InfoComm
Latest
Panasonic unveils Android Toughbook slate for Q4, sledgehammer sold separately
Tired of handling your tablet with kid gloves? Go ahead, take them off -- a Toughbook slate is heading your way. Strutting its stuff at InfoComm this week, Panasonic's Android Toughbook tablet boasts a sunlight-friendly 10.1-inch multi-touch display, satellite-based GPS, full-shift battery life and optional 3G / 4G connectivity. Wrap it up in the same badass durability as its snowmobile-abused, tiger-gnawed brethren, and you've got a Android slab for the everyman. No specifics on pricing or release just yet, but feel free to hit up the press release after the break for a slew of feel-good factoids.
Panasonic will, eventually, at some point, launch its first 3D home theater projector
It's time for Infocomm 2011 which means a slew of new projectors (sadly, most are destined for boardrooms and auditoriums), and Panasonic is finally ready to announce its projectors will included in its 3D push. Unfortunately, there's no actual projector to speak of yet so all this news can do is get the world ready for a successor to 2009's PT-AE4000 (pictured above). Plasmas and LCDs are nice, but when you need a big image -- and can't afford a 152-inch display -- only a projector will do. If it follows the trend we should be hearing more in September, just in time for CEDIA, but for now the only details are that it's 3D and will be released this year.
GestureTek intros 42-inch multitouch GestTable, your HDTV suddenly turns jealous
Still looking to snap up your own Surface? Ain't got the cheddar to buy that one that comes free with a yacht? In all honesty, we're in no position to make promises about the affordability of this one, but GestureTek is gearing up to offer the world yet another option with the curiously titled GestTable. This 42-inch beast of a table contains a multitouch LCD with a lovely 1080p resolution, which means that you could theoretically watch the next installation of the Batman series on the same surface that's holding your cup of joe. Not that we'd recommend that, but hey.... In related news, the company is introducing the new 70-inch GestDisplay, a massive freestanding multitouch panel aimed primarily at businesses looking to give prospective customers a way to interact with the wares they're about to inevitably buy. As we alluded to earlier, there's nary a mention of price, but feel free to dip into the nitty-gritty just past the break.
Panasonic's 152-inch 4K-resolution 3D plasma ships this fall
Say goodbye to the former king of Panasonic plasmas, the old 103-inch that toured the country and took center stage in presidential elections is old news, moved aside for a new family of commercial displays including the 152-inch 4K resolution 3DTV towered over all at this year's CES. Just in case 4096 x 2160 is too much resolution, there are 103- and 85-inch 1080p versions available as well, but seriously, look at that thing. You know Mark Cuban is going to buy one -- why shouldn't you? Because you don't have $500,000+ laying around, because it can't possibly fit in your house, because you'd never go outside again if you owned one -- stop making excuses, it's unbecoming.
Samsung gets official with its UT, UD-series video wall LCD products
Samsung chose this week's InfoComm 2009 as the official coming-out party for some of its video wall goodies we first got wind of a few months back. As much as the above photo of four UT-series (Ultra Thin, we're guessing) super-slim bezel LCDs and UD (Ultra-Definition) control make us drool, we've got a feeling it's nothing compared to seeing an even bigger setup in person. The 460UT, 460UTn and 460UTn-UD LCDs tile up with only 6.7-mm of bezel between them, and up to 250 can be controlled by a single UD-server. Oh yeah, and that server can draw from 125 networked PCs to fill all those thirsty pixels. You know, for when your setup really does look like Mission Control. Sadly, prices are accordingly astronomical -- $6922, $7845 and $8614 for the UT, UTn and UTn-UD LCDs, respectively. Read - 460UT, 460UTn, 460UTn-UD LCDs get official Read - Samsung Ultra-Definition system
Panasonic unveils 85-inch plasma at InfoComm '09
Sure we'd love to see Panasonic mass produce that 4K 150-inch plasma, but so far we'll just have to be happy with a cheaper 103-inch HDTV and the latest model, an 85-inch 1080p display it's showing off at InfoComm '09 this week. All that super size flat panel building experience has been poured into a package that is 99mm thick and apparently 30 percent lighter per square inch than its 103-inch cousin, at a total of 130Kg. This one's coming through business channels to Japan and the U.S. this fall, 'til then you'll just have to live with your 4 x 42-inch matrix setup or for the cost conscious, a projector.[Via AV Watch & Japan Corp (English)]
projectiondesign ReaLED illuminated FL32 projector to debut at InfoComm '09
Prepare for the LED powered followup to projectiondesign's F32 projector as it will show off the FL32 model at InfoComm '09, available in 1080p and WUXGA (1920x1200) editions. More than prepared for an existence of pumping out ESPN 24/7 in your den, the ReaLED illumination at its heart promises 100,000 hours of life and improved image quality. Want more details, like price and exact specs? So do we.[Via About Projectors]
