Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, unveils the Realis 4K501ST Pro AV LCOS Projector which incorporates all of the same features as Canon’s current award-winning Realis 4K500ST, as well as an enhanced video interface that offers two HDMI version 2.0 inputs with HDCP 2.2 support. Other features include native 4K resolution of 4096 x 2400, up to 5000 lumens and Canon’s LCOS Technology with AISYS-enhancement for brilliant, high-brightness and detailed image reproduction.
The Realis 4K501ST also offers a Genuine Canon 4K lens, Marginal Focus designed to keep peripheral portions of domed surfaces in focus and a weight of 39.6 pounds.
The Realis 4K501ST projector is designed for compact size, capability to reproduce 4K content at 60Hz via an HDMI cable, and is for a wide range of markets from museums and galleries to higher education, and specialized applications like immersive simulation and training, which require image quality in limited spacing.“4K projection display is becoming ever more popular and by offering enhanced connectivity, Canon will be able to reach new markets interested in 4K projection technology,” says Yuichi Ishizuka, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “This projector’s highly detailed 4K resolution, LCOS Technology, advanced Canon optical and image processing technologies, and versatile performance help empower users to bring content to life.”
Native 4K Resolution
At 4096 x 2400, the Realis 4K501ST projector’s native 4K resolution is made up of more than 9.8 million pixels – higher than the Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI) standard for 4K cinema (4096 x 2160) and more than QFHD (3840 x 2160), the resolution standard for 4K TV. This higher resolution can be used for those applications like simulation and training and design and engineering, which may require larger vertical display areas.
Genuine Canon 4K Lens
The 4K501ST projector comes equipped with a Genuine Canon 4K short focus wide zoom lens and throw ratio of 1.0 – 1.3:1, allowing it to project a 10-foot wide image from an approximate distance of only 10 feet. According to the company’s press release, ‘This projection lens possesses advanced spherical focus capabilities derived from Canon’s renowned L-Series EF camera lenses which is distinguished by a bold red ring around the outer barrel. The lens delivers superb performance due to such sophisticated Canon optical technologies as ultra-low dispersion (UD) glass, aspherical lens elements and super spectra multi lens coatings. The lens also includes a Marginal Focus feature which helps ensure content projected on the peripheral portions of domed surfaces remains in focus."
LCOS Technology with AISYS-enhancement
The 4K501ST is the newest member of the Realis Projector series which all feature Canon’s LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) Technology with AISYS-enhancement. Company literature continues, “This advanced technology, which is achieved by Canon’s proprietary AISYS (Aspectual Illumination System) Optical Engine maximizing the performance of three LCOS panels, is renowned for delivering virtually seamless images with outstanding color reproduction, and low-latency playback for improved display of video content. This unique engine is critical in helping to ensure the 4K501ST projector delivers an ideal combination of both brightness (up to 5000 lumens) and contrast ratio (up to 3000:1), while also helping the projector maintain a small form factor – a very important issue for applications with limited spacing, and those that may require an upgrade of an existing lower resolution unit of similar size.”
The 4K501ST projector is also designed to deliver a virtually consistent level of brightness throughout its zoom range, due to the combination of the AISYS Optical Engine and the advanced optical technologies found within the projector’s Genuine Canon 4K lens.
Image Processing
The Realis 4K501ST projector also integrates dual image processing engines designed to execute tasks like reproduction of uncompressed 4K video at up to 60 fps, two upscaling technologies, BiCubic and Canon’s proprietary Sharp Trace.
Advanced image adjustments and system settings on the Realis 4K501ST also include the following optional features:
- Dynamic Gamma: analyzes individual areas of an image for specific, independent contrast adjustment so light and dark areas do not appear over- or underexposed.
- Memory Color Correction: enhances skin tones and other color features
- Motion Blur Reduction: offers three different modes (Strong, Low and Off) for improved visibility when video content movement is fast.
The Canon Realis 4K501ST projector also offers six different pre-set image modes, as well as three customizable image modes, to help optimize quality based on content type and projection environment.
Ease of Installation and Maintenance The small form factor and weight (39.6 pounds) allows this model to be installed in a wide range of applications and environments. Motorized Lens Shift, Zoom and Focus, 360-degree Vertical Installation, Four-Point Keystone Correction and a variety of other calibration settings provide further installation versatility, including:
- Built-in Edge Blending: enables the projection of one seamless, large image from multiple projectors without the need of special software.
- Advanced Registration: allows independent position adjustment of the three primary colors (RGB) with accuracy of 0.1 Pixel, to reduce blurred colors or lines often projected at the edge of an image.
Versatile Connectivity
Connectivity includes two HDMI (version 2.0) and four DVI inputs supporting single, stripe and cross configurations for 4K, 2K or HD video playback. This model also supports PJLink which makes it possible to control and monitor the projector over a network. It is also a Crestron Connected device and supports AMX Device Discovery.
Price and Availability
The Canon Realis 4K501ST Pro AV LCOS Projector has a suggested list price of $58,990 and is scheduled to be available through authorized Canon dealers by October. The Canon Realis 4K501ST is backed by the Canon Projector and Lamp Limited Warranty, and the Company's award-winning Professional Service & Support, which includes a Three-Year Advanced Warranty Exchange Service Program and a Service Loaner Program.
