New 4K HD Projectors From Sony Starting At $15,000

Whether it be for a home theater, or your business office's conference room, a top of the line projector can really make a difference in quality and size. Sony has already released their line of 4K TV's already in production, along with a respectively sized price tag. The projector's by Sony have already seen consumer production in SD, HD, and even 3D models, but have now decided to step up their game. 4K HD projector models from Sony are now in production.

A little over a month ago at CEDIA 2013, Sony came with a new line of projectors; the new SXRD projectors to be exact. Their new line featured two different 4K models and one 1080p HD model.

Now if your business or home theater system needs the top of the line in projector imaging, both 4K models, the VPL-VW1100ES and the cheaper VPL-VW600ES will both offer you a 4,096 x 2,160 pixel count. Since both are offering the same pixel count, what would constitute the price difference? The only notable differences between the 1100ES and the 600ES is that the 600ES will be featured with lower contrast and brightness levels in a tinier frame. The price difference between the two is quite a huge jump though. The VPL-VW1100ES will put you back a pretty $28,000 while the VPL-VW600ES (with the exact same pixel count) will only run you about half the price at $15,000. If you or your company need the prettiest picture with the highest brightness and contrast, be ready to drop twice as much for that luxury.

If both of the models are a bit rich for your blood, the VPL-HW55ES is the newest edition to the 1080p projector line from Sony. The 55ES is now available for commercial sales with a better cooling system to help with the longevity of the lamp and "increased optical efficiency". The greatly decreased price tag of $4,000 should also be a good incentive to pick this up, especially if you or the office aren't quite ready for 4K displays.

After seeing how the prices for the 4K TV's have slowly decreased, it can only be assumed that the projectors too will start to come down in price in the same rough time frame. Most companies could greatly benefit from the two 4K projectors, especially for larger conference rooms or even large scale events where an increased pixel count could really help with the visual display. The 1080p model seems more suited for smaller businesses or home theaters and could make a great gift this holiday season to really help complete that top of the line home entertainment system in the man cave.

The VPL-HW55ES is available now. Both 4K models, the VPL-VW1100ES and the VPL-VW600ES, will be available later this month for consumers.

New Mobile iPower Sight Projector from iPowerUp

According to manufacturer iPowerUp, the iPower Sight is a small box projector that is capable of producing images from your smartphone, tablet or computer in sizes of up to 200" diagonally, which is saying a lot for a device that can fit in your pocket.

The projector itself is indeed small, measuring 4 x 4 3/4" and weighing a little over 3 ounces. Even though these measures aren't exactly "pocket-sized", it is still pretty small for a projector and is definitely mobile. Like I mentioned earlier, this projector is capable of producing images of up to 200" diagonally, though you really only want to utilize this feature if you are in a completely dark room and only if you are using an actual projector screen instead of a wall or flat surface.

For quick use in average conditions, a 50" image from the iPower Sight on a white wall is completely adequate. Actually, when you consider the size of the projector, you come to realize that the picture quality is pretty impressive as the projector uses a DLP chip covered in tiny mirrors that reflect LED light onto the screen.

This projector's lamp is capable of producing 85 lumens of brightness, which is better than almost every projector of this size, and is capable of producing images with a resolution of 845 by 480, qualifying it as a high-definition projector. Unlike most projectors that require a power outlet in order to function, the Sight is capable of running on battery power, though it only lasts for about two hours.

There are on-board speakers for sound output anywhere, anytime, though connecting to a speaker dock or another set of external speakers is a good idea if you want the best sound quality possible, especially if you will be using this projector frequently for video watching.

If you want something that is highly mobile and capable of producing a pretty good image from your smartphone, tablet or computer then iPower's Sight projector is a good find. At a price of $350, this isn't a bad deal if you are looking to take this projector on the road with you or if you want to put something in your child's bedroom in lieu of a television.

