Sanyo launched two ultra portable projectors - the PLC-XW250 and the PLC-XW200 - that offer educators outstanding cost performance with an eco stand-by power mode that uses a mere 0.4 watts and their exclusive “Easy Setup Function.”

Eco Power Stand-by Mode

Using a mere 0.4 watts, the PLC-XW250 and the PLC-XW200 are SANYO’s most ecological data projectors. The eco power stand-by mode saves about 80% of the energy that is consumed by similar previous SANYO projectors*. By redesigning the electrical circuits, these two projectors are able to comply with the EuP-Directive Lot 6 and the EU RoHS Directive. As an additional environmental measure, all the packaging contains pulp molds, which can be recycled as used paper.

Easy Setup Functions

Both projectors incorporate SANYO’s latest “Easy Setup Function”, which include Auto Input Signal Search, Auto Vertical Keystone Correction, and an Input Guidance Function. The Auto Input Signal Search automatically detects the input signal and makes the necessary internal settings. The Auto Vertical Keystone Correction function automatically detects its position angle and corrects for any image distortion. And finally, the Guidance Function displays on-screen connection instructions when there is no input signal detected, enabling easy setup for expert users and novices alike.

Wired LAN Management

Using the supplied wired LAN terminal (RJ-45), the PLC-XW250 and PLC-XW200 can be controlled and managed via network connection. The LAN connection offers settings for power on/off, switching input signals, projecting from a remote location, as well as for monitoring lamp conditions and usage time. An automatic maintenance notification function sends notices to preset email addresses in the event of projector problems, resulting in faster maintenance response time. Using SANYO’s PJ Network Manager software, it’s possible to centrally monitor operating conditions of up to 200 projectors on a single network, reducing multiple projector management time.

Other Features

While both projectors provide a native resolution of 1280 x 768 and are capable of displaying high definition material, the projectors’ can project an aspect ratio is 4:3. The compact dimensions and lightweight properties of the PLC-XW250 and PLC-XW200 make them a perfect choice for educational and even business presentation applications. Both deliver a super bright image with the PLC-XW250 rated at 2600 lumens and the PLC-XW200 rated at 2200 lumens.

Click here to read the complete press release »

Click here to view featured Sanyo projector »

Over the last several years Mitsubishi has been adding eco-friendly features to their projector line-up. By lessening their impact on the environment and conserving natural resources, Mitsubishi is doing its part in being socially responsible. And soon Mitsubishi will be introducing their projector recycling program.

In order to lessen their impact on the environment and conserve natural resources, Mitsubishi
Electric is committed to being socially responsible. Some of their commitment to a greener environment includes:

• Energy-efficient, long-life lamps
• Lead free solder on all Printed Circuit Boards
• Our newest models consume less than 1W on standby mode
• Use of recycled paper products for user reference guide and carton box
• Projector cabinets are not painted, and conductive coating is not used
• User manual has been converted from paper to a digital format (CD)
• Compliant with both California and European RoHS standards

Click here to see featured Mitsubishi projectors »

On Earth Day, Sony Electronics (SEL) launched its GreenFill recycling service program – the nation’s first in-store, drop-box solution sponsored by a consumer electronics manufacturer.

“Sony’s GreenFill program is providing consumers with a convenient, sustainable solution for recycling small electronic products,” said Mike Fasulo, SEL executive vice president, chief marketing officer and corporate social responsibility officer. “We are continuing our commitment to reach our goal of recycling one pound of old consumer electronics equipment for every pound of new products sold.”

Sony’s new Greenfill e-recycle drop boxes provide a convenient way for consumers to recycle small CE products such as cameras at retail.

The program was launched on Earth Day to further encourage consumers to dispose of old or unwanted electronics in an environmentally-safe manner.

GreenFill service simplifies electronics recycling by providing consumers the ability to recycle small electronics – such as cameras, portable music devices, small laptops, cell phones and portable gaming devices – at participating retail locations. It’s a convenient solution that allows consumers to recycle any brand of product at no cost.

The program is an extension of Sony’s Take Back Recycling program and is designed to help build awareness of Sony’s nationwide network of more than 270 drop-off locations where larger Sony-branded electronics will be accepted at no charge and other brands will be accepted for a small fee.

Since last week’s Greenfill launch, 92 retail partners have joined SEL in its goal to make it as easy to recycle small consumer electronics, as it is to purchase them.

