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Panasonic's 7.5mm-thick, 100-lumen laser projector module claims world's thinnest title
While scanning through Panasonic's booth at CEATEC 2012, we couldn't help but notice a prototype of its world's slimmest 100-lumen laser projector module (or OIU aka optical imaging unit, as the company prefers), which can beam out an 800 x 480 picture. It's not clear when exactly we'll see this 7.5mm-thick device getting into consumers' hands, but there's certainly room for improvement for the image quality. Likewise, the scan-type OIU (resolution at about 400 x 300) next to the slim projector is far from ready for mass consumption, as the company is hoping to actually shrink it down and integrate it into mobile phones. That said, the fact that this technology doesn't require focusing makes it worth the wait -- the light doesn't go through an LCD filter like ordinary projectors do, and instead, it's a single laser beam scanning out the picture, hence the name. Also shown along side were the optical bay drive pico projector that's already being offered by Fujitsu, as well as the PJ-SJ25U 854 × 480 DLP pico projector which was released in August this year. While the latter's image quality was rather impressive even under the strong ambient lighting, we struggle to appreciate the ¥56,800 or $730 price tag. Anyhow, pricing is just a matter time, as always. Update: The thickness of the slim laser OIU was originally mistyped as "75mm." This has now been corrected. Many apologies.
SIM2's $158k CinemaQuattro 4K DLP projector is for hundred seat home theaters
Even in the land of the outrageous home theater equipment that is CEDIA, SIM2's new CinemaQuattro projector sticks out. The company's first model capable of 4K (4,096 x 2,160) resolution, it's nearly as large as the Italian scooter that also resided in its booth and comes with a price tag of $158,000 -- the old 1080p $58K Grand Cinema seems almost cheap in comparison. While that may be mild overkill for most, if you're Will Smith and need something to screen flicks on for your personal home theater (emphasis on theater), we'd imagine this fits the bill. SIM2 licensed TI's technology from cinema projector maker Christie in order to develop the three chip 4K DLP monster capable of 20,000 ANSI lumens. According to President and CEO Maurizio Cini this gives its dealers access to "the best" technology, and at that price, it just ought to.%Gallery-164722%
Sanwa's iPhone pico projector gets spec bump, trebled brightness (video)
Sanwa has revamped the PRJ011 iPhone charging sleeve-cum-pico-projector we saw back in January. The new PRJ016 packs a 1,850mAh battery that can recharge your handset up to 80 percent and also power the projection mode if you want to enjoy a movie, or a spreadsheet, blown onto your wall. The 35 lumens DLP device has three times the brightness of its predecessor, can project for 120 minutes on a full tank and has a maximum display size of 60-inches, focusing from a distance of up to six feet. It's available in Japan from tomorrow, setting you back ¥23,800 ($305), and in the meantime there's a Chiaroscuro video waiting after the break if you'd like to know more.
Dausen iPhone pico projector battery case at Computex 2012 (hands-on video)
It's not the first iPhone 4/4S pico projector battery case we've come across here at Engadget, but we spotted this little number at Computex 2012 and just couldn't resist sharing it with you. What makes this accessory a bit more unique is that it incorporates the latest in DLP technology from Texas Instruments. As such, it's capable of projecting a 640x360-pixel image up to 70 inches across with 1000:1 contrast ratio. The 2200mAh battery lasts about 3 hours on a charge an can even top off your iPhone in a pinch. Additional features include a built-in speaker powered by a 0.5W audio amplifier. We spent a few minutes using the pico projector and while it works pretty much as advertised, it clearly struggled with the harsh lighting conditions of the show floor. Stay tuned for pricing and availability, but don't miss our hands-on gallery below and our demo video after the break.%Gallery-157640%
Oregon Scientific's Portable WiFi Projector comes with a hinge, flirts with your ceiling
A projector from Oregon Scientific, you say? Nope, it's not one of those clock and weather projectors, but rather an actual DLP pico projector. At CES 2012, the company was kind enough to show us an early prototype of its Portable WiFi Projector that'll handle FWVGA (854 x 480) at 1,000:1 contrast and a good 80 lumens of brightness (50 if powered by USB alone). Apparently at 3.2 meters from the wall, such combination should produce a clear 120-inch wide picture in total darkness, so we shall see. The final unit -- dummy pictured above -- will be slightly smaller than the working prototype, yet it'll pack a 90-degree hinge (not a first, of course), a focus slide, a 3.5mm headphone jack and some buttons for brightness, power and volume.
