Canon announced a new lineup of six affordable eco-friendly LCD multimedia projectors yesterday including two projectors with WXGA resolution (1280 x 800) and four projectors with XGA resolution (1024 x 768). The new lineup consists of the Canon LV-8310, LV-8215, LV-7385, LV-7380, LV-7285 and LV-7280 – all of which are ideal for educational and business environments.

On the environmental-friendly side of the equation, the new projectors feature:

• Improved Lamp Lighting System to reduce power consumption and CO₂ emissions by operating the lamp at a lower wattage (without reducing lamp intensity). This also extends the lamp life up to 4,000 hours in Normal Mode and 5,000 hours in Quiet Mode.
• Carbon Reduction Meter calculates and displays the amount of CO₂ emissions reduced from operating in Quiet Mode.
• Auto Energy Saver automatically switches projector to Quiet Mode when no input signal is received for one minute – saves energy and extends the life of the lamp
• Power-Saving Stand-By Mode to help reduce overall power consumption to less than 1W

Here are some specifics to the new projectors:

Canon LV-8310:

• 1280 x 800 resolution
• 16:10 aspect ratio
• 3000 lumens
• MSRP of $1199

Canon LV-8215:

• 1280 x 800 resolution
• 16:10 aspect ratio
• 2600 lumens
• MSRP of $1099

Canon LV-7385:

• 1024 x 768 resolution
• 3500 lumens
• MSRP of $1699

Canon LV-7380:

• 1024 x 768 resolution
• 3000 lumens
• MSRP of $999

Canon LV-7285:

• 1024 x 768 resolution
• 2600 lumens
• MSRP of $899

Canon LV-7280:

• 1024 x 768 resolution
• 2200 lumens
• MSRP of $799

All projectors feature multiple inputs including DVI-I with HDCP support, RS-232 port, and built-in RJ-45 network port. Expect all models to be available in early April.

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Technorati Tags: Canon, LV-8310, LV-8215, LV-7385, LV-7380, LV-7285, LV-7280, LCD multimedia projector

Canon USA announces the launch of their latest REALiS LCOS multimedia projector – the REALiS SX7 Mark II. This latest model features 4000 lumens of brightness and a new Photo Image Mode for advanced color management and adjustments to ambient lighting conditions.

The new Photo Image Mode provides:

• ability to easily make changes to improve the look and feel of content
• allows users to fine tune color levels and color temperatures by selecting easy-to-use presets
• ambient light function which can be used to compensate for lighting conditions for both the type of lighting and intensity

Features and specs of the REALiS SX7 Mark II include:

• AISYS (Aspectual Illumination System) Optical Engine
• 1400 x 1050 (SXGA+) native resolution
• 4000 lumens of brightness
• 1000:1 contrast ratio
• 1.7x powered zoom/focus lens
• Inputs include DVI-I, D-Sub 15 pin, RCA, Mini DIN S-Video
• “Off & Go” system allows projector to be unplugged as soon as it is turned off

Sadly for a multimedia projector, there’s no HDMI input. Go figure. The Canon REALiS SX7 Mark II will be available in early April for a suggested price of $6999.

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Technorati Tags: Canon REALiS SX7 Mark II Multimedia LCOS Projector

Acer expands their 3D product lineup with the introduction of two NVIDIA 3D Vision-ready video projectors – the Acer H5360 and Acer X1271 projector. 3D is made possible thanks to NVIDIA 3D Vision technology which transforms 2D images into 3D. NVIDIA 3D Vision is a combination of an NVIDIA 3D Vision compatible computer and graphics card, and a 3D Vision Kit which includes  wireless active-shutter glasses and advanced software to transform games into 3D experiences.

Common features of the new projectors include:

• Acer ColorBoost II features optimized 3X color wheel design, image processor, and advanced lamp waveform to improve color performance
• ColorSafe and DLP technology
• Internal speaker with 2 watt output
• 4000 hours of lamp life
• Wall-color compensation capabilities allows the projector to clearly display even on colored surfaces
• Color correction up to 40°
• Empowering technology – suite of tools to simplify access to simple setup, viewing, and timer utilities
• Acer eView Management lets users quickly and easily adjust projector settings
• Acer EcoProjection environmentally friendly management solution

Let’s jump into the features and specs of the new projectors shall we?

