By Terry Currier
The 2004 CES (Consumer Electronic Show) ran January 8-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Did I get to see everything there, no. Even going for three days, I could not see everything. At least I could not see and get information on everything. Here are some of the things I found interesting. This is my sixth part of a series.
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Video Projectors
DWIN www.dwin.com
DWIN Electronics showed TransVision™3 featuring a native resolution of
1280x720. It has an 16:9 native aspect
ratio, and uses the 3-chip DLP™ technology from Texas Instruments. The system
offers home theater menus, 1200 Lumens, and 2000:1 contrast ratio. Video
standards include HDTV/DTV/NTSC/PAL, it can also take in S-Video, and DVI.
Throw distance is 1.41 to 21. times screen width, while the image size is 60 to
200 inches.
Epson www.epson.com
Moving into the line of home theater projectors Epson launched the Epson
PowerLite Cinema 500. Available in March 2004 it is HDTV-ready and will retail
for $4,999. The contrast ratio is rated at 1200:1 with brightness of up to
1,000 ANSI lumens, and a Pixel number: 1280 x 720 pixels. Comes with "ColorReality 2," Epson's original
color management technology, a number of selectable color modes allowing users
to select optimal color and brightness depending on the surroundings, and advanced
color adjustment features for the perfect picture. It also has Faroudja's DCDi
digital processing, 3:2 pull down, 3D Y/C separation, 3D digital gamma
correction and 3D noise reduction. The projectors include a manual lens shift
function, which enables a shift range of 2.5 screens vertically and two screens
horizontally, and a 1.5x power zoom lens.
HP www.hp.com
Their vp6120 video projector comes in at 2,000 lumens, with a contrast ratio of
2000:1. Display resolution is 1024 x 768 true XGA, and 24 bit colors. Projection
distance is approximately 4.9 to 26.24
ft . Weighs 6.7 pounds, and features automatic resizing of images to full
screen; automatic detection of computer signal input; automatic image
synchronization. Advanced electronic keystone correction rate+/- 7º (14º total)
except 1080i/1035i. Connectivity is S-video, composite, component, HDTV (up to
1080i), PC compatibility: 640 x 400 to 1024 x 768; compressed: 1280 x 1024. The
vp8000 brightness is 2600 lumens (2200 ANSI), with a contrast ANSI 250:1. Display
resolution is 1024 x 768 true XGA, up to 16.8 million colors. Projection
distance is approximately 3.3 to 29.4 ft. Advanced electronic keystone
correction rate Horizontal ±15º (30º total), Vertical ±16º (32º total). Connectivity
is S-video, composite, component, HDTV (up to 1080i).
InFocus www.infocus.com
InFocus announced the InFocus ScreenPlay 4805, its newest projector for consumers. Compatible
with a broad range of entertainment sources such as DVD players, satellite
receivers, High Definition broadcasts, TV’s, computers and video game consoles.
The projector is native 16:9 resolution, meaning the onscreen image doesn’t
have to be compromised from its intended format, and includes a 2000:1 contrast
ratio to deliver the brightest whites and best black scene detail. It uses 480p
DLP technology from Texas Instruments®, and enhanced with Faroudja DCDi™
processing. The 6.8-pound projector has a 3,000 hour lamp life. Available in Q2
2004.
Olympus www.olympusamerica.com
A first for Olympus the VP-1 Data Projector. It weighs just
2.4 pounds, is 1000 ANSI lumens, and scheduled to go on sale in the United
States in March 2004. It comes with a 1:1.2 Zoom Olympus Zuiko Digital lens, the
aspect ratio is 4:3, supports 16.9, while the contrast ratio is 2000:1. The resolution is 1024
x 768 pixels. Projection distance is 3.9' – 25.9', the image size can be 2.6"
-200" diagonal. Input signal with; RGB (Analog/Digital), DVI-I, or Composite
Video/S-Video.
Sanyo www.sanyo.com
Video projectors range from the PLV-Z2 with 800 lumens up to the PLC-UF15 which
shows at 10,000 lumens. The PLV-Z2 is a wide-screen 16:9 made for home entertainment.
The contrast ratio is 1300:1, and has a quiet fan rated at 24 dBA. Connections
include component video, S-Video, and DVI-I Input. It has vertical keystone correction.
