Product Roundup: At Home and On the Road
DLP technology from Texas Instruments has been a key component in the new generation of versatile, powerful projectors. New DLP-based machines, such as the BenQ DX650, InFocus X1, and Optoma EzPro 753, provide high brightness and contrast ratios, as well as outstanding video quality that is ideal for home entertainment use. The BenQ DX650, for example, weighs 6.8 lbs. and delivers 1600 ANSI lumens of native XGA power for presentations, offers progressive scan display for home video use, and has a suggested retail price (SRP) of $3,395. The 5.8-lb. Sharp PG-M20X offers 1900 ANSI lumens of brightness, native XGA resolution, and Sharp's CV-IC System II that reduces video noise, for less than $2,600.
Punchy Pictures
For more punch, the new class of power-portables includes DLP-based projectors with output in excess of 2000 ANSI lumens-enough brightness for a large presentation area at a trade show, a brightly lit personal office, or a media room at home. BenQ's latest model PB8220 professional delivers 2200 ANSI lumens of brightness, with an extraordinary 2000:1 contrast ratio for a SRP of $5,995. This native XGA projector is HDTV-compatible, with direct component video inputs, and sports a six-segment color wheel which helps the unit deliver superior video reproduction. Comparable DLP-based units include the InFocus LP530, NEC's LT260, and Toshiba's new TDP-D1. The LP530 costs less than $3,100 and puts out 2000 ANSI lumens of native XGA resolution for presentations, and its DCDi image processing technology by Faroudja achieves excellent video reproduction for media room use. Though Toshiba's TDP-D1 is primarily intended for business applications, this sleek 5-lb. portable delivers 2000 ANSI lumens of top-notch video for home theater use, but it lacks the direct component inputs for progressive scan DVD.
Image This
The higher video quality of the latest projectors makes the use of digital photos in presentations even more attractive. High-pixel-count cameras, such as the new 6.2 megapixel Fujifilm FinePix F700 ($600), not only make it possible to hand out large, beautiful prints, but they also make it easier to blow up just the right part of an image-for example, the control panel on a new product. With the higher number of pixels comes the need for faster in-camera image processing. The new Canon PowerShot S50 puts pro-level DIGIC processing (with intelligent scene analysis) in a point-and-shoot digital camera for the first time, for less than $600.
Conference Info
There are two great places to learn more about these and other powerful presentation and entertainment tools: The annual InfoComm show in Orlando, FL, from May 31st to June 6th, is a giant smorgasbord of presentation products and applications, including projectors and videoconferencing systems (www.infocomm.org). To get up to speed on the "connected" home and home/office office environment, from wireless networks to media rooms, check out Connections Digital Home Conference and Showcase from May 7th to 9th at the Fairmont in San Jose, CA. It's produced by the new media and networking mavens at Parks Associates in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association (www.connectionsconference.com).
The Versatile BenQ DX650
BenQ understands that first impressions last. BenQ's "Professional" series of digital projectors allows you to make the impact you desire.
The BenQ DX650, is a powerful, yet compact digital projector that utilizes the latest in DLP technology and offers a combination of amazing picture quality, performance, and capabilities.
The DX650, comes with a host of features including 1600 ANSI lumens, XGA (1024x768) resolution, progressive scan, and the Dynamic Color Management System, among others.
BenQ is a leading manufacturer of digital lifestyle devices. Our commitment to provide the best in service is unmatched for your business, education, and leisure needs, and is backed by a full three-year warranty and one-year Xpress Xchange service program.
BenQ gives you more to do more. For more information, call 1-866-700-2367 or visit www.BenQ.com.
