News at About Projectors

Sony VPL-VW40 Projector Review

Jason — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:10:21 +0000

The Sony VPL-VW40 is the newest projector to use SXRD display technology is also features 900 ANSI lumens, full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, and a 15000:1 contrast ratio. Recently, the writers at ZDNet had the opportunity to test the VW40 and see how good it really is. They compared the VW40 to its big brother, the VPL-VW200 projector. They thought that the performance of the VW40 was a good as they hoped. They tested it with several movies including Casino Royale on Blu-ray. They noticed that the projector’s sharpness was affected by any sort of movement or technical issues, such as a rainbow effect or a wire mesh effect. The writer’s only major qualm with the VW40 is that the colors displayed were not the same quality of the rest of the machine. However, their final thought about the VPL-VW40 was, “Although there’s room for improvement in the color department, the Sony VPL-VW40 is yet another impressive advert for SXRD.”

[via ZDNet]

Avision Science YS-500G Projector Released

Jason — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:43:24 +0000

Avision Science is one of the leading researchers and developers of projectors and projection TVs in China. Recently, Avision released the YS-500G LCD gaming projector. This projector can connect with a variety of leading gaming system brands including X-Box and Playstation. This model can also be a great home theater model for beginners. It features 1000 ANSI lumens and an SVGA (800 x 600) resolution. The 500G can display images between 40 to 100 inches, diagonally. It is also dustproof and features a built-in TV tuner. Unfortunately the retail price for the YS-500G has not been announced yet.

[via China Trade Leads]

Marilyn Monroe Takes the Big Screen at Outdoor Theater

Jason — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:57:11 +0000

Marilyn Monroe will be visiting the Gorge Cinema in Elora, Ontario Canada this weekend. Hundreds of Monroe look-alikes will be flocking to the theater for the outdoor screening of Monroe’s film, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” The event was organized by avid Monroe fan, Melinda Mason. The theater is one of Ontario’s longest running theaters. The movie will be held in the theater’s courtyard where a larger than life theater screen is mounted on the wall. The projector used was not announced but it is said to be state-of-the-art. The courtyard is one of the more popular theaters in the Gorge Cinema because people are allowed to bring their own seating. Benches are also available for those who don’t bring their own. The courtyard is only able to hold 70 people at a time but the managers have stated that they have had thousands of people waiting to watch the outdoor films. Mason is also trying to encourage as many people as possible to come dressed as Marilyn Monroe as possible. The theater will be holding a look-alike contest after the movie.

[via Guelph Mercury]

E-Ball concept uses Pico Projectors for Keyboard and Screen

Jason — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:02:59 +0000

Pico projectors have not even hit the market but there are people already coming up with uses for them. Designer Apostol Tnokovski designed a ball PC that uses two pico projectors. The first projector displays a green keyboard on the table and uses an IR sensor to see what keys you are placing your hands on. The second projector comes out of the top of the ball and is used to display the images onto the screen. The ball also has a clip that you can attach a piece of paper to for a screen. The computer also has a laser mouse that can detach from it. If this concept PC gets developed, it will be the smallest PC ever made, standing only 6 inches tall.

[via DVICE]

Things You Need to Know for a Business Projector

Jason — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:33:11 +0000

If you are looking for a good business projector there are several things you need to consider. Most people think that business projectors are just home theater models that can used at work. The truth is that business projectors have many features that are designed specifically for a working environment. Some of these features include an ultra-short throw distance, touch-screen whiteboards, and a variety of positioning options. The writers at eWeek.com have listed several key fields you should look at while making your choice. One main factor they mentioned are the shadows that you get while you are presenting. Shadows are produced when the presenter or someone in the audience walks between the projector and the screen. The images will be displayed on the person instead of on the screen. This could be avoided by either using a laser pointer to highlight things or you could find a projector with a short throw display. These are some of the things you need to figure out while looking for business projectors.

