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Hitachi introduces 3LCD CP-SX635 projector for lit rooms, boring areas
Sorry Hitachi, we really are, but there's no way consumers can squeeze a satisfactory amount of fun out of a SXGA+ projector. In fairness, the 3LCD CP-SX635 does boast a brightness of 4,000 ANSI lumens for showing up in even dimly lit areas, but the lack of 1080p just leaves us squarely on the fence. For those who aren't resolution junkies, this one also includes four optional lenses for various throw distances, a 2,000-hour hybrid filter, an inbuilt 16-watt speaker, network control capability and an HDMI input. Too bad we're not even given a price to ponder, huh? The full release is just past the break.
3LCD celebrates a score, and by score we mean 20 years
Here lately, the aura of 3LCD has been somewhat overshadowed by the glitz and glam that seems to be intrinsically connected to DLP projectors, LCoS beamers and those other "new technologies." But regardless of the star factor, 3LCD has managed to hang around in a perpetually changing industry for 20 years now. Way back in 1988, the very first 3LCD projector started to ship with Kodak and Epson behind the wheel, and it took until 1994 for a 3LCD VGA PJ to see the light of day. 'Course, we all know what happened from there, but if you're the nostalgic type, head on past the break for a tear-jerking time line.
Epson introduces 1080p EH-TW3000 projector
Epson's EH-TW3000 isn't much to look at, but we all know it's the innards that count. The 1080p beamer sports the company's 3LCD technology, a 20,000:1 contrast ratio, 2,000 ANSI lumens, a 10-bit video processing engine, whisper quiet design, twin HDMI 1.3 inputs and a 3-year warranty. In other words, it's housing everything you need to make your movies look great, but it'll cost you a stiff €1,614 ($2,084) in order to bring one home.[Via AboutProjectors]
Sanyo's 4LCD PLC-XP200L projector gets reviewed
You're probably wondering if adding in a fourth panel to an LCD projector is really worthwhile. Actually, you're probably willing to bet your bottom dollar that it's a gimmick. Sound & Vision took the time to actually critique Sanyo's latest with an open mind, and believe it or not, it found the all new QuaDrive technology to be everything it was hyped up to be. To be fair, the PLC-XP200L isn't tailored for the home theater; the lowly 1,024 x 768 resolution and 4:3 aspect ratio sound downright appalling. However, reviewers focused more on the actual technology / image quality given that Sanyo already has a compact, quieter, 16:9 QuaDrive beamer slated for 2009. During a demonstration, critics found the new tech to be visibly better than 3LCD rivals, with the picture appearing "dramatically more vivid." Should you rush out and buy the XP200L? Probably not. But you may just want to delay your impending PJ purchase until that HT version hits next year.
Mitsubishi releases retina-searing HD8000 ultra-bright projector
Mitsubishi has released a real light cannon with its HD8000, a 1080p 3LCD model that pumps out 5000 lumens so you don't have to live like a video vampire that hides your HD-feeding away from the sun. With this kind of light output, picture quality (black levels, contrast) will take hit and bulb life might not be great, but we figure the target market of sports bars and restaurants won't mind that; what will be downer will be the lack of an HDMI input. To be fair, there is a DVI input and Mitsubishi even throws a DVI-to-HDMI converter in the box, but for $15,000 you shouldn't have to use dongles from day one.
Mitsubishi lets loose a trio of 1080P 3LCD projectors
With all the projector introductions being made, you'd think that everybody was buying one. We suspect that's not the case, but Mitsubishi is doing its part to keep the model lists full by adding a trio of 1080P, 3LCD beamers to the mix -- the HC7000, HC6500 and HC5500. We heard about the whisper quiet HC5500 last month, and the HC6500 turns in a fine 15,000:1 contrast ratio performance, but the HC7000 is what lights our fire. We all know specs can lie, but this unit should leave your eyeballs and jaw on the floor if its 70,000:1 contrast ratio is accurate. Based on positive reviews of the predecessor HC6000, this projector could be a real winner, and the 5,000 hour lamp life might leave you enough time to pay it off before you have to change your first bulb.
Epson calls "game on" with its EH-TW420 projector
We figure Epson just couldn't find a way to work "BFG" into its gaming-optimized 720P projector, the EH-TW420, due out next month in the UK for £650 ($1,200). It looks like a pretty standard 3LCD projector that shines 2000 lumens bright across 1280 x 720 pixels, but you can flip those panels into a 5ms response time "game mode" similar to that seen in Panasonic's PT-AX200. We're thinking gamer-oriented gear get a better reception with at least a different color scheme, but otherwise the features look ok: one input each for HDMI, component, composite and S-Video, and the unit packs a single 7-Watt speaker so you're not left in Marcel Marceau mode when you forget to bring your own to the next LAN party.
