The CES show gets bigger each year and the 2008 International CES was no exception. At the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Sands/Venetian and the Hilton hotel. www.CESweb.org
Consumer Electronic Show 2008 - Part 1 - Computers
Consumer Electronic Show 2008 - Part 2 - Utility Software
Consumer Electronic Show 2008 - Part 3 - Accessories - Backpacks and Laptop bags Printers LCD Monitors TV Cards
Consumer Electronic Show 2008 - Part 4 - Digital Cameras - Digital Cameras and Camcorders, Storage for them, and Digital Image Frames
Consumer Electronic Show 2008 - Part 5 - Projectors
Consumer Electronic Show 2008 - Part 6 - Storage - Solid State Drives
Consumer Electronic Show 2008 - Part 7 - Security Products
By Terry Currier
Casio www.casiousa.com
Announced the XJ-S31 (MSRP of $999) and XJ-S36 (MSRP of
$1,299), featuring a brightness of 2,000 ANSI lumens in a very slim piece of
equipment with a height of just 1.69”.
The XJ-S36 is equipped with a USB port, and can be used wirelessly or
without a PC. The projectors can load and illustrate presentations,
spreadsheets, word processed documents, PDF files, still images (JPEG and BMP)
and AVI format videos stored on a USB memory device without a PC connection. 
Casio’s YC-430 Multi-Functional Camera System is a great accessory for these projectors when anyone needs to project printed materials or 3D objects. The compact fold-up design feature a CCD with an effective 10.1 megapixels, 3X optical zoom, and 22X digital zoom. It can also be used as a digital camera. In addition to documents, it can capture bulletin boards or 3D objects. The images taken by the camera can also be stored on a PC. It even has a scanner function for copying and saving documents. Just place a document within the specified position and the camera will adjust the angle between the camera and the object to make it look straight on the full screen.
Epson
www.epson.com/ensemblehd
Designed with a soft, pearl-white finish and engineered to deliver full 1080p resolution
(1920 x 1080 pixels), the Epson® PowerLite® Home Cinema 1080 combines five
innovations in one. It begins with C²Fine™ 3LCD technology, the core of this
powerful projector, designed to faithfully reproduce every color and scene. It offers
full HD 1080p performance with 24fps and HDMI 1.3 compatibility. AbsoluteBlack™
technology delivers a 12,000:1 contrast ratio and ensures the richest, deepest
blacks.
Among the system’s key innovations is its one-of-a-kind, integrated sound system.Developed in coordination with Atlantic Technology, all front channel speakers are
hidden within the system’s 100-inch, 16:9, motorized screen and the surround speakers
are discreetly hidden in the projector’s integrated speaker cradle. The
speakers include a state-of-the-art Dolby® 5.1 digital surround processor and
over 350 watts RMS.
The AV
Controller command center is complete with built-in progressive scan DVD player
and AM/FM tuner. Equipped with dual HDMI inputs and 1080p up-conversion on all
inputs. Flexibility of 97% vertical and 47% horizontal lens shift capability
without any image distortion.
Hitachi www.hitachi.com
Their CP-A100
boasts an extremely short throw distance: at 1.6 feet you can project a 60 inch
image. This not only prevents image obstruction, but also means there are no shadows interfering
with the image and no light in the presenter's face. It can also be placed
vertically as well as horizontally, or inverted for ceiling mount applications.
It can be hooked up to a network so a technician can monitor details such as
lamp life for each projector from his/her computer. It offers a brightness of
2,500 ANSI lumens, XGA resolution and a 500:1 contrast ratio. For security it
has multilevel PIN locks, a security bar and a Kensington slot. Proprietary Hitachi functions
including My Buttons, Input Source Naming and My Text. The E-Shot feature
allows users to transfer up to four still images from a computer to the
projector.
Microvision www.microvision.com
Microvision unveiled an advanced prototype of the first handheld,
battery-powered projector based on the company's single micro-mirror laser
scanning display technology. Code-named SHOW™, it is intended for mobile device
applications powered by the company's
proprietary ultra-miniature PicoP™ display engine. SHOW connects directly to
laptops, mobile phones, portable media players (PMPs), digital cameras and
other mobile devices to project large, high-resolution images and video onto
any surface. The images projected can range anywhere from 12 inches (30 cm) to
100 inches (2.5 m) in size depending upon the projection distance and are
always in focus. The production version of the device is expected to offer
approximately 2.5 hours of continuous battery life, sufficient to watch a
full-length movie without a need for recharging.
