This year’s edition of INFOCOMM in Las Vegas had plenty of intrigue and ‘buzz’. But most of it wasn’t found in trade show booths - rather, attention was focused on product pricing, “me too” products, company reorganizations (and renaming), and the Projection Shoot-Out.

The dominant topic at the show was (what else?) the economy. Announcements of brighter, smaller, and cheaper projectors abounded. Some manufacturers came to the show with new desktop and installation projectors in tow, only to find out their lumens rating had already been eclipsed and their prices undercut.
Look for aggressive price-cutting as we get ready for the first sub-$2000 (MSRP) portables later this year. The LCD guys aren’t sitting on their hands, either - numerous small, bright XGA projectors were unveiled, and the market there is shifting below $3,000 MSRP in short order.

Price-cutting is sweeping the interface market, particularly in the video/RGB scalar/switcher arena. Extron, Analog Way, Kramer, Folsom, FSR, and InLine are all building presentation room versions of these products, which were once exclusively found in staging and rental inventories. Many of the models have full stereo audio follow, and you may find them indispensable for classrooms and meeting rooms.

THE PROJECTION SHOOT-OUT
INFOCOMM’s marquee event has taken a few hits over the past years, primarily because the reason for its existence has dissipated. The Shoot-Out had its origins in the late 1980’s and was originally conceived as a way to compare and contrast CRT front projectors. Along the way, categories were added (scan converters) as were peripheral events (The War of The Walls). The number of entries zoomed as high as 130.

But the market changed, as the dominance of transmissive and reflective LCD and DLP technologies became complete. Today, the emphasis has shifted from buying the best-looking and brightest projector in a given resolution category to buying the lowest-price projector in a given brightness/resolution category.
This year’s Shoot-Out had 84 entries–a 30% drop from last year.

It’s hard to say what will happen next year. But there are still plenty of opportunities to view displays in each of the exhibitor’s booths–in some cases, so many models that it’s like viewing multiple shootouts on the show floor.

One thing is for certain - the continued price-cutting is creating more of a commodity mentality in the projector and plasma markets, and that’s not going to change. We may be approaching the era of “throw-away” projectors soon, just as we have with desktop and laptop computers.

FROM THE FLOOR
With close to 300,000 square feet of exhibit space and over 500 exhibitors, there was enough to see for a full week! Nevertheless, here’s a sampling of the projection-related products showcased in Las Vegas:

INTERFACES - Extron Electronics had a big roll-out of interfaces for virtually every application. The DDS402 is a full-bore scalar that can convert video to any of 33 different output rates, while the new USP 405 Universal Signal Processor is even more impressive - it literally converts any signal to any other signal format, interlaced or progressive. The UPS 405 accepts RGB, HD component, SDI, S-video, and composite sources, and all video sources can be transcoded to all output connectors.

Extron also unveiled a new line of ISM-series Integration Scaling Matrix Switchers, which are basically video scalar/switchers for the installation market. The ISM 108 offers eight video inputs which can be configured for component or composite input, and two high-res RGB outputs using 5xBNCs or 15-pin VGA jacks. (The ISM 408 adds HDTV compatibility). For audio follow, the ISM 182 and ISM 482 models are also available.
Extron’s MediaLink is billed as a one-touch A/V system control. The MLC 206 is a remote control panel for universal operation of room devices and projectors, including a full line of MediaLink video and RGB switchers. Currently, MediaLink can provide remote control of power on/off, input switching, and volume, using the six-input MLS 306 switcher, the MLS 506 (two-rack unit enclosure, all BNC connectors), the MLS 506MA (built-in 30-watt mono amplifier), and MLS 506SA (built-in 30 W stereo amplifier).

Analog Way had yet another video scalar/switcher on display. The Trans-Scalar XT has seven signal inputs (six video in composite, S, and component formats, plus one VGA) and provides one scaled output at any resolution from 640x480 up to 1365x1024, including HD-standard rates of 480p and 720p.