Source: The New York Times - A Big Picture From a Small Projector

Student Performance Increased by 3D Projectors

Some people think that 3D projectors are simply for entertainment purposes, that they hold no real value outside of watching a movie or playing a video game in the third dimension. However, recent studies have discovered that this is entirely inaccurate. New research is showing that the use of 3D projectors, along with other 3D technology, in the classroom is improving the concentration and test results of students.

This new research is being carried out by the International Research Agency at the bequest of Texas Instruments. Texas Instruments has invested a lot in classroom technology through calculators alone but is also one of the foremost chip technology experts in the world. In addition to that, the company saw the introduction of 3D projectors and 3D glasses to class members that were participating in the research.

The International Research Agency monitored the students and discovered that 86% of them achieved better results in the post-test than they did in the pre-test when using 3D technology. It was also discovered that only 52% improved in the control classes, or the classes that were only given 2D technology for the post-test.

In the 3D in Education White Paper, Professor Anne Bamford, who is heading up the research, stated, "Individuals improved test scores by an average of 17% in the 3D classes, compared to only an 8% improvement in the 2D classes between pre-test and post-test. The teachers commented that the pupils in the 3D groups had deeper understanding, increased attention spans, more motivation and higher engagement."

Moreover, the research also studied classes in seven countries across Europe that are adopting the 3D technology. These countries included the United Kingdom, France and Sweden. The studied surveyed 740 students in 15 schools and involved 47 teachers.

3D projecting may still be a primarily entertainment-driven market, but the potential for some serious classroom benefits are evident. I mean, an 86% increase is substantial at any level and it will be interesting to see what other findings the International Research Agency and Texas Instruments uncover.

Source: Projector Point - Classroom 3D projectors improve pupils' performances

Samsung Debuts New Pico Projector for Use with Galaxy Tab and Galaxy S Devices

Samsung has just released a new, pocket-sized projector that has been specifically designed to compliment the company's vast line of Galaxy Tab tablets and Galaxy S smartphones. Known as the new EAD-R10 Mobile Beam Projector, the device is curved like a smartphone as opposed to being brick shaped like most other pocket projectors. This makes it easier to slip the device into a pocket or bag and take it with you wherever you go.

The one major downside here is the specifications, which look like something you would find in a pocket projector from a couple of years back. The brightness only comes in at 20 lumens while the resolution maxes out at 640 x 360, meaning it is barely able to qualify as a pico projector. However, by using components that are slightly outdated, the Beam is able to achieve a smaller form factor than the Galaxy S III and a price tag of only $221.

Another downside is that the Beam appears to only be a South Korean exclusive at launch. However, this device also appears to be a good alternative to some of the bigger, heftier smartphones out there that have a projector built in, which have had moderate success in the industry in business settings as average consumers don't really see the need for a projector-smartphone hybrid.

If you are looking for a highly portable, pocket-sized projector then the EAD-R10 Mobile Beam Projector from Samsung might be worth looking into, especially if you have a version of the company's Galaxy Tab or Galaxy S smartphone. As the Beam has been specifically designed for use with these devices, you can assume that there will be more than a few features that are designed to enhance your experience with both devices. Once more info drops on worldwide availability and pricing we will be sure to let you know.

Source: Gizmodo - Samsung's Curvy Projector Is More Pocketable Than the Galaxy SIII

Tiny Instagram Projector Created on Kickstarter

A new, extremely tiny projector is looking to bring back the glory days of sharing all of y our favorite pictures with friends and family via slideshow. This device, known as the Projecteo, was funded within 24 hours of being launched on Kickstarter. The device uses 35mm slide film so you can project your favorite Instagram photos for the world to see.

Even though this device isn't the first of its kind, it certainly is the quaintest and most easily transportable. The device is literally no bigger than a Gigapet while the retro display style seems to perfectly compliment the hipster style of Instagram.

The Projecteo was inspired by the "magical qualities" of the images produced by old Rollei projectors and uses a powerful LED combined with a lens and focusing mechanism in order to project "good quality" images up to 2.5-feet wide in a pitch black room. It goes without saying that the extremely small size and LED limitations mean that this device may have problems in rooms with ambient light.

