Sim2 Unveils Rear-Projection Models At Expo
By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 10/14/2002
MINNEAPOLIS— Sim2 Seleco traveled to CEDIA to introduce its first rear-projection monitors for the U.S. market.
The two models are part of the company's new Grand Cinema RTX series. Model RTX-45 features a 45W-inch 16:9 screen and the RTX-55 has a 55W-inch screen. Both feature an unusual narrow-cabinet design and incorporate Texas Instruments' HD-2 DLP chip. Video processing is handled with a DigiOptical processor and Faroudja's DCDi deinterlacing chip.
In an unusual move, Sim2 opted to remove many of the electronic components and input terminals from the display, placing them in an outboard box, which can be located close to source components up to 1,640 feet away.
The box is connected to the monitor using a proprietary interface based on fiber optic cable. The two-piece design was employed, the company said, because there are so many different interface options in the U.S., that it was hard to install them all in the monitor without introducing interference in the video image.
The two-piece solution was also deemed appropriate for the custom installer distribution that Sim2 serves.
Both models ship this month. Suggested retail pricing is $10,995 for the RTX-45 and $12,995 for the RTX-55.
The company also announced the HT300 Plus front projector based on TI's new HD-2 widescreen chip with 1,280 by 720 resolution, is currently available at a $13,995 suggested retail price.
The small, lightweight unit produces a 1,800:1 contrast ratio and incorporates DVI-D input, six-segment color wheel, and Faroudja DCDi deinterlacing technology with 3:2 pull down.
The model is available in three color options: gun metal gray, burgundy and light gray.
