ViewSonic Introduces PJD8 Series Projectors – Press Release


March 22nd, 2013 admin

ViewSonic PJD8633ws projector

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

ViewSonic has introduced four new models in the PJD8 series, the PJD8353s, PJD8653ws, PJD8333s and PJD8633ws. Each offers interactivity for conference room and classroom use with a variety of resolutions and special features.  Read on for more information from ViewSonic!


P R E S S   R E L E A S E

ViewSonic’s New PJD8 Series Projectors Deliver Dual Pen Interactivity and Advanced Connectivity Technology

ViewSonic unveils advanced interactive, ultra-short throw networked projector lines offering remote operation, wireless streaming and twice the interactivity

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, introduces its brand new PJD8 series today with an impressive assortment of features including dual pen interactivity and advanced connectivity functionality. New projector models include the PJD8353s, PJD8653ws, PJD8333s and PJD8633ws.

This new ultra short throw, networkable series allows the projector to be mounted right above a whiteboard or screen without creating hot spots, shadows or casting bright light in front of the presenter, making it perfect for smaller or difficult projection spaces like classrooms and meeting rooms. Equipped with a Crestron® LAN controller, the PJD8 series makes it easy for IT administrators to remotely control and manage multiple projectors from their workstations, while AMX® Device Discovery™ certification allows for easy integration. For maximum flexibility, this series is available in two different solutions – the 53 line for enhanced interactivity and the 33 line for advanced connectivity. All PJD8 series projectors come with BrilliantColor™ technology, for vibrant colors and 2600-3000 ANSI lumens for sharp images. No matter the solution, the PJD8 series is packed with features, including HDMI®, integrated 16w speakers, LAN control and DynamicEco™, with added benefits depending on the line, such as dual pen interactivity, a mobile app for smart phone and tablet functionality and PC-less presentations.

PJD8 Series, 53 Line – Dual Pens Means Double The Interactivity Read the rest of this entry »

Panasonic Announces LED/Laser Light Projectors – Press Release


March 8th, 2013 admin

Panasonic PT-RW330 projector

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

Panasonic’s new 1080p PT-RZ370 and PT-RZ470 series projectors may be somewhat pricey initially at $4599-$6799.  But with no lamps to replace (ever), maintenance costs are virtually non-existent.  This makes them ideal for public venues, such as museums, educational institutions, etc.

Press Release

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES IMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY OF NEW SOLID SHINE SERIES LED/LASER LIGHT SOURCE PROJECTORS

The World’s First 1080p Lamp-Free Professional Projectors with Digital Link Technology Delivers up to 20,000 Hours of Virtually Maintenance-Free 24/7 Operation

Secaucus, NJ, February 25, 2013 – Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, a provider of professional projector solutions, today announced the immediate availability of its new SOLID SHINE Series of lamp-free projectors with DIGITAL LINK technology. This new product line includes the PT-RZ370 Series, which will begin shipping this month and the PT-RZ470 Series projectors that will be available in March.

The LED/laser light source in the SOLID SHINE Series of 1-Chip DLP projectors delivers up to 20,000 hours of virtually maintenance-free operation, representing a new and important milestone in the evolution of projection. All models in the Series deliver 3,500 lumens of brightness and provide features that make these projectors ideal for educational institutions, as well as museums, command and control centers, and digital signage applications. Read the rest of this entry »

BenQ Announces MS616ST, MX618ST, MX662, MW663 Projectors – Press Release


March 8th, 2013 admin

BenQ MX662 projector

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

Offering up to 3500 lumens and a variety of resolution and placement options for the classroom or conference room, the new value line of BenQ “M Series” projectors, is a great option for the budget conscious buyer (and who isn’t these days?) Read on for more information from BenQ!