Sanyo's entry-level 1080p PLV-Z700 projector runs $1,995, shipping in October
After vaguely describing its new 1080p 3LCD-based PLV-Z700 projector as "entry-level", Sanyo's finally returned with a pricetag: $1,995. While that doesn't exactly spell "cheap" to most, good luck finding another full HD projector that matches these specs with an MSRP starting south of two grand. 10,000:1 contrast ratio, 1,200 ANSI lumens and a variable lens designed to adjust to smaller rooms adds up to the perfect solution for those who want more pixels but less price, expect to find out more when it hits the stage at IFA 2008 in Berlin August 29, followed by store shelves worldwide in October, closing out its run with full specs after the break.
Hitachi kicks out CP-X206 and CP-X306 3LCD projectors
Look out -- here's comes a couple more snoozers from Hitachi. Sure, the CP-X206 and CP-X306 3LCD projectors will find their place in the wild, wild world, but with a 1,024 x 768 native resolution, that place isn't apt to be your home theater. Respectively, you'll find 2,200 and 2,600 lumens, while they both offer up a 500:1 contrast ratio, built-in 7-watt speaker and 29 dB noise rating in Whisper Mode. Clearly designed with classrooms and offices in mind, Hitachi threw in some swank anti-theft functionality, remote monitoring / management and a 2,000-hour hybrid filter. We've all been left out of the loop in regard to pricing, but it's not like this thing just rocketed up your list of must-have gizmos, right?
Christie's LW600 3LCD projector touts 6,000 lumens
What Christie's LW600 lacks in resolution (it's only WXGA, or 1,366 x 800) it most definitely makes up in brightness. Boasting 6,000 ANSI lumens (dual lamp), 2,000:1 contrast ratio and a trio of 1.22-inch inorganic LCDs, this projector could probably produce a visible image in your average sunroom. You'll also find 10-bit image processing, DVI / BNC / composite / VGA inputs, a motorized zoom, focus and shift lens, bundled remote, RS-232c port and the ability to play nice with a dozen lenses. Regrettably, there's no mention of a price, but we have a sneaking suspicion this 60.85-pound beast won't be exceptionally cheap. %Gallery-21097%
Mitsubishi's WXGA WL6700U projector packs 5000 lumens
Pretty amazing what passes as a "business and education projector" these days, huh? The fairly well-spec'd WL6700U is somehow lumped into the aforementioned category, despite it packing a respectable WXGA (1,366 x 800) resolution, 5,000 ANSI lumens, 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a trio of 1.2-inch 3LCD inorganic panels. To be fair, Mitsu does concede that this beamer wouldn't be too out of place in a home theater environment, and the included DVI port, RJ-45 connector (for online management and control) and built-in motion-sensitive anti-theft alarm certainly help prove that point. Unfortunately, such a versatile PJ will likely fit better on the company card than the personal -- unless your Platinum piece isn't fazed by the $9,995 sticker, that is.
Sony unveils four E-Series 3LCD projectors in Asia-Pacific
If you reckoned that Sony's VPL-EX4 and VPL-ES4 were getting a bit long in the tooth, we suppose Sony agrees. Across the way (in Asia-Pacific, to be precise), Sony has launched four new PJs on us: the VPL-EW5, VPL-EX50, VPL-EX5 and VPL-ES5. According to the company, the whole lot is aimed at boardroom masters, but these 3LCD units and their 2,500 ANSI lumens would certainly hold their own after hours. Additionally, the first three incorporate Sony's BrightEra imaging technology, and you'll find resolutions as high as WXGA (1,280 x 800) and contrast ratios up to 900:1. For more specifics on each, check out the nitty-gritty in the read link below.[Via AboutProjectors]
Hitachi introduces CP-X450 3LCD projector
Hitachi's latest projector won't impress the diehard home theater enthusiasts, but it just may do the job in the kids' room or garage. The CP-X450 3LCD PJ comes in with an XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution and features 3,500 lumens, a hybrid filter good for around 2,000 hours, built-in 7-watt speaker and a slew of security features. You'll also find a 2:3 pulldown feature, automatic vertical keystone detection and a whiteboard mode which "provides adequate clarity while limiting brightness for use with whiteboards." Furthermore, the 7.7-pound package won't strain your back too much should you need to temporarily relocate it, but regrettably, there's no word on a price or release date just yet.[Via AboutProjectors]
3LCD projectors take over front projector market
Is there any part of the display market that doesn't feel the long arm of LCD technology? In the direct-view arena, CRT and plasma are both getting the squeeze, and now the front projector market is dominated by 3LCD gear. Research firm Pacific Media Associates reports that more than 75-percent of the "pro AV" projector market (schools, universities, corporations and high-end homes) went to 3LCD in 2007. Those figures are a real stick in the eye to the DLP crowd, but give 3LCD credit where it's due. Front projectors with 3LCD offer reasonable pricing, good picture quality and useful features (the linked article singles out lens shift) -- other than the bulb swaps that accompany every projector, what's not to like?
