Scitec's VLP-100 mini projector: QVGA never looked so bad

At first glance Scitec's VLP-100 seems to present a fairly below-average stab at the almost-mini projector scene, offering up 350 lumens, a 150:1 contrast ratio and a paltry 320 x 240 resolution. The 34,800 yen pricetag (about $352 US) does seem palatable, and the 2-inch thickness and 6-inch length are kind of nice, but Scitec absurdly expects you to spread that paltry image over 40-, 50- and even 60-inch screens, which is frankly ridiculous. The projector hits Japan later this month, so start saving up on suspension of disbelief.

[Kiwi616 @ Oct 22nd 2008 9:30AM]

WOW my HP iPaq 4705 had VGA on a 4 inch screen and they expect this to sell!?!

[NHAnimator @ Oct 22nd 2008 9:48AM]

Of note also is its sole input: ViewMaster reels.

[UnixSystemsEngineer @ Oct 22nd 2008 1:38PM]

You, sir, win this thread.

[Killjoy @ Oct 22nd 2008 9:52AM]

Not to mention the company can't even photoshop a decent reflection.

[Cybergypsy @ Oct 22nd 2008 10:00AM]

Fail

[Jon Acheson @ Oct 22nd 2008 10:22AM]

Wouldn't you be better off just showing them your laptop screen?

This thing barely has the resolution to display Atari 2600 games.

[Valicore @ Oct 22nd 2008 11:10AM]

How did this even make it to Japan? I would think they would laugh it out of existence. I can see it now... "Just let me lower the resolution on my phone and we'll be all set!"

Also, I just had to post this bit from near the end of the translation: "50-MPS-101 (4:3) for lifting Ceremony type of screen tapestries. Weighs about 1.2kg. If you do not use, storage can take roll."

Engrish FTW

[kal326 @ Oct 22nd 2008 12:20PM]

320x240 sweet now I can play all my DOS games on a huge 40-60" screen!

[Noodles2k @ Oct 22nd 2008 12:22PM]

Also in Engadget news this week : Moses leads Israelite's exodus from Egypt, Pharaoh rather pissed off.



http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=225585 :\

[Bones3D @ Oct 22nd 2008 1:53PM]

Wow, I think the projector unit Tiger Electronics was hocking for christmas a couple years ago targeting children (complete with built-in DVD player and composite inputs) might have had better resolution than this thing, and that was only $250 at launch.

I'll be amazed if this thing actually sells.

[MarbleMind @ Oct 22nd 2008 4:32PM]

This is ridiculous. You're better off tearing down some generic 2" TFT and wiring it into an old Leica slide projector if you're looking for that kind of lo-fi cinema experience. Well, maybe the image quality won't be as "great" but you'll barely shell out half the dough this thing costs.
Geek factor included.

[Nick @ Oct 23rd 2008 7:55AM]

"the 2-inch thickness and 6-inch length are kind of nice..."

That's what she said. ;)