Maxx Maverick

High performance at a middle price

By Tony Davey

June 2004

Maxx Maverick DLP Projector. $9999

The world of video projection keeps getting bigger, and consumers are constantly faced with more selection and consequently better pricing when it comes to choosing a projector.

Maxx is a new product to New Zealand and not (yet) widely known. The company itself specialises in video and associated devices including video projectors, plasma screen, video processors and even DVD players. Their history dates back some 25 years as a division of VPW LLC, a Californian based AV distribution company.

Now one thing to mention is that Maxx is not a “manufactured” brand as such, they take a product from an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and brand it. This particular projector is also sold as the Optoma H56 in some markets. While this is not a new practice (many companies have been swapping components for years) it can be handy to know.

The Maverick is a 1024 x 768 xga resolution DLP projector. It operates a six-segment four-speed colour wheel, with a Silicon image chip.

Mine is better than yours

There is something to either admire or fear about a product specification sheet that simply states “we will match any other” when quoting light output and “Black Chip DLP” when quoting contrast ratio. Whilst it could be seen as “chickening out” and not wanting to compete in a “mine is better than yours” argument, I can personally see a funny side to it (there’s lies, damned lies and specifications to quote our editor).

If I had to put money on it, I would rate light output at somewhere around the 800–1000 ansi lumen range, certainly not the “light canon” that the InFocus ScreenPlay 5700 projector is, but bright enough to fill my 120 inch 16:9 screen. Contrast ratio certainly seemed at least comparable to other projectors I have had through my room in recent times (probably most comparable to the Infocus 5700, slightly better than the Panasonic AE500).

Connections are the usual array of composite, S-Video, DVI and 15 pin “computer” input. Interestingly, there is no separate component input, although it will accept either an interlaced or progressive component input via a rca to vga adaptor.

The Maverick has a long throw lens, rated at 2–2.4 times width, meaning that for a 2.5 metre picture (diagonal) you will need the projector 4–5 metres from the screen. The projector is ported at the front of the projector (meaning that the hot air is blown out the front), enabling you to put the projector much closer to the back wall than some other projectors (handy for smaller rooms).

Other than placement issues, setting up the projector is straight forward, and on screen menus are easily navigated via either the buttons on the top of the projector, or the (handily backlight) remote control.

Oranges and lemons

Initially set up, with no picture adjustments, I found the picture over-saturated in colour. Skin tones took on a sun-burned look, oranges and yellows were nearly fluorescent in colour and the picture was far too warm. Fortunately, there are numerous picture adjustments to tone down the colour temperature, saturation and even to adjust the levels of the red, green and blue. Once these adjustments were made, the picture was nothing short of stunning.

The usual suspects were auditioned, Toy Story 2, Finding Nemo, Lord of The Rings and even Bad Boys 2. Each movie has its own characteristics handy for showcasing a projector, the clean lines and depth to Toy Story, the bright colours of Nemo and both LOTR and Bad Boys 2 are excellent for showcasing shadow detail, black levels, high contrast light scenarios and general live action viewing.

All movies had outstanding picture impact, with Nemo and Toy Story showing magnificent depth to the image and brilliant (but not overdone) colours. Both these movies also highlighted the fact that the picture is not “digitally sharp” as you would likely see with some LCD projectors, but the image has a softness too it, similar to the Infocus 5700, which presents a more film like image.

What ever the contrast ratio this projector produces (if they ever do put a figure on it) I am certain that it is just fine. Blacks are so close to black (for digital projection) that only die hard CRT projector enthusiasts will quibble over them. Likewise, the shadow detail in the numerous night scenes in Bad Boys 2 and LOTR was plentiful.

No rainbows

One very important factor I found with this projector is that I had no adverse effects to DLP utilising the progressive component input, no rainbows or colour flashes and no eyestrain, making viewing a relaxing experience rather than a chore.

If you are keen on a high performing but middle priced DLP projector and would like the flexibility to display both 4:3 material (perhaps for Sky Sport) or 16:9 material, the Maxx Maverick is a serious contender and well worth checking out.

For your nearest Maxx dealer