McIntosh MDLP2 User Manual

Video Projector

MDLP2

Owner’s Manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: [phone] www.mcintoshlabs.com

The lightning ash with arrowhead,
within an equilateral triangle, is

intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “danger­ous voltage” within the product’s

enclosure that may be of sufcient

magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of im­portant operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the litera­ture accompanying the appliance.

WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK OF

FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO

NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO

RAIN OR MOISTURE.

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS!

PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radia­tors, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus

(including ampliers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A ground­ing type plug has two blades and a third ground­ing prong. The wide blade or the third prong are
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does

not t into your outlet, consult an electrician for

replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience re­ceptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS

INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO

QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover or

back. No user-serviceable parts inside.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the

manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or

table specied by the manufacturer,

or sold with the apparatus. When a
cart is used, use caution when mov­ing the cart/apparatus combination
to avoid injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualied service person­nel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as power-supply
cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus, the appara­tus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.

15. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or
splashing and ensure that no objects lled with liq­uids, such as vases, are placed on the equipment.

16. To completely disconnect this equipment from the
a.c. mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug
from the a.c. receptacle.

17. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall
remain readily operable.

18. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as

sunshine, re or the like.

2

ADDITIONAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS!

2

2

CAUTION:

The MDLP2 Video Projector weight is 40 pounds

(18.14 kilograms). When mounting the projector to a

building structure it is important to follow all of the
local building/construction codes. Not evaluated for
Wall or Ceiling Mounting.

WARNINGS:

A. Do not remove the cover from the equipment.
B. Do not insert anything into the equipment through

the ventilation holes.
C. Do not handle the mains lead with wet hands.
D. No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles,

should be placed on the equipment.
E. When disposing of used batteries and the projector

lamp, please comply with governmental regula-

tions or environmental public instructions rules

that apply in your country or area.
F. Do not look into the lens when the projector is

turned on. It could damage your eyesight.

LAMP HANDLING PRECAUTIONS:

DANGER

This projector uses a high voltage glass mercury vapor
lamp. The lamp can break or fail to light when im­properly handled, operating at abnormal temperatures
or after extended use.

Lamp life also varies, and operating the lamp be­yond its intended service life may cause it to break or
fail to light properly, with risk of resulting damage to
the projector or surrounding property or persons. Do
not exceed the stated lamp life, nor attempt to override

Safety Instructions

the projector’s lamp life timing system. The mercury
vapor gas inside the lamp bulb may be emitted from
the projector’s vent.

Before use, carefully read the projector Owner’s
Manual and the lamp replacement instructions. Re­member to handle the lamp with care. In the event of
serious trouble, call a McIntosh Authorized Dealer.

1a. Do not directly expose skin to the light of the lamp

as it can cause inflammation.

2b. Do not drop, impact, subject to excessive force or

otherwise damage the lamp.

3c. Replacing the lamp runs the risk of burns, cuts

and electric shock, unplug the AC power cord
from the AC power outlet and wait at least 60
minutes for the lamp to cool down before attempt­ing to replace it.

4d. If the lamp breaks and the projector is hung from a

ceiling or installed in a high place, unplug the AC
power cord from the AC power outlet and call a
McIntosh Authorized Dealer for assistance.

5e. It is recommended to replace the lamp when near

the end of its designed life. Do not use the lamp
beyond the maximum lighting time.

6f. Replace the defective lamp with a genuine Mc-

Intosh Lamp, matching the information in this
Owner’s Manual.

7g. Before replacing the lamp, carefully read the

Lamp Replacement Instructions in this Owner’s
Manual and the instructions supplied with the
replacement lamp.

8h. If the lamp breaks, leave the area immediately

and stay away for at least 30 minutes. Ventilate the
room, so as not to inhale the mercury vapor. If you
inhale the mercury vapor, see a physician immedi­ately.

3

Thank You

Table of Contents

Your decision to own this McIntosh MDLP2 Video Projec­tor ranks you at the very top among discriminating video
viewers. You now have “The Best.” The McIntosh dedica­tion to “Quality,” is assurance that you will receive many
years of viewing enjoyment from this unit.
Please take a short time to read the information in this
manual. We want you to be as familiar as possible with all
the features and functions of your new McIntosh.