Nassim Sarraf, senior specialist, marketing, said many SEL retail partners have jumped on board, because they recognize the program could resonate with consumers.

“Greenfill is a way to show consumers you share the same values … a shared commitment to the environment and a sustainable future,” she said. “At the same time, it’s an opportunity to drive more traffic to their stores and positively impact sales.”

As part of the program, SEL covers the costs of recycling fees and promotional materials, which can be used by dealers for their own promotions. In exchange, the company requires dealers to prominently display the co-branded, e-recycle drop box in store, absorb the costs of shipping the box to Sony-designated recycling locations, promote Sony’s recycling efforts and drop-off locations for larger electronics, and leverage provided materials to educate employees and promote to consumers. All requirements are detailed in a requisite dealer contract.

From Honey Mae Kenworthy, SEL employee communications, and Yolanda Hunt-Boes, SEL dealer communications

Sony also adopted the use of recycled and reused materials in several models of their LCDs, and all are EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive compliant, helping prevent harmful materials, such as lead, from leaching into our ecosystem when improperly disposed while also helping increase recycling and reduce potential chemical exposure from the manufacturing process. And further keeping green in mind, suppliers for products are certified as green partners based on Sony’s stringent standard for chemical substances used in products.

Click here for an overview of AVI-SPL’s featured Sony projectors. »

Click here to find out more about Sony’s recycling program »

“We’ve worked very hard to be transparent regarding the efficiency and recyclability of our products,” says Michael Bridwell, marketing communications manager for Digital Projection (DP). “I’m proud of how progressive our engineers are when developing our products. Regarding our Green AV efforts, I thought I’d share a short letter from our Product Development Director in the UK, regarding our Green AV efforts. Hopefully it gives you an insider’s peek at our processes and product mentality.”

Click here to view the letter »

Read more about DP’s energy-efficient advancements through CoolTek™ Engineering:
http://www.digitalprojection.com/TechnologyInnovations/CoolTekEfficiency/tabid/58/Default.aspx

AV products take a variety of paths to sustainability. Here are just some of them.

Want to save the world one AV install at a time? As more electronics manufacturers realize the benefits of going green, there are an increasing number of products that can help you do just that.

In the race to preserve the environment, the AV industry is still taking baby steps when everyone else is sprinting, says Scott Walker, CEO of Atlanta-based WaveGuide Consulting. But that’s starting to change. “In the past few weeks, three different clients asked us to look at the sustainability of their AV plants,” says Walker. “Green issues are starting to show up on peoples’ radar. I think manufacturers need to understand where the game is moving.”

In the race to preserve the environment, the AV industry is still taking baby steps when everyone else is sprinting, says Scott Walker, CEO of Atlanta-based WaveGuide Consulting. But that’s starting to change. “In the past few weeks, three different clients asked us to look at the sustainability of their AV plants,” says Walker. “Green issues are starting to show up on peoples’ radar. I think manufacturers need to understand where the game is moving.”

Click here to read more »

In this two-part video segment by Sound and Communications magazine, AVI-SPL’s Will Parry talks with Monti Carr of SKC Communication Products, Inc. about greening AV. Their discussion touches on the ways AV systems impact the LEED (http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=222) certification of green buildings, as well as the technology, design, and financial considerations that go into making highly energy efficient spaces.

A Green Step Forward

By Linda Seid Frembes, Sound and Video Contractor

Building a new school building is a daunting task for any school district, especially when the plan is for a green building project. The Sidwell Friends Middle School in Washington, D.C., opened in 2007 as a testament to the possibilities of an environmentally friendly, healthy environment for school kids. The new middle school is the secondary school in the United States to have a LEED Platinum rating and the first LEED Platinum building in the District of Columbia.

To read the complete article, click here »

Do you know the carbon footprint produced by the day to day operations of your business? Would you like to know how to reduce your impact on the environment and save money at the same time? AVI-SPL and TANDBERG have partnered to provide a handy tool to help you do just that. A new Business Advantage Calculator tool will provide you with solutions that you can use to build a business case for reducing costs, cutting CO2 emissions, and improving productivity for your organization.

Today, videoconferencing technology (VTC) is more popular than ever. It is an efficient, money-saving and environmentally-friendly technology for distance communications. TANDBERG and AVI-SPL have teamed up to help you determine the right VTC solutions for your business. click here .

For a free customized analysis, click here.