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Panasonic wasn’t one of the quickest out of the gate with a 3D projector, having only unveiled the PT-AE7000 in the middle of last year, but it’s making up for lost time with a follow-up. The PT-AE8000 puts most of the focus on that extra dimension through both a 20 percent brighter 3D picture and motion interpolation for the stereoscopic image. Fine-tuning is equally new through picture balance and monitor tools that help perfect the color and parallax effects before any 3D movie gets started. Traditionalists in love with 2D get their fill, too: a new 220W lamp produces deeper reds, a more visible 2,400 lumens of brightness and (with the help of plates and filters) an even higher 500,000:1 contrast ratio. We’ve confirmed with Panasonic that the AE8000U should cost the same $3,499 as the AE7000 when it reaches stores between late September and early October, which makes the new projector a tempting prospect if you’ve been holding off until now.

Continue reading Panasonic PT-AE8000U projector touts brighter, smoother 3D for king-of-the-hill home theaters

Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment, HD

Panasonic PT-AE8000U projector touts brighter, smoother 3D for king-of-the-hill home theaters originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 05:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No, what you read above is definitely not a typo. After all, I would suppose that it is a bunch of creative brains behind the JVC Procision DLA-X95R home theater projector that has called it so – merging the words “professional” and “precision” together. Having said that, is your interest not piqued that you want to find out more about the JVC Procision DLA-X95R? I sure do, so why not let us take the plunge right after the jump to read more about it?

The JVC Procision DLA-X95R home theater projector is one of the new, expanded range of home theater projectors which is touted to deliver significant improvements in picture performance and upgraded e-shift technology. Just what does that mean in plain English? Well, we are looking at the upconversion and scaling of 2D content to a 4K signal. Known as e-shift2, this technology is available in seven of the new JVC projectors, with the DLA-X95R leading the way. Apart from that, you will also be able to benefit from a host of other performance-enhancing features that include a new illumination system as well as a new polarizing wire grid that works in tandem with e-shift2 for higher native contrast.

This particular home theater projector is also 3D-enabled, and your eyes will definitely not be bowled over. After all, you will be on the receiving end of stunningly detailed image with minimal aliasing artifacts that are normally found in standard HD displays. You will get higher native contrast in combination with a new polarizing wire grid engine. Proprietary JVC algorithms will see action here, replacing a two-band filter with an eight-band filter in order to apply additional correction to more areas of the image. This would, right away, let you experience a noticeable improvement with any compatible 2D signal. In order to optimize performance for different content, this Multiple Pixel Control offers five preset modes plus Off.

3D performance has also been given a kick in the butt, thanks to the inclusion of new circuitry and a new optical engine that helps reduce cross talk, resulting in a more natural, clear and brighter image. It also boasts of a new lamp and power supply which is said to deliver a significant improvement in brightness over the life of the lamp, sporting a lamp warranty of one year or a thousand hours, whichever comes first.

The asking price for the DLA-X95R? It definitely ain’t cheap, as we are looking at a cool $11,999, but at least you can be sure that this will not be obsolete the moment you remove it from its box.

Press Release

[ JVC Procision DLA-X95R home theater projector copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

At CEDIA 2012 JVC showed off its 2012 line of home theater projectors, most which feature its e-Shift2 technology, a new version of the “4K precision” upconversion it introduced last year. While they are not capable of accepting a 4K source (not that you have any 4K Blu-ray discs lying around anyway), they work by creating two 1080p frames from the HD source, shifting one down and to the right. e-Shift2 promises higher native contrast and improved processing over its predecessor thanks to a new polarizing wire grid engine and updated algorithms. All of the new projectors are 3D capable with RF-connected active shutter glasses, and there’s a new smartphone app available for controlling settings without interrupting viewing. Of course, a 130,000:1 native contrast ratio doesn’t come cheap and the top of the line DLA-X95R/DLA-RS66 models sporting the spec have a pricetag of $11,999. Of course, if you’re looking for the 4K upscaling for a (relative) bargain, the DLA-X55R/DLA-RS48 can be had for just a hair under $5,000.