Acer H5360 Projector:

• 1280 x 720 resolution projector
• 2500 ANSI lumens
• 3200:1 contrast ratio
• 16:9 aspect ratio
• 50 – 120Hz vertical refresh rate
• HDMI port, 3 RCA jacks, component video, S-video mini DIN, 2.5mm audio mini-jack, 15pin D-Sub
• Available now for a price of $699

Acer X1271 Projector:

• Ideal for home, business, and classrooms
• 2500 ANSI lumens
• 3700:1 contrast ratio
• Vertical refresh rate of 50-120Hz
• Native XGA resolution 4:3 aspect ratio
• Supports 16:9 aspect ratio
• Supports composite video, component video, S-video mini-DIN, and stereo mini jack
• Available now for a price of $579

Technorati Tags: Acer X1271 Projector, Acer H5360 Projector, NVIDIA 3D Vision

Planar Systems announces their new Runco QuantumColor Q-750i and Q-750d lampless LED projectors are now shipping. As you probably guessed from that opening sentences, the new Runco QuantumColor projectors ditch the lamp commonly found in home theater projectors in favor of Runco’s LED platform. These lamps are expensive to replace and typically last a few thousands hours.

In addition to the removal of the lamp, the new QuantumColor projectors eliminate all moving parts in the engine including the mechanical iris and color wheel. Features of the Runco QuantumColor projectors include:

• No lamp – no burnout
• InfiniLight technology features a 70 percent reduction in power consumption, a mercury-free illumination system, and InstantOn capabilities with automatic color calibration
• Produces the largest color gamut available for front projection – “achieving and exceeding the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers standard for the first time in home theater front projection”
• No color drift or degradation
• Personal Color Equalizer (PCE) allows owners to create custom color settings
• SmartColor (RSC) technology maintains image realism and accuracy

The QuantumColor Series Q-750i features integrated video processing while the Q-750d features Runco’s latest DHD controller/processor. The Q-750i has an MSRP of $14995 while the Q-750d has an MSRP of $17995.

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Technorati Tags: Planar Systens, Runco QuantumColor LED projectors

InFocus announces two of their latest IN5500 series premium business projectors are now shipping – the IN5534 and IN5504. Common features of the two new projectors include Texas Instruments DLP technology, BrilliantColor technology, native WUXGA (1920  x 1200) resolution, up to 7000 lumens, automatic sensors for ceiling detection and keystone, and a new SplitScreen display option. Here’s the rundown of each of the new models.

IN5504:

• DLP: .67″ WUXGA DarkChip
• BrilliantColor enhancement
• Wired and wireless DisplayLink technology
• 16 x 10 aspect ratio
• 5000 Lumens high brightness and 4000 Lumens on Eco mode
• 2000:1 contrast ratio
• 2000 hour lamp life for high brightness and 2500 hours on eco mode
• Inputs include 2 HDMI, 1 BNC, 1 component, 2 – 15 pin VGA, 1 S-video, and 1 composite, USB
• Audio inputs include stereo RCA, 3.5 mm
• Measures 13 x 39 x 23.4 inches and weighs 44.1 lbs
• Available in Matte Black, Matte White, Glossy Black, or Wood Grain optional skins

IN5534:

• 16 x 9 aspect ratio
• High brightness of 7000 Lumens, and eco mode brightness of 5500 Lumens
• 2000:1 contrast ratio
• Wired and wireless DisplayLink technology
• DLP: .67″ WUXGA DarkChip display technology
• 2000 hour lamp life for high brightness and 2500 hour lamp life for eco mode
• Inputs include 2 HDMI, 1 BNC, 1 Component, 2 VGA, 1 S-Video, 1 Composite, and USB for DisplayLink
• Stereo speakers
• Measures 9.45 x 26.38 x 17 inches and weighs 44.1 lbs

Technorati Tags: InFocus Corporation, IN5534, IN5504

In addition to the new MovieMate 60 combo projector announced last week, Epson also introduced their latest affordable 3LCD home theater projector – the PowerLite Home Cinema 705HD. With a starting price of $749.99, the 705HD allows consumers to watch movies and TV, play video games, and view photos in 720p high definition resolutions at display sizes up to 120 inches.

Features and specs to the PowerLite Home Cinema 705HD include:

• 720p HD support
• 25 percent brighter with up to 2,500 color and white light output for viewing in dark or light rooms
• HDMI 1.3a interface
• USB thumb drive port for photo slideshows
• Four color modes specifically optimized for home entertainment usage
• Auto Keystone correction and 1.2X optical zoom
• Component Video, S-Video, HDMI, and USB Type A digital connections
• Energy efficient E-TORL lamp lasts up to 4,000 hours
• 3LCD technology
• Measures 11.6” x 9.0” x 3.0” and weighs 5 lbs

The Home Cinema 705HD will be available in October with an estimated price of $749.99.

