projectors
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InFocus projectors adding DisplayLink USB graphics
It may (or may not) be wireless, but InFocus will apparently be one of the first companies to incorporate DisplayLink's USB graphics directly into their future projectors. No other details, that's all we've got for now, we'll let you know when they've actually got gear to announce.
Panasonic releases two PT-A HD projectors
Panasonic is aiming for both ends of the home projector market with its new PT-A series, with the silver PT-AX200 targeted at gamers and the black 1080p PT-AE2000E aimed at the tony "pricing undisclosed" crowd. The AX200 (pictured) features 720p resolution, a "Game Mode" that cuts response time down to 5ms and pumps up color saturation, 2,000 lumens of brightness, and a 2x optical zoom for €1499 ($2118). The somewhat less-friendly AE2000E sports 1500 lumens of shine behind its 1080p resolution, with a 16,000:1 contrast ratio, three HDMI inputs, and several "pro-level" installation and configuration features, like a 100-percent vertical lens shift for ceiling-mount applications, a splitscreen adjustment mode and a waveform monitor. Both models should be hitting Europe soon, no word if we'll see them over here anytime soon. Check a shot of the AE2000E after the break.Read -- PT-AX200 press releaseRead -- PT-AE2000E press release
Hands-on with Texas Instruments' cellphone projector
Now that we have email, internet, TV, GPS, cameras, and satellite radio on our cellphones, our next wish is for bigger, higher resolution screens -- which seems paradoxical, because larger displays almost always mean bulkier devices. Well Texas Instruments thinks it'll soon be able to nullify this trade-off with an in-handset projector that we've heard about several times before, but last night's Pepcom event in New York was the first time we've been able to peep the technology up close. Not that the TI reps made it easy to do so: the prototype unit was in a locked metal case underneath the table, and we had to swear up and down that we saw Walt Mossberg getting a demo before they'd cough it up. As you can see, the reason they want to keep this under wraps for the time being is that the quality and brightness are certainly not ready for prime time yet; while the unit we saw used lasers as the light source, we're told that an LED-based model still in the lab offers significant improvements. Keep reading for more shots of this rare prototype -- along with a video courtesy of Popular Science -- and give yourself a few moments to bask in the future before returning to the stark reality of your own phone and its dim little QQVGA action...
Canon introduces the REALiS X700 and SX7 projectors
Your friendly Canon buddies are rolling out some new REALiS projectors today, clearly hoping to maintain its strong ties with people who love projectors of all shapes and sizes. The two new flavors are called the SX7 (pictured) and the X700, the former being a high-end, HD-ready, Adobe RGB-accurate model, with a 1440 x 1050 resolution, while the latter is a more entry-level offering, with a lower, 1024 x 768 resolution, and no color matching. Both projectors tout 3,000 hours of lamp life, a 1.7x zoom lens, DVI inputs with HDCP encryption, plus three stereo inputs and one set of outputs. The X700 will be available in October for $3,999, and the SX7 will hit stores in December at the Earth-shatteringly low price of $6,999.[Via Akihabara News]
Sony unveils eight new projectors for business and education
It's turning into quite the week for projectors, and Sony isn't one to be left out. The company is launching eight new projectors today, mainly for lighting up classrooms and board meetings with boring PowerPoint presentations, but we won't hold that against them. The VPL-EX4 and VPL-ES4 are of the 3 LCD ilk, and feature 2100 lumens and 2200 lumens, respectively. The EX4 does up 1024 x 768 pixels, while the ES4 runs 800 x 600. The 3 LCD VPL-C series is headed by the 3000 lumen VPL-CW125, which does up 16:9 WXGA HD video, while the rest of the series, including the VPL-CX155, VPL-CX150, VPL-CX125, VPL-CX120, and VPL-CX100, run at XGA and sport 2700 to 3600 lumens. The W125, X155 and X125 do networking for presentations over IP, but that's about as fancy as any of these projectors gets. The EX4 and ES4 are out this month for $1,030 and $1,230, respectively, while the five XGA VPL-C projectors will be out in June and July for $2,120-$2,930. The VPL-CW125 will follow in October for $3,330.Read - Sony's VPL-E seriesRead - Sony's VPL-C series
RED Digital Cinema planning pocket cam, 4K projector and displays
NAB is one of the few times during the year that A/V geeks can pull themselves away from their editing bays, adjust their eyes to the light, and really get down with the latest equipment -- so it should be no surprise that RED Digital Cinema is using the event to leak its plans for some tantalizing new gear. We're all quite familiar with the $17,500 RED-ONE 4K base system and its ecosystem of accessories, and now it looks like the company is prepping products for post-production as well, with self-proclaimed "RED Savant" Steve Gibby reporting that a 4K projector and entire lineup of 4K displays are on the way. Even more exciting -- at least for the average consumer or prosumer -- is a promised "professional pocket camera" being described as a "mini-RED," and though we doubt you'll see these for sale at Best Buy, we're still pretty stoked to see what kind of offer they're going to make us here. And if they do already have a prototype of this one, you can bet it's under extra tight lock and key.
