6000:1 Archives - Projector Reviews

Christie DWU1400-GS is a 12,500 ANSI lumen, WUXGA resolution, single-chip DLP laser projector.

The Christie DWU1400-GS is a single-chip WUXGA DLP laser projector that generates 12,000 ANSI lumens of manufacturer-rated brightness. The DWU1400-GS is the brightest projector in Christie's GS series of pro projectors. Even at such a high output level and running 24/7, the projector is estimated to have a 20,000-hour operational lifespan (to 50% brightness) when run at full power.

The DWU1400-GS features the same relatively compact and lightweight chassis as other GS series models, making transport and setup at a trade show or events easier than larger projectors in its class. This projector is fully compatible with all the accessories available for the other GS series projectors. It is also compatible with seven different interchangeable lenses that provide versatility, allowing the projector to be tailored to different venues.

The built-in standard version of the Christie Twist software allows seamless edge-blend and stacking of multiple projected images on any 2D or 3D surface. The software provides precise geometric control of each projector in the chain through the grid-point/mesh interface.

The DWU1400-GS is fully compatible with Christie's optional Mystique automated camera-based alignment and recalibration solution making for a quick and accurate projector setup. I'll go into more detail on these topics and more in the review below.

Christie DWU1400-GS
Price	$19,706 MSRP
Imager Type	1DLP (0.67" DMD)
Displayed Resolution	WUXGA (1,920x1,200)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)	12,000 ANSI Lumens
Light Source Type	Blue Laser Phosphor
Contrast Ratio	6,000:1 Dynamic Contrast
Zoom Lens Ratio	Lens Dependent
Lens Shift	H +30%, V +100% (Zoom lenses only)
Light Source Life	20,000 hours to 50% brightness
Sound System	N/A
Weight	50.3 lbs (22.8 kg) w/o Lens
Warranty	5 years (P/L) or 20,000 hours, whichever comes first

OVERVIEW

The Christie DWU1400-GS is ideal for higher education, places of worship, conferences, and smaller location-based entertainment venue.

The DWU1400-GS is TAA-compliant, and Christie's remarkable 5-year warranty seals the deal on reliability. The Christie DWU1400-GS projector is more than tech; it's the secret behind memorable trade show moments.

The Christie DWU1400-GS 1DLP laser projector provides 20,000 hours of reliable, virtually maintenance-free operation. Its small footprint, relatively light weight, quiet operation, full suite of lenses, and 24/7 operation and durability make this projector ideal for higher education, places of worship, conferences, and smaller location-based entertainment venues. This model is also offered in a TAA-compliant variant. And the DWU1400-GS comes with a 5-year warranty for extra peace of mind.

The Christie GS series projectors are designed for everything from the smallest meeting rooms and boutique cinemas to the biggest screens, attractions, and projection mapping spectaculars. Believe me, there's a Christie projector that's right for your application and budget. You can choose from a laser, RGB pure laser, a range of brightness levels and resolutions, and a full suite of lenses.

Projection is changing at an accelerated pace, especially in recent years. The projection industry's professional and consumer sides have seen the cost of core components, such as light sources, come down in price while product capabilities and performance have increased. The consumer projector business is changing, with many traditional projector brands exiting the category while other CE companies like Samsung decide to jump into the business.

In the professional projection business, the brandscape is seemingly more stable, with core professional projection brands like Barco, Sony, and other familiar faces providing many of the available solutions. Christie Digital is one of the industry's best-known brands and a long-term participant in the professional projection category.

With a legacy spanning decades, Christie has captured the attention of consumers and professionals alike with its cutting-edge projection solutions. But who exactly is Christie Digital, and what do their customers have to say about their products?

The company was founded in 1929 and has been manufacturing projectors since the 1960s. So Christie has been at the forefront of the projection industry for over four decades. The company has a large portfolio of projection products, including cinema, business, and professional AV solutions. Christie projectors and related products are popular worldwide.

