March 31st, 2013 admin
Comments by Projector Reviews staff:
Pacific Media Associates has been tracking US (really North American) sales for more than and a half! Our previous company, presentingsolutions.com was one of about fifty larger dealers, that reported to Pacific Media back in the day. Although other research companies now report on similar data, PMA always had their pulse on which projector models were the top sellers in every category. This is their latest press release, showing the top sellers in three categories:
High End Projectors (bright, interchangeable lenses)
Mainstream (the typical portable and small fixed install projectors)
Pico and Pocket projectors
Not a whole lot of surprises in the list, with Epson dominating the high end sales, Hitachi who has long been the leader in education sales scores the top selling unit among the mainstream. Optoma dominates the “tiny” projector category, which is interesting. Optoma has long been the biggest player with the most extensive line of pico projectors, but considering the vast number of new players in “pico and pocket” space, that they have held on is what is impressive.
Press Release
PMA Research Posts Top-Selling Projector Models For February
Epson, InFocus, and Optoma Hold Multiple Spots in High-End, Mainstream and Pico Projector Categories
San Juan Capistrano, California, USA – March 30, 2013. PMA Research, the worldwide market information experts on front projectors, has posted their recent Projector Tracking Service results to the “Top Selling Projectors” area of their website.
For more than 15 years now, PMA Research has collected monthly sell-through data from leading North American projector dealers, retailers, web resellers and distributors. Their Tracking Service family of monthly reports offers timely sell-through data and analysis on unit sales, true volume-weighted street prices, and inventories of front projectors for these channels.
Each month, PMA Research posts the Top 5 Projector Lists for the following product categories:
High-End (4000+ lumens) Projectors – The February 2013 results showed Epson with two of the top selling models. The PowerLite 1945W was the best selling High-End projector last month, and the PowerLite Pro G5750WU came in third. Hitachi’s CP-WX4021N was the second best selling model, and Christie took the number four spot with their LWU505. Mitsubishi rounded out the Top 5 High-End projector list with the XD700. This “Top 5″ list is compiled from data collected from PMA’s monthly Pro AV Projector Tracking Service sample, which is made up of North American dealers and integrators.
Mainstream (1000 to 3999 lumens) Projectors – For the Mainstream category in February, Hitachi took top honors again with the best-selling CP-X3015WN. Also a repeat from January’s list, InFocus landed the number two and four spots with the IN112 and the IN114, respectively. ViewSonic’s PJD5123 moved up from number five in January to claim the number three spot in February, and Epson’s PowerLite 93+ (also a repeat from January) rounded out the Top 5 list in the fifth spot. This “Top 5″ list is compiled from data collected from PMA’s monthly Distributor Projector Tracking Service sample, which is made up of North American distributors.
Read the rest of this entry »
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March 31st, 2013 admin
Comments by Projector Reviews staff:
The folks at Pacific Media Associates have been tracking projector sales world wide for well more than a decade. Below in their press release you can get a feel for how different segments of the projector market are doing. This particular release from PMA does not discuss home theater projectors, but does include pico and pocket projector numbers along with numbers for other categories.
Press Release
Worldwide Projector Market to Hit 9.5 Million Units in 2013 According to Latest Forecast from PMA Research
San Juan Capistrano, California, USA – March 28, 2013. PMA Research (PMA), the worldwide market information experts on front projectors, has released their latest quarterly forecast for the worldwide projector market. According to PMA, total worldwide projector shipments are expected to reach 9.5 million units in 2013. While to overall market is likely to trend up modestly from 2012, there are some areas of anticipated higher growth.
In the New Era segment (sub-1,000 Lumens), pico projectors recovered strongly in the second half of 2012, gaining 35% vs. the second half of 2011. PMA expects similar growth for these models this year, particularly for the very popular iPhone “sled” models. The success of these models may inspire the introduction of similar projectors for Android Smartphones such as the Galaxy S IV.
In the Mainstream segment (1,000 – 3,999 Lumens), PMA boosted their outlook for ultra-short-throw projectors in large part due to expected tenders in the Middle East as well as steady gains in the rest of the world. In addition, medium-short-throw models are expected to do well in China where they are being coupled with low-cost whiteboards. Solid State Illumination (SSI) models are also expected to outperform the overall projector market as well. New entrants into the SSI market and second-generation models which target mid-level price ranges will contribute to SSI growth.
Despite the sluggish economic recovery in 2012, conference room and large venue segments (excluding d-cinema) showed about 10% growth, and similar growth is expected to continue through 2013. Most of this growth was seen in the US and Western Europe. Even higher growth was seen in many developing countries, albeit on a smaller volume base. Since this segment remains somewhat immune to the competition from flat panels, expected improvements in corporate and higher education spending should benefit these projector segments in the coming year. Read the rest of this entry »
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March 29th, 2013 admin
Epson BrightLink Pro 1410wi
Comments by Projector Reviews staff:
I had the opportunity to see a 30 minute or so demonstration of Epson’s latest concept, the Brightlink Pro 1410Wi. While the Brightlink Pro is essentially an ultra-short throw projector, Epson has gone a bit further, and it’s impressive. Epson has multiple Brightlink projectors but the Brightlink Pro 1410Wi is designed to be a complete presentations system targeting the business world.