Panasonic introduces PT-D10000U and PT-DW10000U HD DLP projectors
Panasonic recently announced two 10,000 lumen three-chip DLP projectors with specifications aimed very much at the high end market. The lesser of the two new models is the PT-D10000U, which features a native resolution of 1400 x 1050 pixels, and is apparently one of the smallest 10,000 lumen projectors out there: according to Panasonic, it's the only 10k lumen projector capable of operating from a standard 120-VAC outlet too. The bigger brother of the pair is the PT-DW10000U which ups the native resolution to 1920 x 1200 pixels. Both models feature 5,000:1 contrast ratios, 10-bit video processing, a liquid-cooling system that allows both projectors to operate in ambient temperatures of up to 45°C (113°F), individual screen sizes above 10 foot x 10 foot, 30 percent smaller casing than the models that they replace, and an Auto Cleaning Robot which keeps the filter clean for up to 2,000 hours without external maintenance. That "Robot" could simply be an automated wiper that moves dust away for all we know, but unfortunately we'll never get to check, because the PT-D10000U comes in with a MSRP of $54,999, and the PT-DW10000U at $74,999. Both should be available during the first quarter of this year.
TI pushing to get DLP in your cellphone, local cinema
It's not terribly uncommon to see a manufacturer try to push a product (or platform) into every crevice of your life, and it seems that Texas Instruments is diverting quite sharply from its calculatorish ways of old and making an aggressive push to get that DLP logo slapped on everything you own. While we've seen (literally) the diminutive Microvision display do its thang here at CES, TI is hoping to steal that thunder away by talking up its forthcoming palm-sized DLP projectors. The "fully featured" Pocket Projectors, which are co-developed by OMAP, would weigh "less than one pound," use the .55 DLP chip, and could purportedly connect to handsets or PDAs to beam up that big(ger) screen imagery for a crowd to see. Unfortunately for TI, these devices are not (at least initially) supposed to be integrated units, which could easily get overlooked if those built-in alternatives can muster acceptable quality. Additionally, TI is hoping to get that DLP logo stamped on your brain even when you visit the cinema, as the company now has its technology in 3,000 theaters worldwide and is frequently throwing logo-clad splash screens onto the canvas during pre-show advertisements. So if you wonder why you're strangely drawn to the DLP sets during your next HDTV shopping trip, trust us, it's not the mirrors, it's the marketing.[Via AboutProjectors]
Sharp offers up a trio of projectors, including a 1080p behemoth
You didn't think that the 108-inch LCD TV was the only big-ticket item Sharp was going to announce today, did you? It's got a trio of projectors to show off as well, the XV-Z3100, DT-510, and the XV-Z20000 1080p models. The XV-Z3100, a nice little portable unit, does 720p at a resolution of 1280 x 780 and has a 6,500:1 contrast ratio, with 1,000 lumens of brightness. Its sibling, the Sharp DT-510 also projects at 720p widescreen, and boasts a contrast ratio of 4,000:1, also at 1,000 lumens. Both of those models will be released in February, for $2,700 and $2,500 respectively. However, the pair of 'em pale in comparison to the XV-Z20000 (pictured), a full HD 1080p HDCP-compliant projector that shines at 1920 x 1080 with a contrast ratio of 12,000:1 and a brightness of 1,000 lumens. It will also upconvert standard resolution signals and is decked out with two HDMI ports. In other words, if you've got $12,000 burning a hole in your pocket right now, Sharp would like to talk to you pronto. Check the next page for some pics of the first two models.