Christie Digital has earned its reputation for pushing the boundaries of projection technology. Christie's dedication to research and development has led to breakthroughs in image quality, brightness, and interactive capabilities, setting new benchmarks for the whole industry.

HIGHLIGHTS

High-efficiency blue laser phosphor
12,000 ANSI (14,250 ISO) lumens of manufacturer-rated brightness
20,000 hours (50% brightness) of consistent illumination performance
Supports 24/7 operation
WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) Displayed Resolution
1-chip 0.67" DLP DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) S600HB
4 Segment (RGBY) - 3X speed Color wheel
6,000:1 Dynamic contrast, 4,000,000:1 with Christie RealBlack enabled
Christie Twist (Standard version included) (Twist Premium and Twist Pro optional)
Manual or automated camera-based warping, blending, and alignment via Christie Twist and Christie Mystique
Christie Intelligent Camera (CIC) compatibility. Trigger autofocus, auto-calibrate projector color, optimize color uniformity, and more
7 Optional lenses are available
Remote-controlled powered zoom, focus, and offset
Optional UST (Ultra Short Throw) lens – 0.37-0.4:1 ultra-short-throw lens
360-degree installation-capable
Eco Mode – Reduces brightness by 50% for quiet operation and long life
Supports full HD 3D content – For 3D with a single or multi-projector setup via 3D sync in/out capabilities
HDBaseT – Full HD video, audio, network, and control via a single cable
Picture-in-Picture/Picture-by-Picture – for enhanced virtual conferencing
DICOM-DIM mode for analyzing X-rays and medical scans
TAA-compliant
Dimensions (L x W x H) 21.9 x 18.9 x 7.5 inches (555 x 480 x 190 mm)
Weight 50.3lbs (22.8 kg) w/o lens
5-year warranty

HARDWARE

CHASSIS

The DWU1400-GS dimensions are 21.9 x 18.9 x 7.5 inches (555 x 480 x 190 mm), weighing 50.3 lbs (22.8 kg) without a lens. When facing the unit on a tabletop, the projector's lens is in the front panel's dead center. There is also an IR sensor on the upper right portion of the front panel. The left and right sides of the projector are dedicated to ventilation, with one side drawing air in and the other exhausting hot air away from critical components.

The 40/37 dB rated fan noise produced by the DWU1400-GS is lower than I expected for such a bright projector. It will not be an issue for this projector's targeted customer and use case. Viewers will not hear the projector fans in most of the venues where this projector will be used.

CHRISTIE INPUTS AND CONNECTIONS

This projector comes with a comprehensive range of inputs and connections.

The rear of the projector's chassis is where all of the projector's inputs, connections, and control panel are located. For a complete inventory of controls and connections, see the chart below.

LENS

The Christie DWU1400-GS does not come packaged with a lens; however, Christie makes seven different lenses compatible with this projector, including a groundbreaking UST (Ultra Short Throw) fixed lens with autofocus capability. Be aware that you cannot simply buy the lens and plug it in. The GS UST 0.37-0.4:1 lens support bracket/stabilizer plate is also required when using the UST lens with a GS series projector. This bracket helps compensate for the weight of the UST lens. It also isolates the lens from external vibration, stabilizing the projected image even in extreme situations where the projector is rigged facing downward or sideways.

In addition to the UST lens, Christie offers six additional zoom lenses compatible with the DWU1400-GS. The chart below details each available lens, including throw ratios when using them with the projector.

The projector's lens boresight provides motorized horizontal and vertical lens offset capabilities. The projector also supports motorized zoom and focus adjustments for compatible lens models.

CHRISTIE TWIST EDGE BLENDING AND WARPING SOFTWARE

The chart above shows the key differences between the three tiers Christie Twist available.

