The Sony VPL-VW85 projector is one of the company’s best home theater models. This device comes with full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, 800 ANSI lumens, and a 120000:1 contrast ratio. Recently, a writer from Sci Fi released their review of the projector. The first thing the writer commented about was the size. The VW85 is definitely not a small model and will need a suitable surface or mounting unit in order to support the projector. After the setup, the writer noticed how quiet the projector is. The device is rated for only 20 dB, which is low enough to not be heard while movies are playing. The writer was also happy to see how easy it was to control. The remote control was fairly easy to use and the menus were detailed and quick. The image quality was also highly rated. The writer mentioned that it easily delivered the same quality picture that they would find in the movie theater. They also said, “On a personal note – if we had the money – we would invest.”

[via Sci Fi]

At CES, Casio announced a complete line of Green Slim projectors. Recently, the company has announced the complete line is now available in the UK. The lineup includes 10 new projectors that range between 2000 and 3000 ANSI lumens. They also either have a XGA (1024 x 768) or a WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution. Some of the models also come with a USB connection for wireless network capabilities. The thing that really makes these projectors stand out is that they use a combination of LED lighting and laser light technology to achieve the high brightness. The lamp system uses a red LED and two blue lasers. One of the lasers is changed to a green laser by using a florescent element. This hybrid lamp system is the first of its kind and is able to provide superior color saturation and contrast. Unfortunately, Casio has not announced when the rest of the projector line will be released in the USA.

[via AV Interactive]

The Samsung branch in Malaysia has been displaying some of their best products recently. Among them is their D400 projector, which is being called the company’s flagship projector. This device features a native XGA (1024 x 768) resolution, a 3000:1 contrast ratio, and 4000 ANSI lumens. This makes the projector capable to display in brightly lit boardrooms and classrooms with no image quality problems. The projector is a little bulky, but it is light enough to install on the ceiling or to transport between rooms. The connection panel includes an HDMI, composite, s-video, component, and a RGB port as well. The D400 is available now through certified retailers and is prices at just under $2000.

[via Klue]

BenQ’s smallest projector is the Joybee GP1. This unit features 100 ANSI lumens, a SVGA (858 x 600) resolution and a 2000:1 contrast ratio. Today, the writers from Smart House published their review of this projector. Like most people who see a pocket projector the first time, the writer was amazed by how small the GP1 is. The projector measures 4.7” x 2.0” x 5.1” (W x H x D) and weighs only 1.4 lbs. One of the key aspects the writers liked was the projector’s versatility. Not only does it make a good travel projector, but it could work for the home as well. The writers did not have a lot of problem with the GP1. The only notable concerns were that the speakers were not powerful enough and they thought the bulky accessories diminished the projector’s portability. However, in the end they stated, “Overall, the Joybee GP1 is a great projector to have if you want to enjoy your movie nights even more. It may have its limitations, but it sure is fun when you can lie down on your bed and project a movie on your ceiling.”

[via Smart House]

An opaque surface is a surface that is not see through. However developers have discovered a way to break that definition. They theorized that most opaque surfaces can in some way be translucent. The problem is that when the light hits the surface, it then becomes scattered too much that it bounces back. The developers reversed engineered the scattering process so that instead the light shines through instead of on the surface. To test this they painted a glass sheet with an opaque paint layer. The developers were able to map out how the light was being reflected and then changed paint so that the light could pass through. The technology is still in it’s baby stages and can only allow an even glow where the image is meant to be. Future development could open up a wide variety of possibilities.

[via New Scientist]

The latest projector to be released by Sim2 is the MICO 50. This model features 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution, a 100000:1 contrast ratio, and the latest Darkchip4 DLP display system. Recently, a writer from Electronic House got to see exactly what the projector can do. One thing that makes the MICO 50 stand out is that it uses LED lighting. This allows the projector to use less energy and it makes the projector eco-friendly. The writer was very happy with the image quality and the black levels. Even the colors were crisp and vivid. However, the projector is not perfect. The writer noted that they thought the brightness prevented the projector from working in large rooms. Also it had some sync problems when playing HD content. But the writer concluded by stating, “Putting those minor issues aside, the MICO 50 represents a new age in consumer video. I only wish the SIM2 staff would forget it was at my house.”

[via Electronic House]

Barco is a global leader in projection technology. Today, the company announced that they were selected for Finland’s Season of Light festival. The event is an annual light-art festival and is the brightest urban event in the Baltic region. January is the darkest month in Finland and to keep spirits high, the festival presents two façade light performances on the country’s capital building. This year the light shows will be using Barco’s XLM HD30 projectors, which feature 30000 ANSI lumens, a 1600:1 contrast ratio, and 2K HD (2048 x 1080) resolution. “We used two Barco XLM HD30 projectors to project the images onto the façade of the cathedral, one for the upper half and one for the lower part,” explains Mikki Kunttu. “The performance consisted of three parts: The first was built around an old photo of the cathedral, the second dealt with abstract shapes and the third started with water theme and transformed the building into “an ice castle”. The biggest challenge of this project was to match this full HD content with the architectural details of the cathedral and this over a 150 meter projection distance. The XLM HD30’s were perfect for this kind of installation; they had the power and brightness we were looking for. The result was mind-blowing.”

[via Barco]

We have already seen several cell phones with projectors integrated into them. However, developers in Taiwan are expressing their thoughts about this development. The main concern is privacy. Nowadays, most people are concerned or even fearful of showing video, photos, or other documents of a personal nature. The integrated pico projector allows a user to show anything that is on the phone’s screen onto any surface. This greatly reduces the privacy, which will deter those who wanted the phone for casual purposes. The developers also stated that because of this, the phone projectors will only appeal to business applications, which is only a fraction of the overall industry.

[via Digitimes]

The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj is the world’s first digital camera with a projector built in. The projector portion can display a VGA (640 x 480) resolution onto a 40” screen with 10 ANSI lumens. Today, the writers from Digital Camera Review got the opportunity to get a closer look at this projector. The camera is almost as small as the other Coolpix cameras. However for its size, it is heavier than you might expect. The writers got to test the camera in real world conditions and most of the people they showed it to were wowed. Many people think that the projector portion is more of a gimmick and to some degree they are right. The projector allows the user to instantly display images that they have taken. This allows several people to see a 40” picture instead of having to pass the camera around. The writers did notice though that in order to get any quality out of the projector, the room would have to be very dark. Otherwise the image would look washed out. The camera portion is your typical point and click camera where the auto function does the majority of the work. The nice thing about S1000pj is that the projector doesn’t prevent the camera from having the same features as the other Coolpix models.

[via Digital Camera Review]

Sanyo is pleased to announce the latest projector that will be joining their lineup, the LP-WL2500. This model is designed for business rooms and classroom and comes with 2500 ANSI lumens, a 500:1 contrast ratio, and a native WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution. The main feature with the LP-WL2500 is that it has an incredibly short throw ratio. The projector can display up to a 110” screen size from a distance of only 4 feet. Not only does this eliminate shadows on the screen, but it also keeps the projector’s light out of the presenter’s eyes. Sanyo has also equipped the projector with a maintenance-free air filter that can last for 4000 hrs before needing replaced. That is also the lifespan of the projector lamp, which helps adds simplicity to the maintenance process. Sanyo plans to release the LP-WL2500 in July but there is no word yet on if it will come to the USA. It will retail for 260400 yen ($2896).

[via Sanyo]