Press Release

BenQ Combines Performance and Affordabilityin’M6 Series’ Projectors Release


New Entry-Level Projector Line Brings 13000:1 Contrast Ratios, Up to 3,500 ANSI Lumens of Brightness, and SmartEco™ Technology to the Business, Education, and Home Space

IRVINE, Calif. — March 5, 2013 — BenQ America Corp., an internationally renowned provider of digital lifestyle innovations and global DLP® projector leader, today introduced its new M6 Series of advanced business, education and home projectors. The product line comprised of the MS616ST, MX618ST, MX662, and MW663 models feature superior contrast ratios of 13000:1, up to 3,500 ANSI lumens of brightness, and BenQ’s world-leading SmartEco™ technology to cut energy consumption by up to 70 percent. In addition to high-performance features, the projectors include wireless connectivity options, mobile device integration when paired with BenQ’s Qpresenter app for the iPhone® and iPad®, hassle-free maintenance and security, and short-throw capabilities (MS616ST & MX618ST) to provide flexible setups in any setting.

Designed for corporate, classroom, and personal spaces, the MS616ST and MX618ST short-throw projectors combine installation flexibility with multimedia performance to bring quality video to rooms of all sizes. With SVGA (MS616ST) and XGA (MX618ST) native Read the rest of this entry »

Mitsubishi Announces the WD390U-EST Projector – Press Release


February 5th, 2013 admin

Mitsubishi WD390U-EST "cloud" projector

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

Here’s a new Mitsubishi projector geared for classroom or boardroom. 3000 lumens bright this projector claims as one of its main ways of differentiating itself, that it can present from “the cloud”.
The WD390EST “Cloud” projector is a very short throw projector, which means it will typically be mounted above a screen or whiteboard.  it doesn’t need a computer, no thumbdrive, no DVD or Blu-ray player,  just a way to reach a network (wired or wireless).  Mind you it can interface with all those usual sources.
What we’re talking about here, is presenting from remote servers – no local computer needed, and therefore no local applications needed.   Whether  presenting/teaching for a server that is  a local network (for a school, as an example),  or  if it is a true shared 3rd party remote server in “the cloud” as described by Apple, Google, Rackspace, Yahoo, Microsoft, etc., doesn’t really matter.  Mitsubishi is simply making a projector that supports but doesn’t need local assets beyond a network connection, to be a viable display for presenting and educating.
Will this change the face of using projectors in the classroom?  For some perhaps.  Is this totally unique?  I really don’t think so, as many projectors can talk wired, or wirelessly to networks.  Fewer though can present from those networks – that is have the presentation materials on that network, not local.
Certainly this is a good feature. While for most classroom or boardroom type presentations, having the “cloud” option is a nice touch.  Where real benefit can be seen, though is an easy way to tap into large databases of material for presentations and support, without having to download them and reorganize them first.  I can see a teacher downloading a geography presentation from a school districts database of existing Geography presentations.

Press Release

Mitsubishi Electric Can Display the Cloud with WD390U-EST Extreme Short Throw Projector Shown at FETC Education Conference in Orlando

No Computer Needed – Simple, Easy Connectivity Transforms Education and Presentation Market While Saving Customers Time and Money

ORLANDO, Fla., January 28, 2013 —As one of the world’s leading display manufacturers, Mitsubishi Electric is the first to take projection to the next level with its WD390U-EST projector: now content can be presented with no computer attached. Shown for the first time at the Florida Educational Technology Conference in Orlando, January 29-31, 2013 in Booth #1113, the Mitsubishi WD390U-EST cloud projector is poised to change the way users select a projector for their classrooms.

Called a “cloud projector,” the Mitsubishi WD390U-EST uses its built-in, thin client function to serve as a dynamic display device. And because a computer isn’t needed for new builds or technology upgrades, school districts and businesses adapting this new kind of projector can save money in these tough economic times.

Projector industry experts recognize the exceptional benefits this new technology offers: “By making it easy to get a document from your networked computer, server, smart phone, or other mobile device to the projection screen, the WD390U-EST provides PC-free projection that is both comprehensive and easy to use,” said Bill Livolsi, Associate Editor, Projector Central.

Users simply log onto their network and begin displaying content in seconds, whether from a local server, the internet or the cloud, giving Read the rest of this entry »

Epson Announces Two New Classroom Projectors, BrightLink 436Wi & PowerLite 935W – Press Release


February 1st, 2013 admin

Epson BrightLink 436Wi projector

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

Epson announced two new classroom projector solutions – the BrightLink 436Wi, a fully integrated, portable short-throw interactive projector, and the PowerLite 935W, an ultra-bright projector for large classrooms and naturally bright rooms.  We expect the BrightLink 436Wi to arrive for review shortly and it will be included in this year’s Classroom Projector Report in the spring.

