The Sanyo PLC-XP200L is one of the newest projectors to be released. It features a XGA (1024 x 768) resolution, 2200:1 contrast ratio and 7000 ANSI lumens, which is bright enough for any room. The main feature about this projector is that it is the first projector to use a 4th LCD panel. The fourth panel introduces the color yellow into the optical engine. The result is lush colors, especially with reds, oranges, and yellows. Recently the writers from Sound and Vision Magazine got to review the PLC-XP200L projector. They focused on the 4LCD display, mainly because the other specs are not much to look at. They mentioned that the yellow display panel expands the projector’s color gamut and brightness by 20%. The best part about these increases is that they do not affect the contrast and the projector delivers vivid colors in both bright and dark rooms. Another good point mentioned was that the 4LCD technology not only improved the colors, but also improved the black levels. The blacks in the display were noticeably deeper and looked cleaner. Their final thought was, “We’re looking forward to seeing how QuaDrive performs in the more demanding home environment - and how it fares when faced with a color analyzer.”

[via Sound and Vision Magazine]

Nokia has a new concept phone they are looking into. The Nokia N-XT concept phone could possibly be the first phone from Nokia’s N-Series to feature touch screen technology. Another feature about this phone is that the display panel can swivel to any position the user wants. The N-XT will be loaded with feature including an HD (1280 x 720) resolution projector, an 8 megapixel camera, video recorder, GPU, FM radio, and an accelerometer. The N-XT will have a 24GB internal memory and have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transmitters. With all these features cramped into one phone, it can only be assumed that this phone would be very expensive. Fortunately, it’s only a concept right now.

[via HTLounge.net]

CEATEC is one of the leading tradeshows in Japan. From September 30th until October 4th, the world-leading manufacturers will be displaying their newest products and services. Recently we heard Microvision shipping their SHOW PicoP projector to world leading electronics, equipment manufacturers, and telecommunications carriers. In addition, Microvision will be bringing their latest addition of the SHOW to the CEATEC trade show this week. The SHOW uses laser technology to display an image with WVGA (854 x 480) resolution. The laser technology also ensures that the projector never goes out of focus. This is ideal for situations where you need to give an on the spot presentation, with no setup time. The SHOW is also able to display screen sizes from 12 to 100 inches, diagonally. The SHOW prototype that will be on display, while it is an updated version, will not be the final product. Microvision is still waiting for feedback from the shipments they made earlier this month.

[via Gizmag]

We have seen a lot of Do-It-Yourself projectors but this is the first laser projector we have seen. The projector uses a salvaged key chain laser pointer to shine onto a rotating polygonal mirror. The fan that is used to cool the projector is also used to spin the polygonal mirror. The laser then reflects off the mirror and displays a message onto a surface. The projector is only able to display dot matrix messages, but keep in mind that this DIY laser projector is only a prototype. The laser projector can attach to most mobile devices or a PC via a serial port. Unfortunately, the builders of this projector didn’t announce how much the parts cost. However they did mention that this laser projector cost a lot less than buying one.

[via Embedded Projects From Around the Web]

Epson has just announced the release of three new entry-level business projectors. The EX30, EX50, and EX70 all feature 3 LCD display technology and a 2000:1 contrast ratio. They also all feature USB Plug ‘n Play connectivity that allows these projectors to be setup in seconds. “The EX projector series offers a range of entry-level models at varying price points and performance levels to provide entrepreneurs, small business owners and mobile professionals with the opportunity to choose a projector that is right for their business,” said Carrie Brown, product manager, Epson America Inc. “We are confident that customers will find our EX series offers a strong combination of convenient and powerful features while providing industry-leading color and image quality that are inherent in Epson’s award-winning projectors and 3LCD technology in an affordable package.”

The EX30 is the smallest of the bunch but it has a lot to offer. It has 2200 ANSI lumens and a SVGA (800 x 600) resolution. The EX30 is also the lightest of the three models weighing in at only 6 lbs making this projector ideal for traveling presenters. The EX30 input connections include composite, RGB, and s-video inputs. The retail price for the EX30 is $549.

The EX50 is a little better, featuring a XGA (1024 x 768) resolution with the ability to scale up to a SXGA+ (1400 x 1050) resolution. However the EX50 does feature the same 2200 ANSI lumens and connections that the EX30 has. The EX50 also has both a manual and automatic keystone adjustment, which allows the screen to adjust up to 30 degrees. This projector is also slightly heavier than the EX30, weighing 6.2 lbs. The EX50 retails for $649.

Lastly, the EX70 is the biggest of the bunch. It features a widescreen WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution and 2000 ANSI lumens. The EX70’s main feature however is its PC-Free feature that allows you to give slideshow and PowerPoint presentations with out needing a PC or laptop. This feature is possible with the EX70’s SD card slot or the USB thumb drive slot. The EX70 also provides audio with a 7 watt speaker system. The retail for the EX70 is $799.

