BeamBox Evolution R-2 -- one of the brightest little guys around

BeamBox has just outed its Revolution R-2 pico projector, and while nothing much that could be termed revolutionary has happened in the world of tiny projectors as of late, the R-2 certainly has one thing going for it: it's super bright. That's right, the Revolution R-2 boasts a 40 lumen LCoS chip, which means it should stand out where most picos are much less -- and often around 20 lumens. Other than that it will produce a 75-inch projection with a 200:1 contrast ratio, it's got 1GB of storage plus a microSD slot, A/V inputs and a Mini USB port, plus an integrated media player. The Revolution R-2 is available now for £250 (around $360).

[BuzzMega Posted May 20th 2010 6:06PM]

200:1 contrast is less than a magazine print. 40 lumens is about 7.5 foot candles so don't expect real brightness. 800 x 600 pixels is about right for a nice, standard definition image.

$360? Good luck with that.

[condimentstation Posted May 20th 2010 6:15PM]

@BuzzMega

beats other pico projectors for around the same price point. if you want real image quality, expect to dish out more money. with tech, you get what you pay for (most of the time)

[Broderbund Posted May 20th 2010 6:35PM]

@condimentstation I dunno my friend just spent 2,000 on a macbook pro!

Zing

[Philip Han Posted May 20th 2010 9:09PM]

@BuzzMega You can't compare magazine print to screens... It's just unfair. Especially with freaking pico projectors man.

[BuzzMega Posted May 21st 2010 3:36AM]

@Philip Han The point to a magazine print comparison is that the sheet of paper has only a dynamic range of ink to white paper. Far, far less than you want in a projection or glowing screen. Sure, it's an unfair comparison, because print dynamics is so darn poor, compared to what you're reading this off right now.

A projection of 200:1 is about 2/3 of print. But it's your $360. Spend it as you like.

[Bolo Posted May 21st 2010 3:41AM]

@Broderbund Why?

[Wierde2003 Posted May 20th 2010 6:10PM]

Sweet!

[AnonymousTrain Posted May 20th 2010 6:14PM]

I LIKE THIS PRODUCT BUT IT SEEMS EXPENSIVE FOR THE PRICE
IM NOT MADE OF OUT MONEY!

[Crazy Goat Posted May 20th 2010 6:49PM]

@AnonymousTrain

Not made of money? You should afford to at least replace your broken keyboard.

[Yota Posted May 20th 2010 7:31PM]

goog to see more micro projectors popping up, there is not much choice of those right now.

[scoobydooby Posted May 20th 2010 7:52PM]

http://aaxatech.com/products/m1_micro_projector.htm

$329 - 66 Lumen, 800x600 native with SD, USB and 1GB internal.

OK - it may not be as pico as that once, but it gets close.

[Information Central Posted May 20th 2010 8:23PM]

Way to not state the resolution, Engadget. Come on, that's the first question you'd ask.

[MaTdg Posted May 21st 2010 12:59AM]

If a picoprojector doesn't use laser technologie, they blew it.

[TRiPgod Posted May 21st 2010 1:17AM]

@MaTdg Totally agree. Laser will be the new way to go. It'll be the light source for TV's in the future.

[benoki Posted May 21st 2010 10:26AM]

Just some stats (and food) for thought, 40 ANSI lumens @ a 20" image will provide roughly a 300 lux image.
The minimum environmental conditions suitable for this set up would be:
- Maximum 30 lux of ambient light on the projection surface to provide a 10:1 contrast ratio
- Room lighting range between 10 - 900 lux to prevent eye strain
- Maximum viewing distance of 2.4m for comfortable acuity

I've got one and it's currently projecting on to my ceiling from my bedside table, and when I go to work on Monday ill just sweep it in to my laptop bag on the way out the door..

If you want the contrast ratio of A4 print, buy a flip book - or wait for Jobs to bring real functionality to the iPad (rather than the current function-follows-form-follows-apple model). If you want a creative and casual way to display any kind of media and information, buy a pico. :)