The Projecteo takes wheels of 35mm slide film that are specially produced to contain nine full color Instagram images on each frame. In addition to that, a compatible iPhone app is used to select images from Instagram and arrange them in the circular cutter and place them in a plastic wheel that slots into the projector. Additional photo wheels are available, though you have to order them separately.

Using the device is also said to be very simple. All you have to do, allegedly, is turn the device on, twist the lens barrel to focus and spin the wheel to change the image. You can still find the project on Kickstarter. A $25 pledge will get you the Projecteo, which is expected to ship in either December or January. A $40 pledge will grant you a Projecteo in Rollei P35 projector colors while a $350 pledge will allow you to work with designers to create a one-off color combination. Finally, there is also a $5,000 pledge, which could also get you one of three gold-plated devices.

Source: Gizmag - Projecteo: A tiny projector for Instagram slide shows

Sony's New VPL-HW50ES HD 3D Projector

Sony has just announced the launch of the new full HD 3D home cinema projector known as the VPL-HW50ES. This new home cinema projector has been designed around Sony's "Reality Creation" technology and, according to the company, has a brightness of up to 1,700 lumens. In addition to that, Sony explained that the high brightness level was achieved by improving the efficiency of the built-in lamp as well as the optical block optimization.

The new VPL-HW50ES comes with two modes, a Bright Cinema mode and a Bright TV mode. It is expected that whenever you operate the device in one of these two modes there is a 30% improvement to the overall brightness of the picture compared to the previously released models from Sony. One major point worth mentioning is that Sony was also able to achieve these brightness levels without compromising on the color reproduction, something that other developers have trouble with.

The VPL-HW50ES model will also come with a contrast ratio of 100,000:1 and a contrast enhancer that is designed to analyze each scene and then optimize the contrast in real-time. The enhancer is capable of adjusting for dark and bright parts of the image by itself while some functional upgrades, like a 3D sync transmitter, wider lens and noise reduction, show the clear improvements this HD model has made over its predecessors.This projector also has a vertical lens shift in the range of +/- 71% and a noise level reduced to 21dB.

This appears to be a pretty good HD projector and one that is perfectly suited for home entertainment. Sony is known for making top-of-the-line home entertainment projectors and this one appears to be up there with the best of Sony's other offerings. The fact that it offers full 1080p HD along with full 3D is something that most home entertainment junkies will eat right up. You can purchase this projector right now from Sony's website and choose from one of two colors, white or black.

Source: Gizbot - Sony VPL-HW50ES: Full HD 3D Home Cinema Projector Goes on Sale in India for Rs 2,59,900

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Three New Fixed Installation Projectors from Sony

Sony has just announced three brand new projector models that are aimed specifically at organizations that have a need for a fixed installation projector. The company is ready to launch the all new VPL-CW275, VPL-FH31 and VPL-FH36 over the course of the next couple of months with the target markets being universities, corporations, museums and medical applications that use fixed installation projectors for lectures or presentations.

All three of these new projectors will be equipped with BrightEra 3LCD Inorganic Panel technology in addition to energy efficient features and flexible installation options, allowing you to literally have the most efficient setup possible based on your situation. 

The VPL-CW275, which is a part of Sony's existing CW225 line, comes with one of the brightest outputs that the company offers. In addition to that, this projector has a new Picture Muting feature that allows for the picture to be switched off instantaneously for a brief period of time by pushing a single button. Also included with the VPL-CW275 is a lens shift range and screen fitting feature that allows you to easily adjust the device after installing. 

The VPL-FH31 and VPL-FH36 projectors are both enhanced replacements for Sony's existing VPL-FH30 and VPL-FH35 projectors. They are also said to offer the best in class image quality with both projectors providing WUXGA 1,920 x 1,080 resolution and full HD compatibility. 

