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Optoma HD20 projector cracks the $1,000 barrier
It looks like sub-$1,000 pricing is shaping up to be the new 1080p as the headline spec for projectors tempting you to reach for your wallet. Don't get us wrong -- $999 isn't exactly in the "impulse buy" category, but it opens up projectors appeal tremendously. Optoma's HD20 has joined Vivitek's H1080FD in the $999, 1080p, DLP-powered beamer segment. Competition is always good, and the HD20 is happy to oblige by bringing 1,700 lumens, a 4000:1 contrast ratio, two HDMI inputs, and a bulb life of 4,000 or 3,000 hours depending on whether you take in the movies in "standard" or "bright" mode. Oh yeah, and the Optoma name might be a little more familiar to consumers than Vivitek, too. Competition is good, indeed.
Optoma delivers 1080p ThemeScene HD82 projector to the UK
'Tis a shame Optoma's reserving its latest 1080p beamer for the overseas crowd, but we'll set aside our envy for a tick and just join in the across-the-pond-excitement. The ThemeScene HD82 sports a native 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, 1,300 nits of brightness, a 20,000:1 maximum contrast ratio and a DLP engine. Britons will also enjoy a 1.5x zoom, PureMotion / PureShift technologies, twin HDMI ports and a DVI socket to boot. Of course, enjoying that £2,999 ($4,382) price tag may not be as easy, but it's still comparatively affordable in the grand scheme of things.[Via AboutProjectors]
Optoma reveals HD8200 and HD808 HD projectors
Until now, Optoma has pretty much been a no show at CES this year, but our mums always said that late was better than never. At any rate, the company is finally coming clean with two new high-def projectors: the HD8200 and HD808. Both beamers are powered by Pixelworks' PW9800 co-processor with DNX MotionEngine, and of course, they sport a native 1080p resolution. The HD8200 ($4,999.99) is rated at 1,300 ANSI lumens / 20,000:1 contrast ratio while the HD808 ($3,499) scales back to 1,200 lumens / 15,000:1 CR. Consumers are entirely more likely to find the latter in stores, as the former is reportedly tailored to custom channels. For more details on each, give the links below a look.[Via PC Mag]
Optoma's DLP PK101 pico projector up for pre-order at $399.99
"Coming soon," huh? Soon, indeed. Optoma's DLP-based pico projector, which is formally known as the EP-PK-101 (or PK101 in some circles), is now up for pre-order at Amazon. So, just how much will you pay for a 4-ounce beamer that you can carry in your left front pocket? If your answer is anything less than $399.99, you're out of luck here.[Via I4U News]
3M MPro110 / Optoma PK101 pico projectors get dissected
Sure, we frequently come across gizmos so small that tweezers and eyeglass repair kits are needed to dissect 'em, but rarely are those gadgets projectors. With the new wave of minuscule beamers comes a new kind of tear down, and Tech-On has taken the time to split apart and photograph both the 3M MPro110 and Optoma PK101. The splaying gets pretty detailed, too, with us being informed of two large LSIs on the former (one from Weltrend; one from TI) and a hard look at the LEDs of the latter. Have a peek at the writeups and accompanying images below, and see just how long you can go without uttering an "aww" -- we'll bet it's not long at all.Read - 3M tear downRead - Optoma tear down
Optoma DLP Pico projector "coming soon" to US
The last time we saw it, Optoma's tiny Pico projector was being launched in Japan, and now it's finally been officially announced for the US. If by chance you've forgotten, the PK-101 has a 480 x 320 resolution, 9 ANSI lumens, a 1000:1 contrast ratio, gets up to 2 hours of battery life and has a 0.5 watt speaker. The most important feature of the projector of course, is its miniscule size (51 × 105 × 17-mm / 120g), which, we admit, is really, really, small. We don't have an exact release date, but we're assured that it's "coming soon" and that it'll run you about $400. [Via About Projectors]
Optoma's TX1080 projector keeps Jack from becoming a dull boy
Optoma is pitching its TX1080 DLP projector as a "crossover" model that's happy in living rooms as well as boardrooms, and with a 1080p DarkChip DLP with BrilliantColor and a 3700 lumen lamp, it sounds like it should fit the picture quality bill pretty nicely (the 2200:1 contrast figure seems a bit low, but it's not worth debating CR numbers). Add in the $3500 price point and it's not beyond the budget of home buyers looking into front projection, and the network management features sound like a great item if your IT department needs to approve the purchase. So yeah, if you're in the market for a HD DLP beamer around $3000 this holiday, add another one to your candidate list.
