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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Canon Updates LV Range with 10 New Projectors

The European branch of Canon has just launched a major update to its successful LV range of portable projectors by adding 10 new models to its lineup. Canon's LV projector line has proven to be very popular in the corporate setting as well as the education industry. In addition to adding the new projectors, the line has also been divided into three different classes. The LV range now comes in Standard, Middle and Advanced models, each of which is tailored to specific needs.

The four projectors of the ten that are categorized as Advanced provide a brightness of between 2,200 and 3,000 lumens and also feature network connectivity and built-in 10W speakers. The Middle category projectors come with 1W speakers and HDMI inputs and offer brightness between 2,220 and 2,600 lumens in XGA and WXGA formats. The three models in the Standard category provide long-life lamps and filters while also offering brightness of between 2,200 lumens and 3,000 lumens in XGA format.

According to Julian Rutland, Canon's Visual Communication Products and Solutions Director, "The projectors will be valuable additions to Canon's stable of consumer products." In addition to that, Rutland added, "The expansion of our LV range and the recent addition of two new models in our XEED installation range means that Canon now has a projector for a home office right through to a powerful installed projector in an exhibition hall."

Source: Projector Point - Canon adds 10 new projectors to its LV range

Sony Debuts New SRX-R515 4K Digital Projector

Sony recently debuted its brand new line of next-gen 4K digital projectors. What makes these projectors special, however, is that they are currently the very first 4K projectors in the industry to utilize high-pressure mercury lamps.

Known as the Sony SRX-R515 4K Digital Cinema Projection System, the physical device is currently being showcased at the CineEurope trade event currently in progress in Barcelona this entire week. Sony has specifically designed the SRX-R515 to be used in small or medium-sized screen auditoriums or for use in smaller cinemas that are working on a limited budget.

In addition to that, the SRX-R515 has been designed to offer brand new capabilities for purposes that are not too common in current projectors. This includes places like sports theaters and multi-user big-screen gaming, like tournaments or events.

According to Sony Digital Cinema's David McIntosh, this new compact projector comes with an increased flexibility with installation in smaller projection booths, which creates more operating space for smaller locations. McIntosh went on to say, "Blacks are incredibly detailed and we believe the picture quality with this projector, although it's lower cost and although it's aimed at a different market, the actual picture quality is astonishingly good, literally incredible."

McIntosh also added, "The smaller or medium-sized screen venues will be able to ensure that their customers are literally seeing the best possible picture on screen of any film that they're playing." The SRX-R515 comes with six high-pressure mercury lamps as opposed to the more traditional xenon lamps, which allows for quick and easy lamp replacement and a lower total cost of ownership for an estimated 10 years.

Source: Projector Point - Next generation 4K digital projector launched by Sony

Sharp XV-Z30000 Control4 Certified

Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America has just reported that its XV-Z30000 home theater projector is now Control4 certified. The XV-Z30000 has already passed interoperabillity tests to ensure that it is able to easily integrate with Control4 home-automation systems.

In addition to that, the XV-Z30000 is Sharp's latest 2D/3D capable high definition DLP home theater projector to hit the market. This device provides 3D visuals and also features a 50,000:1 contrast ratio as well as 1,600 ANSI lumens, according to Sharp.

The XV-Z30000 attributes some of its great picture quality to the use of DLP technology. In addition to that, Sharp's proprietary digital image ICs allow the XV-Z30000 to reproduce high quality 3D pictures with low cross talk and flicker, according to a recent statement from the company.

According to Strategic Product Marketing Vice President for Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America Jim Sanduski, "No matter what the content, the XV-Z30000 offers a compelling entertainment projection solution. Now the XV-Z30000 integrates seamlessly with Control4 to provide consumers with easy-to-use, intelligent automation control for a completely enjoyable home entertainment experience."

Control4 allows third party manufacturers to design products that are able to easily integrate with the Control4 platform. Control4 promotes interoperabillity through the easy assimilation of leading consumer electronics within a Control4 system with more than 6,500 drivers from 150 different companies.

Source: Twice - Sharp Projector Gets Control4 Certification

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AAXA Releases New HD WiFi P4 Pico Projector

Pico projectors are nifty little devices, but they haven't quite gained the popularity that their producers believed to they would. That's not to say that pico projectors are entirely useless. They do have a bit of a niche market and there are still a ton of people out there that like them and use them regularly, which is why companies keep making them. The newest pico projector to hit the market is the P4 WiFi Pico Projector by AAXA.