Please Take A Moment

The serial number, purchase date and McIntosh Dealer
name are important to you for possible insurance claim or
future service. The spaces below have been provided for
you to record that information:

Serial Number: __________________________________

Purchase Date: __________________________________

Dealer Name: ___________________________________

Technical Assistance

If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh
product, contact your McIntosh Dealer who is familiar
with your McIntosh equipment and any other brands that
may be part of your system. If you or your Dealer wish
additional help concerning a suspected problem, you can
receive technical assistance for all McIntosh products at:

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Safety Instructions ............................................................2

Thank You and Please Take a Moment ............................. 4

Technical Assistance and Customer Service ....................4

Table of Contents .............................................................. 4

General Information .........................................................5

Connector and Cable Information ....................................6

Introduction ....................................................................... 7

Performance Features .......................................................7

Dimensions .......................................................................8

Installation:

Overview ........................................................................... 9

Ventilation ......................................................................... 9

Projector and 16:9 Screen Mounting Location ................10

Projector and 4:3 Screen Mounting Location ................. 12

Initial Setup ......................................................................14

Connections:

Rear Panel Connections .................................................. 16

How to Connect the MDLP2 .......................................... 17

Connection Diagrams (Separate Sheet) ........ Mc2A,Mc2B

Remote Control:

Remote Control Push-buttons ......................................... 18

How to Operate by Remote Control ...............................19

Operation:

Front Panel Push-buttons, Indicators and Control ..........20

Default Settings................................................................21

How to Operate the MDLP2 ........................................... 22

Additional Information:

Specifications .................................................................. 30

Packing Instruction .........................................................31

Customer Service

If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in need of
repair, you can return it to your Dealer. You can also return
it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service Department. For
assistance on factory repair return procedure, contact the
McIntosh Service Department at:

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Copyright 2008 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

4

General Information

General Information

CAUTION: To prevent possible damage to the Projec-

tor Lens Assembly, DO NOT at any time
attempt to LIFT, CARRY or RE-ORI­ENT the Projector using the Lens.

1. The Main AC Power going to the MDLP2 and any other

McIntosh Component(s) should not be applied until all

the system components are connected together. Failure
to do so could result in malfunctioning of some or all of
the system’s normal operations. When the MDLP2 and
other McIntosh Components are in their Standby Power
Off Mode, the Microprocessor’s Circuitry inside each
component is active and communication is occurring
between them.

2. For additional connection information, refer to the

owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected to

the MDLP2 Video Projector.

3. To protect the Projector Lens from possible damage,
it is advisable to keep the Lens Cover on the Projector
during the following:

a. Transporting of the projector.
b. Installation and connection of the projector.
c. During the installation of other items and/or

remodeling of the room where the projector is
located.

4. The Projector Lens is a precision optical device with
special coatings just like you would find on Profes­sional Cameras. In the event the Lens requires cleaning
to remove airborne particles such as dust and dirt from
the Lens, use a safe cleaning product such as a clean
and dry 3MTM Scotch-Brite® Microfiber Lens Cleaning
Cloth. At no time should ordinary household cleaning
products be used to clean the Lens, as damage will oc­cur.

5. A McIntosh Power Controller may be added to the
MDLP2 to provide AC Power Switching to components
without Power Control Connections, such as a motor­ized projection screen. See your McIntosh Dealer for
additional information.

6. The IR Input, with 1/8 inch mini phone jack, is config­ured for non-McIntosh IR sensors such as a Xantech
Model 291-80 or equivalent. To avoid possible interac­tion, the MDLP2 Sensors may be disabled by activat­ing the On-Screen Menu, then select from the menu
Config→Remote Control→Wired. Then deactivate the
On-Screen Menu. Refer to the “How to Operate the
MDLP2” starting on page 23.

7. The On-Screen Menu System for adjustment of set­tings is interactive and Video Input type based, make
sure to select the desired Video Input and Picture
Mode before attempting to change the settings.

8. The MDLP2 has two Component Video Inputs for
analog video signals and two HDMI Inputs for Digital
video signals. The On-Screen Menu System has selec­tions for Composite Video, S-Video and RGB Inputs.
Those inputs have no functionality when selected on
the MDLP2.

9. When discarding the unit, comply with local
rules or regulations. Batteries should never be
thrown away or incinerated but disposed of in
accordance with the local regulations concern­ing battery disposal.

10. For additional information on the MDLP2 and
other McIntosh Products please visit the McIn­tosh Web Site at www.mcintoshlabs.com.

3MTM is a trademark of the 3M Company and Scotch-Brite® is a registered trademark of the 3M Company.