Sharp's new XV-Z30000 HD DLP projector puts 3D video on the wall of your choosing
Sharp's putting out a plethora of new devices at CES, and among them is an addition to its existing 3D DLP projectors called the XV-Z30000. It's a 1600-lumen 3D projector that throws a 1080p image on whichever wall you point it at, and keeps the quality up thanks to a 50,000:1 contrast ratio. Connectivity comes courtesy of dual HDMI inputs and its got home automation control compatibility from all the big players along with LAN control as well. The XV-Z30000 comes with two sets of 3D glasses, and will be available for $5,000 in March 2012.
JVC shows off projectors with 4K precision, but not quite 4K pixels
JVC first brought 4K home with its $175k DLA-RS4000 and now it's back with four new models with greater than HD resolution at much easier to swallow prices. You'll note the term used is "with 4K precision", because strictly speaking these don't project over 4,000 pixels of horizontal resolution, coming in at a still impressive 3,840 x 2,160 resolution. While this is still about four times the number of a standard HD image, it's less than say, Sony's VPL-VW1000ES. Filling in the difference is JVC's e-Shift technology, which was originally developed for its 8K projector. It works by creating two 1080p frames, with one shifted down diagonally and alternated at 120Hz to create the effect. The scheme is not far off from the old wobulation technology featured in some "1080p" DLPs once upon a time, but this time there are no moving parts as it's all being done electronically. Shown off with an HD resolution source the upscaled image was still impressively sharp to us, even up close, while it also handles native 4K feed. While JVC may not be winning on raw pixel count, what it does have is a serious price advantage. Sony indicated its hardware would be available for "less than $25,000" but the top of the line JVC has an MSRP of just $12k, while the cheaper model will be $7,999 when they all ship in November. Check out the press release after the break and images in the gallery for details, including those so rarely seen native contrast ratio measurements. %Gallery-132988%
Optoma delivers three new projectors, one does 3D for just $1,499
We've said it before and we'll say it again -- you deserve a projector. Watch those tiny LCDs and plasmas if you want, but it's time to go big or go home and Optoma is delivering three new beamers to help that happen. The new HD33 model (pictured above) makes its claim to fame as the first 1080p 3D projector available for less than $1,500, while the HD3300 and HD8300 make their bones in slighly more upmarket segments, priced at $1,999 and $4,499, respectively. All three make 3D happen in conjunction with the company's new RF-synced active shutter glasses, while featuring PureMotion3D and PureDepth for frame interpolation and brightness control. Those extra bucks spent on the HD8300 has ISF certified controls, lens shift for extra placement flexibility, PureMotion4D motion interpolation and a lamp rated at 1,500 lumens. The HD33 is available now, while the other two are expected to start shipping later this month, however with CEDIA 2011 just around the corner we'd probably hold off on pressing the buy button before everyone shows off their latest home theater wares.
Runco announces LightStyle LS-1 DLP projector, shines 1080p on your wall for $4,000
Runco is known for some seriously high-end projectors and this is its first foray beneath the $4,000 mark in order to reach a "previously untapped" market. The company is wrong if it thinks we don't already have DLP options well below that price point, but still, lowering its entry level is no bad thing -- especially when the LS-1 delivers a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, a sophisticated calibration system with day and night memory settings, and the option to upgrade to Runco's CineGlide anamorphic lens for the perfect 2.35:1 experience. Expect to see this thing dangling from joists from August 16th. Further details in the PR after the break.
Acer's C110 and C112 pico projectors aim to please, travel well
Ah, the pico projector. An idea that flourished if but for a moment, but never really hit that critical mass that CE companies yearn for. Evidently that matters not to Acer, who has decided to kick out two more for good measure. The downright diminutive C110 (seen above) is a DLP-powered beamer that gets all the juice it needs via USB, measures just 110- x 85- 25mm and offers up a WVGA (854 x 480) native resolution. The LED bulb is said to last up to 20,000 hours, and it'll go from dead to dazzling in five seconds flat. Moving up a couple notches, there's the C112 (pictured after the break), complete with an optional external battery (good for two hours, we're told), a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and an identical WVGA resolution. Both of these guys are slated to hit UK shops at the end of the month, with prices set at £199 and £220, respectively.
