More Cool New Stuff : PP at Infocomm 2008

More from our Projector People team on the showroom floor at Infocomm 2008. Again we should have photos and more information in future posts. Whenever possible we will link to other tech sites covering the technology too.

InFocus is first to transmit video to projector over USB, instead of VGA

It started with computer monitors, docking stations, and photo frames. The cool DisplayLink USB graphics core is just now making it’s way to the world of projectors.

This is revolutionary. InFocus is the first projector manufacturer to bring models to market that use mini-USB to transmit video. Their new IN1100 and IN3100 series projectors feature “DisplayLink”, the technology that enables near instantaneous video connection via USB as well as multi-display capability to show multiple presentations on multiple projectors from just a single USB connection and single computer. More than that, when connected to the projector via USB, your computer can act as a fully functional projector remote control too.

Advantages of using the InFocus projector USB connection:

• Near instant recognition of video source
• No fumbling for the function key to toggle the image between PC or laptop display and the projector
• Smaller input real estate on the projector, so future projectors can continue to shrink
• Makes projector presentation setup faster and easier
• Computer becomes a projector remote control
• One USB output can power multiple projectors and presentations

InFocus projectors with the new USB video connection:

• IN1100
• IN1102
• IN3102
• IN3104
• IN3106

Click here to see all InFocus projectors

Previously, InFocus opted out of the regular VGA connection in favor of the much less popular, but flexible, M1 connection. This new USB solution is a true innovation and will be a very popular feature for users in school and small business settings.

What’s missing? There is neither a DVI nor an HDMI input on the new InFocus units with USB. But there may still be VGA connections. Check your specs for details.

Epson Projectors : Three New VoUSB Options Under $800!

Along with InFocus, Epson has also invested in a video over USB option (VoUSB) for its projector lineup. First, here is a quick look at the Epson offerings with VoUSB.

New Epson Projectors with VoUSB:

• Powerlite S6 : SVGA, 2200 lumens for $549
• Powerlite 78c : XGA, 2200 lumens for $649
• Powerlite W6 : WXGA, 2000 lumens, SD card slot, for $799

Thusfar, Epson looks to have lowest price VoUSB option available this year. Epson usually offers strong feature sets on low priced products, and in particular, successfully meets the needs of Educators – low price points, user friendly interface, low cost of ownership. Unlike the InFocus VoUSB products, there is also an HDMI input on the modestly priced Epson projectors with USB video. Epson also has E-TORL lamp technology which improves power efficiency and lengthens lamp life (4000 hours) which lowers total cost of ownership. More Epson features include Instant on / off, auto keystone correction, AV mute, and because of the VoUSB, there is also Plug and Project connectivity which allows the computers to be connected to the projector without the need for adjustments.

Also noteworthy, the new Powerlite W6 is priced very competitively for a widescreen 2000 lumen projector with HDMI. We haven’t seen it manage video yet, but at this price point, as long as it can project video at all, it will be popular as a cross-over projector.

Quick Tip: USB connections have existed on projectors for a long time, however their functionality did not include video transfer from a computer. USB cards could be used for computerless presentations, or the USB could be used to create an optional wireless connection.

This new VoUSB projectors are expected to be on the streets in September 2008

More Cool New Stuff : PP at Infocomm 2008

More from our Projector People team on the showroom floor at Infocomm 2008. Again we should have photos and more information in future posts. Whenever possible we will link to other tech sites covering the technology too.

What if They Made a Projector without a Lamp?

DLP technology from Texas Instruments asked, and answered, the question of a lampless projector at this year’s Infocomm trade show. The new technology utilizes LED technology (version called PhlatLight Light Emitting Diode has been used in LCD TVs) in place of the DLP color wheel and mirror and light engine. Instead of a spinning red, blue, and green color wheel, there are RBG LEDs which plus rapidly to create the color.

The new product is the first of its kind with a regular sized chassis, but many new projectors using LED technology have been released for cell phones and so-called “pocket” projectors.

So what are the benefits? For starters, you could kiss the $200 - $500 cost of a replacement lamp goodbye along with any of the hassle of caring for it. That is good news for consumers who might have been hesitant to incur future costs after the purchase. It may also mean a dramatic increase in consumers choosing projectors as a primary display source, as the lamp life would be comparable to that of LCD and plasma TVs. Also, as we have seen with the pocket projectors, the lamp lack also allows for smaller footprints and even more portable opportunities. The fan will also not be required to cool that hot lamp, which means nearly silent operation and less energy consumption.

But wait, there’s more! With the new LED-based DLP technology, the color space possible for a projector is increased beyond that of traditional lamp’d projectors up to 50%. That’s a big benefit for the folks in the DLP camp, since color has been one area where they have been consistently challenged by 3LCD.

Are there any drawbacks to this new technology? Well for one, it’s new. So even though you won’t pay to replace the lamp, there will probably be a premium to pay initially. It’s not yet available to the general public yet, and won’t be for a while. And some reporting on the scene mention the color is not quite “lifelike” and has a bit of a red haze.

