YAMAHA DPX-1

First Video Projector

Considered by some as a forerunner in terms of multi-channel sound reproduction and processing, Yamaha is today launching its first video projector onto the Home Cinema market: the DPX-1.

In doing this, the Japanese manufacturer is thus seeking to break the virtual monopoly which reigns in the field, to the profit of brands like Sony, Pioneer, Panasonic and a few others of the ilk.

The DPX-1 is the fruit of almost five years’ studies in development and engineering. Presented for the first time at CES 2001 by Yamaha and Texas Instruments, this new babe is a real success story. The result is admirable as much in terms of design as in electronics.

Yamaha opted, right from the start, for a DLP type video processor. This key part of the system is a Micro MirrorTexas Instruments. It should be underlined that the central element for video processing for the DPX-1 is not common to other DLP’s, because it has been adapted for the occasion: the difference being characterised by a chip whose surface area of micro-mirrors is bigger on the DPX-1, giving it more luminosity and finesse in details.

The other novelty is the establishment of a section for digital video processing, with the DPX-1 aiming to convert analogue video signals into a digital stream, with another complementary stage processing video signals that may be of poorer quality, optimising them thanks to a filtration system destined to reducing static and other video noise.

Note also that the colours are managed by a three colour chromatic wheel, and not four, as opposed to the Movistar (Dreamvision) and the Cinema Ten (Davis). This three-colour process is completed by three segments (prisms), separately transporting the colours and luminosity. The DPX-1 disposes of some 1000 Lumens Ansi, assuring a superior luminosity to many other machines on the market.

In terms of technical details, the DPX-1 includes an XGA matrix - compatible with 4/3 and 16/9 formats, of 0.9 inches, with a maximum resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. The lamp is powered at 150 watts.

Designed according to a resolutely “videophile” philosophy, this machine is equipped with very complete interfacing, accepting inputs from the greater part of signals existing on the market today:

- 1 composite input
- 1 Hoshiden input
- 1 D-Sub 15 input for RGB or components
- 5 BNC inputs for RGB or components
- 1 RS-232 input
- 1 Dvi-D input for RGB digital

With exceptional dimensions (415(D) x 129(H) x 422(L)) for a weight of 7.5 kg, the DPX-1 can be placed on a table or hung from the ceiling. It will be sold worldwide from the month of May 2001, for the approximate cost of US$10,000.