Canon Unveils LCoS Projector
By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 10/11/2004
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. — Canon unveiled a front projector based on its own liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) technology called the Aspectual Illumination System (AISYS).
The projector (Realis SX50) offers 1,400 by 1,050 pixel SXGA+ high-definition resolution and is being positioned for either home theater or corporate and institutional channel distribution.
The unit, which is scheduled to ship in November at a $3,999 estimated street price, features a compact body design — measuring 11.26 inches by 11.18 inches by 3.78 inches — and employs Canon optics to produce both higher brightness (2,500 ANSI Lumens) and contrast ratios (1,000:1) than competitive compact LCoS projectors.
“The new Realis SX50 multimedia projector takes the place as Canon's premiere multimedia product equipped to satisfy a wide variety of user needs and environments,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, Canon USA Consumer Imaging Group's senior VP. “Canon has advanced LCOS technology while optimizing other critical projection demands.”
The projector weighs 8.6 pounds and features a 1.7x optical zoom lens that can project a 100-inch image from 9.8 feet away. Image scaling includes a special 2:3 pull-down circuit to convert interlaced 480 and 575 video to progressive-scan 1050 images.
Multiple image modes provide four color-present modes for standard, presentation, RGB and cinema.
Additional image modes include dynamic gamma correction for optimum contrast balance, six-axis color adjustment to fine-tune tone and contrast adjustments on both RGB and CMY color axes, a greenboard mode to adjust colors for optimal display on green chalkboards, and memory color correction for photo display of colors based on subjective human recollection.
Side-mounted source inputs include DVI with HDCP, HD component and VGA for PC connectivity.