“But what about brightness?” you may ask. A good question, since previous LED projectors were in the 25 - 100 lumen range. The latest incarnation on the tradeshow floor is said to be very bright. TI claims a brightness from 500 - 1000 lumens, which was once considered a benchmark for home theater projectors. However, newer products are typically upwards of 1000 lumens. So, brightness is an issue that will probably need to improve.

But hey, nobody’s perfect on their first go. Texas Instruments says they will begin by focusing on Home Theater projection, since here is less brightness required and expects to have products released by manufacturer partners by the end of 2008. Watch us here for more updates on this potentially groundbreaking technology.

[ read more from PCWorld ]

5000 Lumen Home Theater Projector - Coming Soon from Mitsubishi

Replacing the top selling HC4900 will be the new HC5500. What’s noteworthy about the HC5500? To start, the Mitsubishi HC5500 is reported to produce just 19db of fan noise, which is a nice improvement for home theater enthusiasts.

[ photo: Mitsubishi HC4900 projector ]

But more importantly, this projector is VERY bright for a home theater product. The super high powered 5000 lumens should be plenty bright for lights on viewing, a plus for those looking for a projector for watching daytime football games. As we mentioned above, the benchmark for Home Theater seems to be something over 1000 lumens.

In fact, one of the brighter (and current best selling) projectors is the Panasonic PT-AX200U which measures just 2000 lumens. Coincidentally, both the PT-AX200U and the brand new HC5500 native 720p resolution. But the additional brightness comes with a higher price tag, at a $2,495 MSRP. The question is, will consumers pay for brightness, or do they want to save their dollars for true HD resolution?

[ read press release ]

How Much Does it Cost to Go Wide?

Our projector PI’s has been looking for industry trends to share, and one point of interest has come to light. As more people begin adopting widescreen technology in business, either in their lapotop computers or high definition displays at home, the question arises, how much more does one have to spend to go widescreen?

So how much more will you pay for widescreen resolution over an equivalent 4:3 model? About $200.

That’s all for now! But stay tuned for more from our roving reports on the floor at Infocomm 2008!

LED projector, DLP LED technology, Mitsubishi HC4900, Infocomm 2008, PhlatLight, 5000 lumen 720p, widescreen projectorsprojector trends

Cool New Stuff : PP at Infocomm 2008

Projector People has a team of technology investigators that are scouring the showroom floor looking for the hottest new products and ideas in projection technology. Here are a few quick notes. We should have photos and more information in future posts. Whenever possible we will link to other tech sites covering the technology too.

Sanyo Introduces 4LCD

You may have heard of 3LCD technology which is employed in about every LCD projector we carry. The 3LCD panel includes, as you would guess, 3 different panels. One green, one red, and one blue, which through some wizardry create the color you see on screen.

Well new 4LCD from Sanyo does color one better. Sanyo has added a yellow and green layered panel to compliment the red and blue panels which produces about 20% more shades of red and green color than is possible with 3LCD. The image, it is reported, should look more like a CRT monitor than it will a 3-chip DLP projector.

Sounds cool, but what’s the catch? Currently the panel is only available on one very high end Sanyo projector. The Sanyo PLC-XP200L is not exactly portable at 25 lbs., but it packs a wallop with 7000 ANSI lumens of brightness and should produce some great looking rich, saturated images.

The Sanyo PLC-XP200L projector is expected to ship in September and has a MSRP of $9,999. [ Read more here ]

Canon Projectors Even More Photographer Friendly : Add PictBridge

Already a popular choice for photographers, Canon has added a feature that is sure to please professional picture takers. The new Canon REALiS SX80 will include a USB input that supports PictBridge connectivity. Just plug your digital camera into the projector to display your photos. No computer required. The SX80 uses LCoS technology, has native SXGA+(1400×1050) resolution, and is expected to list for $3,999.

Also new from Canon is the REALiS WUX10 which is reported to be the world’s first WUXGA resolution (1920×1200) projector. List price is expected to be about $12,999

[ read more here ]

New Up-Lifting Screen from Elite

Elite screen manufacturers are the first screen company to develop a screen (called the Kestrel) that rises up out of its case. Partly sweet for it’s cool factor (your 84-100 inch screen rising up out of your cabinet), but also a nice option for home owners with high ceilings who don’t want to drop the screen from a great distance, and who want to keep their walls looking clean and modern. List price looks to be about $1,599.

Also new from Elite, the Mirage, a high gain whiteboard that comes in sizes of 60,80, and 96 inches. More on this later.

That’s all for now! But stay tuned for more from our roving reports on the floor at Infocomm 2008!

