Epson joined other companies today in introducing new LCD-based projectors designed to work on both the Mac and PC. The new PowerLite systems include the 810p, 800p and 600p models. Each unit weighs less than ten pounds, and Epson said that they’ve been developed with conference room and classrooms in mind.
All three units use a newly developed trio of 0.9-inch high aperture LCDs. The systems sport a 400:1 contrast ratio. The 810p model produces 2000 ANSI lumens in XGA resolution (1024 x 768 pixels); the 800 delivers 1500 ANSI lumens in XGA resolution; and the 600 projects up to 1700 ANSI lumens in SVGA (800 x 600) resolution. The three new PowerLite projects operate at about 38 decibels, and incorporate five-watt amplified sound as well.
Epson noted that the systems also sport a new color processing technology that improves color consistency; six different user-selectable projection modes are also available. Vertical and horizontal keystone adjustments enable users to offset the projected image by up to ten degrees left and right from center. Epson indicated that the keystone adjustments could be combined with the PowerLite’s built in electronic zoom feature to project a four-segment video wall without the need for any additional video processing.
The PowerLite systems support other functions like Epson SizeWize, a resizing technology that supports up to 1600 x 1200 pixel resolution with what the company describes as “virtually no picture loss.” The 810p model is also HDTV-ready, and sports support for 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p signals. Analog connectors are included, as is a DVI (Digital Video Interface) connector.
Epson noted the new PowerLite projectors feature a 200 watt UHE lamp that sports a 1.3mm arc length. A new lens with a shorter throw distance has also been developed for the new projectors — this enables the projector to be placed closer to fill a 60-inch screen.
Availability of the 800p and 810p units is expected in August, with the 600p coming in September. They’ll retail for US$4,275, $5,225 and $3,799 respectively, and they’ll come with two-year limited warranties.