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SIM2's $158k CinemaQuattro 4K DLP projector is for hundred seat home theaters
Even in the land of the outrageous home theater equipment that is CEDIA, SIM2's new CinemaQuattro projector sticks out. The company's first model capable of 4K (4,096 x 2,160) resolution, it's nearly as large as the Italian scooter that also resided in its booth and comes with a price tag of $158,000 -- the old 1080p $58K Grand Cinema seems almost cheap in comparison. While that may be mild overkill for most, if you're Will Smith and need something to screen flicks on for your personal home theater (emphasis on theater), we'd imagine this fits the bill. SIM2 licensed TI's technology from cinema projector maker Christie in order to develop the three chip 4K DLP monster capable of 20,000 ANSI lumens. According to President and CEO Maurizio Cini this gives its dealers access to "the best" technology, and at that price, it just ought to.%Gallery-164722%
Sony licenses Dolby's HDR tech to make brighter, better Bravia HDTVs in the future
Ever since BrightSide first showed off its Extreme Dynamic Range displays that claim to display luminance throughout the entire range of vision back in 2005, we've been waiting for the technology to overtake current LCDs. The years have passed and a after being purchased by Dolby all we've had to show for it so far is a slightly smaller bezel and a handful of reference displays for professionals from Sim2. That could turn around though, now that Dolby has licensed the technology to Sony to make BRAVIA LCD HDTVs with. Of course, so far Sony hasn't done much with its implementation of OLED and after six years we're cautious to get too excited before actual products are announced, but we could be in for some much better looking displays very soon. Check the press release after the break for details or slick the link to Sim2 below for more explanation on just what this technology is and why you should look forward to it.
Panasonic, Xpand team up on M-3DI standard for active shutter glasses at home and in theaters
Last year's problem was a complete lack of standards on active shutter 3D glasses but now we might have too many, as Panasonic and Xpand have joined forces with several other companies to push M-3DI as a single spec for TVs, computers and theaters. Initial plans for the spec cover only IR sync, with the RF Bluetooth technology included on many 2011 3DTV models (Samsung and Sony are notably missing from the list of participants) to "be considered" for the next step. We'll wait to see some cooperation between this alignment (full list of supporters in the press release after the break) RealD and the CEA's 3D Technologies Working Group -- which, probably not coincidentally is expecting proposals by the end of this month -- before believing the current 3D glasses mess will be resolved.
SIM2 launches Grand Cinema C3X LUMIS HOST projector in Europe
SIM2 already shocked and awed in December when it introduced the $36,495 C3X LUMIS HOST 1080p projector in America, but now the elite in Europe can look forward to procuring one without paying those import prices. Announced this week in Amsterdam at the Integrated Systems Europe expo, the 3-chip DLP-based beamer is now shipping across the pond for those who can afford it. Speaking of which, SIM2 doesn't actually state the European MSRP, but let's just put it this way: you'll be choosing between a new Benz, or this.[Via AboutProjectors]
SIM2 Solar Series infinite contrast HDR LCD ships in Q2
After several years high dynamic range LCD technology is finally ready for market, now that SIM2 and Dolby are showing off this Solar Series 47-inch screen at the 2009 Integrated Systems Europe show. Just like last year's prototype, it's both brighter (4,000 cd/m2) and has a greater contrast ratio than any flat panel currently available. The 2,206 LEDs can provide up to an infinite contrast ratio and supposedly match real world visuals thanks to 16 bit color processing. The only bad news is that even with a name change to Dolby Vision, that ugly wide bezel from the BrightSide days still remains. We'll have to wait until closer to the Q2 shipping date to find out the price, but with SIM2's high end reputation it won't be cheap.Update: SIM2 pinged us to say that only the professional version will be available in Q2. The "consumer unit" won't be formally launched in the US until CEDIA this September. Gallery: SIM2 / Dolby Vision Solar Series HDR display
DS2 shows off embedded powerline module
While powerline as a whole still has quite a ways to go before it's considered mainstream, DS2 is apparently hoping to bring it a touch closed by embedding it in places we'd least expect. At CES last week, the company was spotted showing off an embedded PLC module which gave powerline capabilities to whatever item it was integrated into. Now, let's see DS2 convince router companies and the like to follow suit.
SIM2 announces Entertainment Experience System with HDGiants
SIM2 already linked up with Entertainment Experience back at CEDIA, and now the cute couple is hooking up once more in order to deliver a complete display + content solution. The aptly named Entertainment Experience System consists of the Grand Cinema C3X 1080 or HT5000E 3-chip DLP projector along with an Entertainment Experience Media Center that manages Blu-ray and DVD, PlayStation and Xbox Games, HDTV, HD video, PC and HDGiants digital movies. Finally, the bundle includes digital flicks from HDGiants, though it's unclear how many will be included and at what cost. Judging by how pricey the whole Niveus + HDGiants hookup was, though, we're thinking these won't come at a bargain.
