New sony business-class LCD projectors

Sony this week at InfoComm unveiled its new lineup of business-class LCD projectors, some of which feature the company's BrightEra imaging technology. BrightEra provides a higher aperture ratio to deliver brighter images than the previous High Temperature Poly-Silicon-based LCD systems, with a high resolution and low fan noise. Most of the models are currently shipping, with two set to be available in November this year.

Of the new models, three of the VPL-E series include BrightEra, as well as two high end, large venue VPL-F series projectors.

In the VPL-E series, the VPL-EX50 ($1270), VPL-EX5 ($1050), and VPL-EW5 ($1410) all include BrightEra, with the last model in the series also supporting widescreen resolutions. Each model uses a short focal-length lens, allowing a 7.5-foot distance to display an 80-inch diagonal image with the EX50 and EX5, while the EW5 will do the same at a distance of 8.2-feet.

The VPL-FX41 ($6270) XGA model improves brightness over its predecessors, the FX40 and FE 40, from 4000 to 5000 lumens, and is designed for fixed, networked installations in government, corporate, education, or hospitality implementations. It can be configured for both long- and short-throw scenarios, and uses 12-but gamma correction circuitry to provide uniform color and brightness across the image. The FX41 can be configured to turn on or off across a network, or provide maintenance reports to designated recipients.

The VPL-FW300L ($27,000) and FH300L ($40,000) systems are 7000 and 6000 lumen unit respectively, and are designed for large venues. The former model has a resolution of 1366 by 800, while the latter offers 2048 by 1080.

Toshiba - XGA LCD Projector

Model: TLP-X3000AU
This brilliant projector is ideal for your home, school or office. Its long lamp life, portable design and blackboard function wall color adjustment make it an indispensable part of any presentation.

• Ultraportable, go-anywhere design weighs only 6.2 lbs.; soft carrying case included for easy transport
• 3-panel 0.63" LCD technology for superb image clarity and sharp, saturated color
• 1024 x 768 XGA resolution; displays up to 16.7 million colors

• Digital keystone correction for distortion-free images
• 3000 lumens of brightness; 400:1 contrast ratio
• 40" - 300" viewable screen size; 3.8' to 28.9' projector distance; 1.6 - 1.8:1 throw ratio range
• Supports HDTV and DTV signals, including 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p and 1080i, plus standard 480i
• 220W lamp; 160W in low mode
• S-video, composite video, composite audio, D-sub and stereo mini jack inputs; 1 D-sub output and 1 stereo mini jack output
• Ultraquiet 36dB operation (31dB in low mode)
• Blackboard function wall color adjustment
• Includes mouse remote with laser pointer, mouse remote receiver, 2 AAA batteries, power cord, RGB cable, CD-ROM and soft carrying case

HITACHI CPX200 Projector

The Hitachi CP-X200 is a 2200 ANSI lumen 3LCD projector designed for educators. It has advanced functionality including a Kensington security slot and Hitachi’s exclusive Input Source Naming, which allows users to customize the names of their input sources.

• Native XGA 1024 x 768 resolution
• Side-mounted high performance filter
• Digital gamma correction
• Progressive scan
• 30 dB in whisper mode
• Two RGB inputs; one RGB output
• Lightweight (7.7 lbs)