Looking for an all-in-one solution that combines the high-quality and functionality of a DVD and projector into one system? Look no further than Epson’s PowerLite Presenter! This innovative resource is fully equipped with a three-LCD imaging engine, 200 watt bulb and two built-in 10 W speakers and virtual surround sound. Take advantage, as the Presenter is available at a budget-friendly price through Epson’s Brighter Futures buying program.

Although bigger than the typical classroom projector, the Presenter also offers more options for versatility in educational applications. This includes larger-than-life images at a native WXGA resolution (16:10), perfectly suited for widescreen computers. At 2500 lumens of color and white light output and an auto color mode that instantly adjusts to any environment, the Presenter is bright enough to accommodate any setting!

Click here to view Epson’s PowerLite Presenter specs »

InFocus announced two new additions to its projector line specifically for the education market. The projectors (IN5534 and IN5504) both have a new split-screen option, which will virtually eliminate the need for multiple projectors in classrooms. Both projectors, specified at WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) resolution, are network/wireless ready and feature analog and HD video connectivity. The two models are easy to camouflage in nearly any environment thanks to InFocus’ custom case parts available in multiple colors, including white, black, walnut, and ready to paint.

For more information about AVI-SPL’s line of InFocus projectors, click here »

NEC Display Solution’s NP215 and NP410 are the first projectors worldwide to be awarded the new TCO Certified label for quality and environment.

In order to receive TCO certification, a projector needs to:

• Satisfy strict criteria regarding acoustics, energy consumption and the materials used in the product and its packaging.
• Feature an Eco mode in which the device can be operated with lower energy consumption and less noise. When the video or computer interface is disconnected, the projector has to enter standby mode automatically.

In addition the meeting the above, the NP215 and NP410 offer a Carbon Savings Meter tool to calculate and total the CO2 savings that are achieved when the device is being operated in Eco mode.

With this in mind, are you leaning more towards a “green” approach in your projector selection? If not, what factors have you hesitant to make the move?

To view a list of featured NEC projectors, click here »

NEC Display Solutions announces their latest in the NP Installation Series projectors – the NP4100. With the ability to create screen sizes from 40 to 500 inches (at projection distances between 2.6 and 283 feet), the NP4100 projector is perfect for auditoriums, training and network centers where there are high levels of ambient light. Audiences can enjoy larger and easier to view images due to its high level of brightness at 6200 ANSI lumens.

The NP4100 also combines advanced features and innovative technologies, created to extend the life of the projector for increased use at the same rigorous level. ECO Mode™ technology increases lamp life by up to 25% and decreases fan noise. Quick Power Off technology protects the lamp during cool down with temperature monitoring, preventing the projector from powering on until the lamp is properly cooled. In addition, a sealed dust-resistant optical system was specifically designed to decrease the long-term effects unwanted particles can have on a projector. This enables the NP4100 to deliver crisp, distortion-free images throughout its lifecycle, even while enduring the rigors of 24/7 applications. The projector will be shipping this month.

Click here for projector specs. »

Click here for other featured NEC projectors »

Effective July 1st, 2009 SANYO Presentation Technologies will offer a 4th Year Warranty with a 1 year warranty on the lamp on select models.

Models covered:

PLC-XW200, PLC-XW250, PLC-XU300, PLC-XU305, PLC-XU350, PLC-XU355, PLC-WXU700, PLC-WXU300, PLC-WXE45, PLC-WXL46, PDG-DXL100, PDG-DWL100, PLC-XC50, PLC-XC55

The 4th year warranty is available only to qualified schools and educational institutions who have purchased projectors from an authorized Sanyo Education Dealer. If you purchased one of the models above from AVI-SPL please register each unit by serial number within 90 days of purchase to be eligible for the 4th year warranty offer.

Click here for the rebate form »

Alert! It has come to our attention that there is a computer virus named Green AV (”Green AntiVirus”) circulating on the internet. AVI-SPL in not affiliated with or affected by the Green AV hoax. All references to Green AV on any of AVI-SPL’s websites is relevant to the Green Audio Visual industry.

