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Posts with tag projector

HD goes underground in London's Tube

London Underground
Light control is probably the biggest challenge to a good projection setup. The subterranean nature of London's subway is pretty much ideal in that regard, and now CBS Outdoor has brought its cross-track projection (XTP) system to the Tube. The Piccadilly Circus, Euston, Bank, Liverpool Street and Bond Street stations have been outfitted with a total of 23 14-foot screens that are getting HD video ads beamed onto them, sans audio (thankfully). There are plans to build out to 150 XTP screens and compliment them with 2,000 digital screens Tube-wide, which all fits in with CBS Outdoors' plans to bathe subway riders in advertisement. If ad-targeting tech is brought into the equation, we see some potential for really embarrassing hilarity. Meanwhile, London readers are encouraged to let us all know how the picture XTP quality is holding up!

Ask Engadget HD: What's the best home theater projector?


Earlier this year, we allowed you all to exchange blows about whether an HD projector or HDTV was more suitable for high-definition aficionados. Now, however, we've received a question that caters to those leaning towards the former:

"I'm looking for a projector for my wife's photography business. I would also like it to double as an HD home theater projector when not entertaining clients. I'm going to be projecting on an 88-inch screen with ample room to vary the throw distance. What are some specs I should be looking for to get great hi-res pictures to show nicely as well as watch some action flicks from my Blu-ray player? Should I go with DLP or LCD?"

As you'll see, cost as a factor wasn't mentioned, but we'll go on and assume that SIM2's C3X is just slightly out of the picture. So, help this guy out, will ya? Are you madly in love with your current beamer? Would you recommend your neighbor's unit instead? Talk it up in comments below.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Christie unloads DS+655, LW400 and M Series projectors at InfoComm


Although InfoComm 2008 has drawn to a close, there's still a few releases surfacing from the show. For whatever reason, Christie's introductions into the projector realm weren't noticed among all the others last week, but they're still worth mentioning. Up first is the pictured WXGA (1,280 x 800) LW400, which features a 3LCD light engine, 4,000 ANSI lumens and a lamp life of 3,000 hours. Next up is the DS+655, a single-chip DLP beamer that packs a 7,500:1 contrast ratio, SXGA+ resolution and 10-bit image processing technology. Lastly, we see the pricey new M Series, which includes a three-chip DLP engine, upwards of 5,000 ANSI lumens and resolutions up to 1080p. Browse around in the read links below for more specifics on each.

[Via AboutProjectors]

Read - LW400
Read - M Series
Read - DS+655

Meridian breaks bank, hearts with M810 video system

Meridian M810 projector
If pairing the Meridian's lowly MF10 projector with your DSP7200 speakers is just too "entry level" for you, Meridian has a kind of HTIB to show you. The M810 video system (yeah, it's a system) consists of 800 Series electronics, a 7.1 speaker setup built around the DSP7200 speakers, and a new M810 Projector. The term 'HTIB' doesn't really capture this setup accurately, but replace 'box' with 'super-great-audio-video-enclave' and you get the gist of it. The M810 Projector makes use of JVC-sourced 4k D-ILA silicon in conjunction with a 850-Watt lamp to pump out 10-megapixel video. Our friends at CEPro were pretty impressed by the demo; and it'd be just plain rude to the setup crew to say otherwise, seeing as how they spend four days setting up and calibrating each M810 system. Yours for $175,000, home not included. Father's Day has passed, but there's always next year, right?

[Image courtesy CEPro]

Panasonic reveals new DLP projectors: 12,000 lumens and pixels galore


Hmmph. Outside of Samsung's blisteringly hot SP-A800B, we're fairly certain Panasonic's latest duo are the most impressive at InfoComm. Putting those XGA / WXGA units to shame, the PT-DZ12000U packs a drool-worthy WUXGA resolution (1,920 x 1,200) and 12,000 lumens to boot. The PT-D12000U checks in with the same three-chip DLP engine and lumen count, but eases up on the pixels with just 1,400 x 1,050. Furthermore, both units boast a System Daylight View to keep things visible even in well lit rooms, and the built-in Ethernet port enables remote monitoring and control through a web browser. Just one problem with all of this, though: the $69,000 (PT-DZ12000U) / $59,000 (PT-D12000U) price tags. Must be that Auto Cleaning Robot -- good help is hard to find these days.

Hitachi brings up the rear with its CP-WX625 LCD projector

Although the flood has calmed to a trickle, we're still seeing a few more new projectors light up at InfoComm. The latest of which is Hitachi's CP-WX625, a WXGA (1,366 x 768) beamer packing an HDMI socket, 4,000 ANSI lumens, integrated speaker, side-mounted hybrid filter, a lamp good for 3,000 hours or so of PowerPoint projecting and a handful of other inputs more likely to be found in the boardroom / classroom. Mum's the word on a price or availability, but after one look at Samsung's SP-A800B, it's hard to really worry over units like this.

Samsung's 1080p SP-A800B DLP projector now available


It took nearly a year to get here, but shortly after being reviewed, Samsung's upscale SP-A800B DLP projector is finally available in the USA. Co-developed with industry legend Joe Kane, this 1080p PJ features a native contrast ratio of 10,000:1, a 95% aperture ratio, 16-microsecond response time and a full 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. Additionally, it hums along quietly at 25dB and gets backed by a two-year warranty. Sammy's not bothering to tell you the price, but we've heard it'll list for just under ten grand.

