Projector

Epson just announced that their brightest projector to date, the PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL, is now shipping to pro audio/video dealers and installers.

While this projector is designed for use in large venues such as auditoriums, we found it newsworthy for a couple of reasons – first, this projector delivers 6,000 lumens color light output and 6,000 lumens white light output and is the industry's only 3LCD WUXGA projector. Secondly, Epson delivers quality products. We have been fans of Epson's projectors, printers and scanners for years…and they haven't let us down yet.

On to the news…

The PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL delivers 6,000 lumens color light output and 6,000 lumens white light output and features 1920 x 1200 native resolution, up to 5000:1 contrast ratio, an innovative liquid cooling system, durable optical chips, and a dual-lamp design. It includes LAN connectivity, a closed captioning decoder, and the latest Epson monitoring and control software solution. Six optional lenses are also available.Read more

Panasonic this week announced a new full HD home theater projector, the PT-AE40000U. Designed for home theater enthusiasts, this LCD home theater projector has 1080p resolution with 1,600 lumen brightness and 100,000:1 contrast ratio.

The projector features an enhanced Intelligent Lens Memory that lets you program up to six different zoom/focus positions, VIERA Link, and programmable 12V triggers. It includes three HDMI inputs. Also, with its signal aspect detection capability, the projector can automatically switch between movie theater (2.35:1) and 16:9 aspect ratio.

The Panasonic PT-AE4000U 1080p high definition home theater projector will be available later this month for $2,499. Read more

Epson just announced new projectors for businesses, including an all-in-one multimedia projector once only available to the education market.

The portable EX31, EX51 and EX71 start at less than $600 and feature 2500 lumen color and white light output. 30 percent smaller in size and weighing 20 percent less than their predecessors (the EX30, EX50 and EX70), they are easy to take with you on the go.Read more

Logic Wireless is unveiling its 2nd generation projector phone, the Logic Bolt 1.5, today at the 2009 Fall CTIA Wireless conference. They introduced the first projector phone back in January 2009, the Logic Bolt 1.0. It was a GSM Quadband handset with an integrated pico projector capable of projecting phone content on any surface 60"+.

The new Logic Bolt 1.5 is much smaller than the 1.0 and the software and OS have been upgraded, the company says.

Features of the Logic Bolt 1.5 include:

• 7 Lumen LCOS Projector; Projection Size 64"+
• GSM Quadband
• Dual SIM
• Dual Camera: 2MP & 1MP
• 2.6" TFT Touch Screen, 256K Colors
• FM Tuner + TV Tuner
• Up to 8GB Micro SD

Co-Founder of Logic Wireless, Miran Maric, says "The international wireless community has shown considerable interest in the projector technology and we hope to brand our products into many new regions of the world. In the last few quarters our team has been working diligently to procure deals with many of the tier 1 and tier 2 carriers and distributors, as well as partner with many reputable firms that share our vision."

Runco just introduced its new LightStyle Series of projectors. Runco LightStyle Series includes three new projectors, the LS-3, LS-5, and LS-7, all which give you high-end video performance with prices starting at $4,995.

"For more than 20 years, Runco has led the custom installation consumer electronics industry in video technology and innovation by manufacturing the finest home theater displays for the world's most discerning and well-heeled customers. Now, our LightStyle Series completes Runco dealers' projection portfolio by offering a never-before-seen combination of Runco performance and value price," says Gerry Perkel, CEO of Runco. "This new entry-level, performance series enables Runco and our dealers to offer the most complete range of pricing and performance projector options in the industry."

Runco's LightStyle LS-3 and LS-5 will ship in November 2009 and the LS-7 will ship in early December 2009. MSRPs are as follows: LS-3 is $4,995, LS-5 is $6,995 and LS-7 is $15,495. Runco products are exclusively sold through its authorized dealer network. Read more

Along with the new MovieMate 60, Epson announced the affordable Powerlite Home Cinema 705HD. Priced at $749.99, this new projector lets you enjoy movies, videogames, TV, sporting events, and even photos in 720p high definition.

The projector features 2,500 lumens of color and white light output, four pre-set color modes optimized for video, as well as HDMI connectivity and a USB 2.0 connection. Thanks to Epson's three-chip 3LCD technology and energy efficient E-TORL lamp, the Home Cinema 705HD gives you bright, movie theater-like images and video. Read more

Epson just announced the MovieMate 60, a new all-in-one home theater projector. The MovieMate 60 combines a projector, CD/DVD player, and stereo speakers into one portable unit. With the MovieMate 60 you can watch movies, TV, play video games, and even display iPod videos– all up to eight times larger than a 40-inch widescreen TV. Available in October, this baby is priced at only $699.

The MovieMate 60 features a bright, energy efficient lamp that delivers 2,000 lumens of color and white light output (60% brighter than previous models!), Dolby Digital audio, and offers easy plug 'n play connectivity, including HDMI. It has a built-in handle and cushioned carrying case. Read more