That’s not all JVC had to display however, as it also brought along one “early pre-production model” of an 84-inch UHDTV it plans to release in the first quarter of 2013. Like its projectors, it will come in both home theater and professional trim branded the RS-840UD and PS-840UD. It may be a price beater as well since JVC is targeting a sub-$20k price tag for both models, which would be well shy of the $25k set Sony just announced. Unlike some of the other 4K screens we’ve seen it does not include any 3D support, which may be a part of the lower cost. We got a quick peek at the display and the picture looked as sharp and punchy as we’ve come to expect, and even had less glare than other displays we’ve seen. Check out all of the prices and specs after the break, and bring your wallet.

Continue reading JVC reveals e-Shift2 4K scaling projectors, promises true 4K LCDs for under $20k

Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment, HD

JVC reveals e-Shift2 4K scaling projectors, promises true 4K LCDs for under $20k originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 19:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Epson has been producing some of the most popular projectors for home theater users for a while now. The company has announced new 2-D and 3-D projectors for its home theater lineup that offer full HD resolution. The new projectors include the Epson 3LCD PowerLite Pro Cinema 6020UB, Home Cinema 5020UB/5020Ube, and the 3020/3020e.

The high-end projectors are the 6020UB and the 5020UB/UBe models. These machines feature contrast ratios of up to 320,000:1 and up to 2400 lumens of color brightness and 2400 lumens white brightness. All of those projectors are THX Certified for delivering dark black levels and realistic color. The projectors are equipped with Epson Super Resolution technology, THX 2-D and 3-D cinema viewing modes, and FineFrame technology for smooth frame interpolation and sharper video in 2-D modes.

The high-end projectors also have a cinema filter feature and improved color fidelity with use of a Fujinon OptiCinema lens with the 2.1 zoom ratio. The 6020UB also gets two anamorphic lens modes, ISF calibration, color isolation, a ceiling mount, cable cover, and an extra bulb. All of these projectors support 3-D and come with two pairs of 3-D glasses.

The 3020/3020e projectors differ only in that the 3020e is wireless. Both projectors promise and 2300 lumens of color and white brightness and a contrast ratio of 40,000:1. Both have integrated 10 W speakers and come with two pairs of 3-D glasses. These machines are aimed at home theater enthusiast and don’t require professional installation or color calibration tools for install. Common features between all these projectors include a pair of HDMI inputs, component video input, composite video input, VGA, RCA audio, and USB connectivity. Both the 3020e and the 5020UBe ship with a wireless transmitter for streaming HD quality video without needing a wire from up to five devices to the projector.

Pricing on the high-end 6020UB will be under $4000, and it will ship in November. The 5020UB and 5020UBe will be offered in October at under $3000. The lower end 3020 and 3020e projectors will be available for under $2000 in October.

Epson unveils new 2-D and 3-D home theater projectors is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
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Slotting in above the VPL-HW30ES, this VPL-HW50ES uses a version of the same technology seen in the VW1000ES to process images for 4K does not do 4K at all and of course supports 3D. We’re all very familiar with the company’s SXRD projectors by now but if you need more information the press release is after the break. While we know these are due to ship across Europe in both black and white by the end of October, what you won’t find, at least so far, is a price tag. We’ll keep our eyes peeled at CEDIA next week for more information.

Update: Whoops, no, this is not a part of Sony’s all-4K everything push, and brings merely 1080p resolution with some fancy image processing tech. We’re now not quite as excited to see it, but 1,700 lumens of brightness, built-in 3D transmitter and wider lens shift range aren’t too disappointing.

Continue reading Sony’s VPL-HW50ES projector revealed at IFA, ships in October

Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment, HD

Sony’s VPL-HW50ES projector revealed at IFA, ships in October originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 12:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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