Panasonic Introduces PT-AE7000U 3D Home Theater Projector – Press Release


August 1st, 2011 admin

Panasonic PT-AE7000U projector

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

There is some very exciting and long-awaited news from Panasonic!  Read Art’s first-look blog about the PT-AE7000U here.


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Panasonic Introduces Its First Full HD 3D Home Theater Projector

The PT-AE7000U delivers exceptional 2D images and rich 3D features in a 3D Home Entertainment Center setting

LOS ANGELES, Jul 28, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Panasonic Solutions Company, provider of collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for government and commercial enterprises, today announced the PT-AE7000U, its first Full HD 3D home theater projector with 1080p (1,920 x 1,080 pixel) resolution. The PT-AE7000U is also the world’s first*(1) 3D projector to use transparent LCD panels driven at 480Hz that, combined with Panasonic’s original Overdrive Technology, realize significantly low crosstalk. Thanks to the newly-developed optical engine, which produces an incredible 300,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,000 lumens of brightness, the PT-AE7000U delivers both stunning 2D images and a comfortable and immersive 3D viewing experience at home.

“When we create our projectors, our goal is to produce images that mirror movie directors’ artistic vision and intent,” said Art Rankin, director of Projectors and Higher Education Sector at Panasonic Solutions Company. “The PT-AE7000U’s key 3D projection technologies were developed in collaboration with Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory engineers who are heavily engaged in the authoring and mastering of 3D Blu-ray Discs(TM). They have taken key roles in establishing the industry standards for 3D and bringing the experience from large screens to homes. Through this Read the rest of this entry »

Sony Introduces VPL-HW30ES 3D Projector – Press Release


July 18th, 2011 admin

Sony VPL-HW30ES Projector

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

Read Art’s thoughts on this new projector release from his recent trip to Infocomm on his blog here.

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Sony Announces New 3D Front Projector

VPL-HW30ES is the Newest Member of the “Elevated Standards” (ES) Line

SAN DIEGO, June 10, 2011 – Sony Electronics is taking the next step toward bringing the big screen experience to a wider audience with the introduction of the VPL-HW30ES front projector. Incorporating Sony’s latest panel technology and dynamic lamp control system, fans of movies, sports and gaming have the opportunity to enjoy unrivalled 2D or 3D entertainment, with stunning images that are nearly three times as bright as Sony’s current 3D home projector. Utilizing Sony’s SXRD™ (Silicon X-tal Reflective Display) technology, the VPL-HW30ES delivers full high definition video including 3D, using high frame rate 240Hz panel drive projection technology. When viewers don the new active shutter 3D glasses (TDG-PJ1 sold separately), the front projector with the 3D transmitter (TMR-PJ1 sold separately) delivers a crisp and bright image on the screen. Sony’s new lamp technology enables 3D display that is brighter and also reduces the cross talk that can diminish the clarity of the projected image. Part of the Sony’s ES line, Read the rest of this entry »

Panasonic 3D HD Home Theater Projector In Development – Press Release


June 17th, 2011 admin

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

Well, here is a little information available about this new 3D home full HD home theater projector currently in development by Panasonic.  It is slated to replace the PT-AE4000U which we reviewed way back in November 2009!  It’s about time, Panasonic!  Also, check out Art’s blog for any more information he can dig up while at Infocomm.

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Panasonic Announces Plan to Launch First 3D Home Theater Projector

Release planned for later this year

ORLANDO, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Panasonic Solutions Company, provider of collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for government and commercial enterprises, today announced the development of 3D Ready Full HD home theater projector, successor model Read the rest of this entry »

Mitsubishi Announces New WD380U-EST and XD380U-EST Projectors


May 5th, 2011 admin

Mitsubishi WD380U-EST & XD380U-EST projectors

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

Short-throw projectors are gaining in popularity for use in classrooms and boardrooms.  Mitsubishi adds two new “extreme short-throw” DLP projectors (WD380U-EST and XD380U-EST) that use lenses, rather than mirrors to allow for placement less than 23 inches away from the screen/wall.  With 3D capability, high brightness of up to 2800 lumens,  filter-free design, 3000:1 contrast ratio and 10 Watt speakers, these 2 new models appear to offer much to be desired by teachers, lecturers and presenters everywhere!

