technabob » pixelworks

infocus play big 1080p dlp projector announced

technabob — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:18:02 +0000

Projector maker InFocus today revealed their new home theater projector that offers full 1080p native resolution.

The new Play Big IN82 projector features a TI DarkChip3 DLP light engine, and a maximum contrast ratio of 12,000 to 1, thanks to an iris system. Light output is rated at 1500 lumens, dropping down to 1200 in “quiet” mode. The IN82 also embeds Pixelworks DNX image processing which should help keep images clean and artifact free. As is the norm with higher-end projectors these days, it’s got an HDMI 1.3 input and Deep Color support. There’s only one HDMI input, so you’ll need to do any switching remotely. One really nice feature is the projector’s ISF day and night settings, allowing the projector to store two sets of calibrations, depending on ambient light levels.

Retailing at $5499, the IN82 isn’t the least expensive 1080p projector out there, but only time will tell if the image quality will live up to the price.

inexpensive 1080p projector: the optoma hd80

technabob — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 19:53:45 +0000

Projector maker Optoma today announced a new high definition projector which makes full 1080p resolution more affordable than any of their previous models.

Optoma’s new HD80 projector will retail for just $2999 when it’s released this July, but will pack in video quality usually reserved for much more expensive projectors. Powered by TI’s DarkChip2 and Brilliant Color chip set, the front projector pumps out super sharp 1920 x 1080 resolution images.

In addition to the 1080p rez, the HD80 will feature 1300 lumens of brightness and claims a stellar 10,000:1 contrast ratio. Image processing is courtesy of a 10-bit motion adaptive de-interlacer and PixelWorks video processing circuitry.

The projector also includes a wide variety of inputs, including dual HDMI (v1.3), DVI w/HDCP, S-Video, Component, Composite, RS-232, 12V Trigger and a remote IR receiver port.

[via Gizmodo]

front projection in bright rooms (once again)

technabob — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:58:39 +0000

Reception was lukewarm to last year’s release of Sony’s ChromaVue front projection screen that provided the ability for Sony front projectors to work in brightly-lit rooms. The screens did improve image contrast, but exhibited problems with hotspotting and off axis viewing.
Well now, Planar, known mostly for their LCD monitors, has entered the fray with their own solution, the XScreen. The screen is said to eliminate reflection from ambient light sources, improving contrast significantly in bright environments. According to the manufacturer “The secret is the combination of a 4mm layer of hardened glass beneath the screen surface, which provides an absolutely flat screen surface that creates an unsurpassed image experience.”

One unique addition is the integrated video switching system that allow you to plug all of your devices directly into the screen and then run a single cable to your projector. The screen handles all image scaling and deinterlacing using a PixelWorks image processor.

Available in 60″, 70″, 80″ and 100″ sizes, pricing has not yet been announced.

[via GizMag]