Press Release

ORLANDO, Fla. (FETC Booth #709) – Jan. 29, 2013 – Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide1, today introduced the BrightLink® 436Wi – a fully integrated, portable short-throw interactive projector. Building on the success of Epson’s current line of BrightLink ultra-short throw projectors, the BrightLink 436Wi is the first interactive, short-throw Epson® projector that can be moved from room to room. Offering advanced connectivity options and dual pen support2, the BrightLink 436Wi can project onto any existing whiteboard, wall or other smooth, light-colored, hard surface.

Epson PowerLite 935W projector

Epson Launches PowerLite 935W Ultra-Bright Classroom Projector

New Projector Delivers 3,700 Lumens with Full Connectivity and Network Capabilities

ORLANDO, Fla. (FETC, Booth #709) – Jan. 29, 2013 – Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide1, today introduced the PowerLite® 935W projector designed for large classrooms and naturally bright rooms. The PowerLite 935W delivers ultra-bright images with 3,700 lumens of color brightness and 3,700 lumens of white brightness2 and full connectivity and network capabilities. The projector also offers WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution to allow teachers to fully leverage widescreen notebooks or tablets and widescreen DVD content.

Epson Introduces its New PowerLite Pro G-Series Projectors – Press Release


January 28th, 2013 admin

Epson PowerLite ProG6650WU projector

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

Epson has introduced new models in their Pro G-Series, the G6050W, G6150, G6450WU, G6550WU, G6750WU, G6800, and G6900WU.  They offer up to 7000 lumens, MSRPs from $3599 to $6499,  and a range of connectivity options and color options, for all possible installation scenarios.  Read on for more information from Epson!

Press Release

Epson Introduces its New PowerLite Pro G-SeriesProjectors with up to 7,000 Lumens Using a Single Lamp

New Series Offers Higher Brightness and Advanced Technological Solutions forCorporate, Higher Education, House of Worship, and Rental and Staging Markets

ORLANDO, Fla. (FETC Booth #709) – Jan. 28, 2013 – Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide1, today announced the new PowerLite® Pro G-series installation projectors. Building upon the success of the previous generation of Pro G projectors, this new series offers seven diverse projector models with advanced features such as edge blending, 360-degree installation, six optional lenses, and several connectivity options. Ranging from 4,500 to 7,000 lumens of color brightness and white light brightness2 with a single lamp, the projectors are designed for medium to large custom installations in corporations, higher education, houses of worship, and rental and staging.

“Venues using installation projectors require bright, flexible and reliable projection solutions, which is what we are delivering with the Pro G-series,” said Sean Gunduz, product manager, High Lumen Projectors, Epson America, Inc. “These installation projectors offer brighter solutions and integrate the most recent technological advancements in the industry, such as edge-blending technology for curved and corner screens and HDBaseT and HD-SDI connectivity options, which will benefit customers across many markets and maximize their ROI.” Read the rest of this entry »

ViewSonic Announces the Full Revamp of Its PJD5, PJD6 and PJD7 Projector Series – Press Release


January 23rd, 2013 admin

ViewSonic PJD6235 projector

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

ViewSonic has revamped and upgraded their PJD5, PJD6 and PJD7 series projectors, offering a range of new models.  The offer flexibility for home and small offices through the availability of a range of resolutions, connectivity options and HDMI with more lumens than ever before. With budget-concious pricing, this series allows end-users to get impressive value through the precise features they need. – Lewis PR

Press Release

ViewSonic Brightens Projector Lineup; Including New Networkable, High Bright and Short Throw Models

ViewSonic Delivers Performance With 3-Year Limited Parts and Labor and 1-Year Lamp Warranties Along With Express Exchange Service

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, is demonstrating its dedication to the projection category today by rolling out full revamps of its projector offerings with brand new models announced as part of the PJD5, PJD6 and PJD7 series.

“Whether the user is looking for a budget-friendly model for everyday use, network connectivity, or a high brightness solution, ViewSonic has the projector to perfectly fit any environment and need,” said Roger Chien, product manager for ViewSonic. “Users can also feel confident in their selection, knowing that ViewSonic stands behind every projector with our industry-leading 3-1-1 limited warranty.”

