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HDI's laser-driven 3D HDTV hits production, should ship next year

by Darren Murph posted Oct 30th 2009 at 4:28PM

When we first caught wind of HDI's "world's first laser-based 3D HDTV," we were cautiously hopeful that it'd be ready to go (at least as a prototype) at CES 2010. Looks like we may actually get our wish, as the company has today announced that its magical set has reached the manufacturing stage. What's it all mean? It means that the set is being fast-tracked for release in 2010, meaning that you're just months away from having stereoscopic 1,920 x 1,080 content in your living room... provided there's actually any programming to view, that is. Of course, it'll handle the 2D stuff too, and the twin RGP LCoS micro-display imagers in there ought to provide plenty of crisp imagery regardless of the source. We're still not sure if the Woz-approved 100-inch version that's being shown to curious onlookers is the size that'll be pumped out to the mainstream, but we're hoping for at least a few smaller siblings for those of us with last names other than Kennedy, Gates, Buffet and Ellison.

Continue reading HDI's laser-driven 3D HDTV hits production, should ship next year

JVC's trio of consumer-ish projectors still make wallets weep

by Steven Kim posted Sep 15th 2009 at 6:40AM

JVC DLA-HD990Did we mention that CEDIA was a whirlwind of activity? There are a few bits of good stuff we didn't manage to get our HD hands on, including the new JVC projectors aimed at folks who just can't swing the mortgage-busting $175,000 for the company's pick o' the litter. The DLA-RS35, DLA-RS25 and DLA-RS15 are available through the "professional channels" CEDIA targets, but the equivalent DLA-HD990, DLA-HD950 and DLA-HD550 are in the consumer lineup. Everyone of the 1080p, D-ILA beamers gets the 120-Hz treatment, HQV Reon video processing, motorized lens zoom and focus, horizontal and vertical lens shifts and of course, ISF calibration modes so you can get things tweaked just so. Sounds great, but you can't expect JVC to deliver this feature set on the cheap -- $5,000 for the HD550, $5,500 for the RS15, $8,000 for the RS25 or HD950, and an even $10,000 for the RS35 or HD990.

Anthem unveils its LTX 300, LTX 500 projectors

by Steven Kim posted Jul 29th 2009 at 11:48AM

Anthem LTX 500 LCOS projector
We first heard about Anthem getting into the projector game at CES, and now it's all come together. Both the LTX 300 and LTX 500 LCOS beamers feature 1080p resolution, electronic lens shift, and a coupon for half-off your first (cue ominous music) bulb replacement. Deep-pocketed cinephiles who step up to the LTX 500 also get two trigger functions (no need to get up for the screen or that anamorphic lens on a motorized sled), THX mode, and full tweakability on the RGBCMY drives. Seriously, a killer demo is a big factor for this level of gear, and this move lets Anthem dealers demo a soup-to-nuts system -- electronics, screen and beamer can all be demoed and loaded into the shopping cart with one-stop convenience. Don't forget the audio while your out shopping either; we're sure something from Anthem's sister company, Paradigm, should be jaw-droppingly good enough to keep up with your new cinema. Full PR and more pics after the break.

Continue reading Anthem unveils its LTX 300, LTX 500 projectors

Canon intros medical intern-ready LCOS projectors

by Steven Kim posted Jun 13th 2009 at 12:17AM

Canon WUX10 MarkIID and SX80 MarkIID projectors
On one hand, Canon talks up the REALIiS WUX10 Mark IID and SX80 Mark IID -- handy names -- projectors' DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) simulation mode that promises to properly display grayscale images. On the other, it says that these projectors are not approved for diagnosis purposes. So, consider this pair of LCoS beamers as something for the medical students and interns out there who are mastering the interpretation of shadows in medical images. They'll probably pull duty for HT applications as well, but the medical affiliation won't come for free; for reference, the consumer grade and non-"Mark IID" badged WUX10 and SX800 models list at $13,000 and $2,500, respectively.