Christie Twist is a custom-built Christie software designed to make warping and blending with the DWU1400-GS and other compatible Christie projectors easier than more traditional solutions. Christie Twist allows technicians to manage arrayed projectors to display virtually any image, anywhere. Twist can easily map pixels onto any projection surface, maintaining proper geometry and accurate pixel-to-pixel alignment. Christie Twist also provides networked projector control by allowing operators to launch a virtual remote with all the functionality of standard infrared remotes from within the Twist software.

Christie Twist software is a free download. Christie Twist Premium and Twist Pro are paid upgrades and provide additional functionality for more complex projects.
For example, Christie Twist Pro delivers unlimited arbitrary placement points for greater setup accuracy.

The Christie Twist product family includes three tiers of specialized software, each tailored to specific needs. Christie Twist supports setting up simple flat-screen multi-projector warps and blends to highly multifaceted applications, including projection mapping an image to any surface at various venues. Tradeshows, large classrooms, boardrooms, museums, houses of worship, and casinos, are some of the many venue possibilities. Christie Twist also works on even more intricate projects like virtual caves and domes.

CHRISTIE MYSTIQUE CAMERA-BASED AUTO-CALIBRATION

Christie Mystique is an automated, camera-based alignment and recalibration solution that lets you quickly install, align, calibrate, and maintain multi-projector systems. When combined with any of the Christie Twist versions, Mystique can automatically configure, align, warp, and blend images from single or multiple projectors, even if the resulting image needs to be projected onto complex screen shapes or surfaces, by automating these normally complex and time-consuming elements of large-scale installations.

Christie has expanded Mystique support beyond the company's 3DLP and other high-end projector models to cover the GS 1DLP series, including the newly introduced DWU1400-GS, the subject of this review. Mystique supports all of the above, even when using different models of compatible projectors, so your clients can mix a 3DLP and 1DLP projector setup. Mystique will seamlessly adjust and control all of the projectors.

Christie offers five editions of Mystique. Like Christie Twist, Mystique offers a free edition providing basic features and four additional premium editions geared toward more complex installations, including specific screen types.

CHRISTIE INTELLIGENT CAMERA (CIC)

The CIC camera is a powerful hardware accessory that when combined with Christie Mystique makes setup and configuration automatic.

The Christie Intelligent Camera (CIC) is a powerful accessory camera. Combined with Twist and/or Mystique, it offers time-saving features that make achieving your desired image quality faster and easier when used with the DWU1400-GS and other compatible Christie projectors.

This powerful camera is designed to trigger autofocus and automatically calibrate projector color to optimize color uniformity. If the projection surface is a less-than-ideal color, the color compensation feature of CIC automatically adjusts the image color to fit the color of the projection screen better.

To get a more detailed explanation and see a demo of what this camera and software combination can do, go about seven minutes into the video below.

When used with any version of the Mystique software, this powerful camera simplifies the setup of multi-projector systems with automated color and brightness matching across multi-projector arrays and automated warping and blending of up to three projectors in a horizontal array.

CIC is a dual-lens USB camera. A USB cable and brackets are supplied with the camera so it can be easily mounted to your projector. One camera is required per projector in multi-projector setups, except when using CIC with any of the Mystique software's five versions, including the free lite version, for automated warping and blending.

REMOTE

The remote control is fully featured but lacks a backlight.

The DWU1400-GS remote has many buttons organized into multiple sections. The top section contains the POWER and STANDBY buttons. Below that section are dedicated buttons for features such as GAMMA, BRIGHT, CONTRAST, HOTKEY, PIP, SIZE, LAYOUT, and SWAP, with a complete numbered keypad below them. Each keypad button doubles as direct access for the projector's inputs.

The next section is buttons used to navigate the projector's menus. They include the MENU, RESET, and Arrow Buttons, with the ENTER button located in the middle of the arrows (up, down, left, right).

The last section provides controls for KEYSTONE (H/V)and LENS SHIFT (H/V).

