Casio To Rev Hybrid Laser/LED Projectors

Casios Slim projectors weigh 5 pounds and measure 1.7 inches in height.
Casio's Slim projectors weigh 5 pounds and measure 1.7 inches in height.

Casio this week reported it's revamping its lineup of highly mobile projectors that use a hybrid light source based on lasers and LEDs.

Casio said it will release six new models in the DLP-based Slim line, which consists of models that weigh in at 5 pounds and measure 1.7 inches in height. The models' lamp-free hybrid LED/laser light source has an expected lamp life of 20,0000 hours. The new models--which will include the XJ-A141, XJ-A146, XJ-A241, XJ-A246, XJ-A251, and XJ-A256--will offer enhancements like a built-in light sensor, continuous automated brightness control, an economy mode, and new wireless presentation capabilities.

The XJ-A141 offers a resolution of 1,024 x 768 (XGA), a contrast ratio of 1,800:1, and a brightness of 2,500 lumens. The XJ-A146 is identical to the A141 but also includes USB and wireless presentation capabilities.

In the middle range are the XJ-A241 and XJ-A246, which offer WXGA resolution (1,280 x 800), a brightness of 2,500 lumens, and a contrast ratio of 1,800:1. The XJ-A246 also includes USB and integrated wireless capabilities.

And on the high end are the XJ-A251 and and XJ-A256, which offer WXGA resolution, a brightness of 3,000 lumens, and a contrast ratio of 1,800:1. The XJ-A256 also offers USB-based connectivity and wireless presentation features.

Other features on the new models include:

  • 2x optical zoom;
  • Integrated 1 watt speaker;
  • ±30 degree manual vertical keystone correction (+30 degree auto keystone correction);
  • MobiShow, a presentation tool compatible with iOS, Windows Mobile, and Android operating systems for wireless presentations, with support for wireless presentation via Mac OS X-based systems on the XJ-A146, XJ-A246, and XJ-A256; and
  • A built-in presentation timer on the XJ-A146, XJ-A246, and XJ-A256.

AV inputs on all of the new models include HDMI, RGB/component (mini D-sub 15-pin), and composite video. A single stereo minijack is shared for audio input and output (and composite video). The models also include an integrated 1 watt speaker.

Casio has not announced a specific ship date or individual pricing for the new models but said the they will range from $999.99 to $1,499.99. All of the models will come with a three-year parts and labor warranty and three-year/6,000-hour warranty on the light source. Additional details will be available on Casio's projector portal.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


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