[via eWeek.com]

Epson EB-G5350, EB-G5100, and EB-G5200W Projector Released

Jason — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:10:14 +0000

Epson has three new projectors that will be joining their new G Series, the EB-G5350, EB-G5100, and EB-G5200W. All of these models features 3LCD display technology and can be used in any classroom. First up, the EB-G5350 features 5000 ANSI lumens and a 1000:1 contrast ratio. This projector also features an HDMi, BNC, dual RGB, and all the basic analog inputs. The EB-G5100 is not much different from the G5350. The G5100 features 4000 ANSI lumens and doesn’t have an HDMI input. However it does have the same 1000:1 contrast ratio and XGA (1024 x 768) resolution that the G5350 has. They both also weigh only 14.5 lbs, which makes them easy to move from classroom to classroom. Lastly is the EB-G5200W widescreen projector. This model features a natvie WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution, 4200 ANSI lumens, and an 800:1 contrast ratio. The G5200W is also light weight, weighing less than 15 lbs. It also has a 7 watt speaker for any audio the teacher might want to play. Their is no word on prices for these projectors yet.

[via Smart House]

Mitsubishi HC1600 Projector Review

Jason — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:35:00 +0000

The Mitsubishi HC1600 is ideal for any home theater. It features a 2500:1 contrast ratio and 1700 ANSI lumens, which makes this projector bright enough for any room. It also has an HD (1280 x 720) resolution. The HC1600 is also light weight, weighing only 6.5 lbs. Recently, the writers of The Projector Blog had the chance to review the HC1600. They thought this projector is a good investment for the $995 retail price Mitsubishi is asking for. One of their main problems with this model is that the infamous rainbow effect creates a big problem for video games and sports. They also thought that the $400 asking price for replacement lamps was very costly, especially for a relatively cheap projector. At the end they thought, “all in all the Mitsubishi HC1600 is a great entry level projector for anyone who wants a great projector, but does not want to put a huge in their budget.”

[via The Projector Blog]

Marietta College Will Have New Digital Planetarium Soon

Jason — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:33:16 +0000

The Marietta College in Ohio is currently building a brand new planetarium. The Anderson Hancock Planetarium will take up 4400 square feet and will feature a 40 foot diameter dome. The planetarium will cost over $3 million when completed and will feature a state of the art planetarium projection system. The system will use dual projectors to illuminate the 40 foot dome, along with other lighting systems. The projection system is designed to combine the functionality of a full dome digital video projector with an analog projector. This hybrid system will be fully integrated and will be able to be controlled by one computer. This will make controlling the planetarium easier for professors and students. The planetarium only needs a few minor details finished before its grand opening in December.

[via The Marietta Register]

Graffiti Artists Go ‘Green’ with Projectors Instead of Paint

Jason — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:09:46 +0000

Graffiti artists are starting to jump on the ‘green’ bandwagon and display their art in new environmental friendly ways. One of the more popular methods is the use of a projector to display their art onto the side of a structure. This new method is also safer for the artist. It allows them to create their artwork at home and also allows them to display their images in places that would be impossible or dangerous for the original spray can method. Some of the more famous places that have been targeted with this method include the Roman Coliseum and the Brooklyn Bridge. The system used for this method includes a projector, camera, laptop, and other equipment. The system can either be stationary or it can be condensed into a portable version that can be mounted onto a car, truck or even a bicycle.

[via CNet]

SI Reference Motorized Projector Screen Launches in September

Jason — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:42:31 +0000

SI is announcing their new soon to be released projection screen. The Reference Motorized Projector Screen is able to display crisp, clear images. It also has a flush-mount chassis which will cut down the clutter. The screen features an ultra-quiet motor and has a 12 volt trigger. The screen can also be controlled via IR remote control. This screen can also be custom made into any size between 80 and 160 inches, diagonally. It can also be made to fit 16:9, 2.35:1 or 4:3 aspect ratios. The Reference Motorized Projector Screen is expected to launch in September.

[via Electronic House]