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Future IMAX deployments to utilize DLP Cinema projectors
Electrosonic's MS9600 isn't the only thing flying out of ShoWest this week -- oh no, we've also learned that Texas Instruments will have quite a bit to do with forthcoming IMAX deployments. Apparently, the aforementioned outfit has inked a deal that will land its DLP Cinema projectors in "each IMAX Digital projection system to be deployed to commercial exhibitors around the world from mid-2008." Unfortunately, all the gory details we crave were left out -- starting with a list of cities in which to expect these DLP-powered venues -- but thankfully, the release did manage to spare the whole "it's the mirrors" tagline when getting the point across.[Via AboutProjectors, image courtesy of Pathe-IMAX]
Sanyo's LP-XW60 LCD projector claims be to industry's "smallest and lightest"
With all these projectors running around claiming to be the world's smallest, it's hard to say who's really being truthful anymore. Nevertheless, Sharp seems pretty confident that its 55- x 264- x 188-millimeter LP-XW60 LCD projector is in fact the most compact in its class. Whatever the case, there's no denying that thing is mighty small, and features wise, you find a 1,024 x 768 resolution, 400:1 contrast ratio, built-in one-watt speaker, 2,000 lumens, audio in / out and a VGA video output for good measure. We've no idea if this one will ever make it outside of Japan, but for those shacked up over there, get ready to grab one in late April for a staggeringly high ¥207,900 ($2,028).[Via FarEastGizmos]
InFocus 1080p DLP Play Big IN83 projector gets official
While we had every reason to believe that InFocus had another swank 1080p projector waiting to be unleashed last month, it's always good to see a little reassurance from the outfit itself. As of today, the Play Big IN83 is really real, and it's looking to deliver Full HD imagery to your screen later this month. Packed with TI's DarkChip4 DLP chip, this unit sports a native 5,000:1 contrast ratio, 1,600 ANSI lumens, HDMI 1.3, Pixelworks DNX 10-bit video processing and 2.35:1 Cinemascope / widescreen aspect ratio support for good measure. The pain? $5,999 through "exclusive InFocus resellers and installers." Check out the gallery over at Engadget HD (hint: it looks just like the IN82), and click on through for the full release.
Christie delivers 3D cinema with dual projector 3D2P system
Make no mistake, Christie knows a thing or two about what it takes to deliver top-notch results in the cinema, and apparently, the firm feels that it's ready to delve into the always interesting 3D arena. The 3D2P dual projection system relies on a pair of the firm's DLP projectors in order to deliver three-dimensional imagery, and it's hoping to attract customers by pitching that theaters can "own the complete 3D system without recurring fees." Reportedly, the setup has already garnered praise in the Krikorian Premiere Theaters, but so far as we can tell, you'll still be forced to slip on a set of gaudy goggles in order to really see what's going on. As predicted, Christie's requiring that you phone it up in order to find out pricing details, but what we really want is a list of cinemas that end up getting some installed.[Via AboutProjectors]
NEC intros network-ready VT800 projector
NEC's got yet another new projector rolling in for under a grand ($899, to be exact), and it's going by the name VT800. Beyond the stark white finish, you'll find a native XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution, an Ethernet port for remote management / control, built-in closed caption decoding, a USB port, an HDCP-compliant HDMI input, 2,700 lumens, 500:1 contrast ratio and a lamp good for around 3,000 hours. Furthermore, the unit boasts a five-watt internal speaker, PIP / ESS functionality, wall color correction presets and 3D Reform, which "squares the image by adjusting horizontally, vertically or diagonally when the projector cannot be placed parallel or perpendicular to the screen." It's all yours this April. [Via AboutProjectors]
NEC unveils wireless NP3151W projector
According to NEC, its NP3151W projector is right at home in boardrooms, training rooms, lecture halls and meeting rooms -- according to us, the real fun happens after hours. Said device features a WXGA (1,280 x 800) native resolution, HQV video processing, optional quick-mount lenses, built-in Ethernet port, support for USB mice / keyboards and the ability to connect to a remote desktop via a wireless network connection. 'Course, this 16.1-pound beamer isn't exactly cheap, but you can slap it on the corporate card this month when it ships for $4,999.[Via AboutProjectors]
Hitachi introduces CP-X450 3LCD projector