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New Extreme Short-Throw Projectors from Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America

New models use high quality lenses instead of mirrors

IRVINE, Calif., May 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America brings a revolutionary projector design to market with its new EST (extreme short-throw) line of ultra-short throw projectors. Unlike most projectors on the market today, Mitsubishi’s WD380U-EST and XD380U-EST use high-quality, extreme short-throw lenses instead of mirrors. This sleek design makes installation easy and flexible while keeping the interior of the projector cleaner, resulting in less image degradation and less general wear and tear over the life of the unit.

The first two projectors in the new line-up are power-packed with features, including USBA + B inputs, support for computer-free presentations, LAN display, a built-in 10-watt speaker, audio standby, closed captioning and 3D-ready capabilities. These high-brightness models blast 2800 and 2500 lumens respectively, and their durability and filter-free design offer a low cost of ownership.

The wide format WD380U-EST and XGA resolution XD380U-EST are ultra quiet at 28 dB and offer a lamp life estimated to last up to 6000* hours (in low mode). The projectors boast a 3000:1 high contrast ratio and use Texas Instruments’ DLP® technology for sharp, vivid images. “It’s technological prowess that we use to create imaging wonder, not smoke and mirrors,” said Wayne Kozuki, product manager, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Products Division. “We’re one of the first brands to offer such a revolutionary lens-based design in our ultra short throw projectors, and with Mitsubishi’s quality, you can rely on our product performance. They are truly state-of-the-art.”

Mitsubishi’s WD380U-EST and XD380U-EST projectors are built with a specially crafted lens that provides excellent short-throw focus performance, and can project a 70-inch (diagonal) WXGA image from less than 23-inches away. These new models create a great image and help prevent distracting shadows on a screen or white board, whether mounted on a wall or ceiling—or even when used as a desktop model. Teachers and presenters can move in front of the image without creating distracting shadows on the screen. Read the rest of this entry »

Optoma Introduces TW675UTiM-3D and TX665UTiM-3D Projectors


May 5th, 2011 admin

Comment by Projector Reviews staff:

Optoma TW675UTiM-3D projector

We have just posted Tony’s review of a prototype TX675UTiM-3D projector here.  As you will see, he was very impressed with the projector’s interactive features.  Enjoy!

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NEW OPTOMA PROJECTORS DELIVER FIRST COMPREHENSIVE INTERACTIVE EDUCATION SOLUTION

All-Inclusive Package Includes Interactive Pen, WizTeach Software, Advanced Features and Custom Mount

FREMONT, Calif. | April 25, 2011 | Optoma, the leading manufacturer of DLP projectors in the world, has announced two state-of-the-art ultra short throw projectors with interactive and 3D capabilities, along with category-leading brightness, that deliver unprecedented performance in any classroom environment. Integrating Texas Instrument’s PointBlank™ interactive pen technology and Qwizdom®’s WizTeach software suite of interactive teaching tools, the TX665UTiM-3D and the TW675UTiM-3D provide more effective and less costly alternatives to interactive white boards. The projectors work seamlessly with both Windows-based PCs and Macintosh computers, making them among the most advanced interactive projectors available today.

“Interactivity has proven to be a vital tool to keep students engaged and to enhance the learning process,” said Jon Grodem, Optoma’s senior director of product and marketing. “These new projectors are packed with features and software that make them the most complete, affordable and versatile interactive package available.”