Mitsubishi officially prices 2011 HDTVs including a 92-inch DLP and 75-inch LaserVue
Other manufacturers may say they're living large with their latest HDTVs, but Mitsubishi's "Go Big" slogan is supported by the biggest displays available for 2011. It's finally revealed details on the models, with new features including a clearer screen and 16 speaker soundbar with support for a wireless subwoofer on its top of the line 840-series that includes the 92-inch model (pictured above) we saw at CES. The other big addition for 2011 is support for Mitsubishi's iOS remote control app in the LaserVue TV as well as the 740 and 840 series DLPs. If you don't need those features, a built in IR emitter for 3D glasses or Stream TV Vudu Apps then look at the lower end 640-series rear projection sets. Still, no matter what the trim level, the new Mitsubishi is strictly a 73-inch and over TV manufacturer so it's definitely going to be big, whether it's the 840 series that ships in July or any of the other models that will be available this month. Specs and MSRPs are in the press release after the break, from the 73-inch 640 series for $1,599 all the way up to the $5,999 92-inch.
Mitsubishi reshuffles units, continues plans for extra large TVs only
Following its plan to trim TV operations, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has formed a new unit, Mitsubishi Electric Visual Solutions America, Inc. that will acquire parts of the old MDEA business and focus on professional visual systems as well as DLP and LaserVue TVs for consumers. The new company is official June 1st and will still focus exclusively on displays at 73-inches and up, so this is truly good bye to the flat panel sub65-inch products of yesterday. We'll have to wait and see how the "big year" plan turns out, more details of the reorganization are in the press release after the break.
Mitsubishi drops LCD HDTVs to focus on 73-inch and above sized displays
That we didn't spot a successor to Mitsubishi's well-received line of Unisen LCD HDTVs at CES 2011 should have been a signal, but now the company has made it official -- it is downsizing TV operations, closing some offices and leaving the LCD TV business entirely. As the only company still selling rear projection sets to consumers, a letter from senior VP Cayce Blanchard (included after the break) indicates the plan is to focus on selling DLP and Laservue TVs in sizes above 73-inches where its flat panel competitors rarely reach. It will also keep selling projectors, display walls, printers and large public display screens up to 140-inches in size -- the Cowboys Stadium set was manufactured by sister company Mitsubishi Electric Power Product -- to other companies. Of course, as sad as everyone is to see the LCDs go, that just means there's even more time to focus on the 92-inch DLP that should hit shelves later this year. Time well spent, we'd say.
Texas Instruments shows off minuscule nHD Pico projector chipset, USB-powered prototype
Can't say we really expected to see Texas Instruments' DLP group here at Mobile World Congress, but it's hard to deny just how mobile these things are becoming. In fact, the company came to Barcelona to (re)unveil its thinnest, smallest optical engine to date: the nHD Pico. It's small enough to fit into just about anything -- phones, slates, tiny projectors and the rear of your cranium should you choose to embed it there. As for specs? It's sporting a 640 x 360 resolution, a contrast ratio greater than 1,000:1, a true RGB LED wide color gamut and reliance on a low-power Pico DPP2601 / 2607 ASIC / processor. TI was using a newly launched Acer device (the C20, if we're being precise) to showcase the chip, and on-site representatives noted that other outfits are developing new kit with this guy in mind. In related news, another gem was on display that hasn't quite made it to market yet. The palm-sized nugget you see above is a full-on pico projector, designed to be powered entirely via USB. There's no built-in battery in this one, and no one would confess as to which company (or companies) were gearing up to ship a branded version of it later this year. That said, it's most certainly on the way, and you can bet we'll be keeping an eye out for it. Peruse the gallery's below at your leisure, of course. %Gallery-116646% %Gallery-116645%
New adapter from Mitsubishi brings Samsung's old 3D-capable TVs up to spec
