While there's been no shortage of projectors for the suits of late, NEC is looking out for the CEOs (and subordinates) of tomorrow with the VT700. This portable device features a 1,024 x 768 native resolution, automatic keystone correction, near-instantaneous startup and shut down, 3,000 lumens, an integrated five-watt speaker, DVI input, a 3,000-hour lamp life, and audio out as well. Clearly designed with classrooms in mind, the wall-color correction technology "enables accurate colors to be projected onto whiteboards, blackboards, and colored walls," and Autosense automatically synchronizes the projector with computer signals to save technologically disadvantaged teachers from insanity. Notably, NEC touts the unit's three-year warranty as if schoolkids would ever put this thing in any sort of danger, and while it's due to start shipping (not coincidentally) in August, public pricing details remain a mystery.

Nearly a year after Toshiba introduced its TLP-XC2500U, the firm is finally giving the document camera-equipped projector a refresh and dubbing it the TLP-XC2500AU. Hailed as a low-cost way to get a doc cam integrated into a projector, this device is aimed squarely at educators and businesses, features the firm's Natural Color Enhancer3, and includes a 1,024 x 768 resolution, 400:1 contrast ratio, 2,500 ANSI lumens, and a bulb that purportedly lasts around 3,000 hours when used in Eco-Mode. Additionally, the one-touch setup and automatic vertical keystone correction should prevent any long waits in the conference room, and the digital zoom function on the wireless remote can help presenters focus in without resorting to an all-too-fun laser pointer. Tosh's TLP-XC2500AU looks to be shipping in one to two weeks for $1,439.

Toshiba's got a new projector for those who spend more time in the conference room than the comfort of a home theater. The TLP-X3000U LCD model pumps out a standard XGA (1024 x 768) resolution at a bright 3,000 lumens, which should be enough for you to leave the lights on while you rock your PowerPoint presentations -- though the rather paltry 400:1 contrast ratio would seem to preclude any use in a serious home theater setup. The projector also packs what Toshiba calls a "blackboard" function, which'll adjust the color when projecting on something other than a screen, as well as password protection and a key-lock to prevent unauthorized use. This one will set you back -- or should we say set your expense account back -- a not unreasonable $1,739.

[Via About Projectors]

Sanyo looks set to release a followup to its PLV-Z4 projector soon, with the shockingly-named PLV-Z5 bumping the specs in all the right areas -- or at least about as much as you can expect at this price point. Pumping out a 1280×720 resolution, this one promises a 7,500:1 contrast ratio, 1,100 lumens brightness, and a welcome second HDMI input in addition to the requisite line up of component (two of 'em, too), composite, s-video, and VGA. Look for this one to be available later this month in both black and silver variations for €1,799 (about $2,300).

It's time to get your big, bad Japanese projector on today. Say konichiwa to Sanyo's LP-HD2000, LP-XF46, LP-WP80, and LP-XP57 (clockwise from left). At the top of the line, the HD2000 projects at a 2048 x 1080 resolution with a 300W, 7,000 lumen lamp at 1,000:1 contrast ratio; the other three are XGA projectors casting between 3,000 and 12,000 lumens with 1,000 to 1,300:1 contrast ratios. In other words, these are some pretty industrial strength projectors, with ¥15,700,000, ¥5,250,000, ¥1,260,000, and ¥1,155,000 (about $140,200, $46,900, $11,250, and $10,300 US) price tags, respectively, so we have a feeling for that next home theater rig you'll probably be looking elsewhere for your projection system. [Warning: PDF link]

[Via Impress]