Mitsubishi www.mitsubishi-presentations.com
Show cased the FL7000U, its first ultra bright 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) HD projector
for commercial, home theater and education installations. Blasting 5000 lumens
with a 1000:1 contrast ratio, the projector uses three 1.1 inch 3LCD inorganic
panels. It includes a DVI connector with an HDMI-to-DVI adapter for a wider
range of HD connectivity options. It can create side-by-side images for
enhanced video conferencing applications that include a live video feed and
simultaneous presentations on the same screen, perfect for large venues where
ambient light can be a factor. It also offers RJ45 networking support for easy
online management and control.
Comes with a built-in motion-sensitive anti-theft alarm designed to deter
projector theft. The motion detector is built into the connector panel cover,
and is set manually by a key. The suggested price is $14,995 and comes with
Mitsubishi's three-year limited warranty on parts and labor plus a 90-day
limited warranty on the lamp.
The HC4900 with a price of $1995 is a full HD resolution projector. It will go
all the way up to 1920x1080, with 1000 ANSI lumens with a 7500:1 contrast
ratio. It has both HDMI as well as DVI inputs. Noise level is a very nice 19dBA
in low mode.
Optoma www.optomausa.com 
Brought out the EP761 multimedia projector with built-in audio and high
brightness. It boasts 3200 lumens of brightness and a 2200:1 contrast ratio,
and a fabrication that allows for easy lamp replacement. Weighing in at 6.3
pounds, connectivity options include DVI w/HDCP, 2 VGA-In, Composite, S-Video,
RS-232, USB and VGA-Out. Native XGA
(1024x768) resolution, features Texas Instruments’ DLP chipset and improved
scaling capabilities. Estimated street price is $1,299.
The HD65 720p home theater projector is priced at $999. It has 1600 lumens,
connectivity options include HDMI, VGA, composite, s-video, +12v trigger and
USB. Contrast ration is 4000:1 (in ImageAI mode), and lightweight at 4 pounds.
The HD71 comes in at 2400 lumens with native 720p resolution, and DLP chipset
by Texas Instruments. Contrast ration and connectivity is the same as the HD65.
Estimated street price is $1,299.
The Optoma EP721 ($599,) EP727 ($699) and EP728 ($999) projectors feature
extensive connectivity options, a DLP® chipset from Texas Instruments, as well
as a built-in speaker and up to 3000 hours of lamp life. Lightweight and
portable at four pounds. Lumens are 2200 lumens up to 2700, and with 2000:1
contrast ratio up to 2200:1. Native SVGA (800x600) resolution, up to XGA
(1024x768) resolution. All have connectivity options include: VGA-In/Out, DVI
w/HDCP, USB & RS232.
Panasonic www.panasonic.com/projectors
The new PT-AE2000U model comes with 1,500 lumen brightness and 16,000:1
contrast ratio. With 1080p (1,920 x 1,080 pixel) native resolution it comes
with a suggested retail price of $3,499. The projector’s new Detail Clarity
Processor analyzes frequency characteristics of each frame in three dimensions
(horizontal, vertical, and along the time axis) and applies necessary sharpness
at varying degrees to create natural, life-like images with exceptional
clarity. It incorporates Panasonic’s Smooth Screen technology that reduces the
black lines between pixels that mar picture quality.
The new LCD projector also comes equipped with professional-level features that
let users personalize the images they see on the screen. First, the projector’s
Split Adjust mode allows users to split the screen into two halves, one to make
picture adjustments and one to see those adjustments as a baseline reference.
Second, the waveform monitor – measures the level of brightness output from a
given video signal source. This feature automatically verifies that the source
device is outputting at full dynamic range, and quickly makes adjustments to optimize
it for your home theater setting. Users can easily see a graphical
representation of any changes made to the unit’s color settings. You can now
store up to eighteen personalized settings with customized names.
