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

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

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.

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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

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

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

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

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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