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BenQ takes W20000 and W5000 1080p DLP projectors to UK
BenQ's W20000 and W5000 have been treating eyes right in the US for awhile now, but at long last, the kids across the pond will finally be able to snatch one of these 1080p beamers for their own. Both DLP units (DarkChip 3 in W20000, DarkChip 2 in the W5000) feature DynamicBlack technology, 20,000:1 / 10,000:1 contrast ratios, four viewing modes (Cinema, Dynamic, Standard, and Photo) and 1,200 ANSI lumens. The good news? The duo is available now throughout the UK. The rub? It'll cost you £1,399 ($2,743) / £2,499 ($4,899). %Gallery-21393%
Pioneer gets official with its 1080p Kuro KRF-9000FD projector
Aw yeah, that sexy-on-paper Kuro projector you've been dreaming about the past few weeks just got real today in Munich, as Pioneer made official (even more official?) the KRF-9000FD. Said beamer will be packed with LCoS technology, twin HDMI inputs to go along with the component / composite / S-Video sockets, full 1,920 x 1,080 native resolution, 600 lumens and a 30,000:1 contrast ratio; you'll also find a RS-232c control port, a noise level of just 24-decibels in normal operation and a striking likeness to JVC's DLA HD100. Here's to hoping you weren't expecting this thing to be a bargain, however, as it's all set to land in the next week or so for a stiff €8,000 ($12,460). [Via Heise]
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%
Epson gets busy with five new multimedia projectors
Open up, as Epson's got not one, not two, but five new multimedia projectors aimed squarely at you (or maybe just your boss). Starting us off are three newcomers to the PowerLite Pro series: the XGA G5150NL / G5350NL and the WXGA G5200WNL. Respectively, each one offers up 4,000, 5,000 and 4,200 lumens, and the first two even support the Network Projector functionality found in Vista. Moving on, we've got the PowerLite 6110i ($2,899; pictured) and 1825 ($2,299), which both feature XGA resolutions and 4,000 / 3,500 lumens, but only the latter includes an 802.11a/b/g module for wireless projection. Hit up the read link for lots more details on the whole lot, just try not to get lost in there.[Via AboutProjectors]
Christie introduces DS+305 DLP projector
If you've been yearning for a bit of that Christie magic in your own home, feast your eyes on the consumer-oriented DS+305. Weighing in at 6.3-pounds, this DLP beamer features a native SXGA+ (1,400 x 1,050) resolution, 3,300 ANSI lumens, 2,500:1 contrast ratio, PixelWorks DNX video decoding / deinterlacing and a slew of ports including HDMI, DVI, component, S-Video and composite. No word on a price just yet, but be prepared to pay quite the premium for a non-Full HD PJ given the brand name.[Via AboutProjectors]
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.
Mondevue AMV-X2500 projector launches in Middle East
Though we doubt Mondevue's AMV-X2500 will make any sort of splash here in the US, the projector is likely a welcome addition in the Middle Eastern market. Featuring a DLP engine, 1,024 x 768 resolution, 2,000 ANSI lumens, 2,000:1 contrast ratio and VGA / S-Video / composite inputs, this unit is primarily geared towards suits who need a PJ to lug from presentation to presentation. Yeah, we'd be a lot more enthused if it handled a few more pixels, but hopefully the firm will get the hint and up the ante next go 'round.[Via AboutProjectors]
Acer intros P5370W, P5280, P7270i and P7280 projectors
We got a small taste of what was to come when Acer quietly revealed its H5350 entry-level HD projector just before CeBIT 2008, and now the firm has opened the floodgates with four more beamers. At the top of the Professional range sits the P5370W, which features a native WXGA resolution, 3,000 ANSI lumens, 2,000:1 contrast ratio and VGA / DVI / HDMI ports. Next up is the P5280, sporting a XGA resolution, 2,000:1 contrast ratio, 3,500 lumens and DVI / HDMI inputs. As for the P7270i and P7280, both units offer up a XGA resolution, 6-segment color wheel, 2,300:1 contrast ratio, 4,000 / 4,500 ANSI lumens (respectively) for use in rooms with a fair amount of ambient light, HDMI and even 802.11b/g wireless on the P7270i. Per usual, Acer's left us hanging when it comes to a price or release date, but don't be shocked to see these slip right onto shelves as you blink.[Via AboutProjectors]
Micro SD Card Projector blows up portable media
Mini-projectors are a dime a dozen these days, but the Micro SD Card Projector is whizzing right around all those serious competitors and aiming instead for the carefree crowd. Essentially, the image quality you'll get from this thing is likely to be lackluster -- after all, the manufacturer doesn't even bother to pass along a contrast ratio, let alone a native resolution. Still, the ability to shove an SD card into the rear and instantly watch your portable media clips on the big(ish) screen is a boon to travel junkies and kids of all ages. Heck, there's even a set of composite inputs if you're looking to give your DVD player (or similar) some work. No word on exactly what file types the unit understands, but those willing to take a chance can expect it to ship later this week for £99.99 ($196). [Via ShinyShiny]
Panasonic intros PT-F200NTU / PT-F200U LCD projectors
Mitsubishi ain't the only manufacturer in town trumpeting a new projector for the classroom / boardroom (and everywhere in between) -- oh no, Panasonic's got a pair of its own that it thinks are just fine. The PT-F200NTU and PT-F200U both feature an XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution, 3,500 ANSI lumens, 2x powered-zoom lens, second-generation Auto Rolling Filter (ARF), built-in Closed Caption decoder and fourth-generation Daylight View 4 image-processing technology. The former model even includes wired / wireless capabilities that enables streaming video, remote control / monitoring and e-mail alert messaging. Still, we've all ideas most of these niceties will go untouched -- you know, considering the all-too-steep $4,499 / $3,999 price tags.
