Knoll Systems HDP1200 DLP Projector (Playback 25)

For the best out-of-the-box experience, each projector is calibrated at the factory for the proper D65 (6500° Kelvin) neutral white color temperature, and while a post-installation calibration is always recommended for a premium front projection setup, the projector’s initial settings put it indeed very close to where it should be.

Connectivity

There are four HD-compatible inputs, including two HDMI, one component, and an RGB PC input that accepts up to 1920 x 1080 signals. One input is a standard definition composite/S-video choice, meaning it’s one or the other. Two 12V trigger outputs allow for screen control and external anamorphic lens control, and there’s also an IR repeater output. An RS-232C port permits external system control, and there’s a USB port for service use only.

User Interface

On Screen Display

Here’s where the Knoll comes up short compared to competitive offerings, as the OSD can best be described as clunky. The text and graphics are clear enough, but the nomenclature is sometimes confusing. A case in point is the 1:1 pixel-for-pixel picture mode—something competitors typically refer to as Native or Dot-by-Dot mode, but that Knoll calls out as the Anamorphic mode.

Some messages (such as the power off confirmation and the picture modes) appear at the extreme bottom center of the screen (and they’re fairly small to boot), which can be a problem if the picture is slightly optically overscanned (often done by installers to eliminate picture edge noise with some SD sources). The adjustment slider bars for the white balance adjustment (used during calibration) appear in a box directly positioned at screen center—in complete conflict with established calibration procedures, as that’s where the color analyzer ideally should be aimed.

Remote Control

The palm-sized remote gets points for backlighting, but that’s about all, as the input buttons are simply labeled numerically, and the user has to toggle between the two HDMI inputs with one of the buttons. There is a button for aspect ratio control which is handy, but after activating a selection, the message box remains on-screen until the Exit button is pressed twice.

Knoll contends that many of their customers will have the projector connected to an external system controller and won’t be using the projector’s remote, and they also note that the IR code set is available with a number of popular universal system remotes, including Nevo, Philips and RTI to name three.

RECOMMENDED SETTINGS

• Color: 0
  
• Tint: 0
  
• Sharpness: Normal
  
• Picture Mode: Normal
  
• HD size (pixel-to-pixel): Anamorphic
  
• Overscan type: Crop
  
• Overscan adjust: 0
  
• Color Temperature: D65
  
• Gamma 2.2 (2.28 result)
  
• Color Space: Auto
  
• Dynamic Black: Off
  
• Brilliant Color: Off
  
• Detail Enhancement: Off
  
• LTI: Off
  
• CTI: Low