Canon unveils REALiS SX800 LCoS projector with 3,000 lumens

by Darren Murph posted Jan 9th 2009 at 2:46PM


Canon's REALiS SX800 LCoS projector may not have the highest resolution in the world -- it's stuck at SXGA+ (1,400 x 1,050), for those wondering -- but it sure is bright. Designed to light up board and / or living rooms with ambient light seeping in, the projector features a 3,000 lumens display and a contrast ratio of 900:1. It's also housing next-generation 0.55-inch LCoS reflective LCD panels, a Canon 1.5x zoom, Auto Input Signal, 2:3 pull down and an 11-pound chassis. If that's right down your alley, it'll be available this month for $2,499.

[Via AboutProjectors]

Eco-friendly, well-connected HDTVs to be all the rage at CES 2009

by Darren Murph posted Dec 17th 2008 at 4:41PM


The writing has definitely been on the wall, but CES 2009 is poised to be the showcase for energy-efficient HDTVs. With manufacturers jumping out of the woodwork to trumpet their compliance with Energy Star 3.0, TWICE expects a slew of top-tier TV manufacturers to boast about low power consumption numbers, and considering that a bunch of 'em will be demonstrating LED or OLED-based sets, we aren't surprised to hear it. Potentially more interesting, however, is the notion that "a number of plasma makers are expected to get into the power-savings act with models that significantly reduce draw levels in big-screen displays, taking away another advantage often cited by LCD TV competitors." In related news, we're expecting a record number of internet-connected sets, as TV manufacturers look to steal away market share currently held by STB makers. Sure, we won't see any panel size records shattered, but we're already giddy at what Vegas will hold in just under a month.

Sony rolls out VPL-GH10 SXRD projector for industrial types

by Steven Kim posted Dec 6th 2008 at 5:33PM

Sony SXRD logoSo let's say you're an industrial-type who needs a projector for your simulation or visualization "setup" (aka your home theater), but Sony's SRX-T110 / SRX-T105 4k x 2k models are a bit overkill (or over-budget) -- what do you reach for? Sony's new VPL-GH10 model might be just the thing. Packing a more modest 1920x1080 pixels and Sony's 120Hz Motionflow technology with dark frame insertion, you should get crispy images, even during the most intense Call of Duty sessions. Motorized lens shifts, adjustments via Ethernet and a DVI interface for connection to honest-to-goodness image generators round out the package. Heck, those motorized lens shifts alone might make your couch-potato self eye this model over the VPL-HW10; just know the price is sure to be targeted more towards "industrial" than "consumer" use when it shows up this spring.

Cineversum intros $6,500 BlackWing One 1080p projector

by Darren Murph posted Nov 26th 2008 at 2:23PM

If the BlackWing Three was just a touch too rich for your blood, yet you dug what Cineversum had going on, have a look at this. The BlackWing One 1080p digital video projector relies on three 0.6-inch LCoS panels (all with a 1,920 x 1,080 native resolution, obviously) and comes pre-calibrated for optimal performance right out of the box. Additionally, it features a 15,000:1 contrast ratio, 1,400 ANSI lumens, two HDMI 1.3 sockets, an RS-232 control port and a "futuristic deep metallic-black ABS plastic chassis" designed by France's own Antoine Béon. The first batch is scheduled to hit North America in mid-December for $6,500 apiece, but those up for spending more can have their unit splashed with a custom color.

Sony's VPL-HW10 turns in solid performance on the CNET bench

by Steven Kim posted Nov 26th 2008 at 10:31AM

Sony VPL-HW10 SXRD projector
RPTVs with SXRD panels may have fallen from the Sony roadmap, but the tech still gets some love with the company's front projectors. We got our own hands on the VPL-HW10 model at CEDIA 2008, and it passed the styling test quite well, thanks. The lucky folks at CNET have put the unit to test, where it turned in a solid performance that holds up pretty well given the $3,500 price point. Sure, the unit isn't a retina-searing light canon and the grayscale calibration deviated from ideal in the red and green, but overall picture quality -- you know, what you'll appreciate when not watching test patterns -- stood up quite well. And if you're stickler for black level performance, it's hard to beat SXRD in a beamer.

[Via TVSnob]

Canon's WUXGA REALiS WUX10 LCoS projector notches December ship date

by Darren Murph posted Oct 18th 2008 at 1:01AM


We know, there are an uncomfortable amount of capital letters in that headline, but Canon's really looking to get your attention with this one. The planet's very first WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) LCoS projector was originally expected to be available sometime this fall, but it looks as if those in Japan will be forced to wait until "early December" to indulge. It's probably not a huge deal though, 'cause we're certain you needed another couple of months to cover that ¥1.5 million ($14,823) asking price. As for American availability? Not a clue, but we hear importing isn't too much trouble.