Each of these projectors is expected to be released sometime between now and January 2013, according to Sony. Unfortunately, the company has yet to announce at this time a pricing scheme for these devices. 

Source: Projector Point - Sony announces three new fixed installation projectors

3M Debuts New Streaming Projector Powered by Roku

Content streaming is becoming the next big thing in digital entertainment. More and more people are digitally downloading their content and streaming it to their televisions, smartphones and other electronic devices. Projector manufacturer 3M has recognized this and created the Streaming Projector, which merges the incredible picture size and quality you get from a projector with the streaming content that Roku is known for.

The projector itself isn't very big, which keeps it in line with most technology these days. It is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and only weighs about one pound, making it easily transportable. In addition to that, the projector is capable of projecting an image of up to 120" diagonally with a resolution of 800 x 480, which isn't the best that can be offered, especially if you are serious about HD content, though it is respectable considering the size of the projector as a whole.

Adding to the convenience of the device, this projector is also battery powered and should last around 2 hours and 45 minutes per charge, meaning it should last you long enough to watch an entire movie. But if you are watching a movie near an AC power outlet then losing power won't even be an issue. Just make sure you bring the adapter cable along if you are planning on having a movie marathon.

Integration comes through HDMI, meaning you can gain access to all of Roku's content, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon and Crakle. You can also connect this projector to an Xbox 360, PS3 or any other HDMI-compatible device. Roku also gives you access to over 600 channels, so you will never be at a loss for content.

Internet connection can be accessed via WiFi while a small remote is also included, allowing you to control your projector comfortably from wherever you are sitting. The projector also comes with small, built-in speakers as well as audio out for hooking up additional sound systems. You can pre-order the projector right now at Amazon for $299 with the projector actually shipping on October 22, 2012.

Source: Gizmag - New 3M projector streams Roku content

New Pro9000 LED Laser Projector Debuted by ViewSonic

ViewSonic has just debuted a new high-end flagship video projector with the Pro9000, one of the first LED laser projectors to hit the consumer home-cinema market. According to ViewSonic, LED laser technology has all the advantages of a traditional DLP system with none of the deficits. What this means is that the "rainbow effect" that usually occurs with DLP projectors has been significantly reduced with the Pro9000.

This technology, in conjunction with a Texas Instruments DarkChip 3 processor and 1080p full HD, makes this projector perfect for any home cinema setup. ViewSonic stated that the Pro9000 should also ensure brightness levels of up to 1,600 lumens as well as have a contrast ratio of 100,000:1. The only drawback here is that the Pro9000 isn't 3D compatible and has no motion-compensation mode to ensure that fast-paced action sequences flow smoothly.

The rear of the device houses all of the connectivity options, and there are quite a few to choose from. Aside from the standard power outlet, the Pro9000 comes with two HDMI ports, a single VGA port, a composite connector, a single S-video port and an RS-232 serial port. In terms of functionality, the Pro9000 has a zoom function and also offers manual focusing, even though there is no lens-shift, which some users may find disappointing.

The Pro9000 from ViewSonic is set to debut sometime in October and will be heading to the UK first with an estimated retail price of £1,600. No word yet on when the Pro9000 will come to the U.S. or on how much it will cost when, or if, it arrives.

Source: Digital Versus - ViewSonic Presents Pro9000 LED Laser Projector

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DPI Beefs Up LED, 3D Projectors

Digital Projection International was recently spotted at InfoComm 2012 in Las Vegas sporting a new booth layout. The new style placed all the company's projectors out in the open beaming onto over 12 different screens. It was a risky move due to the fact that there would have been no way to mask any faults in the projectors. However, sometimes bold moves like this pay off in big ways.

The reason for this setup was for commercial applications, though Michael Bridwell, DPI's Director of Marketing, did something similar at CEDIA Expo 2012 as well. Since this was a residential tradeshow, DPI had a few dedicated dark theaters in its exhibit, though the point still got across with several screens remaining out in the open, including a 214" centerpiece from Stewart Filmscreen.