This is more of a complete system than a stand alone projector when it comes to feature set. You can even order it with a whiteboard. Once set up, this Brightlink 1410Wi system not only can project as usual, but it is interactive, using a pen. And you can record and save everything. Both what a computer or other source provides, and all your interactive efforts, and upload for sharing. There’s even a wall control panel for the projector that you would mount next to the white board. That will even accept a USB thumb drive, with the content you wish to project. I should mention that it is a widescreen projector, 16:10, which is a more suitable ratio than 4:3 such as XGA, when working interactively.
Brightlink 1410wi shown below saving an annotated presentation.
Projector and wall control have been brightened for visibility
And you don’t even need a computer to save your presentation session. Even that is handled by the system and small wall controller.
There’s so much more, so check out the press release. We will be reviewing this Brightlink Pro 1410Wi as soon as available.
This is a bright projector designed to easily handle ambient light on this large whiteboard, including windows without shades and fluorescent lighting on. This second picture shows you part of the displayed screen, with the shades open on half the windows. The overhead lighting was on as well. That’s very impressive:
Brightlink 1410wi complete interactive presentation system
As to pricing, The standard system, including wall mounting gear is $2999 MAP. Additional discounts available for major accounts and education. Two additional versions include matching whiteboards, and come with an esthetically designed plate to cover the projector. The aluminum finish system is $3999 while the wood finished is $4499. We’re talking suitable for a fancy boardroom.
Not only does this system do all the things I mentioned, and then some, but during the course of the demonstration I received, it all worked, and I mean smoothly. (And brightly!)
Presentations were available from USB thumb drives and the network. Note: wireless presenting is also an option from people’s computers without plugging in. Or a computer at the front of the room could be plugged right into the wall control unit.
The Epson product manager demonstrated a great many features, including those, lots of interactive functions, lots of highlighting and writing on the screen, etc… Even saving all the work to the network went exactly as planned. What a great way to get information out to people who could not attend a presentation.
Now that’s exactly the way things should be, but quite often aren’t. What makes this demo even more impressive, is the whole system at the time was still pre-production or engineering sample as the Brightlink 1410wi wasn’t even announced yet, let alone shipping.
People think of the Brightlink 1410wi as similar to the combination of a Smart Board and a projector, except, better, and unless you want a very small board (like 40″) the Brightlink will cost less. Looks to be a pretty outstanding new product – art
Press Release
Epson Introduces the Ultimate Meeting Room Productivity Tool
BrightLink Pro 1410Wi Provides an Easy-to-Use Instant Collaboration Projection Solution to Present, Annotate, Capture, and Share
LONG BEACH, Calif. – March 27, 2013 – Epson today introduced the BrightLink® Pro 1410Wi – an ultra-short throw meeting room projector designed to provide increased organizational productivity and efficiency. The BrightLink Pro turns a traditional whiteboard, wall or virtually any flat surface into a new digital surface and offers a variety of features to boost meeting room collaboration, including video conferencing compatibility and remote collaboration.
The BrightLink Pro projector solution can be used as a digital whiteboard, to present and annotate on existing content, and can instantly capture and share newly created content by saving, printing or e-mailing through the network – no computer or special software required. A simple to use, but powerful device, users can power BrightLink Pro on and present, annotate and capture with no technical expertise needed to drive a collaborative instant meeting. With a 100-inch, widescreen display area, users can display presentations and a live meeting at the same time with the split screen option. In addition, users can connect up to four BrightLink Pro units that all reside on the same network, regardless of location, for remote collaboration. Read the rest of this entry »
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March 27th, 2013 admin
Optoma ZW212ST
Comments by Projector Reviews staff:
Brighter is always better (when it comes to projectors anyway)! Optoma has amped up the lumens in the new ZW212ST and ZX212ST to 2500 and 2300 lumens respectively. And educators and businesses alike will like the $1599 and $1499 price tags too. Read on for more information from Optoma!
Press Release
OPTOMA ADDS MORE POWER TO LAMP-FREE PROJECTOR LINE
Fremont, Calif. | March 25, 2013 | Delivering its brightest lamp-free projectors ever, Optoma has introduced two new EcoBright solid state illumination (SSI) short-throw projectors, the 2500 lumen ZW212ST and its 2300 lumen cousin, the ZX212ST, both designed to help businesses and educators more effectively display their presentations, save money and reduce their carbon footprint. Offering a 100,000:1 contrast ratio that ensures crisp, clear,readable text, both the WXGA resolution ZW212ST ($1,599) and the XGA resolution ZX212ST ($1,499) employ all the latest command and control technologies, ensuring easy system integration and operation in any boardroom or classroom environment. “The new EcoBright projectors represent our 6th generation of lamp-free projectors,”said Jon Grodem, Optoma’s senior director of sales & marketing. “Our experience with this technology has enabled us to push the envelope and deliver the best projector in its class – and the best value, to boot. Because of their performance and energy-saving advantages,lamp-free projectors are playing an increasingly important role in display technology, and it is Optoma’s intention to continue to lead the way.” Optoma’s EcoBright projectors incorporate a host of features that will make them a favorite of any video installation professional or end user. Both offer wireless capabilities and Crestron® certification for remote management and control. MS Office Viewer is preinstalled and supports direct-playback of movies, photos and Office files from the projectors’ 2GBinternal memory, through the USB port, or via an SD card slot that supports up to 32GB of memory expansion. Both projectors also provide inputs to satisfy any infrastructure need,including HDMI, VGA-in, VGA-out, mini-USB for display, USB for wireless connectivity,RS-232 and RJ45 ports for remote management through a larger network, S-video,composite video, audio in and audio out,Optoma’s Z series Read the rest of this entry »
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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 »
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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 »
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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 »
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