Hitachi's latest projector won't impress the diehard home theater enthusiasts, but it just may do the job in the kids' room or garage. The CP-X450 3LCD PJ comes in with an XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution and features 3,500 lumens, a hybrid filter good for around 2,000 hours, built-in 7-watt speaker and a slew of security features. You'll also find a 2:3 pulldown feature, automatic vertical keystone detection and a whiteboard mode which "provides adequate clarity while limiting brightness for use with whiteboards." Furthermore, the 7.7-pound package won't strain your back too much should you need to temporarily relocate it, but regrettably, there's no word on a price or release date just yet.[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]
Epson introduces PowerLite 83+ and 822+ multimedia projectors
For those with under a grand to spend and an incessant hankering for a new projector, we've got phenomenal news. Epson has added two more 3LCD PJs to its ever-expanding PowerLite line, both of which feature an XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution, a built-in Ethernet port for remote monitoring and control, an integrated ten-watt speaker and a closed-caption decoder to boot. As for the 83+, you'll find 2,200 lumens compared to the 822+'s 2,600, but other than that, the two are essentially identical. Good enough for you? If so, you can snag one immediately for $899 or $949, respectively.[Via AboutProjectors]
Cineversum BlackWing Three projectors soar in, could be mistaken as Star Wars collectables
With a name like BlackWing, it's gotta be good, right? At least that looks to be the case with Cineversum's latest trio of BlackWing Three projectors, as these bad boys sport a design eerily reminiscent of something straight out of the Star Wars galaxy and a specs sheet that impressed even Yoda would be. The entire trio gets blessed with a 30,000:1 contrast ratio, 1,920 x 1,080 Full HD resolution, two HDMI 1.3 inputs, Color-Select filters for wider color reproduction and a motorized zoom / focus. As for the Pro model, you can expect everything you see above coupled with an optional SD-SDI input and 12V triggers board, professional color management tools and VGA compatibility. Finally, the Ultimate ups the ante a touch further with two more HDMI 1.3 sockets, Mosquito Noise Reduction technology and Theater Mode for 2.35:1 anamorphic setups. 'Tis a shame these start at £8,199 ($15,955), isn't it? [Via AboutProjectors]
InFocus' 1080p DLP Play Big IN83 projector surfaces
Hey, you -- about to pull the trigger on a svelte new 1080p Play Big IN82? Hold your horses young buck, as it seems that the aforementioned unit's successor is just around the bend. Reportedly, the InFocus Play Big IN83 will house Texas Instrument's DarkChip 4 DLP chip and will feature a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, 5,000:1 native contrast ratio, 10-bit video processing, an HDMI 1.3 input, automatic black level calibration, 1,600 lumens and a three-year warranty. Unfortunately, word on the street pegs this beauty at £3,500 ($6,948), so maybe that soon-to-be-discounted IN82 doesn't look like such a slouch after all.[Via AboutProjectors]
Planar's PD8150 and PD8130 1080p DLP projectors shipping in March
If Mitsubishi's polite pair of projectors weren't enough to satisfy those impeccably high standards of yours, we've all ideas that Planar's duo won't let you down. First spotted at Runco / Planar's zanily themed booth at CEDIA, it seems that Planar is just now getting around to giving us a ship date that we can dutifully pencil in. The flagship PD8150 -- which checks in with a glorious 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, 1,000 ANSI lumens and a 15,000:1 contrast ratio -- will finally ship in early March for $7,999. As for the $5,999 PD8130, which also hits the road in March, you can expect the same resolution with a slightly lower 10,000:1 contrast ratio. Pretty tempting, no? [Via AboutProjectors]
Mitsubishi's XL1550U and XL2550U projectors: right at home outside of homes
We'll be straight with you -- Mitsubishi's latest duo isn't exactly cut out for in-home use, but that's not to say it wouldn't be the source of copious quantities of enjoyment if you snagged one from the supply closet one weekend. Without further ado, we present the XL1550U, which features an XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution, 3,100 ANSI lumens and a lamp life of up to 5,000 hours. Moving on, we've got the XL2550U, which touts the same resolution but offers up 4,000 ANSI lumens, the firm's new BrightEra LCD panels and a lamp good for around 4,000 hours of use. Furthermore, both units promise side-loading lamps, built-in Ethernet ports for LAN asset management and an RS-232 port for third-party integration. Both of these beamers will be on the market before this month draws to a close for $3,995 and $4,495, respectively. [Via AboutProjectors]
Epson launches ultra-short throw EMP-400W / EMP-400We projectors