Christie introduces LX500 professional projector
Not even a month after Christie doled out its drool-worthy HD405, the firm is adding one more member to its LX family. The "portable" LX500 reportedly weighs in at around 18 pounds and features 5,000 ANSI lumens, 8-bit video processing, an XGA resolution, 1,000:1 contrast ratio and DVI / 5xBNC / VGA / S-Video / composite inputs. Furthermore, the unit can be purchased sans a standard lens, enabling installers to "select the right lens for their specific installation." No word on a price at the moment, but if it's anything like the company's other offerings, we'll surmise that it'll end up being entirely too pricey for what you get.[Via AboutProjectors]
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]
Epson launches 1080p PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 UB projector
Originally, we heard that the PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 UB projector would be headed stateside in December, but apparently Epson (smartly) chose CES to actually launch it. Aside from the 1,920 x 1,080 resolution and 50,000:1 contrast ratio, this unit also features a 3LCD optical engine, 1,600 ANSI lumens, 12-bit video processing, a pair of HDMI 1.3 inputs, the firm's exclusive OptiCinema lens system / E-TORL lamp and a pearlescent finish nice enough to stare at. Best of all, this beast is not only available now, it's available for $2,799 after a $200 rebate. Yeah, we're diggin' the trend.
Sanyo shipping PLC-XL50 short-throw projector
Sure, Sanyo's PLC-XL50 only features a 1,024 x 768 resolution, 2,000 lumens and a 4:3 aspect ratio, but all of that matters quite a bit less once you realize that it can beam out an 80-inch image with just 3-inches of space. You heard right kiddos, this thing only needs three tiny inches to totally take over your wall, and subsequently, the mounting options here are nearly endless. Additionally, it sports a built-in mono speaker, VGA input / output, audio in / out and a price tag of $3,295. Quite the premium for the short-throw goodness, eh?[Via VisualApex]
Hitachi's CP-A100 projector brings short-throw within US distance
Hitachi's CP-A100 is pretty unsightly, sure, but what it lacks in sexiness it totally makes up for in utility. Needing just 1.6-feet to project a 60-inch image, this 3LCD machine can get a Halo match upside your wall regardless of how many beanbags are cluttering up the area. If you'll recall, we spotted the Japanese variant just months ago posing all pretty for us, but it looks at though an Americanized flavor is now official. As for specs, you'll be looking at an XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution, 2,500 ANSI lumens and a contrast ratio of 500:1, and just in case your colleagues like to borrow company kit without asking, there's a Kensington slot, security bar and multilevel PIN locks to keep it planted. Unfortunately, a definitive price / release date is missing, but hopefully Hitachi will have this critter out to stores real soon.
Sony dumping all rear-projection TVs to focus on LCDs?
It's unconfirmed at the moment, but we're hearing that Sony is planning to discontinue sales of all rear-projection HDTVs, including its 3LCD and SXRD lines, after current inventories are exhausted to focus on the hot-selling Bravia LCD line. We've been tipped on it twice today and now This Week In Consumer Electronics is reporting that a Sony spokesperson has told them that "We are moving our resources more toward LCD TV, because that's what people really want." It looks like all backorders for the KDSZ70XBR5 are being canceled, as the unit will never be manufactured, and Sony's making a "no promises" effort to fill backorders for the KDF46E3000 and KDS60A3000. The move isn't exactly unprecedented or even all that surprising -- Toshiba, Philips and Hitachi have all stopped producing rear-projection sets, but Sony's SXRDs were still extremely popular and it's strange to see them get dropped just like that. Check the full leaked email we got after the break.