The P4 by AAXA is a pico projector that comes with built-in WiFi connectivity and is capable of producing up to 100 lumens of brightness, which is a 20 lumens improvement over the previous model. In addition to that, the P4 utilizes the latest converter green technology from Osram in order to increase brightness while also remaining energy efficient. The battery life is said to last for up to 75 minutes, which means it is good for on the spot projection, though anything substantial will require you to leave the device plugged in.

The integrated 750MHz processor allows the P4 to display 720p HD video with aplomb. This capability perfectly complements the 2GB of internal memory, which can also be further upgraded via microSD card slot. The P4 also comes with a keyboard/mouse combo that makes using the device quick and easy, no matter what the situation.

As far as pricing goes, the AAXA P4 WiFi Pico Projector retails for $399, which is a little expensive, especially considering the fact that you can get a standard, tabletop projector for that same price or less, though the main selling point here is obviously the portability and the HD video. Pico projectors aren't for everybody but they do have their uses. They're great if you want to pop one out and project something on the spot or for traveling if you decide that you want to watch a movie while on the road. Like I said, the P4 WiFi Pico Projector from AAXA retails for $399 and is available now.

Source: Ubergizmo - AAXA P4 Wi-Fi Pico Projector

Wolf Cinema Adds Two New Projectors to Reference Series

Wolf Cinema has just announced that the latest models in the company's signature Reference Series 2D and 3D theater projectors have already begun to be shipped. The new projectors coming to Wolf Cinema's lineup include the new REF-700 and the REF-1000. Both projectors are said to offer high-performance 3D images on screens up to 18 feet wide.

In addition to that, both models utilize modular Cermax xenon arc lamps along with three-chip DLP light engines and your choice of six different high-contrast VariScope primary lens packages. Wolf is also including with these projectors its advanced video-processing system with custom film algorithms, optional cinema Triple-Flash 3D imaging technologies and custom 3D glasses, according to the company. 

According to President of Wolf Cinema John Hunter, "The REF Series are extraordinary - frankly, we're surprised at how much we've been able to improve upon the visual performance of the previous generation. The imaging is cleaner, more highly resolved without looking etched and with greater sense of instantaneous dynamics when fast-transitioning between light levels."

Wolf's i-Box design, which is used in all of the company's Reference models, allows you to customize installations in difficult locations while ensuring long-life components. Each system uses high-velocity air flow directed throughout the chassis as well as over all the critical system components. The VariScope memory lens system also enables the viewing of a plethora of TV and film content without the need of any external anamorphic lenses. 

This technique accesses a wide range of aspect ratios, including 16:9 and even CinemaScope 2.35/2.40:1, and even stores them in memory for quick access from the projector's remote whenever you need it. The new Reference Series projectors are available as 2D-only or can be configured as Full 3D HD imaging systems. The 3D versions, however, do come with the latest TripleFlash imaging technologies, which allows for ultra-smooth, ghost-free performances. A near-field 3D emitter and four pairs of custom 3D glasses are included with each 3D projector and both the REF-700 and REF-1000 are shipping now for $75,000 retail. 

Source: Twice - Wolf Beefs Up Signature Projector Line

Epson - The Best Video Projector Brand

About.com named Espon the 2012 Reader's Choice Award for best video projector brand yesterday. This is a wonderful award for Epson; we've featured countless Epson products on this blog for years and this award only helps affirm why. Epson received 58% of the About.com votes. The closest competitor was Mitsubishi with only 26%.

Epson is the number one selling projector brand in the world, whether for home or business use, and they have a product for every need. Compact projectors are available for those needing to travel. Pro Cinema projectors are, as Epson puts it, "The ultimate home theater experience for the discriminating enthusiast." Epson also carries a line of projectors known as MovieMate. These projectors have built in DVD and music players that make them a great option for showing movies without having to bring along extra accessories. But, if you do need accessories, Epson carries a full array of them as well. Everything from lamps to mounts to carrying cases, and Epson is constantly producing new products to improve their customer experience.

So, from all of us here at The Projector Blog, congratulations, Epson; keep on being the great company that we know and love you as.

Sony Launches First 4K Projector

Sony has just recently launched its all new VPL-VW1000ES projector, claiming that this device is the world's first 4K projector, meaning it's pushing around 10,000,000 pixels. The company is also touting this device as its flagship projector and has currently only released the device in India. Whether or not it will make its way to other countries any time soon (if at all) still remains to be seen as Sony hasn't disclosed any information on that front just yet..

