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Sony's VPL-HW10 turns in solid performance on the CNET bench
RPTVs with SXRD panels may have fallen from the Sony roadmap, but the tech still gets some love with the company's front projectors. We got our own hands on the VPL-HW10 model at CEDIA 2008, and it passed the styling test quite well, thanks. The lucky folks at CNET have put the unit to test, where it turned in a solid performance that holds up pretty well given the $3,500 price point. Sure, the unit isn't a retina-searing light canon and the grayscale calibration deviated from ideal in the red and green, but overall picture quality -- you know, what you'll appreciate when not watching test patterns -- stood up quite well. And if you're stickler for black level performance, it's hard to beat SXRD in a beamer. [Via TVSnob]
Canon's WUXGA REALiS WUX10 LCoS projector notches December ship date
We know, there are an uncomfortable amount of capital letters in that headline, but Canon's really looking to get your attention with this one. The planet's very first WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) LCoS projector was originally expected to be available sometime this fall, but it looks as if those in Japan will be forced to wait until "early December" to indulge. It's probably not a huge deal though, 'cause we're certain you needed another couple of months to cover that ¥1.5 million ($14,823) asking price. As for American availability? Not a clue, but we hear importing isn't too much trouble.[Via AboutProjectors]
JVC shows off 8k x 4k D-ILA projector, asks when SHV is dropping by
Think 4k x 2k is intense? Get a load of this. At CEATEC 2008, JVC is once again proving its mastery of the projector art form by showcasing a somewhat ridiculous 8k x 4k beamer. The prototype device boasts a native resolution of 8,192 x 4,320 and packs a dynamic contrast ratio of 1,100,000:1. In case you couldn't guess, its purpose is to display Super High Vision material in all of its natural glory, though only time will tell when that content (and this machine) are widely available to enjoy.[Via AboutProjectors]
HDTV brushes economic woes off its shoulder in latest survey
Some things in life may be substitutable -- fine dinners can be sufficiently replaced with Top Ramen, high-end kicks can be swapped out for homegrown sandals, and that luxury whip can be exchanged for a jalopy. Apparently, one thing that simply can't be done without even in "tough economic times" is HDTV. Based on a recent survey from PriceGrabber (which, admittedly, shouldn't be taken very seriously), 73% of non-HDTV owners that responded said that they were forging ahead with plans to snag an HDTV within the next 12 months. Granted, such a figure really isn't all that shocking -- after all, the looming digital transition is the perfect excuse to splurge, and prices are apt to be at an all time low this Black Friday. Trust us folks, 720p+ is worth the sacrifice.[Image courtesy of StarTribune]
JVC issues revised specifications, new details on D-ILA HD projectors
JVC has pushed out a release today clarifying some of the claims it made back at CEDIA 2008, and by and large, it's things that prospective buyers will want to hear. The company introduced an HD foursome of projectors in Denver earlier this month, but apparently, some of the specifications it included weren't, shall we say, final. Looking specifically at contrast ratio, we see the DLA-HD750 and DLA-HD20 jumping from 30,000:1 to 50,000:1, the DLA-RS10 going from 17,000:1 to 32,000:1 and the DLA-HD350 doubling up from 15,000:1 to 30,000:1. Also of note, JVC is now highlighting the 16-step fixed aperture in the DLA-HD750 and DLA-RS20 that "helps eliminate extraneous light that can reduce contrast levels and allows adjustment of brightness to suit user preferences." As for updated prices, you can expect to pay around $6,000 for the DLA-HD350, while the DLA-HD750, DLA-RS10 and DLA-RS20 come in at $8,000, $6,000 and $8,000 in order of mention.
Adapt's ADPP-100 pocket projector shown on video
Another week, another pocket projector sighting. In an attempt to get known before it gets buried by the hundreds of alternatives sure to pop up here in the coming months, Adapt has hosted a short video of its mX ADPP-100 mini projector. Said beamer features LCoS technology, a rechargeable battery, an SD card slot, inputs for "almost any device," and the ability to project a 50-inch image (however blurry) onto the wall. Not much else is known right now outside of that, but you can check it out in action just after the break.[Via AboutProjectors]
JVC's DLA-RS2 gets a Cinemascope update
JVC's 3-panel LCoS 180p DLA-RS2 is a natural fit for the Richie Rich CEDIA crowd, so it's natural to throw this bit in while we're still coming down from the show. At the $9,000 price point, doing a constant-height 2.35:1 projection setup on the cheap isn't exactly an option, so JVC has thrown in an RSAL2 anamorphic lens and an RSVP2 processor (which does look an awful lot like a DVDO VP50) for your viewing pleasure. Other than those features, things look pretty much the same, which is no knock on the well-respected pj known for bright (and dark), colorful images.