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Technorati Tags: Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 705HD

The Epson MovieMate 60 is the latest addition to Epson’s lineup of combo projectors featuring a high-quality projector, a built-in CD/DVD player and built-in speakers – all found on a single device. With the MovieMate 60 in your hands, it becomes remarkably easy to take your multimedia content with you no matter where you go. Simply plug the projector into an outlet, connect the video source to the projector (or insert a DVD), and start enjoying a display that’s up to 8 times larger than a 40 inch widescreen display.

Features and specs to the MovieMate 60 include:

• Display a 120-inch image from just 12 feet away
• 16:9 aspect ratio
• 3LCD technology
• 60 percent brighter lamp than previous models with up to 2,000 color and white light output for viewing in dark or light rooms
• HDMI input
• Microphone input for photo slideshow narration, karaoke, etc.
• Lamp life of up to 4,000 hours
• Built-in progressive scan standard DVD player
• Two built-in 10W speakers and 5.1 Dolby Digital DTS support
• Works with Apple iPod, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PS3, Nintendo Wii
• Measures 9.3 x 13.4 x 5″ (W x D x H)  and weighs  9.7 lbs
• Included carrying handle and cushioned carrying case

The Epson MovieMate 60 will be available this October for an estimated price of $699.

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Technorati Tags: Epson MovieMate 60

1080p capable digital projectors are finally breaking the $1000 dollar barrier (granted by only a dollar mind you). The latest projector to reach the $999 plateau is the Optoma Technology HD20 DLP projector which is available now through various channels and retailers.

The HD20 features the Texas Instruments 1080p DLP chipset, two HDMI inputs, and VGA/component/composite video inputs. The unit is rated at 1700 ANSI lumens, has a 4000:1 contrast ratio, and has a bulb that’s rated at 4000 hours in standard mode and 3000 hours in bright mode.

Other features include rapid shutdown support, a remote control with backlit illumination, and a weight of 6.4 pounds.

Now if they would only break say.. the 500 dollar barrier – then we’ll start talking!

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Technorati Tags: Optoma HD20 DLP Projector

Knoll Systems are out with two new HD projectors which they claim are ready to use, right out of the box – no need to fuss around with settings or deal with contemplated setup issues before installing. The new projectors are the HDP1100 and the HDP1200 – both models designed from the ground up by Kevin Knoll and the Knoll System’s team.

The projectors have been “pre-tweaked” at the factory to Kevin Knoll’s specifications for “colorimetry, accuracy, grey scale performance, etc” so they’re “out-of-the-box beautiful”.

Features of the HDP1100 and the HDP1200 include:

• Knoll 2-D lens shift makes installation easy as projector does not need to be mounted in just the right spot
• Dynamic Black automatic iris provides over 4 times improvement over mechanical native contrast.
• 2.35:1 aspect ratio ability with built in firmware for anamorphic lenses.
• Digital Light Processing (DLP) 16:9 MaxPlay DMD
• Nikon all-glass lenses give a sharp distortion free image.
• HDMI 1.3 with Deep Color support and Brilliant Color
• Factory calibrated to 6500° (D65) and color balance for a true cinema experience.
• Native resolution of 1920 X 1080
• 950 ANSI lumens
• 4400:1 contrast ratio

The HDP1100 has a short throw lens and has an MSRP of $5999.00 while the HDP1200 has a long-throw lens with an MSRP of $6799.00

Technorati Tags: Knoll Systems, HDP1100, HDP1200, HD Projectors

InFocus announced today that they are entering into a definitive merger agreement with Image Holdings Corporation (IHC) for a price of $0.95 per share or $39 million dollars in total. This represents a 36% premium over the April 9th closing price of $0.70 and a 90% premium over the last 30 day average for the company stock. IHC is an Oregon company controlled by John Hui – the co-founder of eMachines.

John Hui had this to say:

“I am very excited to become involved with InFocus and to assist in further positioning the company for its long term potential. I associate significant value with the InFocus brand and with the company’s extensive network of channel partners. I look forward to working with InFocus management and building on the company’s innovative history and product leadership to return the company to a dominant position in the industry.”

It’s a guessing game whether this sale will ultimately help InFocus’s position in the marketplace. It’s a tough market out there with plenty of competitors all vying for a shrinking pool of buyers.

BTW – anyone else shocked at how low InFocus was worth on paper?? Ouch.

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Technorati Tags: InFocus, IHC, John Hui