MENUS

The Christie DWU1400-GS offers a straightforward menu system with access to all the commonly used adjustments and advanced configuration settings. The image of the menu shown in this section represents only a small number of all the sub-menus available. Christie's menu layout is quite comprehensive. It is well-organized and easy to navigate.

PERFORMANCE

COLOR

Christie allows users to tweak the projector's image settings, including color, as much or as little as they want or need. The DWU1400-GS is a professional projector, so I did not expect the out-of-the-box color to be tuned in like a home theater projector.

I brought the projector's estimated brightness down by about 50%, which was much better than the full output in my lab. Even so, the projector could easily push through any ambient lighting in the room. Even with the room lights on, the DWU1400-GS created stunning images that popped on the screen with amazing color saturation.

Christie incorporated nine preset picture modes and the ability for users to customize each of them to their preference. Christie's documentation shows the modes and environments they were programmed for.

Overall, I found that most of the preset modes leaned toward blue tones in the displayed images. This is not surprising or unexpected since one of the biggest selling points of this and other similar projectors is the ability to get really bright. The brightest settings on most projectors tend to have a lot of blue tones in the image. Should you need a warmer-looking image, setting the COLOR TEMPERATURE setting to Warm or Warmest will accomplish this.

The best out-of-the-box preset picture mode was REC709, but the most flexible was the user mode.

Video: Used for theater application. It sets the color temperature to 6000K with 70% of maximum brightness.

Bright: Used for large-size or high-brightness applications. It sets the color temperature to 7500K with 100% brightness.

Enhanced: Used for images with richly saturated and vivid colors. It is based on brightness mode.

REC709: Used for high-definition television. It sets the color temperature to 6500K with 80% of the maximum brightness.

DICOM SIM: Used for high-contrast content, such as X-ray diagrams. It sets the color temperature to 7500K with 65% brightness.

Blending: Used for multiple projector applications. It sets the color temperature to 7000K with 85% of maximum brightness.

HDR: Used for displaying high dynamic range content for deepest blacks, brightest whites, and vivid cinematic color using REC.2020 color gamut.

3D: Used to adjust the projector when displaying 3D content.

2D High Speed: Used for displaying 2D input signal at 120 Hz.

User: Customized picture setting for each of the modes above

HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE

A projector like the DWU1400-GS will be utilized in higher education, places of worship, conferences, and smaller entertainment venues to display mostly SDR Standard Dynamic Range content. However, the projector supports HDR10 with an HDR (High Dynamic Range) format to maximize flexibility.

The DWU1400-GS includes several settings that allow you to finetune the unit's HDR playback. There are four different HDR EFFECT settings that you can select manually.

HDR1—Low HDR effect, used for bright images to increase the color saturation.
HDR2—Medium HDR effect, used for standard images to make them look more realistic and natural.
HDR3—Medium HDR effect, used for video content to improve image details.
HDR4—Strong HDR effect, used to improve image details in dark scenes

The DWU14000-GS has lots of adjustments you can utilize to improve the HDR image. Once you adjust the HDR image, you can save your settings as a customized user configuration.

TEXT AND PRESENTATION

This projector took on a whole new personality when I began running my text and presentation test content through it. This is clearly what the projector is tuned to run, displaying presentations with dynamic colors and contrast, allowing the projected content to be seen close up or from across a tradeshow floor, even from a significant distance. Presentations look fantastic on this projector, even with considerable room light. The Christie DWU1400-GS offers seven different presets for color space: AUTO, RGB, RGB FULL, RGB LIMITED, YUV, REC709, and REC601.

The Christie DWU1400-GS includes a DICOM mode.

The DWU1400-GS has a DICOM simulation color mode that is designed to present medical images – such as X-rays, CAT-scans, MRI’s PETs, etc., with enough contrast, detail, and quality along with minimal noise for use in medical schools, at medical conferences and for education purposes, etc.

DICOM Simulation is not intended to be used as a substitute for doctors reading original medical films. However, it is ideal to be used in classrooms or teaching settings for training doctors, nurses and technicians.