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 »

Sony has added a high-brightness model to its line of LCD business projectors for fixed network installations. The VPL-FX41 is an XGA projector that emits 5,200 lumens and completes a product line-up that consists of the VPL-FX40 and VPL-FE40 4,000-lumen models, says the company.

Each of the series’ projectors is designed for networked fixed installations in education, government, corporate, house of worship, and hospitality applications. All are available with optional lenses that allow them to meet a range of short- or long-throw projection needs as well as high-impact multimedia presentations.

The VPL-FE40 offers SXGA+ resolution, while the VPL-FX41 and VPL-FX40 offer native XGA resolution. Each model features 3LCD technology and uses a combination of imaging technologies to enhance presentation quality. Sony’s BrightEra technology produces a higher aperture ratio to deliver brighter images than previous High Temperature Poly-Silicon LCD-based systems, says the company, which allows the projectors to achieve increased resolution with quieter fan noise.

Click here for an overview of our Sony projectors. »

Sharp recently announced the introduction of two DLP® BrilliantColor™ professional projectors, offering an unparalleled combination of brightness, image quality and versatility at a very affordable price. The XGA PG-D4010X (4200 ANSI lumens) and the WXGA PG-D3750W (3700 ANSI lumens) both are among the highest brightness single-lamp DLP® BrilliantColor™ projectors currently on the market. These projectors have been developed for permanent, as well as more portable projection applications, and are suitable for use in almost any corporate, educational, government, house of worship or rental/staging setting. Equipped with DLP® BrilliantColor™ technology, the units are designed to provide enhanced colors, enriched images and exceptionally high reliability.

Click here to view specs »

Click here to see featured Sharp projectors »

DLP technology from Texas Instruments asked, and answered, the question of a lampless projector at this year’s Infocomm trade show. The new technology utilizes LED technology (version called PhlatLight Light Emitting Diode has been used in LCD TVs) in place of the DLP color wheel and mirror and light engine. Instead of a spinning red, blue, and green color wheel, there are RBG LEDs which plus rapidly to create the color.

The new product is the first of its kind with a regular sized chassis, but many new projectors using LED technology have been released for cell phones and so-called “pocket” projectors.

So what are the benefits? For starters, you could kiss the $200 – $500 cost of a replacement lamp goodbye along with any of the hassle of caring for it. That is good news for consumers who might have been hesitant to incur future costs after the purchase. It may also mean a dramatic increase in consumers choosing projectors as a primary display source, as the lamp life would be comparable to that of LCD and plasma TVs. Also, as we have seen with the pocket projectors, the lamp lack also allows for smaller footprints and even more portable opportunities. The fan will also not be required to cool that hot lamp, which means nearly silent operation and less energy consumption.

But wait, there’s more! With the new LED-based DLP technology, the color space possible for a projector is increased beyond that of traditional lamp’d projectors up to 50%. That’s a big benefit for the folks in the DLP camp, since color has been one area where they have been consistently challenged by 3LCD.

Are there any drawbacks to this new technology? Well for one, it’s new. So even though you won’t pay to replace the lamp, there will probably be a premium to pay initially. It’s not yet available to the general public yet, and won’t be for a while. And some reporting on the scene mention the color is not quite “lifelike” and has a bit of a red haze.

“But what about brightness?” you may ask. A good question, since previous LED projectors were in the 25 – 100 lumen range. The latest incarnation on the tradeshow floor is said to be very bright. TI claims a brightness from 500 – 1000 lumens, which was once considered a benchmark for home theater projectors. However, newer products are typically upwards of 1000 lumens. So, brightness is an issue that will probably need to improve.

But hey, nobody’s perfect on their first go. Texas Instruments says they will begin by focusing on Home Theater projection, since here is less brightness required and expects to have products released by manufacturer partners by the end of 2008. Watch us here for more updates on this potentially groundbreaking technology.