The VPL-VW1000ES utilizes an all new SXRD 4K panel, allowing it to produce a high contrast and 2,000 ANSI lumens of brightness. In addition to that, the VPL-VW1000ES can achieve an impressive 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio when paired with Sony's Iris3 technology. This resolution output allows the VPL-VW1000ES to produce images of up to 200" diagonally for, as Sony describes it, "awe-inspiring cinematic viewing in the comforts of the home."

According to a statement from Deputy General Manager, Professional Solution Division, Sony India Munetaka Sataru, "Our new VPL-VW1000ES 4K home theater projector has been created to not just meet, but exceed the needs of the most discerning and demanding home Picture9.png entertainment enthusiasts. It will allow them to become totally immersed in the viewing experience with the action unfolding before their eyes in a new level of realism."

Aside from supporting a 4K resolution, the VPL-VW1000ES also comes with Sony's Super Resolution 4K upscaler "Reality Creation", which is designed to enhance all content produced, whether it's SD, HD, 2D or 3D, to higher definition true 4K picture signals. This projector also has a built-in IR transmitter for Full 4K 3D, which drives the device's TDG-PJ1 active shutter 3D glasses. There is also Picture Position Memory, which memorizes the position of the zoom lens, and support for 2D and 3D anamorphic films.

A plethora of installation options also comes with the VPL-VW1000ES, including dual triggers, a 2.1 motorized zoom, expanded throw distances, an RS 232 interface, control over IP and compatibility with virtually every home automation integrator possible. You can pick up Sony's VPL-VW1000ES 4K projector for around $25,000 when it is released sometime this year.

Source: Think Digit - Sony launches VPL-VW1000ES 4K projector in India for Rs. 13,99,900

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Projector Eyewear Patent from Microsoft Sheds New Light on Gaming Possibilities

A new patent from Microsoft was recently discovered that describes a new Xbox accessory that, from the looks of it, would bring about big change in the gaming industry. If the Kinect's ability to watch everything you do and listen to everything you say just isn't cool enough for you then maybe Microsoft's patented gaming eyewear that literally projects the game you are playing directly in front of your eyes can do the trick.

The patent, filed back in 2010, was titled "Projector Eyewear for Xbox and Beyond" and describes a physical headset that would project the audio and visuals of your Xbox game directly into your ears and eyes. Patentbolt was the first to uncover the patent. The display system described would be capable of being used with a plethora of different devices, including the Xbox 360 and PC. In addition to that, the patent described that the device could also be housed in a helmet or in a pair of goggles/glasses.

Physically, the human eye is incapable of focusing on things that are closer than a few centimeters from the eye., meaning that images fed directly into the lenses of the eyewear isn't possible. Instead, a "virtual image" would be stereoscopically created by displaying two different images simultaneously, similar to the Nintendo 3DS' top screen 3D effect.

This projector eyewear would, in one configuration, display a 16:9 aspect ratio image that would appear about 21" away from your eyes, having the effect that an HDTV is floating in front of you. The patent also states that the display will be somewhat transparent, which will allow you to view the room around you, even while playing.

The only downside here is that this is just a patent, meaning that, at the moment, it is only an idea. The technology itself may never actually surface and make it onto the heads of gamers everywhere. However, if this ever did become a reality, and the price was similarly reasonable to Microsoft's Kinect sensor, then this could open up new doors to virtual reality gaming. You're talking about a personalized display that allows both motion and voice inputs.

Nevertheless, this is definitely something I would be into if it ever surfaces past the patent stage. Who knows, maybe Microsoft is just waiting for the Xbox 720 to be released before they build new technology for the current Xbox 360. Still, it would be very cool to have.

Source: Digital Trends - Microsoft's 'Projector Eyewear' brings Xbox closer to virtual reality

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Vivitek Unveils 3D LED Qumi Q5 Pocket Projector

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Vivitek showed off an early look at their upcoming Qumi Q5, the latest addition to the company's popular line of DLP pocket projectors. Not a lot was revealed about the device but what was divulged was that Qumi Q5 will have a native 1,280 x 800 WXGA resolution as well as a 500 lumen output.

However, that isn't the only thing that this projector has going for it. In addition to the great lumen output, the new LED light source incorporated in the Qumi Q5 provides an estimated 30,000 hours of life as well as a reported 3,500:1 contrast ratio. The Qumi Q5 is also 3D-ready, thanks to Texas Instruments' DLP Link active synching technology. The only thing you need is a pair of active shutter 3D glasses.

