Optoma Technology unveiled last week a pair of 3D-capable HDTV DLP projectors.
Model HD66 ($699 suggested retail) and PRO350W ($749 suggested retail) offer 3D capability for home and business applications, respectively.
The HD66 was billed by the company as “Optoma’s first 3D-ready HD home theater projector,” targeting video gaming and other entertainment applications.
The DLP projector employs Texas Instruments’ 0.65 DMD DLP chipsets with BrilliantColor technology to deliver up to 720p (1,280 by 720) HD resolution. The HD66 can also project 3D content in XGA (1,024 by 768) and SVGA (800 by 600) resolution.
Jon Grodem, Optoma’s product and marketing director, said, “While gaming is poised to lead the charge in 3D content in the home, movies will follow soon. And the 3D Ready HD66 brings it all home in one HD projector at an affordable price.”
The unit’s brightness rating is listed at 2,500 ANSI lumens, and the contrast ratio was said to be 4,000:1.
Input and output connections include: HDMI, VGA-in, S-Video, composite video, stereo audio-in and RS-232.
It is PC and MAC compatible, supports computer resolutions up to 1,920 by 1080p (HD), and can also accept common global video inputs and video formats up to 1080p.
For 3D applications, a 3D source, 3D content and 3D glasses (active-shutter-type) are required for 3D viewing.
A two-watt speaker provides basic audio support.
The HD66 weighs 5 pounds and comes with a remote control, interconnect cables and other accessories.
Meanwhile, the PRO Series PRO350W is now shipping to dealers and features WXGA (1,280 by 800) resolution, 2,800 ANSI lumens of brightness and a 3,000:1 contrast ratio.
It is PC and Mac compatible, supports computer resolutions up to 1,920 by 1,080 pixels (HD), and can also accept common global video inputs and video formats up to 1080p, which are converted down to the native resolution of the DLP chip.
To better meet society’s increasing concerns about energy and power usage, the PRO350W employs advanced power-conserving green technology that uses less than 1 watt of power during standby mode. The projection lamp is rated up to 3,000 hours in bright mode or up to 4,000 hours in standard mode.
The PRO350W offers VGA pass-through so that when the projector is in standby mode, computer signals can be relayed on to a computer monitor without turning on the projector or having to add VGA splitters.