PJD7 Series – High Brightness, High Performance
Kicking off the revamped PJD7 high performance series are the new XGA PJD7333 and WXGAPJD7533w. Serving as part of ViewSonic’s specialty series, these projectors deliver business and education users with competitively priced high brightness and high-resolution solutions that support both wired and wireless LAN display functionality. Both come with 4000 lumens brightness and HDMI connectivity, the PJD7333 and PJD7533w are perfect for large lecture halls or business spaces in need of a heightened level of brightness and resolution to share detailed projects like architecture design, engineering drawings or intense graphic artwork, but that don’t require a Pro series projector. Packed with features, these projectors offer wired/wireless LAN display and PC-less presentations in addition to supporting ViewSonic’s mobile smartphone and tablet app, allowing for the wireless streaming of content from the device to the projector1. Additional specialty solutions will be added to the PJD7 series in the coming months, including an exciting, industry-leading 1080p commercial offering.

The PJD7333 and PJD7533w will be available in North and Latin America in mid-April for ESPs of $979 and $1,049. Read the rest of this entry »

Education Projectors: Epson Changes The Game With W16SK Passive 3D Projector System – Press Release


January 16th, 2013 admin

Epson PowerLite W16SK projector

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

Until the first shipments in March of Epson’s new W16SK Projector, 3D projectors  have been almost exclusively required active shutter glasses.  That means to equip a classroom you need dozens of expensive glasses.  Even in quantity good 3rd party glasses are likely $30-$40 plus at this time.  With the potential of glasses disappearing, cost can become a very expensive problem for a school district, even after initial purchase.
Epson’s  passive glasses – similar to those  used in virtually all 3D movie theaters in the US  are only $3 each, don’t require batteries or recharging, nor an IR or RF signal for syncing.
The Epson Powerlite W16SK projector system accomplishes this by consisting of two “stacked” projectors.  This is an old trick.  Back in the days when 50 pound projectors could barely produce 2000 lumens, two or more might be stacked to fill a large auditorium or similar venues.
One projector essentially projects the info for your right eye, the other the left.  This is accomplished by the two lenses of the glasses, having opposite polarization.  Bottom line, it works in movie theaters and it works in the classroom.  You also get exceptional brightness 6000 lumens total in 2D, and 3000 lumens to each eye in 3D!
Up until now, to our knowledge, there was no passive system available from a manufacturer.  Some integrators may have been doing stacked projectors on a very small scale.  Epson’s W16SK, though, is a ready to go, manufacturer backed, 3D passive projector solution that can be implemented throughout a school, school district or even state wide through one of the big Education consortiums.
Below is the full press announcement of the W16SK.
Also below Epson is announcing a more traditional active 3D projector, the Powerlite W16.

Press Release

Epson Announces 3D Projectors Designed Specifically for Education

Epson PowerLite W16 and W16SK Deliver Ultra Bright, Affordable and High Quality

3D Projection to Broaden Learning Possibilities in Classrooms

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Jan. 16, 2013 – Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide1, today introduced two 3D projector solutions designed to enhance the learning experience in classrooms – the PowerLite® W16 and W16SK. Epson is offering two 3D projection choices – one based on active 3D technology and the other on passive 3D technology – which both deliver three times brighter colors than most competitive projectors2, allowing 3D content to be easily viewed in typical, well-lit classroom settings. The projectors also offer a wide range of features including easy setup and connectivity options, bringing ease of use and convenience to the classroom at an affordable price point. The PowerLite W16 and W16SK will be shown at the Epson booth (#709) at FETC in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 28-31, 2013.

“Studies have shown that 3D in education is on the rise and 3D lessons increase student learning and retention3. Epson now offers a solution to help bring 3D into the classroom in a more affordable way,” said Sara Kim, associate product manager, K-12 Education Marketing, Epson America. “For example, whether faced with high ambient light or the need to provide affordable 3D glasses for all students, the Epson PowerLite W16SK addresses these challenges by delivering high quality and incredibly bright images, and leveraging technology that allows for inexpensive 3D glasses to be used for all content for every student.” Read the rest of this entry »

Hitachi Introduces CP-AW252WN Projector – Press Release


January 14th, 2013 admin

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

Sporting an ultra short throw lens, and wireless networking and wireless operation, this new Hitachi projector model is designed for a variety of specialized applications by presenter and educators alike.  Also, it can be controlled by a single Apple device using the Apple iOS app.  Read on for more information from Hitachi!


