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3LCD posts

Video: Epson and 3M create the 0.3-mm spokesmodel, eating disorders skyrocket

by Thomas Ricker, posted Jul 9th 2009 at 4:09AM

The technology behind this display might not be new, but the approach to demonstrating it is absolutely captivating. Good thing too because the idea here is to combine Epson's rear-projection technology with 3M's 0.3-mm thin Vikuiti film to project talking avatars on shop windows in a bid to lure lusty nerd-boys and impressionable Cosmo-girls in for a closer look. Check it after the break courtesy of Impress.

Continue reading Video: Epson and 3M create the 0.3-mm spokesmodel, eating disorders skyrocket

Epson begins mass-producing 'world's smallest' LCD for 3LCD data projectors

by Laura June, posted Jun 29th 2009 at 10:38AM

Epson's started volume production of what it believes to be the "world's smallest" XGA high temperature polysilicon TFT (HTPS-TFT) panel for 3LCD data projectors. The chip used (an L3P05X-91G00) is approximately 23 percent smaller than its predecessor, and the 0.55-inch panel boasts natural XGA (1024 x 768) resolution. Epson says they're working to increase the resolution on these types of displays, which are currently being manufactured only for 3LCD data projectors. Pretty impressive -- though, we'll just hold out until they start putting these babies into really tiny television sets.

[Via About Projectors]

Epson's WUXGA HTPS-TFT Panel hints at ultra-bright, high-contrast PowerLite projectors in September

by Thomas Ricker, posted Jun 11th 2009 at 4:50AM

As a leader in home cinema systems, it's always a good idea to keep tabs on Epson's core technologies as a preview of what's coming up in next generation home theater projectors. Today Seiko-Epson announced the start of volume production for its 0.94-inch HTPS-TFT LCD capable of a WUXGA (1920 x 1200 pixel) resolution for 3LCD projectors pushing 1080p. The panel supports a brightness of 5000 lumens (or more!) using Epson's D7 process technology while achieving "higher than ever contrast" through its C2 Fine inorganic alignment layer tech. What this means is simple: expect to see a new brightness and contrast champion PowerLite Home Cinema projector announced at the end of Summer, as CEDIA tradition dictates, with product shipping by end of the year.

Sanyo's LP-WXU700 projector is first to stream HD video over 802.11n WiFi

by Thomas Ricker, posted May 12th 2009 at 7:37AM

True, Sanyo's LP-WXU700 is limited to a WXGA (1280 x 800) pixel image. But it's still the world's first to transmit that video over 802.11b/g/n (draft 2.0). Grabbing wireless video off your Vista PC is a snap thanks to the projector's Windows Embedded CE 6.0 software with Video Streaming Function that links back to Vista's Network Projector Function. Spec-wise we're looking at a 0.74-inch 3LCD panel capable of projecting a 100-inch image at a distance of 2.5 to 4-meters at 3,800 lumens with a 500:1 contrast ratio. Sanyo even tosses in a single HDMI jack in addition to the usual analog inputs. While, it's targeted at offices and schools, it wouldn't surprise us to see this ¥~~62,790 (about $642)~~ projector show up in make-shift home theaters and gaming rooms when it launches in June.

Update: Oops, dropped a 0 from the price. It's actually ¥627,900 or about $6,445 according to the native English press release -- but even that doesn't sound right.

[Via Akihabara News]

Sanyo's 4LCD PLC-XP200L projector gets reviewed

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 29th 2008 at 6:29PM

You're probably wondering if adding in a fourth panel to an LCD projector is really worthwhile. Actually, you're probably willing to bet your bottom dollar that it's a gimmick. Sound & Vision took the time to actually critique Sanyo's latest with an open mind, and believe it or not, it found the all new QuaDrive technology to be everything it was hyped up to be. To be fair, the PLC-XP200L isn't tailored for the home theater; the lowly 1,024 x 768 resolution and 4:3 aspect ratio sound downright appalling. However, reviewers focused more on the actual technology / image quality given that Sanyo already has a compact, quieter, 16:9 QuaDrive beamer slated for 2009. During a demonstration, critics found the new tech to be visibly better than 3LCD rivals, with the picture appearing "dramatically more vivid." Should you rush out and buy the XP200L? Probably not. But you may just want to delay your impending PJ purchase until that HT version hits next year.

