Splendido Proiettore

“Hello, old friend”, I said to myself as we unpacked the Grand Cinema C3X 3-chip 1080p projector, which features the same gorgeous cabinetry of its 720p predecessor that we reviewed two years ago.

Unlike last time, when that earlier review sample showed up on my doorstep via overnight delivery, this latest model was hand-delivered by SIM2’s affable and knowledgeable Alberto Fabiano.

Within minutes, the C3X was up and running on my projector test stand, and Alberto and I set out to make some initial measurements prior to calibration. While we waited for the projector to fully warm up, Alberto shed some light on the various improvements made to the set, compared to the earlier model.

For a starter, the new C3X features all-glass optics, whereas the earlier model (as is often the case with projectors) featured a combination of glass and acrylic optics—the new all-glass design said to improve light output and uniformity.

As well, he pointed out that the new design includes an all-alloy light engine housing, which helps with internal cooling. With DLP, when the overall picture is dim, excess light is directed to a black-colored “landing area” off the main optical path, which with extended dark scenes can cause significant internal temperature spikes. With an all-alloy engine, excess light and the heat that accompanies it is better tamed, with reduced temperature fluctuations that helps to extend bulb life.

Once the C3X was warmed up, I ran a few initial measurements with the color analyzer and, with the projector’s default factory settings, found that the out-of-the-box results were indeed fairly close to where they should be—mirroring exactly my experience with the projector’s 720p predecessor.

SIM2 touts the C3X as the smallest-sized 3-chip 1080p DLP projector, and indeed the case is roughly the same size as many single-chip models, such as the Samsung SP-A800B tested earlier this year. But the C3X is a light output powerhouse, providing about twice the light output of comparable 250-watt single chip DLP projectors. A quick check with of my spreadsheet shows that the C3X should have no problem at all providing a sufficiently bright image with very large screens up to around 16 feet diagonal.

Since my Stewart CineCurve variable aspect ratio screen is nowhere near that size, we dialed down the lamp to the lowest 200-watt setting, and throttled back the variable iris to further reduce light output, and we were rewarded with improved overall contrast and superior deep black reproduction. Plus, the fan noise (already fairly quiet) dropped significantly as well, to whisper-quiet levels.

Next I tested the set’s video processing competence, feeding the projector a 1080i deinterlacing test pattern from a Samsung Blu-ray player, which had been set to 1080i output. Here, the C3X performed like a champ, with near-perfect results of the kind I’m used to seeing with well-performing outboard scalars, showing that SIM2’s engineers have successfully applied their skills to extract the maximum performance from the PixelWorks scalar chip chosen for this model.

I was also pleased to see the innovative calibration adjustment system carried over from the earlier 720p model, with a CIE chart-like adjustment grid that let me dial in a perfect match between the projector and screen in only a few minutes.

With the typical calibration adjustments provided by most displays, the process usually takes a while, and even after repeated re-adjustments it is often not possible to get the desired results. Not so with the C3X, which was easily tuned in a jiffy, and turned in an A+ report card with a flat gray scale that hardly deviated from the D65 ideal color temperature across the entire range.

The set’s color accuracy is quite good as well, with values very close to the ideal points as defined by the HDTV standard—an area where single-chip DLP projectors with their multi-colored, multi-segment color wheels almost always come up wanting.

The very good color accuracy measurements in turn promise life-like color reproduction, and here the C3X shines. That became instantly evident when I popped in one of my favorite Blu-ray discs, Legends Of Jazz Showcase With Ramsey Lewis, which features many close-up shots of the various singers and musicians. Here I can easily see variances in the flesh tones of the singers and musicians, and the colorful and vivid studio lighting adds extra pop, but not overly so.

One of the tracks features songstress Jane Monheit, clad in a slinky black outfit. The C3X’s deep black reproduction is excellent, and it is easy to see that she’s wearing a deep black top over a similarly deep black skirt. With some projectors that have trouble with deep blacks, she appears to be wearing a full length gown instead – a tough test for any display, and one that separates the very good from the average. Credit must also be given to the latest-generation .95” DarkChip 4 DLP chips employed here.

The optical uniformity of the C3X is excellent from screen corner to corner, with no discernable convergence artifacts even when I’m peering at the screen from a foot or two away, an incredible feat given that the manufacturing tolerances within the optical engine are measured in microns.

As you would expect, the C3X is equipped with the necessary vertical stretch picture mode for an external anamorphic lens and 2.40:1 widescreen. While there are no direct access buttons on the remote control for various screen aspect ratios, the SIM2 features numeric settings once the aspect ratio control is called up – this is just what installers need for macro programming multiple aspect ratio choices into a system remote control or touch panel.

The remote also features power-on via numeric input selector buttons with a separate button for power-off, another smart move for automated start-up and shut-down sequences.

This is a superb projector by any measure, and is equipped with a medium-throw lens with optional short-throw and long-throw lenses available. While I think the standard Gun Metal gloss finish looks just great, SIM2 offers Racing Red, Gold, Evolution White and Black Shadow color choices as options.

Choose the Grand Cinema C3X 1080p projector for your home theater or personal screening room and know that you’re in good company – noted filmmaker and SIM2 owner David Lynch helped launch this latest C3X model, and director Francis Ford Coppola recently selected the projector for himself as well.

DESCRIPTION    
Three chip 1080p DLP front projector; requires separate screen.

DISPLAY CAPABILITIES
Widescreen 1080p DLP imaging panels operate in 4:3 and 16:9 modes. Accepts 720-line and 1080-line progressive HDTV, 1080-line interlaced HDTV, 480-line progressive and 480-line interlaced signals, plus RGB computer video up to 1920 by 1200.

RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080 pixels

CONNECTIONS
One component video input, one S-video input, one composite video input, two HDMI digital video inputs, one RGB D-sub-15 WUXGA computer video input, one IR input; one optical digital audio output, one RS-232C serial port, one USB port, one 12V trigger output

DIMENSIONS
7.5 x 17.2 x 16.9 inches (hwd)
            
PRICE:  $32,495.00
CONTACT: 954.442.2999, SIM2usa.com