Barco demoes 10MP 3D stereo CADWall setup
Barco has a knack for stopping shows, and while Tokyo's Industrial Virtual Reality expo didn't exactly shut down, we can only imagine how many folks took the time to check out the CADWall concept. Hailed as a "multi-channel display system with a high pixel density that consists completely of Barco technology," said system utilizes a pair of LX-5 projectors, a superflat high-contrast screen and just two-channels to create a 10-megapixel 3D stereo image. Sure beats six or eight to make the third-dimension come to life, huh?[Via AboutProjectors]
JVC's DLA-HD750 / DLA-HD350 1080p projector hands-on
Fancy that -- JVC's DLA-HD750 / DLA-HD350 both look exactly like we guessed they would. Thte 1080p beamers were pretty sharp, and the glossy black coat looked exceptionally fabulous in person. But we all know pictures speak louder than words, so head on down and get to lookin' yourself. %Gallery-31204%
JVC ships 4k x 2k DLA-SH4K 10-megapixel HD projector
Well, took 'em long enough! Just about a year after JVC initially demonstrated the 4k x 2k DLA-SH4K projector, the firm has finally got up the courage to begin shipments. The beastly device is based on the company's proprietary 1.27-inch 10 megapixel D-ILA technology and provides a brain-melting native 4,096 x 2,400 resolution. Packed within is a 825-Xenon lamp that generates light output of 3,500 ANSI lumens (and likely murders your energy bill). 'Round back, you'll find four DVI-D (dual-link) terminals, an RS-232C port, USB connections and an Ethernet jack for making adjustments via a web browser. We are told it's available immediately, though we aren't told the price; chances are we couldn't fit that many zeros into this space, anyway. Full release is waiting beyond the break.
JVC launches four new Full HD projectors at CEDIA
With Sony and Panasonic dishing out new 1080p projectors here at CEDIA, we knew JVC wouldn't be long in following suit. Matter of fact, it's launching not one, not three, not five, but four new beamers here in the Mile High City. All four models boast the company's proprietary 0.7-inch full HD D-ILA technology, and the DLA-HD750 (pictured) and DLA-RS20 (30,000:1 contrast ratios) are also THX-certified. Those two are joined by the less spectacular (and less costly) DLA-HD350 and DLA-RS10, which offer up 15,000:1 / 17,000:1 contrast ratios, respectively. Additionally, you'll find an HQV Reon-VX video processor, 2x motorized zoom lens, external 12-volt trigger and HDMI 1.3 sockets across the board. You can check out pricing / availability along with the full press release after the break.
Sony VPL-HW10 SXRD projector peeks from behind the curtain
Sony's family of projectors just grew by one, with the 1080p VPL-HW10 combining triple-panel SXRD technology, the new BRAVIA Engine 2 eight step image processing, 1000 ANSI lumens, 30,000:1 contrast ratio and x.v.Color support. Dual HDMI inputs, HDMI-CEC control tech, 24p True Cinema, Real Color Processing and quiet 22dB operation ensure a top of the line home theater experience -- for something (no MSRP or shipping details here) less than the reigning king of the hill VPL-VW200 and another as-yet-unrevealed higher-end model. So Sony, guess we'll be seeing you at CEDIA next week?[Via Akihabara News]
Epoq EGP-PP01 KIRF projector phone now shipping
Sigh. We're still stoked about phones with built-in projectors, but we're not at all okay with the first commercially-available unit being the nasty Epoq EGP-PP01 iPhone clone -- yet we've got to hand it to China King for being the first out the gate with a handset that'll beam a 30-inch VGA image on the wall for two hours off the built-in battery. Of course, that doesn't mean we think anyone should actually drop $550 on this uninspired piece, but if you've absolutely got to show off your witty texting banter to the entire bar, this is your only option. PS.- Please don't be that guy.[Via About Projectors]
Meridian's $185,000 810 Reference Video System unveiled
Anyone even remotely familiar with Meridian will understand that it caters to the affluent sect. Anyone even considering disputing that fact need look no further than the recently unveiled 810 Reference Video System. This monstrous projector boasts ten full megapixels of resolution, a native 4,096 x 2,400 resolution, 3-chip D-ILA module, PKI Xenon light, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, 4,000 lumens and a video processing box created by Marvell. Slated to ship in Q3, the PJ comes packaged with a long, short or medium-throw lens as well as a "motorized 2.35:1 anamorphic lens assembly for fixed height ultra-wide screen installations." Each unit also comes bundled with the 810 Reference Video Scaler "which connects to the projector with four parallel DVI-D cables, each carrying one quadrant of the image." Early reports suggest that even with all the fancy hardware, the $185,000 asking price may still be a bit high, so make sure you give this one a serious look before committing.[Via BigPictureBigSound]
How-to guide simplifies calibration for new HDTV owners
We'll go ahead and get this out of the way: seasoned HDTV owners won't likely gain much from this one, but those brand new to the world of high-definition are probably wondering what on Earth "calibration" even means. Rather than simply brushing it aside and dealing with those factory settings, we'd suggest tapping the read link for a simplistic guide that explains how to get your new set looking its finest. Be warned -- you'll probably have to spend some dollars if you expect class-A results, but anyone who has calibrated their own TV will likely agree that it's worth it.