Although 3D as a feature didn't become commonplace on HDTVs until 2010, Mitsubishi and Samsung have both been shipping a number of 3D-ready models for several years. However, they rely on a different input format than the one used by 3D Blu-ray movies, 3DTV broadcasts and most 3D videogames so an adapter is required to make it work, which Mitsubishi released for its own DLP TVs last year. While enthusiasts on AVSForum quickly developed workarounds to get them working with some of Samsung's DLPs as well, those won't be necessary now that Mitsubishi is releasing the 3DC-100S, which will work with Samsung's TVs (only projection sets, not plasmas) right out of the box. right now it's available as a part of a $449 MSRP starter pack bundle but word is it should be available on its own shortly, in case you want to check out some ESPN 3D action without shelling out for a brand new TV set, press release is after the break. [Thanks, Paul]
Runco's new High-Bright projectors bring LightStyle to the living room for less
If you were drooling over Runco's latest LightStyle projectors that aimed to bring the segment out of dedicated home theaters and into more well-lit rooms but couldn't quite find room in your budget for a $22k beamer, check out the new LS-HB series. Bringing 2,700 lumens of brightness and the company's usual suite of DLP tech, ISF calibration options and video processing, the LS-HB will be available in February for an unusually thrifty price of just $7,995. Adding the CineGlide option for perfect anamorphic reproduction without black bars ups the MSRP to $15,995, but really the question is, can you afford not to have it? Check out all the details in the press release after the break.
Mitsubishi's 92- and 155-inch screens are bigger, biggest
After hearing about Mitsubishi's 92-inch DLP we just had to get our eyes on it and sure enough, we spotted models lurking around CES, along with the 155-inch display made up of OLED panels. There's not much to say about the DLP that we didn't cover during our 3D roundup, it's just bigger, with other changes and details still TBA -- we're waiting for 'em to cross the 100-inch mark -- while the OLED seemed suited to its potential purpose of lighting up stadiums and other similar areas, with rather impressive viewing angles although the seams in the panels were quite apparent up close. %Gallery-113376%
ViewSonic PLED-W200 DLP pico projector hands-on
Just two days ago, we brought you word of a Texas Instruments powered pico projector by ViewSonic. We found the 0.9-pounder and snapped some pics of an (unfortunately) non-functioning unit. It features a 4-in-1 card reader, mini USB cable, and adapter for an included dongle that supports VGA and composite cables. With a 1280 x 800 WXGA resolution, the 200 lumen bulb is LED-based and has a lamp life of 20 to 30 thousand hours. The scrolling wheel, that you can peek at in the gallery below the fold, rests atop the projector and focuses the image. As for size limitation, the rep said up to 300 inches. The company said it'll retail at $479 when it ships in April. %Gallery-113303%
Texas Instruments announces DLP Pico HD chipset, slew of pico projectors CES-bound
Texas Instruments has just announced its latest DLP projector chipset, the Pico HD. The newest, tiny chipset offer HD WXGA resolution projections of up to 100 inches, and promises to be brighter and clearer than ever. So what does this mean to you, the consumer? Well, Texas Instruments is promising a host of hardware partners showing off their brand spanking new projecting wares. We don't have full details yet, but we do know that we can expect to see Acer unveil its HW300T pocket projector, while ViewSonic will show the PLED-W200 DLP Pico projector, and offerings from Optoma and LG to boot. We'll track them all down for you as soon as our tiny hands possibly can. And that, in a nutshell, is our Texas Instruments pico news of the day. The full-fledged, not in a nutshell press release is after the break.
Mitsubishi's 'big year' at CES includes 92-inch DLP, 155-inch OLED displays
As we mentioned in our 3D roundup, the advantage of Mitsubishi sticking to DLP technology for its HDTVs is easily seen in square inches per dollar spent, and they're going to push that even further by introducing a 92-inch HDTV in 2011. We should get our eyes on the monster and its new "Clear Contrast" screen at the CES Unveiled event tonight, but you'll excuse us if we're slightly distracted by the 155-inch OLED that will apparently be on hand from its business division. No word yet on price or release date for the 92-incher, check out another picture and all available details in the press release after the break.