SIM2 aims high with $58,000 Grand Cinema HT5000E DLP projector
SIM2 never fails to stun, and it's proving yet again that it couldn't care less about the global economic situation (or that it just aims at a class of people that are simply unaffected) with the Grand Cinema HT5000E. Said device was actually outed yesterday courtesy of an HDGiants pair-up, but today we're being gifted with the official details. The three-chip DLP beamer includes a trio of 0.95-inch DarkChip4 DMDs, a 1,920 x 1,080 native resolution, six lens options, Ethernet jack for remote control and world-class color uniformity / edge-to-edge focus capabilities. Yeah, it'll cost you more than most vehicles and even some diminutive homes at $57,995, but at least the white glove delivery service is included. A true bargain, let us tell you. Full release is after the break.
Dolby announces Vision release for Q1, Volume release for now
We can't say that we've ever been utterly stoked for Dolby Volume, but we suppose it's a nice extra in TV sets and set-top-boxes so long as the cost of inclusion is negligible to the consumer. That said, Dolby's making darn sure the crowd at CES knows that it's infiltrating sets in the US and Europe as we speak, and it'll be showcasing a number of Toshiba REGZA LCDs in particular. In related news, Dolby Vision -- part of its High Dynamic Range series -- will be showcased in a SIM2 prototype LCD here in Vegas. Better still, Dolby is currently working with SIM2 in order to develop an HDR-enabled LCD display, and while we highly doubt this is the set that's coming in Q1, we are told that the technology will be available in some form or fashion this quarter. Patience, friends -- it's the only choice.
SIM2's PRO5DL HD projector to beam Italian operas to LA / NYC
It's opera season once more, and this time we've got Italy's own SIM2 getting involved. The company famous for engineering remarkably sexy (and incredibly expensive) projectors has just announced that its DLP-based PRO5DL flagship Digital Cinema projector will be used to show audiences in LA and NYC live broadcasts of the La Scala Opera season. The transmissions will be beamed from the La Scala Operahouse in Milan to the Beverly Hills Laemmle Theater and Miller Theater at Columbia University in New York, and the images will be displayed on 28-foot wide screens. We're not sure how costly a ticket is, but it's sure to be substantially lower than a round trip ticket to Italy.
SIM2 launches Ethernet-packin' C3X LUMIS HOST 1080p projector
Around this time last year, SIM2 was busy busting wallets with its $32k C3X. This year, we've got a revamped version coming in at an even higher price point: the network-friendly C3X LUMIS HOST. The 1080p beamer packs a 3-chip DLP (DarkChip4) engine, a 35,000:1 contrast ratio, 3,000 ANSI lumens, DynamicBlack technology and IR / Ethernet / RS-232 control ports. The standout feature, however, is SIM2's own proprietary three-line optical-digital High-Definition Optical Signal Transfer (H.O.S.T.) system, which allows two of these beasts to be connected over distances of up to 750-feet. Sadly, this unit will only find homes with those with copious quantities of disposable income, as it starts at $36,495 and goes higher when throwing in a T3 extra-long throw lens.[Via CyberTheater]
SIM2 tag-teams with Entertainment Experience to bring you movies on hard drives
Now here's a real head-scratcher -- imagine that instead of having Netflix ship you a new movie on disc every few days, you had some other company sending you a new hard drive once or twice a week. If we're understanding SIM2's latest news correctly, that's exactly what'll happen when signing up with Entertainment Experience, LLC. The Digital Entertainment Solution includes SIM2's ultra-pricey C3X 1080p projector, but that's not even the best part; purchasers will apparently also receive an undisclosed amount of additional hardware in the form of a "Digital Entertainment Center" that accepts HDDs with motion pictures stored in a reference-grade DCI format accepted by Hollywood. It even sounds like an AV signal processor comes bundled in to make even your current media components (Xbox 360, PS3, Blu-ray player, etc.) look better. Both firms have noted that content should be available "soon," and while we'll be doing our best to track down more information at CEDIA, feel free to read up on the cryptic release after the break for now.
SIM2 delivers $5,000 1080p DOMINO D60 DLP projector
SIM2's DOMINO line -- okay, SIM2's entire line -- isn't known for being the cheapest bunch. The new DOMINO D60, however, is actually affordable by said company's standards, checking in at just 4,995 US dollars. This 1080p beamer is based on Texas Instruments' DarkChip3 0.95-inch DMD chipset and includes a single-chip DLP projection system, BrilliantColor, three different preset modes (Cinema, Dynamic, and Standard) and three user-customizable memories. It's shipping now for those with fat wallets.