To ensure the most effective and dynamic interactive experience possible, Optoma has chosen Texas Instrument’s PointBlank technology, which offers a significant advantage over other systems, including its ability to allow users to interact with the image on the screen from anywhere in the room via a special pen. “With most other interactive systems, you have to physically touch the pen to the screen or white board to engage the system,” said Grodem. “With PointBlank, the projected image actually reads the pen wherever you are in the room. So you can walk amongst the students, keeping them engaged, as you interact with what’s on screen.”

The included WizTeach software offers 70 interactive tracking tools, including annotation, drawing, math, language arts, video capture and more. It also includes access to all the teaching resources in Qwizdom’s 3,400-item content library. The company is a leading provider of interactive classroom solutions designed to engage and motivate students while giving teachers the tools to monitor and record student progress. The included license provides rights for use with up to four computers.

With their ultra short throw lenses, the 3000-lumen TX665UTiM-3D (XGA 1024 x 768 pixel resolution) and 3200-lumen TW675UTiM-3D (WXGA 1280 x 800 pixels) produce big, bright images from uncommonly short distances while eliminating the impact of shadows and eye glare in a streamlined installation. From as little as nine inches away from the wall or screen, the TX665UTiM-3D produces an image that measures 75 inches diagonally, while the widescreen TW675UTiM-3D projects a 90-inch image from the same distance. Both projectors deliver the breadth of must-have features and connectivity options:

• Crestron RoomView® allows for remote monitoring and control and allows the help desk to change projector settings on-the-fly, which can reduce IT costs associated with equipment management;
• An integrated 10-watt speaker system reduces, or even eliminates, the need for external speakers;
• A dizzying array of connection ports include HDMI v1.3, two VGA-in, VGA-out, S-video, composite video, RCA stereo audio-in, stereo audio-in, stereo audio-out, microphone-in, 12v trigger, mini-USB for interactive pen output to the computer, mini-USB for display, USB for wireless dongle, RJ45 and RS-232;
• And a unique cable management compartment conceals the input panel and feeds directly to the customized wall mount.

For users wanting ultra short throw functionality without the interactive capabilities, Optoma also offers both projectors in a “vanilla” format that includes only the 3D-capable projector. Both versions of the projectors are also available without the mount. For additional product details and specifications, visit www.optomausa.com.

About Optoma Technology, Inc.
Optoma Technology, Inc. is an award-winning developer of projection and digital display products for business and home. The company manufactures multimedia projectors for mobile users, fixed installations and home theaters, as well as HD displays. Optoma products combine superior image processing technologies with exceptional engineering and innovation to deliver images that are bright, crystal clear and finely tuned for tone and color. Optoma products are sold through the company’s global network of Pro AV dealers, major consumer electronics retailers and Internet resellers. For more information, visit www.optomausa.com.

©2011 Optoma Technology, Inc. Optoma names and logos are registered trademarks of Optoma Technology, Inc. Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby recognized.

Lightspeed Design, Inc. / DepthQ(R) Announces 3D Projector/Polarization Modulator Bundle – Press Release


February 23rd, 2011 admin

DepthQ HDS3D-1 Projector

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

Check out our review of the Polarization Modulator Bundle at http://www.projectorreviews.com/lightspeed/3d-modulator/index.php#overview and watch for the projector review coming soon!

PRESS RELEASE

BELLEVUE, Wash., Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Lightspeed Design, Inc./DepthQ® is pleased to announce the limited release of the NEW DepthQ® 3D Projector/Polarization Modulator Bundle.

This limited time offer consists of a DepthQ® HDs3D-1 Projector, a DepthQ® Polarization Modulator (Small Aperture: 2.75×2.51″) and 5 pair of DepthQ® 3D circular polarized passive glasses for a total price of $6500. This is a $2500 discount from the regular price of $9000.

Art Feierman, in his 1/20/11 review for ProjectorReviews.com, said, “The overall image performance of the Modulator resulted in a cleaner 3D picture than the other 3D systems we looked at at the same time.” Read Art’s entire review titled “Lightspeed’s 3D DepthQ Polarization Modulator and Their 3D Projector System” at:

http://www.projectorreviews.com/lightspeed/3d-modulator/index.php.