According to a statement from Birdwell, "We're having that ambient light discussion with dealers like we did at InfoComm. Some of the guys here are picking up light commercial jobs, but this is the first time the entire channel has gotten to see this layout."

The ambient light angle was a good move for DPI for many reasons. For one, it was demonstrating new products with increased brightness across the board. Some of the major highlighted products included the HIGHlite 330-3D and the dVision LED projectors, both of which were being featured in the dedicated rooms as well.

The HIGHlite 330 was being displayed as a unit that delivers high brightness 3D from a 3-chip projector for a fraction of the cost . In addition to that, it was being touted as a counterpart to the lower-rung Titan projectors and is priced at $29,995, which is nearly 60% of the cost of an entry-level Titan. What's more is that this device is also 3D capable and can produce 2,900 to 3,000 lumens in 3D or 4,500 lumens in 2D.

The dVision LED model, which is already available for purchase, features the same chassis as the dVision Scope and natively switches from 16:9 to 2.35:1 without the need for an anamorphic lens. The Scope and LED models were working hard at the booth, both also being featured in the dedicated theaters. DPI's entire lineup of LED models, which are priced between $12,995 and $39,995, received a brightness boost with the dVision LED displaying the highest brightness at 1,100 lumens.

Source: CEPro - Digital Projection Raises Bar on 3D, LED Projectors

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New Short-Throw VPL-BW120S Projector Debuted by Sony

Sony, who is known for being quite successful in a variety of different technological fields, has just unveiled its latest addition to the company's long line of projectors with the debut of the VPL-BW120S. The new VPL-BW120S is the latest projector from Sony to fall under the home theater category, which means that this device is perfect for living rooms, entertainment centers or anywhere else you want to enjoy your favorite movies, television shows and games in your home.

This projector also features space-saving and glare-less short throw technology crafted by Sony. What this means is that this projector is perfect for use in the home or other industries that find short-throw projecting a necessity. In addition to that, this technology allows the VPL-BW120S to project images of up to 100 inches diagonally from a distance of only 4 feet away. As a point of reference, a typical projector requires around 14 to 15 feet of distance from the screen or wall it is projecting on.

The VPL-BW120S also comes with a brightness of 2,600 lumens, allowing you to experience a clearer projection in a variety of lighting settings, just like you would with a normal television. This saves you from having to constantly pull the blinds on your windows or hang sheets or blankets to block out the sun if you want to watch something in the daytime. What's more is that this device also features rich color reproduction along with a high contrast ratio and a 12-bit gamma correction for smooth color gradients.

According to Head of Marketing for B2B Products and Solutions at Sony Professional Solutions MEA Hidenori Taguchi, "We have seen great interest from consumers to replicate theater-like experiences in their homes; however, what hindered this move was the expense involved in such a replication as well as the aesthetic barriers of placing projectors in a living room. We expect the VPL-BW120S to be well received by this audience as it is designed to ensure that families and friends enjoy clear projection without compromising on clarity, space and energy efficiency. With Sony's VPL-BW120S, families will not have to arrange their living arrangement around the projector - but instead can easily fit the projector into their existing living arrangement."

It is expected that the new VPL-BW120S short-throw projector from Sony will hit store shelves at the end of August, which is in about four days, so be on the lookout for this device if you are considering going the projector route for your home entertainment solution.

Source: ITP.net - Sony releases new home projector

General Imaging's iPico Projector Coming Holiday 2012

General Imaging has recently announced the release of the iPico, a portable projector designed for iPhones and iPod Touch devices. All you have to do is insert your device into the pop-up connector on the iPico and you will be able to share pictures, videos, movies, YouTube and Facebook with anybody, anywhere and anytime. Images can be produced in up to a 50" picture with the iPico, which will retail for $129.99 when it is released in time for the 2012 holiday shopping season.