P R E S S   R E L E A S E

Hitachi Now Offers CP-AW252WN Ultra Short Throw 3LCD Projector With Networking Capabilities and Wireless Operation

Includes New iOS Control App, Projector Cloning Function and Enhanced Functionality for Educational and Commercial Use

CHULA VISTA, California, December 5, 2012 — Hitachi America, Ltd., Digital Media Division, Business Solutions Group now offers its CP-AW252WN ultra short throw 3LCD projector, which combines an array of versatile features including a new Projector Quick Connection iOS App, a Projector Cloning function and in a compact, cost-effective design. The networkable, ultraportable CP-AW252WN can project a 100-inch (diagonal) image at just 15.4 inches from the front of the projector, making it ideal for use in educational and commercial applications where space is limited yet where bright, clear image quality is required.

The new Projector Quick Connection iOS App enables users to monitor and control multiple Hitachi projectors from a single Apple® iOS device. The app provides access to the projector’s Projector, Contents, Control and Settings menus.

The CP-AW252WN includes a new Projector Cloning function: a Hitachi convenience feature that lets users copy the settings data from one projector and transfer it to other projectors via USB memory. The Projector Cloning function can copy and transfer almost all projector settings Read the rest of this entry »

Pacific Media Tracks Top Selling Projectors – Press Release


December 30th, 2012 admin

Comments by Projector Reviews staff:

Pacific Media Associates provides us with regular updates on industry (projector) trends.  They break out projectors in multiple categories such as Pico and Pocket projectors (they are now calling them “New Era” projectors, Mainstream, and High End (mostly larger fixed/install projectors and rental and staging models).
PMA itself has been polling the dealer base for a long time.  For many years my old company Presenting Solutions would report every projector sale we made to them each month – breaking it out by model, quantity, etc.   The’ve been polling the largest dealers for well more than a decade, providing a real pulse on the shape, and direction of the projector industry – both business/education/government, and home.
BTW, it shouldn’t surprise anyone but the home projector segment is tiny compared to the rest of the projector industry.   As you look at the numbers in the press release below, notices that each of the categories numbers are pulled from different sources, some data is from distributors, some from dealers, some from integrators.  With that in mind, please realize that the biggest strength of the data is PMA’s consistent polling.  It’s great for comparing month to month or year over year.
But, when it comes to picking the best selling projector models, keep in mind that each set of numbers is servicing primarily one distribution channel, not all.
Thus, it may well be that strong showings for one or more products in one channel doesn’t mean the same projector is strong in other channels.  As an example, look at the Mainstream category numbers:   You see that NEC and InFocus dominate in the number of units via Distributors.   Both manufacturers rely heavily upon distributors for moving the product through.  By comparison, some other companies, let’s say Panasonic and Epson to pick two, rely more on direct sales to the largest dealers, and far less on distributors.   Thus,  it is conceivably possible that both of those companies could have a projector that outsell any of the top 5 listed, simply because that report does not track units sold directly to large dealers.   For example the dealers that advertise on our site, almost all buy directly from the likes of Epson and Panasonic, not through distribution…

In other words, keep an open mind.  That notwithstanding, there’s plenty of useful data to mine from PMA’s numbers.   There are several research companies “competing” against PMA.  Between all of them, you can paint a really excellent picture of the industry, but since each uses different methodology, and even define their categories differently, you do need to put on your thinking cap if you are looking for more than a basic feel for the projector industry sales.  -art

Press Release

PMA Announces Top-Selling Projector Models During November

Monthly Tracking Reports Show Optoma, NEC, InFocus and Epson Most Popular Across New Era, Mainstream and High-End Categories

Menlo Park, California, USA – December 28, 2012. Pacific Media Associates (PMA), the worldwide market information experts on front projectors, has posted their recent results to the “Top Selling Projectors” area of their website. Read the rest of this entry »