Casio cranks out Pro-Series Super Slim Projectors


And you thought the projector overload from InfoComm was all done. Think again. On the docket today is Casio, who is bringing out a new Pro-Series of PJs that looks quite different from your typical beamer. Both the XJ-SC200 and XJ-S50 series sport a "Super Slim" profile -- hailed by Casio as the industry's slimmest, in fact. Each of the 3.97-pound members will feature an XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution, between 2,500 and 3,000 ANSI lumens, a DLP projection engine and VGA input, while a few even include a USB port for wireless connectivity through an optional WiFi receiver. Both the Super Color and Super Bright models are scheduled to ship in August and will range from $1,299 to $1,599 in price.

[Via FarEastGizmos]

Sony unveils superabundance of projectors at InfoComm


Whoa there Sony, try not to get too excited all at once, okay? Over in Vegas today, said outfit has unleashed a veritable smorgasbord of projectors on the world, primarily ones aimed at businesses and large venues. Each of the VPL-EX50, VPL-EX5 and VPL-EW5 beamers include the company's BrightEra technology and should go well in classrooms, while the XGA VPL-FX41 comes in with 5,000 lumens to light up even the largest rooms. Moving on, we've got the WXGA+ (1,366 x 800) VPL-FW300 and the VPL-FH300 (pictured), which offers an even nicer 2,048 x 1,080 resolution. 'Tis a shame that last one is stickered at $40,000. Hit the read link for more details (pricing included) on the whole lot.

ViewSonic's PJ1173 projector is quite bright


Oh joy, yet another ho hum projector trying to look all cool at InfoComm. Next up on the walk of shame is ViewSonic's PJ1173, which falls right in line with the other lackluster beamers introduced today by the likes of Sharp, Mitsubishi and Toshiba. The unit includes an XGA (1,024 x 768) native resolution, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, four-watt built-in speakers, an HDMI 1.3 socket and an admittedly respectable 5,000 lumens to light up auditoriums. Granted, this 15.8-pound beast does include an Ethernet port for network connectivity and management, but we're still not seeing the value when peeking that $3,799 price tag.

Sharp goes wild with projectors / LCD monitors at InfoComm

Never mind those guys cranking out just one or two new gizmos at InfoComm -- Sharp's busting out the big guns. The company is using the stage in Vegas to introduce a swarm of new gear including the XG-P560W 3-chip DLP WXGA projector, XG-C455W / PG-C355W 3LCD WXGA PJs, XG-P610X XGA unit and four new BrilliantColor DLP beamers (PG-F317X, PG-F312X, PG-F262X and PG-F212X). For those unfazed, it's also showcasing 46- (TL-M4600) and 52-inch (TL-M5200) professional LCD monitors meant for digital signage applications. As you can probably glean, there's way too much data on the whole lot to cover in this space, so we'll kindly direct you to the read link if you're hungry for more.

Toshiba intros TDP-XP1U and TDP-XP2U DLP projectors


Ah, the onset of InfoComm. Getting the presumed onslaught of new projectors rolling is Toshiba, which has just dished out its 4.8-pound, filter-free TDP-XP1U and TDP-XP2U. As for the former, you'll find 2,200 ANSI lumens, a 700:1 contrast ratio, XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution, VGA / S-Video / composite inputs, DLP BrilliantColor technology, an integrated speaker and a three-year warranty. As for the eerily similar XP2U, it steps things up ever-so-slightly with 2,500 ANSI lumens and a 2,000:1 contrast ratio. Both beamers are expected to offer up whisper quiet operation (30bD in low mode) and see store shelves this July for $779 and $899, respectively.

Mitsubishi reveals HC5500 1080p projector, other forgettable ones


We've got good news and bad news. We'll go ahead and get the latter out of the way. Mitsubishi, like everyone else today, is introducing a few new projectors, two of which you'll likely care nothing about. Those are the education-focused XD500U-ST -- which packs a paltry XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution -- and the slightly less mind-numbing XD530U, which touts 3,000 lumens, an XGA resolution and wireless capabilities. Now, for the good stuff. The HC4900 (pictured) is being replaced by the 1080p HC5500, which is designed to operate at just 19dB in order to keep home theater enthusiasts smiling. Unfortunately, Mitsu hasn't seen fit to disclose pricing / availability details just yet (outside of the tempting $2,495 sticker on the HC5500), but hopefully all of that will come in due time. Full release after the jump.

TI showcases 3D projector and DLP Pico chipset at InfoComm


InfoComm is in full swing down in Vegas, and Texas Instruments isn't wasting any time showcasing its latest gear. First up is a prototype 1080p beamer hailed as the industry's first with a lamp-free design. Said unit also utilizes a PhlatLight LED light source and a BrilliantColor chipset, and if TI is to be believed, certain vendors will be shipping wares based on this stuff later this year. Moving on, we're being (re)treated to the planet's "first" 3D front projector (also known as the F10 AS3D), designed in cooperation with projectiondesign. Hidden beneath the big boys is the DLP Pico chipset for mobile applications, which will unsurprisingly pop up in pico projectors from companies like Optoma in late 2008 (Europe and Asia) / 2009 (the rest of us). Peek the full release after the break.

Sanyo's 4LCD XP200L projector is 1 LCD better


It's not pretty (what Sanyo projector is?), but it is the world's first 4LCD projector. The 25-pound "portable" PLC-XP200L pumps 7,000 lumens across 1,024 x 768 pixels at a 2,200:1 contrast ratio in exchange for your $9,995. The new 4LCD optical engine adds what Sanyo calls a "color control device" to control the amount of yellow light in the projected image. The results are supposedly images which are "clearer, richer, and more beautiful" than those of 3LCD projectors. Sanyo also dropped in some new silicon allowing for 20% more color space. Ships in September -- full press release after the break.




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