The Projector Blog

Runco's More Affordable LightStyle LS-1 Projector

2012-01-27T16:37:00.008-05:00

Runco home theater projectors have a nice reputation of being high-class and high-performance projectors that come with a high-class price tag as well. And when I say high-price I mean it. One device that the company displayed was an absolutely amazing device that had an absolutely amazing price tag of $200,000. Yeah, you read that right, $200,000 for one projector. Thankfully, the company has developed a projector that will likely make its way into a lot more homes, the LightStyle LS-1, which is significantly cheaper at only $3,000.

The LS-1 is a single-chip DLP projector that is also said to have a 10,000:1 contrast ratio as well as a 780 ANSI lumens brightness. The lumen output seems kind of low, to be honest, especially with other manufacturers offer cheaper devices with lumens output exceeding 1,000. The device itself is fairly heavy, weighing approximately 18lbs, which stands to reason that the internals of the device are pretty heavy duty. Just make sure you're careful when you mount it to your ceiling because nothing breaks up a party like an 18lb projector cracking somebody in the head.

All the inputs for the device are covered by a stylish removable panel, which makes the device look more presentable. Behind the panel are two HDMI ports, one Component, one RGB, one S-Video and one Composite port. In addition, there is also an RS-232 for control systems.A small control panel can be found on the top of the device for menu access, though the remote is much easier to use. The remote itself is also backlit, allowing you to use it in dark situations, like watching a movie with the family.

Features include things like ISF day/night settings, built-in test patterns and Runco's ViVix processing. There is also a vertical lens shift for precise picture tweaking though reports are stating that there is little need for tweaking out of the box, which is always a nice thing to hear.

Full specs include full 1080p HD, 230W lamp with 4,000 hours of life, two HDMI, one Component, one RGB, one S-Video, one Composite and one RS-232 ports, Vivix technology processing, remote control, ISF certified calibration configuration and BT.709 color gamut.

Source: Electronic House - Review: Runco LightStyle LS-1 Home Theater Projector

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QP Optoelectronics' LightPad Turns Your Smartphone into a Laptop/Projector

2012-01-12T20:16:00.005-05:00

One of the coolest new pieces of tech at CES 2012, at least in the projector world that is, is the LightPad, a pico projector combined with a keyboard and trackpad. All you have to do to make this thing work is plug your phone into the device and it beams whatever is on your screen to a nearby wall. However, that isn't the coolest part. The main feature for the LightPad is that you can flip the lid up and turn it into a makeshift laptop with software that adds a virtual mouse.

Some of the tech behind the LightPad has already been seen in mass production, specifically with Motorola's Atrix smartphone. The Atrix allows you to plug it in to a laptop-style dock and create a portable computer. However, there is one major difference between the Atrix from Motorola and the LightPad and that is that with the LightPad there is absolutely no LCD screen whatsoever.

Resolution for the LightPad tops off at 854 x 480, which is slightly less than your average smartphone screen. A second-generation model is already set to be released next year, which promises a 1,280 x 720 HD display upgrade. The projector for the LightPad, which wasn't on display at CES, is also able to cast a 40" diagonal image on any wall for a nice, big picture.

Aside from the projector and the keyboard, the enclosure for the LightPad also comes with a battery that is said to last up to five hours with performance increasing to seven hours on the second-generation model. In addition to that, the second-generation model promises to reduce the overall size and weight of the device while simultaneously boosting the brightness of the projector.

The LightPad is said to be shipping out in the second quarter of 2012, as stated by the device's manufacturer QP Optoelectronics Corporation. Aside from the release date, QP has yet to announce an official pricetag, though word from CES is that the company is expecting it to be around $300.

Source: CNET - LightPad turns your cell phone into a laptop, projector

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3M's CP45 Combines a Camera and Projector for Projecting on the Go

2011-12-29T12:59:00.006-05:00

3M has just released the new CP45 Camcorder Projector. This extremely portable device is an all-in-one pocket camcorder, camera and projector for taking pictures or video and projecting them on a surface immediately, like literally five seconds after you take them. This device allows you to capture images and video in HD and also acts as a mini-mobile projector for displaying your new media.

The CP45 Camcorder Projector from 3M was specifically designed with portability in mind. The entire device only weighs 6.7 ounces with dimensions measuring 4.9 x 24 x 0.94 inches. In addition to being extremely small, the CP45 is also capable of projecting extremely large images, up to 65" to be exact, and can be used to display content on a variety of surfaces, including walls, screens, ceilings or even a T-shirt, if that need ever exists.

This device comes complete with a rechargeable 2100 mAh battery which is said to last around 90 minutes which, to be honest, isn't that long at all. Hopefully batteries are inexpensive, allowing you to buy extras. The CP45 also comes with 2GB of internal memory as well as an external memory that is expandable up to 32GB via microSD card. You can pick up the CP45 all-in-one device now from 3M for around $461 US.

Source: Tech Know Bits - 3M CP45 Camcorder Projector

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HD Projector Rentals

2011-12-16T16:55:00.006-05:00

Rentacomputer.com offers a wide array of projector rentals of all brands and types. One of the more popular projector rentals that Rentacomputer.com offers is a High Definition Projector Rental. HD projectors are perfect if you want all the image quality of an HD television on a screen that is at least three times as big. A projector is also much easier to use than an HD television because you can literally pick it up and put it in any room of the house!

If you are interested in presenting video that requires sharp and vibrant video quality to impress your audience, a high definition projector rental is perfect for you. It doesn't matter if your audience is big or small or if you just want to have a special movie night with your family, a Tech Travel Agent from Rentacomputer.com can set you up with the perfect HD projector rental for all your needs.

One of the best uses for an HD projector is for putting together private events and make-shift home theaters. If you are planning on hosting your next family reunion, a graduation party or just a backyard barbecue, you should look into renting an HD projector from Rentacomputer.com. Nothing caps off a fun-filled day like sitting in the backyard and watching the newest movie in HD on the side of your house.

HD projector rentals are also perfect for large venues as well. If you are hosting a large event and you need high definition projectors to show videos to thousands, Rentacomputer.com is your source. I know that when I sit in lecture halls at college it is sometimes hard to see all the information on the screen clearly and my professors are constantly adjusting the lighting settings in the room to achieve the optimal picture. I think an HD projector would solve all that.

So the next time you are interested in a projector rental, look into an HD projector rental from Rentacomputer.com. Rentacomputer.com has spent the last 25 years perfecting their knowledge and skill in the technology rental business in order to ensure that when you go with Rentacomputer.com you get the best possible experience.

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BenQ Reveals Joybee GP2 Mini Projector

2011-12-04T17:06:00.005-05:00

BenQ recently introduced the next generation of its popular mini-projector, the BenQ Joybee GP2. The GP2, building on the success of its predecessor, features the same black and white housing with the addition of a plethora of enhancements, including an intuitive user interface, 720p HD video quality, short-throw projection, integrated iPhone/iPod dock, optional three-hour battery pack and a ton of connectivity options.

The Joybee GP2 is perfect for on-the-go projection and the simple plug-n-play operation and 200 ANSI lumen brightness allow users to share HD-quality presentations, videos, photos and games on a 160" cinematic display. In addition to that, dedicated iPhone/iPod controls also include a remote control in order to make using the devices in conjunction with the projector simple and easy. The G2 also comes with a new carrying case that features dedicated pockets for the power adapter and other peripherals.

This device is also packed with multimedia connectivity, including USB and SD card viewers, a document viewer and mini-HDMI output for tablets and smartphones. In addition to that, a USB display feature allows you to connect your projector to your computer via USB cable, no driver required, while the USB file transfer function allows you to transfer multimedia files to the projector's 2GB of on-board memory storage.

According to President of BenQ America Corporation Lars Yoder, "By incorporating features and benefits that mobile customers value, the BenQ Joybee GP2 creates a unique combination of performance and flexibility. Simply put, for consumers interested in presenting, sharing and entertaining, the GP2 Projector offers an experience like no other mini-projector."

The BenQ Joybee GP2 projector is now available for an MSRP of $549 and will also be on display at the upcoming 2012 International CES at the BenQ Hilton Suite 29-105 if you want some hands-on time with it.

Source: Market Watch - BenQ Unveils Second-Generation GP2 Projector

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Brookstone Unveils iPhone Case with Built-In Projector

2011-11-18T15:06:00.005-05:00

Hearing about a new pico projector for a phone doesn't get tech enthusiasts quite as excited as it used to. However, pico projectors built into a phone case is something entirely different and far more practical than running cables from projector to phone and vice versa. That is why Brookstone, home of everything cool, has just introduced The Pocket Projector Case.

The Pocket Projector Case is a smartphone case with built-in projector and also includes a 2,100mAH battery, as well as a 0.5 watt speaker. Designed specifically for the iPhone 4 (but also conveniently compatible for the iPhone 4S), the phone slides into the case and engages the dock connector. From here you can project anything projectable onto a 50" rectangle on the wall.

50" is optimistic, however, and will require a pretty dark room to be accomplished. Brookstone's projector case also puts out a max of 15 lumens, which is the same amount as Microvision's SHOWWX+ pico projector. If you want an image that is bigger than a small television, you are going to have to turn out the lights. But isn't that kind of the point when you use a projector for entertainment?

The display has a resolution of 640 x 360 and the case's internal battery should keep it going for at least a couple of hours. In addition to that, the device can work as a backup battery for the iPhone within. One thing of interest to point out is that the case has a manual focusing dial, unlike the "infinite focus" of laser projectors. But that is to be expected for the relatively low price of $230.

As it stands, phone projectors do not seem to be quite up to standards in terms of use, though The Pocket Projector Case from Brookstone is definitely a lot easier to use. You can order this device for the above mentioned $230 price now with the actual device shipping on November 21st.

Source: Wired - Pocket Projector: A Magic Lantern in an iPhone Case

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Kodak Licenses Projector Patents to IMAX

2011-11-04T16:28:00.005-04:00

With this new digital age, many things are transitioning to digital methods. However, Eastman Kodak hasn't quite handled the transition to digital photography as smoothly as some of the competition, though when your company is more than 100 years old, staying on top of things isn't always as easy as it used to be. The good thing for Eastman Kodak is that they have an overabundance of intellectual property which just might help Kodak stay in a rapidly changing market.

One way Kodak is trying to stay afloat is by aligning with other companies. Kodak has just announced a deal with IMAX to license the company's laser projection patents to the movie company, which will allow it to more effectively project digital films on IMAX's truly enormous screens.

What this means for Kodak is that the company will receive some much-desired cash, somewhere around $10 million or so. In addition to that, Kodak will also receive undetermined royalty payments for at least ten years. That is one serious piece of capital for Kodak, whose stock has lost three-fourths of its value in the last year alone. When news of this partnership hit, Kodak's shares increased by 5% immediately. The license deal is also a part of a $250-$350 million plan for Kodak to pay off the considerable debt which it has accumulated.

In IMAX's case, the new technology will allow it to replace older digital and analog projectors in more of its theaters. IMAX's equipment is specialized and very, very expensive which means that every time they upgrade equipment, they intend for it to last. Aside from generally high-quality digital projections, IMAX films that use the new patented process will be considerably brighter than their older predecessors. The new projection systems are also much more cost-effective.

This raises a very interesting proposition for Kodak. Now beginning its thirteenth decade as a company, the question is whether or not Kodak will become a firm principally composed of its ideas and techniques. With other digital competitors, like Canon, Nikon and Sony, outpacing Kodak in nearly every single market aside from budget point-to-shoots, it just may be a good way for the company to advance into the future.

Source: Slash Gear - Kodak licenses projector patents to IMAX to stay afloat

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NEC Creates Mini Computer that Projects Images Directly on Your Eye

2011-10-21T17:05:00.006-04:00

NEC just released a statement on Tuesday saying that it will begin selling a wearable mini-computer with a head-mounted display that projects its screen directly onto the naked eye.

Known as the "Tele Scouter", this device will initially be targeted at factory workers as well as other industrial settings. In addition to that, the company hopes to advance the technology to expand into the entertainment and augmented reality applications in the future. NEC stated that the computer is about the size of a thick paperback novel and can be worn clipped to the user's belt. The display is mounted to a pair of clear glasses, allowing the wearer to view the screen alongside the real world.

The display, which is manufactured by Japanese company Brother and known as the "AIRScouter", uses a tiny projector to flash images onto the wearer's naked eye. This allows the wearer to experience images as if they were being seen on a 16", 800 x 600 resolution screen from about 3 feet away.

Considering the fact that the image only takes up a small portion of the wearer's field of vision, NEC has stated that it is targeting applications where workers could use it to view instruction manuals or other images while on the job. The handset that comes with the device is equipped with a camera as well as microphone and NEC is also selling a software package that will allow supervisors at a remote control center to share images and chat with the workers via WiFi.

The small computer that hangs on your belt runs a version of Windows CE for embedded devices on a 500 MHz ARM processor. Overall, the entire package weighs less than 1 pound and will run for over four hours on a single charge. NEC stated that shipments will begin on December 26 and that the device will cost $5,200 per unit. The control system software will cost you an additional $26,000 as well.

Source: PC World - NEC to Sell Mini Computer With Eye Projection Screen

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ViewSonic's New PLED-W200 and PLED-W500 Projectors

2011-10-05T23:15:00.005-04:00

ViewSonic has just unveiled its new brand of LED projectors, an announcement that also included the availability of the PLED-W200 and PLED-W500. This new projector line is both ultra portable as well as energy efficient making each product perfect for the business traveler who is always on the road.

This line's projectors feature miniature form factors as well as 20,000 hour LED light sources. In addition, both the PLED-W200 and PLED-W500 come 3D-ready with 120Hz frame rates for immersive 3D visuals. The PLED line from ViewSonic also doesn't skimp on the features.

These short-throw projectors feature WXGA widescreen resolutions for large screen HD projection in small spaces. In addition to that, these projectors are also paired with USB and HDMI connectivity , Microsoft Office Viewer functionality and an SD card reader, providing you with a versatile plethora of ways to display documents, PDFs, videos, photos and other multimedia files without the need for a PC. 1GB of internal memory is also included.

According to ViewSonic's Projectors Product Manager Roger Chien, "Mobility and energy efficiency are two main trends in the projector market. The PLED series transforms the projector from a cumbersome gadget to an incredibly lightweight, compact device that can be carried anywhere to meet all of your projection needs. With a mercury-free LED light source and power consumption of less than 50 watts, these pico projectors are as eco-friendly as they are portable, making for powerhouse business solutions."

The PLED-W200 weighs less than one pound with the PLED-W500 weighing less than three pounds and both are palm-sized projectors that are perfect for slipping into a briefcase, laptop bag or purse for convenient presentation as well as transportation. In addition to that, both projectors also deliver brilliant color thanks to a high native WXGA resolution that is optimal for 720p HD viewing. The 250 ANSI lumens of the PLED-W200 and the 500 ANSI lumens of the PLED-W500 also don't hurt.

Both projectors are teamed with integrated speakers as well as an assortment of connectivity options, allowing you to present anywhere, anytime without the need of a PC. The PLED-W500 adds to the connectivity with an HDMI 1.3 outlet that allows you to simply connect to a Blu-ray player, DVD player, tablet or other HD media device for a widescreen, HD home gaming or home theater experience.

Both devices will be available in North America as well as Latin America in mid-October with the PLED-W200 selling for $499 with a three-year limited warranty and the PLED-W500 selling for $699 with the same warranty.

Source: Market Watch - ViewSonic's New Ultraportable LED Projector Line Means Business; Delivers Ultimate Combination of Power and Mobility

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Large Venue Projector Rentals From RentOurProjectors.com

2011-09-30T08:40:00.004-04:00

If you are planning a large event, and require video presentation technology, then you need a powerful and bright projector for showing large format aspect ratios. The agents at RentOurProjectors.com have just the right knowledge and experience to procure the right kind of Large Venue Projector Rental for your event, including delivery and installation!

Large Venue Projector Rentals have boosted brightness and performance levels compared to your standard projector. New large venue projectors use a multiple bulb system to boost the brightness. Ultra-high brightness of up to 10000 lumens makes sure that anyone can see your presentation. High contrast ratios (greater than 1000:1) make sure that your images are beautiful and rich in color.

A 10,000 lumen projector rental can broadcast your 'live' video or project your image on a fifty foot convention center wall. It is the right tool to get maximum results at a much lower cost than video walls.

Usually high-lumen projectors are bulky and weigh more than your typical projector and require installation. Renting Large Projectors saves money, and having the projector installed saves time and frustration.

Large venue projectors are great for staging events, conference centers and corporate meetings, training classes, large auditoriums/churches, government institutions and more!

Acer India Unveils C110 and K330 Pico Projectors

2011-09-22T19:40:00.006-04:00

Acer has recently been displaying two new pico projectors from the company's projector line. Known as the C110 and K330, these devices are small and compact, perfect for portability and mobile projection whenever the job may call for it. The C110 is being touted as a perfect notebook companion projector by Acer while the K330 is an LED pico projector that comes equipped with a 500-lumen lamp.

The Acer C110 receives power via a USB port, which is perfect for a truly mobile pico projector that is being described as a notebook companion. Weighing less than 175 grams and measuring only 110mm x 85mm x 25mm, it is interesting to see that this device has a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 854 x 480p WVGA resolution and 16:9 native format. In addition to that, it also has a solid 20,000 hours of LED lamp life, ColorSafe and DLP technology as well as a supplied 25" foldable screen for projecting whenever and wherever you want.

According to Chief Marketing Officer of Acer India S Rajendram, "People today are always on the move. Gone are the days when you can expect to conduct your business in the comfort of your offices. The new series of projectors from Acer is the perfect answer to your collaborative needs on the move. We believe there is immense potential for these pocket magicians in the area of business presentations and multimedia digital entertainment."

The Acer K330 can render HD quality images as well as deliver improved color saturation. Its multimedia abilities allow you to project standard Office and Multimedia files directly from a USB drive or an SD card connected to it. In addition to that, the K330 also has a 1,280 x 800p WXGA resolution and a 4,000:1 contrast ratio and even accommodates regular VGA, HDMI, composite video, AV inputs, an SD card slot and USB port. The Acer C110 will be available for around $320 with the K330 available for about $1,160.

Source: Tech Shout - Acer India drops in with C110 and K330 pico projectors

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Sony Unveils New 4K Resolution Home Cinema Projector

2011-09-08T14:14:00.005-04:00

Just one week after Toshiba announced the first television with a 4K resolution, or a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, Sony has gone and challenged it by unveiling a new home cinema projector that offers the exact same thing on a much larger screen. Sony, you cheeky devil!

Known as the VW1000ES, this projector uses a new 4K SXRD, or Silicon X-tal Reflective Display, along with Sony's Iris3 technology in order to give you 12.5m pixel images at up to 200 inches in size. However, while this may seem like something truly magnificent and fantastic, there is one major drawback, the complete lack of 4K video content.

However, despite the lack of content, this projector does offer some great features. It is a full HD and 3D projector and uses an active shutter system as well as a built-in transmitter for full HD content. Just because there isn't any 4K content out at the moment does not mean that you can't enjoy some full 1080p HD or 3D content while you wait.

The main appeal with this device, at least for movie fans, is its ability to upscale regular Blu-ray movies to 4K resolution. This is all thanks to Sony's proprietary "Reality Creation" chip located in the device. The result of quadrupling the resolution is a "more immersive, engaging visual experience" according to Sony who added, "It should be like stepping up from DVD to Blu-ray all over again."

The VW1000ES 4K projector from Sony follows the more recently announced VW95ES and HW30ES and is set to hit the UK market first in January 2012. Pricing is still unannounced but I wouldn't expect this thing to be cheap. Expect to pay well over anything you would pay now for a top of the line projector.

Source: Tech Radar - New Sony projector to offer four times the resolution of HDTV

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Wedding Projector Rentals

2011-09-07T11:18:00.003-04:00

By renting a projector for your wedding, you can display a slideshow of the bride and groom in their most tender moments. Great for rehearsal dinners and receptions, a wedding projector rental can add more entertainment and fun to your event. Show memorable pictures of events that led to the marriage or stream videos and music so that everyone can celebrate this joyous occasion. There is no better way to describe two peoples love than with photos of them being in love.

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When your friends and family see those cherished moments in striking, rich color, they will feel the love.

Sporting Event Projector Rental

2011-09-02T16:33:00.003-04:00

Sports fans always want to see the sports action up close and personal. Whether its just a preseason game or a big Superbowl party, a projector rental lets you witness every exciting moment with your buddies. A rental can allow you to enjoy the game in the comfort of your own home, without having to bother with large crowds and high-priced tickets and refreshments. Turn your wall into a sports venue and impress all viewing participants.

Get a Quote: Sporting Event Projector Rental

Nothing beats the feeling of watching your favorite sports team make a big play on a big screen. Make your next sporting event memorable with a sports projector rental from Rent Our Projectors.

The Benefits of DLP Projection

2011-08-29T10:07:00.008-04:00

As a follow up to our post on The Benefits of LCD Projection, we will now explore the benefits of a competing display technology: DLP (Digital Light Processing). Currently DLP is one of the leading technologies used in digital cinema projection.

Older DLP-based projectors use metal-halide lamps combined with a color wheel. The mechanical color wheel is placed between the lamp and the DLP chip(s). The wheel is divided into multiple sections. Older models only use the three primary colors: red, green and blue, while newer projectors take advantage of the secondary colors as well: magenta, yellow, and cyan. This enables the projector to have a broader spectrum of color (This new color performance is called BrilliantColor). The chip is synched with the color wheel so that the current color of the wheel that is in front of the lamp is displayed on the DMD (digital micromirror device). The mirrors oscillate back and forth, either directing light to or away from the lens path to turn the pixel on or off. Each mirror relates to a single pixel. The wheel rotates at a high-rate (up to 10 times the frame rate) so observers can see the full color.

