 Screen Aspect Ratio. The H1080 can also accommodate standard 4x3 aspect ratio sources. The 16x9 aspect ratio is desirable for widescreen films and HD sources. The aspect ratio can be adjusted to 4x3 for projection of material shot in the 4x3 format.
6. 4000:1 Contrast Ratio (full on/full off).
7. Lamp: 230 Watts, 3,000 hrs boost mode, 2,000 hrs/standard mode.
8. Six-segment 3X speed color wheel.
9. Two HDMI, and one each of the following: Component (Red, Green, Blue), S-Video, Composite Video (Yellow), and VGA (PC Monitor) inputs. Any standard video source, except RF sources, can be connected to this projector.
10. In addition to the video inputs, one set of RCA Analog Stereo and 3.5mm Mini-Jack audio inputs are also provided. The Vivitek H1080 has an onboard monaural speaker. The is also a 3.5mm audio output connection.
11. RS232 Interface and two 12-volt trigger connections for custom installation control needs. USB port provided for service access.
12. Compatible with input resolutions up to 1080p. NTSC/PAL Compatible.
13. Video Deinterlacing and upscaling to 1080p.
14. Manual Zoom and Focus controls. On-screen menu system for other functions. Wireless remote control provided.
15. Automatic video input Detection - Manual video input selection also available via remote control or buttons on projector.
17. Weight: 7.8 pounds.
18. Power Consumption: 290 watts (boost mode), 240 watts (standard mode), Less than 5 watts in standby mode.
19. Included Accessories: AC Power Cord, HDMI Cable, Component Video Cable, Remote Control, Batteries for Remote, Lens Cap, User’s Manual (CD-ROM), Warranty Card and Quick Start Guide.
20. Optional Accessories: Replacement Lamp.
Setup and Installation
First setup a screen (size of your choosing). Then, position the unit at the optimal distance from the screen (your choosing). I chose to place the unit on a mobile table to make this easier, but the H1080 can be ceiling mounted with an accessory mount.
Starting up the projector is fairly easy. First, plug in your source (such as a DVD or Blu-ray Disc player) to the proper video input. Then, plug in the power and turn on the power using the power button on top of the projector or the remote. It takes about 30 seconds or so until you see the Vivitek logo projected on your screen, at which time you are set to go.
At this point, you can raise or lower both the the front and rear of the projector using the adjustable feet. In addition, using the Keystone functions you can adjust the geometry of the image to more closely align the image to the screen. You can also use the Zoom control on the lens to get the image to fill the screen properly. After this, you can use the manual focus control to sharpen your image.
Vivitek H1080 DLP Video Projector - Onboard Controls
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
Hardware Used
The additional home theater hardware used in this review included:
Source Components: OPPO BDP-83 and Sony BD-PS350 Blu-ray Disc players, Helios H4000 DVD Player.
Home Theater Receivers: Onkyo TX-SR705, Harman Kardon AVR147.
Loudspeaker/Subwoofer System 1 (7.1 channels): 2 Klipsch F-2's, 2 Klipsch B-3s, Klipsch C-2 Center , 2 Polk R300s, Klipsch Synergy Sub10.
Loudspeaker/Subwoofer System 2 (5.1 channels): EMP Tek E5Ci center channel speaker, four E5Bi compact bookshelf speakers for left and right main and surrounds, and an ES10i 100 watt powered subwoofer.
DVDO EDGE Video Scaler used for baseline video upscaling comparisons.
Audio/Video connections made with Accell, Cobalt, and AR Interconnect cables. 16 Gauge Speaker Wire used.
Software Used
The software used in this review included the following titles:
Blu-ray Discs used included scenes from from the following: Across The Universe, Avatar, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, Hairspray, Iron Man, Red Cliff (U.S. Theatrical Version), Shakira - Oral Fixation Tour, The Dark Knight, Tropic Thunder, Transporter 3, and UP.
Standard DVDs used included scenes from the following: The Cave, House of the Flying Daggers, Kill Bill - Vol 1/2, Kingdom of Heaven (Director's Cut), Lord of Rings Trilogy, Moulin Rouge, and V For Vendetta.
Proceed to Page 2: Evaluation and Final Take