Equipped with three HDMI inputs, a 2x powered zoom and its wide lens shift
range. It can cast a 120-inch diagonal image from as
little as 3.6 meters (about 11 feet) to 7 meters (24 feet) from the screen. The
lens shift capability enables full, 100 percent vertical adjustment and 40
percent horizontal adjustment.
Planar Systems www.PlanarHomeTheater.com
Designed exclusively for the specialty home theater market, their newest
projection line delivers full-HD 1080p experience. The Planar PD8150 is a 1080p
DLP™ with Dynamic Black™ projector with an amazing high-gloss piano-black
finish, unique industrial design, horizontal and vertical lens shift,
integration connectivity, Planar customized Gennum video processing, a dark
room-optimized remote designed with a low-light theaters in mind, and a
centered lens for an astonishing image. It provides 1,000 Max lumens of
brightness and a 15,000:1 contrast ratio. Rounding out the offering are
integration-caliber performance and connectivity, including V1.3 HDMI. Built
from the same platform as the PD8150, the Planar PD8130 offers the same
impressive proprietary design and features a DLP-based engine with VXP video,
vertical lens shift, 10:000:1 contrast at 1,000 Max lumens and advanced
connectivity, including multiple HDMI and Component inputs.
The Planar PD8120 is an ideal projector for custom installations demanding
equal combination of performance and power. This 1080p-DLP projector offers
motorized vertical lens shift, an electronic iris, long-throw lens and HQV
Video. It delivers 1,200 lumens of brightness and a 5,000:1 contrast ratio.
Runco www.runco.com 
Presented two new Reflection™ Series DLP™ projectors. The RS-440 ($4,995
MSRP) offers 720p DLP high-definition
video, HDMI connectivity, horizontal and vertical lens shift with long throw,
and a long throw model Runco RS-440LT ($5,995 MSRP). The RS-900 ($8,995 MSRP)
projector is a single-chip SuperOnyx™ DLP™ system. Offering high-definition
1080p resolution and two lens options, including CineWide with AutoScope. Its
ample connections include two HDMI inputs and RS-232 control.
SANYO www.sanyoprojectors.com 
Introduced the PDG-DWT50L DLP projector which comes with a super-bright 4500 lumens,
2100:1 contrast ratio, and featuring Texas Instruments Dynamic Black™ for
superior black level. The widescreen 1280 x768 native resolution is compatible
with 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i sources. It is also compatible with all
computer formats including up to UXGA, and MAC.
An optional six-segment color wheel (RGBCMY) is interchangeable with the
standard four-segment color wheel (RGBW) to maximize either color or brightness
depending on the customer's needs and/or the environment. The maintenance cover
offers easy removal for quick replacement of lamps and color wheels.
Inputs are include DVI-D, RGB (D-Sub15 and BNC (x5)), Component Video, S-Video
and Composite. A standard RJ45 LAN connector allows for complete control and
administration via a network. Projector status can be monitored and all
functions controlled through a web browser.
Additional DLP options from SANYO include the PDG-DXT10L and the DSU20N. The
PDG-DXT10L is virtually identical to the PDG-DWT50. However, the PDG-DXT10L is
slightly brighter, rated at 5200 lumens, and offers a XGA (1024 X 768) native
resolution. The super lightweight PDG-DSU20N, coming in at 6 lbs., is a value
priced model aimed to fill the educational and mobile projection market. The
PDG-DSU20 is a straightforward projector with SVGA (800 X 600) resolution and 2000
lumens. The projector is ideal for usage in classrooms, boardrooms and other
small gatherings for video playback or small presentations. MSRP for each are:
The PLV-Z2000 1080p LCD projector features a new 3D color
management system with a high contrast
ratio of 15,000:1, along with an advanced lens shifting function and the
industry’s quietest fan system. Offering a full 1920 x 1080 high definition
resolution with two HDMI 1.3 inputs. Rated at 1200 lumens, uses a Durable
Inorganic Optical System (DIOS), which includes the projector’s LCD panels and
polarizing film. The throw design is capable of projecting a 100-inch diagonal
image from 10 to 20 feet away. The Sirocco cooling fan that never rises above
19dB in the economy mode, and comes with a MSRP of $2,996.