DLP models either offer single chip or three chip projectors. The difference is that in three chip applications, each primary color is sent to its own DLP chip, instead of all colors being sent to a single chip.

Newer DLP projectors are using high-power LEDs or even lasers for illumination, which eliminate the need for the rotating color wheel, which in-turn eliminates the "rainbow effect" (red, green, or blue 'shadows' that can sometimes be seen in high contrast or fast moving images).

DLP Projectors typically provide a larger size projection due to the fact that DLP projectors focus more on brightness than color saturation. than LCD and in most cases, higher quality. Also DLP produces a great consistent picture. One of the biggest benefits of DLP is that is has a longer lifespan and its compact design.

Another benefit of DLP is that pixelation is not as visible as it is in LCD (this is known as the 'screendoor effect' in LCD projection). Also it has better black levels and contrast, which can be vital in video images.

These are some technical aspects to keep in mind when choosing the right DLP Projector Rental.

See the Full Press Release Here - DLP Projector Rentals - Is One Right For You?

ViewSonic Seeks Growth in the Projector Market

2011-08-28T16:31:00.006-04:00

ViewSonic, a leading world provider of technology products, has decided to turn it up a notch in regards to its business development effort in the Australian market. According to recent reports, the company is seeking to accelerate its projector business in the region in order to fuel more growth.

Country Manager of ViewSonic Australia William Tse has been reported as saying that Joel Pilgrim has been appointed to the position of Business Development Manager for Australia and that he will focus on developing the ViewSonic's projector display business across various sectors that include enterprise, government, education and consumer.

Mr. Tse states, "We welcome Joel to the role as Business Development Manager and look forward to seeing our projector business grow. Joel's deep understanding of the audio visual market coupled with his sales expertise are crucial assets in facilitating ViewSonic to strengthen the projector business in Australia."

Tse went on to say, "With a wealth of experience in the audio visual industry, Joel is a skilled sales professional and is responsible for identifying gainful opportunities, expanding customer relationships, and accelerating the ViewSonic projector business in the region."

It definitely appears as if ViewSonic is working hard to increase the growth of their projector market and by hiring Joel Pilgrim as Business Development Manager for Australia, it looks as if the company is on the right track to do just that.

Source: IT Wire - ViewSonic goes after projector market growth

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The Benefits of LCD Projection

2011-08-24T12:41:00.005-04:00

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Projectors display images typically by using small metal halide lamps. These lamps are used because they produce a wide range of colors at ideal color temperatures. Additionally, metal halide lamps enable a projector to emit large amounts of light (on average 2,000 to 15,000 Lumens) in a small area.

The light from the lamp is dispersed through a series of dichroic filters (liquid crystals) to three panels, one for each color component of a video signal (red, green, blue). An electrical current is applied to toggle the color on or off, depending on what shade of what color is being displayed. This gives the LCD projector its wide color range.

LCD Projectors work great in areas where it is difficult to control the lighting in the room, such as rooms with several large windows. Since the metal halide lamps produce bright light, they perform better in these scenarios. Since the lamps are fairly small, they make LCD projectors good for portability and are lightweight.

Typically LCD projectors have a larger viewing angle as well, which is good for large rooms with several viewers that are not centered in front of the projector.

Its important to keep these benefits in mind when getting an LCD Projector Rental from RentOurProjectors.com

JVC DLA-X7 Home Theater Projector wins Prestigious 2011-2012 EISA Award

2011-08-23T15:08:00.005-04:00

JVC's DLA-X7 home theater projector was the recipient of the annual EISA (European Imaging and Sound Association) award. Being one of the first projectors to achieve THX 3D certification, the DLA-X7 boasts several impressive attributes. This projector offers an incredible 2D/3D experience with an astounding 70,000:1 native contrast ratio and a bright 1300 ANSI Lumens. Designed for use with 3D active shutter glasses, the DLA-X7 enables consumers to enjoy a full 3D experience while allowing for variety in choosing screen types. Additionally, this award winning projector has a powerful color management system, video processor and custom gamma control.

EISA is a collection of 50 magazines from 19 European countries, the winning products are chosen by the editor-in-chief of each magazine. Any product covered by the magazines during the past year are eligible to recieve the award.

EISA has created a short video clip about the DLA-X7 to honor JVC's achievement this year.

Source: EISA - European Video Projector 2011-2012 - JVC DLA-X7

Apple Files Patent for Projectors in Devices

2011-08-12T14:54:00.005-04:00

Apple just recently filed a new patent which they just published that hints at the fact that projectors could one day end up in some Apple devices including things like the iPhone, iPad or as an accessory in the company's line of notebooks in order to help make it easier to share content with others.

The application entitled "Projected display shared workspaces" was filed back in February 2010 and pulled up yesterday morning by Patently Apple. The patent outlines a system for taking what is on screen and projecting it onto a close surface. The interesting thing about the proposed system in this particular patent is that it has the ability to combine projections from multiple devices into one screen, hence the name "shared workspace".

The patent application notes that "consumers frequently share data stored on electronic devices with other people," however, portable devices usually come with small screens, thus making it harder for people to share things with a group. Apple's solution promises to solve all of that by offering a way for devices that have projectors to link up to one another. The result would be a bigger canvas for presenting media and other documents, using something like a server or Bluetooth to transfer the data between devices.

Another interesting piece of information that goes hand in hand with this patent application is the fact that Apple is connected to the domain Applepico.com. Pico Projectors are the commonly used phrase for small projectors found on point-and-shoot cameras, cell phones or as standalone devices.

However, this is not the first Apple patent application to look into integrating projectors onto portable devices. Another filing that was uncovered back in April of 2010 detailed the construction of a projector in a notebook. One month before that, another filing was shown detailing how projectors could be used if attached to a phone. This led to a 2007 patent filing which detailed using attached or built-in projectors in order to display media.

Pico projectors are continuously getting smaller with new technology constantly decreasing the physical space and power required to put a built-in projector on a portable device. Alps Electric just recently announced a new lens that measures just under 1mm square. Alps Electric plans on producing these lenses in bulk by the end of 2012.

Source: CNET - Apple patent filing details devices with linked projectors

Acer's S5210M Interactive Short-Throw Projector

2011-07-29T13:42:00.006-04:00

Projectors and PowerPoint presentations are becoming mainstays in company business meetings and school classrooms. It isn't very hard to throw a presentation together, and showing it doesn't take much work either, though most PowerPoint presentations are not too exciting. Well, Acer is hoping to make PowerPoint presentations a little more interesting with its new S5210M short-throw projector, which is said to allow you to interact with your presentations.

The Acer S5210M is a short-throw projector capable of projecting from as close as 19.2" away from the screen making it perfect for small conference rooms or classrooms. In addition to that, Acer claims that this device, with a 0.61:1 throw ratio, can project a 77" image from 37.4" away. The projector has a maximum resolution of 1,600x1,200 with a contrast ratio of 4,500:1. In addition to that, this device is 3D ready if used with a 3D software player and DLP Link 3D glasses.

Coming with the projector is the Acer SmartPen. The SmartPen allows users to write on the image being projected in order to explain answers, highlight important details or give feedback. The pen is able to be used from up to 32 feet away from the image, if necessary. In addition to that, presenters can also import presentations to a web site in conjunction with their SmartPen notes.

The S5210M also comes with a plethora of outputs including two HDMI ports, two USB ports, a mini USB port, composite video port, S-Video mini DIN port and stereo mini jack. This device also comes with a USB Slide Show feature that allows for a presentation, video, or photo to be shown on a flash drive without having to use a computer. The projector can also be connected to multiple computers simultaneously and allows you to switch between computers during a presentation.

Acer is claiming that the S5210M provides up to 4,000 hours of lamp life and that the device also features Acer's EcoProjection power management feature that reduces standby power from 5 watts to 1 watt.

The Acer S5210M is available now at retailers in the United States and Canada for $999. The device also comes with a three-year warranty for the DLP chip as well as a 90-day warranty on the lamp.

Source: PC Mag - Acer Debuts Short-Throw Interactive Projector

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Projector & Screen Combo Rentals From Rentacomputer.com

2011-07-20T09:18:00.005-04:00

The experienced Agents at Rentacomputer.com can procure any kind of projector and projector screen, all in a single package for a single price, with just one point of contact - your Tech Travel Agent.

Why get A Projector & Screen Rental?

If you are planning to make a presentation at your next big business meeting, but do not have projector technology, then getting a projector and screen rental for this temporary need makes perfect sense. Our agents can procure the right kind of projector, and the right type of screen for your need.

Don't commit to purchasing technology for a temporary need if you don't have to! By contacting your Tech Travel Agent you can have your projector and screen rental delivered right your presentation location, and have it installed by our technicians. So contact your Tech Travel Agent today for your Projector & Screen Combo Rental, so that you can focus on making your presentation a success.

Projector Screen Types

Diffusion Screens:
You should get a Diffusion Projector Screen Rental when you need a large viewing angle so that the image is equally bright for all the seats in the theater. Diffusion style screens are best when you have a bright projector and good control of lighting conditions.

Reflective Screens:
This style of screen is suitable for rooms with some ambient light or for projectors with lower light output. These screens reflect light in the opposite direction of the projector and therefore should be used with ceiling mounted projectors.

Retroreflective Screens:
Retroreflective screens reflect the light primarily in the direction of the projector which makes them perfect for floor or table mounted projectors. Retroreflective screens are also very good at dealing with ambient light.

New 2D-to-3D Projectors from Vivitek

2011-07-15T15:37:00.006-04:00

Taiwan-based Vivitek has just debuted a series of DLP projectors featuring direct translation from 2D to 3D with absolutely no need to transform files. 3D is becoming a bigger and bigger market in the projector industry so naturally everybody is trying to get in on the fad. However, Vivitek may be the first company to to create a projector that seamlessly transfers images from 2D to 3D.

These new projectors can be directly connected to a DVD or Blu-ray player or to your PC or laptop and come equipped with energy-saving lamps that have a 4,000-hour lamp life according to Vivitek. Pricing has been listed at $690 for a 2,600-lumen SVGA entry-level model projector, which is only around 10% to 15% higher than the price of a conventional model with the same specifications.

Vivitek developed these projectors via technical cooperation with the company's partner Delta Electronics, who just so happens to be one of the main shareholders of Vivitek. Vivitek is hoping to sell between 3,000 and 5,000 2D-to-3D projectors in the Taiwan market alone as well as a total of 30,000 to 50,000 units in overseas markets.

Original projected global sales of Vivitek were set at 300,000 own-brand DLP projectors of all types in 2011, and they actually sold 240,000 to 250,000 units in the first half of 2011. Vivitek also expects its global market share to rank either 10th or 11th among projector vendors in 2011 as well as to sell 400,000 projectors globally in order to be among the top 10 vendors in 2012.

Source: DigiTimes - Vivtek unveils 2D-to-3D projectors

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Sony Unveils HDR-JP50 Handycam Projector

2011-06-30T18:03:00.005-04:00

Sony has just recently unveiled its newest Handycam Projector. This new device will allow users to project HD video onto flat surfaces literally moments after the image or video has been shot or captured.

The launch of the HDR-PJ50 in India is the latest device to roll out in a series of Handycam Projector models that have been designed with a built-in high contrast projector on the outside of a flip-out LCD panel. This gives users a simple, yet effective way to replay videos or images without the need or hassle of additional cables, a computer or any other device.

The compact LED projector allows videos as well as images to be projected at up to 1.5 meters onto walls, ceilings, screens or any other flat surface you can find with the optimum projecting distance being about 3 meters. The 220GB internal hard drive provides storage for the captured video and images while the Highlight Playback feature allows for quick and easy playback of videos and images.

The new Handycam Projector series comes with an advanced Clear Phase 5.1 channel stereo speaker with S-Master digital amplifiers in order to produce clear, dynamic sound. However, if you desire a more cinematic feel to your sound, you can always connect your device to an external 5.1 home cinema system using the integrated 3.5mm audio input.

The Advanced Wind Noise Reduction feature allows you to keep noise and wind interference to a minimum when shooting videos. Another useful feature is the Optical SteadyShot which automatically corrects shaky videos and is ideal for capturing fast moving footage like sporting events.

If highly portable projectors that double as cameras are something you have always dreamed about, then give the HDR-PJ50 Handycam Projector from Sony a try.

Source: Projector Point - Sony Introduces latest Handycam Projector

Security Camera Solutions

Canon Introduces New LV-8320 Multimedia Projector

2011-06-16T11:41:00.006-04:00

Canon has just recently announced a new portable multimedia LCD projector aimed at education, traveling sales and small business markets. Known as the Cannon LV-8320, this device has a very high brightness of 3,000 lumens as well as a 2,000:1 contrast ratio. The LV-8320 also has a native wide-screen WXGA resolution of 1,200 x 800 and can accept full 1080p HD content via integrated HDMI port.

The LV-8320 also contains a 1.6x manual zoom lens that allows for easy setup and placement in any situation. The lamp system in this projector is designed for extended life and power savings and the projector automatically adjusts the lamp output according to the brightness of the image being projected. In addition to that, it also automatically adjusts the shift of color balance, decreasing lamp output which results in a significant reduction to the projector's power consumption.

According to Canon, the projector's air filter, which is made of a three-layer hybrid material, is able to withstand 5,500 hours of usage in ECO mode. There are also a bunch of connections on this projector that are perfect for computers, video and audio. The LV-8320 comes with an HDMI port as well as a built-in 10-Watt speaker. However, if the built-in speaker isn't enough, you can always relay audio to external speakers through the the stereo audio mini-jack output. The LV-8320 also comes with an RJ-45 Network Connection and RS-232C Serial Connection to provide full LAN control as well as remote PC control.

Due to the native WXGA resolution, the LV-8320 is compatible with native 16:10 displays seen in recent laptops and desktops making it perfect for meetings or classroom settings. The bright 3,000 lumen output along with the 2,000:1 contrast ratio also ensures bright, well-defined images no matter where you set up. The LV-8320 multimedia projector from Canon is backed by a 3-year limited warranty and will be available in early July for $900.

Source: PC Mag - Canon Introduces Portable Multimedia Projector

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Boxlight Unveils New Seattle X40N

2011-06-03T17:20:00.005-04:00

Boxlight has just recently announced the release of the company's latest product in the Seattle Series line of projectors. The new product is known as the Seattle X40N and is the brightest in the series at 4,000 lumens. The Seattle X40N also includes a robust input panel as well as many special features that make it simple and easy to use.

Boxlight's Seattle Series of projectors was originally launched back in 2009 and included five projectors that varied in brightness and resolution. The Seattle Series was developed for people who needed a quality projector for presentations in a variety of environments, a projector with various inputs and also one that won't break the bank. The Seattle X40N only weighs 7.3 lbs. which makes the 4,000 lumens brightness even better.

This device is also an XGA resolution projector which makes it perfect for areas that have issues with lighting control as well as in situations with larger screen sizes. The Seattle X40N also comes with a variety of anti-theft features standard and also has auto sensing search, sync, ceiling mount, keystone and filter alerts. Seven different display modes give the user a lot of flexibility as do the logo capture and image freeze features along with an on-board 8-speaker.

According to Product Manager at Boxlight Jeremy Peterson, "We have had great success with our Seattle Series projectors. It is a solid line - and over the platform's history, the only request received was to up the lumen output to 4,000. With a proven history of reliability and performance, we are confident the Seattle X40N will be a welcomed addition to the series.

Source: Boxlight - Boxlight Announces Release of New Projector - Seattle X40N

BenQ Introduces 2 New HD Projectors

2011-05-19T17:56:00.006-04:00

BenQ, one of the leaders in projector production, has recently started shipping two new HD DLP "cinema" projectors which BenQ says are perfect for "high-rise dwellers". It is still unclear as to why the new W1100 and W1200 are perfect for multi-dwelling media rooms, however, they both feature full HD 108p resolutions, a 12-lens optical system and built-in dual 10-watt speakers that have SRS Wow HD sound technology.

These two projectors are not exactly the same. The W1100 is a 2,000-lumens projector that has a native 4,500:1 contrast ratio as well as a full 10-bit color processor. On the other hand we have the W1200 with its 1,800-lumens and a native 5,000:1 contrast ratio. The W1200 also has the same 10-bit color processor as the W1100 but comes with Advanced Color Wheel Coating technology in order to boost color saturation.

If you are really into using a projector for all of your home theater needs, then the built-in 10-watt speakers are probably not going to cut it for you. However, BenQ says, "MDU developers can now provide their residents with immersive sound right out of the box without the additional expense of add-on sound systems."

The good news is that both the W1100 and the W1200 are pretty affordable, for everything you get, at $1,199 and $1,499 respectively. However, BenQ is running a temporary special discount on the W1100. BenQ's website is giving a $200 rebate if you use the promotional code W1100$$. This drops the price to $999. Check out BenQ's website for all the details.

Source: CNET - BenQ markets new affordable HD projectors to 'high-rise' dwellers

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Mitsubishi Releases Two New Short-Throw Projectors

2011-05-06T14:56:00.006-04:00

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America introduced a new extreme short-throw line of DLP-based front projectors earlier this week. Mitsubishi's WD380U-EST and XD380U-EST projectors are both said to use high-quality, extreme short-throw lenses as opposed to mirrors in order to cast large images from short distances.

Mitsubishi gave these projectors a sleek design which is said to make installation more flexible, operation cleaner and provide less image degradation as well as less general wear and tear as a result.

The first two projectors in this new line incorporate a lot of things like USBA + B inputs, support for computer-free presentations, LAN display, a built-in 10-watt speaker, audio standby, closed captioning and 3D-ready capabilities. The high-brightness models shell out 2,800 and 2,500 lumens of brightness and also incorporate a filter-free design for a low cost of ownership according to Mitsubishi.

Both the wide format WD380U-EST and the XGA resolution XD380U-EST operate very quietly producing only 28 dB of sound and even offer up to 6,000 hour lamp life when it is run in low mode. Both of these models also include a 3,000:1 contrast ratio.

According to Presentation Products Division Product Manager for Mitsubishi Wayne Kozuki, "It's technological prowess that we use to create imaging wonder, not smoke and mirrors. We're one of the first brands to offer such a revolutionary lens-based design in our ultra-short-throw projectors, and with Mitsubishi's quality, you can rely on our product performance. They are truly state-of-the-art."

New lenses enable these projectors to have that kind of short-throw focus performance and also allow them to project up to a 70-inch WXGA image from less than 23-inches away. The new models also create a great image and help prevent shadows on the screen or projector surface that may be distracting.

Both projectors weigh about nine pounds which allows them to be easily transported and easily maintained. Teachers can convert their class presentations into .PTG files or .JPEG images and then save them on a USB flash drive. They can then plug the drive directly into the projector and start teaching, no computers involved.

These devices also support WiFi connectivity if you still want to use a PC or laptop but you don't want to mess with all those cables. These two projectors also have an internal 10-watt speaker and include HDMI inputs as well as an RS232 connector and RJ45 input for third-party remote management products.

Both come with a three-year limited warranty on parts and labor as well as a one-year limited warranty on the lamp. Mitsubishi also offers an Express Replacement Assistance (ERA) Program that has next business-day replacement for down units that are under warranty. The WD380U-EST is expected to have a retail price of $1,699 and the XD380U-EST is expected to have a $1,499 retail price.

Source: TWICE - Mitsubishi Adds Short-Throw Projector Pair

Projector Rentals
Are Great for Business Meetings

Most business class projectors will do a good job displaying your PowerPoint presentation. If you have a small presentation group, a 2000 lumen LCD projector will be able to produce a nice and clear picture. For larger audiences you should consider a 5000 lumen LCD projector.

Replacing Your Projector Lamp Is Easier Than You Think

2011-04-21T21:51:00.007-04:00

If you own a projector, whether it be for your classroom, business or entertainment room, then you probably know that the lamps for such projectors rely on some sophisticated technology. The projectors we have at our disposal today can do things we wouldn't even have dreamed of 10 years ago. Thankfully, taking care of projectors and their associated lamps and such is not nearly as complicated as you would imagine.

There have been numerous blog posts explaining how performing routine maintenance on your projector is actually quite simple and straightforward and takes little mechanical skill. One such story comes from MyProjectorLamps.com and explains the simplicity in doing projector maintenance.

According to the site, "Despite the high level of electrical engineering that goes into a projector, the smart folks who designed them also made it very easy for the end user to perform everyday maintenance on the projector."

If you are stuck with the task of buying a new projector bulb, you should know that companies have two basic options. You can either get a lamp in module or a bare lamp.

The lamp in module involves an extremely straightforward installation process. Basically, the only thing you need to do is push your new lamp into place and you are as right as rain. Now you may be asking yourself, "If this is so easy, then why do people opt for another solution?" The simple answer is that it is cheaper.

A lot of businesses can save a nice chunk of change by going with a bare lamp. Bare lamps do not require much more work to install than the lamp in module and the installation also involves three simple steps. The good news is that each step doesn't really require any skill to complete.

With a bare lamp replacement all you have to do is remove the housing and clips with a Phillips head screwdriver. The actual process takes about five minutes, but it can also result in you saving about $100.

"Once you find out how easy it is, you will question why you had not purchased a bare lamp in the first place!" states MyProjectorLamps.com.