Optoma's palm-sized video projector looks great
Optoma's tiny Pico projector has caught our attention. This small device (50mm x 103mm x 15mm) weighs four ounces and features up to 2 hours of battery life, an LED lamp with a lifespan of 20,000 hours and mini USB connectivity. The manufacturers claim that images can be viewed at 60" (measured diagonal from corner to corner) from a maximum distance of 2.6 meters. The AV Input combines stereo audio and composite video via a 1 x 2.5mm 4 pole jack socket.In the video above, it's connected to an iPod Classic and the image looks pretty good. Of course, our experience is only as good as the quality of the clip, but it definitley looks like a fun device. Videos, images and even slide presentations could be run off of your iPod and pocket projector, eliminating the need to bring a laptop, adaptor and full-sized projector to your meeting.The proof is in the pudding, and we'd like to get our hands on one of these. Optoma says they'll start selling sometime next year with a price point around $400US.
Optoma teams with Apple to launch DLP Pico projector in Japan
At long last, an official release date for Texas Instruments' DLP Pico projector. Mark it down, December 1st is the launch (delivered by December 19th) of the "world's smallest / lightest" (51 × 105 × 17-mm / 120g) projector under the Optoma PK-101 branding. And in a smart, hip-by-association marketing move, it'll be sold from the Apple Store in Japan with an iPhone / iPod kit and dock connector for a tax-inclusive price of about ¥50,000 ($511). It'll work with non-Apple gear too, of course. With up to 2-hours battery life, an integrated 0.5 watt speaker, and white LED light throwing a 60-inch, "dazzlingly bright, sharp, vivid video image" packing 480 x 320 pixels from up to 8.5 feet away, Tokyo's Golden Gai district will never be the same.P.S. Encore video hands-on of the unit in action posted after the break.
Optoma Pico Projector gets pictured, specced and priced
We've been hearing about Optoma's Pico Projector for what feels like ages now, but at long last we've some concrete data on the minuscule beamer. Boasting Texas Instruments' DLP technology, the 2- x 4.1- x 0.7-inch device weighs in at just 4.2-ounces and features a native resolution of 480 x 320 pixels, 9 (yes, nine) lumens of brightness and a minimum projection distance of eight inches (with a maximum of 8.5-feet). We're also told that it can be recharged via an AC adapter or USB, but the 20,000-hour bulb is not replaceable. David Pogue was able to spend a little time with the unit, and overall, he was emphatically stoked. He stated that visuals were more than satisfactory when shot up on an airline seat back, and the general crispness of the picture was smashing, too. Contrary to previous reports, we've now learned that this critter will be shipping in a fortnight (or two weeks, for those who take issue with such a term) for $430, which means this can now skyrocket to the top of your holiday wish list.
Texas Instruments' Pico projector prototype caught on tape
Our friends at Engadget Spanish got a look at Texas Instruments' DLP Pico projector, which both Optoma and Toshiba have expressed interest in. The little unit pumps out a WVGA (we think) 1000:1 image, which they found quite satisfactory, in addition to 0.5 watts of sound. The built-in battery should run the thing for a couple of hours. Action-packed video after the break, en español!