BRIGHTNESS

This new Christie projector is the brightest out of Christie's entire GS line. Christie rates the DWU1400-GSce and at 12,000 ANSI lumens. Honestly, this projector is too bright for my lab's 100-inch screen. I fixed this by reducing the overall output by setting the projector light preset to ECO2.

It is amazing that a projector in this class is rated to provide 12,000 ANSI lumens, especially considering it was not long ago that 2,000-lumen projectors were the go-to projectors for rental houses, auditoriums, and hotel ballrooms.

Unfortunately, due to equipment failure, we were unable to take brightness readings of the projector. Based on our experience reviewing other Christie projectors, the company does not tend to overexaggerate when it comes to brightness numbers. We will work with Christie to try and get another sample once our testing gear is repaired or replaced and add the measurements to the review. Until then I can tell you that I was thoroughly impressed with the light output of this projector.

The Christie DWU1400-GS is an excellent choice for large venues or venues with uncontrolled ambient light sources.

BLACK LEVEL AND SHADOW DETAIL

The most significant advantage of the DWU1400-GS is also the biggest contributing factor to the projector's average black-level performance. It is challenging for a 12,500 ANSI lumen projector to produce deep blacks due to its high brightness.

As expected, the blacks were closer to dark gray. Overall we would great the contrast and black levels as above average for a 12,000 ANSI projector. The Christie lists the native contrast at 1,200:1 and its Dynamic Contrast at 6,000:1.

Let me address the Christie Realblack rating of 4,000,000:1. In my research, I couldn't find much information on how Christie Realblack works. I did watch several tradeshow videos where Christie reps threw out the high contrast number and feature name, leaving it at that.

Christie Realblack is designed for when the screen is completely black. At these times, the projector can produce a dark black frame on the screen. However, you will not get a 4,000,000:1 contrast when watching a dark scene in a movie with lots of detail in the image. RealBlack is designed to turn off the laser when the projected image is completely black or when your setup consists of multiple projectors blending to make one large image. By shutting off the projector's lasers, Christie RealBlack hides the traditionally visible transition line that can be visible when fading to black or displaying a solid black image.

The 6500:1 dynamic contrast listed for this projector is what you should expect when watching dark video content with subtle details in the dark areas of the image. An image that is very gray, not completely black. Remember this is not a professional cinema or home theater projector so based on where the DWU 1400-GS will be utilized, the unit's contrast and black level will satisfy most users.

SUMMARY

Calibrating and recalibrating an image is possibly the most time-consuming task in professional projection. Manually setting up and calibrating a single projector requires a level of knowledge and experience that is available in, statistically, a small number of professionals. Doing this same task with multiple projectors is even more difficult.

Christie has been working to change this situation since the company previewed its first version of Christie Twist and, later, Christie Mystique. Mystique and the Christie Intelligent Camera (CIC) add significant capabilities to compatible Christie projectors, including camera-based alignment tools, calibration and recalibration tools, and system-level monitoring. Processes that previously required highly skilled technicians can now be performed automatically in seconds.

Christie has packaged the DWU1400-GS with nine preset picture modes, which is a lot for a professional projector of this caliber, and projection professionals generally do a lot of their own setup and tuning.

The projector features two ECO modes. ECO1 runs the light source at 80% constant brightness and color settings. ECO2 runs at 50%, where I set the projector for most of my testing.

The Christie DWU1400-GS has a manufacturer-rated 12,000 ANSI lumens, an overwhelming amount of brightness for my lab's 120-inch screen. However, for any number of medium to large-size venues where total control of ambient light is not possible, it will be a welcome performance increase.

Christie has included their Christie RealBlack technology that, at least on paper, boosts the projector's rated dynamic contrast from 6,000:1 to a stratospheric 4,000,000:1. I'm not used to companies like Christie playing the dynamic contrast number game. As I said earlier, the 6000:1 dynamic contrast listed for this projector is what you should expect when watching dark video content with subtle details in the dark areas of the image.