Source: infoeTECH - Lamp Projector Maintenance is Much Easier than You Think

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NEC Releases New NP-V300X DLP Projector

2011-04-08T15:52:00.007-04:00

NEC has just announced the 3000-lumen NP-V300X, an XGA projector that is both very portable and very affordable. The NP-V300X also gives users the most essential features needed to show off presentations in classrooms or business meetings. The V300X is a part of the new V Series from NEC and is designed to provide you with higher brightness via a small mobile projector to accommodate large screens or higher ambient lighting conditions. The V300X also comes with a plethora of other features that can save you a ton of money. ECO mode technology allows the lamp in the projector to last up to 5000 hours and also allows you to run the device with lower audible noise. In addition to that, cost of ownership is also reduced. The unique power management capabilities of the V300X allows the projector to automatically turn off when an incoming signal is not detected from any other inputs. This model from NEC also offers quick start, auto power via the RGB input connector and direct power-off with absolutely no cooling required after shutdown. In addition to that, the V300X is completely filter-free which eliminates the hassle and time spent monitoring and changing filters. According to Product Manager for projectors at NEC Display Solutions Rich McPherson, "The lightweight V300X is ideal for users that require projection on-the-go, with sufficient features to quickly set up, easily present and swiftly shut down. This model is packed with powerful technologies that greatly increase functionality without a high price tag. From its Plug and Play setup and BrilliantColor technology to its built-in Creston Roomview Connected technology, the V300X is versatile and efficient for both classrooms and meeting rooms." Full features of the NEC V300X include:

1024x768 native resolution

3000 lumens

2000:1 contrast ratio

5000 hour lamp life

3D capability

BrilliantColor technology

Integrated RJ45 for quick LAN connection

7-watt speakers

Built-in wall color correction presets

PC Control Utility Pro 4

ECO Mode

Virtual Remote

Carbon savings meter

The NEC NP-V300X comes with a 2-year limited parts and labor warranty and should be available in April of 2011 according to NEC. The V300X will most likely set you back around $780 and the lamp is covered for one year or up to 500 hours, whichever occurs first. If you purchase this for educational use, you get an additional 1-year warranty and Star Student customers receive an additional two years. Source: ecoustics - NEC NP-V300X DLP Projector

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Canon's LV Series Gets Updated with 5 New LCD Projectors

2011-03-24T15:59:00.004-04:00

People tend to get excited when companies release new products. Typically a company will release one or two things at once, but if you are Canon, that just won't suffice. Canon has just released five, that's right five, new multimedia LCD projectors that are said to offer extremely sharp images and very bright projections.

These five new LCD projectors help update Canon's ultra-portable LV series of projectors. The five new models consist of the LV-8225, LV-7490, LV-7390, LV-7295 and LV-7290. Each of these projectors features a wide-angle 1.2x zoom projection lens as well as a 10W speaker.

All of the new LV projectors also offer XGA resolutions in order to deliver a sharp image and a bright, clear projection. That is, of course, unless you get the LV-8225. This sucker only has a native WXGA resolution.

There are a lot of other great features that come with these new projectors. They all come with an extended 6,000 hour lamp, filters that last up to 5,000 hours and less than 1W of power consumption in standby mode. It is no surprise that these devices are definitely designed to be energy efficient.

The LV-8225 has a 1,280x800 native resolution as well as a 16:10 widescreen aspect ratio with a 2,500 lumen output so it isn't as high-end as the other projectors in the series.
,
The brightest projector is definitely the LV-7490 with a 4,000 lumen output. This makes it perfect to run in places that are larger or have more ambient light. The LV-7390, LV-7295 and LV-7290 have brightnesses of 3,000, 2,600 and 2,200 lumens respectively.

Visual Communication Product and Solutions Director for Canon Julian Rutland had this to say about the new line of projectors, "We are pleased to update our LV range to offer businesses of all sizes and budgets a range of cost-effective options with no compromise on quality."

All five of the new projectors will be available to the public in April, 2011.

Source: Projector Point - Canon adds five new LCD projectors to LV range

Ray Displays Pico Projector: Perfect Companion for the Traveling Salesman

2011-03-22T17:25:00.003-04:00

by Kyle Michael

The Ray Displays “Ray” Pico Projector can be described as a “no frills” pico projector with ultra-portability.

If you are looking for a compact pico with portability over power, this is the way to go. The Ray displays text but lacks somewhat in resolution. However, it makes sales presentations look fantastic. At a very reasonable price point, this pico makes the perfect travel companion for the traveling salesman.
If you are looking for crisp resolution and something for entertainment purposes, this pico will suffice but there are other pocket projectors out there that are made specifically for entertainment purposes. The Ray lite gives you a no-frills pocket projector that offers an alternative to pricey picos that can range in price from $500-$1000.

Indeed, the Ray Displays pocket projector provides you with unsurpassed quality and durability with ultra portability. These qualities make it a perfect companion when you must travel. The Ray is the ultimate presentation device because you can project directly from your iPhone or portable media device with ease. As far as a business presentation tool goes, this is a must have.

I recently used my Ray for an out of state sales presentation. Rather than conducting the meeting in a boring conference room, we met for lunch and used a private dining room. The portability of the gadget really came in handy when all I needed was my iPhone, the connection cable and the small pico. The meeting really went over well because we were able to get out of the office, enjoy a nice lunch out and still take care of business, and it was all made possible by Ray Displays and the Ray Lite. Give yourself the option of a creative presentation tool that will impress your current or future clients and allow you the freedom to go anywhere.

Optoma's Neo-i iPhone/iPod Pico Projector

2011-03-10T15:35:00.007-05:00

A lot of people thought that pico projectors were going to be the next big thing. Sadly for those people, the technology never really took off. Pico projectors have become more of a device nice to have but not something necessary to have. However, Optoma has a very interesting new take on pico projectors and it is known as the Neo-i which combines an iPod/iPhone speaker dock with a tabletop projector.

Unfortunately for most, the Neo-i is not cheap coming in with a $449 price tag, however, the specs are quite a bit better than your typical pico projector. The Neo-i has a 50 ANSI lumen DLP projector which offers WVGA (854x480 pixels) resolution in 16:9 format. It also has a full-bodied 16 watt stereo system built directly into the dock. The Neo-i can also run using an optional outboard battery pack. The bulb on the Neo-i is also rated at having a 20,000 hour life.

As opposed to Optoma's much smaller PK301 pico projector, which Optoma says has the same light source, Optoma is not classifying the Neo-i as a portable device. In contrast to that, however, the Neo-i only measures 12.8 inches deep by 3.1 inches tall and only weighs 2.5 pounds which makes the device small enough and light enough to be transported.

The style of the device looks slick and based on the picture above it appears that it has slots for VGA out, HDMI out, AV in, Audio out and DC in and the control buttons seem to be touch sensitive with illuminating backlight. Head on over to cnet for the full review.

Source: cnet News - Review: Optoma's Neo-i iPod/iPhone projector

KODAK Laser Projection Technology FDA Approved

2011-02-24T11:13:00.006-05:00

The FDA, otherwise known as the Food and Drug Administration, has just approved a variance that will allow for the sale of KODAK Laser Projector Systems using KODAK Laser Projection Technology to cinema exhibitors with no individual site or show operator variances. What this means for you is that this is an important step toward your local theater being able to provide you with brighter 2D and 3D images that provide higher dynamic ranges as well as a wider color gamut.

According to Les Moore, Chief Operating Officer for Digital Cinema at Kodak, "The FDA approval brings KODAK Laser Projection Technology significantly closer to the marketplace and validates the work we've done to ensure that this technology is safe and dependable. In addition to allowing the sale of KODAK Laser Projector Systems using KODAK Laser Projection Technology, the FDA variance serves as a template to be followed by manufacturers that we license to incorporate this new laser technology."

Digital projection systems that are using a high power laser usually fall under the category of a demonstration laser and therefore must follow existing regulations for conventional laser projectors like the ones used in laser light shows. KODAK has been diligently working with the FDA as well as laser safety consultants in order to address potential issues with safety. KODAK's unique optical design manages the projector output in order for it to be considered similar to conventional Xenon projection systems. This new variance from the FDA allows the sale of KODAK Laser Projector Systems with KODAK Laser Projection Technology and theater/show configurations incorporating them.

KODAK Laser Projection Technology should bring improved image quality to your theater screens including significantly brighter 3D image and a reduction in the costs of digital projection in cinemas via long-life lasers, lower-cost optics and more efficient usage. Kodak introduced this technology back in 2010 and it has been received enthusiastically by exhibitors, manufacturers, studios and viewers who have seen the demonstrations and noticed the difference.

Source: EON - FDA Greenlights KODAK Laser Projection Technology

The Next Generation of Pocket Projectors

2011-02-10T22:10:00.006-05:00

I know that CES 2011 was a little while ago but I'm pretty sure it is going to take until next year's event before everything worth mentioning from this year's event is covered. That being said, despite all the great things at CES 2011, there was one thing that a lot of people were talking about, pocket projectors. Pocket projectors were all the rage at CES 2011 and with good reason because the ones on display will definitely blow you away.

Remember when pocket projectors were first introduced? They were low-lumen, low-resolution devices that didn't have any pizazz. Well, you don't have to worry about your mother's old dull pocket projectors anymore because the new ones coming out will be able to project in HD as well as 3D and will be bright enough to use in low ambient light.

These new pocket projectors will also have the ability to connect to your iPad, handle HDMI input and even include built-in speakers. And one day they will even be able to output in full 1080p HD. But just exactly what are these incredible speakers of which I speak? Well, that would be the Vivitek Qumi and the LG HW300T.

The Qumi is the first pocket projector produced by Vivitek and it could very well set the standard for the next generation of portable pocket projectors. The device is a 300-lumen pocket projector with a native resolution of 1280X800 (WXGA) and mini-HDMI input allowing it to project in HD. It is also 3D ready and has a built-in 1W speaker. The Qumi only weighs 1.6 pounds and is capable of connecting with your digital camera, laptop, smartphone or tablet.

Next up is the HW300T from LG. The HW300T is an LED pocket projector and is also the very first pocket projector to incorporate DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) technology. This allows you to transfer stored digital content from devices like your PC or Blu-ray player completely wirelessly. The HW300T also has a built-in ATSC Tuner that allows you to watch HD Broadcast signals without having to have a separate external content source. You also get access to online content like Facebook, Accuweather and Twitter. The HW300T has a 1200x800 (WXGA) resolution, 2,000:1 contrast ratio and a life expectancy of 30,000 hours.

These are some pretty amazing specs for pocket projectors and should get anybody excited that is into projectors or portable entertainment. Unfortunately, no pricing or release dates have been announced yet but once they are I'm sure people will jump all over it.

Source: Projector People - Why you want the pocket projectors that debuted at CES 2011

The New P Series from NEC

2011-02-05T15:44:00.003-05:00

NEC has recently released their latest projector series, the P series. This new line of wide screen projectors was designed to be incorporated into boardrooms, classrooms, and even government training facilities.

There are three different models within the P series: the P350X, the P420X, and the P350W. All three of these projectors not only have low power-draw but also fantastic features like HDMI input, maintenence-free operation, and built-in wireless networking cards. There are also some great bundled software features that include wall color correction, automatic keystone correction, carbon saving meter, Virtual RemoteT, and closed captioning.

All of the P projectors feature some very good specs. The P350X has a brightness level of 3,500 lumens and an XGA native resolution. With the P350W there is a brightness level of 3,500 lumens and a WXGA native resolution, and the P420X offers 4,200 lumens and XGA native resolution. These are the brightest widescreen projectors that NEC has ever produced. Each of the projectors comes standard with a three-year limited parts and labor warranty. Included is lamp coverage for up to one year or 500 hours (whichever comes first). These projectors will be available a little later in February. The P350X will be offered for $1,649, the P350W will cost $1,799, and the P420X will go for $1,999.

These are some great projectors. They’re a little pricey, but this is due to the fact that they really offer some fantastic features. We’ll just have to see how people respond to the P series and its price tag when they are released later this month.

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New Interactive Projector from Sanyo

2011-01-30T18:07:00.003-05:00

Sanyo has just announced their latest projector, an interactive device that is geared towards educational and corporate presentation markets. This projector allows for full interactive functionality regardless of what kind of surface the images are being projected on.

The PLC-WL2503 projector from Sanyo is really an awesome device. It provides a complete interactive display, while dispensing of the need for a whiteboard or a surface with built-in sensors. The device is an ultra-short 3-LCD projector with a rating of 2,500 lumens of brightness, wide XGA native resolution, and a 500:1 contrast ratio.

Most interactive projection systems require that users utilize an interactive whiteboard that is connected to a PC. The fantastic thing about the PLC-WL2503 is that it eliminates all of that stuff. Instead, Sanyo’s projector provides two different interface devices, a pen and a pointer. Both the devices contain an infrared (IR) transmitter. So how do these devices work? When the tip of either the pen or the pointer is pressed against a screen or wall surface, an IR signal is generated that is then picked up by the camera module that is located on the front surface of the projector. The signal then allows the projector to recognize the location of the tip on the projected image. The information is then displayed on the screen through a transfer of the information to the PC through a USB connection. Another great advantage with the PLC-WL2503 is that the projection system is pretty much compatible with any software, as well as the Windows 7, Vista, XP, and Mac OS operating systems.

Because the PLC-WL2503 is an ultra-short lens projector, the projector from Sanyo can display an 80-inch projection from 34 inches away. It features a wide XGA format with a 16:10 aspect ratio with 1,280 x 800 resolution and a HDMI 1.3 input that allows for HD sources and a DVD player. There are also special settings that you can utilize when you’re using something other than a conventional screen, like a blackboard or color board surface.

Sanyo says that the projector can last up to 4,000 hours before it needs a lamp or filter replacement. The reason for the prolonged lamp life is that the PLC-WL2503 features a hybrid filter that features multiple filter stages. It provides six times the area and 15 times more dust collection than the usual projector filter.

The video inputs on the projector include an HDMI 1.3 terminal and dual D-sub 15 connectors. These allow for the use of component video and provide users with dual functions, either as an input or as an analog RGB output. There are also inputs provided for S-Video and RCA composite. For audio purposes, there are a stereo pair of RCA connectors and a stereo mini jack. The projector also allows for audio playback via a speaker driven by a 10-watt amplifier and offers closed caption display.

However, despite all of these great things about the new interactive projector from Sanyo, this is not the very first whiteboard-less interactive projector that we have seen. There have been different multi-surface projectors with interactive capabilities since as far back as 2007. Just last year Epson released its BrightLink 450Wi. It is similar to the PLC-WL2503 in several ways. The 450Wi is an ultra-short projector like Sanyo’s projector. It provides an 80-inch display from two feet away. It also features 1,280 x 800 WXGA resolution and 2,500 lumens of brightness. Epson’s 450Wi has an IR pen like the PLC-WL2503 that lets users communicate with the front-facing cameras that are built in to the projector to allow for all of the multi-surface interactivity. Unfortunately, the issue with the BrightLink 450Wi is the price. Side by side, the two interactive, multi-surface projectors' features don’t look very different, but the fact that the 450Wi is more than $500 more expensive than the projector from Sanyo makes all of the difference.

The Sanyo PLC-WL2503 is covered by a three year parts and labor warranty. It will be available by the end of the month and will cost users $1695.99.

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The 3D Projectors of CES 2011

2011-01-27T09:41:00.010-05:00

CES 2011 made a lot of waves in the world of projectors showing off a wide range of 3D HD projectors that accept content over HDMI. The thing that makes this special is that most of the 3D projectors on the market could only receive content from a PC via VGA or DVI, which reduces the image to a less than stellar 480i quality. That all seems to be changing, however, with the new styles of 3D projectors that will be hitting the market which can output in HD and even transform existing 2D content into 3D content.

Of the 3D projectors shown, a few impressive ones came from Vivitek. Vivitek's newest line of projectors have the ability to transform content that is made in 2D and produce it in HD 3D. The D512-3D, D536-3D and D538-3D projectors convert input sent via HDMI and output them in 720p 3D. All of these projectors also have a range of 2600 to 3200 lumens, and the best part is that these products are only supposed to run between $899 and $1,299 with a summer release date.

Sharp also displayed some nice 3D projectors as well. The company's new 1,600-lumen XV-Z17000 3D DLP 1080p home theater projector is said to come out in February for around $5,000. The XV-Z17000 comes with two pairs of 3D active shutter glasses and uses "IR Link" to sync your image.

Samsung announced their SP-A8000 3D home theater projector which, like the Vivitek ones, is also capable of transforming 2D images into 3D images. The SP-A8000 comes with full HD, 1,000 lumens and has a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. The SP-A8000 also only has a single lens as well as a single bulb. No availability or pricing has been released on this one yet.

Other great products came from Mitsubishi as they unveiled their 1,000-lumen Diamond HD9000 3D projector. This projector is a full HD 1080p 3D home theater model that has the ability to produce 100-inch 3D images. The Diamond HD9000 uses active shutter glasses and has a 120Hz refresh rate. It is also powered by an SXRD reflective liquid-crystal optical engine and has a 120,000:1 contrast ratio. No word is out on pricing or availability on this one either.

Projector fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming months, especially if they are fans of 3D.

Source: Projector People

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Lunette Curved Screens from Elite Screens

2011-01-13T11:26:00.005-05:00

What good is a projector without a screen? Well, not good, to be honest. Sure you can project the image on a bed sheet or a wall but if you are going to fork over the cash for a high end projector, you want to watch it on something that really makes the picture pop. Projector screens vary dramatically, but there is a new one that just hit the market that has a lot of potential.

Projector screen manufacturer Elite has just launched their newest product in their line of projector screens, a new curved screen. This new screen is said to give you, the viewer, the impression that you are literally being drawn into the images being projected.

This screen, known as the Lunette screen, is the latest product in Elite's display offerings and is aimed primarily at giving home cinema junkies, as well as major presentation venues, the best possible projector surface for their films and images.

What happens is that the screen enhances the aesthetic appeal of the display through the curve of the material. This allows it to eliminate the problem of what is known in the projector world as the "pincushion effect." The pincushion effect is common when you project in a widescreen format.

The pincushion effect happens when the center of a widescreen screen appears to droop inwards due to the increased length of the aspect ratio. This basically means that light from your projector must travel further to the sides of the screen. When it does this, you get a more distorted image on screen.

The Lunette measures 85 to 166 inches diagonally and displays in HDTV 16:9 or in widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratios. Elite offers many different surface options for your screen including their CineWhite tension matte white 1.1 gain material. This is black-backed in order to minimize light penetration. You can also get the acoustically transparent AcousticPro1080 matte white woven material with black fabric backing material. The screen itself is edged with a 3.5-inch thick frame and is coated in black velour in order to eliminate light reflection.

The Lunette Screen from Elite Screens is available now for a starting price of $919.

Source: Projector Point

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Sony's New HD Camcorders Featuring Built-in Projector Introduced at the CES

2011-01-06T19:11:00.007-05:00

The 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) showed off a variety of fascinating aspects of technology that we can hopefully soon look forward to enjoying. One of the great devices that was introduced at the show was Sony’s newest camcorder technology. Now, the 3D camcorder that Sony introduced was definitely very cool, but according to Consumer Reports’ associate electronics editor Terry Sullivan, this newest piece of technology might be even cooler.

The line of camcorders that Sony introduced at the CES consisted of HD camcorders that come complete with a built-in projector. Sony says that the line will be known as the PJ series. There will be three different models known as the HDR-PJ50V, the HDR-PJ30V, and the HDR-PJ10.

I’m honestly very impressed with this series of camcorders that Sony will be releasing. The devices will all be able to project video and images up to 60 inches in size when standing 18 feet away. Each of the camcorders in the series will have stereo speakers built into them with S-Master digital amplifier and Clear Phase technologies.

They also will all feature very large hard drives, 1080/60p video recording, built-in GPS, Exmor-R image sensors, built-in USB, great optics, and other great features. Prices also aren’t too bad considering all the fantastic features that these camcorders offer. Sony is expected to release two of their camcorders from the PJ line in March with the third device available sometime in April. Here’s the breakdown of each model.