5

Connector and Cable Information

Power
Control

Ground

N/C

Data
Signal

N/C

Data
Ground

IR Data
Control

Ground

N/C

Power Control Connectors

The MDLP2 Power Control Output Jacks send and Power
Control Input Jacks receive Power On/Off Signals when
connected to McIntosh and other non­McIntosh Components. A 1/8 inch
stereo mini phone plug is used for con­nection to the Power Control Input and
Outputs on the MDLP2.

Note: The Data and Power Control Connecting Cable is avail-

able from the McIntosh Parts Department:

Data and Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202

Six foot, shielded 2 conductor, with 1/8 inch stereo mini
phone plugs on each end.

Data Port Connectors

The MDLP2 Data In Port receives
Remote Control Signals from other
McIntosh Components. A 1/8 inch
stereo mini phone plug is used for
connection. The IR Ports also use a
1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug and
allow the connection of other brand
IR Receivers to the MDLP2.

RS232 DB9 Connector Pin Layout

1. N/C 6. N/C

2. Data Out (TXD) 7. N/C

3. Data In (RXD) 8. N/C

4. N/C 9. N/C

5. Gnd.

6

Connectors and Cable Information, Introduction and Performance Features

Introduction

The McIntosh MDLP2 Video Projector is one of the finest
projectors ever created. It utilizes the latest Digital Micro­mirror DeviceTM containing over 2 million individual pixels

(1080p) and produces images of such high quality, it’s just

like being there.

algorithms to produce an excellent image regardless of
the video source, from 480i to 1080p. This includes the
1080/24p frame rate available from some video sources.
Also there is a special direct pixel pass through mode when
used with external Video Processors.

Performance Features

•DLP Chip

The McIntosh MDLP2 Video Projector incorporates the

latest and largest available Digital Light Processing (DLP)

Dark Chip for use in a Home Theater Projector. The large
chip size is 0.95 inch and produces a High Definition Im­age of 1920 x 1080 pixels.

• Advanced Optical System

The light source for the projector is the industry’s only 200
Watt DC Super High Pressure lamp assembly. This as­sures an image with even illumination, focused from edge
to edge and accurate fully saturated colors. The light is
filtered by a large 98mm 7-segment color wheel incorpo­rating a Neutral Density Filter Segment for enhanced black
levels during dark scenes. After the light is reflected by the
DLP Chip, it is then precisely focused by a Konica-Minolta
custom designed zoom lens. This lens is fully sealed and
consists of 13 all-glass elements. The optics allow for
screen sizes with 16:9 wide aspect ratio ranging from 70
to 250 inches for the Medium Throw Lens or 80 to 300
inches for the Long Throw Lens.

• Dual Iris

The MDLP2 incoporates an adjustable Dual Iris Optical
Light Path. This provides images with bright vivid color
and high contrast ratios.

• Advanced Filter Wheel Design

The color filter wheel spins at 10,800 RPM, making color

breakup (rainbow effect) a thing of the past, along with

three user speeds settings. The quiet filter wheel motor
uses a Fluid Dynamic Bearing for silent and reliable opera­tion.

• Video Adjustments

The MDLP2 allows for adjustment of important image
quality effecting parameters, such as Color Temperature,
Gamma and Black Level. There are also user adjustments
with the ability to store the settings for future recall, along
with three preset modes.

• HDMITM 1.3 Connectivity with improved Color

There are two HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Inter-

face) inputs accepting 1080p signals. The MDLP2 supports

Deep ColorTM ( 8bit, 10bit or 12bit signals) for reproduction
of over one billion possible colors and x.v. ColorTM (Color

Space) can display any color viewable by the human eye.

• On-Screen Information Displays

The On-Screen Display indicates the Source Selection and
Information about the source signal. The Menu Selections
and Adjustments are also displayed on screen.

• Die Cast Internal Chassis

The MDLP2 die cast aluminum internal chassis assures
the precise mechanical alignment of the entire hermetically
sealed optical light path, which is necessary for a sharp,
highly detailed and accurate color image. The die cast
chassis also assures low operating noise and also helps to
dissipate heat away from the sensitive internal components.

• Machined Top and Bottom Panels

The MDLP2 Top and Bottom Panels are machined from
thick aluminum with a smooth black anodized finish.

• Special Power Supply

Fully regulated Power Supplies ensure stable noise free
operation even though the power line varies.

• Placement Compensation

The MDLP2 Projector incorporates numerous adjustments,
compensating for less then ideal projector/screen position­ing.

• Enhanced Video Processing

The Video Circuitry uses the very latest in processing

Digital Micromirror Device, Digital Light Processing, DLP, DLP logo, and DLP
Medallion logo are registered trademarks of Texas Instruments.

