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By: Richard Del Cazzo
Web site: http://www.hdtv-hdtv.com
Portable LCD projectors: Responding to the growing demand
for high-performance, compact and portable front projectors,
Sony Electronics today announced next generation Cineza®
portable LCD projectors, the VPL-HS20 and VPL-HS3 models.
The 2003 portable LCD projectors feature improved brightness
and enhanced picture detail versus previous models in the
line and provide high resolution and greater contrast ratio
to bring home a dynamic viewing experience. The two new projectors
are simple to set-up and easy to use--- ideal for larger screen,
consumer home entertainment applications.
"We're seeing explosive growth in the portable LCD
projector home theater category," said John Revie, director
of marketing for Sony Electronics' Home Products Division.
"Projectors are no longer confined to the professional
environment; people are attracted to bigger screen entertainment
with astonishing video detail at an affordable price. And
these new models offer the best of both worlds, strong performance
and a terrific value that allows an exceptional home theater
entertainment experience."
With their light and attractive, compact design, the Cineza
digital home theater portable LCD projectors are perfect for
video enthusiasts to carry from room to room or house to house.
Leading the line-up is the VPL-HS20 portable LCD projectors,
which deliver vivid, crisp and smooth images and can be used
on a tabletop or ceiling mounted for screen sizes of 40- to
300-inches. It incorporates three wide XGA LCD panels for
1386 x 788 resolution, and up to 1400 ANSI lumens OEP (Optical
Engine Power), optimized for video input content. ANSI measures
traditional data projectors' brightness while OEP measures
video projector's brightness rating.
Contrast level is also improved with the new Cinema Black
Pro feature. This new breakthrough feature improves upon last
year's Cinema Black function by adding simultaneous control
of the lamp (low, high) and the iris (on, off) for optimal
image quality and contrast level for any screen size and room
environment. With the new Cinema Black Pro feature, the VPL-HS20
portable LCD projectors achieve 1300:1 contrast ratio.
These new home theater portable LCD projectors also includes
the advanced 12-bit panel driver that achieves four times
more color gradation than the model it is replacing in the
line. It also has a new I/P converter that allows not only
video signal conversion, but also high-definition signal conversion
that reproduces more image detail and smooth, film-like pictures.
Additionally, the VPL-HS20 portable LCD projectors incorporate
CineMotion® reverse 3:2 pull-down circuitry for optimum
film-based video source display.
Numerous inputs allow for home theater content to be delivered
from such video sources as HDTV sets, VCRs, and standard and
progressive-scan DVD players. Providing the latest digital
connection, an HDMI interface is included for receiving copy-protected,
high-definition video content to be delivered from a DVI/HDCP
(High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) compatible set-top
box.
It also includes a Memory Stick® media slot for convenient
viewing of favorite JPEG images and MPEG1 files. Additionally,
the new portable LCD projectors can be connected to a computer
using an optional cable.
The VPL-HS20 home entertainment portable LCD projectors
feature the Side Shot™ 2 digital keystone correction,
offering flexible room placement. For example, the portable
LCD projectors can be placed on an angle to the screen, yet
still project clear, centered images. This feature expands
the correctable area by simultaneously adjusting the image
both horizontally and vertically for more accurate, centered
correction. It can also help save valuable front-and-center
space in the room for viewers.
The lower priced VPL-HS3 portable LCD projectors were created
for those with limited space (40- to 150-inch screen size)
or the need for informal home entertainment for watching movies,
playing video games or showing homemade video. It integrates
many of the technical advancements of its sibling, VPL-HS20
such as the new Cinema Black Pro feature for enhanced contrast
level and brightness.
In addition, it has a wide VGA portable LCD projectors (858
x 484 resolution), up to 1200 ANSI lumens OEP and an 800:1
contrast ratio with Cinema Black Pro feature. It can be placed
closer to the screen than before with shorter throw distance---
under 7-feet when using an 80-inch screen--- a significant
improvement from the previous model.
The new VPL-HS20 and VPL-HS3 Cineza portable LCD projectors
will be available in October for about $3,500 and $1,500,
respectively.
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