HDR-PJ50V: Available for about $1000 in April

• Built-in video projector and speakers. This offers a brand new way for users to enjoy playback without the need to plug into a TV.
• Projector is integrated into the flip-out 3.0” Wide Clear Photo Plus touch panel LCD screen. It is capable of projecting images up to 60” on a wall, the ceiling, etc.
• Built-in audio system and stereo speakers with S-Master digital amplifier and Clear Phase correction, wind noise reduction, and mic/HP jack
• Full 1920×1080 HD video recording at up to 24Mbps and 7-megapixel still image capture
• 220GB hard disk drive, 1080/60p playback w/ Optical SteadyShot™ w/ Active Mode
• “Exmor-R” CMOS sensor and Wide Angle G Lens w/ 12x optical and 17x Extended Zoom
• Built-in GPS receiver w/ NAVTEQ® maps geo-tags content
• Event Browse for automatic grouping of content by events and Highlight Playback & Share to create highlight reels automatically
• Built-in USB cable and software for easy web upload and quick charge

HDR-PJ30V: Available for about $950 in March

• Built-in video projector and Clear Phase stereo speakers. This offers a brand new way for users to enjoy playback without the need to plug into a TV.
• Projector is integrated into the flip-out 3.0” Wide Clear Photo Plus touch panel LCD screen, capable of projecting images up to 60” onto walls, ceilings, etc.
• Built-in Clear Phase stereo speakers with S-Master digital amplifier, wind noise reduction, and mic/HP jack
• Full 1920×1080 high-definition video recording at up to 24Mbps and 7-megapixel still image capture
• 32GB flash memory, 1080/60p playback w/ Optical SteadyShot™™ w/ Active Mode
• “Exmor-R” CMOS sensor and Wide Angle G Lens w/ 12x optical and 17x Extended Zoom
• Built-in GPS receiver w/ NAVTEQ® maps geo-tags content
• Event Browse for automatic grouping of content by events and Highlight
• Playback & Share to create highlight reels automatically
• Built-in USB cable and software for easy web upload and quick charge

HDR-PJ10: Available for about $700 in March

• Built-in video projector and speakers. This offers a brand new way for users to enjoy playback without the need to plug into a TV.
• Projector is integrated into the flip-out 3.0” Wide Clear Photo Plus touch panel LCD screen, capable of projecting images up to 60” onto walls, ceilings, etc.
• Full 1920×1080 high-definition video recording at up to 24Mbps and 3-megapixel still image capture
• 16GB flash memory, 1080/60p playback w/ Optical SteadyShot™ w/ Active Mode
• “Exmor-R” CMOS sensor and Wide Angle G Lens w/ 30x optical and 42x Extended Zoom
• Event Browse for automatic grouping of content by events and Highlight Playback & Share to create highlight reels automatically
• Built-in USB cable and software for easy web upload and quick charge
• Built-in microphone with wind noise reduction and mic/HP jack

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Stylish DLP Projectors from InFocus

2010-12-30T13:11:00.007-05:00

If you know anything about projectors, then you know that their physical appearance is nothing to jump up and down about. Nearly every projector is square, large, one solid color and, overall, completely boring. The reason for this is because projector manufacturers typically spend so much time into making the images projected look good that the exterior of the device is an afterthought. Well, that doesn't have to be the case any longer thanks to InFocus.

If you have a projector that is not tucked away in a corner or mounted from the ceiling, then the physical appearance isn't all that important. However, if you have one that is out in the open, then why not make it look cool? The new IN5533 and IN5535 projectors from InFocus have, supposedly, completely customizable top panels that can basically match any style you are looking for. You can currently get these devices in wood grain, black, white or with a pre-primed skin so you can create your own design.

Aside from customization, both projectors have a 6,000 lumen brightness, a six segment color wheel and technologies like DLP Dark Chip and InFocus Brilliant Color. These technologies allow both the IN5533 and the IN5535 to excel in rooms of high, ambient light. The IN5533 comes with a 1280x800 resolution, whereas the IN5535 offers a higher 1920x1200 resolution.

If you are looking for an nice alternative to the bland and boring look of your average everyday projector, then check out the customizable IN5533 and the IN5535 from InFocus if you want to add a little life to your projector experience.

Source: Audio Video Revolution

New Products from ViewSonic at CES 2011

2010-12-16T17:35:00.005-05:00

CES, or the Consumer Electronics Show, is one of the biggest electronic conventions in the world. Every year people bring their newest products to CES in order to show them off and start generating buzz. Well, ViewSonic has a whole lot of new products that they will be sharing at CES 2011 and are heading into the show with a ton of momentum.

Over the past month, ViewSonic was one of the first companies to bring to us a dual-boot 10" and 7" Android tablet when they debuted the ViewPad 7, ViewPad 10 and the gTablet. The ViewPad 7 is currently available for pre-order while the gTablet is currently shipping, and the ViewPad 10 is on track with ViewSonic's proposed Q1 release date.

ViewSonic plans on expanding its ViewPad product line to new levels at CES 2011. ViewSonic plans on unveiling screens that range from 4" to up to 65". This plan is in hopes of giving users access to thousands of open-source applications on a completely customizable interface.

At the 2011 CES ViewSonic will present their VX2739wm, a 27" full HD monitor with a very fast 1ms response time. The cool thing about this device is that it was recently awarded CES' Design and Innovation Award, and the 3D 3DPF8 multimedia frame is one of the top contenders for Last Gadget Standing.

ViewSonic also plans on expanding their business in 2011 to newer technologies. New devices that ViewSonic plans on showing off include all new ViewPad solutions running open-source Android OS as well as 3D cameras and video cameras. 3D digital photo frames with no need of glasses will also be revealed as well as connected LED HDTVs and 3D TVs and HD home theater projectors.

According to Jeff Volpe, Vice President and General Manager for ViewSonic Americas, "For nearly 25 years, ViewSonic has been at the forefront of visual display technology. From our beginnings in CRT computer displays, we've evolved into a global corporation that offers LED PC displays, HDTVs, projectors, small form factor and mobile computing devices and consumer electronics. With over 30 million products used around the world, you can literally find ViewSonic anywhere."

ViewSonic looks like they will have a lot of products to show off at CES 2011. If you love technology and you have a liking of ViewSonic, then you do not want to miss CES 2011.

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Epson's New EB-1700 Series Projectors

2010-12-02T21:25:00.006-05:00

Epson has just unleashed a new ultraportable business projector, perfect for the always traveling businessman. This new series of projectors is only 45mm high and weighs a light 1.7kg, allowing it to fit in the same bag with a notebook, making it great for presentations.

The projector, known as the EB-1775W, gives customers a fully automated setup which includes everything from horizontal and vertical keystone correction to a one touch "screen fit" button which resizes the projected image to fit the screen automatically.

The EB-1770W, EB-1760W and EB-1750 all come with automatic vertical keystone correction as well as source search, auto detection of RGB/Component connections, multi-screen color adjustment, password protection, auto iris on/off, internal speakers, normal and ECO power modes and even three pre-set color modes.

The EB-1775W, EB-1770W and EB-1760W, in order to match the screen aspect of many laptops, all project a WXGA widescreen format. This allows presentations designed on your laptop to run smoothly and be displayed in their full size with no edges missing.

Epson even allows you the option of eliminating unprofessional and complicated cabling across the desk or floor by connecting your projector to a 802.11 b/g/n wireless network. If that wasn't enough for you, Epson offers the option of using a USB Quick Wireless COnnection key which enables quick peer to peer connections to a laptop for added simplicity. This comes included on the EB-1775W and is optional on the EB-1770W and the EB-1760W.

Every single device in the EB-1700 series can display presentations with image, audio and mouse controls via a connection to a PC using a simple USB cable. In addition to that, you can also create and even display images directly from a USB memory device. This makes it possible for you to give a presentation without need of a connected computer.

Epson does give other input and display options. All the projectors in the EB-1700 series have HDMI (aside from the EB-1750), VGA, Video (RCA), USB Type B, USB Type A and Audio (stereo mini) ports.

All models come at varying prices with the EB-1775W at $1,999, the EB-1770W at $1,699, the EB-1760W at $1,399 and the EB-1750 at $1,199.

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BenQ's New SP890 Installation Projector

2010-11-19T17:21:00.004-05:00

BenQ is one of the biggest names in the projector manufacturing industry by far, and they always have a tendency to come up with some really great products in a wide variety of styles and uses. The company's newest projector comes in the form of the new SP890 installation projector which is specifically designed to be used in somewhat larger venues like conference halls or auditoriums.

Like most of BenQ's products, the SP890 is packed with a ton of awesome features and good specs that make it a worthwhile device. The SP890 has full HD and HQV picture quality with full 1080p HD as well as 4000 ANSI lumens brightness. The SP890 also has a 50,000:1 contrast ratio and an optical zoom of 1.5X. These specs make it the perfect type of projector to use in large venues such as business meetings and trade shows or even in a large college classroom.

According to BenQ, the SP890 offers five times more detail than your average 480p projectors. The projector has HQV processing which is very sophisticated. This renders HD video in true 1080p HD quality. BenQ also added that lower resolution video sources including 480i (digital and analog) will be automatically converted by the SP890 allowing it to achieve full HD picture quality.

This projector uses BrilliantColorT Technology. This offers users a high-speed, 6-segment color wheel. The color wheel delivers a great deal of balance between your projector's brightness and color levels. With the SP890's horizontal and vertical lens shift features, 1.5X zoom and independent color management, it is safe to say that the SP890 is one of the top projectors currently in the installation projector market.

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The Problems with Pocket Projectors are Being Solved

2010-11-13T18:47:00.005-05:00

Pocket projectors are becoming much more advanced and useful. They are now beginning to feature more lumens, increased resolution, and better battery life. These are definitely some of the reasons why the pocket projector industry is showing rapid growth, which will most likely only continue as the projectors improve even more.

This past spring DisplaySearch reported on the pocket projector market in Pocket Projector Technology and Market Forecast Report. They predicted that by 2018 there would be more than 140 million pocket projectors in use. The company had said that there needed to be some serious improvements in pocket projectors' brightness, resolution, and battery life. Since there have definitely been some improvements in these areas, DisplaySearch feels that by 2018 there will most certainly be pocket projectors that are leaps and bounds ahead of the ones that we see today, and due to their portability and convenience, there will therefore be a great increase in pocket projector sales.

DisplaySearch had already predicted that brightness and battery life would greatly improve from 2009 to 2012. In 2009 the pocket projector only featured a brightness ranging from 5 to 50 lumens. The average device then only had 15 lumens. This year HP released a pocket projector that featured 100 lumens of brightness, but unfortunately, it does not run on batteries. DisplaySearch has said that they believe in 2011 that all pocket projector models will be above 20 lumens, and in 2012 there should be models with 200 lumens.

Battery life has also improved. In 2009 the battery life of pocket projectors ranged from 30 minutes to 2 hours, with the average projector coming in at about an hour. By 2011 DisplaySearch claims that all pocket projectors should feature a battery life of over an hour, and by 2012 there should be models with a battery life of more than four hours.

Some of the newest pocket projectors that have been released show that the devices are definitely moving in the direction that DisplaySearch believes they will. 3M has recently announced two of their newest models, the MPro160 and the MPro180, that feature 30 lumens and two hours of battery life when in standard mode. Both of these devices will be available in January of 2011. These new projectors show significant improvements over some of their previous models. The MPro110, which was released at the very end of 2008, featured only 10 lumens, and the MPro120, which was released in 2009, had only 15 lumens of brightness. The MPro180 not only has improved in the amount of lumens it has, but it also features a 2.4-inch LCD touchscreen, much better resolution, and many other things.

3M is not the only one that has been improving their pocket projectors though. Philips has recently released three new pocket projectors, the PPX 1430, the PPX 1230, and thePPX 1020, in their PicoPix line. All of the projectors feature 400:1 contrast ratio, 20 to 30 lumens of brightness, and 2.5 hours of battery on the 1230 and 1430 models.

All of these advances show that pocket projectors are moving in the right direction. They are featuring more lumens, better resolution, and much longer battery life. It will be great to see how they improve them in the future. Hopefully, it won’t take too long. I guess we’ll just have to see if DisplaySearch is correct that by 2018 more than 140 million pocket projectors will be in use. With the direction that things are going in, it seems like they could definitely be correct.

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Paint Your Own Projector Screen

2010-11-04T18:19:00.006-04:00

If you are one of those people who have decided that going with a high quality projection is a better deal than buying a high end television, then you are most certainly aware that a high quality projector screen will undoubtedly give you the most bang for your buck. The big name screen manufacturers out there like Da-Lite and Screen Innovation use special materials specifically designed to enhance contrast and color in their projection screens. The result you get consists of punched up white levels and deep blacks.

The only problem with this setup is that screens like this are expensive and not everybody has the extra cash to throw around like that, especially in today's economy. There are also the crafty folks out there who would prefer to do a complete do-it-yourself project for their home theaters. Reports are coming in from all over about people who have figured out ways to create their own high-quality projector screens in their homes.

Some people have built impressive 120-inch diagonal screens using white ceiling paint from Home Depot and the ever popular 1x4s. Now everybody knows that painting a surface doesn't make it smooth. So, in order to get the smoothest surface possible you are going to need to sand away any imperfections in the surface area of the wall you are thinking about painting.

After that is done, you should apply two coats of primer followed by several layers of the ceiling paint. You can even paint around the screen in black to build a frame for your screen. The best materials to use, it seems, are Kilz primer and Home Depot brand white ceiling paint. The picture quality is incredible, rivaling some of the more top-notch and expensive brands out there.

With the price of screens out there and the money people don't have to spend on them, a do-it-yourself projector screen is ingenious. It is the perfect thing if you have a projector that you use frequently or instead of a television. So the next time you are thinking about upgrading your screen, don't. Just paint your own on the wall.

Source: The Projector People

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Newest Projectors from 3M

2010-11-01T18:33:00.007-04:00

In the past few months manufacturers have been getting fancy and have started producing hybrid gadgets that include mini-projectors in their design. There were the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj and S1100pj cameras that featured built-in projectors, the LG Expo GW820 smartphone that included an optional projector attachment, and about a month ago, 3M revealed their Shoot ‘n Share camcorder projector.

The Shoot ‘n Share allows you to do just what its name suggests. You can easily capture pictures or videos and project them from the same device that you shot them with, and the great thing is that you can do so instantly. The 3M Camcorder Projector can shoot video at up to 720p at 60 frames per second. The video is shot in a MPEG4 format, and as I said, it can be viewed immediately with its 15-lumen LCOS projector. All you need is a surface on which to project the image. You can view the image at any size ranging from 6 to 65 inches. The Camcorder Projector features a 2.4-inch screen, an embedded speaker, a two hour battery life, and a MicroSD card slot in case you need more than the device's 32MB of internal memory. The Shoot ‘n Share is currently available for $299.

At the same time that 3M released the Shoot ‘n Share camcorder projector they also released two new pico projectors, the MPro180 and the MPro160. The 3M MPro180 has a variety of useful features including: 30 lumens of brightness, SVGA resolution, two hours of battery life, still and video image projection, touchscreen controls, wireless connectivity, MP3 capabilities, Bluetooth compatibility, 4GB of internal memory, a microSD card slot for additional storage, and two 0.75-watt stereo speakers. It also supports Adobe PDFs and Microsoft Office applications including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Normally the smaller a projector, the less features it has, but this little projector is jam-packed with features despite its size. The projector is able project an image at sizes ranging from 10 to 80 inches. It is now available for $399.

The MPro160 is extremely similar to the MPro180 except it’s about $50 less and has a few less features. The MPro160 lacks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity as well as MP3 capabilities. There also is not an internal memory or card slot which means that it is dependent on an external device such as a MP3 player, laptop, PC, etc. as the image source. This projector is available now for $349.

3M has been releasing some very interesting products lately. The Shoot ‘n Share camcorder projector just seems so convenient. To be able to take pictures or video and then instantly display it is amazing. The pico projectors from 3M are great as well. They offer so many features for their size. The fact that you can surf the Web from the MPro180 is incredible. If you’re looking for a pico projector, the MPro180 and MPro160 are definitely two that you should keep in mind. It will be great to see more projectors emerging from 3M. I think that they have definitely hit some home runs with their latest releases.

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Dukane's New ImagePro 8788 Projector

2010-10-21T16:00:00.004-04:00

Dukane, one of the leading manufacturers in the projector industry, has just unveiled their newest product, the ImagePro 8788 Projector. The ImagePro 8788 is just another addition to the already great ImagePro line of projectors from Dukane.

The ImagePro has a ton of features that nearly any projector aficionado will be able to enjoy. Among the great list of features, the ImagePro 8788 has are a 2200 ANSI lumens, an XGA (1024x768)resolution and a 2000:1 contrast ratio.

Dukane has really designed this projector specifically for educational purposes. Because of this the ImagePro 8788 has included distinctive features that cater to whiteboards and blackboards.

The ImagePro 8788 also has some other major features including an extra long lasting lamp with up to 4000 hours of life as well as an instant on/off feature.

Dukane has also included added security features for added protection. This is particularly good for customers that value high security performance in all of their technological devices.

A retail price for the ImagePro 8788 Projector has not yet been officially released and neither has a an official release date but don't expect to be waiting too much longer.

Looking to acquire an IBM Lenovo Desktop Rental? If so, then head on over to www.rentacomputer.com or call 800-736-8772 today.

The NP64 Projector from NEC

2010-10-21T14:19:00.003-04:00

So when you're looking at projectors, the rule of thumb usually seems to be that the lighter and more portable the projector is, the lower the level of brightness the projector can offer. Therefore, an ultra-portable lightweight projector like the NP64 from NEC Display Solutions of America is not supposed to be capable of projecting a large, bright image that is able to stand up to ambient light. This projector though is definitely the exception. This projector is amazing. It has more total lumens than many of the bigger, heavier projectors. If you want an ultraportable projector that can still produce an amazing quality image, the NP64 is definitely one to keep in mind.

The NP64 projector weighs a mere 3.7 pounds and is rated at 3,000 lumens. So how great is 3,000 lumens, you might ask? Well ,consider this, the Samsung P410 weighs only two pounds, but it also is only rated at 170 lumens; the Casio Green Slim XJ-A145U weighs 5 pounds and is rated at 2,500 lumens, but this is still less than the NP64.

The NP64 measures in at 2.8 x 9.7 x 7.3 inches (HWD). This allows the device to be portable enough to bring with you wherever you want. NEC helps make it even easier for you to travel with the NP64 by including a soft travel case.

The projector features a DLP engine with a native XGA (1024 x 768) resolution and a direct USB reader. This reader allows you to download whatever you need to project onto a USB key as a JPG file and simply plug the USB key into the projector. This allows you to leave your laptop behind.

Setup of the projector is very simple no matter what you may be using as your source for images. As mentioned above, the NP64 has a USB port, but it also features a back panel that offers a DB-15 that allows for a computer or component video source, an S-Video and composite video input, and a mini-plug stereo input. This gives you a variety of good options for connectivity to the projector.

When you get ready to set up the projector, all that you have to do is plug in the power cord, connect to the source of your choice, adjust the zoom, and point the projector in the direction of where you will be presenting. It is just that simple. It is not even necessary to focus the image because the projector has auto-focus.

The NP64 has pretty good video quality. Some detail is lost in the really dark areas, but it isn’t very noticeable unless you’re being extremely picky. Basically, the video quality is just fine. The thing that will be an issue is the audio quality. Typically, lightweight projectors don’t have the best sound quality. If you need sound for your presentation, then you will definitely have to get some sort of external sound system.

The NP64 is an amazing projector. It does everything that a projector should do and more, minus the sound quality issues. It is lightweight, portable, bright, and easy to use. If you’re looking for a projector, this is definitely one to keep in consideration. The NP64 projector by NEC is available now for $1,099 direct.

Looking for a Kiosk Rental for your next event? If so, then call Rentacomputer.com at 800-736-8772 to get your Kiosk Rental today.

Home Theater Projector from JVC

2010-10-14T19:42:00.004-04:00

Back in late September JVC announced their new home theater projectors that utilize their high-end D-ILA projection technology. There is the DLA-HD250 by JVC Consumer and DLA-HD250 Pro by JVC Professional. Both of these projectors offer a 25,000:1 native contrast ratio and feature 1,000 ANSI lumens of brightness.

The DLA-HD250/250 Pro features three different 0.7-inch 1920 x 1080 D-ILA devices. JVC says that the devices provide “a naturally flicker-free picture with true blacks and extraordinary luminance details.” They also claim that there are many different advantages to having D-ILA instead of the usual projector technology. First, it is important to understand that D-ILA simply means a variant of liquid crystal on silicon. It allows the pixels to be packed closer together. This eliminates the use of separate imaging chips for red, green, and blue. It also gets rid of the “screen door effect.” D-ILA also aligns the liquid crystal layers in a vertical pattern. The company claims that this allows for the projector to have such a high contrast ratio and also allows for an inorganic alignment layer that helps to extend the projector's life.

When the D-ILA featured with the DLA-HD250/250 Pro is combined with JVC’s amazing optical engine, the projector is able to provide its high contrast ratio without needing a dynamic iris to inflate contrast specifications. The projectors also feature a HQZ Reon-VX video processor from Silicon Optix. This ensures incredible image reproduction on the projectors with precision I/P conversion and scaling.
The other features included with the DLA-HD250/250 Pro are a 2x motorized zoom lens with an auto dust cover, customizable gamma control, and a quiet (19dB) operation. The projectors are designed for home theater purposes but can also be used in brighter environments. Bars and restaurants can easily use this projector and have no problems because of the 1,000 lumens of brightness utilized.

The DLA-HD250/250 Pro comes standard with a two year warranty. They are currently available for $2,995.

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Smartphone-sized Projector from Acer

2010-10-08T16:22:00.005-04:00

Acer has just announced the release of their newest projector, the C20 Pico-projector. This ultraportable projector is actually the size of a smartphone.

The projection device is encased in plastic. The back is a black matte finish, and the front is a glossy black. For the frame, you can choose between three different colors: candy pink, metallic blue, and silver. There are a variety of different connectivity ports with the C20. There is a USB port, HDMI port, and a SDCH card reader.

Acer has designed the C20 so that it can project images in a variety of different sizes ranging from five inches to 66 inches with a contrast ratio of 2000:1. There are internal speakers, and Acer has also promised WVGA resolution and a native 16:9 picture.

The C20 Pico-projector also features ColorSafe II DLP technology. This helps to prevent color decay with your projector, which is very important. Another great aspect about the C20 is its LED bulb that offers up to 20,000 hours of use.

As of now, the Acer C20 Pico-projector is only available in the U.K., but it should be coming to the U.S. soon enough. It is selling for 280 pounds in the U.K., which comes out to about $444 in the U.S. This is a great little ultraportable projector that should definitely be a hit.

If you found this story interesting then you should definitely check out the iGo Pocket Projector on the Projector Meetings blog.

Call Rentacomputer.com today at 800-736-8772 if you are in the market for a Nationwide Copier Rental.

