Special Section - Projection Technology
Projection devices were among the first forms of technology to make their way into theeducational setting. Years of usage have not diminished their usefulness. Thesedevices have kept pace with other new technologies, remaining an integral partof instruction at all levels. New features and improvements have, if anything,increased their role in education.
Following are some cutting-edgeprojection devices for education.
We think you’ll find that these are not your father’s projectors.
Canon’sMultimedia Projector LV-7525 has abrightness of 2,750 ANSI lumens, and is equipped with a bright 200W ultra highpower lamp. The projector includes a Progressive Scan function, and iscompatible with HDTV and DVD component inputs. A digital keystone featurecorrects image distortion caused by projector angle, providing an even, squareprojection frame. The exterior is made of a lightweight magnesium alloy. Theprojector also features a digitized pointer device, equipped with a mouse-clickfunction that allows educators to conduct presentations while standing awayfrom the computer. It also allows educators to annotate images as they areprojected.
Also from Canon, the DZ-3600Uis a digital imaging system delivering a resolution of 1,900 x 1,424 pixels.Users can enhance presentations and videoconferencing by capturing an entire 81/2x 11 document at once, legible to 8 pt. type. These images can then bedisplayed on a computer, presented with a projector, published online, ortransmitted with a videoconferencing system. High-speed image capture allowsusers to quickly and conveniently integrate critical material into anypresentation. The digital images can easily be displayed directly through afront projector. Even images as small as postage stamps can be seen in the backrow, without the presenter needing to constantly zoom in. Canon, Lake Success, NY, (516) 328-5960, www.canonprojectors.com.
One of Sony’s additions to its line of SuperLite LCD projectors is the VPL-CS10, an affordable unit with a0.9” LCD panel and offering 1000 ANSI lumen brightness. The compact unit weighs7.7 lbs. and delivers SVGA (800 x 600) resolution. The projector is equippedwith a USB hub port that makes it possible to launch files from an attachedcomputer via remote control, or to allow an attached computer to control theprojector. The unit includes Projector Station 2.0 software, so it can bedaisy-chained with up to 127 other projectors. The VPL-CS10 also offersmultiple capability with an internal scan converter, allowing it to displayimages from VGA to SXGA. Its horizontal frequency is 15 to 91 kHz, and it alsoincludes composite video, Y/C video, component video and 15K RGB video signals.Sony, San Jose, CA, (800) 686-SONY, www.sony.com/superlite.
SharpElectronics Corp.’s latest LCD product is the XG-V10WU, intended for large conference rooms, lecture halls andcustom professional installations. This Conference Series projector offers4,700 ANSI lumens, along with a wide range of features designed specificallyfor professional markets and installations. The projector has SXGA resolutionand advanced video processing to improve picture quality. It comes with aunique software application package that enables users to monitor and controlthe device remotely, and offers network and video wall capability. The softwarealso lets the XG-V10WU self-diagnose any system errors that may occur, and sendan error message to the control PC. The control PC can be programmed to senderror messages via e-mail to a predetermined list, informing the appropriateparties that maintenance is required. The software also allows the projector tobe daisy-chained to up to 250 other projectors, all of which can be controlledfrom a single PC.
For smaller projection needs, Sharp’s NotevisionP10 LCD projector is designed to perform both instationary conference room applications and for portable use. The projectordelivers 3,000 ANSI lumens and includes Sharp’s PresenterPAK, a feature setwith all of the necessary tools to meet various presentation needs. Theprojector has a native XGA resolution, and is compatible with a wide range ofdata and video signals. It can automatically adjust to handle images up to UXGAresolutions. Optional lenses give users increased installation flexibility. Numerousimage-adjustment features allow presenters to fine-tune images to ensure thebest-looking presentations. Digital enlargement and freeze capabilities add toits customizability.
Another Sharp projector, the NotevisionC30, offers 1,500 ANSI lumens in a compact design. Theprojector provides XGA projection, Sharp’s PresenterPAK, and a versatileselection of outputs and inputs. Sharp Electronics Corp., Mahwah, NJ, (201) 529-8200, www.sharp-usa.com.
