Sharp Electronics has launched a new line of professional large-format video monitors with the introduction of the LC-M3700, a black 37-inch widescreen Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitor. The company has also introduced new projectors.
Due later this year, the LC-M370 is built specifically for digital signage and public information applications, particularly in the hospitality, corporate, retail, transportation and government sectors. However, it boasts component video inputs and personal computer compatibility. It provides viewing for video sources from HDTV signals and DVDs to XGA, SVGA, and VGA computers.
The US$8,000 display features widescreen high-definition resolution, 16 x 9 aspect ratio and 1366 x 768 matrix resolution. It delivers an 800:1 contrast ratio and 170-degree viewing angles. The LC-M3700 has a 60,000-hour replaceable backlight. It measures 38.3 by 24 by 3.9 inches and weighs under 44 pounds.
Projectors
Sharp’s new Notevision PG-A20X LCD projector offers 2000 ANSI lumens of brightness and native XGA resolution in a 6.4-pound silver frame. It automatically detects and sets a presenter’s RGB or component source after the projector is turned on. The PG-A20X also boasts an automatic keystone correction feature that corrects distortion.
The PG-A20X is also equipped with Sharp’s PresenterPAK feature set, including a graphical user interface menu screen that’s icon-based. Computer and video inputs are color-coded to simplify setup when connecting cables to a Mac, PC, or workstation.
The unit’s Low Power Mode lets you extend lamp life from 3,000 hours to 4,500 hours, while lowering fan noise from 35dB to 31dB. It also provides multiple theft-deterrent capabilities, including keypad startup code, keypad lockout, and an optional locking cable security system.
The PG-A20X — due in August for $2,995 — measures 9 by 11.7 inches by 3.2 inches. It’s HDTV compatible and offers multiple inputs, including RGB, composite RCA, S-Video and RS-232C. The model is equipped with sRGB color management, gamma adjust, and multiple color temperature adjustments.
Also new is the XG-C55X LCD projector, which can handle 3000 ANSI lumens. It has the aforementioned theft deterrent features, the PresenterPAK feature set, and a Low Power Mode that extends the lamp life from 3,000 to 4,000 hours. It comes in a 11.2-pound, attaché-case design and features a “L” type optical system that’s designed to deliver higher brightness and improved imaging efficiency.
The XG-C55X offers individual cooling system for each of the three LCD panels, separate S-video and composite inputs, a built-in sRGB color management system, and two separate RGB inputs, including loop out capability. Additionally, it includes a variable audio output and an image-processing chip that purportedly cleans up jagged edges and minimizes image noise. Sharp offers three optional lenses for the XG-C55X. Pricing hasn’t yet been announced for the projector, which is due in two months.