Sharp's First 3D Capable DLP Projector

2010-10-07T21:33:00.005-04:00

Oh look! Another story on something 3D! Who would have guessed!? Yes, that's right, yet another story on a 3D product. You better get used to it though because 3D isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

The newest 3D product talked about today is a new 3D capable DLP projector from home theater giant Sharp. Now everybody knows that Sharp has been on a huge 3D push in recent months, and the final piece of their 3D puzzle is their new 3D-capable DLP projector.

The device, known as the XV-Z17000 (can't they ever come up with a simple name?), is the very first 3D projector from Sharp that has been exclusively designed for the consumer market. Even though this is Sharp's first attempt at a 3D projector, the spec sheet makes the outlook seem pretty good.

The XV-Z17000 leverages DLP technology alongside a 250-watt lamp to deliver impressive color accuracy as well as enough power to pump out 1600 lumens in high brightness mode. The XV-Z17000 comes with a native contrast ratio of 30,000 to 1 which isn't the most outstanding ratio on the market, but it definitely isn't the worst.

One particularly nice feature of the XV-Z17000 is its ultra-quiet fan which produces a mere 23 decibels of noise output when the projector is running with Eco+Quiet mode enabled. What this means is that you will be hearing less noise from the built-in fan and much more clearer audio from your speakers.

A release date and official pricing for Sharp's XV-Z17000 has yet to be determined, but you can probably expect to see the device on store shelves at the beginning of next year. Couple this together with the list of Sharp's other 3D devices, and you will soon be living the movies as opposed to just watching them.

In the market for an AV Rental? Rentacomputer.com has a wide range of AV rentals delivered nationwide. Call today at 800-736-8772.

Tips to Caring for Your Projector

2010-10-03T16:32:00.006-04:00

Projectors can most certainly be an expensive purchase. Whether you are using the projector for business or personal home use, you want to extend your projector's life as much as you possibly can. There are several pretty simple steps that you can take to maximize the lifetime of your device.

1.Read the manual.
This is the most basic way to help protect your projector. Read the manual that comes with your projector. It will instruct you on how to properly operate the device and will tell you any special precautions you may need to take that are specific to the projector that you purchased.

2.Allow projector to cool.
If you want to extend the lamp life of your projector, you need to let your unit cool completely before turning it off or unplugging it. Excessive heat is a huge contributor to the shortening of a projector’s lamp life. Due to this fact, it is also important to remember not to utilize your projector in direct sunlight or near a heat source.

3.Change filter.
The specifics about changing your projector’s filter can be found in the user’s manual.

4.Do not operate without filter.
You cannot operate your projector when you do not have a filter. If you were to do this, dust can be drawn into the optics of the projector, which will then cause the dust particles to show up on your projected image.

5.Avoid smoke.
It’s not a good idea to use a projector in a smoky environment. The smoke can cause damage to the optics of your device, and smoke damage is not covered under most projector’s warranties.

6.Storage is key.
It is important to store your projector in a cool, dry space.

7.Clean the lens.
For best possible performance, it is necessary to clean the lens of your projector. This allows for optimal image quality. The easiest and safest way to the clean the lens of your device is to use a lens cloth.
These are just a few simple tips that can help to extend the life of your projector. Projectors can be a very big investment, so shouldn’t you do all you can to take care of your device?

If you like this story then you may also be interested in 6 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Projector on our Projector Meetings blog.

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New 3D Projector from Sony

2010-09-26T20:22:00.004-04:00

Sony is allowing you bring the stunning big screen 3D experience found at the movie theater into your very own home. They have just announced their first 3D front projector, the new VPL-VW90ES.

The VPL-VW90ES is the first of Sony’s projectors to be branded with “Elevated Standards.” This means that the projector was engineered to have exceptionally high build quality and provide an outstanding video experience. It was also built to be seamlessly united with any third-party control systems.

Vice president of Sony’s home audio and video business, Brian Siegel, states, “Delivering on Sony's promise of innovation, the VW90ES brings the 3D big screen theater home with another stunning full HD, sub-$10,000 home cinema projector. Sony understands the 3D ecosystem better than any manufacturer, so dealers and installers can count on Sony products to deliver the best possible 3D experience.”

The Silicon X-tal Reflective Display of the VPL-VW90ES HD (1920 x 1080) projector is incredible when combined with Sony’s 24p True Cinema. It uses frame sequential 3D technology with active-shutter glass. This in turn works with Sony’s 240Hz high frame technology to deliver a smooth, HD 3D image. Not only does this projector give an amazing 3D performance, but it also can give users a fantastic 2D experience. Siegel says, “The VW90ES also shares the heritage of previously acclaimed Sony SXRD projectors delivering incredible 2D performance that rivals any competition in its class.”

The VPL-VW90ES uses a single Ultra High Performance lamp with a brightness of 1,000 ANSI lumens. It also utilizes Sony’s Advanced Iris 3 technology to deliver a sharp, deep black image that produces a contrast ratio of 150,000:1.

Now not only does the VPL-VW90ES provide excellent sound and picture quality, but as I mentioned previously, it also integrates with third-party control systems seamlessly. This projector joins the list of many of Sony’s other products that integrate easily with the top home theater automation systems including: Creston, Savant, Control4, AMX®, Ultimate Remote Control, Vantage, RTI, and many others. The VPL-VW90ES also includes AMX Device Discovery Beacon and is Control4 Certified.

One of the great things about this outstanding projector is that it doesn’t need a special screen. If you already have a home theater system set up, you can easily switch over to the VPL-VW90ES with no problems.

The projector will be available in November , 2010 for around $10,000 from Sony’s authorized installers and specialty dealers across the country. TheVPL-VW90ES will come standard with two pairs of Sony’s active shutter 3D glasses.

If you’re looking for the best possible 3D home theater experience, Sony’s VPL-VW90ES could be exactly what you are looking for.

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JVC's 3D-Enabled D-ILA Home Theater Projectors

2010-09-23T16:56:00.007-04:00

JVC unveiled six new 3D-enabled D-ILA projectors today at the CEDIA Expo 2010. All six projectors host native contrast ratios that, quite frankly, blew me away. The top models from JVC deliver a 100,000:1 contrast ratio.

These new projectors are known as the Reference Series DLA-RS60, DLA-RS50 and DLA-RS40, which are to be marketed by JVC's Professional Products Group while the Procision Series DLA-X9, DLA-X7 AND DLA-X3 are to be available through JVC's Consumer Electronics Group.

"3D has recently become a major box office draw. Now, with 3D broadcast channels emerging and a growing number of 3D Blu-ray titles available, consumers want the immersive 3D experience in their homes. Our new line of D-ILA projectors sets a new standard for home cinema. It's an immersive home 3D viewing experience," says Product Engineering Manager of D-ILA Systems at JVC Professional Products, Gary Klasmeier.

To run the 3D content each projector has two HDMI 1.4a ports and supports side-by-side (broadcast) frame series (Blu-ray) as well as above-below 3D transmissions. An external 3D signal emitter (PK-EM1) syncs the 3D projected image with JVC's Active Shutter 3D glasses (PK-AG1). The external emitter also ensures a solid transmission to the 3D glasses despite what screen you use or what system configuration you have set up.

The DLA-RS60 and DLA-X9 are the flagship projectors and both are built using hand-selected, hand-tested components and both provide the 100,000:1 native contrast ratio mentioned earlier. For 3D display both projectors come equipped with two pairs of 3D glasses as well as a PK-EM1 3D signal emitter and each have a three year warranty from JVC.

According to Klasmeier, "No other three-chip projectors in the home theater market can match the amazing 100,000:1 native contrast ratio of the DLA-RS60 or DLA-X9. JVC's contrast ratio numbers are not artificially inflated by electronic circuitry or a dynamic iris, so every frame consistently and faithfully reproduces peak whites and deep blacks."

The DLA-RS50 and DLA-X7 both offer a 70,000:1 native contrast ratio, while the DLA-RS40 and DLA-X3 have 50,000:1 native contrast ratios. All four of these projectors come with two year warranties from JVC and are compatible with JVC's PK-AG1 Active Shutter 3D glasses and PK-EM1 3D signal emitter.

All these projectors look amazing and are sure to be tops in the 3D projector market. According to JVC, all six projectors will be available in late November for the following prices:

DLA-RS60 and DLA-X9 - $11,995

DLA-RS50 and DLA-X7 - $7,995

DLA-RS40 and DLA-X3 - $4,495

The new JVC PK-AG1 3D glasses and PK-EM1 3D Signal Emitter will also be available in late November for $179 and $79 respectively.

Looking for a Kiosk Rental for your next event? If so, then call Rentacomputer.com at 800-736-8772 to get your Kiosk Rental today.

Barco's New DP2K-P Projector

2010-09-09T18:03:00.005-04:00

At the IBC Convention in Amsterdam Barco, a leader in Digital Cinema, will showcase an all new cinema projector designed specifically for digital post-production. This new device, known as the DP2K-P, is the world's only enhanced 4K-ready projector specifically created to meet the enhanced performance needs of post-production houses.

There are a lot of cool impressive schematics involved with the DP2K-P. The device is built on the already proven DP2K B-Series model which has won awards including best-in-class light efficiency, lowest cost of ownership and ultimate ease-of-use. At the heart of the projector we find the 1.2" DLP Cinema chip from Texas Instruments.

There are a lot of specialized needs of post-production houses. Due to this, the DP2K-P has integrated a greatly expanded color gamut that is noticeably wider than the current DCI recommended color space. In addition to that the DP2K-P delivers significantly more brightness uniformity and contrast than most projectors, giving you better image detail.

The new DP2K-P isn't the only thing that Barco will be unveiling in Amsterdam. The company will also be showing their accompanying Communicator software, which enables users to fully customize their 2D and 3D look-up tables. With the increased control over the color space, post-production pros can do their job with a higher level of accuracy.

Barco has been known for their D-Cine Premiere DP90P projector which was the first dedicated digital post-production projector on the planet. In addition to that, Barco has also demonstrated their commitment to the post-production market segment with a plethora of other products including the RHDM-1701P and RHDM-2301P grade-1 LCD displays for video reference tasks. Barco seeks to add to their fantastic line of products with the DP2K-P, and it sounds like they have.

Projectors are great devices that can be used for a variety of different things. But sometimes, buying a projector just isn't in the cards. That is why a lot of people invest in a projector rental. Rentacomputer.com has an expansive array of projectors and everything that goes with them. To get your very own projector rental visit Rentacomputer.com today or call 877-422-1907 to speak with a customer service representative.

Looking for an Affordable LCD Projector Rental? Call 800-736-8772 today. Ask about the newest type of projector whose appeal is "all in the mirrors" and see if a DLP Projector Rental is right for you.

Top Portable Projectors

2010-09-07T20:55:00.006-04:00

Projectors are really coming down in size and becoming a lot more portable. Some pico projectors (also known as pocket projectors) can be as small as a cell phone. The problem with these pocket projectors is that they tend to lack in brightness and be rather expensive, considering their performance.

There are also palmtop projectors. These are larger than pocket projectors but still are relatively lightweight. Most pico and palmtop projectors have the capability to run files from a USB key, which is very convenient.

Since there are so many different portable projectors out there, it can be difficult to decide which will meet all of your projector needs. Well, here is a list of what some consider to be the top portable laptops available to date.

BenQ Joybee GP1
From $500
This projector is small, lightweight, and very bright. It features excellent built-in audio and a LED light source with 20,000-hour lifetime. It is be considered one of the best palmtop projectors to date.

Samsung P410
From $749
The P410 was designed as an ultra-portable data projector. It reads files directly from a USB memory key, projects a bright image, and has high volume. It also has an LED light source with a 30,000-hour lifetime.

3M Pocket Projector MPro150
From $385
The 3M Pocket Projector can project images from a computer, a video source, a MicroSD card, or from the internal 1GB of memory. It features great audio and relatively bright images. This projector is a pretty good deal.

AAXA L1 Laser Projector
From $500
This projector offers the latest laser technology. It combines red, green, and blue lasers with an LCOS chip. It automatically focuses at any distance to the screen that you are projecting on, and it displays images from computers, video sources, and USB memory keys.

Optoma PK301 Pico Pocket Projector
From $400
The PK301 is the brightest pico projector available right now. It can connect to either a computer or a video device. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the best sound quality or volume, but there is an audio out for a headset or speakers.

ViewSonic PJD2121
From $450
This projector is slightly bigger than most palmtop projectors, but it is also brighter, which allows it to perform better. Although it isn’t a pico or palmtop projector, it is much smaller and lighter than just a standard projector. It really is a great deal to consider.

These are the best portable projectors available right now. Some of the projectors' price tags may seem a little on the high side, but there are also some great deals out there. It all depends on what you will be using your projector for. If you’re looking for a new portable projector, these are definitely some options to consider.

Looking for an Affordable LCD Projector Rental then call 800-736-8772 today. Ask about the newest type of projector whose appeal is "all in the mirrors" and see if a DLP Projector Rental is right for you.

Dell's S300WI Interactive Projector

2010-08-26T17:08:00.007-04:00

The new S300WI projector from Dell is an ultra-portable, short-throw DLP wireless projector that comes equipped with an interactive pen and 3D capabilities. Aside from the interactive pen and the 3D capabilities, the S300WI is virtually identical to the existing S300W model.

The projector is powered by the S450 DarkChip3 DLP chip from Texas Instruments and is promoted as an alternative to a fixed whiteboard. With the S300WI, any surface can potentially be turned into an interactive surface for classroom projects, demonstrations or business meetings.

The S300WI weighs slightly more than 3kg and measures 30.6cm wide by 9.9cm tall and 24.6cm deep making it very portable. It comes with a remote control with integrated laser pointer, VGA and USB video cables and a 6m-long mini-USB cable to be used with the interactive pen.

You can mount the projector on either a ceiling or a wall or you can just set it on a solid surface. It can run as either front or rear projection and video input is via two VGA ports, HDMI, composite or S-Video connections. It can support up to 1080p HD with a native resolution of 1,280 by 800.

A USB display driver is stored in the projector which makes for a quick and easy connection using the supplied cable. An app for viewing JPEG photos on a USB memory stick is included along with a bundled converter which transforms PowerPoint files into a suitable format.

You can use a wireless or wired (802.11 b/g) network connection to connect as many as 30 PCs, each using a small app downloaded directly from the browser-based management interface. There is also support for four-way split-screen conference calls when using a network connection.

The 3D-Ready feature allows multiple users to watch projected 3D content provided they each have a suitable graphics card, 3D content and DLP Link active 3D glasses. The interactive pen is a bit large and requires two AA batteries boasting a 50 hour lifespan.

There are two mouse buttons on the top of the pen and a third button that can be assigned various functions. Some reviews have stated that the pen feels difficult to grip and use as the buttons are in awkward locations.

Once you get everything up and running it all seems to work quite well. The fan is quiet and the on-screen menus are logically arranged. The 0.52 throw ratio gives off a minimum focus distance of 0.5m which delivers an impressive 96cm by 60cm display which rapidly increases to a maximum of 633cm by 396cm at 3.3m. This makes the S300Wi perfect for use in classrooms, meeting rooms or any other confined space.

If you are in the market for a high quality, ultra-portable short-throw wireless DLP projector that can also do interactive writing and 3D, then you should definitely look into the S300WI. It is available now for around $400.

Watch The Big Games on a Big Screen

2010-08-12T16:04:00.008-04:00

The leaves will begin to change soon, the weather will start to cool down and huge, giant men will strap on helmets and start pounding each other into the dirt. That's right, it's football season. A time for big hits, big spirits and big parties. Now if you ask me, the only way to enjoy big spirits at big parties watching big hits is by doing so on a big screen. There is nothing quite like watching your favorite NFL heroes duking it out on a screen the size of your living room wall.

A projector is your one way ticket to life-sized football games in your own living room. Projectors are capable of offering you the best value in big screen viewing with the lowest cost per viewing inch of any current big screen TV. Besides having a big screen, going with a projector has some other pretty nice benefits.

Some of the benefits to a projector are: Projectors can produce huge images; they are not fixed in size so you can adjust your screen depending on the situation or mood; projectors are multipurpose and can work with computers, DVD players, gaming consoles and Blu-ray players; projectors allow for excellent portability usually weighing less than 10lbs; building a home theater for your projector can be a simple and fun DIY project; projectors are cheaper and easier to ship than a standard television and watching a movie, or anything for that matter, on a projector is as close to a movie theater that you can get.

Now I know that a plasma screen, rear projection screen or LCD TV can look really really good, but the biggest one you can typically find is 80 inches. Some projectors can produce images on a screen size of up to 300 inches! You can also save a ton of money on a projector. Your average cost of buying a projector is between $300 and $500.

However, if buying a projector just isn't in the cards for you, then you can always look into getting a high quality projector rental. Rentourprojectors.com has been in the projector rental industry for many years and is dedicated to bringing you any type of projector rental you need. Whether it be a high definition projector, LCD projector, DLP projector or even an ultra-portable projector, Rentourprojectors.com has them all.

Source: The Projector People

Projector Integration Becoming Increasingly Popular

2010-08-06T16:21:00.004-04:00

Small is in. Pico projectors are hot right now and they are basically taking over the projector market, but it looks like projectors are about to get even smaller. According to research from the company In-Stat, many projector and other electronic device makers are pushing to integrate tiny projectors into a number of consumer electronic devices. That includes cell phones, portable computers, and mobile televisions.

The research shows that by the year 2014 2.3 billion devices will include a projector. 90% of those devices will be mobile devices like cell phones.

Check out these related stories:

1. Ultra-Portable Projector Rentals

2. Projectors for Business Travel

New HD Projector Screen from Screen Innovations

2010-07-29T15:53:00.005-04:00

If you are one of those people out there who loves to watch movies at home via projector, just as if you were at the movies, then take a moment to examine your projector screen. If you are noticing ridges, waves, bumps or any type of texture whatsoever then it is high time you upgrade. And if you have a 1080p high definition projector then there is no excuse, you HAVE to upgrade.

But you may be asking yourself, "Upgrade to what?" Well that is a very good question and thanks to the brilliant minds over at Screen Innovations we now have an answer: HD projection screen material. Yeah, you just read that right. Specialized projection screen material specifically designed for HD viewing.

The thing is, screen texture can have a serious affect on your HD viewing. If your screen has too many bumps and ridges in it then you can expect your picture quality to diminish making it seem softer. The standard screen you have hoisted up on your wall now could actually be holding your 1080p projector back. Thankfully we all have Screen Innovations.

Screen Innovations has developed a new embossed HD projector screen material that is completely smooth to the human eye. This new screen gives you the ultimate HD projector viewing experience. And for those of you that like options, Screen Innovations has developed multiple HD screens including the popular Solar and Gamma fixed screens as well as Screen Innovation's motorized line.

Pricing on these screens, however, can get a little steep. A 39.3"x69.8"x80.1" Gamma Fixed Screen can run up to $1,200, a 45.2"x80.3"x92.15" Solar Fixed Screen can run up to $1,500 and a 45"x80"x91.79" Motorized Screen can run you up to $1,700. All of these screens are available now.

New Hybrid Light Source from Casio

2010-07-27T19:03:00.005-04:00

Casio’s new Green Slim Projectors have the potential to change the projector world. They have discovered and produced the first mercury-free light source that is completely capable of high-brightness projection. This is definitely a finding that is going to draw a lot of attention.

So what’s the difference between the mercury lamps and the new Casio Green Slim Hybrid light source? Well, I’m glad that you asked! Mercury lamps are the light source that comes standard right now in most home theater and business projectors. When it comes to brightness, mercury lamps certainly deliver, but one of the big issues with this type of light source is that it needs to be replaced about every 3,000 hours. These lamps also have the potential to leak harmful materials into the ground if they are not disposed of correctly.

There are other light sources that certain projectors utilize such as LED and lasers, but these sources have their share of issues as well. Although these sources are much better for the environment, until recently they could not be used as a light source except for very small, low lumen projectors. For some reason, people couldn’t figure out how to get the color green to project with these light sources. A high-output method could not be discovered to mass produce the green lighting.

So how has Casio changed all of this around? Well their new Hybrid light source utilizes a laser, a fluorescent element, and an LED. The results of this intriguing combination are a clear, crisp, 2,000 to 2,500 lumen picture. Unlike mercury lamps, Casio’s new Hybrid light source doesn’t burn out. It is estimated that after 6,000 hours of use it could save the average user close to $800 over a projector using a mercury lamp. This isn’t the only thing that’s great about the new projector with the Hybrid light source. There is also an instant off function so you don’t have to wait for the projector to cool down, the projector and light source are backed by a 3-year warranty, it’s the thinnest high brightness projector available, it weighs a mere 5 pounds, and it features a USB host function, wireless PC communication capabilities, and a HDMI terminal.

The new line of Green Slim projectors from Casio starts at only $799. These are projectors that are definitely worth looking into.

Check out the other new projector technology that is emerging right now.

Source: The Projector People
Looking to rent a projector? Check out rentacomputer.com for all of your projector rental needs.

IMAX's Laser Projector Plan

2010-07-23T01:43:00.003-04:00

According to the Wall Street Journal, IMAX is teaming up with Laser Light Engines, a small start-up company that develops laser light sources. The two companies' partnership would make IMAX an investor in Laser Light Engines. Just how much of an investment was made was not disclosed, however it is known that Laser Light Engines would provide its technology exclusively to IMAX for two years and would not offer it to any other large-format operators for three years.

One reason IMAX is turning to laser is because it should prove to be cost-effective. The company currently uses digital dual-projectors to lower costs, but the larger screens are still film-based and that can be extremely expensive. Another reason the company is hoping to switch to laser is brightness.