The Epson PowerLite 715c combines the advancedfeatures of the company’s line of 5.8-lb. Commuter Series projectors with theadded benefits of increased brightness at 1,000 ANSI lumens. Ideal for mobilepresentation needs, the projector is PC-free and requires little time forsetup. The unit delivers a 400:1 contrast ratio and XGA resolution. Resizingtechnology allows it to accept every major notebook resolution with virtuallyno loss of picture content. Its high video quality makes it an excellentsolution for viewing DVDs, videocassettes and other video content. Theprojector is also HDTV-ready and supports popular digital video signals. A PCcard can be inserted in a slot located within the projector, enabling users torun computerized presentations without a PC. Epson America Inc., Long Beach, CA, (800) 463-7766, www.epson.com.
From JVC comes the DLA-G3010Z, an ultra-compact, lightweight multimedia projector capable of providing true S-XGA resolution. Its newly designed optical engine uses only one polarized beam splitter, and delivers resolution as high as 1,365 x 1,024 pixels. The projector generates 1,300 ANSI lumens with a patented liquid crystal on silicon display device. The device packs 1.4 million pixels onto the 0.9” chip, almost eliminating pixel gaps for an exceptionally smooth image. The projector’s variable-scanning capability covers a horizontal scanning frequency ranging up to 105 kHz, making the projector ready for almost any input signal. Additionally, a color enhancer compensates for color contours, ensuring crisp and sharp video pictures. JVC, Wayne, NJ, (800) 526-5308, www.jcs.com/pro.
Panasonic’s PT-L79U portable XGA projector delivers 2,500 ANSI lumens of brightness and weighs 13 lbs. It comes equipped with a 2,000-hour long-life 220-watt UHM lamp, as well as a micro lens array. With a maximum resolution of 1,600 x 1,200 UXGA, the unit also features a contrast ratio of more than 250:1, and a center-to-corner uniformity ratio of 95%. The projector’s intelligent image resizing circuit assures smooth outlines and sharp image definition no matter what the display. A one-touch auto setup function will tune and adjust the image for optimal viewing. The projector is compatible with PC and Macintosh computers, and accepts a wide variety of video signals. Additional features include a digital zoom, two sets of RGB inputs, a USB input, S-video compatibility, a selectable 6-language onscreen menu, a security lock system, a status code indicator, and more. Panasonic, Los Angeles, CA, (800) 528-8601, www.panasonic.com/presentations.
From Kodak comes the V600 Digital Projector, offering 1,000 ANSI lumens and up to 4,000 hours of lamp life. The affordable projector produces bright images in almost any lighting conditions, and weighs only 7.5 lbs. Image Manager software allows the image to be adjusted for color, brightness, and contrast. The projector has SVGA resolution, 3-panel LCD technology, and built-in audio-stereo features. It supports a variety of projection sources, and comes with all necessary cables and a soft carry case. Other available options include a zoom lens with an infrared remote control, a ceiling mount kit, and a hard shipping case. Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, NY, (800) 235-6325, www.kodak.com/go/projectors.
NEC Technologies offers a refined portable projector in the MultiSync MT50 Series. These projectors provide XGA native resolution and 2,000 or 2,500 lumens of brightness, allowing for sharp pictures even in brightly-lit rooms. The projectors incorporate a four-part display enhancement system to deliver data, graphic and video displays with superior uniformity, color and contrast. The projectors contain both monitor and audio out connectors, with broad computer compatibility. The projectors include a built-in presentation viewer, enabling users to download a presentation directly from a laptop and present it without a PC connected. The projectors also automatically synchronize and adjust themselves to optimize incoming signals. NEC Technologies, Inc., Itasca, IL, (630) 467-5000, www.nectech.com.
The Mitsubishi SA51 weighs just over 7 lbs. and delivers 1,000 ANSI lumens. This affordable and portable projector supports both video playback and computer screen magnification. It can also double as a TV monitor. Its video line doubler plays movie-quality videos with rich colors and smooth motion. It offers viewers a full six-color RGB, CYM palette that is adjustable for tint and saturation. Users can point and zoom on a screen area for magnification or emphasis. Three 0.9” poly-silicon active matrix LCD chips produce SVGA resolution, with XGA resolution achieved through display compression. The SA51 has a contrast ratio of 250:1, and is ideal for PowerPoint presentations. Mitsubishi, Cypress, CA, (800) 843-2515, www.mitsubishi-presentations.com.