[Via AboutProjectors]

JVC shows off 8k x 4k D-ILA projector, asks when SHV is dropping by

by Darren Murph posted Oct 11th 2008 at 7:18AM


Think 4k x 2k is intense? Get a load of this. At CEATEC 2008, JVC is once again proving its mastery of the projector art form by showcasing a somewhat ridiculous 8k x 4k beamer. The prototype device boasts a native resolution of 8,192 x 4,320 and packs a dynamic contrast ratio of 1,100,000:1. In case you couldn't guess, its purpose is to display Super High Vision material in all of its natural glory, though only time will tell when that content (and this machine) are widely available to enjoy.

[Via AboutProjectors]

HDTV brushes economic woes off its shoulder in latest survey

by Darren Murph posted Oct 7th 2008 at 8:01AM

Some things in life may be substitutable -- fine dinners can be sufficiently replaced with Top Ramen, high-end kicks can be swapped out for homegrown sandals, and that luxury whip can be exchanged for a jalopy. Apparently, one thing that simply can't be done without even in "tough economic times" is HDTV. Based on a recent survey from PriceGrabber (which, admittedly, shouldn't be taken very seriously), 73% of non-HDTV owners that responded said that they were forging ahead with plans to snag an HDTV within the next 12 months. Granted, such a figure really isn't all that shocking -- after all, the looming digital transition is the perfect excuse to splurge, and prices are apt to be at an all time low this Black Friday. Trust us folks, 720p+ is worth the sacrifice.

[Image courtesy of StarTribune]

JVC issues revised specifications, new details on D-ILA HD projectors

by Darren Murph posted Sep 25th 2008 at 2:02PM


JVC has pushed out a release today clarifying some of the claims it made back at CEDIA 2008, and by and large, it's things that prospective buyers will want to hear. The company introduced an HD foursome of projectors in Denver earlier this month, but apparently, some of the specifications it included weren't, shall we say, final. Looking specifically at contrast ratio, we see the DLA-HD750 and DLA-HD20 jumping from 30,000:1 to 50,000:1, the DLA-RS10 going from 17,000:1 to 32,000:1 and the DLA-HD350 doubling up from 15,000:1 to 30,000:1. Also of note, JVC is now highlighting the 16-step fixed aperture in the DLA-HD750 and DLA-RS20 that "helps eliminate extraneous light that can reduce contrast levels and allows adjustment of brightness to suit user preferences." As for updated prices, you can expect to pay around $6,000 for the DLA-HD350, while the DLA-HD750, DLA-RS10 and DLA-RS20 come in at $8,000, $6,000 and $8,000 in order of mention.

Adapt's ADPP-100 pocket projector shown on video

by Darren Murph posted Sep 19th 2008 at 2:11PM


Another week, another pocket projector sighting. In an attempt to get known before it gets buried by the hundreds of alternatives sure to pop up here in the coming months, Adapt has hosted a short video of its mX ADPP-100 mini projector. Said beamer features LCoS technology, a rechargeable battery, an SD card slot, inputs for "almost any device," and the ability to project a 50-inch image (however blurry) onto the wall. Not much else is known right now outside of that, but you can check it out in action just after the break.

[Via AboutProjectors]

Continue reading Adapt's ADPP-100 pocket projector shown on video

JVC's DLA-RS2 gets a Cinemascope update

by Steven Kim posted Sep 10th 2008 at 2:16AM

JVC DLA-RS2 projector
JVC's 3-panel LCoS 180p DLA-RS2 is a natural fit for the Richie Rich CEDIA crowd, so it's natural to throw this bit in while we're still coming down from the show. At the $9,000 price point, doing a constant-height 2.35:1 projection setup on the cheap isn't exactly an option, so JVC has thrown in an RSAL2 anamorphic lens and an RSVP2 processor (which does look an awful lot like a DVDO VP50) for your viewing pleasure. Other than those features, things look pretty much the same, which is no knock on the well-respected pj known for bright (and dark), colorful images.




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