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ViewSonic tries real hard with $499 PJ513DB projector
We applaud the effort, we really do, but even $499 for a projector touting a lowly 800 x 600 native resolution, 2,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,200 lumens is a tad steep in our eyes. Then again, you'll likely find ViewSonic's 5-pound PJ513DB marginally cheaper on the street, and of course, it's quite obvious the outfit was aiming this one at those deep-pocketed boardroom bigwigs and district superintendents. Nevertheless, this DLP PJ promises to toss up a visible image even in well-lit rooms, and you'll find composite / S-Video / component inputs 'round back to go along with the VGA in / out ports and the audio input. Knock off another Benjamin or up that resolution a hair, and maybe then we'll talk.[Via Electronista]
Sanyo's Superbright PLC-ET30L projector actually is really bright
Presumably ensuring that no one views Sanyo as hypocritical, the company's Superbright PLC-ET30L actually can throw up a fairly recognizable image even in a well-lit room. Featuring an SXGA+ (1,400 x 1,050) resolution, a 1,300:1 contrast ratio and a remarkably high 4,200 ANSI lumen rating, this PJ was undoubtedly designed to function in classrooms and boardrooms (or living rooms) that just can't avoid ambient light. Additionally, Sanyo's introducing the lower-spec'd PLC-XT21/L, which offers up an XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution, 1:000:1 contrast ratio and 4,000 ANSI lumens. Both newcomers to the T series line support wired networking and emit just 35dB of fan noise, but being priced at $6,495 and $4,995 (respectively), the duo is most definitely cut out for the corporate card and not your own.
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]
Epson launches EMP-1825 business projector in India
Sadly, Epson's latest projector will end up spending entirely too much time in the boardroom and not nearly enough time throwing up Halo 3 Portal matches in the lounge, but we suppose that's the life of a business projector, after all. The recently launched EMP-1825 offers up an XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution, 3,500 ANSI lumens, a USB 2.0 port and a CompactFlash slot for good measure. Most notably, however, is this thing's wireless skills, which enable it to beam out presentations without being tethered to a PC. Still, we'd like to see a resolution a little closer to 1080p before dropping Rs. 142,700 ($3,576).[Via AboutProjectors]
LG lets DX540B projector loose in Korea
Coming in squarely at the opposite end of the spectrum of the monster 1080p projector it showed off at CES, LG has now let loose its new, mostly business-minded DX540B model, although it appears to be confined to Korea for the time being. If that doesn't preclude you, you can look for this one to boasts a standard XGA resolution, along with the ability to "scale up" to SVGA+ (or 1400 x 1050), plus some seemingly decent specs all around, including 4,000 ANSI lumens and a 2,800:1 contrast ratio. If that meets your needs, you can apparently snag one now for a mere2.9 million Korean Won, or just about $3,000. [Via About Projectors]
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.
Viewsonic rolls out five new projectors for business and education
Those looking for a projector for something other than their home theater now have a bundle of new options to consider courtesy of Viewsonic, which has just announced five new models intended primarily for business and education use. Those include the PJ557D, PJ559D, PJ560D, PJ551D and PJ260D models, each of which appear to be only minor upgrades over earlier, similarly-numbered models. As with those previous models, these are all squarely at the low end of the spectrum, ranging in price from $649 to $1,099, and topping out at the standard XGA resolution. Standing out the most from the lot is the PJ560D model which, at 3,200 lumens is the brightest of the bunch, and the PJ260D, which is the only portable projector from the batch (although it still boasts a decent 2,000:1 contrast ration and 2,000 lumens). Look for all five to be available from all the usual sources sometime next month.
BenQ rolls out MP612 / MP612c projectors for the office, classroom
We suppose a pair of higher-end business projectors just weren't enough for one day, so BenQ has apparently decided to offer up even more options for those satisfied with an 800 x 600 (SVGA) resolution. Sure, the MP612 and MP612c both sport a less than flattering native res, but they do offer up a 2,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,500 / 2,200 ANSI lumens, respectively. These DLP units also boast a lamp that lasts some 4,000 hours when used in economy mode, and the whisper quiet operation should prevent you from having to yell over it when brushing over those mid-term review slides. As for inputs, you'll find VGA in / out, S-Video, composite and a stereo mini jack, and the built-in speakers remove the need for external drivers to hear those oh-so-necessary blips and bleeps. No word on pricing just yet, but the duo should be available worldwide later this month.
