The 3M MPro110 was one of the first pocket projectors to be released to the consumer market. It features LCoS display technology as well as VGA (640 x 480) resolution, with the ability to scale up to WXGA (1280 x 768) resolution. Recently, the guys at Gizmodo got their hands on the MPro110. This projector had all the major features of a portable projector including fast power up, connects to a VGA source, and never getting so hot you can not touch it. Another fine feature the MPro110 had was that it came with a mini tripod to help steady the picture when it is on a table. The writers strongly recommend that you do not use this projector for big board room presentations, because the MPro110 is only able to display a 40 inch image, and any fine details are blurred. The writer also pointed out, “Ironically, the fuzziness is more of a problem for the businesspeople for whom the product was intended.” In addition to the blurred screen, the writer also noticed that the image had a pinched distortion as well. Unfortunately, the projector provided no way to fix this problem. The final thought about the MPro110 was, “Yeah, $350 is a lot for a toy, but it’s not the reason I wouldn’t recommend this. If 3M could apply more quality control, this would be a novelty more of us might carry. I can see it being a fun way to watch movies in hotel rooms when traveling, and as the technology behind brightness, throw and resolution improves, these could become hot sellers indeed.”

[via Gizmodo]

Sharp is pleased to announce their newest wide screen projector, the XG-C455W. This model features WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution, a 450:1 contrast ratio, and 4000 ANSI lumens, which is bright enough for just about any board room or class room. The C455W comes with a number of connections, including a DVI-D, two RGB connections, an s-video, and a RCA connection. This projector also comes with several control connections, including RJ-45 LAN, USB connection, RS-232C, and a wired remote control. In addition, the C455W comes with a two watt speaker system that is loud enough to fill the room with sound. The C455W comes with a two year warrant and is currently retailing for $3450 through the Sharp website.

[via SMARTHOUSE]

Optoma has recently announced that a new version of their famous Pico projector will be released in Japan and parts of Asia at the end of November. The PK-101 is very similar to the European model; however, it weighs 0.2 lbs and has a shorter throw distance. The PK-101 also features 9 ANSI lumens, a 1000 contrast ratio, and a 480 x 320 resolution. This projector uses DLP display technology, provided by Texas Instruments, and LED light technology that will last for up to 20000 hrs. The reason this release is receiving a lot of press is because Optoma has teamed up with Apple and will be selling the PK-101 projector through all Apple stores through out Japan. In addition, Apple is also including an iPhone / iPod kit and dock connector with every projector. The retail price for the PK-101 and kit will be about ¥50000 ($511).

[via Engadget]

Panasonic is pleased to announce the release of their latest large venue projector, the PT-DZ12000E. This model features a noteworthy 12000 ANSI lumens, 5000:1 contrast ratio, and WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution. The DZ12000E is capable of projecting up to a 600 inch display, diagonally. The throw distance depends on which of the seven optional lenses you purchase. One of the highlights with this projector is its ‘geometric adjustment’ feature, which gives the DZ12000E the ability to display on spherical, cylindrical and other oddly shaped screens. In addition, this projector comes with a multi-screen mode, which allows it to be networked with up to 100 other projector to display a single gigantic image. The PT-DZ12000E projector is currently available through the Panasonic website, but unfortunately, is only available in Europe and Asia.

[via Info Link]

Last month, you may have read about the new ViewSonic PJ359w projector. Recently, ViewSonic has officially announced the release of this projector. The PJ359w features 2000 ANSI lumens, a 500:1 contrast ratio, and WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution with a 16:10 aspect ratio. This model is light, weighing 4 lbs, and is easy and quick to transport between presentations. The PJ359w come with a variety of connections, including dual RGB connection, as well as an HDMI, composite, s-video, and several audio connections. “The PJ359w was designed to deliver exceptional performance in multiple applications with a widescreen-format,” said Jeff Volpe, vice president of Global Brand and Emerging Business at ViewSonic. “As a leader in the projector industry, we are committed to evolving our technologies to meet customer needs. As the widescreen format becomes increasingly popular, developing a widescreen-friendly projector was a natural progression.” This projector is currently available through the ViewSonic website and retails for just under $1300.