There are also a few good connectivity options on the Qumi Q5 as well. Included on the device is HDMI, Universal I/O (24-pin connector for VGA/Component input), an AV mini jack audio-out and a USB slot for expanding your content and memory. You'll also find a built-in 2W speaker as well as 4GB of internal memory, all packed in a pocket projector that only weighs 1.1 pounds.

There are also a few additional options that you can add, like a rechargeable battery pack that gives you up to 4 hours of power ($249) and an all new USB-based WiFi dongle ($99) that will allow you to have web access when paired with the Qumi Q5's built-in web browser. Look for this device when it hits store shelves sometime this summer.

Source: Big Picture Big Sound - Vivitek Readies 3D-Ready Qumi Q5 LED Pocket Projector

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LightBeam Makes Ordinary Surfaces and Objects Interactive Projector Displays and Remotes

Pico projectors currently have the ability to turn any surface into a screen. However, what they can't do is turn that same surface into an interactive projector screen and average, everyday items into a remote control. Until now. Developed by a team from the Technische Univerität Darmstadt in Germany, LightBeam pairs a pico projector with a depth-sensing camera. This allows it to provide a lot of interactive features, much like Microsoft's Kinect sensor, to projected presentations.

The prototype developed by the German team actually uses a Kinect sensor to provide the motion tracking and depth perception. Any type of display surface can be manipulated within a limited 3D space with the projected image reorienting itself and rotating when the object you are projecting on is rotated. In addition to that, you can change the level of detail displayed by the projector dynamically relative to the amount of display surface available.

LightBeam also allows everyday objects to function as a remote control. That means that you can control your entire presentation by manipulating an object within the camera's field of vision. For example, you could twist anything in your hand to switch from a Flickr slideshow to your Facebook page or to go back to what you were previously viewing.

The team from Technische Univerität Darmstadt developed their prototype to examine how a user would interact with a physical object using the LightBeam system. What they discovered was that people who participated in the study were able to adapt to the idea of using physical objects as remotes for the projector very quickly and also liked the ability to quickly change between different detail levels. The participants also suggested that a good idea might be to bind digital information to physical objects like physical documents, something the team is planning on looking into in the future.

The LightBeam prototype is expected to be presented at the Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI) 2012 in Austin, Texas in May.

Source: Gizmag - LightBeam makes any surface a projector display, and everyday objects a remote control
Geek - LightBeam adds intelligent object interaction to pico projectors

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BenQ Unveils Two New Laser Projectors

BenQ America, one of the most popular projector manufacturers in the country, has just unveiled an all new pair of short-throw video projectors specifically designed for use in the education industry. In addition to that, both of the new projectors use mercury-free blue core light engines for increased safety and environmental friendliness.

The new projectors have been labeled the LX60ST and the LW61ST. Both projectors were designed for a low total cost of ownership by using the blue core lighting engine, which uses a laser light source as opposed to the traditional mercury lamp. This allows both devices to achieve as much as 90% less light source power consumption, according to BenQ.

The technology also optimizes the units' brightness while offering a longer life span, according to the company. BenQ also announced that both the LX60ST and LW61ST offer an average 20,000 hours of brightness and produce an ultra-high 80,000:1 contrast ratio. An instant on/off feature also saves you a lot of time on start up and powering down while a manual brightness-level adjustment accommodates different classroom environments.

The SmartEco Advanced mode, found in both projectors, automatically determines the optimal brightness level based on your input source. At the same time, a No Source Detected mode automatically lowers brightness to 10% when no display has been detected for more than three minutes. Also, an Eco Blank mode enables blanking out the screens for both projectors when not in use to redirect students' focus, while also lowering light source power consumption to only 10%.

Finally, the BenQ blue core light engine classroom projectors offer 2,000 ANSI lumens brightness, XGA / WXGA resolution and 0.6 / 0.49 short-throw projection. Both projectors also feature two 10-watt built-in speakers, as well as a microphone input, Apple iPhone / iPad wireless display support, LAN display, USB display and 360-degree titled projection.

Source: Twice - BenQ Adds Laser Projection Pair

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Runco's More Affordable LightStyle LS-1 Projector

Runco home theater projectors have a reputation of being high-class and high-performance projectors that come with a high-class pricetag as well. And when I say high price, I mean it. One device that the company offers is an absolutely amazing device that has 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 lumens output seems kind of low, to be honest, especially with other manufacturers offering cheaper devices with lumens output exceeding 1,000. The device itself is fairly heavy, weighing approximately 18 lbs., which indicates 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 18 lb. 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 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 such as 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 port, 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

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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