Sanyo 4LCD, 4LCD, Sanyo XP200L, Infocomm 2008, Canon REALiS WUX10, Canon REALiS, Elite Kestrelkestrel screenMirage Whiteboard

Treat your Super Dad with a home theater package! Just for Dad we are reducing prices on home theater projector bundles that are sure to please him, as well as the whole family. From big screen sports and entertainment for Dad and friends, to a safe and fun environment for the entire family, home theaters are one of America’s most coveted gifts. And now they cost less than ever before. . Here’s the deal:

Home Theater Projector Package Coupon Codes

Save $50 : use code “SUPERDAD”

Two packages that are budget focused. One for indoor or outdoor theater fun, and the other is our most popular projector for low-priced home theater.

Native 720p : Panasonic PT-AX200U Package

Backyard Theater : Optoma DV11 Package

Save $100 : use code “SUPERDAD”

For the true videophile, the Panasonic PT-AE2000U is one of the best selling native 1080p projectors on the market this year.

True HD 1080p : Panasonic PT-AE2000U Package

[ More Father’s Day Savings information ]

More New Coupons Added

Save $25 : use code “SAVE25″

• Hitachi CPX1
• NEC VT700

Save $50 : use code “SAVE50″

• Mitsubishi X470
• NEC LT280

New Blowout Additions

• Sharp PG-F211X
• Sharp PG-F212X
• Sanus Projector Ceiling Mount (silver only)

[ More Father’s Day Savings information ]

Questions about our latest specials? Call a Projector Expert today at 1-888-248-0675.

projector price drops, projectors, home theater, projector coupon codes, home theater projectors

Big screens bring big excitement to your local sports bars and restaurants. 10 years ago projectors were the only game in town for giant images. Old ‘3-gun’ CRT 500 pound monstrosities sat in the middle of the sticky floor, surrounded by peanut shells and French fries. They were big, in the way, and usually the colors were out of sync. But you had to love them, because big games look better bigger. Right?

Today, front projectors have grown up. The giant chassis have been replaced by sleek, 10 pound, barely noticeable, perfectly synced high definition video. They also cost less, are easier to install, and are available in native HD widescreen format. So, we thought we’d offer up some advice to those buyers looking for a new projector in the restaurant and bar business. Here are a few tips from us to you.

Brightness

Like Projector People customers Dave and Busters, a sports bar or restaurant will usually have controlled lighting in the primary big screen viewing areas. If you are designing your own entertainment space, that’s a good tip for you. Make sure you have controlled lighting where your displays will be located. You want controlled lighting for several reasons. For one, it will save you money and space. Super bright projectors cost a little more, and are a little bigger (because they need more room for cool air to circulate). So, here’s a guide for brightness (measured in lumens) in controlled lighting situations.

Of course controlled lighting is also important for setting ambiance as well. For instance, when the Minnesota Vikings win the SuperBowl (and they will win the SuperBowl) there will be grown men crying. Enough said.

Quick Tip: If your bar or restaurant turns into a nightclub in the evenings, and you want to use your projector for some cool flashy imagery, be sure that your disco lighting doesn’t wash out the screen. Indirect light shouldn’t wash out the picture entirely, but direct light may.

Resolution

There aren’t a whole lot of options for a true big screen video projector. The big decision here is whether to choose a lower cost standard 4:3 resolution projector, or to go with the trend and select a native widescreen HD projector. Here’s a good, better, best list for resolutions. Short and sweet.

Flexibility

In some cases a new projector may be replacing older displays, or it may be that the projector will serve multiple purposes and be placed in varying locations. If that’s the situation for you, then you will require a projector designed for flexibility.

Features for Flexibility:

• Short throw distance (allows for bigger images when projector is close to the screen)
• Zoom lens (make your image larger or smaller without physically moving the projector)
• Lens shift (move your image from side to side or up and down without moving projector)

The Casio XJ-S31 is a great example of a flexible projector. It has a 2x zoom lens, short throw distance, and is competitively priced.

Replacement Lamps

We sell a lot of replacement lamps to our sports bar clients because the projectors are used as much as 12 hours a day (maybe more). That means the 2000-4000 expected lamp life can get ‘used up’ in a few months. Replacements lamps usually cost between $250 - $400. Check out our Tips to Extended Lamp Life for some tips on keeping the lamp going as long as possible.

Quick Tip: Ever wonder what the pros and cons of using a projector versus a Flat Panel TV? Here’s a quick comparison of the technologies.

Smoky Rooms

If your establishment allows smokers to light up indoors, you might want to an extra look at stipulations in the manufacturer warranty. Some LCD projectors may not honor a warranty in a smoky environment because smoke can do damage to the optic system. DLP projectors have ’sealed’ optics, and are more likely to be unharmed by smoke. Ask a Projector Expert for warranty details before you purchase.

So whether you are a sports bar owner, or a guy who wants to create the sports bar environment in his home, we hope these tips were helpful. As always, if you have more questions, feel free to contact a Projector Expert.

projector, projectors, home theater, bars and restaurants, sports bar projection, restaurant projectors,