BenQ MP510 projector hits for $500
Looks like BenQ is running the whole gamut of projectors these days. Shortly after we saw one of its higher-end models drop late last month, we now get word of a new projector that costs 1/10th the price. The MP510 packs 1500 lumens, a 2000:1 contrast ratio, and an 800 x 600 resolution -- all for $500. To date, the only other projector that we've seen at this price is the Lumenlab 1000 projector, which does have better resolution, but an inferior lumen output and contrast ratio. The MP510 will do 480p, 576p, 720p and 1080i and has the usual assortment of analog inputs, including RGB, component and S-Video. Expect this inexpensive projector to come to a home theater or boardroom near you later this month.[Via AboutProjectors]
Toshiba TDP-FF1AU, brings tiny projection across the Pacific
If there's something we don't see enough of these days in the US, it's projectors that can fit in the palm of your hand. Yes, Toshiba appears to have already released this one in Japan under the model number TDP-FF1A, but this is the first time we've spotted it on our golden shores. For those of you who may have missed it the first time, this cute number comes in at 1.9 lbs with a battery (or 1.1 lbs without), will toss up your PowerPoint slides at 800 x 600, brings a 1500:1 contrast ratio and will shine at 400 lux. Further, the TDP-FF1AU supports the usual assortment of analog and digital inputs, including component, RCA plus 480p, 480i, 576i, 576p, 720p and 1080i. Keep in mind though, as AboutProjectors points out, this projector probably won't work for a Jobsian keynote address, but might do well for a small rehearsal in front of a small audience. It'll hit the American streets for $700, but we don't yet know when.[Via AboutProjectors]
Dell 1800MP projector brings 2,100 lumens for under $900
Dell's not exactly known for its home projectors, but the company is hoping to turn a few heads in the boardroom and the living room with its new sub-$900 projector, the 1800MP. This $850 newcomer (available now), brings a 1,024 x 768 (native XGA) resolution at a serious 2,100 lumens and 2,000:1 contrast ratio, and weighs a trim 4.6 pounds. It supports NTSC, PAL, HDTV (480i/p, 576i/p, 720p, 1080i), the usual assortment of analog inputs (composite, component, S-Video), and even has password protection accessible via the menu -- you know, in case you want to make extra sure that those rampant office miscreants don't start projecting your PowerPoint slides at random.
Kentucky engineers build a 27 foot x 15 foot seamless display
Are you ready to finally assemble your home theater? You've got all the elements picked out: the screen, the sound system -- and a big projector. Well, if you really want the most awesome projector out there, you may want to head on down to Kentucky, where two university engineers, Christopher Jaynes and Stephen Webb have just built a 27 foot x 15 foot projected seamless display that shows 60 million pixels. As The Courier-Journal reported: "Building such a high-resolution display would normally cost millions of dollars, but Jaynes and Webb crafted the device from $100,000 in computers and projectors available at Best Buy and Circuit City." The alleged "world's highest resolution seamless display" is currently on public exhibition at the Galt House Conservatory in Louisville, Kentucky through Saturday (it's free, so bring the kids), where there will be a rotating collection of images. These will include photographs from inside the space shuttle cockpit (you'll be able to read the instruments), to snaps from the Hubble Space Telescope, to even extremely high-resolution imagery from the National Weather Service. Jaynes and Webb will also be on hand taking questions from visitors, so if you want to proposition them to see if they can incorporate one of these screens into your home -- just remember to bring as much cash as you can carry.[Thanks, Travis F., photo courtesy The Courier-Journal]
ViewSonic Cine5000 projects at a 255-inch diagonal
As much as we love a good projector that can display our favorite TiVo'ed media in HD, most don't really handle stuff designed to be watched on a 768-pixel tall desktop dimension all that well -- you know, because we really need to be able to watch YouTube on a 255-inch diagonal, right? Well, thank goodness, because ViewSonic has come out with its latest, the Cine5000, which fires up at a 15:9 resolution (1280 x 768), displaying XGA or WXGA without scaling or compressing. Beyond that, the Cine5000 comes with HDMI (HDCP-compliant), component, composite and S-Video ports, offers a 2,000:1 contrast ratio and 1,000 lumens of brightness. It'll hit the streets later this month for $2,000, but while you're waiting go check out the snap of all the ports on the next page.[Via AboutProjectors]
German researchers unveil a euro cent-sized projector