The projector includes 18Gbps HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 2.2) so it can support 4K@60fps source material. In addition, the DWU1400-GS can receive, process, and display HDR-encoded content. The ability to display HDR content is more of a benefit in a consumer projector, but overall I'm pleased that Christie is joining the slowly growing list of professional projector manufacturers who support HDR.

The Christie DWU1400-GS is a 12,000 ANSI-lumen, business-class laser projector with WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) resolution that can accept a full range of 4K content. It is Christie's latest and brightest addition to its GS-Series installation/business projectors line. This projector is more than bright enough to be used in a trade show hall, lecture hall, or large board room with all the lights on.

While the projector does not ship with a lens, it is compatible with seven different motorized lens options, including a new Ultra-Short throw option. There should be a lens solution for nearly every type of installation, including those where you're not projecting onto a traditionally shaped screen or surface.

The Christie DWU1400-GS projector includes several features: built-in warping and blending projection warping, lens memory, omnidirectional mounting, and more. It also includes advanced networking capabilities like network control, remote monitoring, and IP content playback.

The Christie DWU1400-GS's combination of value, high brightness, compact chassis, installation flexibility, and maintenance-free operation helps it stand out from the competition.

PROS

12,000 ANSI lumens
Four segment (RGBY) – 3x speed Color wheel
Laser Light Engine rated for 20,000 Hours when the projector is set in ECO2 mode (Low Power mode)
Accepts 18 Gbps HDCP 2.2 content (4K@60P)
Can receive, decode, and display HDR content
Seven interchangeable motorized lenses (including an Ultra-Short throw option)
Embedded warping and blending
Christie Twist and Christie Mystique software combined with the CIC camera provide Auto Edge Blending mode
Projection Warping for digital signage, museums, and other multi-projector display applications
Full 3D content support
Remote control horizontal and vertical lens adjustment
DICOM Simulation mode for viewing medical scans like X-rays and MRI images
Advanced network control and monitoring (includes support for Crestron, AMX, and others)
HDBaseT HDMI content over low-cost CAT5/6 cableOptional wireless network adapter
The projector supports 360° installation
Split screen capability
Five-year warranty on the projector
Five years or 20,000 hours warranty on the illumination system

CONS

Maximum resolution WUXGA 1,920 x 1,200 displayed pixels
Color accuracy for both SDR and especially HDR could have been better out of the box
Black levels could be better. However, in most business applications, the enhanced brightness will be considered a far bigger benefit than deeper black levels.

CHRISTIE DWU1400-GS - SPECIFICATIONS

Full Specifications
Projector Model	Christie DW1400-GS
Price (MSRP)	$19,706 MSRP
Imager Type	1DLP (0.67" DMD)
Displayed Resolution	WUXGA (1,920x1,200)
Native Resolution	WUXGA (1,920x1,200)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)	12,00 ANSI Lumens
Light Source Type	Blue Laser Phosphor
Light Source Life	20,000 Hrs (ECO2 mode)
Contrast Ratio	6,000:1 Dynamic Contrast
Zoom Lens Ratio	Lens Dependent
Power Zoom/Focus	Lens Dependent
Lens Shift	H +30%, V +100% (Zoom lenses only)
Interchangeable Lens	7 Optional
Ultra-Short Throw	Optional
Native Aspect Ratio	16:10
HDTV/4K	Input
DVI or HDMI	HDMI
3D	Yes
Blu-Ray 3D	Yes
Speakers	No
Noise Level (-dB)	40/37 dB
Low Lag Gaming	No
Smart Functionality	No
Business	Yes
Classroom	Yes
Portable	No
Special Features
Networking	Yes
Dimensions (L x W x H)	21.9 x 18.9 x 7.5 inches (555 x 480 x 190 mm)
Weight	50.3lbs (22.8 kg) w/o lens
Warranty	5 Years P/L (Projector only)

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