EPSON BOLSTERS POPULAR EX MULTIMEDIA PROJECTOR SERIES WITH THREE NEW ENTRY-LEVEL MODELS

Epson EX70, EX50 and EX30 Provide Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses with Convenient USB Plug n’ Play Instant Connectivity in 3LCD Projectors Starting at $549

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Sept. 30, 2008 - Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide, today expands its EX projector line with three new sub-$800 3LCD, 3-Chip multimedia projectors, including a WXGA resolution model ideal for widescreen computers and movie-viewing. Designed to simplify projection for small business, home environments and mobile professionals, the Epson EX70, EX50 and EX30 projectors offer Epson’s proprietary USB “Plug n’ Play” connectivity for fast and easy connection, and are available via leading retail outlets such as Amazon.com, Best Buy, OfficeMax, and Staples.

The Epson EX70 projector ($799*) is Epson’s value-priced widescreen WXGA resolution model (16:10 aspect ratio), delivering instant USB Plug n’ Play video, standard VGA video, and HDMI all-digital connectivity for high-definition quality video and digital audio from just one cable. In addition, it offers photo slideshow functionality via a USB thumb drive or an SD memory card for easily viewing and sharing pictures without a computer, a 7W speaker for great sound, and 2,000 lumens of both color light output and white light output to produce image, video and text that always look their very best. The Epson EX50 ($649*) with XGA resolution (4:3 aspect ratio) and the Epson EX30 ($549*) with SVGA resolution (4:3 aspect ratio) both deliver 2,200 lumens color light output and 2,200 lumens white light output, and weigh 6.2 pounds and 6.0 pounds, respectively. All three models feature Epson’s latest high aperture 3LCD, 3-Chip optical engine and a 2000:1 contrast ratio to offer outstanding reliability and image quality at competitive price points. And, all three models offer additional flexibility without added cost with an included carrying case and remote control.

“The EX projector series offers a range of entry-level models at varying price points and performance levels to provide entrepreneurs, small business owners and mobile professionals with the opportunity to choose a projector that is right for their business,” said Carrie Brown, product manager, Epson America Inc. “We are confident that customers will find our EX series offers a strong combination of convenient and powerful features while providing industry-leading color and image quality that are inherent in Epson’s award-winning projectors and 3LCD technology in an affordable package.”

More About the Epson EX70, EX50 and EX30

The EX70, EX50 and EX30 projectors offer several easy-to-use and convenient features, including:

• USB Plug n’ Play Connectivity: Epson proprietary technology allows consumers to begin using the projector immediately by simply connecting a USB cable to the projector for quick projection on-the-spot
• Direct Power On/Off: Powers projectors on and off from a wall switch for added control when the projector is installed
• Exclusive Energy-Efficient, Epson E-TORL® Technology: Offers increased efficiency by projecting more lumens (brightness) per watt than competitive technology with similar lumens specification, leading to a cost savings over time; lamp life that lasts up to 4000 hours[ii] in economy mode - up to 50 percent longer than competitively priced models; and replacement E-TORL lamps cost up to $150 less than competing replacement lamps
• Epson 3LCD, 3-Chip Technology: Includes Epson’s latest high-aperture, 3-Chip 3LCD optical engine to deliver rich color and detail; 3LCD technology provides true-to-life image quality using an optical engine that works without a moving color wheel, delivering accurate color and detailed video and data images that are crisp and cannot suffer from the rainbow effect for color break-up
• Instant On and Instant Off®: Enables presenters to be up and running in only five seconds between pressing the “Power” button and the appearance of the start-up screen to avoid delays at the beginning of a presentation; powers down in four seconds enabling presenters to unplug and pack up quickly and safely without a cool-down period
• Simple Set-up and Flexible Positioning: EX70 and EX50 feature automatic keystone correction and 1.2x digital zoom for greater positioning flexibility and for projecting a clear image from both short and long throw distances
• A/V Mute Slide (Sleep Mode): Instantly turns off the sound and images to create a quick pause in the presentation, conserving lamp life and energy; the projector enters A/V Mute mode when the lens cover is closed and returns to normal mode automatically and immediately upon reopening the lens cover
• HD-Ready: Supports high-definition video through various connectivity options (including component video via an included VGA-to-component video adapter with the EX30 and EX50 and HDMI with the EX70); supports HDTV (720p, 1080i)
• Security Anywhere: Offers password protection and Kensington lock bar to guard against theft

Availability and Support
The Epson EX70, EX50 and EX30 projectors are currently available through national retailers, and come with the best-in-class service and support. All three models include a two-year limited warranty, Epson’s comprehensive Road Service projector replacement program (projector exchange in one business day), and Epson’s exclusive PrivateLine® phone support for toll-free access to technical support.

About Epson America Inc.
Epson offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the consumer, business, photography, and graphic arts markets. The company is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) printers and transaction terminals for the retail market. Founded in 1975, Epson America Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson America Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif.