PLC-XL50 is touted as the
world’s shortest projection distance of 3 inches allowing for an 80-inch
projection. It offers horizontal or vertical placement. It is a rear projecting
unit.
Toshiba www.toshiba.com
The TDP-EW25U DLP® widescreen projector is first wireless network
projector compatible with Microsoft Vista® Ultimate’s “Meeting Space2”
functionality for remote sharing of presentation files. It can produce a
60-inch image from just 2.4 feet away. For $2,369 (MSRP) it eliminates eye
glare and screen shadowing when the presenter is close to the screen. An
impressive 2, 600 ANSI lumens, WXGA 1280 x 800 native resolution, contrast
ratio of 2000:1 and offers the option to deliver “PCfree”
presentations with a
USB thumb drive by simply storing the presentation in JPEG format and
connecting to the USB port. The projector inputs include two RGB 15-pin, two
video inputs for composite and S-video, two components (shared with computer
inputs), one-watt stereo speaker, type A USB port and both wired and wireless
connectivity options. These Toshiba projectors
features include:
The compact TDP-EX20U
also features Windows Vista® wireless networking capabilities. It will produce
a 60-inch image from just three feet away. The shorter distance
the light has to
travel reduces the amount of ambient light that can harm image quality. It has 2,300
ANSI lumens, XGA 1024 x 768 native resolution, contrast ratio of 2000:1 and offers
the option to deliver “PC-free” presentations with a USB thumb drive by simply
storing the presentation in JPEG format and connecting to the USB port. All for
an MSRP of $1,989. IT administrators can remotely control the projector over a
network and receive e-mail notification via SNMP for issues related to
temperature, fan and lamp status. Multiple computer inputs (two RGB 15-pin),
two video inputs for composite and S-video, two components (shared with
computer inputs), one watt stereo speaker, type A USB port and both wired and
wireless connectivity options.
The TDP-PX10U weighs in at 2.9-pound, fits easily into a briefcase or carry-on
luggage and is available for $1,4991 (MSRP). Features 2,000 
ANSI lumens, XGA
1,024 x 768 native resolution, contrast ratio of 2000:1 and USB port for
“PC-free” presentations. It has an automatic set up feature and smart keystone
correction system. The unit can be hooked up to a cable or satellite set-top
box for viewing high-definition television.
The widescreen TLPWX2200U3LCD mobile projector features WXGA native resolution, offers a built-in theftdeterrent technology, and automatic vertical keystone correction for an MSRP of$1,2491. Weighing in at 6.2-pound it utilizes 3LCD technology and 2,200 ANSI
lumens. The widescreen WXGA 1280 x 800 native resolution and has a 600:1 contrast
ratio. A variety of connectivity options, such as composite and S-video
inputs, audio in/out capabilities.
The TLP-XC2000U LCD projector has an
integrated advanced CMOS document camera. The camera features a 3-mega pixel resolution, 16X zoom and built-in LED light
for capturing 3D images, for about $1,369 (MSRP). It weighs 8.8 pounds, and sports 2,000 ANSI lumens, XGA 1024 x 768
native resolution and 400:1 contrast ratio. The lamp life can be extended up to
3,000 hours in Eco-Mode for energy and cost savings. Comes with theft deterrent
control panel, and one-touch auto setup on a fully-loaded presentation remote. Instant
power shut down capability that enables the projector to power off instantly
once disconnected from the power outlet with no cool-down time required.
Vidikron www.vidikron.com
Acquired by Runco in 2002 the company’s single-chip DLP™ Vision™ Model 15
($4,995 MSRP) along with the three-chip DLP Vision Model 110 ($39,995 MSRP) are
now shipping. The Vision 15 native 720p
projector features Vidikron’s exclusive Imagix™ video processing and DualV
Stage Illumination (DVSI) system,. The Vision 15ET provides an extended throw
lens and CineWide™ technology to deliver 2.35:1 cinema experience. The Vision
110 incorporate high-definition 1080p DLP™ technology to produce exceptional
images with rich colors, deep black levels and refined detail. It also offers
four high-precision zoom lenses.
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