BenQ launches uber-quiet MP622 / MP622c projectors
Although BenQ prefers to market its MP622 and MP622c projectors to the suits, we see no reason these bad boys can't be carted home after the nine-to-five for a little fun. Both DLP units sport a 1,024 x 768 (XGA) resolution, a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, ultra-quiet 26dB noise level whilst running in economy mode, and a sexy "midnight black high gloss exterior." The MP622 offers up 2,700 ANSI lumens while the MP622c musters just 2,200, but you'll find VGA / S-Video / composite video inputs on each to compliment the audio in jack and integrated speakers. Word on the street puts these two units on store shelves later this month, with the MP622 ringing up at around $999 and the MP622c costing $849.[Via FarEastGizmos]
InFocus Work Big IN10 DLP micro projector
Continuing to expand the Work Big lineup, InFocus' latest addition could be easily overlooked. Those with little room to spare in the suit will appreciate the 2.4-pound "palm-sized" design, and the DLP technology, 1,800 ANSI lumens, and XGA native resolution ought to do those PowerPoints proud. The Work Big IN10 works natively at 4:3, sports an 1,100:1 contrast ratio and onboard 1.3:1 zoom lens, is compatible with NTSC and PAL signals, and touts a lamp life of nearly 4,000 hours. Additionally, the integrated one-watt speaker and DVI / S-Video / composite input assortment should handle the most basic of setups, but this bundle of corporate joy will run you a stiff $1,249 when it lands in August.
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.
Sharp's dual-lens, uber-bright XG-PH70X DLP projector
Sharp's no stranger to the world of DLP (or business-oriented) projectors, but the firm's latest offers up an interesting mix of features as it attempts to cater to the "high-end installation market" looking for a "powerful, permanently-installed display device." While the word "permanent" scares us all just a bit, we can assume the XG-PH70X is destined for large money-making boardrooms where CEOs won't want to meddle with changing bulbs or dimming the lights. Featuring a whopping 5,200 ANSI lumens, this DLP projector should outshine just about anything else in its price range, and it also sports a 1200:1 contrast ratio, XGA native resolution, Sharp's own CV-IC II video processing chip, six lens options for a plethora of awkward mounting options, and "redundant reliability through a dual-lamp lighting system." Additionally, for users willing to kill off a few lights, you can flip to switch and head to "eco-mode" where a single bulb will output a respectable 4,300 ANSI lumens, and if you need to control the action from afar, the built-in RJ-45 jack allows for web server dictating sans any proprietary software. The XG-PH70X, which comes bundled with a single standard lends, will hit stores in March for $8,495, while the lens-less XG-PH70XN is slated to land right alongside its sibling for a slightly lower $7,995.[Via AboutProjectors]
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.
Hitachi unveils CPX2 / CP-X608 business oriented projectors
Fresh out of the educational realm, Hitachi is throwing down two new business oriented projectors that ditch the fancy paint jobs and security functions for a more subtle, mind numbing look to presumably match up with the mundane presentations they will inevitably show. While both units sport XGA resolutions, "ultra quiet operation," built-in Ethernet / WiFi, and dull designs, the similarities end there; the CPX2 comes in at 3.8 pounds, touts 2000 lumens, a 500:1 contrast ratio, short throw wide-angle lens, USB port for "PC-less presentations," and dual VGA inputs. The CP-X608, on the other hand, earns a heavyweight badge by tipping the scales at 15 pounds, and boasts a slightly more impressive 4000 lumens, 1000:1 contrast ratio, manual zoom / focus controls, and "innovative designs" to help ease the typical frustrations in "projector maintenance." Although definitive pricing hasn't yet been nailed down, you can expect the CPX2 to hit shelves in October, while the CP-X608 should be available now.Read - Hitachi CPX2 Read - Hitachi CP-X608
