BenQ Delays GP1 Projector Release
We have been hearing about the BenQ GP1 projector for a while. This miniature model features 100 ANSI lumens, a 2000:1 contrast ratio, and an SVGA (858 x 600) resolution. Originally the projector was expected to release this month, but according to a recent press release, the GP1 won’t release until June. The GP1 is BenQ’s first lamp-less, PC-free projector. This model uses LED technology for a light source. The LEDs consume less energy and run almost ten times longer than conventional lamps. The GP1 comes with a USB drive and a detachable iPod docking station, which allows users to display presentations with out a PC or laptop. However, the GP1 does come with a composite and a VGA connection as well. Because the projector is releasing late, BenQ will be hosting an online contest to celebrate the release. The company is asking their customers to submit ideas for fun family activities via video clips. The contest is designed to promote the GP1 as well as generate and share ideas for cost-effective family activates during hard economic times. As an added bonus, BenQ is also reducing the retail price to $499, which is $100 less than the original retail price.
[via PR Leap]
May 2nd, 2009 at 10:52 am
The modern tech-savvy, digital-media-on-demand consumer has yet another awesome BenQ offering to look forward to today: the PC-less, lamp-less Joybee GP1 Mini LED Projector. Positioned as the world’s first pocket projector with lamp-free LED technology and integrated USB video reader, the tiny 640g (1.4lb) Joybee is packed with advanced features to effortlessly run numerous multimedia applications that consumers of any age group might need: PC-less projection of movies, photos, console games, and videos amplifies enjoyment and impact of various mass storage devices (such as external HDDs), digital cameras, personal multimedia players, PDAs, iPods, iPhones, and Smartphones. For those who have never considered purchasing such a product, or who are altogether unfamiliar with the benefits projectors offer, BenQ will be conducting a massive product launch to educate consumers and generate buzz in mass media and online blogs.
Boasting anytime, anywhere projection with its superb portability and brilliance, the Joybee GP1 is ideal for users of all ages. For families, the Joybee is terrific for toting on vacation, to sleepovers, to family functions, or just around the house – load movies or family photos/video onto a USB thumb drive and enjoy large-screen viewing in the hotel room or any room of the home. It displays bigger than any comparably priced TV and is much more versatile, portable, economical, and easier to use. Kids can add instant wow to sleepovers by connecting to gaming consoles or DVD players; or impress teachers by using it for school presentations. Traveling business professionals can use the Joybee and USB reader for corporate videos, jpeg-format presentations, job interviews, or any spur-of-the-moment projection in the lounge, coffeehouse, even the smallest cubicle. And because the Joybee is plug-and-play effortless and does not require a PC, it is a perfect display device for older consumers unfamiliar with today’s technology. Imagine mailing a tiny USB thumb drive loaded with family videos and pictures to Great-grandma; she just needs to plug it into the Joybee, turn it on, and the auto play mode will have get the show going! For photographers, interior designers, realtors, and others who demand color precision and brilliance, the Joybee’s unrivaled 120% NTSC and 100AL project photos, design renderings, and videos (such as virtual home tours) in high-impact color, even in fully-lit settings. Compared to the average 55%-80% NTSC of most projectors, the Joybee noticeably outperforms with bolder, more deeply saturated hues across a broader color gamut. The 15-80” image in 4:3 native format (16:9 selectable) is adjustable with digital zoom and preset picture PC and A/V modes. Auto play modes, auto keystone, auto search, and Wall Color Correction get content up and running fast, while the integrated speaker delivers instant digital sound. Ample connectivity includes D-Sub, Composite, and USB inputs, and PC audio output. A detachable iPod/iPhone docking station is available as a clever option.
To educate consumers and generate awareness for this new product category, BenQ is conducting a two-pronged launch. BenQ is planning to send out some 200 units to mass media outlets – both print and online – as well as to popular blogs. The units will be given as free samples to keep; BenQ is only requesting that reviewers become familiar with the product, test it, and publish their opinion on their respective websites by May 31, 2009. On the consumer front, BenQ will be hosting an online contest, asking consumers to submit ideas (via video clips) for economical family fun activities. The contest is to not only promote the Joybee, but to generate and share ideas for cost-effective family activities and to Bring Enjoyment ‘N’ Quality to Life during these hard economic times. The contest reflects BenQ’s corporate motto and ties in with a principal Joybee benefit: bringing families amplified, big-screen enjoyment at a petite price tag. Ideas submitted by consumers need not incorporate use of the Joybee. More information will be available on BenQ.com.
The Joybee is certified RoHS, WEEE, and EuP, draws 30% less power than competitor models, and has a <1W standby mode for environmental joy. BenQ would also like consumers to consider that the cost of the Joybee is about the same as several family movie nights at the local theater, which includes tickets for four, popcorn, and drinks. Joybee joy lasts longer, however, with a 20,000+ LED life for years of movie-watching; plus, it can be used for numerous entertainment possibilities beyond just movies.
The Joybee GP1 Mini Projector will be available June in the U.S. for $499 MSRP.
August 25th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Price is way too high, resolution should be at least 720p by now. The manufacturers seem to be dweebing us along . . . Coulda made a better one myself, if I’d known they were gonna drag it out like this.