Video projection technology, much like computer technology, is a moving target-each year the lumens and resolution increase significantly, and it can be hard to keep up with what's new. So, it's time to take a survey of the latest product offerings from the leading manufacturers to see what's new, what's different and what's innovative.
Let's dive right in and see what the manufacturers have to say about their bright, new offerings in the projector market.
Barco FLM
The FLM projector line features a three-chip DLP engine in either a 1920x1080 or 1400x1050 resolution. Barco states that the FLM is the perfect choice for large format screens that may be affected by ambient light issues. Lumen output for the series ranges from 14,000 to 22,000. The sealed, liquid-cooled DLP engine allows it to operate at a lower noise level, and reduces cleaning intervals. FLM-series projectors come standard with warping and blending capabilities to allow for more flexible installations. The FLM line can be run at lower power levels to increase lamp life and power usage when you do not need the full punch of the projectors.
Canon WUX4000
Canon's latest offering, the WUX4000 installation LCOS projector sports a resolution of 1920x1200, 4,000 lumens, an aspect ratio of 16:10, and a contrast ratio of 1,000:1. Three optional Canon lenses enable customization for a variety of applications. Additional features include a motorized lens shift for installation convenience, the Canon Color Reproduction IC for precise color, and extensive connectivity and control-management features.
Christie DHD800
Christie DHD800 digital is aimed at the professional market looking for a cost-effective DLP solution. It provides 8,000 ANSI lumens and full HD 1920x1080 native resolution for high brightness and color precision in a one-chip DLP projector. It also offers 10-bit image processing, four-sided edge-blended color matching and two interchangeable color wheels that allow users to switch between high brightness optimization for large venues and rich color reproduction for video content.
Digital Projection E-Vision WXGA-600
The new E-Vision WXGA-600 6,000 lumen projector (recently reviewed in Church Production Magazine November/December 2010) delivers 6,000 lumens for less than $1/lumen. A variety of fixed and zoom lens options gives the E-Vision WXGA-600 a flexible throw ratio range of .77:1 - 8.3:1. Also included are horizontal and vertical lens shift and dual-lamp design, which enables each set of lamps to deliver up to 6,000 hours of operational life when operated in sequential eco mode.
Eiki LC-HDT1000
Eiki International recently introduced the LC-HDT1000, a 2048x1080 resolution, 10,000-lumen, large-venue projector. This projector sports a 3,000:1 contrast ratio and vivid color through the use of 3LCD+One imaging technology, which manages yellow discretely. It supports full HD resolution out of the box, and can support 2K resolution with the addition of an optional Dual Link SDI input module.
Epson PowerLite Pro G-Series
Epson recently introduced the PowerLite Pro G-series, providing up to 5,200 lumens of color/white light output, up to WXGA (1280x800) resolution, and advanced networking and connectivity options. Additional features include flexible installation with five optional lenses, brilliant image quality with 3LCD technology, advanced connectivity choices including HDMI and optional wireless, as well as some new functions such as split screen and message broadcasting.
Epson states that they are bringing their know-how from their cinema projectors into the new Pro G-series, offering C2Fine Technology for an up to 2,000:1 contrast ratio, six-axis color adjustment and advanced sharpness for the best image experience.
Mitsubishi 8000 Series
The 8000 Series projectors are targeted for more sophisticated installations. They feature a dual-lamp configuration with brightness ranging from 3,250 (single lamp) to 7,000 (dual lamp) lumens. Dual lamps provide the security of a back-up lamp, ensuring that a projector will not go completely dark in the middle of a service if one of the lamps goes out. With its horizontal and vertical lens shift, 360-degree vertical mounting option and robust geometric adjustment features and edge-blending support, the Mitsubishi 8000 series is a very installation-friendly projector. Mitsubishi also offers a wide selection of optional lenses for use in more challenging throw-distance situations. In addition, the projectors feature a unique heat pipe design using no moving parts and no liquid components, keeping the projector cool with durability and reliability.
Mitsubishi also provides a discount program for non-profit organizations like houses of worship.
NEC NP Installation Series
NEC's NP Installation Series offers stackable models that enhance brightness to 20,000 lumens and prevent the complete loss of an image in the event that one projector fails. Designed for larger sanctuaries and auditoriums, the projectors include remote diagnostics allowing the production team to monitor the health and wellness of the projectors from a remote location.
Panasonic PT-DZ8700U
The PT-DZ8700U large venue three-chip DLP projector with WUXGA (1920x1200) resolution features 10,600 lumens of brightness in a compact body. The projector comes equipped with HD-SDI and HDMI terminals. Unique projections such as onto curved or extra wide screens are possible with the built-in geometric adjustment feature and edge blending. The projector is equipped with a dual lamp system that ensures continuity of the image if one lamp burns out.
Easy maintenance is also achieved by the incorporation of the auto-cleaning filter (ACF). With the ACF, you no longer need to clean the filter until over 10,000 hours, easing maintenance on projectors mounted in difficult-to-reach areas. In Eco mode, the lamp is rated for 4,000 hours of use.
projectiondesign F82
The projectiondesign F82 is the latest entrant in the three-chip projector market. It is designed for IMAG as well as multi-site requirements and offers high reliability. It is available in native 16:9 and 16:10 aspect ratios at native 1080p and 1920x1200 resolutions for compatibility with the current popular signal formats. The innovative light engine design and cooling system in the F82 enables one of the quietest three-chip DLP projectors on the market today. For church installations where the projectors are inaccessible, should a lamp fail, the projector will run on one lamp which can be hot-swapped without having to go through a power down and power up cycle for minimized risk of down time during a service.
Projectiondesign also introduced the world's first remote light source RLS projector at InfoComm 2010. This unique design puts maintenance items in the equipment rack that can be up to 100 feet away from the projection head. The lamp, color wheels and the lamp ballast in the rack mount are connected to the projection head by using a patented liquid light guide. This simplifies maintenance and also removes a significant source of heat and noise from the projector.
Sanyo PLC-WM5500
Sanyo suggests its PLC-WM5500 projector for houses of worship. The company states that this 1280x800 resolution projector has the highest brightness in its price class at up to 5,500 ANSI lumens.
Sanyo's new optical engine uses inorganic liquid crystal panels, which are combined with new heat dissipation and cooling technologies that minimize the effects of heat on the optical components, resulting in higher reliability and durability. Maintenance costs are kept low through Sanyo's active maintenance filter (AMF) system, which extends the replacement interval of its filter cartridge to 10,000 hours. Rather than individual filters, each projector uses an AMF cartridge that contains a filter roll equivalent to 10 filters, advancing automatically as needed without requiring user attention.
Sharp XG-P560W
Sharp's offerings for houses of worship include the three-chip DLP system integration/large-venue series, ranging from 5,200 lumen, WXGA resolution to 6,000 lumens, XGA resolution. The XG-P560W received a 2010 Rental & Staging Systems Award at InfoComm 2010 as the "Best Video Projection Product - 10,000 lumens or less."
The projectors feature power zoom/focus lenses with seven lens options, as well as motorized horizontal and vertical optical lens shift. They also include a dual lamp system that ensures redundant reliability.
