Toshiba recently started shipping its first front-screen video projector based on Texas Instruments Digital Light Processor.
Model MT5, which appeared at the recent Comdex show at a $4,995 suggested retail price, is being positioned as a high-end video display for home theater applications. It features a small, lightweight design — measuring 10.3-inches (width) x 11-inches (depth) x 3.5-inches (height) and weighing under 6 pounds.
“Toshiba is committed to providing consumers with the broadest range of choice in high-performance video display devices.” stated Sam Malik, Toshiba multimedia products group sales and marketing director. “With the introduction of our first full-featured DLP projector, our customers can now choose from both of today’s most advanced projection technologies, DLP and LCD, depending on their preferences and needs.”
The MT5 is based on Texas Instruments 4:3 480p DLP chip and Toshiba optics. It uses a quad-speed, six-segment color wheel in a sealed enclosure. Brightness is rated at 1000 ANSI lumens and contrast is listed at 600:1.
Toshiba has also added video processing circuitry including high-end de-interlacing, per-pixel motion compensation, 3:2 and 2:2 pull down film-mode detection and cross-color suppression.
The display is compatible with most video and computer signal sources, which can be connected via DV (digital video), component, composite and S-video jacks, and DVI and RS232 computer ports. Included is a hard-wired remote jack, an audio input and a variety of A/V output terminals.
Features include a dual mode display both 16:9 widescreen and 4:3 aspect ratio images, and standard and anamorphic DVD, HDTV, NTSC, PAL and SECAM support.
Also included are digital keystone correction for projector placement above or below the screen without distortion, an icon-based on-screen menu, and a remote control.