Richard Gelfond, CEO of IMAX, told the Wall Street Journal, "What Laser Light brings to us is not only the ability to do larger screens in digital, which we've been unable to do before, but also to create brighter images in our existing theaters."

IMAX movies are known for bright lights and brightness is key for 3D production because 3D glasses "degrade the light and imagery projected on the screen," according to the Wall Street Journal. Gelfond also noted that IMAX looked into several different types of technology before settling on laser.

The company says that if its use of Laser Light is successful, the larger IMAX screens should switch to digital in the next couple of years. The hope is that the entire system will not have to be replaced and instead, they will be able to integrate the new light source into existing projectors.

Doug Darrow, CEO of Laser Light Engines, told the Wall Street Journal that his company's technology is ideal for 3D. He said that while all aspects of cinema have been modernized, light has not because the industry is still dependent on lamps as a light source. Darrow says his company's technology can "put up the best quality digital image in the world."

Check out these related stories:

1. Media Rentals

2. HD Projector Rentals

Emerging Projector Technology

2010-07-19T10:59:00.005-04:00

Projectors just keep getting better and better. They are constantly being updated with the best and latest features. They’re getting so good that some are even nice enough to use as a home theater. There are 3D projectors, pico projectors, and projectors with gaming features. The issue is choosing the projector that works best for you. Some of the newest projectors to be released are the AAXA L1 Laser Pico Projector, the Optoma GT720, the Casio Green Slim XJ-A145U, and the Epson MovieMate 60. These projectors all feature the latest projector technology and could quite possibly be the perfect fit for you and your projector needs.

AAXA L1 Laser Pico Projector
From $599.99
The AAXA L1 is the first laser pico projector to combine red, green, and blue lasers with an LCOS chip. One of its amazing features is the fact that it automatically focuses from any distance. It also can easily project images from computers, video sources, and USB memory sticks. It can have some problems synching at some resolutions with certain computers, but that’s an easy problem to work around.

Optoma GT720
From $799.99
There really aren’t many gaming projectors available yet. The Optoma GT720 was specifically designed for gamers. It features a short throw, good audio quality, great brightness, and 3D capabilities. It is the perfect projector to display your PS3 or Xbox 360 games. Who wouldn’t love to play Red Dead Redemption or God of War III with a projector like this?

Casio Green Slim XJ-A145U
From $999.99
This DLP data projector has a long-lasting, eco-friendly light source that still provides high luminosity. This is accomplished with a certain type of hybrid technology that Casio uses in several of their projectors. It combines LED and laser light to have the high luminosity and a 20,000 hour lifetime. It also has very bright colors and is extremely lightweight.

Epson MovieMate 60
From $699.99
The Epson MovieMate 60 is the perfect instant home theater projector. The device contains a DVD player, stereo system, and 540p projector all in one. It doesn’t take up tons of room and set up is pretty simple. It’s great for all of your home theater needs.

These are just a few of the latest projectors. They are just a sample of all of the very different kinds of projectors that are beginning to emerge.

Looking to rent a projector? Check out rentacomputer.com for all of your projector rental needs.

Renting a Projection Screen: Things to Consider

2010-07-17T14:02:00.020-04:00

So...you've got a big event coming up and you need to get prepared for it. You've got your PowerPoint ready to go and your company has a projector you can use - so all you need to do is rent a projection screen and you're set...right?

Well...how large is the room you are presenting in? What is the height of the ceiling? How many people are you presenting to? Is there a stage or will it be on ground level? How far will the projector be from the screen? Are you projecting from the front or do you need to project from behind the screen? How bright is the room and how much can you reduce the lighting if you need to? Are you presenting still slides, video, or perhaps both? Do you only need it for the day or will you need it for several days? Will you need the screen again anytime in the near future?

You might be asked any or all of these questions when you rent a projector screen...and they can be somewhat intimidating. There are lots of factors to consider, depending on the event. Choosing the right projection screen can be the difference between your presentation making an impact and having the screen be a distraction because your audience can't see what you are trying to show them.

Projection screens come in a variety of sizes from small tripod-types that can set on a tabletop or the floor to large movie-theater sized screens that spread the expanse of a stage. They also are made with a variety of different types of materials that can affect reflectivity, resolution, contrast, color uniformity, and viewing angle. So picking the right one isn't always as simple as it sounds.

Luckily, there are experienced tech-rental companies out there who know projection screens forwards and backwards...literally! From the smallest conference room meeting to large convention hall events, your rental agent can assist you in selecting the perfect screen for your needs. But it will help them to help you get the right screen for your presentation if you come armed with a few basic answers:

What is the size of your venue?
This is typically information any event venue can provide, complete with ceiling clearances and any other special considerations you may need to know about.

What is the size of your audience?
It makes a difference if you are presenting to 50 people or 500 or even 5000. In one case your audience might be sitting directly in front of the screen, where in others they might be spread out more to the sides where viewing angle might be affected.

When do you need it?
Sure, you might be thinking about only this one presentation on one specific day. But perhaps you are going to repeat the presentation several times over the course of the next few months? Or perhaps you need to travel to several different cities to do the presentation and don't want to lug the equipment around with you?

The size of your venue and size of your audience are probably the two most important considerations when it comes to screen rental. Most experienced rental companies can get a good idea of what you need based on those two factors.

Rental companies rent by the day, week and month. So knowing ahead of time if you will need the screen more than once may give your rental provider a way to save you money versus a typical daily rental.

You may be asked those other, more detailed questions as well - so be as prepared as possible to answer them. A good, experienced rental company will know when to ask them. For larger or specialty events, they may want to do a site visit to get more details to offer the best solution. But in most cases, having these three basic pieces of information will be exactly what they need to get you the right screen at the best rates.

So don't take short cuts when renting a projection screen. Be prepared with your event information in order to get the right projection screen for your event. In the end, it's not the screen you want them to notice...it's your presentation!

If you found this interesting then you may also like a story on how Companies are Losing Money on Problem Projectors. Check it out on the Computer Rental Blog.

Need to rent a Projector or Screen for your upcoming event? Call 800-736-8772 today and speak to an experienced Tech Travel Agent for all your a/v equipment needs!

ViewSonic Announces 3D DLP Projector

2010-07-15T16:59:00.005-04:00

Try turning on the t.v. or flipping through a newspaper or magazine and not seeing something about 3D technology. It's impossible. 3D is literally everywhere we look from movies to games to television to even ads and to be honest, it is becoming a little overwhelming. Every market for entertainment these days is getting its hands on 3D technology, including projectors.

3D projectors aren't something new. They have been around for a little bit so it isn't surprising when you hear about a company talking about their latest and greatest 3D projector. Well just like all the other companies out there, ViewSonic has just announced availability for their newest creation, a new 3D ready DLP projector.

ViewSonic's newest device comes to us under the name of the PJD6531w. This projector looks to be designed with both corporate and home theater use in mind and offers support for both NVidia 3D Vision and Texas DLP Link Technology. The PJD6531w has a native resolution of 1280x800 as well as a wide resolution to support any and all HD formats.

Inputs are always a good thing to have on your projector and the PJD6531w comes with a plethora of ports including spaces for HDMI and VGA as well as a port for speakers. Now I don't know about you but I like my games and movies to be loud, especially if I am going to be experiencing them in 3D. The PJD6531w does have internal 10 watt speakers but I would definitely recommend external speakers if you have the option.

It seems that if people aren't spouting off about 3D then they are talking about going "green". If you are one who not only cares about high quality 3D entertainment but also a more nature friendly approach to life then you will be pleased to know that the PJD6531w is energy efficient too. Eco Mode on the device will allow your lamp to have a good 6,000 hours of life. However, if you are really really environmentally friendly then you can switch over to the ecologically friendly viewing mode which will also reduce the PJD6531w's noise output.

According to Project Marketing Manager of ViewSonic Eric Willey, "As 3D technology becomes more mainstream, we have committed to offer our customer several 3D ready projection solutions that provide a dynamic and versatile viewing experience."

We shouldn't try to fight it any longer. 3D technology is becoming more mainstream by the day, just like smartphones and Blu-ray. With all the advancements being made in the field, it is only a matter of time before we no longer need screens or projectors. The PJD6531w 3D projector from ViewSonic is available now for $799.

Looking for a New HDTV? A Projector Could Be Your Best Bet

2010-07-13T11:47:00.004-04:00

If you’re looking to buy a new HDTV, then really an HD projector and a good quality screen should be something that you consider. Think about it…a good HD projector can give a larger picture with a higher quality image for a much smaller price than most HDTVs.

Going to using a projector instead of an HDTV is really not that difficult of a switch. A projector is simply another display device just like a TV screen. Connecting another device, such as a Blu-ray player, gaming system, cable box, or iPod, is just as simple as if you were connecting them to a TV.

Sound is one thing that you may have to consider, as not all projectors include sound systems. Most likely whichever room your putting your projector in will already have a sound system in it, so if your projector doesn’t come with a built-in sound system, then you can easily hook your sound system up to your projector.

Another thing that many people don’t realize is that if you get the right kind of projector you will be able to have a bright, high contrast image even when you're in a well-lit room. There are screens that are able to efficiently and effectively swallow light in the room, enhance contrast, and make images brighter. You can find screens that will give you a quality image even when there is light in the room.

You can get a much larger display for a much smaller price when you go with a projector. There are even 3D projectors that are now beginning to emerge. Projectors can meet all of your HDTV needs. It might not be something that your interested in, but I think that it is definitely something to look further into.

Pico Projectors for Droids

2010-07-08T00:47:00.000-04:00

The iPhone 4 has been all the rage lately, but did you hear about the latest Android feature coming from Samsung? The Samsung Galaxy Beam is going to have a tiny pico projector built in, which will project up to 50 inches away. Pretty neat, right?

The phone, which was unveiled at the Mobile World Congress this year, will go on sale next week in Singapore (only July 17) and later in the year, it will go on sale in Asia and Europe. Unfortunately, there is not yet a release date for North America. Even so, Droid fans are hoping the phones will be here soon because they have lots of cool features.

The smartphone will features version 2.1 of Android's Operating System. It's 0.6 inches thick and weighs 5.5 ounces. It's got a 3.7-inch Super AMOLED display, an 8-megapixel camera, a VGA quality lens in front for video chat, an integrated FM radio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS support.

But the most unique quality is the phone's built-in projector. The pico projector in the Beam is powered by Texas Instrument's DLP technology. It's not the first gadget to have a pico projector built in, it's not even the first Samsung device to incorporate a projector, but it's more-than-likely the first smartphone to have one and it probably won't be the last. Remember when cell phones with cameras were unique? Imagine what will happen when a person is able to stream a movie or television show from their phone to the wall when they have that desire?

Short-Throw Projectors for Your Presentation Needs

2010-06-22T11:54:00.018-04:00

Often, presentations are limited by their projectors. When presentation space is limited, presentors have to spend more time and effort setting up the projector to project an image the whole audience can see. Short-throw projectors can eliminate this problem.

A short-throw projector is any projector with a throw ratio less than 1. The throw ratio is the ratio of distance to projecting surface to the size of the projection; a projector with a throw ratio of 1 can project an 8 foot screen from 8 feet away. Ultra short-throw projectors have throw ratios less than 0.4.

Short-throw projectors are great for small venues. Because the projector can be much closer to the projection surface, the presenter can get closer to the image without casting a shadow. Also, when presentation space is limited, short-throw projectors may be the only way to project a screen large enough for the audience to see clearly.

Short- and ultra short-throw projectors typically come in the 2000 lumen range, such as the Epson PowerLite 410W. 2000 lumen projectors are recommended for presentations with audiences of up to 100 (visit us online for projector brightness guidelines). However, there are short-throw projectors available with 3500 lumens and beyond, such as the MP776 by BenQ.

Short-throw projectors are not much more expensive than their normal-throw counterparts. They may be just the solution you need for your next presentation.

For a quote on short-throw projectors, call 1-800-736-8772 today.

Two New 3D Projectors from Sanyo

2010-06-08T22:07:00.003-04:00

Sanyo has just announced that they will be releasing two new ultra-short focus 3D projectors soon. The PDG-DWL2500 and the PDG-DXL2000 will be about half the size of most other ultra-short focus projectors and will have a multitude of features.

Ultra-short focus mirror projection technology, which has been recently developed, allows projectors to be operated at an extremely short distance from the screen or display surface. The PDG-DXL2000 needs only 15.1 inches to be able to project an 80 inch image and can display up to a 90 inch image. It features XGA resolution (1,024 x 768; 4:3 aspect ratio) with 2,000 lumens of brightness.

The PDG-DWL2500 can be only 12.6 inches away from its screen or display surface to be able to produce an 80 inch image. Sanyo claims that this is the shortest-throw projector to be found on the market today. The PDG-DWL2500 also has the ability to project up to an 110 inch image. It features WXGA resolution (1,280 x 800; 16:10 aspect ratio) with 2,500 lumens.

Both of the projectors use the Frame Sequential Display Format in order to present a 3D display. You use the Active Shutter 3D glasses that help to rapidly switch the display between the right and left eyes to have the 3D experience.

As mentioned above, these projectors are about half the size of the other projectors in their class. Both of the projectors measure 6.7 x 12.6 x 15.2 inches (HWD) and each weigh 14.3 pounds. Included with each projector is an onboard 10-watt audio amplifier and mono loudspeaker that feature a stereo mini-jack input and an RCA stereo input. This allows for the utilization of an external audio source.

Both of the projectors will be shown at the InfoComm 2010 that is being held in Las Vegas from June 9th to June 11th. The projectors are scheduled to be released sometime in July. The PDG-DWL2500 will be listed for $1,995, while the PDG-DXL2000 will cost $1,795. These projectors are taking us a step closer to the 3D universe that the entertainment world is so eager to promote.

High Definition Projectors

2010-05-26T21:01:00.005-04:00

Everywhere you turn these days, you see HD media. TVs, computer screens, and even projectors. Yes, high definition projector rentals are all the rage! An HD projector features a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and has full 1080p high definition. What does this mean? It means an HD projector looks amazing compared to your standard, every-day projector with an 800 x 600 resolution. If you're considering renting or buying an HD projector, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First of all, you'll want to look at the projector's performance. You want any projector you invest time and money into to have excellent sharpness and clarity. When compared to a non-HD image, the HD projector will always win when it comes to picture quality, but there are some HD projectors that can't handle a good HD image and in that event, the image will appear soft, blurry, or cloudy. Images from quality HD projectors can be compared to those of HD DVD, Blu-ray, or other HD technology.

You'll also want to look at the projector's de-interlacing capability. If your projector's de-interlacing capability is poor, you'll have flickering and motion artifacts. Any quality projector will only project a solid, stable, image.

Lumen output is important for having a brighter picture. If you want to use your projector in a well-lit room, you'll need one with higher lumens to avoid a dull, transparent-looking image. Contrast ratio, which measures the brightest white to the darkest black, is also important. The higher the contrast ratio, the bigger the difference and the more realistic your image will look. This is great for dark scenes and vibrant colors. In addition, black levels, which refer to how rich the blacks will be, are important. Lower black levels can turn black images gray.

Some projectors have loud fans and that may not seem like that big of a deal but when your projector is running in a quiet room, that fan can seem even louder. If a projector is used at its maximum settings, the lamp will require more cooling, sending the fan into high-gear. Most people don't consider this when looking into a projector, but it's something you'll want to test when making a purchase.

Other things to consider: zoom lens, lens shift, connectivity, compatibility, warranty, and definitely where the projector fits into your budget. If you consider all of these factors when renting or buying a new projector, you'll find that a HD projector will not only meet, but exceed your expectations.

Aaxa's New Laser Pico Projector

2010-05-23T15:24:00.003-04:00

Aaxa's new L1 Laser Pico Projector is a little more expensive than most pico projectors, but a higher price doesn't necessarily mean higher quality. As CNET points out in their review of the projector, "Pico projectors were supposed to be the next big thing, but they haven't taken off as quickly as some might have thought. Part of the problem is that while they're tiny, they just can't produce a bright enough image to be that useful."

The new Aaxa Tech L1 laser pico projector is small - just 2.1 inches tall, 4.2 inches wide, .8 inches thick and weighs about 170 grams - and the battery provides you with 90 minutes of use. It has a 800 x 600 resolution, comes with a 2GB thumbdrive, and in turn, offers the ability to play files directly from a USB thumbdrive. It can display AVI, WMV, MP3, JPEG, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files.

The positive traits pretty much end there. You can connect the projector to your laptop with a VGA adapter that is included, however, the cable is not. There is no room for a memory card. The interface is awkward and not easy to use and according to CNET, the picture quality is awful. As they explain it, for that much of a price hike, you're going to expect better than average, but the new Aaxa projector runs just like any other old pico projector. They describe the picture as "noisy" with a shimmering effect.

In addition, you can't project an image more than 26 inches wide. When made bigger, the image loses its brightness and sharpness. However, CNET says the projector isn't bad, just nothing to get excited about. In their words, "...you can buy a half decent laptop or an iPad for about $600 and both will produce much better image quality."

The projector is an entry-level projector so with any luck, Aaxa's next model will be better...or at least less expensive.

Boost Your Marketing Campaign with a Projector Rental

2010-05-11T22:57:00.005-04:00

There are so many different ways to run a good marketing campaign these days but if you're a part of a small or medium business team, chances are you don't have a lot of money to spend, especially with today's economy. Keeping up with the big guns, while staying on budget, can be tough. You can't afford fancy equipment, but without it, your presentation gets lost in the mix. Fortunately there's a solution for your business marketing campaign needs: projector rentals.

Projector rentals are inexpensive compared to buying a projector. Why spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on technology you will only use a few times a year? When you rent a projector, you can pay daily or weekly rates, paying only for the time you need it. Renting a projector also helps you keep up with the latest technology. Say you buy a projector in 2010 and use it for a trade show in August and a big business meeting in December. By the time you use it again in 2011, there will be better quality projectors on the market and the projector you purchased will be outdated.

And of course one of the best features of a projector rental is how much time it can save you during your marketing campaign. You need everything to be right when you make a presentation, and that takes a lot of time and hard work. Do you really want to spend hours carrying your projector from place to place and trying to figure out how to set it up, what cord goes where, how it works, and where to plug it in? When you rent a projector from a rental firm such as RentOurProjectors.com, we deliver the projector of your choice to your destination, set it up, and when you're finished, we can get it and take it away so you don't have to.

Not sure how you can take advantage of a projector rental in your marketing campaign? The possibilities are endless! Projectors are ideal for making presentations at corporate meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and trade shows.

Whether you're indoors or outdoors, presenting to a dozen people or 1,000, there is a projector rental that's right for you. At RentOurProjectors.com, our Tech Travel Agents are waiting to take your calls, to help you find the right projector for your budget and to help make your marketing campaign a success! Call us at 800-736-8772 for a free quote, or visit our website today!

Canon's New Medical LCoS Projector

2010-04-28T09:21:00.004-04:00

Canon has a new LCoS projector and it's aimed at medical professors. It has the ability to display CAT Scans, X-rays, and MRIs on a screen larger than your average PACS monitor.

The REALiS SX7 Mark II D will set you back a little less than $8,000, but it's great for hospitals, colleges, and medical offices.

Features include a screen size between 40 and 300 inches, contrast ratio of 1,000:1, brightness of 4,000 lumens, and SXGA+. The projector uses DCIM to display CAT Scans, MRIs, and X-rays, which is what makes it different from its predecessor, the REALiS SX7 Mark II. This projector has the ability to reproduce black and white images in different lighting conditions. It also offers 21 gray scale tone settings, as well as 1.7x/12x digital zoom, a 3.9 to 29.5 foot throw distance, digital image shift, a 1 watt mono speaker, quite mode, and support for Adobe RGB.

The projector has a 3,000 hour lamp life and includes a number of input and output options, including component input, composite, DVI-I 29 pin, RCA, three stereo audio inputs, analog PC out, stereo audio output and RS-232.

Different Types of Projectors You Can Rent

2010-04-06T20:55:00.001-04:00

So, you've made the decision to rent a projector. Maybe you're using it for a big business presentation or to train new employees, or maybe it's not business-related and you're using it for an upcoming family reunion. But there are so many different types of projectors to choose from, how do you know which ones will fit your needs? Here is a look at a few different types of projectors that you can rent from RentOurProjectors.com.

Ultra Portable Projectors: If you haven't noticed, technology seems to get smaller and smaller every year. People are giving up desktops for laptops and turning to mobile phones to do things they would have done on a computer just a few years ago. Well, the same can be said for projectors. Many projectors weigh less than four pounds (with some even weighing 1.5 pounds) and are so small they fit in the palm of your hand. They are high-quality, just because you go for a smaller size, doesn't mean you are compromising your picture, and easy to use if you have to move from place to place.

High Definition Projectors: When it comes to TV and computer monitors, HD is all the rage and the same can be said for projectors. High Definition projectors have a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and 1080p. While a standard 800 x 600 projector may look good, an HD projector will look amazing. If you want to impress people with extremely clear, sharp images, HD is the way to go.

DVD Projectors: DVD projectors are pretty self-explanatory. If you have a DVD you want to show to a large group, these are great alternatives. Teachers use them to show DVDs to their classrooms and families use them for parties or family night. Smaller venues who can't afford to buy fancy equipment often depend on DVD projectors when the need to play a DVD arises.

Wireless Projectors: A wireless projector allows you to connect to a computer (or several computers) via Wi-Fi. These are great for computer lab-style classrooms and training sessions because users can make presentations from any computer in a room or toggle back and forth between multiple computer sources. It also allows you to to make a presentation without worrying about annoying cables and your proximity to your source.