Before long, you won't be bragging about how many inches your projector can throw out. Oh no, you'll be boasting about how many LEGOs you can slide between the lens and the wall. Joining the quickly evolving short throw revolution is Epson's latest duo (each requires 2.1-feet to throw 60-inches), which both feature a native 1,280 x 800 resolution, 500:1 contrast ratio, automatic 4:3 / 16:10 / 16:9 detection and resizing, a ten-watt built-in speaker, VGA (x2), S-Video and composite inputs and an Ethernet port to boot. From what we can gather, the only differences in the EMP-400We are the additional security features (those pesky kids...), a longer warranty and a bundled wall mounting bracket. All in all, we'd opt for the £999 ($1,956) EMP-400W -- unless, of course, you've got a room / house full of mischievous youngsters, in which case we suppose it's worth a few extra hundred pounds to rest easy protect your investment. [Via AboutProjectors]
Christie introduces LX500 professional projector
Not even a month after Christie doled out its drool-worthy HD405, the firm is adding one more member to its LX family. The "portable" LX500 reportedly weighs in at around 18 pounds and features 5,000 ANSI lumens, 8-bit video processing, an XGA resolution, 1,000:1 contrast ratio and DVI / 5xBNC / VGA / S-Video / composite inputs. Furthermore, the unit can be purchased sans a standard lens, enabling installers to "select the right lens for their specific installation." No word on a price at the moment, but if it's anything like the company's other offerings, we'll surmise that it'll end up being entirely too pricey for what you get.[Via AboutProjectors]
Runco intros ultra-pricey 1080p VX-22i DLP projector
Runco and expensive tend to go hand in hand, so we'd expect nothing less than a five-figure price tag accompanying the firm's new Video Xtreme VX-22i. This 1080p monster features a three-chip DLP design, O-Path technology, CinOptx premium grade lenses, Vivix II video processing, a 4,000:1 contrast ratio, 2,850 ANSI lumens and comes calibrated to ISF standards. As expected, users with a completely stuffed bank account can opt for the CineWide with Autoscope edition ($54,995), but even those who go without the aforementioned option will be forking out $39,995 for the vanilla model. If you've managed to get over the shock, you can place your order now (or pick up a totally more useful BMW / college education / etc.) and expect it to arrive lickety split.
Toshiba's "short-throw" TDP-EW25U projector still requires three feet
It's amazing what a breakthrough does for perception (and competition), eh? Shortly after taking a look at the impressive PLC-XL50 from Sanyo, Toshiba has announced an "extreme short projection" offering of its own. This one, however, requires three whole feet in order to toss up a 60-inch image, which seems sort of ridiculous compared to the three inches needed by the aforementioned Sanyo. To its credit, the TDP-EW25U does boast a higher resolution (1,280 x 800), and it also features a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, DLP technology, 2,600 ANSI lumens, USB / RS-232 ports, integrated 802.11b/g WiFi, VGA, a built-in mono speaker and jacks for audio input. You'll also find password protection and a bundled remote, which may or may not push you to throw down $2,369 to claim one as your own.[Via AboutProjectors]
LG shows off AF115 SXRD 1080p projector at CES
Among the outpouring of new projectors at CES comes a stately one from LG. The AF115 SXRD projector offers up a native 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, DSP HQV Realta, 1,300 ANSI lumens, a 30,000:1 contrast ratio, twin HDMI 1.3 connectors, ISF calibration and ultra-quiet operation. Unfortunately, that's all the details we've received, but prospective buyers should take note of this thing's girth before choosing to wait diligently for information on a price / release date. [Via AboutProjectors]
Epson launches 1080p PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 UB projector
Originally, we heard that the PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 UB projector would be headed stateside in December, but apparently Epson (smartly) chose CES to actually launch it. Aside from the 1,920 x 1,080 resolution and 50,000:1 contrast ratio, this unit also features a 3LCD optical engine, 1,600 ANSI lumens, 12-bit video processing, a pair of HDMI 1.3 inputs, the firm's exclusive OptiCinema lens system / E-TORL lamp and a pearlescent finish nice enough to stare at. Best of all, this beast is not only available now, it's available for $2,799 after a $200 rebate. Yeah, we're diggin' the trend.
Sanyo shipping PLC-XL50 short-throw projector
Sure, Sanyo's PLC-XL50 only features a 1,024 x 768 resolution, 2,000 lumens and a 4:3 aspect ratio, but all of that matters quite a bit less once you realize that it can beam out an 80-inch image with just 3-inches of space. You heard right kiddos, this thing only needs three tiny inches to totally take over your wall, and subsequently, the mounting options here are nearly endless. Additionally, it sports a built-in mono speaker, VGA input / output, audio in / out and a price tag of $3,295. Quite the premium for the short-throw goodness, eh?[Via VisualApex]
