Acer unveils projector duo in Japan
July 3rd, 2008
Acer has launched two new projectors for home cinema fans, but it looks like they’re only set for the Japanese market for the moment.
The new models are the P3250 and the P5280.
The P3250 provides an image in 1024 x 768 resolution, a brightness of 2000 lumens or 1600 lumens in Eco mode, and a contrast ratio of 2000:1.
It also features RGB/HDMI connectors, and built-in 2 watt speakers for an expected price of around 600 euros.
The higher end P5280 provides a brightness of 3500 Lumens or 2800 Lumens in power-save mode, again a contrast ratio of 2000:1, and a resolution of 1024 x 768.
It also offers HDMI, DVI, Analogue, RGB, S-Video, and composite connections for 660 euros.
The last European launch was the H5350, which was announced way back in April and is now on shelves for around £589.
Hitachi unveils low-effort WXGA LCD projector
June 21st, 2008 
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Hitachi on Thursday unveiled its newest LCD projector, the second in its line-up to offer 1366×768 (WXGA) resolution. The CP-WX625 LCD projector (not pictured) is being shown at InfoComm 2008 and features a 4000 lumens brightness rating along with a 16:10 native aspect ratio. The business-grade projector was designed with ease of maintenance in mind, including a 2000-hour side-mounted hybrid filter and a 3,000-hour Whisper mode lamp that is accessible via a top panel door.
To reflect its intended application, the CP-WX625 is network-ready, while Hitachi’s My Image technology allows administrators to transfer still images from a PC to each projector on the network, even if they are powered off. The idea is to send emergency alerts or urgent memos and notifications in corporate or educational environments. Digital keystone correction is adjustable in both the horizontal and vertical, while an instant on/off feature prevents overheating the lamp.
Connections are comprised of an HDMI terminal for HD video support, as well as supplying sound to the built-in 16W speaker. More video inputs include component, composite and S-video, along with a BNC (cable) jack and RGB in and out. For security, the CP-WX625 has a built-in security bar and motion sensor.
Official pricing and release information is expected soon.
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Panasonic reveals new DLP projectors: 12,000 lumens and pixels galore
June 20th, 2008 
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Hmmph. Outside of Samsung’s blisteringly hot SP-A800B, we’re fairly certain Panasonic’s latest duo are the most impressive at InfoComm. Putting those XGA / WXGA units to shame, the PT-DZ12000U packs a drool-worthy WUXGA resolution (1,920 x 1,200) and 12,000 lumens to boot. The PT-D12000U checks in with the same three-chip DLP engine and lumen count, but eases up on the pixels with just 1,400 x 1,050. Furthermore, both units boast a System Daylight View to keep things visible even in well lit rooms, and the built-in Ethernet port enables remote monitoring and control through a web browser. Just one problem with all of this, though: the $69,000 (PT-DZ12000U) / $59,000 (PT-D12000U) price tags. Must be that Auto Cleaning Robot — good help is hard to find these days.
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Christie Unveils New 3-Chip DLP Projectors
June 20th, 2008 
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If you have been to the movies you have probably watched a film on a Christie projector. My local theater likes to show the little Christie logo film twice before it shows the film. Christie has announced some new projectors in the high-en Pro Av projector class.
The Christie M series has six new models ranging from 5000 lumens up to 9500 lumens and two resolutions are available including 1400 x 1050 and 1920 x 1080. Two new lens options are also offered on the series with a short zoom 1.25-1.6:1 SX+ / 1.16-1.49:1 HD and a long zoom 7.5-11.2:1 SX+ / 6.9-10.4:1 HD. Pricing is unknown, but this is one of those things that if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford.
“We’re thrilled to offer an unprecedented number of standard features in this Series with no additional hardware or software required. In addition to the new Intelligent Lens System, we’ve added embedded warp capabilities, optical color space expansion, an easy-to-use web interface, high-end electronics, dynamic iris, multi-window processing, automatic shut-off, and more,” adds Tsintzouras. “The feedback from our dealers has been tremendously positive – it’s exciting to hear that we’ve hit the mark in terms of what they want.”
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Christie Unveils New 3-Chip DLP Projectors
June 20th, 2008
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If you have been to the movies you have probably watched a film on a Christie projector. My local theater likes to show the little Christie logo film twice before it shows the film. Christie has announced some new projectors in the high-en Pro Av projector class.
The Christie M series has six new models ranging from 5000 lumens up to 9500 lumens and two resolutions are available including 1400 x 1050 and 1920 x 1080. Two new lens options are also offered on the series with a short zoom 1.25-1.6:1 SX+ / 1.16-1.49:1 HD and a long zoom 7.5-11.2:1 SX+ / 6.9-10.4:1 HD. Pricing is unknown, but this is one of those things that if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford.