Motorola declares white space device testing successful
Motorola is claiming success in the latest round of FCC white space device testing, countering Microsoft's numerous failed attempts. "It worked as well as we said it would," said Motorola's Steve Sharkey. So there. Motorola's device is mostly based on its geolocation capabilities, which in addition to its "sensing" tech allow it to know where which spectrum is being used by digital TV in that particular area and avoid it proactively. Sharkey calls the tech "absolute, solid protection," which should make members of the white space coalition happy -- though we haven't heard positive word from Philips, Adaptrum and InfoComm yet, who were also testing devices alongside Motorola, but aren't using the geolocation technology. That, and the FCC has the final word on all of this, so we'll just have to wait for that word from on high before we start riotous, interference free partying in the streets.[Via dailywireless.org]
Christie unloads DS+655, LW400 and M Series projectors at InfoComm
Although InfoComm 2008 has drawn to a close, there's still a few releases surfacing from the show. For whatever reason, Christie's introductions into the projector realm weren't noticed among all the others last week, but they're still worth mentioning. Up first is the pictured WXGA (1,280 x 800) LW400, which features a 3LCD light engine, 4,000 ANSI lumens and a lamp life of 3,000 hours. Next up is the DS+655, a single-chip DLP beamer that packs a 7,500:1 contrast ratio, SXGA+ resolution and 10-bit image processing technology. Lastly, we see the pricey new M Series, which includes a three-chip DLP engine, upwards of 5,000 ANSI lumens and resolutions up to 1080p. Browse around in the read links below for more specifics on each.[Via AboutProjectors]Read - LW400Read - M SeriesRead - DS+655
Panasonic reveals new DLP projectors: 12,000 lumens and pixels galore
Hmmph. Outside of Samsung's blisteringly hot SP-A800B, we're fairly certain Panasonic's latest duo are the most impressive at InfoComm. Putting those XGA / WXGA units to shame, the PT-DZ12000U packs a drool-worthy WUXGA resolution (1,920 x 1,200) and 12,000 lumens to boot. The PT-D12000U checks in with the same three-chip DLP engine and lumen count, but eases up on the pixels with just 1,400 x 1,050. Furthermore, both units boast a System Daylight View to keep things visible even in well lit rooms, and the built-in Ethernet port enables remote monitoring and control through a web browser. Just one problem with all of this, though: the $69,000 (PT-DZ12000U) / $59,000 (PT-D12000U) price tags. Must be that Auto Cleaning Robot -- good help is hard to find these days.
Sony launches FWD-S42H1 / FWD-S47H1 LCD displays
Not content with just rolling a few truckload of new projectors out at InfoComm, Sony has also decided to introduce a pair of LCDs aimed at the commercial market. The 42-inch FWD-S42H1 and 47-inch FWD-S47H1 both sport 1,920 x 1,080 resolutions and come ready to accept the outfit's VSP-NS7 HD player on the rear. As expected with digital signage displays, these too can be managed remotely, used horizontally or vertically and feature a trio of screen saver modes. As for inputs, you'll find DVI, VGA, S-Video and composite, with optional adapters for HDMI / HD-SDI / etc. Both sets should hit dealers in October for a currently undisclosed amount.
Hitachi brings up the rear with its CP-WX625 LCD projector
Although the flood has calmed to a trickle, we're still seeing a few more new projectors light up at InfoComm. The latest of which is Hitachi's CP-WX625, a WXGA (1,366 x 768) beamer packing an HDMI socket, 4,000 ANSI lumens, integrated speaker, side-mounted hybrid filter, a lamp good for 3,000 hours or so of PowerPoint projecting and a handful of other inputs more likely to be found in the boardroom / classroom. Mum's the word on a price or availability, but after one look at Samsung's SP-A800B, it's hard to really worry over units like this.
Samsung intros CX Series of LCDs, includes PC and HDTV tuner within
Here comes yet another release from InfoComm about a professional LCD -- Samsung's new CX Series, integrated digital tuner, HDMI ports and, uh, a PC? Humorously enough, Sammy's introduction of the 400CX, 400CXn and 460CX focuses more on how they're perfect for commercial applications than keying in on the fact that this thing has a full-fledged PC inside of it. The so-called "integrated network PC" is there to facilitate "easy content management," and just like other digital signage displays, this one is just fine being tilted horizontally or vertically. As for the 400CX and 400CXn, you'll find a 1,366 x 768 resolution; the 460CX gets a Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 panel. Each unit also possesses built-in 10-watt speakers, advanced cooling technologies and a three-year warranty. From what we can glean, we highly doubt you'll find a bona fide HTPC inside here, but those with enough patience may find a satisfactory alternative to the Lumenlab Q42.
