Joining the HDTV club is the Epson EMP-TW680. With 1280 x 720 (HD) resolution and 1600 lumens this projector is ideal for a wide variety of uses. It also comes with a very high 10000:1 contrast ratio. This projector features a really short throw distance. It’s able to produce a 30in screen at only 3 ft away from the screen. This model is set to debut in the UK and Japan. There isn’t any word if it will come over to the US or how much it would cost.

[via Tech.co.uk]

Epson has a new projector being released overseas. The EMP-TW2000 will be released in Japan and parts of asia. It features 1600 ANSI lumens and a 50000:1 contrast ratio for starters. It also presents a crystal clear HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. This home theater projector is set to be just as affordable as the Powerlite Home Cinema 1080 model, expected to sell for just under $3000. This projector is expected to be released in November.

[via Gizmodo]

The ViewSonic PJ258D is one of the only projectors that feature an iPod attachment. This model can play both mp3s and video from the iPod with no trouble at all. Macworld thinks that this projector is a good starting projector for the $1400 they are asking. Their main problem with this model is the lack of connections that it has. The only inputs this projector has are a VGA, S-Video, composite, and the iPod slot. The reviewers at Macworld said, “The ViewSonic PJ258D is a good all-around projector. Its size, weight, and feature set make it easy to move from the office to your living room and back.”

[via MacWorld]

In addition to the EMP-TW2000 projector that is coming out in November, Epson is also going to be releasing the PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 UB. This model is probably the cheapest HD (1920 x 1080) resolution projectors that’s out there, selling for $2699. It features 1600 ANSI lumens that’s and able to produce millions of colors for the best image possible. It also has a 50000:1 contrast ratio, 2 HDMI input slots, and an Eco Mode. This model will be released in the US some time in December.

[via Gizmodo]

National Geographic is known for their excellent documentaries. Recently the just finished filming of a new show called “Becoming a King” which documents the process and traditions behind the coronation of the King of Malaysia. King Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billal Shah is the 13th king to be crowned in Malaysia. To celebrate the screening of this documentary, Sony has offered a SRX-R220 projector to show the documentary in the best quality possible. The SRX-R220 features a (4096 x 2160) resolution which is better than any HD projector. It also has a 2000:1 contrast ratio and an impressive 18000 ANSI lumens. The show will air on the National Geographic Channel in August 2007.

[via asiamediajournal.com]

Hitachi has designed a short throw projector for the IFA convention, introducing the CP-A100/ED-A100 projector. This model uses a mirror that unfolds from the top to give it an ultra-short throw distance of 1 ½ ft. It also features 1500 ANSI lumens, and an XGA (1024 x 768) resolution. With a number of inputs including two D-Subs, an S-Video, component, and composite inputs, this projector will be ideal for meeting rooms and class rooms. This projector also has the ability to be mounted on the ceiling as well as desktops. Price and release date have not yet been released.

[via Gizmag]

JVC announced that they will be launching a new HD projector soon, the DLA-HD100. It has one of the highest contrast ratios out there at 30000:1. This model is a continuation of the DLA-HD1 released at the beginning of 2007. The HD100 features HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and an enhanced 0.7” D-ILA display. This projector will be able to project billions of colors with its HDMI inputs. There is no word on pricing or release date.

[via Pocket-lint]

It appears that Japan is getting all the fun these days. Toshiba is releasing two new DLP projectors, TDP-EW25 and TDP-EX20. Both projectors share similar features like a 2000:1 contrast ratio, and two D-Sub connections. The EW25 does have a little more with a WXGA (1280 x 768) resolution and 2600 ANSI lumens. The EX20 only produces a standard XGA (1024 x 768) resolution and 2300 lumens. Both projectors are going to sell for around $3600 each. The TDP-EW25 will be coming out in October, and the TDP-EX20 will be coming out late September.

[via Engadget]

Have you ever needed to project an image on a curved surface and the image doesn’t come out right. Well thanks to the people at Fraunhofer Institute, this little problem is solved with their “Surround Vision” software. What it does is calibrate one or more projectors to be able to project onto any shape you need. This technology can be used for many functions including theme parks, show booths, and planetariums. According to the manufacturers this new software can be used by any kind of projector. There is no information yet as to when this software will be released.

[via Engadget]