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InFocus' SP8602 projector puts the ScreenPlay line back on the map
It's been a long time since InFocus has brought out a beamer under the ScreenPlay name, but the SP8602 is coming out guns blazing at CEDIA. The 1080p DarkChip DLP boasts a 30,000:1 contrast, but can also crank out 1,300 lumens for when viewing must compete with that big ball of fire in the sky. The SP8602 is packed with good tech, including a six-segment color wheel, TI's BrilliantColor, 10-bit video processing from PixelWorks and 120-Hz support to make sure the images thrown up on the big screen are eye-poppingly good. Heck, it's even ready if said screen is less than perfect -- vertical and horizontal lens shifts, automatic image flipping (ceiling mount is where it's at) and warping functions (don't use them unless you have to) should pretty much be able to deliver square images to all but the most compromised situations. Available in late October, but you'll have to hit up your dealer for pricing.
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Sharp introduces PG-F255W 720p DLP projector for under $1,000
Nah, it's no 1080p, but if 720p will do ya, Sharp's got a new one you should consider. The PG-F255W DLP beamer packs a WXGA resolution (1,280 x 800), BrilliantColor technology, 2,500 ANSI lumens, a 2,200:1 contrast ratio, DVI / VGA inputs, integrated speakers, RS-232C / USB sockets, Ethernet and a variable audio line-out. The PJ is geared for more commercial applications (think education, churches, board rooms, etc.), but we don't see any reason why it won't handle your home cinema needs just fine. It's available this month for "under $1,000," which probably means $999.99 plus applicable sales tax.
InFocus ships X9 720p DLP projector for $1,099
InFocus' latest may not offer 1080p, but it also won't force you to sell your outhouse in order to stomach the sticker. This 720p beamer leverages DLP BrilliantColor technology and offers up 1,800 lumens, a 2,500:1 contrast ratio, a lamp life ranging between 3,500 and 4,000 hours and an array of ports including HDMI 1.3, component, composite, S-video and VGA. If you don't exactly have the coin to bring home the Play Big IN80, here's your man. It's available now for $1,099 (MSRP).
Carl Zeiss' powerdomeVELVET planetarium projector: 2,500,000:1 contrast ratio
We've seen dynamic contrast ratios on HDTVs climb as high as 2,000,000:1, but an in-house design from the famed Carl Zeiss blows that right out of the water. The powerdomeVELVET planetarium projector was obviously not designed with home cinema in mind, though the specifications are no less impressive. We've got a 2,500,000:1 contrast ratio, DLP / BrilliantColor technologies, a 1,200p native resolution and a DVI input. Not like you're actually considering one for your own domed theater, but it'll be available for a small fortune in Q1 2009.[Via DVICE]
Vivitek introduces its very first projectors, forgets to make 'em memorable
Just what the world needs -- another pair of perfectly average projectors to choose from. Vivitek has boldly gone where so many others have gone before by introducing the D326MX (XGA) and D326WX (WXGA) projectors, both of which rely on Texas Instruments' DLP engine and boast rapid start-up / instant shutdown features, HDMI / component connectors, 2,600 ANSI lumens, a 2,500:1 contrast ratio, 5-segment color wheel and a 1-watt speaker for mind-blowing monaural sound. The units weigh in at just 3.2-pounds apiece, and both should be available now for $999 / $1,199 should you remember to look within the next 15 seconds. Full release after the break.
Sharp goes wild with projectors / LCD monitors at InfoComm
Never mind those guys cranking out just one or two new gizmos at InfoComm -- Sharp's busting out the big guns. The company is using the stage in Vegas to introduce a swarm of new gear including the XG-P560W 3-chip DLP WXGA projector, XG-C455W / PG-C355W 3LCD WXGA PJs, XG-P610X XGA unit and four new BrilliantColor DLP beamers (PG-F317X, PG-F312X, PG-F262X and PG-F212X). For those unfazed, it's also showcasing 46- (TL-M4600) and 52-inch (TL-M5200) professional LCD monitors meant for digital signage applications. As you can probably glean, there's way too much data on the whole lot to cover in this space, so we'll kindly direct you to the read link if you're hungry for more.
Mitsubishi shows off XD211U DLP projector
Talk about product overlap: just over a month ago, Mitsubishi introduced its XD500U, boasting a pixel count of 1,024 x 768 and brightness of 2,200-lumens. Now say "hello" to the XD211U, with the same pixel count, brightness, and BrilliantColor specs. The XD211U weighs in at 0.5-pounds lighter and does boast a new DDP 2230 TI microarray, however. The theft-deterrent security hook will protect the $1595 beamer from any grabby hands around the office or classroom. The projector might be secure, but you know some deadbeat is going to make off with the detachable keypad and render this thing unusable -- better order a spare keypad right up front.[Via AboutProjectors]
Mitsubishi unveils XD500U, XD510U and XD520U projectors
Those on the hunt for a PJ for your kids' room (you know, one you can "borrow" and relocate to the garage) can toss a glance at three new ones from Mitsubishi. The first of the 500 series is the XD500U, which touts an XGA resolution, 2,200 lumens, six-segment color wheel, 2,000:1 contrast ratio and a top-loading lamp. As for the XD510U, it retains the same 1,024 x 768 resolution but climbs to 2,600 lumens, while the SD510U offers up 2,200 lumens, a SVGA (800 x 600) resolution and a slightly lower price tag. The trio of DLP beamers are set to ship this month starting at $995.[Via AboutProjectors]
Christie launches 1080p DLP HD405 projector
We've heard of Christie's projectors being used in grandiose scenarios, but the firm's latest should fit quite well in your average den. The HD405 is a single-clip DLP PJ that rocks a native 1080p (1,920 x 1,080) resolution, 4,100 ANSI lumens, 7,500:1 contrast ratio, 10-bit internal image processing and an array of ports including HDMI, DVI, VGA, component, USB, S-Video, RS-232 and a RJ45 port for ChristieNET connectivity. In case you're curious, this thing weighs in at a hefty 27.8-pounds and utilizes a pair of 300-watt hot-swappable UHP lamps, each of which should last around 1,500 to 2,000 hours. Oh, and we hope you brought the checkbook if you're seriously thinking about picking one of these up -- you know, considering that it lists at $24,495 and all.[Via AboutProjectors]
BenQ's SP830 / SP831 DLP projectors hit up split-screens
BenQ's internal quibbles haven't exactly remained behind closed doors, but rather than harp on who's leaving or what division is shutting down next, we'll just focus on the (literally) brighter side of things. The outfit is announcing today a duo of svelte projectors that not only sport TI's DLP technology, but also boast the ability to "receive two source / inputs in order to project two independent visuals with a single attachable lens." Put simply, the SP830 and SP831 can both output split-screen action through a single lens, and apparently, it's all handled with "a simple push of one button." Furthermore, both 720p units feature HQV (Hollywood Quality Video) Detail Enhancement Technology, TI's BrilliantColor, six-color adjustments, 4x digital zoom, uber-quiet operation, 2000:1 contrast ratio, and a 1,366 x 768 native resolution. While the SP830 doesn't appear to differ much from its higher-priced sibling, it does tout "just" 3,500 ANSI lumens while the SP831 pumps out 4,000, and both of these two-faced PJs should soon be hitting the Malaysian market for 9,999.00 MYR ($2,889) and 12,999.00 MYR ($3,755), respectively.[Via Electronista]
