LcdProjector
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Christie LX1000 projector delivers 10,000 retina-searing lumens
Do you know when you don't need to worry about drawing the blackout shades and dimming the lights for projector use? When your projector cranks out 10,000 lumens, that's when. The Christie LX1000 is just such a beast, even though it looks to be a twin brother of the Sanyo PLC-XF71. For its part, the LX1000 is a dual-lamp, 3LCD setup with 10-bit image processing. The motorized lens shift and focus controls are to be expected at this level, but a nice 20,000 lumen surprise awaits you if you stack a couple of LX1000s. The good news is tempered somewhat by looking at the other LX-series models, which deliver 1024x768 resolution. Christie's not sharing pricing info, but this model has got to sit between the $18,000 LX900 and the $30,000 LX1500.
Epson's DVD-playing EH-DM2 projector reviewed, little love is shown
We understand that the DVD-packin' projector has a certain place in life, but even in that dark little cavern, Epson's EH-DM2 didn't do much to impress the panel over at TrustedReviews. The first thing that really got 'em worked up was the outright omission of an HDMI port, and of course, the subpar 854 x 480 resolution didn't win over anyone, either. Moving on to even harsher bashing, we find that there's no optical zoom whatsoever, so you best have limitless mounting options if you're looking for optimal quality. Even considering the native resolution, critics were definitely underwhelmed by the images output by the DM2, and their bottom line was this: "we wouldn't have been impressed by the PJ's performance -- even as a mega-budget, ultra-casual projector -- two years ago." Can you say "burn?"
Epson rolls out all-in-one EH-DM2 projector
While we can't say we've ever felt the need for a projector with a built-in DVD player and a built-in "surround sound" system, Epson seems to think there's at least some folks that want a big box of compromises, and it's hoping its new EH-DM2 projector will be to their liking. This one's a 3LCD projector, and boasts an "HD compatible" resolution and an adequate 1,200 lumens of brightness, along with a few non-standard features like a USB port to let you view photos, DiVX compatibility from the built-in DVD player and, of course, those built-in 8W speakers that somehow promise to surround you with sound. Not exactly for everyone, to be sure, but the €600 price tag (or just under $900) is certainly reasonable enough, and it'll apparently be available as soon as next month.[Via About Projectors]
Panasonic intros LB80 series of LCD projectors
Nothing too exceptional here, but Panasonic has just released its new LB80 series of LCD projectors. The PT-LB80NTU, PT-LB75NTU and PT-LW80NTU beamers (and the widescreen counterpart, PT-LW80NTU) all tip the scales at under 7-pounds (that's the "lightest in their class," so we're told) and feature built-in wireless in order to connect to PCs sans cabling. The whole lot boasts resolutions ranging from 1,024 x 768 to 1,280 x 800 and brightness levels from 2,600 to 3,200 lumens. As if you couldn't piece it together yourself, these were designed with boardrooms and middle-schoolers in mind, but if the $1,999 to $3,499 price tags don't scare you off, you can most definitely bring one to your own abode right now.
Sanyo brings "smallest and lightest" XGA projector to these shores
It looks like it's not only those in Japan that'll be able to get their hands on what's purported to be the "industry's smallest and lightest XGA projector," with Sanyo now also announcing that its diminutive PLC-XW60 LCD projector will soon be available 'round these parts as well. Most importantly, the price has also received a rather steep cut from the direct Yen to dollar conversion, with it now boasting an MSRP of just $795. That'll still get you the very same 3.6-pound projector, however, which packs a respectable 2,000 lumens of brightness, a 400:1 contrast ratio, component, composite and VGA inputs, and, last but not least, a built-in 1 watt mono speaker. Look for it to hit all the usual sources sometime next month.
3LCD manufacturers introduce Color Brightness measurement
3LCD manufacturers including Epson and Sony are getting behind a new metric for measuring color reproduction among projectors. Since the contrast ratio is based on just pure white and pure black, a high value does not guarantee that the colors produced by a projector are "punchy." This new "Color Brightness" value will measure a brightness value for each of red, green and blue primary colors used in 3LCD projectors. If a projector produces same brightness for red, green, blue and white, then you know it's able to produce saturated colors over the spectrum. No word on when to expect this metric to be adopted, as it still has to be submitted to the requisite standards bodies.[Via AboutProjectors]
NEC's VT700 projector excites kids, bores teachers
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.
Toshiba's TLP-XC2500AU projector includes document camera
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 releases TLP-X3000U conference room projector
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 releasing PLV-Z5 LCD projector
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).
Sanyo's new LCD projectors: up to $140,200
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]