SIM2 shows off $21k HT3000 HOST projector
SIM2 updates its line of high end projectors with its Grand Cinema HT3000 HOST system combining the latest 1080p DLP chipset from TI with a three-line optical-digital High-Definition Optical Signal transfer system (H.O.S.T.) in one gunmetal-finished box. The projector itself measures 17-inches square and 24 lbs, while the separate HOST system is designed for installers to connect video sources to its six HDMI inputs, three component inputs and multiple SD jacks up to 750 feet away from the projector with no loss of signal. Depending on lens choice, the price starts at $21, 595, but we're sure you have that kind of money just laying around.[Via About Projectors]
SIM2, Dolby showcase 46-inch HDR display prototype
Well, would you take a look at that. Right on cue, Dolby and SIM2 are collaboratively showcasing a 46-inch 1080p display built around the former firm's high dynamic range technology. The HDR-enabled LCD HDTV boasts 1,836 LED-based backlight units (designed / developed by SIM2), a full 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, brightness level greater than 4,000 cd/m2, an "infinite" contrast ratio, 16-bits of luminance and a Xilinx Virtex field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) chipset. Additionally, the prototype employs a design created by Giorgio Revoldini, and while we can't imagine hearing of a release date anytime soon, the two firms aren't wasting any time putting the new set on a world tour to presumably wow onlookers. Hey SED, you taking notes here?
Sim2 mounts another assualt on your wallet with the PRO5000 HD projector
Sim2's back with another wallet-busting HD projector aimed at the crazy home cinema crowd. This time it's the new PRO5000, which will officially debut at the ISE conference in Amsterdam on January 31st. The 3-chip DLP rig boats 1080p resolution, EASYCINEMA color calibration, and adjustable, interchangeable projection lenses that enable the unit to work in a variety of theater sizes. Sim2 isn't being exactly forthcoming with pricing details, but knowing the company, you'd best be driving something that ends in Royce to join the party.[Via About Projectors]
SIM2, Dolby aiming to deliver HDR prototype display in Q1 2008
Just when you thought high dynamic range was slipping into the background once more, we've received new information that the technology is not only alive and well behind certain closed doors, but that it will be making its debut relatively soon. Reportedly, SIM2 has teamed up with Dolby to create a prototype display incorporating Dolby's HDR technologies. More specifically, the unit will be an HDR-enabled LCD using Dolby's LED local dimming technology, which should provide "dramatically enhanced contrast." Regrettably, we're not told anything beyond that -- resolution, design, inputs, etc. all remain a mystery -- but you can go on and mark Q1 2008 down as the period in which we should see the first elusive prototype. 'Course, the key word there is "should."
Sim2 announces $12,000 Domino 80E projector
It's certainly not for everyone, but those willing to tread into five-digit territory for the benefit of their home theater may want to consider Sim2's just-announced Domino 80E projector which, at $12,000 is actually a bit of a bargain compared to some of the company's other projectors. For that price, you'll of course get a full 1080p projector, along with DarkChip3 DLP technology, a 4,500:1 contrast ratio, and just about every port you could want. As if that wasn't enough, you can also add an optional 2.35:1 anamorphic lens adapter, which apparently doesn't require an external processor to change the aspect ratio and, no doubt just as importantly for some, you can get it in your choice of white or matte black finishes.
SIM2 reveals $32K C3X 1080 DLP projector, wallets cringe
It's been a tick since we've seen a swank new projector from SIM2, but on paper, it looks like the wait was worth it. The firm's new-generation version of the Grand Cinema C3X (dubbed C3X 1080) features a gorgeous Giorgio Revoldini-designed chassis, TI's brand new DarkChip 4 DLP device, a 10-bit video processor, HD scaling and deinterlacing capabilities, 1080p24 support, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and color-management software that enables installers to "precisely match each projector to its home theater environment." Additionally, you'll find a pair of selectable HDCP-compliant HDMI jacks, component / S-Video / composite / VGA ports, RS-232 / USB control sockets, IR-sensor inputs, 12-volt trigger outputs and an optical digital audio socket. This 22-pounder, which ships in high-gloss gunmetal, black, red and gold, is likely to keep your eyes affixed for days on end, but only if you've got $31,995 to spare. Check out a few more colors in the gallery below, and watch the drool, will ya?%Gallery-11154%
SIM2's HD5000: another 1080p, 3-chip DLP for the home
SIM2 dropped additional product for home theater buffs today with the introduction of their HT5000 projector and Home Cinema Scope System. The HT5000 is yet another 1080p projector targeting home cinemas which, just like the DPI's TITAN 1080p, features three of TI's 0.95-inch 1080p DarkChip3 DMD chips albeit dolled-up in a prettier dress. While we know the DLP sports a 300-watt lamp and 5000:1 (full on / full off) contrast ratio, SIM2 fails to mention any inputs. Nevertheless, we're hoping to find at least a couple of HDMIs like those found in their HT3000 when more details (and pricing) are released in Q4. Also announced at the CEDIA Expo in Denver is the SIM2 Scope System which combines a new lens with enough processing power to convert the typical 16:9 widescreen output from your projector to a theater-like 2.35:1 aspect ratio sans letterboxing. Just prepare to drop an additional $12k for such excessive luxury, mkay? Check the Scope System snuggled up to a SIM2 C3X projector after the break. Read -- HD5000Read -- Scope