DLP Projectors: If you need to make an animated presentation, a DLP projector is the right choice for you. These high-quality projectors can project images at near 35mm or 70mm film quality without negative effects such as film scratches and "screen door" effects. Pictures are smooth and high-contrast.

Canon Adds Six New LCD Projectors

2010-03-23T20:03:00.004-04:00

Canon is adding to its line of LCD multimedia projectors in a big way. The company has announced six new projectors aimed at educational and business presenter: two new 1280 x 800 widescreen models and four new 1024 x 768 models.

The LV-8310 and the LV-8215 (the WXGA resolution models) have a 16:10 aspect ration, which means they'll work great with a widescreen laptop or desktop computer. Together with the other four models - the LV-7385, LV-7380, LV-7285, and LV-7280 - the six projectors are great for areas where ambient light can't be controlled. They are all high-lumens projectors and it breaks down like this: the LV-7385 has 3,500 lumens; the LV-8310 and LV-7380 have 3,000 lumens; the LV-8215 and LV-7285 have 2,600 lumens; and the LV-7280 has 2,200 lumens.

All six of the projectors have multiple inputs, allowing for a variety of functions. Some of these include a DVI-I interface for digital connection, and the RS-232 port. They also feature a RJ-45 network port which allows users of larger audio visual systems to connect to a network and manage the projector from a remote location.

The projectors are environmentally-friendly. They have lamp-lighting systems that help reduce power consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by operating at low wattage. At the same time, they have lamp lives of up to 4,000 hours or 5,000 hours in quiet mode. They also feature Auto Energy Saver which means the projectors will switch to quiet mode when there is no input signal for over a minute. This will not only save energy, but help prolong your projector's life. An additional power-saving standby mode reduces the projector's standby power consumption to less than 1W.

The projectors will begin shipping in April and feature a three-year warranty, as well as the Projector Protection Program, which allows users to borrow an equal or great value projector during any potential repair time. Prices are as follows: the LV-8310 and LV-8215 projectors have a suggested retail price of $1,199 and $1,099, while the LV-7385, LV-7380, LV-7285 and LV-7280 will sell for $1,699, $999, $899, and $799, respectively.

Acer's New 3D Projectors

2010-03-21T11:50:00.000-04:00

3D was all the rage at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year, and Acer is getting a headstart on the trend by announcing its two new Vidia 3D Vision-Ready video projectors.

The Acer H5360 projector beams content at 720p. According to Acer, it's rated at up to 2600 ANSI lumens and a 3200:1 contrast ratio. It also has a varied input panel. The panel features a HDMi port, three RCA jacks, component video, S-video mini DIN, 2.5mm audio mini-jack, and a 15-pin D-Sub. It's the higher quality of the two projectors.

The other one is the Acer X1261. It boasts a native XGA resolution and 4:3 aspect ratio, however Acer says it can be adjusted to a 16.9 aspect ratio. It is rated at up to 2500 ANSI lumens and a 3700:1 contrast ratio and its input panel includes a composite, component, S-video mini DIM, and a stereo mini jack.

"The new Acer video projectors provide incredibly compelling and realistic 3D video and images that make customers feel like they are part of the experience," Irene Chan, senior product marketing manager for peripherals for Acer America, said in a statement.

Both projectors are capable of handling 3D content when combined with 3D Vision Technology from Nvidia. They are both available now. The H5360 starts at $699 and the X1261 starts at $579.

Dell Wireless 3D-Capable S300w Short-Throw Projector

2010-03-19T10:51:00.005-04:00

Dell has just released their newest product to come off of their projector line, the S300w. The S330w was designed primarily with presentations in mind though it does work well in classroom settings as well as in home theaters. The S300w is an all around well developed projector with a pretty nice spec sheet and some cool features.

First of all, the S300w is completely wireless. This gives a greater sense of flexibility and mobility than you have with most other projectors creating less of a hassle when you want to use it. To add even more flexibility, Dell has included what they call a Plug-and-Show via USB ability which provides direct and hassle free projection through a USB flash drive plugged into your PC.

The S300w is capable of eliminating shadows on the presentation screen while the speaker is between the projector and the screen and is ideal for short-throw distances. The S300w produces 2200 ANSI lumens (max) brightness as well as a high 2400:1 typical (full on/full off) contrast ratio. A WXGA (1280x800) native resolution with a native 16:10 aspect ratio gives you a greater picture quality with over 30% more pixels than XGA (1024x768). Also tacked on to the S300w is high-definition 720p. The device can also project a 90-inch image from three feet away as well as a 60-inch image from two feet away.

To further the image quality Dell has added DLP and BrilliantColor technology to boost the picture for increased reliability. With the S300w you will also get Crestron RoomView Express for free. Crestron RoomView Express gives administrators and support staff the ability to perform remote system diagnostics, monitor lamp life, log network activity and even automate tasks through event scheduling.

The wireless capabilities of the S300w are also top notch. The S300w has standard 4-to-1 split screen projection which allows the device to project up to four different user screens simultaneously. This allows real-time side-by-side comparisons which can come in handy in more ways than one. The S300w can also wirelessly connect to as many as 20 different PCs at the same time, allowing people from various locations to communicate and present their ideas simultaneously.

A Conference-Control function has been implemented into S300w. This allows a moderator or conference leader to control and streamline presentations through a web-based control page. The S300w also offers multiple connectivity options which enhances multimedia presentations. This comes with an HDMI connector, microphone port and dual VGA connections which enable seamless transitions between presenters. RJ-45 gives the user network manageability including power management, updating firmware, checking status, receiving email alerts and much much more.

The coolest feature included into the S300w is the option of making your projector 3D capable. While not standard, the S300w is capable of adapting to 3D, allowing you the chance to get all those new 3D Blu-ray movies coming out soon.

The S300w is EuP compliant and consumes less than 1 watt of electricity in standby mode and has a lamp life of up to 5000 hours. Password protection as well as a security-cable slot help guard against any unauthorized access. Dell also adds a 2-year limited hardware warranty as well as a 2-year Advanced Exchange Service and an optional limited hardware warranty Accidental Damage Service.

Overall the S300w is a very good short-throw projector. It has a ton of features that make it perfect for classroom and meeting presentations and it comes with some great home theater options. The fully customizable S300w is available now for $999.

Looking for an Wireless Projector Rental then call 800-736-8772 today. Ask about the newest type of projector whose appeal is "all in the mirrors" and see if a DLP Projector Rental is right for you.

Projector Rentals for Family Reunions

2010-03-16T23:04:00.005-04:00

Because our lives are busier and we're moving further apart, family reunions are becoming more and more popular. They allow us to catch up and keep up with family members who we don't get to see as often as we'd like and have a good time. Maybe they last a day or an entire weekend, but either way, family members eventually have to part ways. By putting together a slide show for your family reunion, you can make any family members feel like they were a part of your life for every special moment throughout the year.

Family Reunion Projector Rentals are great for a number of reasons:

1. If you'd like to honor older members of the family, a slideshow of photos from various moments throughout their lives will show younger generations what life was like when Grandma and Grandpa were young.

2. Get the whole family involved by proposing a theme such as "family vacations" or "holidays" and have attendees send you their photos from those times.

3. If you want to simply use the slideshow to catch up, have all family members send you photos from various important events, be it little Katie's dance recital or Jack's high school graduation. Put together a slideshow that will keep the whole family updated on everyone's year.

A slideshow at your family reunion will most certainly be memorable and possibly the highlight of the entire gathering. At RentOurProjectors.com, we can help by providing you with the perfect projector rental no matter where you're located or for how long you need it. Through one point of contact, we can have a high quality projector delivered anywhere in the United States. Just visit RentOurProjectors.com or call 800-736-8772 to get a fast quote or book your projector rental today!

NEC's New DLP Projector for Schools

2010-03-13T10:17:00.000-05:00

NEC, a company that makes commercial LCD displays and projector solutions, has announced the latest in their NP Portable Series, a fully-featured NP216 DLP projector, which is perfect for educational environments.

It provides brilliants images, advanced capabilities with educational applications or conference room users that would like to use DLP technology and comprehensive connectivity. Both teachers and professionals will enjoy the dual VGA inputs that enhance the user experience by allow multiple computer inputs. In addition, the input panel includes improved RS-232 and RJ45 connections for advanced control and asset management.

Developed by Texas Instruments, the latest in DLP Link technology allows users to project 3D images, which in turn, allows teachers to grab students' attention and keep them engaged like never before. And the variable audio-out feature enables users to connect self-powered external speakers to ensure proper sound for any size classroom.

"NEC’s new NP216 offers educators flexible connectivity options that work for them and allows simple technology integration into the classroom. Teachers and corporate users alike will find the expansive feature set to be incredibly versatile and functional, providing them with the tools they need to effectively communicate to their audience.” Rich McPherson, NEC's product manager for projectors said in a press release.

The NP216's lamp life is 5000 hours with the use of its ECO ModeT technology. Power consumption is 217W (0.49 in standby mode). The projector turns off automatically when an incoming signal is not detected on any input and it takes only about three or four seconds to shut down and start up, meaning there is no need for a cooling period or no long wait when you need to use it quick. The included remote control even includes a green ECO Mode button that works alongside a carbon footprint meter to improve the projector's environmental impact.

Business Presentation Projector Rentals

2010-03-08T20:32:00.004-05:00

When you have a big business presentation coming up, finding the perfect projector should be the least of your worries. After all, you have to focus on selling your product, service or concept to your audience. You've probably worked hard, coming up with the perfect pitch, putting together the perfect Powerpoint presentation, and studying up on your topic, among other things.

At RentOurProjectors.com, we can take care of all of your Business Presentation Projector Rental needs. Whether you'll be making your presentation on the road or right in your own conference room, we can deliver to any location in the United States. This will save you time, the burden of traveling with or setting up a projector, and even save you money. We have some of the most competitive rates in the business!

Next time you are putting together a big presentation, remember the following:

1. Include only the most essential information in your slideshow

2. Use easy-to-read fonts and contrasting colors to make your information stand out.

3. Include photos, graphs, charts and other information that captures attention.

4. Visit RentOurProjectors.com for high quality projector rentals.

Now Shipping: Aaxa's Laser Pico Projector

2010-02-25T00:05:00.002-05:00

Check out the picture above. Could that be the "the world's first laser pico projector with an internal media player and storage?" That's what pico projector maker Aaxa Technology says of their latest gadget and let's hope so because it's a little costly. The Aaxa L1, which began shipping this month, will set you back around $600. Most LED-based pico's are anywhere from $250-$350.

The Aaxa L1 uses PCOS technology, which means it combines three-color laser light sources, proprietary despeckling technology, and an LCoS image to deliver a 20-lumen output at 800x600 resolution. According to the company, this eliminates the "pixilation problems" some other laser projectors have.

The projector also has a number of other notable features. It has a 20-lumen laser light source, SVGA (800 x 600) resolution, a USB Memory stick reader with 2GB USB stick included, and anonboard AVI, MP4, MP3, JPEG decoder. It reads Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files and features composite and VGA input support. Its rechargeable battery offers about one and half hours of life.

Size-wise, it's about 4.2 x 2.1 x 0.8 inches and weighs about 170 grams with the battery. If you purchase additional accessories, you can connect the Aaxa L1 to your iPhone or iPod, Zune, Sony PlayStation Portable, and any cell phone from Nokia, LG, Samsung and HTC.

Max Hu, Aaxa's director of marketing said the projector is unlike anything it's competitor Microvision has created, "The diffused laser light allows higher brightness and classification as a FCC Class 1 product vs. a focused beam design which has eye safety issues. In that regard, our design has the potential for much brighter designs in the future, which we are currently developing."

The projector is currently available for purchase, but so far, due to the lack of laser diodes, the company only has limited stock.

Casio's New Line of Green Slim Projectors

2010-02-18T23:03:00.000-05:00

Earlier this year, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Casio announced a new line "green" projectors. Based on the hybrid laser and LED light source the company developed, the projectors are mercury-free.

Despite being mercury-free, the Green Slim projectors have brightness levels of anywhere from 2,000 -3,000 lumens. The projectors will come in a diverse lineup, with models that can do anything from accommodate WXGA Real display at 1,280-by-800 dpi to project without a computer, yet communicate wirelessly with computers. The line's light source uses a blue light that comes from a blue laser, green light converted from the blue with a fluorescent element, and also, light from a high-lumen red LED through a DLP chip onto the screen.

The portable projectors will be 1.7 x 11 x 8.5 inches and weigh about five pounds. The laser and LED hybrid light source is said to improve color purity compared to lamps that do use mercury. The lamps are said to last about 20,000 hours compared to 2,000 hours of Casio's other products. Also, no cool-down is needed when you turn the projectors off and upon turning them on, you'll reach maximum brightness in only eight seconds. They come with a side-angle 2X optical zoom lens and automatically correct vertical distortion due to projector position making them very versatile.

So what other kind of features will the Green Slim projectors have?

- Four of the models - the XJ-A255, XJ-250, XJ-A245 and XJ-A240 - will accommodate WXGA Real display at 1,280 by 800 dpi, which allows for both real size and wide presentations.

- Four of the models - the XJ-A255, XJ-A245, XJ-A155, and the XJ-A145 - can communicate wirelessly with up to four computers and can project presentations, spreadsheets, word-processor documents, PDF files and other computer data, still images (JPEG/BMP), and moving images (AVI format: Motion JPEG) by simply using USB memory.

- The projectors can also connect directly to a Multiprojection Camera YC-430, which can project non-digitized and even 3-D objects.

Casino hasn't said how much the projectors will cost, or when they'll be available, but they do plan to add more products to the Green Slim line. The new products will also use the hybrid LED and laser light source.

InFocus ScreenPlay 8602 Home Theater

2010-02-15T13:52:00.000-05:00

On February 8, 2010, InFocus announced its newest ScreenPlay projector is now available to customers. The InFocus SP8602 Home Theater projector brings your movies to life! You'll feel like you're in a movie theater while in the comfort of your own home.

It features up to 300 inches of crisp images with bold blacks and bright colors, and a native 1080p resolution. It can be used in multipurpose rooms and can even be used with the lights on and it offers high-performance adjustable optics, a 30,000: 1 maximum contrast ratio, and video-optimized 1300 lumens. With its Texas Instruments DLP(R) DarkChip technology with BrilliantColor, it can display one billion colors with amazing accuracy. It also features Pixelworks DNX 10-bit video processing, which allows for super-smooth playback of film and video. The proprietary motion engine with 120Hz support allows for faster transition between frames and fast color refresh.

"The sleek design, simple user interface and plethora of features makes this projector one of the best home theater models available on the market. The SP8602 recreates a true cinematic experience with astounding realism that will amaze both casual and hard-core home theater enthusiasts," Benjamin Joy, the product line director at InFocus, said in a press release.

If you're looking to upgrade from 480p or 720p projectors, the SP8602 is a great choice. Installation and projection are made easier with the automatic ceiling detection that will flip the image when necessary, centered lens with manual lens shifts that can work on images up to 300 inches, and image warping to adjust the picture and produce square crisp images on various surfaces. It also offers the latest in HD connectivity, with analog and digital connections, including two HDMI 1.3 ports.

Not only does it function well, but can also choose what color projector you want, making it an attractive accessory to your living room or home theater. Choose between matte black, glossy black, walnut or pre-primed for a custom finish. The integrated cable management system makes it so that cables are out of sight, adding to its attractiveness.

The Tiny, Affordable Ray Pico Projector

2010-02-08T07:35:00.001-05:00

The Ray liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) pico projector from Ray Displays may not be much bigger than a deck of cards, but the tiny projector packs a lot of punch. According to PC World, the little projector displays video, photos, and media "fairly well," but it turned out to be an excellent projector for displaying text. In an iPod PowerPoint presentation test, the magazine said the projector, "displayed bright, legible text in various fonts, but dull, washed-out color hampered its graphics quality." This means the projector would probably be great for business presentations, and high school and college classrooms.

The projector has a brightness of 10 lumens. It also features a 20,000-hour LED light source, VGA resolution, a 2 hour battery life and stereo speakers. According to the review, the speakers aren't the best quality and you may want to consider purchasing a separate sound system. It's only .7 x 2.3 x 4.4 inches and weighs only five ounces with the battery. It displays a viewable 40-inch diagonal image on any light color surface, under subdued light, at a distance of five feet. In dark settings, the display is even larger. If you want to watch a movie on an Ultra Portable Projector you will find the motion is smooth, but the colors aren't quite as vibrant as they would be if you watched the movie in another capacity.

It's easy to use and set-up. It includes a power switch, focus knob, a single 2.5mm audio/video input, and power input. It also connects to several other devices, however, if you'd like to connect it to your iPhone 3GS or a fifth-generation iPod Nano, you'll need to purchase a cable that is not included with the projector. Also, it doesn't have built-in memory or a card reader, VGA port, and the battery isn't removable.

When you purchase tiny projector, it comes with a flexible mini-tripod and various video cables that allow you to connect it to your other devices, as well as a on-year warranty on the projector and battery. Best of all, the projector will only cost you about $229. While it may not be idea for all of your needs, if you present mostly text and aren't to focused on graphics and images, this inexpensive, basic pico projector may be a good investment.

InFocus's 5 New Entry-Level Projectors

2010-02-06T21:01:00.000-05:00

Projector maker InFocus has announced five new DLP entry-level projectors. Part of the IN2100 and IN3100 series, these are brighter than most entry-level projectors with 3,000 to 3,500 lumens. They are great for classrooms or any rooms with varying light conditions.

The In2112, In2114, and IN 2116, are part of the In2100 series. They are the first InFocus projectors to offer networking functionality for under $1,000. They come with a long-life lamp, two computer and assignable audio inputs for multiple presenters, and several security features.

The IN3114 and IN3116 are a little more expensive and include HDMI support for use with modern computers and HDTV. They also feature DisplayLink for USB Connectivity, LitePort for presentations without a computer, LiteShow II that allow multiple users to connect wirelessly via WiFi, and Wireless DisplayLink for point-to-point connectivity over Ultra-Wideband.

All five of the new projectors are "green" and offer an Eco Mode, which allows the projectors to consume less energy when in use and less than one watt in standby mode. The projectors' native resolutions range from SVGA (800 x 60) to a maximum WUXGA (1,900 x 1,200) and each of them uses InFocus BrilliantColor, as well as a filter-ree, dust-resistant design for less maintenance.

The IN2112, IN2114 and IN3114 are available now and the IN2116 and IN3116, which are widescreen models, will be available later this year. The projectors in the IN2100 series start at $599, while the projectors in the IN3100 series start at $1,499.

Elite's New Projection Screens

2010-02-01T09:16:00.000-05:00

Maker of commercial and home-theater projector screens, Elite Screens, has announced two new products, the Raptor Modular Projection Screen and the StarBright 7 screen material with a Dream Window 3.5 inch frame. Both were on display at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, in January.

The Raptor Modular Projection Screen.

The Raptor Modular Projection Screen detaches from its furniture housing so that it may serve as an independent projection surface, making a great option for screening movies in your media room or making a large presentation in your office or boardroom. It uses Elite's CineWhite Tension material, a 1.1 gain material with full diffusion uniformity, to enance flatness. It's also black-backed to eliminate light penetration. You can purchase it in three sizes: 79, 84, and 92 inches.

If you'd rather have non-tensioned material, screens with Maxwhite 1.1 gain non-tensioned material are also available. The Raptor Modular Unit is electric and self-standing, and is housed in a wood-furniture casing with a cherry finish. The non-tensioned models come in 84 and 92 inches.

All of the units come with a "Safe-Stop" infrared sensor that stops a screen from closing wen a small object is in the way (making it little fingers-friendly). Each one can also be used with a 5-12V wirless trigger to synchronize drop and rise with the power cycle. The RF remote provides a range of wireless operation without the need for line-of-sight contact and the IR remote allows for screen operation while also using up to eight different media devices. The wireless trigger, IR/RF receivers and both remotes are included with the screens.

The RF remote provides a range of wireless operation without the necessity for line-of-sight contact. The ZR800D IR universal learning remote allows simultaneous screen operation with up to eight different media devices. Both the RF remote and a ZR800D IR universal learning remote are included.

All of the screens are currently available through retail outlets, professional AV systems integrators, and customer residential. The 84-inch screens are prices at just over $3200. They come with a two year limited warranty.

StarBright 7

StarBright 7 is a series of ultra-high gain projection material and it's available in the Dream Window 3.5-inch thick frame variety. You can get it in sizes up to 206 inches, in either a 16:10 or 4:3 ratio. It has a multi-layered, angular reflective design that absorbs ambient light and enhances black-level contrast and color reproduction. Elite says the material is seven times brighter than typical matte white projection screens.

The surface is coated wit succeeding contrast layers that eliminate was-out and regluate hot-spots. The framework is sturdy and strong, and comes with a lifetime warranty. It has a velour surface, assembles easily, and mounts easily on a horizontally adjustable wall source. Each screen comes with a two-year limited warranty and you can purchase them starting at $1089 for the 76-inch version. You can also order custom sizes.

World's First Projector with a Remote Lamp

2010-01-29T00:08:00.004-05:00

Some of the biggest complaints about projectors include the noise the fan makes when it cools down the lamp and accessing a blown lamp that needs to be changed, but what if you could eliminate these little nuisances? Projector manufacturer Projectiondesign has created the FR12 Remote Light Source projector, which removes the lamp from the projector to a rack-mount enclosure that is up to 30m away from the projector head. Light illuminates the projector via a unique, innovative Liquid Light Guide lead.