Mitsubishi has recently announced the, soon to be released, FL6900U projector. This projector lives up to all the standards that Mitsubishi has for their home theater projectors. The FL6900U features full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and 3LCD display technology. It also has a 1000:1 contrast ratio and 4000 ANSI lumens, which is bright enough for just about any room you mount this projector in. The FL6900U is also bright enough to use for commercial establishments like sports bars, restaurants, and school auditoriums. This model also comes with a wide variety of connection features including, a USB port, a Serial port, LAN connectivity, and a wired remote connection. The FL6900U is relatively light weight, weighing 26.1 lbs, which helps make it easy to install in ceiling mounts. Wayne Kozuki, product manager, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Products Division said, “The FL6900U is designed for budget-conscious people who need high brightness and high definition at a reasonable price.” This projector will be available sometime this month. Its suggested retail price is set at $9995.

[via The Earth Times]

In addition to announcing three new screen materials, Screen Research announced two new screen systems that can be used for their projector screen. The TFX floating tab-tensioning system and FastGrip Fabric attachment system delivers compelling versatility and easy installation. TFX tightens the screen and provides a level of flatness that can only be found with fixed projection screens. The screen system eliminates warping and stretching by having a weight “float” inside another weight. These weights provide vertical and lateral force to the screen, preventing distortion. The FastGrip fabric attachment system is designed with custom installation in mind and is used for fixed screens that need to be stretched over a frame. The system comes with three levels of adjustment to accommodate for any stretching the fabric will do. The system also allows installers to make quick adjustments. Several FastGrip systems can be used simultaneously to provide an evenly tensioned screen. The system also allows for quick and easy re-installation for when a user wants to upgrade screens. Both the TFX and FastGrip systems will be available in November 2008.

[via Hiddenwires]

Screen Research, a world-class provider of innovative projector screen solutions for the custom home theater and professional markets, today added three new SolidPix screen materials to its lineup. The SolidPix 14, GrayPix 09, and GrayPix 11 screen materials provides customization and performance like never before. Customers can also have the option to choose from a full palette of screen solutions to add to the material selected. The solutions help create a screen that is designed specifically for the room it will be installed in. The three new screen materials are currently available in 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratios and can be ordered in sizes up to 204 inches, diagonally. All three materials will be available sometime in October.

The SolidPix 14 material is a white fabric surface that features a pearlized surface coating. The coating gives the material a high gain level and optimizes contrast ratio performance. This screen was designed to be used by all projectors. However the material is especially suited for projectors with a low white light output.

The GrayPix 11 was designed mainly for home theaters that have a lot of ambient light. The material is also optimal in environments where high-contrast gray screen surfaces can significantly improve the perceived contrast ratio by enhancing the black tones within the image. In addition to that, the material has a vinyl base that features a specialized coating technology.

Lastly, the GrayPix 09 material can enhance the black tones of a picture, the same as the GrayPix 11 material. It also enhances the black/gray image tonality with out sacrificing image uniformity. This material is best suited for high power projectors with wide viewing angles. The GrayPix 09 also works well with projectors that require a higher contrast ratio performance.

[via HiddenWires]

The Sony VPL-HW10 is one of Sony’s best projectors to date. It features full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and a 30000:1 contrast ratio. This projector is the latest of a long line of projectors to feature the SXRD display technology. Recently the HW10 was reviewed by the writers of Trusted Reviews. They thought that this model could be the best SXRD design since the VPL-VW40. The first thing that the writers commented on was the price. The HW10 retails for $3499, which is a lot cheaper than some of its predecessors. Another positive point mentioned was the amount of feature that came with the HW10. Features including, MotionFlow, Film Projection, Real Color Processing, and noise reduction, allowed the writers to finely tune the projector to give amazing displays. One of the features highlighted was the noise reduction system that the HW10 carries. This feature allowed the user to pick a preferred block noise and mosquito noise combination by shifting a point along a ‘graph’. By setting these two settings the system lets you pinpoint much more accurately the setting where either or both noise reduction routines go from aiding to actually spoiling the picture. In addition the HW10’s SXRD chipset featured an extremely small pixel pitch, which delivered excellent detail with out pixilation problems. In the end there wasn’t a lot wrong with the HW10. The only real concern was that the color quality for this projector was not as good as equal projectors with DLP display technology. Their final verdict however was, “Although good DLP rivals can still hold their heads up when it comes to black levels and color intensity, the HW10 is nonetheless a fantastically well-featured alternative if you want to dodge DLP’s rainbow effect and value sharpness and fine detail above all else. Mass market SXRD has finally arrived - and we’re very happy to see it.”

[via Trusted Reviews]

Carl Zeiss is one of the leading manufacturers for Planetarium projectors. Recently they announced their latest development, the PowerdomeVELVET projector. This projector’s main feature is the stupefying high 2500000:1 contrast ratio that it is used to project night skies like no other before it. The PowerdomeVELVET is able to cover a dome up to 66ft in diameter and also features a WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution for high definition images. In addition to all this the PowerdomeVelvet uses DLP display panels that were provided by Texas Instruments. Even though the price for this projector has not been released, we can be sure it will be very expensive. The PowerdomeVELVET is expected to be released early in 2009.

[via DVICE]