Hitachi kicks out CP-X206 and CP-X306 3LCD projectors

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 3rd 2008 at 6:09AM

Look out -- here's comes a couple more snoozers from Hitachi. Sure, the CP-X206 and CP-X306 3LCD projectors will find their place in the wild, wild world, but with a 1,024 x 768 native resolution, that place isn't apt to be your home theater. Respectively, you'll find 2,200 and 2,600 lumens, while they both offer up a 500:1 contrast ratio, built-in 7-watt speaker and 29 dB noise rating in Whisper Mode. Clearly designed with classrooms and offices in mind, Hitachi threw in some swank anti-theft functionality, remote monitoring / management and a 2,000-hour hybrid filter. We've all been left out of the loop in regard to pricing, but it's not like this thing just rocketed up your list of must-have gizmos, right?

Mitsubishi's WXGA WL6700U projector packs 5000 lumens

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 1st 2008 at 2:50PM

Pretty amazing what passes as a "business and education projector" these days, huh? The fairly well-spec'd WL6700U is somehow lumped into the aforementioned category, despite it packing a respectable WXGA (1,366 x 800) resolution, 5,000 ANSI lumens, 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a trio of 1.2-inch 3LCD inorganic panels. To be fair, Mitsu does concede that this beamer wouldn't be too out of place in a home theater environment, and the included DVI port, RJ-45 connector (for online management and control) and built-in motion-sensitive anti-theft alarm certainly help prove that point. Unfortunately, such a versatile PJ will likely fit better on the company card than the personal -- unless your Platinum piece isn't fazed by the $9,995 sticker, that is.

Epson launches 1080p PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 UB projector

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 8th 2008 at 1:46PM

Originally, we heard that the PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 UB projector would be headed stateside in December, but apparently Epson (smartly) chose CES to actually launch it. Aside from the 1,920 x 1,080 resolution and 50,000:1 contrast ratio, this unit also features a 3LCD optical engine, 1,600 ANSI lumens, 12-bit video processing, a pair of HDMI 1.3 inputs, the firm's exclusive OptiCinema lens system / E-TORL lamp and a pearlescent finish nice enough to stare at. Best of all, this beast is not only available now, it's available for $2,799 after a $200 rebate. Yeah, we're diggin' the trend.

Sanyo shipping PLC-XL50 short-throw projector

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 7th 2008 at 2:40PM

Sure, Sanyo's PLC-XL50 only features a 1,024 x 768 resolution, 2,000 lumens and a 4:3 aspect ratio, but all of that matters quite a bit less once you realize that it can beam out an 80-inch image with just 3-inches of space. You heard right kiddos, this thing only needs three tiny inches to totally take over your wall, and subsequently, the mounting options here are nearly endless. Additionally, it sports a built-in mono speaker, VGA input / output, audio in / out and a price tag of $3,295. Quite the premium for the short-throw goodness, eh?

[Via VisualApex]

Hitachi's CP-A100 projector brings short-throw within US distance

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 5th 2008 at 1:11PM

Hitachi's CP-A100 is pretty unsightly, sure, but what it lacks in sexiness it totally makes up for in utility. Needing just 1.6-feet to project a 60-inch image, this 3LCD machine can get a Halo match upside your wall regardless of how many beanbags are cluttering up the area. If you'll recall, we spotted the Japanese variant just months ago posing all pretty for us, but it looks at though an Americanized flavor is now official. As for specs, you'll be looking at an XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution, 2,500 ANSI lumens and a contrast ratio of 500:1, and just in case your colleagues like to borrow company kit without asking, there's a Kensington slot, security bar and multilevel PIN locks to keep it planted. Unfortunately, a definitive price / release date is missing, but hopefully Hitachi will have this critter out to stores real soon.