• Fiber Optic Solid State Top Panel Illumination

The even illumination of the Top Panel is accomplished
by the combination of a custom designed Fiber Optic
Light Diffuser and an extra long life Light Emitting Diode

(LED). The glass Top Panel ensures the pristine beauty of

the MDLP2 will be retained for many years.

HDMI, the HDMI logo, High-Definition Multimedia Interface, Deep Color and
x.v. Color are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

7

Dimensions

20-1/4"

51.44cm

6-3/4"

17.15cm

Front View of the MDLP2

Rear View of the MDLP2

Side View of the MDLP2

6-1/4"

15.88cm

9-1/2"

24.13cm

Adjustable Height
Front Feet

2

20-1/4"

51.44cm

6-3/4"

17.15cm

13"

33.02cm

17-11/16"

44.93cm

13-3/4"

34.93cm

1-1/8"

3.18cm
(See Note 1)

3-1/4"

8.26cm

14-1/8"

35.88cm

Note 1: The Long Throw Lens

dimension is

1- 3/8 (3.49cm)

The following dimensions can assist in determining the
best location for your MDLP2. There is additional in­formation on the next page pertaining to installing the
MDLP2 into cabinets.

Dimensions

8

Installation Overview

2

MDLP2 Bottom View

MDLP2 Rear View

Primary
Cool Air
Input No. 2

Primary
Cool Air
Input No. 1

Secondary Cool Air
Input No. 3

Secondary Cool Air
Input No. 1

Primary
Warm Air
Exit

Secondary Cool Air
Input No. 2

For the best possible image reproduction by the McIntosh
MDLP2 Video Projector, it is important to observe the fol­lowing:

CAUTION: The MDLP2 Video Projector weight

is 40 pounds (18.14 kilograms). When

mounting the projector to a building
structure it is important to follow all of
the local building/constuction codes.

1. Decide on a viewing area with either subdued and/
or controlled ambient lighting.

2. Choose a projector screen designed specifically to
work with images from a DLP Projector.

3. Locate the position of the MDLP2 Projector rela­tive to the projector screen to maximize image
quality and minimize optical distortions.

4. Provide adequate ventilation.

The information below and on the following pages will as­sist in the location of the Projector. It is recommended that
the Professionals at your McIntosh Dealer, who are skilled
in all aspects of installation and operation, install the
MDLP2 Video Projector and any associated audio/video
equipment.

Installation

Ventilation

Always provide adequate ventilation for your MDLP2.
Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating life
for any electronic instrument. Do not install the MDLP2
directly above a heat generating component. Refer to fig­ures 1 and 2.

The MDLP2 is designed to be placed upright on a solid

flat surface, resting on its three feet with unrestricted air

flow around it. Allow at least 1 foot (30.48 cm) of space

between the Primary Warm Air Exit ventilation holes and
the nearest wall or obstruction. There should be at least

3 inches (7.62 cm) between the Primary Cool Air Input

ventilation holes and the nearest wall or obstruction. The

ambient air temperature should not exceed 95°F (35°C).

The projector uses two primary and three secondary
cool air input vents together with one primary warm air
exit vent. Refer to the illustration on this page. The air flow
in or out of these vents needs to be unrestricted at all times
during operation.

In the event the MDLP2 is to be placed into an enclo­sure restricting air flow around the projector, some type of
ducted forced air venting system would need to be imple­mented for the primary input 1 and 2 vents along with the
primary exit vent.

Figure 1

Figure 2

9

Bottom of Screen

Ceiling

Vertical
Screen
Height

Acceptable
Projector
Mounting
Height

Top of Screen

Vertical Center of Screen

Distance (Minimum-Maximum) between
the Screen and the Projector Lens

Floor

Top of Screen

Vertical
Screen
Height

Vertical Center of Screen

Distance (Minimum-Maximum) between
the Screen and the Projector Lens

Bottom of Screen

Acceptable
Projector
Mounting
Height

Projector and 16:9 Screen Mounting Location

The illustrations below together with the charts on the adjacent page, will help to assure the correct mounting locations
for both the projector and the screen.

Projector mounted from the ceiling

CAUTION:

The MDLP2 Video Projector

weight is 40 pounds (18.14 ki-

lograms). When mounting the

projector to a building struc­ture it is important to follow
all of the local building/con­stuction codes. Not evaluated
for Wall or Ceiling Mounting.

Projector placed above the floor

10