Meridian breaks bank, hearts with M810 video system
If pairing the Meridian's lowly MF10 projector with your DSP7200 speakers is just too "entry level" for you, Meridian has a kind of HTIB to show you. The M810 video system (yeah, it's a system) consists of 800 Series electronics, a 7.1 speaker setup built around the DSP7200 speakers, and a new M810 Projector. The term 'HTIB' doesn't really capture this setup accurately, but replace 'box' with 'super-great-audio-video-enclave' and you get the gist of it. The M810 Projector makes use of JVC-sourced 4k D-ILA silicon in conjunction with a 850-Watt lamp to pump out 10-megapixel video. Our friends at CEPro were pretty impressed by the demo; and it'd be just plain rude to the setup crew to say otherwise, seeing as how they spend four days setting up and calibrating each M810 system. Yours for $175,000, home not included. Father's Day has passed, but there's always next year, right?[Image courtesy CEPro]
NHK demonstrates 8K display: 16x more detail than 1080p
Looks like NHK brought a prototype 33 megapixel, 8K Super Hi-Vision projection system to the auditoriums of CommunicASIA. Using a pair of LCoS projectors, NHK threw 7,680 x 4,320 pixels illuminated at 8,000 lumens onto a screen measuring 6.6 x 3.7 meters. The images were recorded from a prototype 8K studio camera -- as good as it gets until the first live SHV television broadcasts are demonstrated in September.
Honlai's QingBar MP101 iPhone projector makes us want more
Looks like Honlai had more than one mini-projector on display at Computex. The MP101 is capable of throwing a 15- to 27-inch display form your iPhone or iPod touch in a 4:3 aspect ratio. Unfortunately, we're talking just 10-15 lumens and a 200:1 contrast. Still, it'll do for a quick and dirty LCoS jones. See a working prototype after the break.[Via AVING and DisplayBlog]
Honlai reveals palm-sized MP100 LED projector
Honlai may not be a household name just yet, but if it can up the resolution on its minuscule projectors just a hair, there stands a decent chance for it to become one. Details are pretty scarce right now, but we do know that the MP100 LED mini-projector utilizes LCoS micro-projection technology and can throw up a 640 x 480 image between 5- and 37-inches. We're also hearing that it packs a modest 200:1 contrast ratio and a lamp good for some 20,000 hours of use. Not a peep on pricing / availability, but we'll be keeping an ear to the ground for more on either.[Via AboutProjectors]
Canon rolls out WUXGA REALiS WUX10, REALiS SX80 LCOS projectors
It looks like Canon's laid claim to not one but two "world's first" titles today, with it rolling out the world's first WUXGA LCOS in the form of the REALiS WUX10 and the world's first PictBridge compatible with its new REALiS SX80 (also LCOS-based). In addition to a 1920 x 1200 resolution, the REALiS WUX10 also boasts 3,200 lumens of brightness, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and some of Canon's propriety features like its AISYS (Aspectual Illumination System) Optical Engine, which promises to maximize the performance of the LCOS panels. The REALiS SX80, on the other hand, takes things down to a still decent SXGA+ resolution, along with 3,000 lumens of brightness, a 900:1 contrast ratio, and that aforementioned USB / PictBridge connectivity. Both models also boast just about all the ports you could want, including DVI, HDMI and component, as well as that all-important built-in 1W speaker. As you might have guessed, neither of them come cheap, although at $3,999, the SX80 is a relative bargain compared to the WUX10's $12,999 price tag.