TI showcases 3D projector and DLP Pico chipset at InfoComm
InfoComm is in full swing down in Vegas, and Texas Instruments isn't wasting any time showcasing its latest gear. First up is a prototype 1080p beamer hailed as the industry's first with a lamp-free design. Said unit also utilizes a PhlatLight LED light source and a BrilliantColor chipset, and if TI is to be believed, certain vendors will be shipping wares based on this stuff later this year. Moving on, we're being (re)treated to the planet's "first" 3D front projector (also known as the F10 AS3D), designed in cooperation with projectiondesign. Hidden beneath the big boys is the DLP Pico chipset for mobile applications, which will unsurprisingly pop up in pico projectors from companies like Optoma in late 2008 (Europe and Asia) / 2009 (the rest of us). Peek the full release after the break. %Gallery-25432%
Optoma to ship three XVGA DLP projectors in March
Optoma announced a trio of DLP projectors due to be shipping over the next few months: models TX776, TX782 and TX783. The projectors pump out 4000, 4500 and 5000-Lumens, respectively. Each of these PJs put up a 3000:1 contrast ratio on the 1024x768-pixels. If you pick up the TX776 , we're guessing you'll use the DVI input; otherwise you can take advantage of HDMI input on the TX782 and TX783. Look for these models to show up in the "professional" (government/education) lineup in March.
Optoma reveals superabundance of DLP projectors
Truth be told, we've no qualms with a company unveiling nine new DLP projectors at once, but it is a wee bit overwhelming. From the top, we've got Optoma's 720p HD65 ($999) and HD71 ($1,299), which aim to please HT enthusiasts and deliver 1,600 / 2,400 lumens, respectively, and offer up HDMI 1.3, component, VGA, S-Video and composite inputs. Upping the ante is the 1080p HD803 ($2,599), which features 1,200 lumens, an 8,000:1 contrast ratio and a three-stage video processing system. Taking things down a notch, we see the EP721 ($599), EP727 ($699), EP728 ($999) and EP7155 ($999) which top out with an XGA resolution and seem to cater to educational institutions and businesses. Those needing a WXGA resolution can check out the EP1691 ($999; pictured), which weighs in at just 3.2-pounds and packs 2,500 lumens. Lastly, the port-filled EP761 ($1,299) touts an XGA resolution, 3,200 lumens, a 2,000:1 contrast ratio and DVI, VGA (2 in, 1 out), composite, S-Video, RS-232 and USB connectors. The whole lot is slated to ship out right about now, and if you're craving more in-depth details on any one in particular, the read links below should do the trick.[Via AboutProjectors, image courtesy of DealerScope]Read - Optoma's HD65 and HD71Read - Optoma's EP1691 and EP7155Read - Optoma's EP761Read - Optoma's EP721, EP727 and EP728Read - Optoma's HD803
Optoma intros EP1690 and EP780 DLP projectors
While Optoma has remained fairly quiet since it unveiled a trio of PJs at CES, the company has finally struck back with a new pair of DLP projectors ready for your home theater. The EP1690 sports a DarkChip2 DMD panel, 1,280 x 768 native resolution, 2,500 lumens, 2,500:1 contrast ratio, 1.2x manual zoom lens, internal three-watt speaker, uber-quiet tunnel cooling system, DVI, VGA, S-Video, and composite inputs, USB / RS-232 control ports, and a wireless remote to boot. The all black EP780 does things in 4:3 rather than widescreen and only musters a 1,024 x 768 resolution, but still steps it up to 4,000 lumens and touts a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, DarkChip3 DMD panel, twin VGA ports to go along with the others, and stereo speakers built right in. Both units should hit the Japanese market in early July, and while the EP1690 will demand ¥450,000 ($3,713), the stealthy EP780 will run you a stiff ¥680,400 ($5,614).[Via Impress]
Optoma announces trio of DLP projectors
Joining ViewSonic, Microvision, and Sharp, it looks like Optoma has a trio of its own projectors to lust over at CES, and they're all sporting that trendy DLP sticker as well. Up first is the 1080-capable HD81-LV, which pretty much stomps its predecessor in the specs department by offering up 2,500 ANSI lumens, 12,000:1 contrast ratio, and HDMI. If you're really feeling like emptying that piggy bank, you can add on the $3,999 BX-AL133 Cinemascope lens, which converts Hollywood movies into their native 2.35:1 aspect ratio for ultra-widescreen viewing. Coming down from the stratosphere, we run into the MovieTime DV11, which handily replaces the DV10 by keeping the integrated DVD player, featuring two five-watt stereo speakers, 1,300 ANSI lumens, 800 x 600 resolution, 2,500:1 contrast ratio, and a more reasonable $999 pricetag. Closing out the trifecta is the TX773, which was admittedly crafted more so for the office than your home theater room, and offers up 3,500 ANSI lumens, a 1,024 x 768 resolution, and DVI / VGA inputs; of course, you'd better be landing a rather large deal with it, or else the $2,499 pricetag might not really be justified. Nevertheless, all three of Optoma's latest should be shipping soon, and regardless of your motive, one of 'em ought to fit the bill. Click on through for a few more snapshots.