The DepthQ® HDs3D-1 high-definition 3D projector is the 3rd generation of Lightspeed Design’s patent-pending portable stereoscopic projectors, offering superior contrast and synchronization for 3D professionals. These projectors leverage nearly two decades of professional 3D knowledge and expertise to deliver the highest quality, most satisfying and hassle-free 3D experience possible. Read the rest of this entry »

Optoma Announces New TX610ST and TW610ST Projectors – Press Release


February 10th, 2011 admin

Optoma TX610ST/TW610ST

Comment by Projector Reviews staff:

Optoma’s new models, the TX610ST and TW610ST, are both short throw projectors, offering placement flexibility in a classroom or small meeting room setting.  Light in the room shouldn’t be a problem either with 3000+ lumens.  This should make them great options for projecting large, bright, images from a short distance for educators and presenters alike.  They  are also capable of displaying 3D content, definitely adding excitement in the classroom!

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OPTOMA EXPANDS SHORT THROW PROJECTOR LINE FOR EDUCATIONAL, GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS MARKETS

New TX610ST and TW610ST Offer Brighter Images, 3D Capability and Advanced Command and Control Features

Fremont, Calif. | February 1, 2011 | Optoma, the leading brand of DLP projectors in the world, has introduced two new short throw projectors, the TX610ST and TW610ST, designed to provide educators and business users with the most feature-rich, budget-friendly solutions for delivering large, high-resolution images when space is tight. Both new models are 3D-capable in 720p HD and offer state-of-the-art remote command and control via Crestron RoomView® technology. The TX610ST features 3000 ANSI lumens of brightness, while the TW610ST delivers 3100 lumens.

“The ability to create large, vivid images from short distances has made short throw projectors highly desirable in classrooms and meeting rooms,” said Jon Grodem, Optoma’s senior director of product and marketing. “These two new projectors provide even more power than our previous short throw models, plus they include the latest technology to support new applications and support infrastructures.”

With its new optics, the XGA (1028 x 764 pixels) resolution TX610ST can produce a 72” image from as close as three feet away. The widescreen TW610ST (WXGA – 1280 x 800 pixels), can deliver an 84” image from the same distance. Both benefit from a 25 percent increase in brightness and contrast over the company’s previous short throw model. Both also employ DLP link technology to support 720p 3D display with the use of active-shutter glasses. Read the rest of this entry »

Vivitek Launches New D512-3D, D536-3D, D538-3D Projectors – Press Release


February 1st, 2011 admin

Vivitek D512-3D, D536-3D, D538-3D projectors

What appears to be most significant about these new Vivitek projector models is that they claim to be able to convert 2D movies to 3D automatically, without a separate conversion box!  We wonder if they really work that easily.  We will want to review one of these units as soon as possible to test them.

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Vivitek Launches 3D Conversion Technology with D5 Series

The D512-3D, D536-3D and D538-3D Feature Technology that Converts 2D Content into 3D Images Without an External Box LAS VEGAS, Jan 06, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Vivitek Corporation, a leading manufacturer of innovative visual presentation products, introduces 2D to 3D conversion technology with three new digital projectors, the D512-3D, D536-3D and the D538-3D. The new projectors take existing 2D content and convert images into 3D pictures, without the use of an external conversion box.

The first projectors to utilize this built-in conversion technology, the newest of Vivitek’s D5 series can take standard DVD and BluRay player content (via HDMI) and switch it from 2D to 3D (via DLP(R) Link(TM) from Texas Instruments).

The three projectors can also display 3D content from 720p/1080i at 50/60Hz and 1080p at 24Hz from 3D BluRay players or other 3D sources, such as cable or satellite boxes.

The D512-3D, D536-3D and D538-3D feature DLP and BrilliantColor(TM) technologies for bright, digital images. Add in high-efficiency lamps that last up to 4,000 hours (in economy mode), and the three projectors are an amazing lightweight, presentation solution.