The PLC-XP50/L is a true XGA digital multimedia projector. Rated at 3600 ANSI
Lumens (it can be double stacked for 7200 ANSI Lumens), and a contrast ratio of
750:1. Resolution is true XGA (1024 x
768), compressed SXGA resolution. Color management system, along with X-Y digital
keystone correction. HDTV compatible, it runs at 35 dBA. You could also try the
PLV-70 which is a wide XGA (16:9) digital multimedia projector. Rated at 2200
ANSI Lumens, 1366 x 768 resolution, true 16:9 aspect ratio, and 900:1 contrast ratio.
Network Connectivity (with optional Pj-Net Organizer). It has Digital Visual
Interface, digital keystone correction, and also runs at 35 dBA.
Sharp www.sharpusa.com
The XV-Z12000 is a 16:9 high definition projector utilizing the new
"HD2+" DMD™ chip set from Texas Instruments and Sharp’s upgraded
proprietary computer video and integrated composer (CV-IC) system ll
technology. It has a 5500:1 contrast ratio and a rating of 900 ANSI Lumens
(both while in high contrast mode). True 720p high resolution capability is
fully compatible with HDTV 720p signal. A user can change multiple brightness
and contrast settings with the push of a button. Aspect ratio 4:3/16:9, and
resolution is 1280 x 720.
Toshiba www.toshiba.com
Toshiba's Digital Products Division announced the TLP-T70MU projector. Features
2,000 ANSI lumens and XGA resolution, it includes multimedia capabilities such
as composite and S-video inputs. Other features include one-touch digital
keystone correction ensuring distortion-free images in a wide range of room
sizes, and two remotes. Each of the included remotes performs basic projector
control functions, the second remote, however has added capabilities including
a laser pointer and mouse control options for increased presentation
versatility. Available immediately in North America for $1,999 ESP.
ViewSonic www.viewsonic.com
The ViewSonic PJ750 projector delivers exceptionally bright presentations. With
2,300 lumens, 1024x768 XGA resolution and high contrast, this projector
delivers clear, crisp images, even in well-lit rooms. Easy to use, the
full-featured PJ750 offers zoom and digital keystone correction as well as
multiple computer and video inputs and outputs for greater flexibility. Weight
is 7.2 pounds. Their PJ1065 XGA projector offers 3,500 lumens of brightness and
a 1024x768 XGA resolution. Progressive scan stabilizes video images creating a
true, movie-like picture. There is also wall/ceiling mountable for a wider
variety of installation settings. Easy setup and auto tuning, One-touch setup
button for fast, easy sync and sharp focus. Displays HDTV signals including
480i, 480p, 575i, 720p and 1080i.
Something a little different
Ingineo 
It’s kind of like having a really portable TV/projector with you. It you take a
set of what looks like safety glasses and add a small video screen on the side
(takes about 40% of one side) you have the Ingineo eyetop. It attaches to
digital cameras, camcorders, portable DVD’s, TV’s, or any other unit with a
composite output. The video is transferred to it’s 16-bit color active matrix
LCD screen. Four sets of video adjustments ensures you to get a good image. The
aspect ratio is 4:3, it can do both NTSC-M or PAL format. Contrast ratio is
100:1, and works on four AA Alkaline batteries. I did try it on and could see
it (the movie) and yet still able to see through the glasses. Besides just
watching a movie I thought it would be great for use as a training tool. A
person could watch a film showing how to do a project while actually working on
it. Available in April at a suggested price of $399.
Sensio www.sensio3d.com
The Sensio™3D processor enable you to use
the projector you currently own to view the many 3DVD films available on the
market. Insert the 3D DVD into your player, activate the Sensio™3D processor,
put the glasses on and enter the world of 3D: your screen will reveal a deep
and vast universe from which objects and characters emerge and become almost
tangible by their proximity. It is the only 3D home theatre system designed to
work with conventional DVD players and CRT, LCD, DLP and D-ILA projectors. It
is the only system that is MPEG-2 compliant, offering full-screen high
resolution and full color 3D format, compatible with future distribution
channels such as pay per view, video on demand, DTV and HDTV broadcast.
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