COMPACT PROJECTOR
SLM R9+: This Barco projector is based on DLP technology and delivers up to 9000ANSI lumens in a compact form. Its SXGA+ resolution and extended lamp life of about 1250 hours are also features. Designed for the rental and staging industry, the projector has a modular structure, an interlocking design for direct stacking and hanging, and an integrated rigging system. (Kortrijk, Belgium; www.events.barco.com)
LCD PROJECTORS
LX66 and LS+58: These LCD projectors are new to the Christie family. The LX66 provides up to 6500ANSI lumens with XGA 1024×768 resolution. The LS+58 provides up to 5800 ANSI lumens with SXGA+ 1400×1050 resolution. The projectors feature dual, 300W lamp design and a contrast ratio of 1300:1, which makes them ideal for boardrooms, large conference rooms, small auditoriums, and rental/staging environments. Features include input modules with onboard edge blending and image warping. The projectors can be used with Christie RoadRunner lenses and input modules and can be networked using optional ChristieNET networking program for monitoring and controlling of projectors over a TCP/IP network. (Cypress, Calif.; (866) 880-4462; www.christiedigital.com)
DLP PROJECTOR
PT-D7700U: This three-chip DLP projector from Panasonic offers high-contrast and high-definition resolution in a lightweight product. Also featured is a 4000:1 contrast ratio and a 1400×1050 SXGA resolution in a native 4:3 aspect ratio, which enables the projector to work with existing installed screens. It produces 7000 lumens of brightness and its optical system is dust-proof, sealed, and fluid-cooled. Included is the company's newly developed Dynamic Iris technology that constantly monitors the amount of light output and adjusts the intensity of the light source to match it. The projector can reproduce 24f/s film-based video, according to the company. (Secaucus, N.J.; (800) 528-8601; www.panasonic.com/projectors)
MATRIX
NATIX: Making its debut at Satis in Paris, France, Analog Way's NATIX is a scaled native matrix with eight universal inputs that will accept any type of format. Each input can be individually switched to two hi-res outputs, scaled up to SXGA+, D-ILA, and HDTV. Its eight universal inputs allow NATIX to scale and display different resolutions on each output while performing seamless switching. The switching or transition can be performed with a fading effect, using a color, black, or an image saved as a frame store. It features logo insertion and frame store functions, which can be captured from any video or computer source. Each of the eight inputs and two outputs of the NATIX is fitted with a stereo audio line and an optional video output also is available. (Paris, France; +33 1-64-47-16-03; www.analogway.com)
LOGO INSERTER
Octo-Logo: At Infocomm, Analog Way unveiled its Octo-Logo logo inserter, which also functions as a switcher (video and audio) and scaler. According to the manufacturer, the unit's eight inputs are compatible with any type of source signal. Each of the eight inputs is also fitted with a stereo line. An additional mic input provides an anti-pop filter, noise gate, and compressor function. The Octo-Logo displays in resolutions up to SXGA and can store a maximum of eight logos. Software upgrades will be available throughout the product's three-year guarantee. (New York; (212) 269-1902; www.analogway.com)
PRESENTATION TECHNOLOGY
iSkia: At Infocomm 2003, iMatte introduced the first of its products targeted for in-room presentations, videoconferencing, distance learning, content creation, and home entertainment. The product, iSkia, is a hardware device that interfaces between the host computer and projector that allows images to be projected on the screen but not on the presenter or in the presenter's eyes. iSkia generates a mask to selectively inhibit the projected image and enable Leading Edge, which in turn uses this mask to control the computer's cursor to follow the presenter's hand, allowing easy highlighting, dragging, or underlining of presentation elements. The system requires no additional hardware; a common wall or white board is sufficient. (Chatsworth, Calif.; (818) 993-9636; www.imatte.com)
DLP PROJECTOR
RLM G5 Pro: From Barco comes the RLM G5 Pro, which features an integrated computer server, allowing meeting participants to retrieve content directly from a LAN or the projector's hard disk. Laptops are no longer a necessity; users can stream video from a LAN straight to the projector. The three-chip DLP projector (powered by TI's Mercury high-contrast dark chips) offers 4500 ANSI lumens, a 900:1 contrast ratio, native XGA resolution, and a dual-lamp design. The projector is also available in a non-networked version, the RLM G5 Executive. (Kennesaw, Ga.; (770) 218-3200; www.barco.com)
LARGE-VENUE LCD PROJECTOR
LV-7555: Also at Infocomm, Canon unveiled its brightest projector, the LV-7555, which delivers 4600 ANSI lumens and a 900:1 contrast ratio. The projector operates in native XGA resolution and also supports SXGA through compression. An advanced integrated circuit (IC) improves picture quality through a number of features, including a color-management function (allows users to identify a specific color for manual adjustment), a 3:2 pulldown option (minimizes motion artifacts on DVDs transferred from film), auto picture control (automatically optimizes image quality), and an intelligent image sharpness function (analyzes an incoming signal and sharpens only the areas needing attention). The IC chip also converts all interlaced signal scans to progressive scan. The LV-7555 can also operate in a silent mode that reduces fan noise to 35dB. (Lake Success, NY; (516) 328-5000; www.usa.canon.com)
HD AND SD PLASMA DISPLAYS
TH-42PHD6UY (HD) and TH-42PWD6UY (SD): At Infocomm, Panasonic introduced two new 42in. plasma display panels. The TH-42PHD6UY is outfitted with a five-facet grid-cell structure panel that improves the light-emitting balance of the three primary image-creating colors (red, green, and blue), allowing purer whites and an improved brightness of 45%, according to Panasonic. Both panels feature Panasonic's MACH Enhancer (contour-emphasis signal-processing technology), Super Real Gamma System (reproduces gradation in steps equivalent to 1536 shades), New Real Black Drive System (delivers 4000:1 contrast ratio for the TH-42PWD6UY unit, 3000:1 for the TH-42PHD6UY), Deep Black Filter (reduces reflected light and suppresses light transmittance), and a Contrast Automatic Tracking System (automatically senses ambient light conditions, brightness, and gradation). (Secaucus, NJ; (800) 528-8601; www.panasonic.com/pbds/)
PROJECTOR MANAGEMENT SOLUTION
ChristieNET Enterprise Edition: Powered by Spinoza software, Christie launched Enterprise Edition with its new Content Management Console (CMC). CMC allows users to send content to any ChristieNET-enabled projector (via network, wireless or wired), including Microsoft Office files, Windows Media Player, MPEG, AVI, Realplayer, QuickTime, and DVD. ChristieNET is available in Expanded, Enterprise, and Project Organizer models. (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada; (519) 744-8005; www.christiedigital.com)