Folsom Research Presentation Pro installation scalar provides similar functionality in a 2 rack unit (RU) design, with seven universal video/RGB inputs and stereo audio-follow switching. It’s intended to give conference and boardroom users the same seamless blending found in Folsom’s ScreenPro products used for staging.

Kramer Electronics had a full line of inexpensive products. Of interest were the VP-series matrix switchers, including the VP-1616 (16 x 16 RGBHV), VP-3216 (32x16 RGBHV), and VP-3232 (32x32 RGBHV) models. There were also six new scan converters to be seen in the booth, including a unique vertical-mount VP-701SC VGA/SVGA/XGA model, and the VP-706SC full-featured scan converter with genlock.

Kramer’s three video scalars rounded out the picture - the VP-721DS (up to XGA output with single-input VGA switcher), VP-722DS (same as 721DS with a four-input switcher), and the VP-770DS (converts up to SXGA output or 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p rates).

InLine showed the IN1408 Video/DVI Scalar. It will handle video and RGB signals up to 1600x1200 and outputs three separate outputs as analog RGB, analog YPbPr, and also DVI at the same time. There are eight inputs, four of which provide audio follow switching.

Communications Specialties had several models of their new Deuce MC and Deuce HD scalars in operation. The Deuce MC converts video to five different output rates, including 800x600, 852x480 (for plasma), and 1024x768, while the Deuce HD converts to DTV-standard rates (480p, 720p, 1080p) plus SXGA and wide XGA (1366x768).

PROJECTORS - At Sony, the emphasis was on LAN connectivity and IP addressing. Even so, a few new projectors popped up, led by the VPL-PX15, a network-ready desktop/installation model with 1024x768 resolution and a rating of ANSI 2,000 lumens. The VPL-PX10 also has XGA resolution and is rated at ANSI 2,000 lumens, but is not a network design. The SVGA-resolution VPL-PS10 complements the PX10 and delivers 1,500 ANSI lumens.

For the installation crowd, the super-bright quad-lamped VPL-FE110U (4,000 lumens, SXGA) and cool-looking VPL-FX50U (3,500 lumens, XGA) were quite popular. Both are network-capable designs.

Barco unveiled a new network projector series - the 6400i. The BarcoGraphics 6400i features 1024x768 LCD panels and a new 600W UHP-style lamp, while the BarcoReality 6400i uses the same lamp and 1280x1024 LCD panels. Both models are rated at 3,200 ANSI lumens, and both can be configured with IP addresses on a local-area network (LAN), which provides remote access to all projector functions and service feedback.

Barco also displayed the recently announced BarcoReality 6500DLC, first seen at NAB 2001. This compact, large-venue projector is capable of 5,500 ANSI lumens and uses micro-lens array (MLA) 1280x1024 LCD panels for SXGA display, and Barco’s Pixel Map Processor for scaling of lower and higher-resolution sources. There’s also an optional IEEE-1394 input for direct digital connection to D-VCR’s and digital cameras.

Digital Projection’s 20 Series Lightning displays push the illumination bar past 12,000 lumens. The Lightning 22gv is rated at 10,000 ANSI and uses XGA (1024x768) native resolution DMDs, plus Faroudja/Sage and Cintel digital signal processing. One step up the ladder is the Lightning 22sx, with 11,000 ANSI lumens and SXGA (1280x1024) native resolution, also with the Faroudja/Cintel combo. Finally, there is the Lightning 25sx, rated at a mind-boggling 14,000 lumens with SXGA resolution and Faroudja/Cintel inputs. All models support wide-bandwidth SDI.

NEC Technologies brought plenty of new products along. Their MultiSync GT950 desktop/installation projector has true (not digital) dual-axis keystone correction, which is a must for stacking and seamless image projection. This 15-pound projector uses XGA, LCD technology and can be fitted with an optional LAN card. NEC’s GT2150 now occupies the top of the LCD category for NEC, delivering 1365x1024 resolution, 3:2 pull-down compensation, interchangeable lenses, and DVI input.