Optoma's EP series of DLP projectors
Optoma just launched their EP series of projectors set to go on sale in Japan next month. In contrast to their budget 720p/1080p capable HD series, all the EP models 'cept the 800x600-limited EP716P (¥207,900 / $1,745) are capable of a mere 1024x768 pixel resolution. The EP729 (¥302,400 / $2,538) DLP pictured above delivers a 2200:1 contrast ratio, 1.15 optical zoom lens and throws 33~36dB of noise and 1,600 lumens off its 156W lamp. Ideal for the busy sales goon on the go since it weighs just 0.99-kgs / 2.2-pounds and can project an image onto a surface as close as 1.5-meters. The EP7150 (¥281,400 / $2,362) meanwhile, packs TI's DarkChip2 at the guts with a 1.1x zoom, 2,000 lumen capable 156W lamp, 2500:1 contrast ratio, and cranks 33~36dB during operation. Bringing up the tail is the entry-level EP719P (¥260,400 / $2,186) DLP with 200W lamp delivering 2000 lumens and 2500:1 contrast ratio. Sorry, no HDMI or DVI inputs anywhere in the mix so you'll have to settle for component, composite, S-Video, and analog RGB. See the others after the break, if you really care.
Optoma HD73, 720p native, debuts at CEDIA
Seems Optoma might thinks that your iBook, MacBook, or, um, PC needs some love by way of a matching projector -- and as such, it recently announced at CEDIA its latest mid-range unit, the HD73. As the name implies, the HD73 natively displays in high-def at 720p, shines at a respectable 1300 lumens, sports a maximum contrast ratio of 6000:1, and has a native 16:9 aspect ratio. It'll connect to all your stuff via the usual suspects of inputs, including HDMI, DVI and component, plus, it's powered by the DarkChip3 DLP chip to create a very solid looking picture. What's more, the $2,000 pricetag isn't too shabby once it surfaces for air this November.[Via AboutProjectors]
Optoma intros $1000 720p projector, the HD70
Since not everyone's down with dropping as much on a projector as they would on, say, a car, it's nice to see companies bringing up the low-end with some decently specced units. Optoma's the latest to give your bank account a break, announcing its HD70 DLP projector, which'll give you native 720p resolution, 4,000:1 contrast ratio, and 1,000 ANSI lumens at a $1,000 list price. What's more, the HD70 comes equipped with an HDMI port for all your newfangled devices in addition to the standard compliment of component, composite, S-Video and VGA inputs. Of course, you'll also have to budget for a replacement bulb sometime down the line which, unfortunately, still don't come cheap, though Optoma promises a reasonable 3,000 hours of use in standard mode. And if you looking for ways to save even more money, you could always build your own screen.[Via About Projectors]
Optoma's new HD81 projector does 1080p
Everybody's gotsa have some 1080p these days, and Optoma is doing their share with a new 2-piece HD81 projector system that not only pumps the pixels, but processes them as well. The projector unit is based on a Texas Instruments DarkChip3 DLP setup, with a spankin' 12000:1 contrast ratio, 1300 lumens, Auto IRIS and 10-bit color. That's all well and good, but what really takes the cake is the included processing unit, which has three HDMI inputs (the projector has a single HDMI plug) along with plenty of other connectivity. The processor supports up-scaling to 1080p, and can handle wrangling with 1080i to 1080p conversion. The projector is available now in Taiwan for 299,000 TWD (about $9,114 US), but it should be showing up in the States before long.[Via AboutProjectors]