You've already seen the slew of projectors that we at Engadget are wont to write about regularly. But what you probably haven't seen is this euro cent-sized projector created by crafty German engineers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering in Jena. The 16mm (0.6 inches) wide projector works by shooting a laser at a single vibrating mirror, and although it works with red and blue lasers, the scientists say that green diode lasers aren't yet small enough, preventing the projector from hitting a full range of colors -- so hold off on thinking you're going to be watching "Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat" from a thumb-drive sized device in the near future. Dr. Peter Schreiber of the Fraunhofer Institute told the BBC that such a device could be eventually embedded into cellphones or PDAs. We'd love to be able to project a movie from our phone, but sadly Dr. Schreiber didn't tell the Beeb how big the projected image is, how much it will or currently costs, nor when it might be available -- not even a rough estimate, like 2014. Why must you be so coy with us, Fraunhofer Institute?[Thanks, Ndric]
Optoma HD73, 720p native, debuts at CEDIA
Seems Optoma might thinks that your iBook, MacBook, or, um, PC needs some love by way of a matching projector -- and as such, it recently announced at CEDIA its latest mid-range unit, the HD73. As the name implies, the HD73 natively displays in high-def at 720p, shines at a respectable 1300 lumens, sports a maximum contrast ratio of 6000:1, and has a native 16:9 aspect ratio. It'll connect to all your stuff via the usual suspects of inputs, including HDMI, DVI and component, plus, it's powered by the DarkChip3 DLP chip to create a very solid looking picture. What's more, the $2,000 pricetag isn't too shabby once it surfaces for air this November.[Via AboutProjectors]
Sharp XV-Z3000 DLP projector reviewed
You know how every time you consider how cool it would be to install a front projector in your place to throw up an 80-inch screen for some movie-watching and gaming goodness, and then realize that all the really good HD projectors that can handle dodgy lighting conditions are at least $10,000? Enter the Sharp XV-Z3000 DLP projector. HT geeks, prepare for geekery. Non-HT geeks, we apologize in advance. This shiny black box shoots 1280 x 768 and sports (two!) HDMI and RGB PC inputs. While that all sounds pretty normal, the surprising $3,000 price point is even more impressive when one considers a 0.001 foot-lamberts black level at 3000:1 contrast ratio paired with some serious brightness (27 ft-L). There are issues, of course, according to reviews, such as a loud fan and a little more video noise than expected. But generally speaking, Home Theater gave the unit tip-top ratings, and at this price and performance, that basement fantasy of ours just might be one lumen closer to reality[Via HDBeat]
Planar's PD8110, armed with 1,200 lumens at 1080p
Last weekend we posted about a $500 projector, but if you thought to yourself that this was too cheap for your blood -- try spending 100 little pieces of paper with Ben Franklin's mug on one. Planar has just stepped into the high-end projector market with its first native hi-def 1080p model, the Planar PD8110, priced at $10,000. This puppy sports 1,920 x 1,080 full HD resolution, using a DLP 0.95 DC3 1080p chip at 1,200 lumens and 8000:1 contrast ratio. Planar also introduced several lower-end models, which include the PD7150, PD7130, PD7060, PD7010 and the PD4010 ($1300). All the new models will be demoed at CEDIA Expo in Denver, which begins tomorrow. The market for 1080p projectors is getting a little crowded -- how about somebody making our day and coming out with one that sells for less than two grand?
Mitsubishi's first 1,080p projector, the LVP-HC5000
Runco, obviously, is already in the game. So are Sony, Sharp, Marantz, JVC, and even a little outfit called projectiondesign. But when it comes to 1,080p front projectors, we've been wanting to call up Mitsubishi on our Boost Mobile phone and ask them "Where you at?" Well the venerable rear-projection TV manufacturer has apparently been biding its time in order to release its first full HD unit, but the pricetag on this 3LCD model may convince you that it was worth the wait, as the LVP-HC5000 will cost "just" 450,000 yen (about $3,890) when it hits Japanese shores on October 12th. Even at this bargain basement price, you're still getting a very respectable set of specs, most notably a dynamic contrast ratio of 10,000:1 (though static is a mere 2,000:1), 1,000 nits of blinding brightness, as well as a full complement of inputs including HDMI, DVI-I, component, composite, S-Video, and even D-sub. Yeah, this all sounds like a pretty good deal; now we're just hoping that they'll ship this puppy overseas and help us finally purge that embarrassing 27-inch CRT from our otherwise kick-ass home theater setup.[Via HDBeat]
The 10 megapixel Cinevision 2006 movie projection system
Oh yeah, and speaking of Super Hi-Vision, say hello to Cinevision's new so-called 2006 digital movie projector system casts a 5000 x 2000 picture up on the screen. That's ten million freaking pixels, by our count. Granted, 5k -- what they're calling the technology because, you know, that horizontal pixel count -- is actually comprised of five projectors running simultaneously with spatially synced imaging courtesy of Fraunhofer IIS technology. Cinevision claims that a 90 minute 5K movie will only set you back 45GB of space -- perhaps a bit much for online distribution, but a cakewalk for multi-layer next gen optical like HD DVD or Blu-ray. That is, of course, assuming they're not totally exaggerating about a totally artifact-free 10 megapixel film only taking 45GB. Watch out though, Sony, it's the Cinevision 8k movies with 16 megapixel pictures that's what we're clearing out space for in our home theater booths; should only be, what, a few kilowatts of halogen power? Easily done.