Upgrades to the LT-series included the LT75 (SVGA) and LT150z (XGA) both delivering 1,000 ANSI lumens and a claimed 800:1 contrast. Each projector has a built-in flashcard reader for notebook-less presentations, as well as NEC’s Vortex image enhancement technology. Across the aisle, some new additions to the Nighthawk line were showcased - the SX10000 is a 8,000 lumen SXGA (1280x1024) DLP large-venue chassis, while the XT4100 (XGA) and S4100 (SXGA) are more compact three-chip DLP designs for small to mid-sized installs. Both are rated at 3,500 ANSI lumens brightness.

At the Christie Digital booth, the Vivid Red liquid-crystal on silicon (LCOS) front projector was in the spotlight. This model uses three .9-inch D-ILA panels (yes, they’re from JVC) and features 1365x1024 (SXGA) native resolution. It’s rated at 1,800 ANSI lumens and 500:1 contrast.

Enhancements were also announced to existing Christie models. The Roadster X4/S4 and Roadster X6/S6 modular DLP projectors got a boost to 4,000 and 6,000 lumens respectively, and feature new stacking and rigging systems. A partnership was announced with 3D Perception to use their CompactU technology inside Christie projectors for simulation and 3D curved screen projection.

InFocus revealed a new line of microportables, desktops, and installation designs. For INFOCOMM, they announced the LP290, an ASK-designed 5.7-pound desktop XGA (1024x768) LCD projector. It’s got a really nice European look to it, and develops 1,100 ANSI lumens. More importantly, it has a suggested MSRP of $3,999.

InFocus also unveiled the LP530, another 5.7-pound projector that uses DLP technology. It also features XGA resolution, but is one of the first single-chip DLP projectors to break the 2,000-lumens barrier. Variable brightness settings for economy, video signal processing by Sage (Faroudja), and a suggested price of $4,999 round out the picture. For installations, InFocus offers the Proxima Pro AV 9410, a 1280x1024 box rated at 3,700 ANSI lumens and 600:1 contrast, plus interchangeable lenses.

Mitsubishi showed off the new sRGB-compliant X500 desktop/installation projector (16 lbs, 3700 lumens, XGA), the 1024x768 X490 and 800x600 S490 (2,500 lumens, 16 lbs), and the super-small XL1 and SL1 compact LCD projectors (1,000 lumens, 6.5 lbs). With their demo of the Mini-Mits micro-portable DLP projector, it’s reasonable to assume they will follow this 3 lb. design with an even smaller version.

Sanyo showcased the largest line of LCD projectors in the industry. Most of the crowd’s attention was focused on the PLC-UF10, the only true UXGA (1600x1200) LCD projector available on the market. This 78-pound chassis is rated at 7,700 ANSI lumens and offers a wide range of interchangeable lenses. Two new large-venue models took a bow - the 5,800-lumens PLC-EF30/L (1280x1024, dual lamps, DVI) and the 5,200-lumens PLC-XF30/L (1024x768, dual lamps, DVI).

Elsewhere in the booth, there was a new portable (PLC-XP45/L, 3500 lumens, XGA), three 8.6-pound ultraportables (PLC-SU30, PLC-XU30, and PLC-XU35, ranging from 1,600 to 2,000 ANSI lumens), two microportables (PLC-XW20; XGA, 1,100 lumens, and the PLC-SW15; SVGA, 700 lumens), and a home theater projector (PLV-60HT, 1366x768 wide XGA, 1,200 lumens). If that wasn’t enough, there was even a LCOS prototype desktop projector on display.