No cables are needed with the iPico as the pop-up connector is all you need to start projecting. Just slide in your device, focus on any flat surface and instantly start projecting. This is perfect for those situations when you capture the perfect video on your phone and want to show it to all your friends and family. Instead of passing the iPhone around or trying to crowd everybody around it, simply attach the iPico and show the images to everybody in a comfortable setting.

The device itself only weighs 3.35 ounces and is about 2/3 the width of an iPhone. The pop-up connector, which is only half an inch thick, neatly slides down into the dock when not in use and easily fits inside your pocket or bag. When you are using the iPico to project, the device conveniently holds your device in place and, in most cases, doesn't require removing the protective case from your iPhone or iPod.

According to General Imaging's Vice President of Marketing and Product Placement Paul Meyhoefer, "We've watched the phenomenal growth of portable devices and smart phones and have tapped into the borderline obsession these owners have with their devices. Combine the explosion of social media and the need to share almost every aspect of one's life with those around them, we believe iPico is a valuable accessory that allows these technology devotees to do just that."

Like I said earlier, the iPico from General Imaging will be available by the 2012 holiday shopping season for $129.99. It will come with a built-in rechargeable Lithium-ion battery and a USB charging cable and should be a good device for anybody who sees the need for anytime, on-the-go projecting.

Source: The Gadgeteer - Be a Big Show Off with the iPico Projector

Samsung's Galaxy Beam Released in the UK

Samsung has officially released its latest version of the Galaxy Beam smartphone, which comes with a built-in projector. The device is currently available in the UK only and is capable of casting up to 50 inches of high definition content onto a wall or other flat surface. The current model was first debuted back in February at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

According to Vice President of Samsung UK and Ireland Simon Stanford, "It's the kind of device you won't find anywhere else - a high-definition projector within a standard-sized smartphone - and is great for people who want to watch movies, show photos to friends or need to give a presentation while they're out and about."

The very first iteration of the Galaxy Beam was unveiled back in 2010. The update brought a larger screen that measured 4' as opposed to 3.7', though the device still carries a very outdated operating system in Android 2.3 Gingerbread. The smartphone also runs on a dual-core 1GHz processor and features a 5-megapixel camera along with 8GB of internal memory.

No official UK pricing was announced by Samsung for the Galaxy Beam, though carriers have been announced and include T-Mobile and Orange through Carphone Warehouse. Orange has the cheapest offer which involves a free device and a £31 monthly contract. Various independent online retailers are also offering the device for around £400.

Source: ZD Net - Samsung's Galaxy Beam projector-phone goes on sale in UK

Pixelworks Debuts New SoC for Next-Generation Projectors

Pixelworks has just announced that it has started shipping a new SoC that is targeted at next-generation, mainstream LCD and DLP projectors for use in the education, business and home theater segments. The new device is known as the Topaz SoC and, according to Pixelworks, supports 1080p and WUXGA 1,920 x 1,080 resolutions along with standard and non-standard 3D content. This includes 3D format decoding with a universal 3D glasses interface.

In addition to that, the SoC comes with a video decoder that supports 8/10 bit analog inputs or HDMI/DVI digital inputs (including HDMI 1.3, 1.4 3D), a USB 2.0 host controller, Ethernet MAC, on-screen display menu controller and an ARM9 processor, which allows you to enable projector vendors to use custom applications.

According to Senior Vice President of Pixelworks Graham Loveridge, "Current projector technology is undergoing a significant transition as more diverse and sophisticated applications become available, creating expanded opportunities for our newest family of products. The evolution in illumination engines and light source technology is migrating from traditional lamp-based light sources to LED and laser technologies, which will enable a lower cost of ownership as well as more compact and portable designs."

Pixelworks has yet to unveil any specific products that will feature the company's new SoC, though Pixelworks did say that the new SoC is targeted at mainstream LCD and DLP projectors for the education and business markets, as well as for use in the home theater market, which means that there could be a large assortment of projectors that will be utilizing Pixelworks' new SoC.

Source: Tom's Hardware - Pixelworks Launches SoC for Next-Gen LED, 3D Projectors

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