Sanyo's LP-XL40 wide-angle projector for short-range duty

With some big glass like that, we can't imagine Sanyo's new LP-XL40 projector will get by in the classroom without at least a bit of teasing -- kids can be so cruel. But while they're laughing, the XL40 will be propping up some fairly large XGA images at the "worldwide shortest projection distance." At 30 inches you can fill a 60-inch screen, while with 40-inches of distance it can focus an 80-inch image. You can even set up the unit to project from an angle to the side of the screen without image distortion, to allow you to point at the screen without the temptation to make ducky shadow puppets. Sanyo is mainly targeting this LCD projector at the educational market, for cramming into those crowded classrooms, but it might make a nice option for that home theater you were trying to squeeze into your walk-in closet. The 1500 lumens and 400:1 contrast ratio aren't much of anything special, and the $4,478 price tag seems a bit counter-intuitive to the crammed spaces they're hoping will give this thing a go, but we suppose it's a bit cheaper than square footage.

[Via Impress]

[Jimmay @ Jul 18th 2006 2:44PM]

So could this mean smaller rear projection TVs? Cause I have a 51" Sony rear projection TV and the back of it is very big. We almost couldn't fit it in the door.

[Steve @ Jul 18th 2006 4:35PM]

Unfortunately, there isn't anything as revolutionary as smaller rear projection TVs in this. Wide Angle Lenses have been around for a very long time, but the reason why this is important is because there are very few projectors that can create an image that large from such a short distance. This is a unique projector and merits attention for it.

I think most television manufacturers are focusing on Plasma and LCD TVs for small displays, rather than rear projection TVs.

[CM @ Jul 18th 2006 7:27PM]

How's this better than the NEC WT610, which uses aspheric mirrors to achieve a mucher wider FOV?

http://www.projectorcentral.com/news_story_790.htm