Toshiba’s new MediaStar TLP670 and TLP671 LCD multimedia projectors offer true XGA resolution and HDTV compatibility, and each projector weighs under 10 lbs. With a brightness capability of 1,300 ANSI lumens, the projectors also utilize advanced 0.9” poly-silicon LCD chips in conjunction with a precision micro lens array for exceptionally clear and sharp images. Digital video compression technology ensures image quality, using sophisticated video interpolation and compression techniques to eliminate jagged edges and produce smooth images. The projectors automatically resize images without the need for manual readjustment, and both feature a unique 810,000-pixel digital color document camera with a one-button balance function to optimize image quality.
The units can project written materials and even three-dimensional objects directly from the surface of the projector, while a digital zoom feature allows users to enlarge a particular area of a displayed image or object. Suited for use with all PC and Macintosh computers, VCRs, camcorders and DVD players, the projectors display images in sizes ranging from 22” (diagonal) to over 20’. The projectors accept a wide range of input sources, and include built-in speakers. Toshiba America, Inc., Wayne, NJ, (800) 346-6672, www.toshiba.com/presentations.
Polaroid has introduced a new line of portable LCD projectors that offer a variety of versatile imaging options. Among the new projectors is the XGA 338, an affordable unit with high resolution, weighing 7 lbs. The projector offers plug and play simplicity for easy setup, and features natural color matrix and a built-in line doubler for sharp, accurate color and images. For optimum image reproduction, the projector offers 1024 x 768 resolution, and uses a 150-watt UHP lamp. 750 ANSI lumens and three -0.9” poly-silicon panels give bright, sharp images. Additional features include a manually controlled zoom lens, panning capability in image magnification mode, integrated digital video with a freeze-frame function, a wireless remote control with integrated laser pointer, a soft carrying case, and compatibility with all worldwide video standards. A speaker is built in for the incorporation of audio. Polaroid, Cambridge, MA, (800) 432-5355, www.polaroid.com.
The PLUS U3-1080 projector features a small 7 x 9” footprint and 1.9” thin configuration, and weighs only 2.9 lbs. It delivers 800 ANSI lumens of brightness, with XGA resolution and an 800:1 contrast ratio. The projector incorporates a built-in short focus wide-angle lens that enables the user to project a focused image from a short distance. Full automatic adjustment provides an optimal projected image according to input sources, while digital keystone correction provides distortion-free images. A durable magnesium alloy case protects the machine, which comes with a full-featured compact remote control. The projectors also include features such as an optical engine for uniform images, advanced compression technology, a 10x digital zoom, built-in direct mouse control, and automatic mute and freeze functions. Plus Corp., Allendale, NJ, (201) 818-2700, www.plus-america.com.
Weighing 4.8 lbs. and beaming 1000 ANSI lumens, Boxlight’s XD-9m multimedia projector features Digital Light Processing technology and true XGA resolution. It is compatible with numerous video signals, and can easily switch between computer images and videos. An on-board DVI connector provides digital/analog connectivity. In addition, the digital keystone correction, manual zoom/focus and a one-touch elevator foot create precisely positioned and focused images. The projector comes with a soft carrying case and standard connection cables. Boxlight, Poulsbo, WA, (800) 884-6464, www.boxlight.com.
Philips’ new personal projectors, the UGO Series, are smaller than notebook computers and weigh only 2.9 lbs. Both models in the series have 800 lumens and a contrast ratio of 800:1. The UGO X-Lite delivers XGA resolution, while the S-Lite delivers SVGA. The projectors feature a protective lens embedded in the design, making it safe for transport. A short focus wide-angle lens delivers a large picture even with a short projection distance. The projectors automatically optimize images for best picture quality, and features like digital freeze and digital zoom allow users to examine images more closely. Digital keystone correction compensates for image distortion, and an integrated USB mouse enables the presenter to control the PC mouse by remote control. The projectors are compatible with a variety of video systems and formats. Philips Electronics, Knoxville, TN, (880) 223-4432, www.philipsusa.com.
This article originally appeared in the 08/01/2000 issue of THE Journal.