The projector is compact, almost maintenance-free, quiet, and easy to install due the lack of ventilation or orientation worries, which makes lamp maintenance a lot easier. This will come in handy if you use a projector for 24/7 operation, in any area where access is restricted, or if the noise of the fan or heat management are big issues during operation.

Projectiondesign International Marketing and Communications Manager Anders Lokke had this to say about the projector, "At the forefront of creating some of the most exciting technologies and innovative products, Projectiondesign has made history by producing innovative projectors that are compact, bright and high-resolution. Now we are taking projection technology a step further in simplifying maintenance, eliminating noise and dissipating heat, as well as offering greater integration and installation flexibility. A typical application would be a 24/7 command and control room environment.”

Projectiondesign has always been a leader in innovative projector technology. In 2002, they introduced the world's first single-chip SXGA DLP projector; in 2006 they made the first 1090p DLP projector available; and in 2008, they released the first WUXGA resolution DLP projector, as well as the first portable and high-resolution active 3D stereoscopic projector. Last year, the company introduced the first 3-chip projector and took the plunge into LED illumination.

The FR12 will officially be introduced at Integrated Systems Europe 2010, which takes place February 2-4, 2010. At that time, more information will be available such as specs, pricing and expected availability.

5 Reasons You Need a Personal Projector Rental

2010-01-24T12:35:00.001-05:00

Renting a projector for business needs can be a lifesaver but did you know Personal Projector Rentals can help make life easier, as well? If you're looking to make your wedding, party, or even movie night extra special, a projector rental may be just what you need. Not only does it make planning easier, but it will leave people talking about your event for days! You can rent the projector for as long or as little as you like, for only a fraction of the price you'd pay to purchase one. Below, you'll find a few ideas about how renting a projector can help make your personal event a huge success.

1. Weddings: It's always fun to share photos from the bride and groom's earlier lives or even their lives together since they began dating. Not only does it help out-of-town and distant friends and relatives connect with the couple, but it will make all of your guests laugh and cry. Either a featured slide show during your reception with background music and editorial, or just having photos projected onto the wall all throughout your reception can give your special day a special touch.

2. Movie Night: Every family has movie night! Everyone gathered around the TV, watching new releases or old favorites, can be a great way to spend time together with family members of all ages. Renting a projector can make the night even more fun. You can blow your movie up so the picture is much larger than your television or even pop some popcorn and watch your movie outside on a warm summer evening. Invite the neighbor's over and turn your yard into a drive-in theater! The possibilities are endless.

3. Birthday Parties: Depending on the age of your birthday boy or girl, a projector rental can be tons of fun at a birthday party. If you have a room full of antsy children, watching a movie can get everyone quiet and give you some downtime. But when you have a room of 20-30 kids, gathering around the TV may not be practical. A projector rental can instantly turn your living room into a movie theater. Imagine the delight when the kids see their favorite Disney Princess or Harry Potter movie playing on a large screen. If you are planning a birthday party for an older person, particular one of those "milestone" birthdays such as 50 or even 100, showing a slideshow of that person's life can be a great way for the person to reflect on their life.

4. Family Reunions: With advances in technology and transportation, families seem to be growing further apart. If your parents live in Atlanta, your sister in Miami, your brother and his family in Los Angeles, your in-laws in Chicago, and you in New York, it's hard for everyone to see each other grow-up! It's hard for grandparents, aunts and uncles to miss out on baseball games and gymnastics recitals and you're probably so busy that you don't always have time to upload photos to be emailed. Or maybe the older members of your family don't even use email. Again, a projector rental can put a smile on everyone's face. Have everyone send their favorite family photos to be part of a slideshow for your next family reunion. Together you can laugh and tell stories about the things you all missed throughout the years.

5. Sporting Events: Super Bowl parties can be tons of fun. Good times with friends and family, cheering on your favorite team and eating your favorite snacks. Everyone is gathered around the TV, watching the big game, but unless you have a large screen, you are not reaching your full watching potential. A large display can liven up the party and make you feel like you are closer to the action. Chances are, you can't run out and buy a big screen TV but you probably can afford a projector rental. With a projector rental, you can control the size of your display and make it bigger or smaller, depending on the size of your room and number of guests. This is something to keep in mind any time you have guests over to watch a big game and want to leave a great impression.

Turn Anything Into a Touchscreen with Light Touch

2010-01-20T11:13:00.001-05:00

Touchscreens are all the rage in computers lately and now it looks like the technology will be coming to projectors. Light Blue Optics has announced that its new Light Touch interactive projector will turn any surface into a touchscreen. The company, which develops and supplies miniature projector systems, said its new Light Touch projector uses Holographic Laser Projection (HLP). It uses holographic algorithms to transform images into diffraction patterns which can be shown as a small micro-display. When laser light illuminates the display, the image is formed by diffraction. The technology then helps integrate infrared sensing technology, which then turns the surface into a touchscreen.

For now, the Light Touch projector will only be available to the company's OEM customers and strategic partners.

Light Blue Optics said their goal is to free content from the confines of a small screen while allowing users to interact with the projected content. It runs on Adobe Flash Lite 3.1, which will help developers make new apps for the product. It is also equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity so that users may connect to the internet to run apps such as social networking, multimedia sharing and electronic point of sale. It has a memory size of 2 GB and can support cards up to 32 GB.

According to the company, today's consumer is not a passive viewer of multimedia content. They believe people want to interact and become engaged, and this product will allow them to do so. They also believe the Light Touch projector's potential extends outside consumer electronics and can serve users in retail spaces, work places, and at home.

DLP Chips for Pico Projectors by Texas Instruments

2010-01-18T10:20:00.003-05:00

Pez dispensers. That's what Texas Instruments used to showcase its new digital light processing (DLP) chips at the Consumer Electronics Show. The DLP chips are so tiny they fit right in the little candy dispensers. The actual projectors are a little bit bigger, but still small, and are being fitted into handheld devices ranging from cameras to cellphones. Texas Instruments says they see the pico projector market being a large revenue generator for the DLP chips.

Senior Vice President and General Manager of DLP products at Texas Instruments says that while 2009 was about introduction of the concept, 2010 is going to be about broadening the category. AT&T is already making the LG eXpo, the first phone to use the projector, however, it is not integrated into the phone but instead works as a snap-on device. It allows the phone to beam videos, websites, and other images.

Not all of the projectors will be that small. The company has crated the Brightboxe, which is described by the Dallas Morning News as being "a bit smaller than a lunchbox." The $199 projector is designed to work with video game consoles.

Unfortunately, the chip doesn't have a high-definition resolution (it goes up to 854 x 480) but Novak said he doesn't see much demand for HD in pico projectors. This leaves a lot of room for improvement and competitors are taking notice. Another company, Syndiant (which was coincidentally put together by former Texas Instrument employees) are developing a different type of technology - liquid crystal on silicon - to use in place of DLP. They are concentrating on high definition resolutions. They've recently had their hand in developing a projector with a resolution of 1024 x 600. Another hope for pico projectors is that they will eventually be able to display images in 3-D.

According to analysts, by 2016, hundreds of millions of phones and other handheld devices will have built-in projectors. In addition to Syndiant and Texas Instruments, 3M, Nikon, and Microvision looking to establish their projector products as top-of-the-line technology.

Favi RIOLED-Q and RIOLED-V Pico Projectors

2010-01-11T12:27:00.006-05:00

The market for Pico Projectors appears to still be alive as manufacturer Favi has announced two new LED-based pico projectors for release sometime between late February and early March. The two projectors being released come to us under the names of the RIOLED-Q and the RIOLED-V.

The RIOLED-Q is a more business oriented pico projector. The RIOLED-Q is very bright with an 800x600 native resolution and a 50 lumens brightness, a first in the pico projector market (along with the Optoma PK301) to boast that output. The RIOLED-Q also has 2 built-in 3W speakers and digital keystone connection. As far as connectivity goes the RIOLED-Q has 1 A/V in, 1 VGA in and 1 USB connections. It has built-in memory as well as an SD/MMC card reader. The RIOLED-Q is powered via a battery or power adapter.

The RIOLED-V, counterpart to the RIOLED-Q, is a more consumer-based pico projector. The RIOLED-V has built-in WiFi and uses Linux to run multiple web applications like Video (YouTube), News (Yahoo News), Weather, Internet Radio, Photo (Flickr), e-mail and a web browser. Also included in the RIOLED-V is a built-in calendar and alarm clock. Connectivity wise the RIOLED-V has 1 USB, 1 A/V output and 1 headphone jack. This device is also powered via battery or power adapter and is controlled by either a remote control or by buttons on the unit. Already the RIOLED-V is being described as a hybrid netbook/media player/projector that fits in your pocket.

Favi isn't done there though as they have also announced a versatile portable projector entitled the RIOHD-LED2 which is aimed primarily at educational, business or home theater usage. The RIOHD-LED2 is 7"x6"x3" and weighs around 2.5 lbs. It has a rated 400 lumens output and is pretty bright for a small, portable projector. It has an LED lamp which has an expected life of around 20,000 hours and it ships with a remote control, power adapter and user manual. Input wise it has HDMI, YPbPr, S-Video, Composite A/V, headphone and VGA as well as 2 built-in speakers.

The RIOHD-LED2 is said to ship in early February under a $348 price tag which is early than the late February early march release date of the RIOLED-Q and RIOLED-V whose prices are still unknown.

Hitachi CP-D10 Projector

2010-01-04T12:05:00.006-05:00

Looking for a projector for your small conference rooms or classrooms? The check out the CP-D10 from Hitachi. The CP-D10 is a smaller XGA LCD projector created with small rooms in mind. The CP-D10 is considered a "short throw" projector and for a number of different reasons. It can project an 80" image diagonally from as far away as 3 feet. This projector uses a fixed normal lens that projects through a second convex lens. By doing this the projector only allows digital zooming and it also requires the user to place the projector at a proper distance for you desired screen size.

To get into some specific specs, the CP-D10 has a specified output of 2000 lumens as well as a 400:1 contrast ratio. Portability is also a good thing to have with projectors, especially if you have to lug from conference room to conference room or from classroom to classroom. Well the CP-D10 is highly portable weighing only 7.7 pounds and measuring 13.1 inches wide, 11.9 inches deep and 4.1 inches tall. The device has multiple AV connection options including RGB 2in/1out, Composite Video, S-Video, Component Video and Audio 3in/1out. The 2000 lumen bulb is said to last up to 4,000 hours in Eco Mode as well.

Being made by Hitachi, its no surprise that the CP-D10 has some of the company's proprietary functions. Functions like MyScreen, which allows the user to set up a personal startup or blank screen with a picture or company logo, MyMemory, which allows the user to save up to 4 memories for adjustment data, MyButton, which is two buttons on the remote that can be programmed for one touch adjustment of picture, input, MyMemory settings, resolution, template display, zoom and more, MyText, which allows the user to enter text for display on the startup input information screens and MySource, which allows for easy selection of input source from the remote control, are all included as well as AMX Device Discovery technology which allows all AMX Integrated Central Controllers to automatically recognize the CP-D10 and systematically load the appropriate communications module or driver, initializing the CP-D10 to be used without any user setup.

Line templates can be accessed from the projector's menu or by MyButton. These can be used for organizing writing on a white board and there are four types of line templates as well as two circle templates and two map templates. Another added feature with the CP-D10 is the option of closed captions. Many projectors on the market can not display closed captions however the CP-D10 is capable of this option which makes it invaluable in schools with hearing-impaired students.

Hitachi is one of the leaders in K-12 classroom projectors and the CP-D10 looks to be right up there with all of Hitachi's other great projectors. With its many features and short throw capabilities, the CP-D10 is a perfect tool for any classroom or small conference room. You can pick up the Hitachi CP-D10 projector now for $999.

Looking for an Affordable LCD Projector Rental then call 800-736-8772 today. Ask about the newest section on Training Class Projector Rentals for all your small setting projector rental needs.

RoyalTek RPJ-2000 Pico Projector

2009-12-28T15:59:00.005-05:00

RoyalTek out of Taiwan has been working very hard in their pico projector market as they have just announced the first of what seems to be a total of five new pico projectors set to be released during 2010. Introducing RoyalTek's RPJ-2000, a pico projector that packs some pretty good specs.

The RPJ-2000 is the first ever palm-sized pico projector from RoyalTek. The projector is said to use a second generation 3M LCos chipset. The projector is also said to be able to project an image of up to 65-inches with a brightness of 14-lumens and a 640x480 resolution.

The RPJ-2000 comes with VGA and NTSC/PAL TV inputs but does not contain an integrated mediaplayer or onboard storage like many pico projectors already on the market do. The RPJ-2000 does, however, come with 0.5W stereo speakers.

One thing that may bring in a lot of customers is that the RPJ-2000 is Apple certified. This means it will have the ability to connect to your iPhone or iPod if you purchase the adapter kit which will run you about $43. Among other features the RPJ-2000 has LED backlight and is designed with Quanta's cooling technology.

This device will run you around $315 though no word on sale of the projector outside of Taiwan has been released. A few details on the other four projectors have arisen including a hint that one of them will contain a digital TV tuner. This model is expected to hit the market in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in June. The RPJ-2000 comes in two colors: black and white.

Optoma HD20 Projector

2009-12-24T09:19:00.007-05:00

Everybody loves their giant flat screen tv's with their beautiful 1080p resolution and high pixel count and whatever else goes along with it. But such tv's can be pricey, especially if you want really good quality. But thanks to increased projector technology you can enjoy 1080p quality from a projector that looks as good if not better than most tv's and that also won't break the bank.

Optoma Technology has just introduced the company's first 1080p DLP projector to cost less than $1,000. The Optoma HD20 comes in with a suggested store price of $999 which, technically, is less but come on, a whole dollar? But putting that aside, the Optoma HD20 is a really good little projector.

In fact, the specs on this projector could rival a few popular flat screen tv's. The Optoma HD comes with 1,700 ANSI lumens of brightness as well as a 4,000:1 contrast ratio. Video inputs come in the form of 2 HDMI, one VGA, one component and one composite video input. The HD20 runs a native 1080p resolution (1920 x 1808) and can scale most objects, other video and computer formats like UXGA, WXGA, SXGA, SXGA+, XGA, SVGA resized, VESA, PC and Macintosh.

The lamp light is very impressive. The light lasts for 4,000 hours in standard mode and it lasts up to 3. To save energy, the HD20 incorporates a rapid shutdown feature. A one year parts and labor warranty comes in the box however the warranty only lasts for 90 days on the lamp.

The projector itself weighs around 6.4.pounds and also comes with its own remote and batteries. The remote has a backlit illumination and a composite video cable as well as other accessories. Many different retail stores and websites have already signed on to the HD20 like Amazon.com, Adorama, Beach Camera, Best Buy, B&H Photo Video, CDW, Fry's Electronics, J&R Micro Center, Nebraska Furniture Mart, PC Richard, ProjectorPeople.com, Staples.com and Visual Apex.

John Grodem, Product Marketing Director for Optoma, said in a statement, "We're very excited to be at the forefront of such a 'significant breakthrough' in HD projectors. This new, low price opens up a whole new audience to the high-definition, large-screen, home theater projection experience." Many users will absolutely love how the HD20 displays an image more than 9 times larger than a 40-inch flat screen. The HD20 projects a picture that is greater than 120 push ups.

Overall it seems that Optoma has taken a lead from Vivitek's H1080FD which is also a 1080p DLP projector as well for the same price. While $999 isn't the smallest number in the world and not one that makes us jump to our wallets and get ready to buy a flat screen tv or projector. What it does do is open up the projectors appeal to younger audiences that much stronger. If you want an all around good projector then look no further than the Optoma HD20 1080 DLP Projector. Plus, Optoma is probably a better known name than Vivitek.

A Projector in Your Cell Phone?

2009-12-13T17:24:00.004-05:00

3M has announced the creation of a "Mobile Interactive Solutions Division." Its focus will be to make little projectors that fit into mobile devices. Even though the company already makes tiny projectors that are about the size of a cell phone, they could possibly be making projectors that will come built into your cell phone in the near future.

"More and more people depend on mobile devices for constant information and communication in today’s technology-dependent world, and 3M can play a big role in improving their experiences," said Mark Collin, the Vice President and General Manager of the new Mobile Interactive Solutions Division.

According to a press release by 3M, they were the first company to hit the market with a mobile projector. "The second generation of the product, the MPro model 120 introduced in October, is one of the brightest and most energy efficient battery-powered projectors on the market," the press release stated.

Looking for an Affordable LCD Projector Rental then call 800-736-8772 today. Ask about the newest type of projector that's "all in the mirrors" and see if a DLP Projector Rental is right for you.

Mitsubishi HC3800 Home Theater Projector

2009-12-03T09:15:00.007-05:00

New from Mitsubishi is the HC3800, a DLP 1080p which falls somewhere between really good projectors that do not have the best leading edge image quality for around $1,000 and fully featured 1080p projectors for around $2,000 and up. The HC3800 has a bright picture with good contrast to allow for use on a large screen in a darkened theater atmosphere but it is also good enough to be used in your personal living room.

The HC3800 has a high lumen output which makes it good for dark and bright rooms. Many projectors come with image modes but this device does not. It does, however, come with many different color and gamma temperature settings which allow for completely customizable settings. The brightest picture was created by using the "sports" gamma and the "high brightness" color temperature presets. The picture measured 1346 lumens. While in this mode, the contrast is slightly lessened as well as color balance. However, put this thing in a room with ambient light and it will produce a dynamic picture.

"Cinema" mode puts out a bright 621 lumens picture which is very comparable with other projectors and you can also use a screen up to 150" diagonally in a dark room with decent light control. However, 621 lumens is pretty bright for many situations. But by turning on low light mode you can reduce the lumen output by 15%. Low lamp mode has a few benefits to it other than a lower brightness. On one hand it greatly reduces fan noise and it also increases lamp life potentially from 2,000 to 5,000 hours. You can also reduce lumen output by another 22% by turning off BrilliantColor which is enabled by default.

The HC3800 has a contrast ratio of 4000:1. With such a contrast ratio, many people may think that the picture will be bland or dull. However, the HC3800's ANSI contrast exceeds 600:1. This ratio matches and even exceeds some projectors that carry extreme on/off contrast ratings. The HC3800's black levels can not compare with more expensive projectors but the HC3800 does look just as good as any other device.

Fine detail is cleanly displayed, even when it is in motion. The HC3800 had no problems passing the HQV Film Resolution Loss Test. In addition the HC3800 has very little digital noise in comparison to other models. Solid color areas like backgrounds and wallpapers are very clean and have nearly no noise about them.

The lens on the HC3800 has a manual 1:5:1 zoom lens which is very good for a DLP projector like this. Only 18% of maximum light output is lost between the telephoto and wide ends of the zoom lens. This allows the HC3800 to have a better throw range flexibility than some other DLP projectors available for $999 which offer 1.2x zoom.

Considering that the HC3800 is an inexpensive DLP projector, it is not surprising that it does not contain a lens shift. The image offset is 29% of the picture height which means, for example, that on a 100" diagonal screen, the bottom of the screen will appear 14" above the lens' centerline. An aggressive offset like this is useful mounting the projector on your ceiling or placing it on a small, low table. However, because of this you rule out rear shelf usage.

Overall the HC3800 seems to be a solid projector and it seems to be a good competitor in the low priced 1080p home theater projectors market. It comes with a bright video optimized picture that contains excellent contrast coupled with a 1:5:1 zoom lens. The HC3800 is economical with it's 5,000 hour lamp which will greatly reduce maintenance costs down the line. The HC3800 does require some calibration but that has proven to benefit most projectors. In conclusion Mitsubishi's HC3800 is an excellent projector and well worth your cash. You can pick one of these up for $1,499.

Need a projector rental? Consider www.Rentacomputer.com, renting projectors since 1987. Or you can check out Rentourprojectors.com with their specific section on Family Reunion Projector Rentals

Sony Unveils New Home Theater Line

2009-11-23T13:41:00.004-05:00

Have you been thinking about converting a room into a home theater or gaming room? Or maybe you just want widescreen, high definitions movies in your living room or bedroom? Either way, Sony Australia has announced a line-up of new home theater projectors that promise to be great for any room in your house. The range has three new models: the VPLBW7, the Bravia VPLHW15, and the Bravia VPLVW85. The projectors will be available through Sony authorized AV dealers and IT distributors by the end of November 2009.

The VPLBW7 is the entry level model but according to Sony, lower price doesn't mean compromising quality. Its compact size makes it a great projector for any room in the house. It's also great for any lighting conditions. Vincent Bautista, a product manager for Sony, calls it "heaven sent for apartment dwellers who may not have the long throw distances required for a traditional projector. It's low price ($1,795) also makes it attractive to average gaming and entertainment enthusiasts.

The Bravia VPLHW15 is the middle projector in the range and is designed specifically for movie buffs and home entertainers. The projector has SXRD technology which minimizes the the space between pixels and dot-less picture, regardless of the surface your image is being projected onto. It also responds to the light in the room and selects the optimum contrast levels automatically. Priced at $4,299, the VPLHW15 is a great piece of equipment for anyone who is looking for a "fully immersive home theater that doesn't break the bank," says Bautista.

The top model in the line is the Bravia VPLVW85 and it is made specifically for those looking for the ultimate home theater technology. The premium projector has already won the European Imaging and Sound Association Award for Best Product 2009-2001 in the video projector category. "The VPLVW85 gives consumers looking for the very best in home theatre exactly what they’ve been after. This projector delivers on the promise of a true cinematic experience for AV enthusiasts who are looking to give their home and family the best home theatre experience possible," Bautista said of the $8,999 projector.

All three projectors are designed to be flexible and easy for users to setup in their homes.