Samsung's 1080p SP-A800B DLP projector now available
It took nearly a year to get here, but shortly after being reviewed, Samsung's upscale SP-A800B DLP projector is finally available in the USA. Co-developed with industry legend Joe Kane, this 1080p PJ features a native contrast ratio of 10,000:1, a 95% aperture ratio, 16-microsecond response time and a full 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. Additionally, it hums along quietly at 25dB and gets backed by a two-year warranty. Sammy's not bothering to tell you the price, but we've heard it'll list for just under ten grand.
Casio cranks out Pro-Series Super Slim Projectors
And you thought the projector overload from InfoComm was all done. Think again. On the docket today is Casio, who is bringing out a new Pro-Series of PJs that looks quite different from your typical beamer. Both the XJ-SC200 and XJ-S50 series sport a "Super Slim" profile -- hailed by Casio as the industry's slimmest, in fact. Each of the 3.97-pound members will feature an XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution, between 2,500 and 3,000 ANSI lumens, a DLP projection engine and VGA input, while a few even include a USB port for wireless connectivity through an optional WiFi receiver. Both the Super Color and Super Bright models are scheduled to ship in August and will range from $1,299 to $1,599 in price.[Via FarEastGizmos]
ViewSonic launches DSM3210: digital signage solution in a box
ViewSonic's first mention from InfoComm was less than enthralling, but it's second attempt at making waves today is actually fairly decent. Marketed as an all-in-one digital signage solution for small businesses, the DSM3210 includes a 32-inch HDTV (complete with an HD tuner and HDMI / VGA inputs) along with authoring, packaging and presentation software to "create a complete digital signage and multimedia visual entertainment experience." Of note, the software bundled in is designed for Windows, so OS X / Linux users look to be clean out of luck. Reportedly, the kit will be available in July for just $999, but there's a good chance you'll have to wait until then to see what everything looks like.
Sony unveils superabundance of projectors at InfoComm
Whoa there Sony, try not to get too excited all at once, okay? Over in Vegas today, said outfit has unleashed a veritable smorgasbord of projectors on the world, primarily ones aimed at businesses and large venues. Each of the VPL-EX50, VPL-EX5 and VPL-EW5 beamers include the company's BrightEra technology and should go well in classrooms, while the XGA VPL-FX41 comes in with 5,000 lumens to light up even the largest rooms. Moving on, we've got the WXGA+ (1,366 x 800) VPL-FW300 and the VPL-FH300 (pictured), which offers an even nicer 2,048 x 1,080 resolution. 'Tis a shame that last one is stickered at $40,000. Hit the read link for more details (pricing included) on the whole lot.
Sanyo's 52-inch 1080p CE52SR1 LCD sheds water
Oh sure, waterproof LCD TVs have been available for ages, but Sanyo's making the choice of which outdoor display to buy simple with the introduction of its CE52SR1. You see, unlike many alternatives, this waterproof set packs a 1080p Full HD panel, meaning that you can enjoy your Blu-ray films in full-res glory while slouched in a beach chair beside your pool. Furthermore, the display is daylight readable and features a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, 1,500 cd/m2 brightness, 6.5-millisecond response time, 176-degree viewing angles, a slew of inputs and a frame constructed from marine grade anodized aluminum. Unfortunately, the summer in America will be long over before you can actually drop $13,995 in order to claim one, but October isn't too far out, now is it?
ViewSonic's PJ1173 projector is quite bright
Oh joy, yet another ho hum projector trying to look all cool at InfoComm. Next up on the walk of shame is ViewSonic's PJ1173, which falls right in line with the other lackluster beamers introduced today by the likes of Sharp, Mitsubishi and Toshiba. The unit includes an XGA (1,024 x 768) native resolution, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, four-watt built-in speakers, an HDMI 1.3 socket and an admittedly respectable 5,000 lumens to light up auditoriums. Granted, this 15.8-pound beast does include an Ethernet port for network connectivity and management, but we're still not seeing the value when peeking that $3,799 price tag.
Sharp goes wild with projectors / LCD monitors at InfoComm
Never mind those guys cranking out just one or two new gizmos at InfoComm -- Sharp's busting out the big guns. The company is using the stage in Vegas to introduce a swarm of new gear including the XG-P560W 3-chip DLP WXGA projector, XG-C455W / PG-C355W 3LCD WXGA PJs, XG-P610X XGA unit and four new BrilliantColor DLP beamers (PG-F317X, PG-F312X, PG-F262X and PG-F212X). For those unfazed, it's also showcasing 46- (TL-M4600) and 52-inch (TL-M5200) professional LCD monitors meant for digital signage applications. As you can probably glean, there's way too much data on the whole lot to cover in this space, so we'll kindly direct you to the read link if you're hungry for more.