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.
Projector Reviews breaks down the best 1080p projectors
We know, trying to digest all of the 1080p projectors out at the moment is a fairly daunting task, but thankfully, the hard-working folks over at Projector Reviews took on the challenge for you. In its latest roundup of "best 1080p projectors," the Panasonic PT-AE2000U, Epson Home Cinema 1080p UB and JVC DLA-RS2 took home the gold in the entry-level, mid-range and high-end categories (respectively). Still, quite a few other beamers came exceptionally close to winning it all, so be sure and hit the read link below to figure out which one is right for you (and your budget).[Via AboutProjectors]
Mitsubishi unveils XD500U, XD510U and XD520U projectors
Those on the hunt for a PJ for your kids' room (you know, one you can "borrow" and relocate to the garage) can toss a glance at three new ones from Mitsubishi. The first of the 500 series is the XD500U, which touts an XGA resolution, 2,200 lumens, six-segment color wheel, 2,000:1 contrast ratio and a top-loading lamp. As for the XD510U, it retains the same 1,024 x 768 resolution but climbs to 2,600 lumens, while the SD510U offers up 2,200 lumens, a SVGA (800 x 600) resolution and a slightly lower price tag. The trio of DLP beamers are set to ship this month starting at $995.[Via AboutProjectors]
BenQ's 1080p W20000 DLP projector gets reviewed
Just in case JVC's DLA HD100 wasn't up your alley for one reason or another, BenQ's hoping to occupy that spot you're reserving for a swank 1080p PJ with its W20000. Recently reviewed over at Trusted Reviews, this DLP beamer was mighty impressive in most respects, garnering praise for its "exceptionally vivid" colors and equally stunning sharpness. We're also told of its "very deep blacks and remarkable dynamics," and before long, we're pretty sure this one's a surefire winner. Unfortunately, a single gripe ratcheted an otherwise fantastic projector down from greatness -- speckling noise; reportedly, a "surprising amount" was noticed, particularly in scenes with shots of bright skies. All in all, the W20000 is still probably worth a look, but we'd want it set up for viewing before dropping upwards of $6,500 only to be bothered by one nagging issue for the rest of its life.[Via AboutProjectors]
JVC's DLA HD100 1080p D-ILA projector gets reviewed
While we managed to get up close and personal with JVC's beastly DLA HD100 at CEDIA last year, the folks over at CNET were able to spend a bit of quality time with the 1080p D-ILA beamer to determine if in fact it was worth the cheddar. On the plus side, the projector demonstrated excellent black level performance and featured a "superb" contrast ratio, but those high points were quickly overshadowed by the "terribly inaccurate primary colors, which caused severe over-saturation." As for features and connectivity options, everything was quite satisfactory, and in most respects, this device did exactly what it was supposed to. Still, the nagging color issues kept an otherwise stellar unit from garnering high praise, and when a PJ demands upwards of $6,000, there's just no room for visual quirks.
Christie intros 95-pound CP2000-M DLP Cinema projector
It's not often that you need to phone a friend over in order to help you physically lift a projector for installation, but if you happen to place an order for Christie's newly announced CP2000-M, um, you may want to have some brawn nearby. At 95 frickin' pounds, this thing is hailed as "the most compact DLP Digital Cinema projector in the world," and true though that may be, you can tell it wasn't designed for the "average" home theater (or home theaters at all, really). As for specs, you can look forward to 12,000 ANSI lumens, a motorized lensing system and a selection of eight zoom lenses, 2K resolution, a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, and twin HDCP-compliant DVI ports. We have absolutely no idea how many vacation homes you'd have to liquidate in order to call one of these your own, but for the vast majority of us, we doubt it'll matter.
Knoll's 1080p HDP460 projector packs DarkChip4
Though not quite as awe-inspiring as Meridian's all new MF10, Knoll's April-bound HDP460 is a far cry from being a slouch. This 1080p DLP projector boasts the oh-so-coveted TI DarkChip4 along with a 5,000:1 contrast ratio, Pixelworks DNX 10-bit video processor, 1,600 ANSI lumens, HDMI 1.3, ISF day / night presets and built-in scaling support for 2:35:1. Unfortunately, Knoll's being a little stingy in the imagery department, but those who can just imagine this beamer sitting pretty in their den / home theater can phone up the company in order to get a presumably large dose of sticker shock.[Via AboutProjectors]
Meridian announces MF10 1080p D-ILA projector at EHX
Every so often, a projector hits the market that's just so delectable, it's hard to stop fantasizing about what pieces of your kids' rooms could be auctioned off in order to procure it. Enter the $14,995 Meridian MF10, which is most certainly one those units. Packin' a totally familiar black chassis, three 0.7-inch 1080p D-ILA chips, a native 30,000:1 contrast ratio, 700 lumens, and a 2x zoom lens (2:35:1 Cinemascope is optional), this PJ exudes confidence. You'll also find a pair of HDMI 1.3 ports along with component, S-Video and composite (saywha?), an RS-232 control terminal and the ability to play nice with the firm's $3,995 DVP2351 digital video processor (shown after the jump). Yeah, they're both available as we speak, but can your Centurion Card really handle it? [Warning: PDF read link]
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]