“We’re thrilled to offer an unprecedented number of standard features in this Series with no additional hardware or software required. In addition to the new Intelligent Lens System, we’ve added embedded warp capabilities, optical color space expansion, an easy-to-use web interface, high-end electronics, dynamic iris, multi-window processing, automatic shut-off, and more,” adds Tsintzouras. “The feedback from our dealers has been tremendously positive – it’s exciting to hear that we’ve hit the mark in terms of what they want.”
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Sanyo unveils new LCD projector with 3-inch throw
June 19th, 2008 
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Sanyo today announced it will release its new ultra-short throw projector, the PLC-XL51. Capable of projecting an image up to 80 inches in size from about 3 inches away at 1024×768 (XGA) resolution, the new projector features some upgrades over the PLC-XL50. These include a higher brightness (2,700 lumens vs 2,000), an SD memory card slot for PC-free presentations and network capabilities.
The contrast and aspect ratios are identical to the previous model’s, at 600:1 and 4:3, respectively. Unlike the older version, however, the PLC-XL51 sports the company’s PJ Network Interface that gives users the choice of a wired or wireless network connection, allowing them to control it via a web browser. Wireless capability works on the 802.11b/g standards with maximum transfer speeds of 54Mbps, WEP 64/128-bit security and Mac OS compatibility.
For more information visit www.electronista.com
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Casio intros new Super Slim projectors
June 19th, 2008 
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Casio has revealed information on a new Pro-Series group of Super Slim projectors. The base-level systems fall under a “Super Colorä” line, and are said to have a higher level of color accuracy than previous Super Slims, with a 10 percent larger chromacity region. The units have a 2x optical zoom, a native resolution of 1024×768, and a contrast ratio of 1,800:1, achieved through a 2,500-lumen lamp. Of the two the XJ-SC215 also has a built-in USB host, which lets users view converted PDF, JPEG, BMP and AVI files directly from a flash stick.
Alternately, people can connect an optional Wi-Fi receiver, which lets as many as four computers link with the projector simultaneously. Additional control can be exercised through built-in RS-232C support.
The Super Brightä projectors are essentially identical to the Coloräs, complete with USB- and non-USB models, but raise brightness by 500 lumens to reach 3,000. All of the Pro-Series projectors should ship in August, at prices between $1,299 and $1,599.
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Texas Instruments demos ‘lamp-free’ projector
June 18th, 2008 
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At today’s ongoing InfoComm expo, Texas Instruments is demonstrating a new projector technology (not pictured) which it claims will significantly improve home theater setups. Combining a PhlatLight LED with a BrilliantColor chipset, the TI arrangement completely omits a lamp, instead relying on mirrors and the LED itself to provide enough light. The major advantage is said to be a lack of lamp replacements and filter changes, which can potentially be expensive for home viewers.
Other advantages should include a 50 percent larger color gamut, reaching 200 trillion shades, and a 30 percent lower power consumption. Despite this it should achieve an extremely high 500,000:1 contrast ratio, maintaining 1080p resolution. The first lamp-free LED projectors should ship in “late 2008″ from companies such as Optoma.
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Texas Instruments demos ‘lamp-free’ projector
June 18th, 2008 
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At today’s ongoing InfoComm expo, Texas Instruments is demonstrating a new projector technology (not pictured) which it claims will significantly improve home theater setups. Combining a PhlatLight LED with a BrilliantColor chipset, the TI arrangement completely omits a lamp, instead relying on mirrors and the LED itself to provide enough light. The major advantage is said to be a lack of lamp replacements and filter changes, which can potentially be expensive for home viewers.
Other advantages should include a 50 percent larger color gamut, reaching 200 trillion shades, and a 30 percent lower power consumption. Despite this it should achieve an extremely high 500,000:1 contrast ratio, maintaining 1080p resolution. The first lamp-free LED projectors should ship in “late 2008″ from companies such as Optoma.
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Optoma handheld pico projector announced
June 18th, 2008
Optoma has introduced the first “Pico” projector based on Texas Instruments’ DLP Pico chipset and the “latest” LED technology.
Described as smaller than most smartphones, this new micro-portable projector fits in your palm and is angled as the “ideal companion to ultra-portable media devices such as iPods, PDAs, smartphones and digital cameras.”
When connected to a device, the four-ounce Optoma Pico Projector allows users to see an image that is up to 100 times larger than the small screen of the source device, says Optoma, but no specs for the device have been revealed.
“The Pico Projector is the next step in sharing visual media for today’s ultra-mobile consumers. Fitting in your shirt pocket, the Pico Projector can display pictures, videos or any content from a mobile media player or smart phone” says Jon Grodem, director of product management for Optoma.
The product will be available in limited distribution in Europe and Asia in late 2008, with a worldwide launch in 2009.