Sharp featured the ultra-small Notevision M15X (1024x768 DLP) and Notevision M15S (800x600 DLP). Both projectors weigh just 3.5 pounds and are rated at 1,100 ANSI lumens, and each supports analog and DVI signals. The Notevision C20 compact LCD projector is an XGA LCD design and isn’t much bigger than the 15-series at 5.5 pounds. It cranks out 1,000 ANSI lumens. Also on display were the Notevision M10S and M10X DLP micros, both tipping the scales at 2.9 lbs and developing 800 lumens.

For the install market, Sharp had the XG-V10XU and XG-V10WU on exhibit. The V10W is rated at 4700 ANSI lumens, while the V10X is rated at 4,000 lumens. Both use three-panel LCD technology, with XGA (1024x768) panels inside the V10X and SXGA (1280x1024) panels in the V10W. A full range of interchangeable lenses are offered for both models. In the >hang and bang= category, there was the XG-P20XU (3,300 ANSI) and XG-P10XU (3,000 ANSI). Both weigh under 21 pounds, and the P20XU uses Gyration, Inc’s GyroPoint RF mouse technology.

Toshiba continues to upgrade their line with two new portable XGA projectors (TLP-780/781) that are XGA LCD designs rated at 2,000 lumens. (The XX1 version means it has the attached video document camera.) The TLP-680/681 designs are ultraportables under 10 pounds and develop 1,500 ANSI lumens, while the TLP-550 and TLP-250 are more affordable XGA and SVGA models.

Panasonic had a striking demo of their near-DLP Cinema projector design, the PT-D9610U. They have tinkered with the optical path, mirrors, and added another aperture to lower black levels and boost contrast. Panasonic also had the PT-L711XNTU ultraportable on display, using a wireless interface to communicate with a nearby 802.11b-equipped notebook computer. Two new portable LCD projectors entered the line–the XGA-resolution PT-L759XU (3,100 lumens) and PT-L759VU (2,400 lumens). Five ultraportable models were introduced including the PT-L711XU (XGA, 1,600 lumens) to the PT-L501XU (SVGA, 1200 lumens).

JVC’s QXGA (2048x1536 pixels) DLA-QX1 was rated at 7,000 ANSI lumens and >1000:1 contrast, and although it still had a few image artifacts, it looked substantially improved from its debut at ShoWest. The DLA-M5000L and DLA-M5000SC large-venue D-ILA projectors were also out for viewing; both feature 1365x1024 native resolution and are rated at 5,000 ANSI lumens.

Paying attention to the portable and desktop market, JVC also showed the DLA-DS1, an updated version of the DLA-3010Z prototype seen last year in Anaheim. This 14.3-lb chassis has SXGA resolution and is rated at 1,300 ANSI lumens, making it the smallest (so far) and least-expensive (at $8,995) SXGA projector on the market.

Epson announced a trio of portable projectors. The PowerLite 810p is a 2,000 lumens XGA chassis that weighs 9.3 lbs, while the PowerLite 800p is identical except for 1,500 lumens brightness. For SVGA fans - and that includes the educational market, which loves low-priced SVGA projectors - the PowerLite 600p presents 1,700 lumens in a 9.3 lb. package. All three models support the sRGB color standard. For the installation, the PowerLite 8150i cranks out 3,200 lumens in a 20 lb. box, and provides LAN connectivity–both wired, and wireless through Epson’s EasyMP.net software.

Hitachi expanded its microportable LCD line with the CP-X270W–an 800-lumens, XGA that is 2.4" thick and weighs 5 lbs. Two new portable/desktop models, the CP-X980W (2,300 lumens) and CP-X985W (2,700 lumens) incorporate progressive-scan technology and use XGA (1024x768) LCD panels. Around the corner, Hitachi had a demo of its first LCOS projector, the CP-SX5500W. This SXGA (1365x1024) design is rated at 1,500 lumens, but is priced very competitively at $8,995.

Pete Putman consults in and writes about display technology, interfacing and HDTV. His company Roam Consulting, Inc. can be found online at www.projectorexpert.com.