“This latest technology represents a breakthrough for both the consumer and Vivitek,” said Christopher Yang, senior product manager at Vivitek. “We’ve packed a lot of features and technologies into the D512-3D, D536-3D and D538-3D projectors, all within a compact design. Now, with the 2D to 3D built-in conversion, consumers are able to enjoy 3D Read the rest of this entry »

Mitsubishi Introduces New HC9000D Home Theater Projector – Press Release


January 18th, 2011 admin

Mitsubishi HC9000D projector

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

Mitsubishi is promoting the 3D capabilities of its new HC9000D, but considers the HC9000D to be their flagship consumer 2D home theater projector.  Also of note is that it is Mitsubishi’s first LCos projector.  For those into the details, they are using Sony’s SXRD (LCos) panels. We’ve already done an extensive blog on this projector: http://www.projectorreviews.com/blog/2011/01/12/mitsubishi-hc9000d-3d-projector-first-look-from-ces-2011/#more-1020

And of course, it will be reviewed once it starts shipping.

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New Diamond 3D High-Definition Home Theater Projector from Mitsubishi Electric Debuts at CES 2011

IRVINE, Calif., January 6, 2011 – Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Products Division continues its leadership in bringing the 3D experience to home theaters by introducing its newest Diamond HC9000D 1080p full HD home theater projector at the CES Show in Las Vegas, January 6-9, 2011, in Booth #9021.

“We’ve heard that this is ‘the year of 3D,’” said Wayne Kozuki, product manager, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Products Division. “But Mitsubishi has been selling 3D-ready TVs since 2007, so it’s the home entertainment industry that is finally catching up to us.”

Mitsubishi’s new Diamond 3D projector is packed with features that create crisp, vivid, engaging 3D images that can display over 100-inch screens, creating a true theater experience. Powered by an SXRD™ cutting-edge reflective liquid-crystal optical engine, Mitsubishi adds its own algorithms and processing technologies to create high-brightness, high-contrast (up to 150,000:1 full on/full off) images that are smooth, dazzling and true to the original content.

A key element in projector performance is its lens, and Mitsubishi has incorporated extra-low dispersion glass into its six-piece, 17-cluster structure for higher functionality that minimizes chromatic aberration. The result is colors and Read the rest of this entry »

Vivitek Introduces New Pico Projector, Qumi – Press Release


January 18th, 2011 admin

Vivitek Qumi Pico Projector

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

Vivitek has now joined the Pico projector club in a big way with its introduction of the Qumi LED projector.  What makes it special is that it seems to be the first 3D ready (uses the same DLP Link technology as most larger DLP 3D projectors) Pico/pocket projector!  Weighing in at 1.6 lbs., its LED-based light source offers up to 300 lumens (less of course, with 3D content), and 30,000+ hours doing what you bought it for; be that game playing, presenting and/or data/video sharing from all your portable devices.  And the estimated price of $499 makes it pretty affordable too, especially considering the competition so far!

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Vivitek Enters Pico Projector Category with LED-Based Pocket Projector

Vivitek Introduces Bright, Lightweight, LED-Based Projector with 3D Ready Capabilities LAS VEGAS–(EON: Enhanced Online News)–Vivitek Corporation, a leading manufacturer of innovative visual presentation products, enters the Pico projector category with the Qumi, the company’s new line of LED-based pocket projectors. To maximize the company’s strength in LED-based projectors, the new Qumi (pronounced Q-me) projectors enhance Vivitek’s family of projection devices for a wide range of applications.

Weighing in at only 1.6 pounds, the Qumi is the first pocket projector to be 3D-ready via Texas Instruments’ DLP® Link™ technology. The Qumi’s touch sensitive button controls and sleek design is ready to be used with a variety of devices, including, but not limited to digital cameras, laptops, smart phones and tablets. Vivitek’s Qumi projector is versatile and portable enough for both work and play, making it ideal for sharing digital content. Read the rest of this entry »