[via Market Watch]

The projector industry has been flooded lately with new pocket projectors that are able to fit into the palm of your hand. One of the newest models is from a Japanese company called Kairen. Their projector, the X Pro920M, weighs less than half a pound and stands less than two inches high. This projector features LCoS display technology, VGA (640 x 480) resolution, a 100:1 contrast ratio, and a measly 10 ANSI lumens. The X Pro920M is capable of displaying up to a 25 inch diagonal image from about 3 feet away. One of the key features about this model is that it is one of the first pocket projectors to feature rear projection. This is made possible by adding integrating a mirror system to reverse the projected image. The X Pro920M will not be available until January 2009, and it will be available only in Japan.

[via Crunch Gear]

Toshiba has recently announced their latest mobile projector, the TLP-WX100U. This projector features WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution, 2200 ANSI lumens, and a 600:1 contrast ratio. This projector is perfect for any room that is dimly lit or darker. The improved WXGA resolution is paired with a 16:10 aspect ratio that allows you to fill the screen with any video you wish to project. Unfortunately, the WX100U doesn’t talk like its brother, the TLP-X200U, but it does come with a variety of convenience features to help your presentation including closed captioning, HDTV compatibility, auto set, and digital zoom. The input capabilities for this projector are very limited, including only a RGB, composite, and an s-video connection. In addition, the WX100U weighs only 4lbs, which makes it incredibly useful for traveling presenters. The TLP-WX100U is currently available through the Toshiba website and comes with a 3 year parts and labor warranty. The retail price for this projector is $959.

[via Slash Gear]

RealD 3D is the world’s largest digital 3D experience provider. Recently they announced that they will be providing their 3D technology for two major attractions in LEGOLAND California, Spellbreaker 4D and LEGO Racers 4D. The 4D attractions combine the RealD 3D technology with environmental conditions including, wind, rain, and other elements to make guests feel like they are part of the movie. The Spellbreaker 4D attractions takes guests through a classic tale of good versus evil during the medieval times. The viewers watch as a blacksmith tries to save a princess from an evil wizard. The LEGO Racer 4D you join race car driver, Max Axel, as he races to the finish on a bumpy off-road track. Both movies feature characters, buildings, and vehicles from the popular LEGO toy sets. This is the first alliance that RealD 3D has ever had with a theme park.

[via MarketWatch]

The Casio XJ-SC215 is one of the newest projectors to join Casio’s super slim projectors. It comes with 2500 ANSI lumens, an 1800:1 contrast ratio, and a native XGA (1024 x 768) resolution. This projector weighs only 4 lbs and stands only 1.7 inches high. Recently, the writers of LAPTOP received a XJ-SC215 projector for their review. The first thing the writers noticed was that this projector looked no different than any other projector in the super slim series. It features the same “table-hugging shape” shape as the other Casio projector. However this is also a good thing because it can still fit into just about any laptop case with out troubles. The resolution and color was some of the best qualities the SC215 has to offer. The SC in the name stands for “Super Color” and the SC215 displays full, rich color, which is something that most DLP projectors have problems doing. Another highlight about the SC215 was their USB port that allows flash drive and other USB devices for “PC-Free” presentations. In the end, the final thought the writers stated was, “The Casio XJ-SC215 is best suited for people who need the best possible color accuracy in a DLP projector, such as photographers, interior designers, architects, and illustrators. Our advice, however, is to opt for the XJ-SC210, which lacks the USB connector but sells for $200 less. And if you’d rather not splurge for color accuracy or USB connectivity, take a look at the XJ-S42, which is brighter and costs $400 less.”

[via LAPTOP]

We have been hearing for months about the Micorvision SHOW projector. This device is a little bigger than an iPod and can uses a display panel that is smaller than the tip of your finger. The lamp is a combination of three lasers, green, blue and red, that are scanned by the display panel to create the image. The beauty about the Microvision SHOW is that the laser projection system is always in focus, no matter where or how you point it. Recently Microvision announced that they are starting to look into HD versions of the SHOW for later products. Microvision also plans to have their design integrated into laptops and cell phones. The newest version of the SHOW will be on display at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show in January.

[via TeckITech]