Sony dumping all rear-projection TVs to focus on LCDs?

by Nilay Patel, posted Dec 19th 2007 at 7:49PM

It's unconfirmed at the moment, but we're hearing that Sony is planning to discontinue sales of all rear-projection HDTVs, including its 3LCD and SXRD lines, after current inventories are exhausted to focus on the hot-selling Bravia LCD line. We've been tipped on it twice today and now This Week In Consumer Electronics is reporting that a Sony spokesperson has told them that "We are moving our resources more toward LCD TV, because that's what people really want." It looks like all backorders for the KDSZ70XBR5 are being canceled, as the unit will never be manufactured, and Sony's making a "no promises" effort to fill backorders for the KDF46E3000 and KDS60A3000. The move isn't exactly unprecedented or even all that surprising -- Toshiba, Philips and Hitachi have all stopped producing rear-projection sets, but Sony's SXRDs were still extremely popular and it's strange to see them get dropped just like that. Check the full leaked email we got after the break.

Continue reading Sony dumping all rear-projection TVs to focus on LCDs?

Epson's new PowerLite Home Cinema 720 HD projector

by Paul Miller, posted Oct 22nd 2007 at 9:12AM

Epson seems to think it's hit the sweet spot with its new home theater projector, the PowerLite Home Cinema 720 HD (the PowerLite 400 is pictured), and it may very well be on to something. The 3LCD projector retails for $1,300, and packs in 1,600 ANSI lumens, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, 10-bit color processing and fancy AccuCinema Color Management, and built-in lens shift. Epson doesn't mention the resolution, but we're guessing the "720" in the name means this 16:9 unit is shooting out 720p. There's a full complement of ports, including HDMI, and the lamp should last about 4,000 hours. The unit should go on sale later this month.

Mitsubishi brings 1080p HC6000 projector to America for $4k

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 6th 2007 at 8:05AM

Sanyo's Z2000 isn't the only 1080p projector ringing up below $4k, and now Mitsubishi has revealed that its swank new PJ will be headed stateside soon. The HC6000, of course, touts a beautiful 1,920 x 1,080 native resolution, a 13,000:1 contrast ratio, twin HDMI sockets, 1,000 ANSI lumens, Reon-VX's HQV video processor, 3LCD technology, and a bulb that promises up to 5,000 hours of lamp-life. Mitsu claims that interested buyers can snap one up from US retailers in October for somewhere under $4,000, and it should make itself known tomorrow on the CEDIA floor.

Toshiba aims TLP-WX2200U projector at educators, suits

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 5th 2007 at 7:58AM

Toshiba is hoping that even folks relying on a projector for business purposes still want to sneak it home after 5, and judging by the decent specs bestowed upon the TLP-WX2200U, this one looks to fit that mold. The 6.2-pound 3LCD machine touts a 1,280 x 800 native resolution, 2,200 ANSI lumens, a 600:1 contrast ratio, Tosh's Natural Color Enhancer3 color correction circuitry, automatic vertical keystone correction, VGA in / out, an internal speaker, and a wireless remote as well. Notably, Toshiba's newest PJ will only run you $999, and those who get their orders in now should see it about "one to two weeks."

[Via LetsGoMobile, thanks David]

Epson's Dreamio series of 3LCD projectors give us plastic vertigo

by Thomas Ricker, posted Sep 4th 2007 at 9:18AM

It's not much to see... ah hell, it downright hurts to look at, but this 3LCD projector swivels 180-degrees and includes a DVD player so that's gotta count for something right? Right!? That heaving box of white slabbery is Epson's EMP-TWD10 Dreamio 3LCD projector. We'll run down the specs, quick-like so you can look away: 1,200 lumens, 1,000:1 rated contrast ratio, 720p resolution, 140W E-TORL lamp, 2x 10W speakers, 1.2a HDMI and 28dB operational noise. There, now go. Masochists; you go ahead and peep the 480p, EMP-TWD1 little brother after the break but really, don't, we beg you.

Continue reading Epson's Dreamio series of 3LCD projectors give us plastic vertigo